Audio Book Review: Shadows on Snow

Shadows on Snow

By:  Starla Huchton

Publish Date:  November 3, 2014, Audiobook Release February 26, 2016

Format:  Audiobook - 7 hrs 17 mins
Narrated By:  Lauren Harris

Genre:  Fantasy

Series:  1st in Flipped Fairy Tales series

Impression:  Stunning tale of old.

Synopsis:
Once upon a time, a dark evil crept into my kingdom, stealing my loved ones and the happy life I knew. The world turned against me, and I swore to become stronger, to keep myself safe.

Once upon a time, there was a handsome prince, hair dark as ebony, skin as pure as the freshly driven snow, and I became the only one who stood between him and death.

Once upon a time, our stories intertwined, and now, healing my heart may be the only way to save us all from the evil that threatens to destroy what little we have left.

First Sentence:
When I was a child, my godmother told me stories before I fell asleep every night.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles (Nook) (Print)

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy of this audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Yes, I've read this book but when I heard Laura's sample narration on Audible, I had to have the audio book too. Wow. I loved the voice Laura gave to Rae. Rae sounds young and with a slight accent that feels to be Rae as I could imagine. She breaths life into Rae and all the characters that feels true to their emotions and personalities in the events happening. Amazing narration! Truly worth picking up to listen to the amazing story.

I love this tale of a Prince and a young witch. Rae is the witch that is on a mission to save the Queen. When that doesn't work out, she's determined to save Prince Leopold from the danger that killed the Queen. Rae and Prince Leopold are on the run. Rae faces a past she had buried deep inside her and comes to realize some things are worth the risk.

Godmothers, witches, magic, princes, and love. All with a feel of a lesson learned in the end through the trials and tribulations to get there. The heartache is worth it in the end as it's how Rae learns her hearts desire.

Starla amazes me with her story telling and stories she writes. Her voice feels old style with a blend of fey to it. I like it.

It's AMAZING how Starla has taken an old tale and twisted it around to make something new and fresh with a magical underlining to the world. She takes the basic tale of Snow White and not only flips the genders but also crafts a world and story all of it's own here. The connection to the old fairy tales is amazing. I love the feel of magic present in their lives. I feel there's a dash of Cinderella and Snow White influencing the story along with a few other tales.

I love these characters! They are all written with love and care that feels to me to bring them to life in the story. All the events feel true to their natures. There is a history to Rae that we learn through the book that explains her determination to help Prince Leopold.

Sometimes you read a book and you fall in love with the characters and the story, everything fits in place. Sometimes you listen to a narrator and they feel perfect for the story and characters, making you melt. When these two things come together in one place, it's an amazing piece of artwork. That's what happened here for me! Lauren voices the story and characters with the heart and feeling that fits the book that Starla wrote. Wow.



****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

Audio Book Review: Make Bright the Arrows

Make Bright the Arrows

By:  S.A. Huchton

Publish Date:  August 6, 2018, Audiobook Release July 12, 2018

Format:  Audiobook - 8 hrs 14 mins
Narrated By:  Starla Huchton

Genre:  Science Fiction

Series:  1st in Flights of the Nanshe series

Impression:  Gentle space opera with action and Firefly influence

Synopsis:
"Soldiers need wars, doctors need patients, and the Nanshe needs trouble. That's just kinda how it is."

The galaxy ain't a friendly place, but it's a good sight better when you've got friends at your back. And when the crew of the Nanshe stumbles into larger-than-your-average trouble, they'll need all the help they can get.

What starts off as a simple retrieval of stolen goods turns deadly when Leena Espinoza discovers a girl stashed in a cellar, her guardian murdered. The crew has a soft spot for hard cases, and despite Delilah's odd behavior, offer help instead of turning her over to the authorities.

But what they don't know might kill them.

No good deed goes unpunished, and the crew winds up on the radar in the worst possible way. Merc squads, shadowy coalitions, plus the usual criminal element are all on their tails, so it's fight or flight.

As a plot to unbalance the entire civilized universe unfolds around them, the ladies of the SS Nanshe gear up for battle. Through blood and fire, they'll do everything they can to protect what little they have. In the vast blackness of space, taking matters into your own hands isn't an option... It's a matter of survival.

First Sentence:
It wasn't every day a gal had six loaded guns pointed at her head while poised to jumpstart a fifteen-year-old girl with live wires.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles 

Audible

My Thoughts and Summary:

*I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

Starla is an amazing author and awesome voice to listen to. She voices the crew of Nanshe with different accents and personalities. I was impressed with how different each character came across! In distinct tones, accents, and personality of voice. Starla brought the crew to life for us. The pacing was fitting for the story, easy to follow that moved along. If there was a moment where we felt as though things moved faster, Starla gave us the feel of the moment. Starla felt seamless in her narration and the background was clear. Wonderful job!

Starla channeled a little of Joss Whedon for this book. I immediately felt a strong Firefly influence in the story, which carried through the whole book. But the crew is all female. The ship is a crew of woman that do search and salvage jobs to get by, things they are hired to find. At times, this can be more dangerous than other times. What they find on their latest delivery is more than they could have expected. When delivering a mysterious box to a Reverend, they find a teenage girl huddled away in a hidden basement room. In trying to find a place for this innocent to go, they find that someone has paid a steep price to send dangerous people after her. And the little innocent girl is more than they ever foreseen.

I love this crew! Leena is the point of view character on the ship for us, and we learn that they won't take advantage of Lilah as many people would. The crew may be of a mercenary sort with some of the jobs they take, but they have morals they live by. They all have each other's back at all times. They even have a sense of what others need to do to become more in their own rights. There are moments Leena is worried that the boss, Edie, might turn Lilah over to someone who would take advantage of her or worse, to save them all. And Edie might still just do it with the way things go.

Each crew member has their own story for ending up here on the Nanshe and in their dangerous line of work, Cynthia, JC, Anita, Doc Jasmine Cole, and Kara, and we get to hear some of them. If I had to pick my favorite character... Ugh! I don't know if I could do that. We get to know the crew pretty well through Leena and her thoughts. I think I'd have to pick Lilah though. She's the wild card though the story. She's the reason I was so glued to the pages, just to learn if what I suspected was true then to learn why and how and what will be done about those after her. I would like to learn more about Edie though. She's the owner of the ship and doesn't like to be called captain. There is a story to her and I'm curious about it.

I found it interesting how Edie seems to be pushing Leena to learn to be more a leader than a follower. The thing is, Leena has the traits to be a leader, I don't really see her as a follower but she doesn't always think as a leader does. Leena is growing stronger in her own mind through this book as she learns little lessons along the way as she watches over Lilah. Leena sort of becomes of a motherly nature with Lilah and her eyes are opened about a few crew members too.

I love how the characters are who they are; straight, gay, fire-y red heads, owner/boss, and more but the story isn't about all that. All of it is a part of who the character is, sure their past and who they are influences their decisions, but that goes for everyone. They don't care any less for each other for any of it. They accept each other as individuals and family. It's well done as the character is who she is and the story happens.

This is a story of a crew of strong woman doing their thing in space to survive. A story full of family and action on the ground and in space. They have to think out of the box with being in space, and they do. This is not a romance story, no intimate scenes or major flirting happening. Sure there is love to be found, but it's the love of family and dear friends. The story is more a gentle space opera than scifi, in my opinion. There is not all the scifi tech we have to understand to get the story.

I would highly recommend this story to anyone (male or female) who enjoys action and camaraderie of a crew with great personalities. And looking for some fun.

Starla has outdone herself once again! On so many levels. Character wise. Plot wise. World wise. I can't wait to read/listen to more of the adventures of the Nanshe!



****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon and/or Audible. Thank you!

Book Review: Tempered Hearts

Tempered Hearts

By:  Starla Huchton

Publish Date:  August 8, 2016

Format:  eBook

Genre:  Fantasy Romance

Series:  1st book in Hearts of Valentia series

First Impression:  The growth of love between two in a fantasy world.

Synopsis:
The war against corrupted monsters from the Void may have ended, but much remains broken in Valentia, including its reluctant monarch. To save the kingdom from the destruction of civil war, Darius Marillion had to sacrifice his heart, agreeing to a marriage of convenience over one of love.

Lady Arden Tanarian was born to wealth, bred to be a fine wife to a high lord. Despite her mother's best efforts, however, her passion for the decidedly unladylike fields of chemistry and elvish culture marks her as a different breed of woman. Though she's always been able to see the bright side of things, Arden's hopes for her life with the dashing, but sullen prince crumble around her in learning where his heart truly lies.

Dubbed The Light of Valentia, Arden has a mystifying effect on the world around her. She inspires something in people— including Darius— that he thought he'd never feel again: Hope.

Bonds of the heart forged in battle are strong, but time changes much. When the flames of war fade to low embers, peace in a kingdom can reveal love in the most unexpected places.

First Sentence:
"Ask me again about the houses that fought at Orinda Valley."

Purchase At:
Amazon 

My Thoughts and Summary:
Arden is on her way to meet her husband to be, and is beyond nervous. She's betrothed to Crown Prince Darius, and yet blindly happy about it. She knows she can help the kingdom, and Darius seems the kind of mind to let her help. Arden only hopes that she could have love with her marriage.

Darius is not thrilled about marrying someone he never met. Especially after sending 'her' away, the one person he feels made him act and become the hero and man he is now. His heart needs mending, and he's not sure he will love again. He understands he needs a wife and queen for his kingdom, and when his eyes are opened, he sees that she's of a brilliant mind and can help in the areas he's not as strong.

Arden and Darius are good people. They have kind hearts and bright souls, the perfect king and queen to rule a broken land. They enter into their relationship knowing this is for the kingdom, but Arden holds out hope for love, too.

Arden is smart and beautiful. Her mother may not want her talking of the items of state that she does, lab experiments on metals, or even cooking in the kitchen but she has a mind for it all. Arden has wonderful ideas that will help the kingdom that's trying to rebuild. In trying to get to know her fiancee Arden shows her worth in knowledge and ideas to Darius. Darius. He's a good man inside. When he sees Arden is smart and knows things that most ladies skim passed, he takes her advice. I have a huge amount of respect for Darius. He's honest with Arden from the beginning, even gives her an option out of the arranged marriage. Darius never takes advantage of Arden emotionally or physically. Also, Darius is one to stick to his word. He doesn't go back on what he's said or promised.

Darius and Arden both have strengths that are opposite each other, and makes them a wonderful partnership to learn and work out problems.

I felt for Arden through this book. I wanted her to be loved as she should be, too. Yet I understand Darius's heart and reasoning. I also see Darius not letting go of what he can't have because of his rank and letting his heart feel with Arden. He is aware of it too. Darius has moments with Arden but he stops himself. He'll fall for her, he has to!

This story is a romance set in a fantasy setting. It feels character driven more than world driven as we spend lots of time with our couple learning about them and their feelings then venture out into the world. Our couple come together and struggle through their own thoughts and lives to find their way together. The setting is a fantasy world with elves, dwarves, and magic. We visit these different cultures as we go, finding there is trouble and danger in their lives and in the kingdom. Darius and Arden are determined to help save lives, something they can work together at.

The draw of the story for me was what next will bring Arden and Darius closer, as they near their betrothal date or on their trip. What will we learn of the attractive Darius's past? And Arden's? What next will Arden suggest to aid friends and country? Or what will Arden do next to catch Darius's eye? I was entertained each time something came up, and hoped with all my heart they could find their way together.

Outstanding. Wow. I'm amazed at how in-tuned Starla is with people's emotions and actions. I could see and feel Darius's growth in caring and love as it happens, step by step, through the book. I'm mesmerized at the impeccable timing of his thoughts as we go on this journey with Darius and Arden.



****If you found my thoughts helpful, please click Yes at Amazon. Thank you!

Book Review: Master of Myth

Master of Myth

By:  Starla Huchton

Publish Date:  September 19, 2014

Format:  eARC

Genre:  Fantasy - Steampunk

Series:  1st in The Antigone's Wrath series

Recommendation:  A fantasy fan of clockwork inventions and magic blended together on a race to learn information and secrets. Heck yeah!

Synopsis:
Captain Rachel Sterling commands the ship that rules the sea and air, but when a chance encounter ends with a strange ring in her possession and a secretive order known only as The Brotherhood out for her blood, gone are her simple days of dodging the law to make a profit. Armed with a loyal crew, an enamored inventor, and an intellect as deadly as her aim, she must fight against an ancient power and those who would command it. What is the purpose of this mysterious ring and what dangerous magic will she face? Join the crew of the Antigone’s Wrath as they sail the waters and navigate the skies to find the information they desperately need before it’s too late.

First Sentence:
"It is time, Brother." He drifted into the room without so much as a warning knock on the door, brushing back the hood of his black cloak to reveal silver-white hair.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

*I offered to beta read this story for the author, with my desire and enjoyment of her work.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Rachel possesses a ring of a strong sense of magic and she is determined to not keep it on her ship a moment longer. She bolts to the old woman she got it from in town, to find her being interrogated and roughed up by a few men looking for the very thing Rachel now had with her. The ring. The ring was something that belonged to her mother, and was to be given to Rachel to keep safe. The solid band she now possesses sends her on a journey into dangerous lands and brings her new allies while racing from the Brotherhood.

The Brotherhood. A secret group who are looking for the magic-ed ring Rachel now carries on her ship. There is an inventor they wish to... employ to help create a particular machine for them. Silas doesn't want to create anything for the Brotherhood. Now he's stuck. He tried getting out of doing the job, to no avail. Now he must travel to find someone who can read the manual in the foreign language it's written.

Luckily, Rachel's ship is heading in the same direction Silas and his apprentice are heading.

The first chapter had me reading and wanting to know who the Brotherhood was and about the ring her mother once kept in her possession, and now Rachel has. I wanted to know more and more about this mysterious world that blends steam powered and clockworks with magics.

There is a divide present among the people in the book. Some work hard at the technology and science. Others believe in and investigate the magic side. The magic items are forbidden in areas, and are traded in a black market fashion as they are illegal.

I found I really enjoyed the relationships of the characters. I'll start with Rachel and Silas. They have sparks, and flames, when they first meet. Rachel tries to avoid what they could have as she's got other things she should be tending to, and doesn't need to worry about a relationship (of any sort). But they do compliment each other so well. I love them together. They both have a head for creating and gears. Then we have Rachel's first mate, Iris, and the Master-At-Arms, Danton. Iris is all about the magic. She even has a touch of dealings in the illegal trade. Danton is a swavy kind of guy that all the girls will love. Eddie is Silas's inquisitive apprentice and I suspect we'll see some big things from him in the future.

Rachel has to break some laws and cross into lands that are in the midst of war to get the answers she's looking for. Silas tries to keep from the grasp of the Brotherhood. But, you know just as well as I, that things don't always work out the best for everyone...

We live through high speed chases in air ships and on land. There are relationships that start and are avoided. Magic used and attempted to be avoided. Mystery behind pasts and creations. This story has a bit of everything that I enjoy.

I'll have my eye out, waiting, for the next in this series to come our way.

Book Review: The Stillness of the Sky

The Stillness of the Sky

By:  Starla Huchton

Publish Date:  February 2, 2015

Format:  eARC

Genre:  Paranormal

Series:  2nd in Flipped Fairy Tales series; 1st Book ~ Shadows on Snow

Recommendation:  Oh good heavens, what are you waiting for!?!!

Synopsis:
Once upon a time, my life was certain: it was insignificant, and it was cruel. But I refused to let it define me, no matter how great the cost.

Once upon a time, I made a wish. The world I knew grew wider than the sky and higher than the stars, and I listened to the voice within me, reaching out for freedom.

Once upon a time, my wish became my fate, and my destiny the hardest lesson to learn: kindness may be the most difficult path, but it can save entire kingdoms.

First Sentence:
Never discount the impact of the smallest kindness.

Purchase At:
Amazon 

My Thoughts and Summary:
Jack passed on leaving her father when her mother left. She thought he needed her kindness to help him. Now, Jack has to leave. The kindness she can do to her drunken father to help him is to go. The journey Jack follows is one she never thought she'd find, but amazed at what she learns. In a world were war has depressed the people, Jack's kindness is needed, and even greatly appreciated when it's touched someone. Jack learns she's to stop the war that's killing the people. A war between giants and the humans. Jack has much to learn and fight for with kindness as she searches for her mother to learn about her family history, which will shock her.

Giants, Bards, Princes, magic, and kindness.

Oh my freakin' goodness!!! This is my favorite of the two books thus far. WOW!! Starla completely out did herself in this one.

So much love and kindness. A GREAT inspiration for all to be better in the kindness way to all. I think I enjoyed this one more than the first, and the first was amazing. The talent in Starla's writing has become something to reckoned with. My word! Starla is a Bard for sure. The Bard story here has a true Bard feel to it. All the words are poetic and so SO many amazing phrases and statements that people could relate to their lives. This story has the feel of many fairytales do, the underlining meaning and something to take away from it in the end.

Out. Standing.

Now, after my gushing love for the book, to about the book. The character of Jackie, Jack, is one that caught me from the word go. Her heart is huge and she wants nothing but to help everyone. She wants nothing in return for her kindness to them. Her kindness and seeing the kindness help someone is all the favor she needs back.

The tale of Jack is as you can predict, the tale of Jack and the Bean Stalk remastered. And remastered it is. We see the giants, but in a touch of a different fashion. The magic of music, stories, and dancing are relayed through people who are bards. The story of old is here, but turned into a fresh installment that will draw you in and hold you here with the magic of words.

Do you need to read the first one to read this one? No, I believe you do not need to read Shadows on Snow before this one. And the books are created that way as they are of different people in the same world. There is mention of a few that are in the first book, but nothing that you need from that book that's not told in this one. Now if you want to read in chronological time order, then yes read Shadows on Snow first. But not necessary.

Again, this book is a great tale for all ages. Adult and Young Adult will enjoy this clean story alike.

Do you need it? OH HEAVENS YES!!!

~~~~~~~~~~

I'm now THRILLED! to share that Starla is doing a giveaway!!

Win:

Paper Print copies of:

Shadows on Snow

The Stillness of the Sky

Enter on the Rafflecopter here:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

(If you don't see the Rafflecopter here, you can follow this link to the Rafflecopter.)

2 books FREE for 3 days!

I saw this today and HAD to share it with ALL of you!

First, there is this awesome Christmas celebration from authors, thanking their readers and everyone! The event happening is The 12 Days of Christmas hosted by the lovely Starla Huchton, on Facebook. With a tag line: What will authors give to you?

So that sounds interesting, right! Well it is as the first giveaway if free for EVERYONE! and each day will be a different author with something to share with us.

Today kicked off the event with Starla first. She is sharing two of her books for FREE on Amazon for three days! WOOT WOOT!

I know you've heard me carry on about the first one and the second one is just as wonderful.

Amazon Kindle

Evolution: ANGEL by Starla Huchton
#1 in Evolution series
Description:
Candace Bristol has always been obsessed with comic books, but in a world where the nightly news often mirrors these inked stories, her dreams of becoming a real superhero could actually come true. After being rescued by members of the government’s AdvaNced Genetic EvoLution (ANGEL) Project four years ago, getting recruited for this elite team is all she's wanted. 

Now 18, she's finally reached her goal after years of study and physical training, but little could have prepared her for life as a genetic experiment. As though coming to terms with her new ability to manipulate water isn't tough enough, she never expected to be swept off her feet by one of her fellow recruits. 

With genetic alteration, the threat of physical and mental instability hangs over every superhero like a shadow. When one of their own tumbles over the edge of madness, Candace will have to choose between protecting the world, and saving the one who holds her heart.

Amazon Kindle

Shadows on Snow: A Flipped Fairy Tale by Starla Huchton
#1 in A Flipped Fairy Tales series
Description:
Once upon a time, a dark evil crept into my kingdom, stealing my loved ones and the happy life I knew. The world turned against me, and I swore to become stronger, to keep myself safe. 

Once upon a time, there was a handsome prince, hair dark as ebony, skin as pure as the freshly driven snow, and I became the only one who stood between him and death. 

Once upon a time, our stories intertwined, and now, healing my heart may be the only way to save us all from the evil that threatens to destroy what little we have left.






I do hope you all take the time to check them out. I've soooo enjoyed reading these stories. And why not pick them up? They are free after all.

Book Review: Shadows on the Snow

Shadows on the Snow

By:  Starla Huchton

Publish Date:  November 2, 2014

Format:  eARC

Genre:  Paranormal

Series:  1st in Flipped Fairy Tales series

Recommendation:  Oh heavens yes. Gender flipped fairytales with stories filled with magic that you will love.

Synopsis:
Once upon a time, a dark evil crept into my kingdom, stealing my loved ones and the happy life I knew. The world turned against me, and I swore to become stronger, to keep myself safe.

Once upon a time, there was a handsome prince, hair dark as ebony, skin as pure as the freshly driven snow, and I became the only one who stood between him and death.

Once upon a time, our stories intertwined, and now, healing my heart may be the only way to save us all from the evil that threatens to destroy what little we have left.

First Sentence:
When I was a child, my godmother told me stories before I fell asleep every night.

Purchase At:
Amazon  /  Barnes & Nobles  /  Book Depository

My Thoughts and Summary:
Rae has been doing her part in protecting the royalty in the kingdom of Bern. Watching to make sure they don't fall victim as others have, to a cruel, evil man. Then one day she meets the Prince Leo. There is magic there that Rae is not ready to face. But Rae will do what she must to protect Prince Leo when his mother falls ill and he is shunned from the city. On the run, Rae faces a past she had buried deep inside her and comes to realize some things are worth the risk.

Godmothers, witches, magic, princes, and love. All with a feel of a lesson learned in the end through the trials and tribulations to get there. The heartache is worth it in the end as it's how Rae learns her hearts desire.

Starla amazes me with her story telling and stories she writes. She has different voice in this story as in any of her other series. Feels old with a blend of fey to it. I like it.

It's AMAZING how Starla has taken an old tale and twisted it around to make something new and fresh with a magical underlining to the world. She takes the basic tale of Snow White and not only flips the genders but also crafts a world and story all of it's own here.

I was stunned at the turn-table of the Snow White tale, gender flipped. The Prince is a fine respected commander of his army but when someone of power wants to turn people against him, it is done. He's not a weak man at all. That's what I enjoyed about him in this tale. So easily he could have been down played, but he wasn't. Rae is an interesting character. There is a whole history we don't know and guess at in the beginning, but when it comes out...WOW. It all falls into place then. Even the evil man we learn to hate is crafted here to the point that I was nervous for Rae on several occasions.

This is a story for those of any age, parents or young adults (over 13). It captivates you and draws you into the world with ease.

Love the twists you made to the story. I love the way Starla turned this tale around and had a great story in it. Well done.

This is a series WELL worth reading.

Rounding Out a Series...

I'm thrilled to have her back again. Though it's a little bitter sweet as it's for the end of an amazing trilogy full of sexy superheroes. If you haven't checked them out yet, you most definitely should. It's a must! However I'm thrilled to have Starla back to share on Rounding Out a Series. (You can also read my quick thoughts on HEX, although it's pretty much go buy the trilogy! You'll want them. :D )

Please welcome Starla Huchton to the blog! (And, after you read this don't fret. Please don't. You will then need to go check out Starla's blog for more information: http://www.starlahuchton.com/super-six-the-grand-finale/)

On Rounding Out a Series...

So, I guess, for a writer, this is a really big deal. Evolution: HEX marks the third and final book in the Evolution series. I honestly didn’t realize exactly how final it would feel hitting publish. Typically, you would think the mixed bag of feelings that is a series finale would come the minute you write The End.

But that’s not really the case. You don’t say goodbye to those characters and that world when you write the last sentence. After that, you still get more time to read over all the words and fix all the things and close up any plot holes you can find... Basically, you’re granted a reprieve from bidding farewell to it. Editing and revising allows you a grace period to let it sink in. Truthfully, though, it doesn’t really feel like the end until you hit publish and send those words off into the world. They belong to other people then, and the author no longer has control over what happens. It’s scary, and you can’t help wondering if you didn’t miss something that’s going to ruin the whole thing or forget to correct some punctuation that will drive you crazy when you look back on it in a few months. The what-ifs can drive you insane if you let them, but sometimes you just have to take a deep breath and let go.

The Evolution series was written over the course of four months. It was a crazy fast ride, but so amazingly fun that I honestly wonder if I’ll ever have that kind of creative madness come over me again. I miss the thrill of telling Candace’s story. I miss the snarky conversations with Jackson and Gabe. I miss the brainstorming sessions with my Creative Sounding Boards as I gave them the books chapter by chapter and figured out where to go next. I want to go back and experience it all over again.

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t jealous of the readers as they dive into the books for the first time. I want to be with them in their heads and feel them getting sucked into that world the way I did. At least, I hope that’s what happens.

But with all that anxiety about “did I get it right?” comes the satisfaction that I’ve finished a long task. I’m pretty confident in this series, and I think the last book provides good closure to the story arc. It’s been a wonderful journey with these characters, and I’ve loved learning about them and sharing them with everyone.

Something in me might not be quite ready to let go of the superheroes yet, however, and I think the future will hold more fantastic stories in this world.

Evolution: HEX

Author: S.A. Huchton

Series: The Evolution Series (#3)

Genre: Adult Superhero Romance

Release Date: July 6, 2014

Edition/Formats: eBook & Print

Synopsis:

A lie is a prison without bars.

A captive of the enemy, Candace is forced to confront mistakes and regrets from both sides of the battlefield, including her own. Nothing is simple, and lines in the sand that were once clear have become blurred and indistinguishable. Even the unlikely love she found teeters on the edge of uncertainty.

The truth is not always what it seems, and can be a prison of its own.

Alone, she must decide where she stands. Alone, she must decide who to trust.

When the smoke clears, what's left might not be much…

But it might be enough.

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Starla has an amazing giveaway running for you to enter.

Paperback copies of the entire Evolution series, 

a Captain America hat, 

an Avengers USB drive filled with eBooks (the entire Evolution series AND the Endure series), 

an Evolution: ANGEL mini-book necklace, 

Arch Nemesis Wanted necklace from Surlyramics, 

Captain America wristlet, 

a set of Avengers earrings, 

Models Own Sticky Fingers nail polish (black) with comic book decals, 

temporary tattoos, 

and superhero lip balm +pin sets

all in an X-Men tote bag

Domestic US addresses only due to cost of shipping.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About Starla:

A geek of all trades, Starla Huchton has been crafting stories in various genres since 2007. Her first novel, The Dreamer’s Thread was released as a full cast audiobook podcast, becoming a double-nominee and finalist for the 2010 Parsec Awards. After releasing short fiction of steampunk, noir fantasy, and other varieties, she released the first three books of the Sci-Fi Romance Endure series in 2013. All three books of the Evolution series will be released in 2014, as well as a Steampunk Fantasy novel, Master of Myth (the Antigone’s Wrath series, book 1), which was the first place winner of the Crested Butte Writers’ contest, The Sandy, in 2012.

When not writing, Starla trains three Minions, a black lab, and a military husband whilst designing book covers for independent authors and publishers at Designed by Starla.

Find Starla:
Blog
Facebook Author Page
Twitter
Website

Purchase:
   




Learn more about the series on the book tour at any of the following stops:

Evolution Angel 

Read Between The Lines July 7

Book Freak July 7 Review

Books with Leti Del Mar July 8 Interview

Crystal's Random Thoughts July 8 Review

Dowie's Place July 9 Guest Post & Review

Fabulous and Fun July 10 Guest Post (Jenny) & Review (Mike)

My World July 11 Guest Post 

Biblio Belles July 10 Guest Post & Review

A_TiffyFit's Reading Corner July 12  Review

Dante Eternal's Virtual Bookshelf  July 12 Guest Post

Once Upon a YA Book July 13 Guest Post

Author S.M Bysh July 13 Review

Evolution Sage 

Read Between The Lines  July 14

Books with Leti Del Mar July 15 Interview

Donnie Darko Girl July 15

​ Review​

My World July 16 Guest Post 

Crystal's Random Thoughts  July 16

​

 Review​

Dowie's Place July 17 Interview 

​& Review​

Book Freak July 17

​ Review​

A_TiffyFit's Reading Corner July 18 

​Review​

Biblio Belles July 18

​ Review​

Once Upon a YA Book July 19

​ Review​

Dante Eternal's Virtual Bookshelf  July 19 Guest Post 

Fabulous and Fun July 20 Interview 

​(Jenny) & Review (Mike​)

Author S.M Bysh July 20 

​ Review​

Evolution Hex

Read Between The Lines  July 21

Book Freak July 21

​ Review​

Books with Leti Del Mar July 22 Interview 

A Little Bit of R&R  July 22

​ Review (Gabby)​

Donnie Darko Girl July 23

​ Review​

My World July 23 Guest Post 

A_TiffyFit's Reading Corner July 24

​ Review​

Biblio Belles July 24 Interview 

​ & Review​

My World... in words and pages  July 24 Guest Post

​ ​

Dowie's Place July 25 Character Interview 

​& Review​

Once Upon a YA Book July 25 

​Review​

Crystal's Random Thoughts July 26

​ Review​

Dante Eternal's Virtual Bookshelf  July 26 Guest Post 

Fabulous and Fun July 27 Guest Post 

​(Jenny) 7 Review (Mike)​

Author S.M Bysh July 2

​7

 Review​

Paperbook Princess July 27

​ Review​

Book Review: Evolution: HEX

Evolution: HEX

By:  Starla Huchton

Publish Date:  July 6, 2014

Format:  eARC

Genre:  Science Fiction Romance - Superheroes!

Series:  2nd in Evolution series; 1st book ~ Evolution: ANGEL, 2nd book ~ Evolution: SAGE

Recommendation:  Seriously!?! You are here? You should have picked this up on release day, especially after SAGE's ending. GO GET IT! ALL OF THEM!!

Synopsis:
A lie is a prison without bars.

A captive of the enemy, Candace is forced to confront mistakes and regrets from both sides of the battlefield, including her own. Nothing is simple, and lines in the sand that were once clear have become blurred and indistinguishable. Even the unlikely love she found teeters on the edge of uncertainty.

The truth is not always what it seems, and can be a prison of its own.

Alone, she must decide where she stands. Alone, she must decide who to trust.

When the smoke clears, what's left might not be much…

But it might be enough.

Purchase At:
Amazon   /   Barnes & Nobles

**I beta read this book for the author.

My Thoughts and Summary:
I don't want to say to much and give away the ending of this AMAZING! trilogy. You have to read it to get the full effect and the answers.

Candace is on the other side of the fence now. She's seeing things that she was told about. But are they the way she was told they were? Candace is a strong willed and minded person. She experiences and then evaluates the way things are considering what she's being told. That's what makes Candace stand out for me. She's grown through the trilogy and sees things completely different than she did the day she stood at her mundane job stocking shelves wishing to be a superhero. There is a whole different world here that she's lived (living) through.

Heavens around, above, where ever! I loved this book. It ended the way it needed, and no you are not left with a cliffhanger ending or feeling sad. You'll like it. It is the conclusion to the trilogy. Yet I would love to see a future in this world. I think there could easily be a next generation. ;) But, that's another story.

We get all we loved from this series here - the action, the love, the mystery, and more as we get the ANSWERS! And an insider look at the world of superheroes, and the things they don't want you to know about.... Yes secrets. lol.

You need it, especially after the ending of SAGE. You'll love it. On that note, I'm leaving you. Now, go get it! What are you still here for? Go!

EXCLUSIVE Cover Reveal: Evolution: HEX & SPECIAL NEWS!

Where do I start? I think all of my followers here, Twitter, and everywhere I go know how much I love this series. So when Starla asked me if I would like to do an EXCLUSIVE cover reveal for the third book of the trilogy. O.O Like she had to ASK!

So, I'm hoping ALL OF YOU have started this trilogy. IT'S SEXY SUPERHEROES! What is there NOT to love!?!?

*straighten wrinkles out of shirt and pants* Sorry. I'm calm now.

So, if you enjoy Romance and Action and an Amazing Story, you need this trilogy. Yes. I'm standing behind this one full force.

Today we are here to see the cover of the third book of the trilogy. Are you ready?

OH! Make sure you scroll to the end! There is a HUGE SURPRISE!

No, your eyes are not deceiving you. I know you scrolled there already. YES! THE PRINT VERSION IS FOR SALE!!! Only the print version at this time as the official release date is July 6th.

Now, lets get to it.

Drum roll, please.....

Evolution: HEX

Evolution series #3

By:  Starla Huchton

Due Out:  July 6, 2014

Description:
"A lie is a prison without bars.

A captive of the enemy, Candace is forced to confront mistakes and regrets from both sides of the battlefield, including her own. Nothing is simple, and lines in the sand that were once clear have become blurred and indistinguishable. Even the unlikely love she found teeters on the edge of uncertainty.

The truth is not always what it seems, and can be a prison of its own.

Alone, she must decide where she stands. Alone, she must decide who to trust.

When the smoke clears, what's left might not be much…

But it might be enough.”



Want to see the full layout, front and back? Sure you do...

*sigh* Starla takes this series to new levels with each book. I've been astounded by it each time.

The complete set:

Author Bio:
A geek of all trades, Starla Huchton has been crafting stories in various genres since 2007. Her first novel, The Dreamer’s Thread was released as a full cast audiobook podcast, becoming a double-nominee and finalist for the 2010 Parsec Awards. After releasing short fiction of steampunk, noir fantasy, and other varieties, she released the first three books of the Sci-Fi Romance Endure series in 2013. All three books of the Evolution series will be released in 2014, as well as a Steampunk Fantasy novel, Master of Myth (the Antigone’s Wrath series, book 1), which was the first place winner of the Crested Butte Writers’ contest, The Sandy, in 2012. Shadows on Snow, a gender-flipped retelling of Snow White, will also be releasing in November of 2014.

When not writing, Starla trains three Minions, a black lab, and a military husband whilst designing book covers for independent authors and publishers at Designed By Starla.

Find Starla:
Website:  http://www.starlahuchton.com
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/riznphnx
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/pages/Starla-Huchton-Author-Page/255657227797465

Evolution: HEX on Goodreads.

Pick up the Books Now:


No, your eyes are not lying to you. Yes, HEX is AVAILABLE for Purchase. It's only the print version at this time, as official release date is July 6, 2014. The ebooks will be out around then. So pick up all the prints! :D

Book Review: Evolution: SAGE

Evolution: SAGE

By:  Starla Huchton

Publish Date:  May 6, 2014

Format:  eARC

Genre:  Science Fiction Romance - Superheroes!

Series:  2nd in Evolution series; 1st book ~ Evolution: ANGEL

Recommendation:  WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!? Maybe the third book to come out. You love romance? Suprheroes? YOU NEED THESE!

Synopsis:
Devastated by her choices, Candace Bristol is on the brink of losing it all: her mind, her hope, everything she thought she was.

But from the ruins rises new purpose. An enemy has emerged and it will take everything to combat this new threat. Broken as she is, picking up the pieces and carrying on might be the hardest battle to win, but it's either fight, or lose what little she has left.

Amongst the wreckage, hope still burns. The flicker of a flame kindles something within her she thought was dead.

Love can break you.

So, too, can it bring you back to life.

Purchase At:
Amazon   /   Barnes & Nobles

**I beta read this book for the author.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Candace is empty, of tears and more. She feels hollow inside after what happened in Evolution: ANGEL, what she had to do. Her friends and colleagues have been staying with her, trying to break through her sadness. Then Jackson s finally roped into staying with her. His harsh words hit home. Coming around Candace is assigned the wayward member of her team, to train and hone his skills. What Candace fins in him is not what she expected but maybe is what she needs.

The beginning tugged at my heart strings, seeing Candace this way. Remembering with her what we've lost. She did right and she is right. But there was more there with him too. I know Candace is strong and determined, she will pull through although changed and a bit wiser to the ways of the supers' world. With Candace in this state, I start to wonder what the higher ups do with super "heroes" in the condition, or worse, that don't pull out of it.

Everything at the compound goes on as usual. Training continues and grows with each superheroes powers. Candace learns new ways to use her power and control of water. She becomes more powerful as water is everywhere, even the human body. Some of her team are now scared of her. Candace must prove she's worthy, to herself and others.

We get to go on a ride-along out on a field call. Candace sees the seriousness and danger of field missions first hand. We get a view of an 'unstable' super. Now we start to wonder where they come from.

Candace is struggling to find her equilibrium. She is trying to see the way of the supers in the world. How do can they perform their jobs, which comes to killing, while saving innocents. She struggles with morel questions in her mind. And with doing so, we see a whole other side, an opposite to the ANGEL project, out there.

*fan girl time*
Jackson? Jackson! There is more to this firey man than we could have imagined. Oh is there more... *sigh* I was falling for him and his antics in ANGEL, now. I LOVE him! LOL. I love his fire and snark with Candace. These two banter back and forth with the best of them. Yet there this a growing relationship. Jackson is strong and one to need a strong counterpart. Candace fits that to the T.

I'm impressed with Starla's ability to take me from enjoying and falling for Jackson as a hot snarky man and his quick clips to absolutely loving him and feeling he's perfect for the role he slips into. Wow.

I am in love. This series is something new and refreshing with superheroes in action. It is a romance read, but one that is different than any other and at the top of my must have list. We get all elements with Starla at the pen; romance, action, and a depth to a story that we didn't see coming. The end will have you starving for the third and final Evolution book.