The Gearheart: Artifice Ep 17 & 18

The Gearheart

By:  Alex White

Format:  Podcast; 20 minutes

Genre:  Fantasy

Episode:  17 of 37

Synopsis:
Jonathan and the others descend into the depths of the palace as a sinister plot comes to light.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Cog does know of Jonathan's hidden dark half, and justifies Jonathan as a wonderful strong man.  Jonathan, Keegan, and Cog head to meet up with Maeve and make sure she safely makes it to the Seeress.  And Wallaby makes an appearance to visit with the Seeress.

You go Cog!!  I love the way she stands up to Augustus for Jonathan.  Jonathan isn't here or knows of what she's said, but Cog is one heck of a person to have on his side.  She puts Augustus in his place with several facts and views from Cogs eyes.  Augustus is left speechless.  Way to go!

We have an interesting little weapon here that I'm curious to see used, distilled frost.  Sounds neat, and can freeze a rather large room.  This is one of the weapons the small crew has to meet and escort Agent Maeve with, along with a few guns.  But in the venture to the underground docks, their is shots fired.  Hope all works out there!

Wallaby!  I new that Lord Officiate was important.  Wallaby sneaks in to see the Seeress.  And thinks he kills her.  Ummm, she is the Seeress... What do you think?

I want to see what's happening at the dock with Maeve, got to get to listening.  And what else happens in that chamber with Wallaby.  Well, I have a very good clue with the ending, but just curious to see if comes up again.  hee hee...

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Format:  Podcast; 21 minutes

Episode:  18 of 37

Synopsis:
Jonathan and the others journey into the tunnels below the Palace to save Agent Maeve manners.  Will they succeed?

My Thoughts and Summary:
We are again with Jonathan, Cog, Keegan, and Augustus in the tunnels to make sure Agent Maeve arrives safely.  There is a man, we know is Crust, suspended at the ceiling of the cave above the water with his sniper rifle.  The crew tries to elevate him with the freeze sphere.  But then has to work together in a different way to get it all to work.

We see Audun again!  He is whispering to Jonathan all the right things to try to gain control of Jonathan, but Jonathan holds.  Until Augustus makes his speech about each being of importance, except for himself and runs to be the distraction.  Audun surfaces and reflects the bullet, to have Jonathan hold him at bay inside to get Augustus to leave, harm-free.  His appearance here catches my eye as he is armored and with a sword.

We learn that Crust, and guessing others, can't die by just decapitation alone.  Interesting this trio.

We get to see the combination of a few powers here, to get the job done.



Are you curious about The Gearheart yet?  Well, you can go listen, and look through the amazing pictures of characters at http://www.thegearheart.com/ or you can download on your iPod to listen as well.  Do hope you enjoy as well!


I'm listening to this Podcast for my own enjoyment.

Have you seen Billibub Baddings? Competition!

LOL!  Billibub is a Dwarf that accidently found his way into the human world, by saving his.  He's a little man, with a big ax, to grind.  He is a PI and on the magical cases.

I've Read and Reviewed the first book; Billibub Baddings and the Case of the Singing Sword, and need to get myself the next book.

So, I thought I'd share with you again a bit of Billibub Baddings.  See, Imagine That! Studios is having a huge giveaway with some amazing signed items to bring Billi back in the light some.  Are you curious what those items are?  Okay, I'll share them with you...

• Bragging rights.  To call yourself, Billi's Biggest Fan
• A named character in the next piece of planned Billi fiction - a novella.
• A signed hardover copy of Phoenix Rising by Pip Ballantine & Tee Morris
• Signed copies of Geist and Spectyr by Philippa Ballantine
• A signed copy of The Janus Affair Paperback when it is released
• Signed copies of the print Dragon Moon Press editions of Singing Sword and Pitcher's Pendant (both Billi books)
• A CD of all the audio Billi episodes in mp3 format - also signed by the author
• eBook versions of all of Imagine That! Studios books on offer as of May 1st.

Yeah, on heck of a collection!  So what do you think?  Want to check it out?  Thought you might.  This runs through the end of April.

You can head over to Imagine That! Studios to learn what the rules are and what you have to do.  I dare ya to try and beat me. ;) lol!

Good Luck!

Awful news from Kelly Meding Dreg City series

I'm sure you all have heard, especially since I've been off for a week.  But Kelly Meding announced there will be no more Evy books.  Yes, her Dreg City series has come to an abrupt end since the sales are not there.

Kelly announced this on her blog March 30, 2012.  If you are curious you can visit her blog to get the details.

It's a shame.  I've enjoyed the series.  Yes, I'll admit I have one of the books on my shelf yet to read, but I bought it.



But, she does have another series that is out, and another book in that series coming in June.

The Meta War series:

Monday's Beginnings (137) Vlog Style (21)

Well, I'm back. And ready to share TONS of book stuff with you!  I'm mostly rested, and through the first read of Nano Project.  I've missed you all!

Current Read:
Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews (2nd half for chat on Thursday)
Corrupts Absolutely - an anthology

Finished Last Week:
Blooded by Amanda Carlson
Broken by Emma St. John
Elysium by Emma St. John

Reviews to Come:
Defender of Magic by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart
Blooded by Amanda Carlson
Broken by Emma St. John
Elysium by Emma St. John
Questing Beast by Ilona Andrews
A Mere Formality by Ilona Andrews
Gimme Shelter edited by J.R. Blackwell
Dead Drop: A Lawson Vampire Bonus Story by Jon F. Merz
Love, Death, and Loneliness by Douglas Brown
Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch

Reviews Posted:
Movie Review:
Podcast Review:
Books & Covers Shared:
Sorry, was off last week

Special Posts:
Link to our chat on first half of Magic Bleeds

I didn't do any Flash Fiction Friday either.  I think I owe you two, one from 2 weeks ago (which I started and never finished), and a new one for the week coming.  Melissa, don't crack the whip yet!

My WANT List...I've added 8.  Wow!  For someone not in the blogging world for a week, I added a good number of books. ;)

Received Last Week:
Purchased:

Queen of Shadows by Dianne Sylvan
Goodreads Synopsis:
View our feature on Dianne Sylvan's Queen of Shadows Meet Miranda Grey—music and magic are in her blood. Overwhelmed by her uncanny ability to manipulate people's emotions through her music, Miranda Grey comes to the attention of vampire lord David Solomon. Believing he can help bring her magic under control, David discovers that Miranda's powers may affect the vampire world too...

Devil's Punch by Ann Aguirre
Goodreads Synopsis:
As a handler, Corine Solomon can touch any object and learn its history. Her power is a gift, but one that’s thrown her life off track. The magical inheritance she received from her mother is dangerously powerful, and Corine has managed to mark herself as a black witch by dealing with demons to solve her problems.


Back home, Corine is trying to rebuild her pawnshop and her life with her ex Chance, despite the target on her back. But when the demons she provoked kidnap her best friend in retaliation, Corine puts everything on hold to save her. It's undoubtedly a trap, but Corine would do anything to save those she loves, even if it means sacrificing herself...

Silent Blade by Ilona Andrews
Goodreads Synopsis:
Old hatreds die hard. Old love dies harder. On Meli Galdes' home planet, the struggle for power is a bloody, full-contact sport--in business and on the battlefield. For years her lethal skills have been a valuable asset in advancing her family's interests. She's more than earned her right to retire, but her kinsmen have one last favor to ask. Kill the man who ruined her life. 


Celino Carvanna's razor-sharp business acumen--and skills with a blade--won him the freedom to do as he pleases. There's only one thing he can't seem to control--his reaction to the mysterious woman who tantalizes his senses. Her eyes alone set his blood simmering, stirring ridiculous adolescent fantasies about breasts and honey. With a few words she dissects his soul. Who is she? And how does she slide so easily under his well-guarded skin? 


It's almost too easy to draw Celino within the kill zone. Meli plans to revel in him. Drink him in. Wring every drop of pleasure out of every moment. And when she's sure he belongs to her, she will finally repay a decade's worth of pain-in a single, brutal dose of reality. Warning: Contains a heroine who excels in moving targets, a hero who can't get into her pants fast enough, and implant-enhanced sex (no, not that kind of implant...).

Nook Freebies:

Deadworld by J.N. Duncan
Goodreads Synopsis:
She’s as tough as anything haunting Chicago’s streets. But to deal with an inhuman power that won’t stay buried, this FBI agent needs help that comes at an immortal price… 


Jackie Rutledge has seen her share of supernatural killers. But her latest murder case is what recurring nightmares are made of. Brutally exsanguinated human victims, vanishing-into-the-ether evidence, and a city on the edge of panic mean that she and her psychic partner, Laurel, are going to need more than just backup … 


So Jackie is fine with any help rugged P.I. Nick Anderson can give—even if that includes the impish ghost and sexy vampire who make up his team. But Nick is hiding secrets of his own. And Jackie’s investigation has plunged them both into a vengeful game reaching back centuries—and up against a malevolent force hungry for more than just victory…

King's Envoy by Cas Peace
Goodreads Synopsis:
Taran Elijah's quest for knowledge uncovers a plot that threatens the world... 


In Albia, the fourth realm, the precious Artesan gift is dying. Although born to the craft, Taran is struggling to achieve his potential. Against his friends' advice, he embarks on a foolhardy plan to acquire the teaching he craves. Alone, he crosses into Andaryon, the fifth realm, but instead of finding a mentor, he stumbles upon a treacherous plot. 


In the wake of Taran's actions, Albia suffers a series of vicious raids. Major Sullyan of the High King's forces is sent to oppose them. But a dark and treacherous force is moving through the realms and both Taran and Sullyan will feel its power. 


Their craft, the lives of their friends, the very existence of their realm are under threat unless they expose and oppose the evil.

For Review:

Blooded: A Jessica McClain Novella by Amanda Carlson
Goodreads Synopsis:
Jessica McClain was born the only female in an all male race. The only problem is-she's no wolf. Called a curse, a witch and the Daughter of Evil by the superstitious wolves, Jessica decides to fight for her freedom, at age nineteen, the only way she can-in the ring. 


When she's brutally attacked right after her fight, is it enough to finally earn her freedom off Compound, or will she be forced to endure the hatred even longer . . . 

Broken by Emma St. John
Goodreads Synopsis:
Jessie used to be the popular girl at school, until she came back from the dead. Now she's the Herald of the end of the world, and it seems the divine cannot leave her alone. When an angel turns up at her High School with a mission for her, she knows ignoring him won't help. It's time to take a chance. 

Elysium by Emma St. John
Goodreads Synopsis:
Jessie is good at everything. She has to be, since home is so much of a mess. One night, she and her parents head out to a regular event, but along the way Jessie learns that nothing is regular about any of them, and she is fated to stand between humanity and the divine. 


For iPod:

The Gearheart: Artifice - Episodes 28-37 (through the end!)  I'm soooo close!




Hope you had a great week last week, and a wonderful one planned this week.  I'm looking forward to being back on here full time (well, not full time, but at my normal capacity.)  And sharing all the amazing tidbits of information I have for you!

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

Book Blog Chat (25) Stop 1!

Wow! This was a tough stop.  But we are at the half way point, and the chat is ready to go.

Come join us in the chat! :D

The chat is hosted by Robyn at The Bookoholic Zone.  Hope you join us! :D

Then we will be on to the last half of the book!  Hope you join us.

Spring Break? Yeah.

I mentioned in my Monday's Beginning post I'm thinking of taking a Spring Break.  I am.  I'll be back after Easter.  I have so much to share with you!

• reviews started needing a reread and touch-up
• podcast reviews
• movie reviews
• And so much more coming your way!

I have one post scheduled to go this week.  It's the one linking to Robyn's post of our chat on the first half of Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews.

So I will definitely be back on April 9th.

I'm sorry, but I need a break.  I've got such a list of things to do, and I've really been working away here rather than on other things.  I've got things around home that need done, Easter (like all holidays) brings lots of running for us, and I want to get done reading my Nano project this week, and start into Jackie's Nano project. And the weather has me a little blah.  This weather is crazy.  It's up, it's down.  My sinuses are going nuts.

I do hope you all have a wonderful Easter and enjoy your time with your family and friends.

Image found on Blingee

Monday's Beginnings (136)

It's Monday... and I'm feeling blah.  I think it's this weather going from one extreme to the next that has me tired and lazy.  I think I'm going to take a Spring Break this week, from blogging, but I'll share that in the next post.  This post is about last week.  So what did I do?

Hmmm, it was a long week, I think.  Well, it felt that way.

Finished Last Week:
Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch

Current Read:
Magic Bleeds by Ilona Andrews (1st half for chat on Thursday)

Reviews to Come:
Defender of Magic by S.A. Archer & S. Ravynheart
Questing Beast by Ilona Andrews
A Mere Formality by Ilona Andrews
Gimme Shelter edited by J.R. Blackwell
Dead Drop: A Lawson Vampire Bonus Story by Jon F. Merz
Love, Death, and Loneliness by Douglas Brown
Alexander Outland: Space Pirate by G.J. Koch

Reviews Posted:
Spider's Bite by Jennifer Estep
Magic by Gaslight by Pip Ballantine

Movie Review:
21 Jump Street

Podcast Review:
The Gearheart: Artifice Ep. 13 & 14
The Gearheart: Artifice Ep. 15 & 16

Books & Covers Shared:
Blooded: A Jessica McClain Novella by Amanda Carlson
Tranquility's Blaze by Krista D. Ball

Special Posts:
Novella Read-a-thon wrap up
It's Coming Back!! Tales from the Archives #2
Imagine That! Studios
Freebies & Deals, on Nook too! (#8)

Flash Fiction Friday... er, I didn't get it done.  It's started.  I have words typed.  I just haven't finished.  Maybe I'll get to it, or maybe next week you'll get two.

My WANT List...I've added 4 books.  I know not many.  But so many series are continuing, and I need to start them yet!

Received Last Week:
Ebooks:
I downloaded this free find on Amazon...now I need a Kindle!

Goodreads Synopsis:
Kay Kenyon, noted for her science fiction world-building, has in this new series created her most vivid and compelling society, the Universe Entire. In a land-locked galaxy that tunnels through our own, the Entire is a bizarre and seductive mix of long-lived quasi-human and alien beings gathered under a sky of fire, called the bright. A land of wonders, the Entire is sustained by monumental storm walls and an exotic, never-ending river. Over all, the elegant and cruel Tarig rule supreme.

Into this rich milieu is thrust Titus Quinn, former star pilot, bereft of his beloved wife and daughter who are assumed dead by everyone on earth except Quinn. Believing them trapped in a parallel universe-one where he himself may have been imprisoned-he returns to the Entire without resources, language, or his memories of that former life. He is assisted by Anzi, a woman of the Chalin people, a Chinese culture copied from our own universe and transformed by the kingdom of the bright. Learning of his daughter's dreadful slavery, Quinn swears to free her. To do so, he must cross the unimaginable distances of the Entire in disguise, for the Tarig are lying in wait for him. As Quinn's memories return, he discovers why. Quinn's goal is to penetrate the exotic culture of the Entire-to the heart of Tarig power, the fabulous city of the Ascendancy, to steal the key to his family's redemption.

But will his daughter and wife welcome rescue? Ten years of brutality have forced compromises on everyone. What Quinn will learn to his dismay is what his own choices were, long ago, in the Universe Entire. He will also discover why a fearful multiverse destiny is converging on him and what he must sacrifice to oppose the coming storm.

This is high-concept SF written on the scale of Philip Jose Farmer's Riverworld, Roger Zelazny's Amber Chronicles, and Dan Simmons's Hyperion.

This was a free find on Barnes & Nobles.

Goodreads Synopsis:
The dimensions are in chaos, magic is illegal, and water is a rare commodity. Kyrin is running from the law. As a magic user, she’s marked for death, and as a run-away from the Shadowmere, she’s hunted as a weapon. Shifting between dimensions is all that’s kept her alive. 

On the brink of being caught by the Shadowmere, Kyrin stumbles into a dimension devoid of the drought and seemingly untouched by the wrath of the Consortiums. In this dimension she finds a people innocent of the evils of the universe and naïve to the worlds surrounding them. 

Lord Alric has ruled over his kingdom for 15 years under the direction of their god, Sithias. Before his time, the gods fought, and evil was removed from the lands. It isn’t until Kyrin arrives that he’s even considered that evil may still be among them, or that the long-dead use of magic may still be around.

Then... I did make a purchase on line, so that should be showing up this week.

How does your week look in books?  I'll get to the half way mark with Magic Bleeds here soon, and be waiting for Thursday chat so I can move on. lol.  I have another book that's an anthology that I'll get into while waiting.  I do have a few things I need to get done around here and it is Easter weekend...so lots of running to visit Family.

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