Teaser Tuesday (107)

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 is special.  To celebrate the release of Lineage by Skyla Dawn Cameron, we have some teasers for you from that book:

~~~~~~~

(Pg 31)
Sure, my dad might have been the half demon son of O magatsuhi no kami, but vampires? That was fucking nuts. 


~~~~~~~


(Pg 60)
Pavement bit into the back of my head as I shifted and held the phone to my ear. There was a voice on the other line—real and live or maybe a machine, I didn’t know—and I might have mumbled something before the warm dark arms of unconsciousness embraced me.

~~~~~~~


(Pg 179)
I’d been born missing that critical piece the rest of humanity have that made them worth the goodness of others. Maybe it was the demon in my DNA.


~~~~~~~


(Pg 186)
It’s not every day a girl’s is given a business card with contact information for an über secret world shadow government. I did what anyone would do: I threw the motherfucking thing in the trash.


~~~~~~~

Yep, that Peri is one tough chick.  But makes for a great action packed read.


If you would like to enter to win one of Skyla's books go to Skyla Day! Post and enter!

Book Review: Lineage

Lineage

By:  Skyla Dawn Cameron

Publisher:  Mundania Press

Publish Date:  February 2012

Format:  ARC

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Series:  3rd in Demons of Oblivion series; 1st Book ~ Bloodlines, 2nd Book ~ Hunter

Recommendation:  YES!  Action packed with a new killer character, and a story that will keep you in on your toes and guessing.

Book Synopsis:
Family reunions suck.

What's a woman to do when her dad's the Antichrist, her grandma's the devil, and the end of the world is at her doorstep, and she's out to avenge the murders of her husband and kids?

Kill everything in her way.

Quarter-demon Peri Takata exists with but one goal in mind: annihilate everyone responsible for the death of her family.  Then - her need for vengeance quelled - she plans to take her own life.

Her mission brings her to vampire Zara Lain, the only known survivor of the event that destroyed Peri's family five years ago.  Hunting down a secret society of those who don't want to be found has its challenges, however, especially when forces are working to keep the Antichrist's daughter very much alive.  The apocalypse is closing in and Peri may be playing a role in it whether she wants to or not.

And when a heart long-thought dead begins to beat again with love for another, she's not so sure about anything anymore.

First Sentence:
I'd already killed two people outside the warehouse.

My Thoughts and Summary:
Peri is on a mission for Bravo Division, the company that took her in after the tragedy in her life, a tragedy meant for her.  For three years Peri's been waiting for the information promised her for doing the field work; killing, retrieving, whatever they need done, today a small piece of that information comes her way.  She's given off, vacation time, to look into it.  Away she goes, this piece of information takes her across the world dragging up some past and Zara Lain, along with a few others we know and love as well.  All Hell is about to break loose, and Peri... is part of it?

This book should come with a warning:  If blood makes you queasy, beware.  Otherwise, have gauze and bandages at the ready.

We jump start with fast action, seeing Peri at her best in her mercenary mode, which holds through for just about every scene Peri is in.  Deadly.  Peri is smart and deadly.  More deadly than with fists and guns, she's quarter demon with suicidal tendencies which lead her to do just about anything.  Except!  She has a plan and can't die before she sees it out, after that, well...

Peri is not perfect, or an angel, she knows that and she's okay with that.  I'm great with that!  She's violent, yet I understand why.  Peri's motto seems to be:  Shoot first, ask questions later...er...maybe? if that small chance happens to be, that they live.

I LOVE the connection to Bloodlines!  Wow!  And the connection with Hunter.  Skyla has a crafty little mind.  I never thought of the tangled web she has woven from Bloodlines, and Hunter.  (I think I need to go back and re-read Bloodlines, even more now after this.)  Happenings from prior books have a deeper meaning, bigger reason, for coming to pass.  The reasons come to light here.


This is where I need to mention, we have to remember this series is called, "Demons of Oblivion" and we are seeing all angles of this, really getting to know the creatures and powers associated with Lo, Lord of Oblivion.  The thread of 'Demons of Oblivion' is there, strongly there, and I love that about this series.  There's more to these books than meets the immediate eye.  Skyla has a talent for creating suspense, and drawing it out just long enough before giving you what you want, or a piece of what you want, enough to sate you and keep going. 

Zara is present, and we see she has more information from behind the scenes than we know of just yet.  Again, Zara and her selection of words, makes me chuckle.  Even some of Peri's picks, just fun.  I'm glad to say, we see many of our friends from Bloodlines and Hunter once again.  In seeing them, Skyla has mastered refreshing my worries and thoughts on all of them, with just a few words.

Some scene's are so detailed I could easily see this book as a movie.  AND as a movie, it would be one the husband would enjoy -- full of action and mystery, oh yeah, a few pretty women too.  LOL.  I even felt Peri starting to come out of the harsh shell she had built for herself in the presence of strangers whom she doesn't care what they think, as long as they help her get to her end result, she's not going to be around much longer afterward anyway... so she thinks.

Sunrise
The short story in the back of Lineage print, and ebooks purchased from Mundania Press only.

We get what many of us have been waiting for since the ending of Bloodlines.  Enough time has passed.  What is it?  Nate.  But, we are also reminded of the possibilities with his special circumstances.  There isn't much I can say about Sunrise that won't spoil it for others.  You just have to read it.  It's pure eviltry at it's best.  So cruel, yet so sad, and I want more of it!


If you would like to enter to win one of Skyla's books go to Skyla Day! Post and enter!

I received an ARC copy of this book for an honest review.

Skyla Day!

****Giveaway Closed****

I have declared today to be Skyla Day, all day, here on the blog.

Why you ask?  Well, Skyla is cool like that, and we are celebrating the release for:

Lineage
Skyla's 3rd book in Demons of Oblivion series.
What’s a woman to do when her dad’s the antichrist, her grandma’s the devil, the end of the world is at her doorstep, and she’s out to avenge the murders of her husband and kids? 

Kill everything in her way. 

Quarter-demon Peri Takata exists with but one goal in mind: annihilate everyone responsible for the death of her family. Then—her need for vengeance quelled—she plans to take her own life. 

Her mission brings her to the vampire Zara Lain, the only known survivor of the event that destroyed Peri’s family five years ago. Hunting down a secret society of those who don’t want to be found has its challenges, however, especially when forces are working to keep the antichrist’s daughter very much alive. The apocalypse is closing in and Peri may be playing a role in it whether she wants to or not. 

But when a heart long-thought dead begins to beat again with love for another, she’s not so sure about anything anymore.

So, I have 3 posts scheduled through the day today.
(I will add the links to the posts here at their titles as the become available today.  All will be up by noon, because I can't wait to post them.)

1. Lineage Review - non-spoiler
2. Teasers!  Yes, I got a few 2 line teasers from Skyla that are non-spoiler as well.
3. BIG NEW NEWS!!  Yes, this will be up a noon.  I have some wonderful new news to share.  I just got the word last night. Yeah!!

So, big day right!

And now I'm feeling in the mood as I write this for a... dare I say it?  a Giveaway!  What do you think?  You pick the book of Skyla's you need.  If you haven't started the series, I'll order you the first one, Bloodlines.  If you read that one and need the second, then just say you need Hunter.  And if you are all caught up and want the third book, then I'll order you Lineage.

Sound good?  One winner, one book by Skyla.

Book Depository has Bloodlines & Hunter are up, Lineage isn't through their system yet, so if you pick Lineage as soon as it becomes available I'll order it up for the winner.

And since I said Book Depository, Yes, I'll open this up to International entries. :)

To enter?

+2 - Comment here,

1. Congratulate Skyla.
2. Say which book you want
3. LEAVE an email, or way to contact you, in case you win

+2 - Comment on a review for any of Skyla's books, heck, I know it'll be an accountants nightmare, but leave one on all the reviews if you'd like.  That would be 6 total entries right here!  (I'll pull out the calculator)
Bloodlines
Hunter
Lineage

+2 - Comment on the Teaser Post today.

+3 - Comment on The BIG NEWS Post today.

+4 - Share this giveaway; Blog post, Facebook. **MUST leave a link to verify.
Or Tweet this line:
Celebrate @SkylaDawn Cameron's release of LINEAGE with us today, w/GIVEAWAY of 1 of her books. Internl Ends Feb 26 http://melissa-melsworld.blogspot.com/2012/02/skyla-day.html

Okay, so lets get this day going!  Good luck and Congrats to Skyla!

Monday's Beginnings (130) Vlog Style (15)

And it's Monday. Again.

Finished:
Silver-Tongued Devil by Jaye Wells

Current Read:
Lodestone Book 3: The Crucible of Dawn by Mark Whiteway

Reviews to Come:
Lineage by Skyla Dawn Cameron - On Tuesday!
Silver-Tongued Devil by Jaye Wells

Reviews Posted:
The Fly in Paradise by Frances Pauli

Movie Review:
The Warrior's Way

Podcast Reviews:
You'll know when they become available. :)

Covers Shared:
I think I'm slacking!  I didn't share any.

Special Posts:
Freebie Nook eBooks

Blog Book Chat finished Silver-Tongued Devil by Jaye Wells.  So jump over and join the chat if you'd like.

I did do a Flash Fiction Friday.  It is the continuation to see if Liam lived or died.

My WANT List...Okay, I don't think I'm taking advantage of this list any longer.  I've only added 2 but just last week I got 4 books that were not even on it.  Yeah, sounds crazy.  I'm going to have to start adding to it again.

Received:
Purchased:
This book was 50% off at Barnes&Nobles, so since it was one the kid (and I too) wanted, I picked it up!  Hardcover at 50% off. Seriously, did I have to think about it?

Goodreads Synopsis:
Since their mother's death, Carter and Sadie have become near strangers. While Sadie has lived with her grandparents in London, her brother has traveled the world with their father, the brilliant Egyptologist, Dr. Julius Kane.

One night, Dr. Kane brings the siblings together for a "research experiment" at the British Museum, where he hopes to set things right for his family. Instead, he unleashes the Egyptian god Set, who banishes him to oblivion and forces the children to flee for their lives.

Soon, Sadie and Carter discover that the gods of Egypt are waking, and the worst of them —Set— has his sights on the Kanes. To stop him, the siblings embark on a dangerous journey across the globe - a quest that brings them ever closer to the truth about their family and their links to a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs.


I picked up an Iron Fey Valentine, short story by Julie Kagawa with Megan and Ash.

Then I found this one free on HeroesandHeartbreakers.com.  But I believe it is only for a short time. So go read it!
Home: A Downside Ghosts Story by Stacia Kane

Seriously, so great finds for Valentine's Day this year. :)

My Nook Freebies:
So, last week was a so-so week for me in reading.  But with starting to re-write, read and write, the Nano project I'm going to be slow on the reading front again.

Goodreads Synopsis:
At the Afterlife Academy of Exceptionally Dark Arts, the vampires in training follow one of two tracks: they become either Sisters or Saviors. Of course, everyone wants to be a Savior, swooping into infested high schools in matching red leather jumpsuits and wielding crossbows, putting down swarming vampires with deadly efficiency.

But Lily Fielding is just a Sister—a Third Sister at that, a measly trainee. When Lily and her two Sisters, Alice and Cara, are called out to their latest assignment, she figures it’s just another run-of-the-mill gig: spot the Vamplayer (part vampire, part player), identify the predictably hot, trampy girl he’s set his eyes on, and befriend her before the Vamplayer can turn her to do his bidding.

Finding the sleek and sexy Vamplayer, Tristan, and his equally beautiful and popular target, Bianca, is easy. And when Lily meets the adorably geeky Zander, she too falls under a lover’s spell. But this assignment turns out to be trickier than most when the Third Sister must battle the baddest vampire of all.
 

Goodreads Synopsis:
A collection of some of the best original short fiction published on Tor.com in 2011.

This one I got for the heck of it.  Not that I'll be writing romance, but I'm curious what the author has to say on the subject.
Goodreads Synopsis:
Sweep Readers Off Their Feet With a Romance They'll Never Forget

In "On Writing Romance," award-winning romance novelist Leigh Michaels talks you through each stage of the writing and publishing process. From the origins and evolution of the romance novel to establishing a vital story framework to writing that last line to seeking out appropriate publishers, everything you ever wanted to know about writing a romance novel is here.

In addition to a comprehensive breakdown of more than thirty romance subgenres, including such categories as historical, inspirational, Regency, and sweet traditional, you'll discover how to:

Steer clear of clich's and stereotypes by studying the genre
Craft engaging and realistic heroes and heroines readers will adore
Convincingly develop the central couple's blossoming relationship
Add conflict by utilizing essential secondary characters like the "other woman"
Use tension and timing to make your love scenes sizzle with sensuality

Get your characters to happily-ever-after with an ending readers will always remember

Plus, read a sample query letter, cover letter, and synopsis, and learn how to properly prepare you romance novel for submission to agents and editors. "On Writing Romance" has everything you need to leave readers swooning

Won:
This one I entered for at one of the authors blogs, Sean Hayden.  Seeing as I enjoy my anthologys and starting to really enjoy the steampunk stories, I wanted to give this one a try as well.  And I won!  It's a new release.

Goodreads Synopsis:
In an era when steam rules the sea and the skies, the monarchy struggles to maintain control. Across the lands, battles are fought for the sake of peace and love.

Ten Thousand Years by Nick Valentino

Pirate captain Maro and his crew have embarked on their most dangerous mission. To secure the release of his former army platoon wrongly imprisoned in Korea, Maro has snared the Empress of Japan’s private airship in an attempt to kidnap her for ransom. Before they reach her, they must daringly board the Empress’ ship, blast their way through samurai automatons, and escape the powerful and menacing Japanese military airship, the Great Phoenix. Through determination and bloodshed, Maro and his men fight to regain their honor, but the real meaning of sacrifice is miraculously realized by the most unlikely one of them all.

Queen of the Travelers by Sean Hayden

Their people have had many names over the years: tinkers, tynkers, gypsies, an Lucht Siúil, and other less savory names. They are the Travelers. Shannon is happy with her clan. They make their living scrounging the scrap yards of Ireland, foraging to keep their crawlers working. Even among the mechanically inclined, Shannon is extraordinarily blessed, but her abilities may become a curse. The Queen of the Travelers is passing and Shannon is ripped from her clan as a candidate for the throne…if she can survive.

Reclaiming the Throne by Elizabeth Valentino

Sophia has one immediate goal: eliminate a threat to the throne. As a young vampire assassin, she's spent her entire life taking orders and fighting in the name of the Royal Paranormal Supremacy society. But now they've turned on her. As she prowls the icy Serbian mountains, she faces off against another vampire with a mission of his own, but he doesn't play by the government's rules. Together, they must lay their lives and their hearts on the line to do what is right and help the rightful Serbian heir, reclaim the throne. It will take all their skills and mechanical wonders to make it out alive.

The Hidden History of Stones: Or How the Sinking Jenny Was Sunk by Jennifer Williams

Victoria’s England, Victoria’s London. It is a time of great change for the Capital. A time of industry and enterprise, sweat and smoke. But even as this century rushes to catch up with its own progress, a greater change is coming. Deep within the River Thames, something that has been asleep for hundreds of years is stirring. For the crew of the Sinking Jenny it is just another piece of salvage dredged up from the ancient mud, and not even a particularly valuable one at that, but the Stone holds the knowledge of Kings and Queens, the secrets of every man and woman, and the lies that all children keep in their hearts. For Captain Hardy, the mysterious Mr Rymer and their young apprentice Bill, the Stone is the beginning of a nightmare.

How does your week look?

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

New Winner for Follower Love Giveaway Hop

We have a new winner for the Follower Hop Giveaway!

Rissatoo! claimed

Congrats dear!
You have 48 Hours from 2/18/12 4:15pm EST to respond to your email.

Freebie Nook eBooks

I picked up all of these this week:

Tor Mini-eBook with short stories in their Anthologies.  On Tor's site, links to Kindle & Nook... both places Free!
Description:
A collection of some of the best original short fiction published on Tor.com in 2011. Includes stories by Charlie Jane Anders, James Allan Gardner, Yoon Ha Lee, Nnedi Okorafor, Paul Park, Matthew Sandborn Smith, Michael Swanwick, and Harry Turtedove.


Nook books at Barnes & Nobles...
This is a YA book, I think.

Vamplayers
Description:
At the Afterlife Academy of Exceptionally Dark Arts, Lily Fielding is a measly trainee who dreams of one day becoming a Savior—those who visit vampire-infested high schools and put down the undead with their deadly crossbows. When Lily and her classmates Alice and Cara begin their latest assignment, it seems like just another run-of-the-mill gig: they’re to simply spot the Vamplayer—part vampire, part player—identify the popular girl he’s set his sights on, and befriend her before the Vamplayer can turn her to do his bidding. Before long, however, the Vamplayer sets his sights on Lily's friends, and she is left to face the threat alone while protecting her friends from the dark forces she has sworn to resist.

I don't plan on writing Romance, but figured what the heck, it's free.  So thought I'd take a look.

On Writing Romance
Description:
Sweep Readers Off Their Feet With a Romance They'll Never Forget

In On Writing Romance, award-winning romance novelist Leigh Michaels talks you through each stage of the writing and publishing process. From the origins and evolution of the romance novel to establishing a vital story framework to writing that last line to seeking out appropriate publishers, everything you ever wanted to know about writing a romance novel is here.

In addition to a comprehensive breakdown of more than thirty romance subgenres, including such categories as historical, inspirational, Regency, and sweet traditional, you'll discover how to:

Steer clear of clichés and stereotypes by studying the genre
Craft engaging and realistic heroes and heroines readers will adore
Convincingly develop the central couple's blossoming relationship
Add conflict by utilizing essential secondary characters like the "other woman"
Use tension and timing to make your love scenes sizzle with sensuality
Get your characters to happily-ever-after with an ending readers will always remember

Plus, read a sample query letter, cover letter, and synopsis, and learn how to properly prepare you romance novel for submission to agents and editors. On Writing Romance has everything you need to leave readers swooning!

Looking Forward To...(88)

There are so many amazing books already on the shelves and new ones coming out.

For a list of books yet to be released I'm looking to get, you can also look on my right Sidebar at the ever growing list titled Desired Reads - just scroll down. Of course there are tones of other new books to come out that are amazing as well, but these ones are part of series I have already started or for one reason or another caught my eye (and haven't seen much on other blogs yet). But I will highlight one here each week.

(mentioned in order of Release Date then Alphabetical if there are more than one book coming out on the same date.)

Next Book Is...

Sacrificial Magic

By:  Stacia Kane

Due Out:  March 27, 2012

Oh, I've enjoyed the first three books so much.  Over all, I don't know if I can tell you why I've loved them.  I found it so easy to get sucked into Chess' life and world.  And loved every minute of the story and writing.

Goodreads Synopsis:

READING, WRITING, AND RAISING THE DEAD
 
When Chess Putnam is ordered by an infamous crime boss—who also happens to be her drug dealer—to use her powers as a witch to solve a grisly murder involving dark magic, she knows she must rise to the challenge. Adding to the intensity: Chess’s boyfriend, Terrible, doesn’t trust her, and Lex, the son of a rival crime lord, is trying to reignite the sparks between him and Chess.

Plus there’s the little matter of Chess’s real job as a ghost hunter for the Church of Real Truth, investigating reports of a haunting at a school in the heart of Downside. Someone seems to be taking a crash course in summoning the dead—and if Chess doesn’t watch her back, she may soon be joining their ranks. 

As Chess is drawn into a shadowy world of twisted secrets and dark violence, it soon becomes clear that she’s not going to emerge from its depths without making the ultimate sacrifice.