Cover Reveal ~ The Darkest Legacy: Betrayal (Book 1) by Jennifer Lynn Catz

Of course, I have to share my very own cover reveal on this blog!  :)

Here it is: my official cover reveal for The Darkest Legacy: Betrayal!

Title: The Darkest Legacy: Betrayal

Author: Jennifer Lynn Catz

Genre: YA Fantasy

Ages: 12 and up

Release date: December 13, 2014 (12-13-14)

Pages: 300

Content: Clean with mild curse words

Blurb:

There are whispers of the darkest legacy that span hundreds of years... 
 
Sixteen-year-old Cara Corsi just wants her normal life back. After recently surviving a horrific car accident, her recent life has been anything but ordinary and normal sounds pretty good right now.

Fully recovered and out of the hospital, Cara has returned to school, hoping her life will finally get back on track. 

After only being back at her northern California high school a few days, weird and exciting occurrences happen, leaving Cara both perplexed and thrilled. When she is asked out by her longtime crush, Cara is elated that her life is quickly improving and her excitement explodes as she plans to attend the dance of the year. 

But then, events quickly go off course and things aren’t as they seem. New problems arise when Cara is abruptly overwhelmed by brain-splitting headaches and her family is targeted by strange people Cara's mother, Maria, seems to know.

Maria has kept a life-altering secret that could destroy any chance of normalcy for Cara. Unbeknownst to Cara and her sister, Maria has taken drastic measures to keep the family hidden for the past fourteen years.

A sinister plan brews when the family is eventually located. But when Cara’s family suddenly disappears, Cara is overtaken by the nosy neighbor who won’t leave her alone–the same neighbor Maria warned her daughters to never go near.

Not knowing whom to trust, Cara must fight to find her family and to stay alive in a deception she knows nothing about.

 ______________________________________________________

I’m so excited! I love how it came out! What do you think?

Don’t forget to stop by my author blog this week for teasers, info on where you can buy The Darkest Legacy: Betrayal, an excerpt and a surprise!

Here’s to 12-13-14!
It will be here soon!!

 ______________________________________________________

Now, a little reward for my fans and soon-to-be readers!

Go to JenniferLynnCatz.blogspot.com and comment on each 
blog post to receive autographed bookmarks from me! 
You must comment on the blog posts for the following days:

December 10, 2014 – Cover Reveal
December 11, 2014 – Thursday’s Teaser

December 12, 2014 – (Friday’s Teaser, coming soon)

December 13, 2014 – The Darkest Legacy: Betrayal Release Day!

Feel free to share the information about my debut novel!

 

Blog Tour ~ Quickbane by Chelsea Starling

This book was recently released and I'm very excited to be a part of the Quickbane blog tour!

 

 - Book Info-

Title-  QUICKBANE, Part One   

Series- The Vale Chronicles       

By- Chelsea Starling

Genre- YA Sci-Fi/Fantasy

Published - June 2014

-Blurb-

Jesobel Vine wants nothing more than to be a typical Pyxie teenager.She wants to ride her beloved horse, Firefly, shoot her bow, and fall in love with her dreamy best friend, Glyn. But Jesobel is marked not only as the future Royal Starkeeper of Pyxis, but as the Heart of Azimuth—the one to lead her people back to their lost realm—a burden too dangerous for daydreams. As Jesobel struggles to accept her destiny, reluctantly studying mystic magic, she becomes doubtful she will ever be worthy to rule. And when her fiery temper enrages the daemon-possessed Starkeeper of Equuleus with a hex-gone-wrong—igniting an orphic war—Jesobel must find a way to alter the global disaster foretold by a celestial legend.

-Links-

Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22466658-quickbane?from_search=true

Kindle- http://amzn.to/1DhJwUB
Paperback- http://amzn.to/1w7HiqN

-About the Author-

Warrior, mermaid, wordsmith, performer for kings and queens, Chelsea Starling is freaking awesome. She raises bear cubs with one hand, and conjures whole worlds with the other.

New Release ~ Renaria: Into the Adyton by J.L. Wilson

I have to admit that I have been enamored with this cover ever since J.L. Wilson did her cover reveal. The colors are absolutely stunning! 

So, of course, I had to have her new release on my blog.  :) 

Title: Renaria: Into the Adyton

Author: J.L. Wilson

Genre: Fantasy

Age: Young Adult

Release date: November 7, 2014

Synopsis:

A small memento, a universal power... It's the year 2126, post-World War V. Leda, age seventeen, bounds through the lush forested region of the Desintor Foothills as a regal, bow-wielding, High-Elf Scout. That is, when she’s logged into her favorite MMO game: Renaria. 

One crisp fall afternoon, an unseasonal storm fractures the sky of Trinton, New Texas with splinters of emerald lightning and otherworldly songs. Oddly, no one sees the storm except her brother and their guild mate Travis.

She brushes off the event as a fluke, but she can’t seem to get the song out of her mind. Suddenly, a new quest appears in her game directing her to the blue sand dunes of the Sinare Desert to meet Caleb, a legendary Elf Diviner.

Now she has a choice: Ignore the quest and turn off the game, or dive in and risk everything for a shot at an adventure.

 

Author Bio:

 

J.L. Wilson's interests in Sci-Fi, Fantasy and video games grew from years of watching Star Trek. During her graduate studies in anthropology she focused primarily on humans and their interaction with technology. All kinds! Language, tools, cyborgs, etc. She reads anything she can get her hands on that involve space, wizards, or video games. In her debut fantasy novel, Renaria: Into the Adyton, she sought out to weave these interests together. 

When not writing or reading you can find her in World of Warcraft, FFXIV or the latest MMORPG creating new characters or exploring new quests. She's on Facebook and Twitter and currently lives in Texas with her husband, four kids (cats) and a dog. 

Links:

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22884606-renaria---into-the-adyton

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Renaria-Into-Adyton-J-L-Wilson-ebook/dp/B00NRS9FTE

Facebook: www.facebook.com/AuthorJLWilson

Twitter: www.twitter.com/AuthorJLWilson

Fall for New Reads Giveaway

I'm excited to announce some new releases and a great giveaway!

Ten New Adult and Young Adult authors team together to bring readers some hot new reads this fall season. So while the weather’s cooling down, your e-reader is just warming up! Enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for a chance to WIN a $10.00 Amazon gift card and an eBook prize pack from one of the featured authors. The eBook prize packs are showcased next to each author's bio. Enjoy, and good luck!  

Featured authors:

International Bestselling Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Get updates from Mary Ting by signing up for her newsletter here. GIVEAWAY eBooks: FROM GODS, CROSSROADS, SOMETHING GREAT & MY CLARITY.

Bella's motto has always been that you can choose to watch life pass you by or your can be the one spinning the world. You have to get out and live, life won't come to you! Bella has always seen things in the world with a different view and has been an avid story-teller. She is enjoying putting her crazy musings into print for others to enjoy. To her, one of the most exciting parts of writing is getting a chance to interact with readers. To stay current on new releases please consider joining Bella’s mailing list here. GIVEAWAY eBooks: The INK Series. 

 Amelie Howard grew up on a small Caribbean island where she spent most of her childhood with her nose buried in a book or being a tomboy running around barefoot, shimmying up mango trees and dreaming of adventure. 22 countries, surfing with sharks and several tattoos later, she has traded in bungee jumping in China for writing the adventures she imagines instead. She isn't entirely convinced which takes more guts. Stay connected to Amalie and receive current updates by “liking” Amalie’s Facebook page here. GIVEAWAY eBooks: SEA MONSTER & THE ALMOST GIRL.

Kristie Cook is a lifelong, award-winning writer in various genres, from marketing communications to fantasy fiction. She continues to write the Soul Savers Series, a New Adult paranormal romance/contemporary fantasy, with the first five books, Promise, Purpose, Devotion, Power and Wrath available now. Besides writing, Kristie enjoys reading, cooking, traveling and riding on the back of a motorcycle. Keep uptodate on Kristie’s books and news by “liking” her Facebook page here. GIVEAWAY eBooks: The Book of Phoenix Series.

Raine Thomas is the award-winning author of bestselling Young Adult and New Adult fiction. Known for character-driven stories that inspire the imagination, Raine recently signed with multiple award-winning producer Chase Chenowith of Back Fence Productions to bring her popular Daughters of Saraqael trilogy to the big screen. She's a proud indie author who is living the dream. For more updates on Raine and her books, sign up for her newsletter here. GIVEAWAY eBooks: The Ascendant Series: books 1 & 2.

From an early age, Trisha Wolfe dreamed up fantasy worlds and characters and was accused of talking to herself. Today, she lives in South Carolina with her family and writes full time, using her fantasy worlds as an excuse to continue talking to herself. To keep in touch and receive updates on sales and new books, sign up for Trisha’s newsletter here.

GIVEAWAY eBooks: THE DARKEST PART & LOSING TRACK: first & second novels in the Living Heartwood NA Contemp series.

Allie Juliette Mousseau writes sexy, emotionally-charged New Adult and Adult Romance in a variety of genres and temperatures. Allie Juliette also creates captivating YA worlds through the magic of ink. She can always be found writing, playing in puddles with her children, hiking with her husband, or adventuring somewhere in the world. Stay up to date on Allie’s new releases by signing up for her newsletter here.

GIVEAWAY eBooks: TRUE NORTH & HUNTED.

I write fiction for teens and adults and teach writing and literature at a university in San Antonio, where I live with my husband, three kids, and two dogs. I'm also an avid reader. I've always said I never want to give up reading for writing or vice versa. I want to do both. Keep in touch with Eva Pohler and receive updates on new releases by signing up for current updates here.

GIVEAWAY eBooks:  The Gatekeeper's Saga & The Purgatorium Series Book 1 & 2.

Cambria Hebert is a bestselling novelist of more than twenty books. She went to college for a bachelor's degree, couldn't pick a major, and ended up with a degree in cosmetology. So rest assured her characters will always have good hair. She currently resides in North Carolina with her children (human and furry) and her husband, who is a United States Marine. Besides writing, Cambria loves a caramel latte, staying up late, sleeping in, and watching movies. Get updates of Cambria’s sales and new release by signing up for her updates here. GIVEAWAY eBooks: Take it Off Series.

Alexandrea Weis is an advanced practice registered nurse who was born and raised in New Orleans. Having been brought up in the motion picture industry, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her award-winning novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story memorable. A permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weis rescues orphaned and injured wildlife. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans. Stay connected to Alexandrea and get current updates on her books by “liking’ her Facebook page here. GIVEAWAY eBooks: THE BONDAGE CLUB & COVER TO COVERS.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wraith Trilogy Box Set by Angel Lawson

Get it while it's hot!

Just in Time for Halloween!

The Complete Wraith Trilogy in One Bundle!

Read the thrilling YA paranormal series that follows seventeen-year-old Jane Watts as she navigates the thin line between this world and the afterlife. Friendship, love and family are put to the test in Wraith, Shadow Bound and Grave Possession. Now all together in one fantastic bundle! Includes an additional excerpt of Connor's point of view during his time before meeting Jane, 

titled We're All Mad Here.

 

On sale for a limited time!

2.99 for all three books!

Amazon

You can find out more about Angel Lawson on her website at angellawson.com

Cover Reveal and Excerpt from The Spiral Ascended (The Spiral Defenders, Book 4)

Today I get to share with you the cover release for THE SPIRAL ASCENDED by Erin Danzer. This is book four in her Spiral Defenders series (click here for information on the other three books) and you only need to wait one more month until THE SPIRAL ASCENDED is released! And, Erin has also shared an exciting excerpt with you that will leave the Spiral Defenders fans excited for September.

 

Title: The Spiral Ascended (Spiral Defenders Series: Book Four)

Author: Erin Danzer

Genre: Young Adult Scifi/Romance

Publication Date: September 12, 2014

Blurb:

Everything seems perfect now that Ronnie is married. She can be crowned and finally defeat the evil that infests the Spiral.

Until Rick and the Irradians seize the castle.

Now, Ronnie and Gavin are in hiding. They must amass an army from those still loyal to them and protect their friends and family—all without leaving their refuge. When Ronnie ventures out, Gavin is captured. Their bond is severed.
 

All Ronnie knows is that Gavin is still in her heart.

Until that breaks, too. 

Ronnie must find the strength to ascend to her destiny and defeat Rick or risk losing everything forever.

Excerpt:

“We need to leave, Princess. Now,” Gavin growled at her, turning to kill a gremlin that thought it would sneak up on them.

“But my mom and dad! Andi and Shawn! I need to help them!” she screamed. She turned to jump into the fray to find them… only to have Gavin grab her again and pull her back against him. Three gremlins scurried towards them. Ronnie slashed out with her sword automatically, her eyes on the vile creatures but her mind racing with thoughts of what could happen to her parents and friends. Where were they?

Her heart pounded in her chest like a caged animal eager to be released. Her hands began to shake and she grasped her sword with both of them to steady her aim as another group of gremlins came towards her and Gavin. She met them head on, taking them out easily. She felt Gavin’s pride at her swiftness and gave a small smile. Her eyes turned back to the melee on the floor. Where were her parents? She thought she saw a glimpse of blonde curls and screamed for Andi. Again, Gavin grabbed her and stopped her when she tried to run after her friends. She turned on him with malice in her eyes.

“We need to get out of here. They’re protected,” Gavin declared, his grip tight on her left arm. “If you don’t come with me right now, I will throw you over my shoulder and drag you out of here. My number one priority is your safety.”

“My number one priority is theirs!” she screamed.

Her eyes scanned the crowd again and widened when she saw Rick enter the room. Before anyone else could get to him, Cenric was suddenly there swinging a sword at his brother. Rick parried with his own, the blade swathed in wraiths. She watched their deadly battle, everything around her falling away. In her mind, all she saw was Dirac falling at Rick’s hand. She couldn’t let that happen to Cenric, too. She shook off Gavin and took three steps before he grabbed her again, just getting her before she jumped off the dais. She glared at him as she spun towards him.

“I can’t lose him!” she pleaded, tears suddenly in her eyes.

“He can take care of himself,” Gavin pointed out. Still holding onto her, he opened a portal and pushed her through it, closing it as he followed.

Book Review: Going Down in Flames

Today I get to review the book, Going Down in Flames by Chris Cannon.

Bryn McKenna is about to turn sixteen when she discovers a secret that has been kept hidden from her since birth. She is a shape-shifting dragon and her parents are outcasts from the dragon community because they went against the Clan rules. Bryn's mother (Sara) is a Blue dragon and her father (Ian) is a Red dragon. All dragon marriages must be approved by the Directorate and many can be denied. Dragon marriages are arranged; only like colors are allowed to marry and breed. This is to keep the powers and outward appearances the same within each specific Clan. When Bryn's mother turned down Ferrin (the man she is arranged to marry) so that she could marry for love, Sara and Ian had to run away from the Clan so they could be together. They got married and eventually produced Bryn: a crossbreed or a hybrid. Dragons had been told that breeding could not exist between the Clans and both Sara and Ian were shocked when they had Bryn.

Crossbreeds are considered mongrels and they are looked down upon by the Directorate. Many think that these dragons shouldn't even exist and they treat Bryn harshly. 

What makes Bryn unique is that that she has the fire power of the Red dragons and the ice/snow power of the Blue dragons. She also has the ability to change her dragon appearance and her human-like appearance by using something special called Quintessence (she can change the color of her scales and her hair, and add makeup to her face just by thinking about it).

Bryn is forced to leave her family and attend the Institute for Excellence, a school for dragons to teach them to control their breath weapons. She has no choice in the matter and her parents cannot stop the Institute from taking their daughter.

Zavien (a 19 year-old, Black dragon hottie) takes Bryn under his wing. He tries to help Bryn maneuver her way around the dragon school and the dragon way of life. Bryn has a mind and a mouth of her own and often doesn't listen to Zavien's helpful (and at times, demanding) advice. This causes Bryn to get into trouble, both physically and verbally.

Even though she is perceived to be an outcast and shunned by many dragons (especially the Blues), she gains some good friends right away. She also finds out about knights and starts to fall hard for Zavien.

Jaxon is considered enemy #1 because he insults Bryn constantly and he is the son of Ferrin (the man Bryn’s mother was arranged to marry). There is a lot of hate built up in that family and Jaxon has been brought up to hate hybrid dragons and Bryn.

Bryn is a strong female character and sticks up for herself. She is witty, funny and has comebacks for all of the negative retorts thrown at her. Magic comes very easy to her and has no trouble controlling her breath weapons (fire and ice/snow) right away.

Many of the secondary characters were fun and I enjoyed how the teacher, Mr. Stanton, was willing to help Bryn with her powers and with problems at the school.

There were some minor things that I did not like in the book:

1.   I did not like that the book ended so abruptly, as if it were just cut off. There was no epilogue to cushion the brick wall. I was up to 97% on my Kindle and when I turned the page, I was faced with the author’s acknowledgements. I know that there will be a sequel but the ending was just too abrupt for me. I felt like there needed to be more.

2.   The beginning of the novel moved way too fast for me. We barely have time to meet Bryn when suddenly she finds out that she’s a dragon.

3.   I felt that Bryn was too accepting of the fact that she was a dragon. She was able to shift into her dragon form, fly, shift back to her human form and use her breath weapons with no struggles. She was also able to use Quintessence right off the bat (something that is apparently difficult to do) with no problem. It just came too easy for her; I would have liked to have seen Bryn struggle with these things since everything is so new to her.

Overall, I really enjoyed the book. The plot immediately sucked me in and it was tough to put down. Going Down in Flames was a quick and easy read and I really sped through the book. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes paranormal, young adult, and fantasy books. I had no problem with the teen dialogue and didn’t feel it was a “young” book. I can’t wait for the second book to come out. I will definitely read it!

I give this book 4.5 paws. It was Purrtastic!

You can click the book cover to find the book on Amazon.You can visit the author's webpage here.