Adela Arthur and the Creator's Clock by Judyann McCole - Review

Adela Arthur and the Creator's Clock

by Judyann McCole

This book 1 of 5 for The Chronicle of A Genre: Fantasy

To Who Ever This May Concern; I wish I could tell you the contents of this book were purely fictional. That I, Adela Arthur, was just a normal sixteen year old from Portland and that dragons, giants, elves and mermaids were just myths. I wish these were legends shared from crazy old grandparents to crazy old grandparents around campfires. After all, that is what I used to believe.I never would have thought they lived on the other side of our mirrors in a world called Cielieu. But they do…I never would have thought there were humans, better known as Volsin that lived among them with the ability to create light from a single thought. But there are…I never would have thought I was one of them… But I am… I am the last Arthur and I was brought to the human world after a Volsin, filled with greed, began to strip the light from our kind.The human world was supposed to be a safe haven… but he’s found us and the only way to stop him is to go back to Cielieu and begin training as a student in the Elpida Castle of Light.Like I said I wish the contents of this book were purely fictional and not my life… Adela Arthur is now on amazon on Paperback | Kindle 

My Review: I am completely torn in writing this review of Adela Arthur and the Creator’s Clock. I think that the book is really good, but there were several similarities to Harry Potter, and that bothered me a little. There were several differences though, and a lot of the time they were enough to bring me right back into the book. There were also some moments when the timing seemed a little off, or a part of the story almost didn't seem to fit for me.

The lead character is a girl named Adela. I liked her character. She was a bit of an outcast, and sometimes she had a selfish attitude, but I was still interested in her. Hector is sweet and nerdy. I was happy with how he turned out in Cielieu. Even as smart as he is he is strong and he tries to protect Adela. Jeremy is an awesome character. He is a jerk but I feel like he is drawn to Adela whether he wants to be or not. Certain parts make me feel like they were destined to meet.

The land sounds amazing. A realm on the other side of the mirror, full of any magical beings imaginable, it certainly had my attention. I love the dragons, and the explanations about the types, their colors, and powers. I also love that the “light” that people possess seems to take some different forms. Although there are four kinds of “light”, very reminiscent of HP's four houses, the way it manifests is interesting. 

I really wanted to love this book. I would get so into it, and then something would frustrate me, like something out of place time wise, would drag it down for me. I think that it is a really amazing start to something that could be great. I will be interested to read the next book and see how the story progresses. 

Rating:

About the Author: JUDYANN MCCOLE was a senior in high school when she started working on Adela Arthur and the Creator’s Clock during her history class. It started off as short story for a group of young kids she babysat for and grew into an adventure she herself wanted to go on. She is currently attending college in Virginia. Where she hopes to finish the next adventure in Adela Arthur’s life. She begin writing when she was in middle school most of it was just simple poetry but she was inspired by Maya Angelou and even a little of Dr. Seuss. Follow Judyann: Website | Blog | FaceBook | Twitter | Goodreads Follow the Book Tour Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card plus copy of ebook Fill out the form below to enter to win. make sure to pick up your copy of the book! a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. 

The Posse by Tawdra Kandle - Review

The Posse

Being a widow at the age of forty-four was never in Jude Hawthorne’s plans. After her husband’s death, she’s left with her family’s beach restaurant and two nearly-grown children. The last thing she’s looking for is another chance at love. However, if her husband’s best friends, the Posse, have anything to say about it, love is just what she’s going to get. The Posse is determined to take care of Jude, and when they decide the best way to do that is for one of them to sweep her off her feet, three begin to vie for her affections. But only one can reach her heart. In a story of friendship, loss and second chances, Jude will learn her life is far from being over.   Purchase - Amazon / Barnes and Noble / iTunes   Join us August 14 - 16 to get to know Tawdra Kandle and her books on Facebook Twitter Chat with Author Tawdra Kandle August 20 @ 9pm EST #ThePosse

My Review: I love Tawdra Kandle’s King series, so when I found out about her newest book, The Posse, I couldn’t wait to read it. In fact, I read it as soon as I got my review copy. Tawdra left the world of Paranormal behind and delivered a beautiful love story for adult readers. I re-read the book to refresh myself for my review, and it still made me laugh and brought me to tears.

The main character, Jude, is such a beautiful character. I love how brave she is even though her life just keeps having major changes. I found her to be refreshing. A lot of female characters are put into a damsel in distress mode. Jude could use support, but she was perfectly capable of standing on her own two feet. I love her dedication to her job, her kids, and her friends and family.

I enjoyed the entire Posse. There were glimpses into all of the guys’ personalities as they tried to find a way to help Jude. They were sweet men, trying to care for the wife of their friend. I think that in some ways they saw Jude as the glue that could hold them all together. I also loved that throughout the book, Daniel shone through. His love for his family and his company, and everyone’s love for him were shown so beautifully.

The Posse is a sweet contemporary romance. The story was relatively light, but still full of emotion. The characters were interesting and fun. The beautiful little beach town was so well told, I would love to visit it. Even with a few different guys vying for Jude’s attention, this book doesn’t become a dramatic mess. I would call The Posse a perfect first contemporary novel for Tawdra Kandle. She is showing her diversity here, and I think readers will absolutely love The Posse. 

Check out my Pinterest page for The Posse!

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   About Author Tawdra Kandle
Tawdra Kandle is the author of THE KING SERIES, a young adult urban fantasy quartet. Born in South Jersey, Tawdra published her first short story at the age of 13 in Child’s Life magazine. During the early years of her marriage and motherhood, she wrote articles and columns on parenting and homeschooling, as well as some homeschooling curriculum. THE KING SERIES is her first published full-length fiction. Tawdra currently lives in central Florida with her husband, and children, both skin and fur types. And yes, she has purple hair.   Follow Tawdra Kandle: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / Literary Addicts / Goodreads /Amazon Follow the Tour Tawdra Kandle is giving away a Beach Basket with earrings, Shell necklace, yummy scents, and a $10 Amazon GC. Fill out the form below to enter. a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. 

Barely Alive Series by Bonnie R. Paulson - Promo & Tour Schedule

Barely Alive (book #1)

In twelve weeks, seventeen-year-old Paul Ledger will be dead. At least he hopes so. Paul is trapped in the worst cult the United States has ever seen. Infected with a zombie virus, symptoms culminate in a dead body but thriving mind over a course of twelve weeks. If he doesn’t earn the final death he longs for, he’ll be chained in a basement facility, moaning for human flesh for eternity. Sent out to kidnap girls for food, toys, or whatever the boss wants, Paul nabs Heather McCain. He’s not a fan of humans as a general rule, but even his graying skin and insatiable hunger for her flesh don’t stop her from reaching out to him. Give him the second chance he doesn’t know he needs. Overcome by his cravings, Paul bites her delectable skin. Amazingly, she doesn’t develop the zombie-like side effects. When the boss discovers Heather’s immunity, he gives Paul an ultimatum – deliver up Heather and her family to continue the research or watch as Paul’s brother suffers the zombie fate. Paul has a chance to endure his short zombie existence knowing his brother is safe. But he’ll have to sacrifice Heather to do it.

Buy on Amazon | B&N

 

Falling Apart (book #2)

Days slip through Paul’s graying fingers. Humanity faces the end. His brother has the virus and is dying, too. Paul’s hopes ride on Heather’s genetic code. Her immunity leaves her unchanged and untouchable. What would she see in the zombie he was becoming anyway? Dominic’s army of infected grows, capturing the south and leaving little alive in its wake. While Paul and his friends work on the vaccine, protecting the north becomes protecting the world. Heather is taken hostage and Paul races toward Dominic to save his heart. With his time “alive” shortened, Paul must do more than protect the uninfected. He has to get his brother and Heather back to Sandpoint before the zombies find them. Paul needs to survive the upcoming war before he finds himself defecting to the other side and leaving Heather to Dominic’s mercy. He has three days to get the cure or he might as well find a fire to call home. *This has mature themes and language. Not for young or pre-teens.*

Buy on Amazon | B&N

Mostly Dead (book #3)

Time is running out and Paul’s original wish for death looms. As his skin grays and hunger becomes uncontrollable, the world burns. Heather and Paul have fallen for each other, but with life and death barricading them apart, and the potential cure disappearing into time, they have no hope. Paul’s hunger is all-consuming. He has to walk into the flames, join Dominic, or eat everyone he loves. Can he save anyone, if not himself?

Buy on Amazon | B&N

 

Viral Intent (Prequel short)

Dominic has no remorse, no guilt, and his righteous justification swells as his research goes unchecked. There’s someone Dominic wants to save, and he may have the cure. But now he needs test subjects. He creates a virus that brings about the zombie apocalypse. There’s no excuse for how he treats Paul and humanity itself, but understanding the man might shed light on the evolution of the virus that brings Paul and Heather together. Discover the how and why behind Dominic’s evil actions. Are you brave enough to see how a Zombie Master is born?

Buy on Amazon | B&N

Bonnie R. Paulson mixes her science and medical background with reality and possibilities to make even myths seem likely and give every romance the genetic strength to survive. Bonnie has discovered a dark and twisty turn in her writing that she hopes you enjoy as much as she has enjoyed uncovering it. Dirt biking with her family in the Northwest keeps her sane. Follow on: Facebook / Blog / Twitter / Goodreads / Newsletter / Literary Addicts / Amazon   Follow the Book Tour The author is giving away a Zombie Survival Kit! ARV $50

Zombie Apocalypse survival kit in a sardine can

A zombie hunting permit bumper sticker (for the state you live in)

The Zombie Survival Guide Manual

Emergency Mylar Blanket.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Death Dealer by Ashley Robertson - Review

Death Dealer

by Ashley Robertson Death: a word Mia Baron was all too familiar with since the murder of her parents when she was a young girl. Her drive for vengeance was the reason she became a Death Dealer—a soul guide through the spirit realm—signing her life away in her own blood. Pain forged a concrete wall around her heart and no one or nothing would ever penetrate it…until she got what she desired most—revenge. Deacon Gage craves justice for his own horrific tragedy that forced him into the same life Mia chose, with the same promise of vengeance dangling just out of reach. His expert training makes him an Elite—one of the few Death Dealers to ever achieve such a status—and no one can shift his focus from the blood he seeks. But when the two are partnered for yet another job and a heart-shattering case rips open Mia’s heart, Deacon realizes he’s the only one who can save her…at a price that might be too much to pay: opening his heart to her. The clock is ticking and her life hangs on the balance of whether he can truly let go or will hold onto his desire for blood. Buy on Amazon | Smashwords | Goodreads

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed Death Dealer. The idea of these people who lead souls to the correct door was very interesting. I don’t typically read novellas because I always wish there was more to the story. While Death Dealer was a quick book, I still felt like I got a lot of story out of it. The characters were interesting, the plot was exciting, and there was back story.

Mia and Deacon were great characters. Mia seems like a tough girl, which in her line of work I guess you’d have to be. She fights hard throughout the book, and shows strength of character when things get hard for her. Deacon is kind of like her knight coming to her rescue and standing by her side. I liked the back story of their partnership and getting to read how they realize they feel something more for each other.

The descriptions were amazing. Some novellas skim the details, but Ashley Robertson packed as much as she could into this book. There was so much suspense. I found myself holding my breath waiting for an outcome. I will be looking forward to the next book in this series. 

Rating:

About the Author:

Ashley Robertson resides in sunny Orlando, Florida, and loves writing about anything paranormal. She also composes poems and songs, though she learned long ago she doesn’t have a singing voice. When she isn’t writing you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, sharing personal training and nutrition advice via ExtremeMakeovers.com, traveling and exploring new places, and drinking fine wines and gourmet coffees from her Nespresso machine. *2013 NATIONAL INDIE EXCELLENCE AWARDS FINALIST in the Fantasy genre for her book UNGUARDED* Visit her website to learn about her upcoming releases, guest blog posts, and featured giveaways at: AshleyRobertsonBooks.com Follow Ashley: FaceBook | Twitter | Goodreads | Blog | LinkedIn | Literary Addicts Follow the Book Tour Ashley Robertson is giving away One: Signed Books Swag Bag (includes Crimson Groves, Unguarded, and Death Dealer. Plus graphic custom bookmark and custom made swag from The Book Swag Shop) Two: $30 Gift Card to either Amazon or B&N (winner can choose). Fill out the form below to Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Guest Post From Alex Siegel

Alex Siegel, author of Apocalypse Cult is guest posting today. 

I didn't teach myself how to write. Like all professional skills, it requires formal education. In my case, I started with some creative writing classes at a local college. Then I spent ten years doing workshops and writing groups. I made some great friendships during that period. These days, I focus exclusively on my own work rather than critiquing others, but I'm still trying to hone my skills. I'm my own worst critique, and I don't stop editing until I'm completely happy with the result. Whenever possible, I try to pick up subtle tricks from other writers. Even reading a newspaper article can be educational. I think the key to being successful at any career is to never stop learning

Learn more about Apocalypse Cult and Alex Siegel below, and don't miss the great giveaway as well. 

APOCALYPSE CULT is the first book in the Gray Spear Society series. They are God's secret warriors, His henchmen, His assassins cloaked in shadows. When lives and souls are at risk, He sends the Gray Spear Society to save mankind. This time the enemy is the Church of One Soul, a cult that intends to kill thousands of unsuspecting tourists in Chicago. But this is merely the first step in plunging the world into a devastating war. The Society has only a few days to destroy their elusive foe, despite interference by overzealous federal agents. Purchase Apocalypse Cult: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

About Alex Siegel

Alex Siegel grew up a math and computer geek. At the age of twenty-five, he received a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Cornell. He continues to make a good living as a software developer in Chicago. In his late twenties, he took up creative writing as a serious pastime with the intention of eventually making it his career. This goal has been elusive, but failure is not an option. In 2001, his wife gave birth to triplet boys. People often ask him how he still finds time to write. In 2009, he began the Gray Spear Society series, and he hopes it will be his key to literary fame. Follow the Author: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest Join us July 11 9PM - 10 PM EST Twitter HashTag #ApocalypseCultBookTour July 19 Pinterest Event July 23 Video Chat on Literary Addicts July 31 - August 2 for our Social Media Event on Facebook. Come learn More about the author and win prizes Follow the Tour The author will be offering a $50 Amazon Gft Card to the giveaway winner. Fill out the form below to enter. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Adela Arthur and the Creator's Clock by Judyann McCole - Promo & Tour Schedule

Adela Arthur and the Creator's Clock

by Judyann McCole

This book 1 of 5 for The Chronicle of A Genre: Fantasy

To Who Ever This May Concern; I wish I could tell you the contents of this book were purely fictional. That I, Adela Arthur, was just a normal sixteen year old from Portland and that dragons, giants, elves and mermaids were just myths. I wish these were legends shared from crazy old grandparents to crazy old grandparents around campfires. After all, that is what I used to believe.I never would have thought they lived on the other side of our mirrors in a world called Cielieu. But they do…I never would have thought there were humans, better known as Volsin that lived among them with the ability to create light from a single thought. But there are…I never would have thought I was one of them… But I am… I am the last Arthur and I was brought to the human world after a Volsin, filled with greed, began to strip the light from our kind.The human world was supposed to be a safe haven… but he’s found us and the only way to stop him is to go back to Cielieu and begin training as a student in the Elpida Castle of Light.Like I said I wish the contents of this book were purely fictional and not my life… Adela Arthur is now on amazon on Paperback | Kindle About the Author: JUDYANN MCCOLE was a senior in high school when she started working on Adela Arthur and the Creator’s Clock during her history class. It started off as short story for a group of young kids she babysat for and grew into an adventure she herself wanted to go on. She is currently attending college in Virginia. Where she hopes to finish the next adventure in Adela Arthur’s life. She begin writing when she was in middle school most of it was just simple poetry but she was inspired by Maya Angelou and even a little of Dr. Seuss. Follow Judyann: Website | Blog | FaceBook | Twitter | Goodreads Follow the Book Tour Prize: $25 Amazon Gift Card plus copy of ebook Fill out the form below to enter to win. make sure to pick up your copy of the book! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Eternal Summer - A Collection of Short Stories

Eternal Summer - A Collection of Short Stories

Eternal Summer is a collection of eight paranormal short stories. Participating authors include: Olivia Hardin, C.G. Powell, Mandie Stevens, Liz Schulte, Lola James, Tawdra Kandle, Stephanie Nelson and Melissa Lummis.

Purchase on Amazon / Barnes and Noble

List of stories

One Bite Paradise by Olivia Hardin - author of the Bend-Bite-Shift trilogy Jill’s wish gave Doc a new chance at life – literally. Almost a decade of years have passed since Jill watched her lover get killed and now that time is like a chasm between them. Can they learn how to make One Bite of Paradise become an eternity?

Cat Napped by C.G. Powell - author of the Terra Stellar series Tempers fly, when Sarik makes last minute changes to Jael’s and his vacation plans. How far will he go to get back in her good graces?

Eternally Yours by Mandie Stevens - author of Eva and Thomas series Eva and Thomas are bound by magic and are getting on each others' nerves. Eva is ready for a vacation, but when someone from Thomas' past is in trouble, her holiday comes second to saving a soul from Hell.

Dark Remnants by Liz Schulte - author of the Guardian trilogy, the Easy Bake Coven series and the Ella Reynolds series. Ella Reynolds and vacations do not mix—but she is willing to give it a try for Gabriel. However, when she stumbles across the ghost of a young woman who needs her help, all thoughts of fun and relaxation vanish from her mind. Can Ella solve this mystery before her vacation ends or will the spirit be trapped in an infinite loop forever?

Bound by Fate by Lola James - Author of the Spellbound series Ben thought his trip to New York would be just like any other -- find two random people, nurture their love, and leave before his presence is detected. But when he runs into someone from his past, business as usual becomes complicated.The worlds of the Spellbound Series and the Fate Trilogy blend in Bound By Fate.

Stardust on the Sea by Tawdra Kandle - Author of the King series Cathryn Whitmore does not want a vacation, not even in beautiful Cape May. But when she encounters a hot college professor at a bed and breakfast with a ghostly mystery, she just may change her mind.

Cursed Cove by Stephanie Nelson - Author of the Gwen Sparks and Anna Avery series Gwen and Dorian head to Hawaii, but not for fruity drinks or sunbathing. A string of murders taint what the locals are calling Cursed Cove. Haunted by the infamous Captain Clarke, Gwen and Dorian must figure out how to rid the beach of the demonic ghost before more locals lose their lives.

Daylight Come by Melissa Lummis - Author of the Love and Light series Some fun in the sun was just what Loti needed, but from the moment she and Wolf arrive at the not- so-quaint hotel, they know something's off about the place. Cockroaches, dirty linens and an unkempt room turn out to be the least of their worries. An evil spirit haunts the beach front resort and it has no intentions of letting them check out until it gets what it wants. Can they solve the mystery before daylight comes?

These are some amazing authors! I have read books by almost all of them and enjoyed them. Eternal Summer will be perfect for a fun and fast summer read, and I can't wait to read it.