Tag Archives: Candace Knoebel

Everlasting (Night Watchmen #1) by Candace Knoebel-a review

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Everlasting (Night Watchmen #1) by Candace Knoebel-a review

Everlasting

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date February 19,2014

The annual Culling ceremony is a day every coming-of-age novice looks forward to within the Primeval Coven. It’s the start to being initiated into the Night Watchmen, humankind’s protectors, and it’s the long-awaited day when novices discover if they’re a Hunter or a Witch.

But this day is not a happy one for Faye Middleton. Not when she’s known her whole life that she’s a Defect and is about to face banishment in front of her fellow novices. She’s forced to attend the Culling with little hope for her future, but what she discovers about herself is far worse than she could’ve imagined. And far more dangerous.
Thrown into training and separated from her friends, Faye must learn to adjust. She struggles to find her place within the Coven, and with Jaxen Gramm, the darkly handsome and extremely unnerving man assigned to watch and protect her. Emotions run high, and when she discovers a deadly secret about him, her struggles deepen. As corruption within the Coven begins to unravel, Faye pieces together her role in saving the future of her people, and within Jaxen’s life…but will the truth save her, or be her undoing?

•••••••••••••••••

REVIEW:   EVERLASTING is book one in an exciting new YA series by Candace Knoebel. If you love her Dragon Series, you will enjoy this new series. Luckily, the author spells out the rules to this new world in the first couple of pages. Witches are teamed with hunters to guard humans against the supernatural threats to them. There had been a power struggle between the two groups, so the solution was to pair them up! At the Culling Ceremony, each person not only finds out if they are a witch or a hunter, but they are shown their Affinity partner. This is their mate for life! I wasn’t sure how I felt about this dynamic, it’s a forced match! This leads to some interesting pairings.

Faye Middleton has believed her whole life that she has no magic, that she is a “Defect”. Her back up plan is to join the human world and go to college. To make matters worse, her parents disappear the night before her Culling Ceremony. With a heavy heart she attends the ceremony and gets the shock of her life. She has a rare gift that could be both a blessing and a curse. Instead of celebrating this great discovery, the Elders tell her to keep quiet and she is assigned a personal trainer slash bodyguard. Jaxen Gramm and Faye are drawn to each other from the moment that they laid eyes on each other. The only problem is that Jaxen has a curse on his family and he already has a witch paired to him. Talk about complications! Life at the Academy is rough! Faye’s fellow classmates are downright mean to her. I don’t remember the number of times people called her a freak! Her best friend even goes against her for part of the book. I don’t know how Faye survived, but she is one tough cookie! She has amazing powers that she can’t control, classmates that are cruel, and a crush on a guy that she can’t have, or can she?

The story is action packed. Once again, a young girl must figure out her powers, save her parents from the Underworld, find some powerful artifacts, save the Coven and get the guy! Oh, did I mention the corruption in her Coven? I don’t even know who the bad guys are yet! The book is a little heavy with unique metaphors, but it’s a fun read and a great introduction into an exciting new world!

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Jules

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Candace Knoebel-Interview with the Author

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Candace Knoebel-Interview with the Author

Candace KnoebelABOUT THE AUTHOR: Candace Knoebel had dreamed of being a dancer ever since she could remember. With a love of all things art, she saw herself moving to New York and pursuing her passion as an artist. But all that changed on October 10th, 2002 when she met the love of her life. Her dreams diverged and after marrying her high school sweetheart and having two beautiful children, she realized she missed her creative side.

Growing up alongside the Harry Potter series, Candace found herself missing the epicosity of a story that pulls you in and won’t let you go. In 2009, she began dreaming up characters that would mold her first novel. Through lunch breaks and late nights, after putting her kids to bed, she built a world where she could escape the ever-pressing days of an eight to five Purgatory. She found her calling in life and knew this was more than dancing could’ve ever meant to her.

Once complete in 2010, she began the grueling process of finding a publisher. With relentless determination, she was finally able to realize her dream in December of 2011 when 48fourteen offered her a publishing contract. With a HUGE yes and a happy dance, she now continues her Trilogy

Follow Candace: Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Interview orange:black

TRC: Hi Candace and welcome to The Reading Café.  Congratulations on the release of BORN IN FLAMES.

Candace: Thank you for having me!

TRC: We would like to start with some background information.  Would you please tell us something about yourself?

Candace: I am a stay-at-home mom to two little ones-Logan (my six-year-old) and Scarlett (my two-year-old). They make the world go round. [Symbol] I love music, art, dancing, laughing, good food, scary movies, midnight premiers, lace, Pinterest, Tobuscus, 30 Seconds to Mars…typical normal stuff I suppose. Oh, and I own a pair of Heely’s that I love to roll around in and have a fetish with dying my hair. That’s me in a nutshell.

Born in FlamesTRC: BORN IN FLAMES is your first novel in your trilogy.  Would you please tell us something about the premise?

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Candace: Born in Flames is a fast-paced fantasy that will catapult you into a world where you race against time to save the fate of two realms and an impending prophecy promising death. Aurora Megalos is the main character who discovers that she is not only a part of this prophecy, but part dragon as well. It is the beginning chapter of her journey to becoming the Progeny and fulfilling her destiny of defeating an ultimate evil.

TRC: What or who is the inspiration behind BORN IN FLAMES and your leading character Aurora Megalos?

Candace: I’ve always loved anything mythical and magical. When I first thought up the idea, I wanted to create something original. I had a strong love for dragons and one day an idea just popped into my head. Why not make a modernized story about a girl who can shape shift into a dragon? Thusly, Born in Flames was…born. 😉

embracing the flamesTRC: Embracing the Flames is the second storyline in the series.  Would you please tell us something about the premise?

Candace: Embracing the Flames follows Aurora as she comes into her powers and finds out what it really means to be the Progeny. Her Arch Enemy Zordon has gathered his army and is seeking the Stone of Immortality; a stone that will determine the fate of the two realms. She will be tested, injured, and pushed to the limit. Lives will be lost, love will be found, and most importantly, a battle will begin.

TRC: What difficulties or challenges have you faced getting your book to publication?

Candace: I’ve been pretty lucky actually. I queried for a few months before I received a few requests to read my manuscript in full. 48fourteen was one of them. They offered me the contract first. I went with them because I was already previously considering self-publishing to join the ebook community which is what 48fourteen promotes. But with all that aside, I did also receive rejections along the way. Between 20 and 30 I think. It’s all a part of the process.

TRC: Which actors and models do you believe would best represent the characters in your storylines?

Born in Flames (cast)

Candace: I’ve always envisioned Hayley Williams (lead singer of Paramore) as Aurora. For Fenn, it’d have to be Logan Lermon (from Percy Jackson) and Alexis would have to be Lyndsy Fonseca. Pretty stellar cast I’d say!

TRC: If you could be any supernatural being (shifter or otherwise) which would you chose and why?

Candace: Hmmm…that’s a hard one. Each one comes with a price so really it’s what are you willing to sacrifice? I’d have to go with being a shifter like Sam from True Blood. I love that he can change into any animal he sees. It would be freeing and convenient.

TRC: What do you believe is the biggest misconception about you?

Candace: I’m not really sure because I haven’t read too many opinions concerning me. Perception is perception. You can’t really change what people think about you. I try not to worry about those things though. It would drive a person nuts to sit and wonder what everyone else thought about them. 😉

TRC: If you could change something about yourself personal or professional, what would it be and why?

Candace: I would spend more time writing and less time surfing Pinterest and Facebook. I am in serious need of self-discipline! 😉

TRC: Who or what has been the biggest influence in your life and why?

Candace: I would have to go with my husband. He is my rock. We have been together since I was 15 and he was 16, so we basically grew up together. Everything I do, I do with him in mind. He is my best friend and pushes me to be a better person and succeed in my dreams and I know that I will always have him in my corner.

TRC: Who is the first person you think about when you need someone to talk with and why?

Candace: I think about my husband and then my best friend Sonya. He really is my best friend. He knows what to say, how to calm me down or lift me up. He is wonderful and patient. And if he is working, then Sonya is always second. She is the bestest bestie.

TRC: Is there a question that you would like to be asked in an interview, but nobody has asked? If so, ask away!

Candace: Any that were on my list, you have taken care of. You are fantastic!

TRC: What five things would you like to accomplish in the next ten years?

Candace: 1. Travel outside of the US. 2. Become a bestseller. 3. Hold my novels in paperback. 4. Move into our first house. 5. Publish at least 10 to 20 novels.

TRC: What are your thoughts on book reviews-good or bad?

Candace: I like reviews, good and bad, so long as they aren’t cruel. I believe we all have a right to our own opinions and what may work for one person, may not for the other. This goes for every author. I take criticism and learn from it. The moment you stop learning, what is there to live for? Plus, we can’t please everyone.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

Born in Flames collage

Candace: From the Embers, which is the final chapter in the trilogy. It’s almost complete and then it will be given my read-through and then sent to my publisher. I’m hoping to be finished by the end of March, so long as there isn’t any interruptions.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

Candace: I am looking for Street Team members. There is a tab on my blog for it. If anyone is interested, they can send me an email to go over the details. I have little experience with it so if anyone has any suggestions, they are more than welcome!

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food – Mexican

Favorite Dessert – Cheese (I don’t really eat sweets)

Favorite TV Show – Gah! I have to choose!? Vampire Diaries.

Last Movie You Saw – Paranormal Activity 4

Favorite Song – Battle of One by 30 Seconds to Mars

Dark or Milk Chocolate – White lol.

TRC: Thank you Candace for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations and all the best.

Candace: Thank you!!

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Born in Flames by Candace Knoebel-a review

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BORN in FLAMES by Candace Knoebel-a review

Born in Flames

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / KOBO /

BORN IN FLAMES by Candace Knoebel is the first book of an exciting new YA trilogy! Aurora Megalos is secreted away to an alternative world for her protection. She remembers nothing of her existence before she turns up on her new foster mother’s doorstep. Arriving the same day is her new foster brother Fenn, who also remembers nothing of his past. They stick together to survive and vow to discover their birth parents and unravel the mystery of their pasts. They become roommates after they grow up to save money for their quest, but their pasts confront them first!!

A seer, a fortune teller, a strange pendant and tales of dragons all bring new insights into their past existence in a world full of magic. Aurora is central to a prophecy in a far off universe and there are some who do not want the prophecy fulfilled. Others will do anything to help, but Fenn and Aurora must decide whom they can trust. They have a choice! They can work to find the keys to return to their magical land, which might be full of danger and one that they don’t remember or they can stay in our realm. The portal to their world is found in Hawaii, so that is a pretty great place to be stuck!!

BORN IN FLAMES is an engaging story, which only promises to get better. Fenn and Aurora discover that they are soul mates and that he was sent here as her protector. I like how they began as friends and their relationship developed other time. Their souls slowly enmeshed with each other. That is how I see true soul mates. Also, he gains his memory back first and knows that she needs to decide her fate on her own. The enemy would be able to track her location through him! She is so hurt when he leaves at first, but she realizes that he did it out of love. They are an amazing couple, one person is not stronger, but they complement each other’s strengths and weaknesses. There are some laughs too!! Some “help” arrives and her antics in this new world are hilarious!! This is a story that is only going to get better with time!! There is romance, a world of magic, dragons and a terrible villain!! I can’t wait until the next book!!

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Jules.

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EMBRACING THE FLAMES by Candace Knoebel-cover reveal

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Embracing The Flames by Candace Knoebel-Cover Reveal

embracing the flames

NOTE: The Reading Cafe has scheduled an interview with Candace Knoebel for March 20, 2013.

The Stone of Immortality has been protected under the watch of the Draconta for as long as time has existed. That is, until the betrayal of a Fate. Now everything is about to change.

Aurora Megalos accepted her destiny without blinking-even if it meant succumbing to her dragon side. Deemed the Progeny, she left the ordinary life she knew and has done everything in her power to learn the ways of her new realm and what it means to be part dragon. But when her mentor, Astral, suddenly disappears, she is forced to take the reins. With war on the brink, she sets out on an epic journey to not only find her mentor, but to stop her Arch Enemy, Zordon, from attaining the Stone of Immortality. But what she discovers about him along the way is far worse than she could’ve ever imagined. She will be tested and pushed to the limit. Lives will be lost, love will be questioned, and a battle will begin.

Expected Date of Release:  Summer of 2013

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Candace KnoebelABOUT THE AUTHOR: Website

Hello! I’ve been writing ever since I was little, but never considered it a career until 2009. Probably due to the amount of boredom that came with my job. I love mexican food-actually, I just plain love food. And I dance when I eat out of sheer elation due to yumminess. I have a love/hate relationship with jogging and weight lifting. Why? Because I live in Florida…yay heat (note the sarcasm). I am obsessed with 30 Seconds to Mars, Tobuscus, and all things mixed media. I love to laugh and make silly music videos with my friends. I also believe in magic.

Now to my writing career.

I began dreaming up characters in 2009 that would one day mold my first novel, Born in Flames. Then I met my best friend who shared the same passions and pushed me to go for my dreams. Through lunch breaks and late nights after putting my kids to bed, I built a world where I could escape the ever-pressing days of an eight to five Purgatory. I found my calling in life and knew that this was more than dancing on Broadway could’ve ever meant to me.

Once complete in 2010, I began the grueling process of finding a publisher. With relentless determination, I was finally able to realize my dream in December of 2011 when 48fourteen offered me a contract. With a HUGE yes and a happy dance, I now continue my Trilogy while waiting for the big day of being published.

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