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Shadow Silence (Whisper Hollow #2) by Yasmine Galenorn-Review, Interview & Giveaway

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 Shadow Silence (Whisper Hollow #2) by Yasmine Galenorn-Review, Interview and Giveaway

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SHADOW SILENCE
Whisper Hollow #2
by Yasmine Galenorn
Genre: adult, contemporary, paranormal, romance
Release Date: September 27, 2016

Shadow Silence

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ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 27, 2016

Fifteen years ago, I ran away from Whisper Hollow, Washington, a small town on Crescent Lake in the Olympic Peninsula. But truth is, if you were born here, you can never really leave. I’m Kerris Fellwater, and I’m a spirit shaman. It’s my responsibility to drive the dead back to their graves, because around Whisper Hollow, people—and secrets—don’t always stay buried.

My best friend Peggin finds herself under a curse after she is almost taken by the Lady of the Lake, and the Unliving are determined to drag her back to the hungry waters. As Bryan—my guardian and mate—and I work to break the hex, we uncover a dark and violent mystery from the past. One the Hounds of Cú Chulainn will do anything to guard—even if they must summon a legion of the dead to destroy Whisper Hollow.

••••••••

REVIEW:

Shadow Silence begins shortly after book one ends. Kerris is settling into Whisper Hollow after a 15 year absence and is finding her place among the town’s protectors. When Kerris’ best friend, Peggin, finds out that she has thirty days to find another place to live (due to her landlord needing the house she rents), Kerris is less than pleased to find out that Peggin has her sights set on fixer-upper down by Crescent Lake. Even though Peggin knows that’s one of the most dangerous areas in town, she assures Kerris that she will be careful and on guard because she feels that the house is calling to her. Against Kerris’better judgement, she decides to support her friend’s decision.

When moving day arrives, it doesn’t take long for things to go very, very wrong. When Peggin disappears, Kerris assumes the worst. As she, Bryan (Kerris’ mate and guardian) and Deev (Peggin’s boyfriend) race to find Peggin, Kerris’ nightmare appears to be coming true. They find Peggin on the pier being dragged into the water by the Lady of the Lake. The trio is able to rescue Peggin from the Lady’s grasp, saving her from imminent death, only to discover that the Lady has marked Peggin, which doesn’t bode well for anyone. Especially Peggin. Kerris vows to Peggin that they will find a way to remove the Lady’s curse, but as they all soon discover, that’s easier said than done. Dark forces are making a move on Whisper Hollow and its residents, and it’s up to Kerris and the rest of the town’s protectors to try and find a way to stop them. As their allies gather, a traitor is discovered. Is he the only one? Who can they trust? Well, my friends, you’ll have to read to find out.

Shadow Silence is a great addition to this series. Yasmine Galenorn’s world building will grab you from the very beginning and have you turning the pages. Kerris is continuing to grow into her powers, discovering even more about herself as the days wear on. Bryan, her mate and guardian, continues to fascinate me. Peggin is the best friend whom everyone wishes they were lucky enough to have. However, it’s her boyfriend, Dr. Divine, aka Deev, that has me begging for more. He’s a steampunk artist type whom we know very little about, which adds to his draw. There’s a big story there and I can’t wait to know more about him. I said in my review of book one, Autumn Thorns, the secondary characters are multifaceted and complex. Shadow Silence has made me double down on that statement. I absolutely cannot wait to find out more about these intriguing characters and the dark forces that abound in this series. If you’re looking for a series that has wonderful world building, amazing characters, mystery and intrigue, as well as little romance thrown in, you will not go wrong with the Whisper Hollow series. Well done, Yasmine Galenorn. Very, very well done!!

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Vickie M

 

Interview-Black

CATCHING UP with Yasmine Galenorn

TRC: Hi Yasmine, and welcome back to The Reading Café.

Yasmine GalenornYG: Hi, and thank you for having me.
Follow: Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

TRC: We would like to start with some background information. For anyone who has never read your books, would you please tell us something about yourself?

YG: Well, I have around 50 books out at this point, plus novellas and short stories in a number of anthologies. I’ve been writing since before I could print my name—always knew I wanted to be a writer from the time I was three years old. I’m also a priestess in the Craft, and have been a shamanic witch since 1980, when I was 19. I’m one of the crazy cat ladies, and am married to a computer techie. I deal with multiple food allergies and intolerances which make it difficult to travel safely, and as a result, I cook everything I eat—I don’t have the choice, so it’s a good thing I learned to cook early on.

TRC: Who or what influenced your career in writing?

YG: One of my biggest influences was Ray Bradbury—I call him one of my “mortal gods”…his work taught me that prose can sing, words can move the heart. I also think Daphne du Maurier was an influence, Richard Adams, Anne McCaffrey, Joan D. Vinge, Tanith Lee, and so many other authors.

TRC: What challenges or difficulties have you encountered writing and publishing your stories?

YG: The biggest hurdle was getting published in the first place. Back in 1996, by the time I got my first contract (for one of my nonfiction books), I had seven books in the closet already (that will never be published) and had accumulated over 600 rejection slips from agents and publishers. But so many were encouraging that I just kept gritting my teeth and submitting.

Shadow SilenceTRC: Would you please tell us something about the premise of Shadow Silence, the second book in your Whisper Hollow series?

YG: Shadow Silence is the story of a curse, and a friendship. When the Lady of the Lake targets Peggin, Kerris and Bryan must do their best to break the curse and free her from a watery death. I actually recorded a video about Shadow Silence and the Whisper Hollow series, and you can find that on my Youtube Channel. Whisper Hollow haunts my dreams—the characters are so alive and vibrant to me, and the town so dark and shadowed.

TRC: How many books do you have planned for the WHISPER HOLLOW series?

YG: At least four—and I really think I’ll write more than that. However, since Berkley has opted not to continue the series, I will be releasing the rest after Shadow Silence as an indie author. The next Whisper Hollow books will be titled: Crow Song, and Morrígan’s Blade. As soon as Shadow Silence releases, I’ll be posting the covers for them—they’re gorgeous.

TRC: Are you able to give us a hint about your next Otherworld/Sisters of the Moon installment?

YG: I will also be releasing these as an indie author (in fact, Shadow Silence is my last release with Berkley Books and then I’m moving over to the indie side for the foreseeable future). Moon Shimmers, book 19 in the Otherworld Series, will be available in January 2017. I’m planning to release Harvest Song in January 2018, and my last OW book—Blood Bonds—in January 2019. I will be doing a cover reveal on my blog for all three books on October 4th! In Moon Shimmers, Camille will be taking her place as the Queen of Dusk & Twilight.

TRC: How do you keep the plot(s) unpredictable without sacrificing content and believability?

YG: *grinning* I dunno…I just write the stories that appear in my head. I guess by now, with over fifty books out, it’s second nature.

TRC: When writing (or outlining) a story line do your characters direct the writing, or do you direct the characters?

YG: The characters lead the way, definitely. I long ago stopped trying to force plotlines because it always comes out stilted. I give the characters their head and they lead me where they need to go.

TRC: Many authors bounce ideas and information with other authors, or family and friends. With whom do you bounce ideas and why?

YG: I bounce ideas off my husband and my assistants at times. Mostly, my subconscious does its little trick of mixing up everything and then spewing it out at me in one big lump. I stare at the creative hairball sitting at my feet, and then start trying to sculpt it. (Told you I’m the crazy cat lady).

TRC: Do you believe the cover image plays a deciding factor for many readers in the process of selecting a book or new series to read?

YG: Covers are vital, which is why I’m so glad I’ve found incredible cover designers for my indie work. Wait till you see the covers for the next two Whisper Hollow books—brilliant and beautiful.

TRC: On what are you currently working?

YG: I’m finishing up Fury’s Magic, the second in my new indie series—the Fury Unbound Series. Book one—Fury Rising—came out in July and did very well, so I’m extremely pleased about that. I plan on releasing Fury’s Magic in November.

I’m also starting to promote two anthologies I’m in—Taming the Vampire will be coming out on October 31st, and it contains the prequel to a new series I’ll be introducing next year—the Bewitching Bedlam series. And Silver Belles will be coming out in late October as well, with one of the few contemporary romance short stories I’ve ever written in it—The Longest Night. Silver Belles is a winter-holiday themed anthology.

Actually, I have a number of surprises in the works. I’ll be re-releasing the entire Chintz ‘n China series this autumn with lovely new covers and a few additions. Really, it’s best to sign up for my newsletter if you want to keep informed, because there are going to be a lot of things going on in my various worlds over the next 18 months.

TRC: Would you like to add anything else?

YG: Just that I’m grateful for all my readers who have followed me on my adventures—and who are making the switch with me as I change over from the old guard to the new guard, so to speak. I appreciate it. I love that my readers love my worlds, and I really appreciate the support they give in return.

TRC: Thank you Yasmine for taking the time to answer our questions. Congratulations on the release of SHADOW SILENCE. We wish you all the best.

giveaway

The Reading Cafe and Yasmine’s publisher are offering a paper copy of SHADOW SILENCE to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please follow Yasmine Galenorn on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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8. Giveaway open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from October 6-10, 2016

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Autumn Thorns by Yasmine Galenorn – Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

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Autumn Thorns by Yasmine Galenorn – Review, Excerpt and Giveaway

 

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Description:
Fifteen years ago, I ran away from Whisper Hollow, Washington, a small town on Crescent Lake in the Olympic Peninsula. But truth is, if you were born here, you can never really leave. I’m Kerris Fellwater, and when I returned, I inherited my grandmother’s house—and her gift. As a spirit shaman, it’s my responsibility to drive the dead back to their graves, because around Whisper Hollow, people—and secrets—don’t always stay buried.

When I was little, I was told my mother ran off. But now it looks like she was murdered. With the help of my mysterious neighbor Bryan, we begin to unravel the mystery of her disappearance, and in doing so, unearth a dark force seeking to bury Whisper Hollow. Now I must work with the dead, rather than against them, because our enemy will do whatever she can to destroy the town, and she means to start with me.


Review:

Kerris had made a life for herself in Seattle, but when she started seeing signs, she knew she would have to uproot her life once more and head home to Whisper Hollow. When she received word that her beloved grandmother had died, she knew things would never be the same.

Upon Kerris’ arrival in Whisper Hollow, she’s not prepared for what awaits. Or is she? As she delves into her duties as spirit shaman, she soon figures out that things are not, nor have they ever been, as they seem. From her grandfather’s disdain for her, to the disappearance of her mother, to the group that she is fated to be a part of, Kerris embarks on a path to not only uncover the closely guarded secrets, but to unravel mysteries that surround Whisper Hollow. Even though she is met with resistance, Kerris faces some of her biggest fears with her newly formed inner circle and the results are otherworldly……

I read a couple of other series by Yasmine Galenorn, and really enjoy them. But this book renewed my love for the worlds that she builds. With Autumn Thorns being the first book in a new series, there is a lot of world building and introductions to the main, as well as supporting, characters. That’s where I got excited. The characters are multifaceted and complex without being too over the top and hard to follow. Kerris is a wonderful character who meets the challenges she’s handed head on. Bryan moves mountains to keep her safe and has a great back story, which I hope to find out more in future books. The possibilities are endless in this new series, from Kerris’ best friend to the spirits that guard different realms, and everyone in between, I can’t wait to read more. I LOVED THIS BOOK! Well done, Yasmine Galenorn. Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Excerpt beige

 

As I turned onto Bramblewood Way, the fog rose thick and fast to surround the car. It smothered the road in one quick swoop. I slammed on the brakes as a dark figure vaulted out from the trees on the side of the road, loping into the street. It looked for all the world like a huge wolf, hunched and misshapen. Another figure followed—this one human—and I skidded to the side as I tried to avoid hitting him. As I brought my CR-V to a halt, I lurched forward against the seat belt, almost hitting the steering wheel.

My ribs felt bruised and I was panting but otherwise unharmed. I gripped the wheel with one hand as I fumbled to shift the SUV into park.

What the hell had just happened?

Hands shaking, I slowly unfastened my seat belt, then reached beneath the seat for the crowbar I kept stashed there. Being a single woman in a big city, I had learned how to defend myself with whatever I had at hand. After a moment, I also grabbed the switchblade I kept hidden in my glove box and shoved it into my jacket pocket. Hesitating another moment—there could be anything out there from a coyote to a serial killer—finally, I opened the door and stepped out of the car.

I stood there, scanning the road around me, the crowbar clutched in one hands, while I kept the other free and near the knife in my jacket. I knew how to throw a punch, and I could use a baseball bat with decent effectiveness, but it all depended on who was on the receiving end.

The road was silent, a hush of fog. My house was a block and a half away, but right now it felt as good as a mile. As my breath coalesced into a cloud of white vapor, I tried to sort out whether I had actually hit anyone. No body in the road—check. No sign of what dog . . . wolf . . . whatever had launched itself in my path—check.

“Are you all right?”

Startled, I whirled around, raising the crowbar. To my left stood a man, around five eleven. He was lean and fit, and so close he could have grabbed my arm. I took one deliberate step back.

What the hell? I hadn’t seen any sign of him—or anybody else—when I’d stepped out of the car. Nor had I heard him approach, and I had good ears. “Where did you come from? Who are you?”

He held up his hands, gesturing to the raised crowbar. “I promise, you won’t need that. I’m not going to hurt you.” He took a step back and kept his hands out in plain sight.

As I slowly lowered the makeshift weapon, I looked him over. His wheat-colored hair was in a casually tousled shag, reaching his collar in back and on the sides. A well-trimmed beard and mustache shrouded his face. But something about his eyes caught my attention. I realized that, even this close, under the streetlamps, I couldn’t tell what color they were. And yet his gaze pierced through the fog. I frowned. There was something familiar about him . . . but I knew we hadn’t met.

He ventured a smile, still holding his hands where I could see them. “Allow me to introduce myself—and apologize for startling you.” His voice was soft but firm. I had the feeling he could sing with that voice. “My name is Bryan Tierney. I’m your neighbor.”

Neighbor? When I’d left Whisper Hollow, the estate next door had been empty and I hadn’t realized somebody lived there now.

I gazed at him calmly, but inside, alarm bells were going off—but I couldn’t tell what they were warning me about. I wasn’t afraid of him, not really. I didn’t sense danger from him, and he most definitely wasn’t a spirit—but something was tugging at the edges of my consciousness.

about the author

Yasmine Galenorn

Hi, I’m New York Times, USA TODAY, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author Yasmine Galenorn.  In April 2012, I won a Career Achievement Award in Urban Fantasy at the Romantic Times Convention.

I write urban fantasy/paranormal romance for Berkley: the Otherworld Series, (aka Sisters of the Moon Series), the upcoming spin-off series in the Otherworld altaverse–the Fly By Night Series, and the upcoming Whisper Hollow paranormal romance/suspense series. I also wrote the Indigo Court Series.

In the past, I’ve also written a paranormal mystery series (the Chintz ‘n China Series) for Berkley Prime Crime, a short-lived mystery series (the Bath & Body Series) under the name of India Ink, again for Berkley Prime Crime, and eight metaphysical nonfiction books (Llewellyn Publications and Crossing Press).

I’m represented by Meredith Bernstein of the Meredith Bernstein Literary Agency–I adore my agent and am thrilled to have her on my side.

And yes, I’m a shamanic witch and am considered an elder in the Pagan community, having been in the Craft since February 29th (yes, leap year day), 1980.  I walk an eclectic path and consider my life to be a blend of teacups and tattoos–the former in my china closet, the latter on my skin–I’m heavily inked.  I collect teacups, teapots, Old Country Roses china (Royal Albert), antlers and skulls (of the non-human variety), daggers and crystals.  And of course, my bookshelves are overflowing with books.  I cannot walk out of a bookstore without buying at least one book.  My TBR pile is huge!

I’m a theatre major, a 1983 graduate of the Evergreen State College (Olympia WA).  I started college when I was fifteen, skipping high school.  I took extra time to finish because of money considerations and a hiatus when I was 17, to hitchhike to California where I lived with one of my sisters for a brief time.

On Beltane, 1993 (May 1st) I married Samwise and we’re still very happily married. We are the parents of one senior kitty and three young cats. Three of our senior gurlz went over the Bridge a few years ago and we still miss them terribly. We reside in the Seattle WA area.

Because so many people ask, you pronounce my first name this way: Yaz-mihn (NOT Jasmine–it’s a “Y”, not a “J”) and our last name is pronounced: Gal-eh-norn. The accent is on the first syllable. Interesting trivia: Samwise and I created our last name together after we got married. At first, he took my last name, but I decided I didn’t want to be stuck with my stepfather’s last name forever.  So we decided to construct a name that would be ours alone and that would mean something to us.  We created our last name out of the Elvish in LOTR. Galenorn means Green Tree in Elvish, went to court, and legalized it. And yes, Samwise is his *real* name.

Website / Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads

 

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Yasmine’s publisher is offering a paper copy of AUTUMN THORNS to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Please LIKE and Follow Yasmine Galenorn on Facebook

4. Please FOLLOW The Reading Cafe on TSU

5. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

6. LIKE us on Twitter for an additional entry.

7. Please FOLLOW us on GOODREADS for an additional entry.

8. Giveaway open to USA only.

9. Giveaway runs from October 27-30, 2015

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