Tag Archives: YA

FEARLESS (Elemental #1.5) by Brigid Kemmerer-a review

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FEARLESS (Elemental #1.5) by Brigid Kemmerer-a review

FEARLESS (Elemental 1.5) by Brigid Kemmerer

FEARLESS is a short e-novella (released July 31, 2012) in Brigid Kemmerer’s Elemental series. Focusing on 16year old Hunter Garrity and Clare Kasten, Hunter is a Fifth Elemental. As a Fifth Elemental, Hunter is connected to all of the elements, but it also means that he is connected to the people around him. So why did Clare need to speak to him so badly?

After weeks of being harassed and pushed around, being followed home was nothing new for Hunter, but realizing that it was a girl from school was something totally different. Clare Kasten wanted something from Hunter, and he was willing to help her find it.

Clare was impressed with Hunter’s speech about the second amendment. With her brother away in the armed forces, Clare claimed she was concerned when her brother had purchased a gun before he left on deployment. Clare was both curious and fearful of guns, and was hoping that Hunter could help her overcome her anxieties about the weapons. But following an excursion of target practice, Hunter realizes that one of his father’s guns has gone missing.

Uncle Jay and Hunter’s father were both Elementals, in the practice of law enforcement. And Hunter’s desire to work along side his family was continuously pushed down when his father proclaimed that he wasn’t ready. But an ominous warning from his father, would find Hunter re-thinking whether his father was correct about the entire situation when Clare decided to take the law into her own hands.

FEARLESS is a short story-a prequel of sorts that takes a look into the life and family dynamics of Hunter Garrity before his dealings with the Merrick brothers. I am not sure where this storyline fits into the series premise except to introduce Hunter Garrity, but a look into the life of a Fifth Elemental adds a little more information about a character who matures with each successive storyline.

READING ORDER
1. Elemental
2. Storm
3. Fearless
4. Spark
5. Spirit

LINKS TO ORDER
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook
KOBO

Reviewed by Sandy

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The Handler/The Scribe (Mindjack Trilogy e-novellas) by Susan Kaye Quinn-a review

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The Handler /The Scribe (Mindjack Trilogy e-novellas) by Susan Kaye Quinn-a review

THE HANDLER (e-novella #2.1) by Susan Kaye Quinn

THE HANDLER is the latest e-novella release (August 2012) in Susan K Quinn’s YA Mindjack series. In a world where mindreading is the norm (due to decades of contaminated water) those without the ability are known as zeroes, but there are a few who possess a power greater than most. The Handler focuses on Julian Navarro and the characters introduced in Closed Hearts and takes place between Open Mind and Closed Hearts before Julian has ever met Kira Moore.

Julian can manipulate the instincts of the mind. Hoping to amass enough people to create an ‘army’ for the revolution, it is Julian’s belief that one day mindjackers would be the dominant species on the planet. But mindjackers came with all sorts of problems and abilities and Julian would meet a few in the early days of the revolution.

Along with his twin sister Anna, Julian would encounter a couple of new recruits that would hopefully become a part of his close circle of mindjacking specialists. But many of the mindjackers coming to Chicago New Metro (aka Jackertown) were forming lawless clans and were not capable of following orders and Julian was determined that Kira Moore, a revolutionary in her own right, would further enhance his stature and presence as a leader.

Julian and Anna would welcome two new recruits, but like most Handlers, they would have to learn to control their abilities. And it would soon become obvious that one of their recent additions to the Clan, was someone they did not want on their side. With Anna’s special ability, the new recruit would be re-assigned to a new location and Julian would continue his search for the best mindjackers his Clan required.

THE HANDLER is a quick and easy read that offers some background information into the personalities of some of the characters introduced in a previous storyline. Approximately 3 chapters in length, we become privy to the abilities of the mindjackers and the knowledge that they too, fear the power, that many of their own ‘species’ have developed. A great addition to the Mindjack series.

LINKS TO PURCHASE
B&N NOOK
Amazon Kindle

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Sandy

THE SCRIBE (Mindjack Trilogy enovella 2.2) by Susan Kaye Quinn

THE SCRIBE (Mindjack Origins 2.2) by Susan Kaye Quinn

THE SCRIBE is another short-story (August 2012 release) from Susan Kaye Quinn’s Mindjack Trilogy. In a world where mindreading is the norm (due to decades of contaminated water) those without the ability are known as zeroes, but there are a few who possess a power greater than most. This story takes place between Open Minds and Closed Hearts.

Sasha Rimbali has a power that he considers so evil that he is willing to die before he ever uses his powers again. Believing his powers are too destructive, too complete and too final, Sasha searches out Julian Navarro and his small Clan of mindjackers hoping to side with them in the upcoming revolution. The revolution that will see mindjackers as the dominant species, Sasha hopes that Julian will see a different side and not use Sasha’s power to control, punish or gain power against others. Sasha believes Julian will make a difference, but time will tell if Sasha or the others will survive without the use of his powers.

Sasha was a new changeling when Arlis (Sasha’s old mentor) discovered his unbelievable powers. Teaching Sasha how to control and use his powers was more than beneficial for Sasha but also for Arlis and his Clan. But recruiting Sasha to use his powers for control and punishment was something that Sasha could no longer tolerate-the nightmares were frequent and the guilt was too high.

Ava Trinkle is a viewer. With the ability to view at great distances, Ava’s powers will benefit the Clan when she is able to reach and read their enemy during the revolution. But Ava and Sasha have something in common, and it is their common thread that will unite the pair for more than just a battle-but perhaps in their hearts. When Ava is accepted into Julian’s Clan, Sasha will become Ava’s protector in more ways than one.

THE SCRIBE is another short story that introduces two more members of Julian’s Clan of mindjacking specialists. From the talented desk of Susan Kaye Quinn, The Scribe is another welcome addition to the Mindjack Trilogy.

LINKS TO ORDER
B&N Nook
Amazon Kindle

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Sandy

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FIRELIGHT Trilogy by Sophie Jordan-a review

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FIRELIGHT Trilogy by Sophie Jordan – a review

With the upcoming release of the third storyline in Sophie Jordan’s Firelight Trilogy-HIDDEN- we would like to showcase each book in the series including a review of her latest.

The YA Firelight series by Sophie Jordan consists of three books that seamlessly run together to tell the story of Jacinda and Tamra, twin Draki.  A Draki is a descendant of dragons that can shift into human form.  This series is fast paced and suspenseful!! 

FIRELIGHT starts off telling us about Jacinda and the special and rare gift that she possesses.  She is one of only a few fire-breathers in existence!  She is valued in her Pride and given many things, but she knows that she will be forever controlled by the Alpha due to her gift and she longs for her freedom.  After she breaks a tenet of Pride law,  her family goes on the run.  Her mother takes her and her twin sister Tamra to the hot desert of Arizona where they can hide among humans.  Let me tell you about Tamra and Jacinda’s relationship!  They are rivals, they bicker, they fight, they compete against each other, but if push comes to shove they have each other’s backs.  They are true twins!!  Trust me on this topic, I am the mother of twin daughters.  Tamra has never been able to manifest and she was an outcast in the Pride.  She loves her new life in Arizona and she fits right into human teenage life!  Jacinda who ruled the Pride feels left out and hates her new life.  Trust me, Jacinda can throw a mean whine party!!  I appreciate how Sophie Jordan made these girls complex.  She created characters who have normal teenage emotions and feelings, but they are draki!!   Jacinda meets a boy at school and recognizes him as an Enkros, a human hunter of the Draki.  Will is the handsome boy who saved her life back at home.  He is a boy she should stay far away from, but they are drawn to each other.  Jacinda meets with Will in secret and once again she breaks a tenet of draki law to save the boy of her dreams……. How is that for a teaser!!  This book is a fast read and ends at a terrific cliffhanger!! 

VANISH picks up exactly where Firelight left off.  The twins are in danger, Will has almost died protecting Jacinda and the handsome son of the Alpha has come to save them and bring them back to the Pride!  When things look their worst, it is wonderful Tamra who saves the day!!  Finally, she is able to manifest and she has a wonderful and priceless gift too.  She is a shader.  She can erase the memories of the human hunters and shade their movement with mist and fog.  Let me tell you, it’s an awkward drive home!!  Cassian (the Alpha’s son), Jacinda, Tamra and their mom return to the Pride.  Tamra has always loved Cassian but he had eyes only for Jacinda!! The Pride used to look at Tamra as useless and she was an outcast, but now she is embraced by the Pride.  Jacinda is viewed as a traitor due to her breaking of the law.  Jacinda is shunned and she feels friendless.  Cassian is now spending a lot of time with Tamra and Jacinda feels jealousy!  What happened to the wonderful human boy?  Well, the wonderful Will shows up at the Pride.  His memory doesn’t seem to be erased, but that’s another secret!  He was sick as a boy and infused with Draki blood to survive.  He now has powers like the Draki and he uses his powers to protect Jacinda.  They meet in secret and they are planning on running away together.  Before this happens, Jacinda and another Draki are caught by  vile human hunters.  Will helps Jacinda escape, but the other girl is headed for experiments and death.  The Alpha is furious, because the other girl is his daughter and he forces Jacinda to do something horrible or her wings will be clipped.  Everything is very messy at the end, their mom is banished, Jacinda is forced into a situation that she doesn’t want and Tamra is heartbroken.  Another great cliffhanger!  Which leads us to Hidden, the conclusion of Firelight!

HIDDEN is the conclusion of this action packed trilogy.  Jacinda knows that she needs to do everything in her power to rescue Miriam, the girl who was captured by Hunters.  She and Tamra escape again!  Is seems to be very easy for teenagers to escape from the Pride!  Will meets them and Cassian comes along for the ride!  Jacinda volunteers to be captured to infiltrate the Enkros center.  The boys try to talk her out of this idea, but she is determined to rescue the other draki!  Her plan succeeds, but at what cost?  She finds herself treated like an animal, cruelly used and she is scared.  She finds out that many draki have been captured over time, many losing their minds.  Her first test has her pitted against a large gray draki.  He has been in bondage for so long, he has forgotten his human side.  Will and Cassian break her and the others out just in time, but the gray draki is released too!  Now, they have a homicidal draki after them!  Well, the gray draki sees Tamra and becomes obsessed with her.  Jacinda doesn’t want him near her sister, but they all need each other to escape the hunters.  They must guard the secret that they are also human at any cost!  We get to see all of the draki use their amazing gifts and it’s a good thing that the gray draki tagged along.  He knows the secret behind their father’s disappearance!  A fellow Pride member betrayed their father and now, Jacinda is out for revenge.  Will doubts her committment to him, because the Pride keeps yanking her back!  There is a mild love triangle in this story, because Jacinda is devoted to Will, but she still has feelings for Cassian.  Once they return to the Pride, we find out who betrayed their father and the Pride will never be the same! Tamra decides to stay in the Pride and help it heal, but it could be because of a certain hunky draki too!  No spoilers here!!  There is a happy ever after for all parties!  To wrap things up, this was a fast paced YA series, for the teenager inside of all of us!  The Pride is like any community, they have their problems, but they work to fix them! This was a fresh take on dragon shapeshifters!  

Copy of HIdden supplied by publisher.

Happy reading!  Jules 

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ENVY (The Fury Trilogy #2) by Elizabeth Miles-a review

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ENVY (The Fury Trilogy #2) by Elizabeth Miles

ENVY (The Fury Trilogy #2) by Elizabeth Miles

ENVY is the second novel (September 2012 release) in Elizabeth Miles’ Young Adult series focusing on the quiet but cursed town of Ascension Maine. Some background information is required to keep focus on this particular storyline otherwise the reader will be lost. FURY is the first novel that sets the stage for Ascension’s fated townspeople when three beautiful women exact revenge for something that happened a very long time ago. The Greek goddesses of retribution known as the Furies will ferret out those who are susceptible to their charms, and in the end, everyone will get what they want and what they deserve. The ‘furies’ actively seek out those that are easily pulled to the ‘dark side’. And in that statement sets the premise of Elizabeth Miles series.

In the previous storyline, Emily (Em) was in love with JD, but she found herself attracted to and wanting her best friend Gabby’s boyfriend Zach. But be careful what you wish for, because sometimes dreams really do come true-but at a cost no one is able to afford. Two high school students will die and Em’s relationship with JD will spiral when he believes she is responsible for his near-fatal accident with the mall collapse. The main characters are all high school aged and KARMA is a bitch. In short: Chase is dead: Sasha is dead: Zach is in an institution: JD thinks Em tried to kill him: and Em knows that the ‘furies’ are behind everything that is happening in Ascension Maine- and she CANNOT tell anyone what she knows.

ENVY begins approximately 3 weeks after the storyline ended in FURY when a popular high school teacher is missing and presumed dead. JD refuses to acknowledge Em, and Em is struggling with the reality that her association with the ‘furies’ has led to the deaths and dissolution of many friendships and friends. But Em is unable to talk about what has happened. The furies have threatened her if she reveals the truth. Em’s friendship with Gabby is strained but Gabby is the only other person who knows what has happened. Working towards a common goal, Gabby will help Em find a way to rid Ascension of the furies-once and for all. Only Gabby’s involvement hits closer to home than Em had realized. And something about Em is changing. Not only is she unable to reveal her secret but physically she begins to look like someone else.

Skylar McVoy is the new girl in town, with a few secrets of her own. Once the chubby kid in the family, it is Skylar’s desire to become one of the popular girls at school. But finding herself lost in the maze of classrooms, Skylar will find a kindred spirit in the beautiful and popular Gabby, who takes Skylar under her wings and shows the new girl the sights and sounds of the school. And when one of the high school jocks is accidently pushed into her, Skylar believes that fate has ordained their love. But Pierce has no idea what Skylar has planned because he has eyes for someone else. Their accidental meeting will set up the premise and the fatal finale in ENVY.

Skylar meets Meg. As one of the ‘furies’, Meg’s ability to offer your heart’s desire will once again find a mark with Skylar. Changing her physical appearance does not change what is inside. Jealousy and envy will push Skylar to make some decisions that will affect everyone at Ascension High. Hoping to catch the eye of the popular crowd, Meg aids Skylar with her plans to get noticed especially with the upcoming annual Spring Fling dance. And when Gabby suggests a welcome party, Skylar’s self- esteem soars until the ‘furies’ evil retribution reveals Skylar’s past history to everyone at Ascension High. Only what is revealed is nothing compared to the truth. Skylar’s history of retribution goes deeper than the stuff of high school envy- her family secrets are why she now lives in Ascension Maine with her Aunt Nora.

Em has found a new friend in Drea. Along with her association with Crow, Drea will show Em a different side of life. Crow is a high school drop out who lives to play music and sing. When he meets Em, he believes he has found someone, a crush but Crow is more like Em that she knows. Crow’s cryptic warnings to stay away, will look like rejection, but Crow knows more about Em’s connections to what has been happening in Ascension than perhaps anyone.

Gabby and Em continue to search for information regarding the ‘furies’. But when the local librarian and Skylar’s Aunt Nora show signs that something is wrong, it is Em who becomes the target of their fear and loathing. Aunt Nora knows more than she is willing to reveal. But it is Gabby’s need to rid Ascension of the ‘furies’ that will send the annual spring dance into a fire-ravaged nightmare.

ENVY is a storyline that focuses on the trials and tribulations of high school angst, but takes it further with the involvement of the ‘furies’. First loves and losses are mirrored by retribution and lies: the popular crowd is only attainable through lies and deceit: and once again, it becomes all about appearances when Skylar hopes to become part of the social scene at school. The ‘furies’ seek retribution against a town using anyone who is willing to get what they want at any cost-only no one knows that they are selling their souls to the devil. And the ‘furies’ have set their sights on the most gullible and malleable of people-high school teens-because they are always wanting something or someone they cannot have. The story evoked memories of my high school days and I was able to put faces to names of the characters throughout the story: the jocks: the cools kids: the pretty girls: the burn outs: the weirdos and the geeks. High school life will never change.

The story is slow to build as Elizabeth Miles creates a basis for Skylar’s personality and character quirks. Miles intersperses small bits of information from the previous storyline, but to do this series justice, she should have made an attempt to include more detail about the major plot twists from her first story FURY. I had to read several reviews and background information about FURY so that I was able to follow the premise of this current book, and yet I am still not sure what had happened to a couple of the teens.This series MUST be read in order. Hopefully, Elizabeth will include a quick summary of the first two storylines when her third and final book in the series is released.

Copy provided through Goodreads First Reads.

Reviewed by Sandy

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Girl of Nightmares (Anna Dressed in Blood #2) by Kendare Blake-a review

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Girl of Nightmares (Anna Dressed in Blood #2) by Kendare Blake-a review

GIRL OF NIGHTMARES (Anna Dressed in Blood #2) by Kendare Blake

GIRL OF NIGHTMARES is the second storyline  (August 2012 release) in Kendare Blake’s series focusing on the ghost of a young woman murdered over 50 years ago by her witch-mother, and the gruesome and horrific revenge she metes out to anyone who enters the old Victorian home in which she still ‘resides’.

Theseus Cassio Lowood aka Cas is the 17 year old ‘ghost hunter’, a magical familial heritage from his father and witch mother, who goes in search of misbehaving ghosts and ‘kills’ them with the ‘athame’ blade, but his relationship with Anna Korlov is no longer that of hunter and prey, but of friendship and love. Along with his friends Carmel and Thomas Sabin (witch), Anna had saved their lives by destroying the mysterious flesh eating, power absorbing Obeahman. Now that Anna is missing and presumed in Hell, the GIRL OF NIGHTMARES continues approximately 6 months after ANNA DRESSED IN BLOOD left off.

Cas has been notified about mysterious ‘accidents’ all occurring in an abandoned barn in Grand Marais, Minnesota. But when the ghost hunters are attacked by the spirit in the barn, it is Anna’s voice Cas hears as the ghost laughs at their fear. Cas hesitates placing both of his friends in harm’s way. He believes he is losing his mind when things begin to show signs that Anna may still be ‘alive’. The athame calls to Cas and he admits that it feels like Anna is calling to him as well. Her spirit continues to manifest in different places and times, but Cas has no way to connect with the other side. He is risking his life with every encounter. What is Anna trying to say?

When the images of Anna become more frequent and alarming, Cas reaches out to Gideon Palmer, his father’s old mentor and Thomas makes a point to connect with voodoo grandfather Morfran. Both men of experience advise Cas it is time to quit but their messages are cryptic and reaching deaf ears. Risking his life for the memory of a dead girl is not worth dying. But when Thomas’s Aunt Riika reveals the truth behind the mystical ‘athame’ and its’ connection to Anna, it is all Cas and Thomas can do but run-something about Aunt Riika isn’t right. But the knowledge she imparts will help Thomas and Cas connect with the dead. Only what Cas discovers is something out of a nightmare and not a dream.

The trio of friends begins to crumble when Carmel realizes hunting ghosts is not on her agenda. But the down time finds Thomas searching for clues and directions to help solve the mystery surrounding Anna’s ghostly appearances. Only now Gideon appears to hold a few more clues to discovering the secret behind the power of the ‘athame’ and it is hidden within the secrets of The Order of the Biodag Dubh.

When Thomas and Cas head over to England to confront Gideon they are surprised to learn that the Order has been watching and waiting. And someone else is waiting in the wings as well. But a trek through the Suicide Forest will test everyone’s power and abilities to see if they survive. Only what greets them on the other side is far more dangerous than what they left behind. Sacrifices will be made, and with the help from an unexpected ‘friend’, Cas is able to free the ghosts from the past, but at a cost .

GIRL OF NIGHTMARES is an interesting story.-A tale of horror, ghosts and a love that can never be fulfilled. Cas takes a journey to the otherside hoping to free the young woman with whom he has fallen in love, only to learn that freedom will come at a cost. The story is a roller coaster of emotions, with some graphic violence and foul language thrown in for emphasis. The series description states for Young Adult 13 years of age and older, but personally I think a mature young adult tag line would be better.

LINKS TO ORDER:
The Book Depository
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paper Books
KOBO
B&N Nook and Paper Books/a>

Reviewed by Sandy

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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THE LEGION OF NOTHING: Rebirth by Jim Zoetewey-a review and giveaway

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THE LEGION OF NOTHING:  Rebirth by Jim Zoetewey- a review

 

The end of summer vacation for North America and our final look at another middle grade/YA novel.

THE LEAGUE OF NOTHING: Rebirth by Jim Zoetewey

THE LEAGUE OF NOTHING is the first storyline in Jim Zoetewey’s series focusing on a league of super hero teens in and around the Grand Lake, Chicago area. As part of the FBI National Hero Program (Super Human Affairs Branch) the original league disbanded in 1983. With the resurgence of evil villains, the new crop of super heroes, are the grandchildren of the original league members. The New Heroes League, as the media has named them, will face off against a group of villains, with connections to former league members, dead villains and political rivals. As the grandchildren and progeny of the original League, each of our Heroes and villains manifests the same power and qualities of their grandparent’s line. From a town where everyone has a connection to a super hero or villain, League of Nothing reads like a comic book story. If you are a fan of the latest super-hero comic book action movies, you may want to take a look.

We are introduced to Nick Klein and his fellow League members and friends who have taken on the persona and identity of their forebearers: Nick is the Rocket (and story narrator) who has inherited the mantle, power, equipment, headquarters and testing lab from his grandfather: Cassie is Captain Commando and one of the few females on the team: Daniel Cohen (aka the Mystic) has inherited telepathic powers. With his ability to read minds, he can also sense the future and change directions during a fight or pursuit: Travis and Haley are children of Nightwolf with the ability to blend in the shadows and shape shift: the speedy Jaclyn: Marcus (the Shift) with a combination of two super hero powers: and Vaughn aka Storm King (descendent of Red Lightning) with the ability to control the weather and electricity. Born without any powers, Vaughn has continued in his grandfather’s footsteps using a power elixir and a power impregnator to gain super power and strength. But Red Lightning was not a hero.

The villains (or anti-heroes) were amassing and their connections led to the possible death of businessman Martin Magnus and a former associate in his office. When Nick recognized an Egyptian hieroglyphic marking similar to the Red Lightning insignia, Nick informed the FBI as to a possible connection between the two. And the FBI found a connection to the power elixir and Magnus. The mayor’s office was somehow involved and little did Nick realize that the mayor was not without some power of his own. The mayor’s accusations and media campaign to smear the heroes was in full swing. And it wasn’t only the New Super Hero League looking to take down the mayor. There were other-older- heroes looking for payback and revenge. The New Super Hero League has made a few enemies and bad press, and the FBI is refusing to back up or offer support. But a call from Magnus proved anything but reassuring to Nick. The mayor would prove to be a worthy opponent, but someone else was pulling the strings. An attack against the young heroes would prove if they worked together as a team, nothing could defeat them except for some negative media propaganda and that would be something that would eventually become the Rocket’s responsibility

There are many other characters, both friendly and villainous that at one point I thought I needed a power point to keep everyone aligned. Mindstryke as Daniel’s father: Man-Machine a villain from the old League days: Nick’s Uncle Larry aka The Rhino and Jason Swan as the Gray Giant: Dark Cloak, Vengeance, Tomahawk, Red Bolt, Future Knight and the Elementals. To be honest there are many more heroes (past and present) to list, but it would take another paragraph or two to list them all.

The author uses many references to current day television and media including late night TV, board games and video gaming phenomenon. With the popularity of many of the current super hero movies, THE LEGION OF NOTHING reminds me of a comic book filled with action and adventure, that my younger brothers would have read into the late hours of the night.

But a couple of complaints: the copious number of costumed heroes and their names. It may be difficult for some younger readers to keep everyone organized, labeled and named without a spreadsheet. And like many premier storylines, there is a vast amount of information and back-story to digest. The final chapter of the book is a flashback to 1953 and the Birth of the Heroes League. Legion of Nothing: Rebirth is an interesting story ala comic-book style including fight scenes, bad guys and super hero moves.

LINK TO ORDER
Amazon Kindle

Copy supplied by publisher.

Reviewed by Sandy

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:  Jim Zoetewey grew up in Holland, Michigan, near where L Frank Baum wrote The Wizard of Oz and other books in that series. Admittedly, Baum moved away more than sixty years before Jim was even born, but it’s still kind of cool. He’s a web developer, a religion and sociology major, and the author of the superhero series The Legion of Nothing. He’s also not sure why he’s writing this in the third person, but he’s never seen an author bio written in first person and doesn’t want to rock the boat.

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a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Jessie Harrell-Interview with the Author

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JESSIE HARRELL-Interview with the Author

The Reading Cafe continues our salute to the amazing authors from the INDELIBLES. Today we would like to present Jessie Harrell-author of DESTINED.

TRC :  Hi Jessie and welcome to The Reading Café.  

Jessie: Thanks so much for having me!!

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

Jessie:  By day, I’m an appellate lawyer. By night, I’m a wife, mother of two, and author/lover of all things Greek mythology. I’m a native Floridian, frustrated world traveler, unrepentant dreamer, lover of acoustic music and not-so-closet geek.

TRC:  You are a member of the INDEBLIBLES website dedicated to indie authors of Young Adult storylines.  How has your association with the Indelibles helped your writing career?

Jessie: There are probably more ways than I can count that being part of a group like The Indelibles has helped me.  We share information, tips, and tricks; we get feedback on book covers and marketing ideas; and we’re all there for each other for moral support (as well as cross promotion).  Writing can be lonely, I’d recommend that all authors (Indie or not) have a support group.

TRC:  Do you have a particular writing style?

Jessie:  I don’t know that I do.  Destined is written in an anachronistic style (big word I learned as an author), where I intentionally did not match the speech with the historical setting.  My goal was to make an ancient myth accessible for today’s teens while keeping it rooted in the past.  I know some readers have not liked this particular style, but that’s the way I wanted to tell my story.  And as an Indie author, I had that freedom.

TRC:  Many authors bounce information and ideas between each other or their family and friends.  With whom do you bounce ideas?

Jessie:  I have some great critique partners with whom I frequently bounce ideas.  Lynne Matson has been awesome to me and I’m so excited that her novel will be hitting the shelves in 2014!  I also use my husband as a sounding board, but he usually just smiles and nods.

TRC:  Have you ever had a serious case of writer’s block and if so, how did you handle the stress and anxiety?

Jessie: What author hasn’t had writer’s block?  Sometimes I find if I just research, an idea will come to me.  Other times I have to let the characters play a scene out the way they want to.  But generally, the best remedy for writer’s block is a deadline!

TRC:  Do you find anything particularly challenging about writing?

Jessie:  Writing for young adults required that I learn a whole new skill set.  I’m an attorney and write daily for my job, but it’s a COMPLETELY different kind of writing.  Putting the craft aside, I find plotting is the hardest part of writing for me.

TRC:  What challenges did you face getting your novel published?

Jessie:  Like most authors, I queried before the manuscript was ready, and probably lost some opportunities because of it.  Once it was in better shape, I had several “near-misses” with agents, who didn’t take it on for one reason or another.  None of this is out of the ordinary from what I understand.    Ultimately though, I decided that Destined was ready for publication and the timing was right.  I released the novel myself under my own imprint (Mae Day Publishing) and have never looked back.

TRC:  DESTINED is your latest release.  Would you please tell us about the premise?

LINKS TO PURCHASE:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paper Books
B&N Nook and Paper books
KOBO

Jessie:  Destined is a reimagining of the myth of Eros and Psyche from ancient Greece.  Here’s the blurb from the back cover:

When Psyche receives a prophecy gone horribly wrong, she learns that even the most beautiful girl in Greece can have a hideous future. Her fate? Fall in love with the one creature even the gods fear.

As she feels herself slipping closer into the arms of the prophecy, Psyche must choose between the terrifyingly tender touch she feels almost powerless to resist and the one constant she’s come to expect out of life: you cannot escape what is destined.

TRC:  Have you planned a series of novels based on the characters and the storyline?  If so, what is the premise of the next installment?

Jessie:  No, Destined is a stand alone novel.  I am working on another novel set in ancient Greece, but it will include all new characters.

TRC:  Where did you come up with the ideas behind your story of Psyche and Eros?

Jessie:  Well, I relied heavily on the ancient myth, of course.  But then I had to figure out what I wanted to change; what message I wanted to send.  I wanted to portray Psyche as a girl with the courage to fight for love and not as some brainless, pretty face who requires help from inanimate objects (she got a tip from some talking river reeds in the original).  I also wanted the gods to have motivations for what they did beyond just being petty.  So really what I tried to do when writing was figure out how to make the myth more robust and character-driven.

TRC:  Did you have any muse/models in your life that influenced your creation and personalities for you characters of Psyche and Eros?

Jessie:  I’m be lying if I said Psyche didn’t have a lot of me in her (the teen me was also prone to tears), but she’s also a lot wittier than I am and speaks her mind.  When I was writing Eros, my muse was a picture of a young Leonard Dicaprio.  *swoon *

TRC:  Did you study Greek Mythology, or have you always been a fan of that area?

Jessie:  I majored in Classical Studies in undergrad and the Greek history and culture was my favorite part.  My mythology professor was amazing; she always taught to a packed room.  And perhaps my favorite course was Honors Magic, Witchcraft and the Occult in Ancient Greece and Rome.

TRC: Will you be writing any future storylines about the Greek gods/goddesses?

Jessie:  My next novel set in ancient Greece will revolve around Apollo and his oracle, the Pythia.

TRC:  On what are you currently working?

Jessie:  I’m working on edits to a contemporary, mythology-based paranormal story called Beneath the Surface, as well as the Apollo/Pythia story, called Oracular.  I’m also really looking forward to seeing my short story, “I Come Bearing Souls,” appear in the Two and Twenty Dark Tales Anthology, a collection of dark stories inspired by Mother Goose rhymes.  My story is loosely based on Hey Diddle, Diddle.

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else?

 

Jessie:  I’d love for folks to pick up their free e-copy of Before, a short story told from Eros’s perspective about the love he had before he met Psyche.  It’s available for free on Smashwords.  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/165945

LINKS TO ORDER : BEFORE by Jessie Harrell
Amazon Kindle
B&N Nook
KOBO

 

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food
Chicken Parmesan from Pizza Palace in Jacksonville.

Favorite Dessert
Anything chocolate, especially if it has caramel or coconut.

Favorite TV Show
True Blood

Favorite Movie
I’m not sure I have one.  I really like comedies like “Get Him to the Greek” and “The Hangover.”

Last Movie you Saw
The Vow

Dark or Milk Chocolate
Milk

Do you have any pets?
no

Favorite Flower
blue hydrangea

TRC:  Thank you Jessie for taking the time to answer our questions.  The Reading Café would like to wish you the best of luck with your writing career.

Jessie:  Thank you SO much for having me on your lovely blog!  If your readers are interested, I can be found around the web here:

Blog: http://jessie-harrell.blogspot.com
website: www.jessieharrell.com
Twitter: twitter.com/jessieharrell
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JessieHarrell.Author

 

 

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DESTINED by Jessie Harrell -a review

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DESTINED by Jessie Harrell-a review

Destined By Jessie Harrell

Being a fan of Greek Mythology, well any mythology for that matter was one of the reasons I was drawn to this story. Another being the cover(simple, yet beautiful) and the story itself; Psyche and Eros. Who doesn’t enjoy these two Olympian gods?

Even though the story of Psyche and Eros has been told many times throughout literature and still is to this day, I enjoyed the spin that Ms. Harrell put on their story to make it her own. One of the things I liked about this version is the 2 POV’s we get throughout the book. We get to see Psyche and Eros’ story through both their eyes. Ms. Harrell does a wonderful job of blending these two POV’s so that the storyline flows seamlessly without distracting the reader. In doing so, the reader is able to get a first hand glimpse of their feelings and bond easily with the characters. I have to say at first Eros ticked me off and made me want to slap him upside the head, but thankfully with the 2 POV’s I was able to get inside Eros’ head and better understand him, and see that he really is a good guy with a heart of gold.

Here’s a quick overview of the story. Aphrodite(Eros’ mom) has decided that Psyche is the most beautiful girl in all of Greece and wants her to be her honourary daughter, and marry her son Eros. Upon meeting each other for the first time and learning of Aphrodite’s plans, neither party is in agreement. This doesn’t bode well for either pair and Aphrodite is none to pleased, thus putting poor Psyche in her crosshairs. However, Aphrodite’s plans don’t go as she had hoped and her son does everything in his power to keep this from her. I really enjoyed watching Eros try to pull a fast one over on his mom. Those scenes with Eros and his mother had me laughing out loud. He looked like the typical kid with their hand caught in the cookie jar. The more I got into the story, the more I began to like Eros and actually feel sorry for him. First for having to put up with his mother, and second for trying to win the heart and hand of his one true love Psyche. Their love story was beautifully written, and just swept me away on a magical ride.

Both characters were well written and their personalities suited each other perfectly. I found Psyche to be strong and feisty, never baulking at whatever challenge came her way. She accepted it and handled it with

grace and dignity. I liked her from the get go and continued to enjoy her character and spunk throughout the story. When she is going through the tasks and challenges towards the end of the story to prove her worth to Aphrodite, she showed that she was every bit worthy to be Aphrodite’s honourary daughter and wife to Eros.

Eros, Eros, Eros, what can I say about Eros. Even though he’s the god of love, he’s an arrogant, spoiled bad boy. Can’t really blame him though, after all Aphrodite is his mother and she dotes on him night and day. Like I said earlier Eros and me didn’t get along at first. He annoyed me and had me wanting to shake him silly at times. Little did I know underneath all that bravado laid a heart of gold and a tender soul. The way he treated Psyche and tried to win her love while in disguise just blew me away. Put it this way, I wanted to be at the center of Eros’ affections now. 😉 Eros grew on me throughout the entire story.

As I said I’m a fan of Greek Mythology and never tire of reading it. It’s fascinating, fun and entertaining for me. Ms. Harrell’s re-telling of Eros and Psyche’s love story was no different. She put a new spin on it, added some new twists, brought a modern day feel to it with her versions of Eros and Psyche and really made the story her own. I enjoyed every moment of it and highly recommend this story to anyone who’s a fan of Greek Mythology. It’s a must read, and even it you aren’t a fan of Greek Mythology you’ll find yourself swept away by the magic and beauty Ms.Harrell creates in this story. You’ll be a Greek Mythology fan by the time you’re done Destined.

LINKS TO PURCHASE:
Amazon Kindle
Amazon Paper Books
B&N Nook and Paper books
KOBO

Copy supplied by author.

Reviewed by Marcie.

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