Tag Archives: YA

How to Date an Alien by Magan Vernon – a Review

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How to Date an Alien by Magan Vernon – a Review

How to Date an Alien by Magan Vernon is the first book in her My Alien Romance series, which is considered Sci Fi Young Adult.  When you read this book, you know right from the start that this is indeed a more youthful book, not to mention just by the title.

Surprisingly this turned out to be a cute story.  I liked the heroine in the book, Alex.  She was not your normal teenage heroine.  Alex was pretty, but she wore glasses, and she was a bit more on the plump side.  But that did not matter to the hero, Ace.   

This is a story of a human teenager, who gets her father to arrange for an internship at Circe, what she thinks is an army base. Alex plans to go to Columbia University, and this internship was her ticket there. She meets Ace almost as soon as she arrives, and from that moment on, Alex begins to realize that Circ is not what she thought it was.  The Circe center is filled with aliens, who work among humans, as they learn to share on various technologies.  Ace, of course, is an Alien.

This is a sweet romance, with two very likable characters in Alex and Ace.  In fact, Vernon does a good job creating many of these characters, some you like and some you don’t.  I liked Alex’s friendship with Jen, and not so much with Riley and Gavin.  Alex and Ace begin to work together on computer security, and despite the taboo on human/alien romances, they cannot ignore their attraction for each other.  This was the crux of the story, trying to keep their feelings a secret, and this is what leads to the more exciting last 1/3 of the book, when everyone finds out about them, and it almost leads to an alien/human war.

The story was a fast read, cute, as well a having a lot of humor in it.  Though this is not my typical read, I was impressed with Vernon ability to create excellent likeable characters, her humor, and being able to use her trademark humorous comments even with the tense and exciting parts. For those of you who want a light romantic read, not a lot of action, though there is some, and don’t mind an alien storyline; then this book is for you. I feel Magan Vernon has a wonderful future ahead of her.

Reviewed by Barb

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A VERY ALIEN VALENTINE’S DAY by Magan Vernon-a review

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A VERY ALIEN VALENTINE’S DAY by Magan Vernon-a review

A VERY ALIEN VALENTINE’S DAY by Magan Vernon

A VERY ALIEN VALENTINE’S DAY by Magan Vernon is a short story found in the anthology In His Eyes. As part of Magan’s Alien Romance series, A Very Alien Valentine’s Day is a sweet look at the confusion surrounding Ace’s first Valentine’s Day.

As a Caltian, Ace found the practice of Valentine’s Day unnecessary and a bit overwhelming. To add to his dilemma, his best friend Monte claims that human girls expect a little something from their boyfriends on V-day, even if the boyfriend was from another planet. But Ace had no idea what was expected and his girlfriend Alex seemed resistant to the idea of celebrating Valentine’s Day.

Like most females, Alex was hoping that Ace would remember the day for lovers, but she too, was not going to raise her expectations in case Ace wasn’t willing to partake in the very human tradition of celebrating another useless holiday. But a cold February evening would prove that Alex’s fears were fodder for the wind. To be loved as deeply and completely is the dream of every woman on this planet or the next.

A Very Alien Valentine’s Day is a quick read, basically a chapter in length and a welcome addition to Magan’s Alien Romance series. Change the alien scenario, and you will find yourself smiling at the very real dilemma of celebrating your first Valentine’s Day with a lover or friend.

IN HIS EYES anthology by The INDELIBLES is FREE:
Amazon Kindle
KOBO
B&N Nook

Reviewed by Sandy

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Heather McCorkle-interview with the author

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Heather McCorkle-Interview with the Author

 

Heather McCorkle-The Indelibles

The Reading Cafe has had the opportunity to read and review some of the Young Adult novels written by the members of the Indie website -THE INDELIBLES. Please welcome Heather McCorkle and her May 2012 release To Ride a Puca.

 

 

 

TRC:  Hi Heather and welcome to  The Reading Café.  We would like to start with some background information. Would you please tell us about yourself?

 

 Heather:  I love all things fantasy and sci-fi, as you can probably tell by my novels. 🙂 I’m a huge supporter of other authors, both in my online communities and in buying as many books as my budget allows each month. Outside of writing I love all things~well outside! The outdoors is my favorite place to be.

TRC: What or who inspired you to publish your first novel? 

Heather: Actually one of the editors of Simon Pulse did. I was agented at the time and my agent sent my novel to her. She loved it, thought it had the potential to be huge in fact, but had to pass because her list for paranormal novels was full. More followed from other houses with similar reasons for passing. I knew right then that my novel deserved the chance. 

TRC:  Do you have a specific writing style?

Heather:  I do. Third person past tense is my style of choice, though I’m working on branching out. 

TRC:  You are a member of the INDELIBLES website for Indie authors. How has your experience with the INDELIBLES helped with the publication of your novels? 

Heather:  More than I could ever say. The Indelibles are fantastic ladies and the most generous resource one could ever hope to tap.

TRC:  What have been some of the challenges you have faced as an Indie author?

Heather: I ‘ve been through two agents (the last parting ways because of the failing/changing market) and my steps have faltered a bit here and there. I will not name names, but I will say, to others who are thinking of going indie, stay as FAR as you possibly can away from vanity publishers (those who charge for services). Trust me, you don’t need them and you’re better off without them.

TRC:  TO RIDE A PUCA is your latest release.  Will you please tell us about the premise of this storyline? (see review below)

Heather: Imagine if Braveheart and Brave (the new Disney movie) were meshed together and took place in Ireland instead of Scotland. Then you’d have To Ride A Puca. It’s a tale about a girl who is one of the last of the druids in ancient Ireland, trying to survive and hold onto her home. 

TRC:  What were some of the research challenges involved with the premise of TO RIDE A PUCA e.g. Druid culture? 

Heather:  It takes place around 1160 A.D. which isn’t a much recorded time in history. Plus, history is written by conquerors and therefore a lot about the ancient Irish has been expunged. There is a bit on druid culture though because they inhabited far more than Ireland.

TRC:  Did you learn anything from writing this particular storyline? 

Heather:  To write from my heart. In doing so I discovered the most amazing and powerful kind of writing. I will never go back to writing any other way.

TRC:  Many authors bounce ideas between family, friends and other authors. Which do you bounce ideas off of?  

Heather:  All of the above! I talk through my novels to my hubby, and my friends (many of which are authors). That’s how I get over writer’s block.

TRC:  On what are you currently working? 

Heather:  I’m editing the last novel in the channeler series (first of which is The Secret Of Spruce Knoll, second of which is Channeler’s Choice) and I’m drafting a historical fantasy about the Irish indentured servants. But ssshhhh! No one knows about that yet. 😉

TRC:  Would you like to add anything else? 

Heather:  Only that if you read and enjoy To Ride A Puca please tell others or spread the word in any way you can. Word of mouth is the most powerful thing in the world. And I will be eternally grateful and send you boatloads of virtual chocolate. 😉

LIGHTNING ROUND

Favorite Food Ice Cream. 

Favorite Dessert Ice Cream.

Favorite Movie War Horse, Braveheart, Wolverine, Firefly, Brave, Lord Of The Rings, and so many more!

Favorite TV Show Supernatural. 

Last Movie You Saw The Hunger Games.

Dark or Milk Chocolate Dark if I must choose. 

Do you have any pets?  Two cats (one psychotic the other neurotic. No those are not their names. 😉 and two horses. 

TRC:  The Reading Café would like to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.  We wish you all the best with your writing career.  WE wish all of the members of the INDELIBLES much success.

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TO RIDE A PUCA (YA) by Heather McCorkle-a review

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TO RIDE A PUCA  (YA) by Hether McCorkle-a review

To Ride A Puca by Heather McCorkle

To Ride a Puca (May 2012 release) by Heather McCorkle takes place in long ago Ireland and tells the coming of age story of Neala, a young Druid girl learning about her powers. Druids are being persecuted to near extinction and she and her family must hide their powers from their neighbors. Sheltered by her parents, Neala must discover her power and her connection to Ireland and decide if it is worth fighting for.

There is a distraction of being wooed by 3 attractive men to take the edge off of of the threat of death and battle. Neala doesn’t have a type, so there is a guy for everyone, and each guy really wants to win her heart! There is Bren, a fellow Druid, who teaches her about her amazing Warrior powers. Tyr the Dane, who is the country’s mortal enemy, but who will betray his own family for Neala. Last, there is Donal, an enigma to Neala and a friend of her deceased brother. He appears out of nowhere ready to defend Neala against all threats.

The layers of reinterpreted history, magic and an average relatable girl give the story originality. Plus, there is the legend of the Puca. A puca is a shapeshifter of Irish legend They are feared because they can destory people’s lives. The relationship between the girl and her horse is an important element in this YA story. As Neala chooses between following her friends or family, she learns the importance of facing the truth and not denying it. Will she be able to help save the Druids and her homeland? Whatever happens, you know it will be with her puca at her side!

This was an engaging story from start to finish. If you love reading about Irish folklore and legends, you will love To Ride A Puca. It is also a fast read, geared for the mature YA fan.

LINKS to Purchase:

Amazon Kindle
Amazon Books
B&N Nook
B&N Books

Reviewed by Jules

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Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep – a Review

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Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep – a Review

Dark Frost by Jennifer Estep is the third book (May 29, 2012 release) in her Mythos Academy series.  There is also a prequel (First Frost novella).  I found Dark Frost to be an excellent and enjoying read.  This is the best book of the series.  The story picks up where Kiss of Frost leaves off.

Gwen Frost is our heroine, and continues to have a hard time of it.  However, in this book she comes into her own, with her powers, and with her relationship with Logan.  Throughout the book, their relationship is hot and cold, but mainly due each unable to trust each other with their past and/or abilities.   

Carson, Daphne, Gwen and Logan are together right from the start, as the action begins almost immediately. The day before they are to return to school, they must all fulfill an assignment at the museum, and it seems most of the students from Mythos Academy also waited for the last day.  They are all attacked by the Reapers, who are searching for the Helheim Dagger.  Gwen, Logan, Daphne and Carson were in the weapon room, as the fight started.  They were able to use some of those weapons to stop the Reapers, but not before some deaths occurred.  Carson was close to death, and in a very emotional moment was saved by Daphne, who discovered her powers. 

Before they escaped, Gwen came face to face with her nemesis Loki’s Champion, who eventually also escapes.  Gwen is determined to find out who she is, so that she can avenge her mother’s death.  Gwen takes it upon herself to investigate the possible whereabouts of the dagger before the Reapers come back to find it. It is the Helheim Dagger that is instrumental in freeing Loki from his prison.  The story was very exciting throughout, and we learned a lot more in this book.   

Gwen has been flawed somewhat early on, but in this book she is smart, brave and uses her ability wisely to enable her to find the clues, and she makes a wonderful heroine.  The last half of the book is non stop, as we discover who Loki’s champion is; Daphne powers, much to her dislike; Logan’s fears that stopped him from totally trusting Gwen; Gwen’s full powers come forth and Preston returns. 

One of the best things in the story was seeing the Fenrir wolf come back, and how Gwen becomes close to the wolf, who will also play a big part at the end.  The wild ending with all hell breaking loose, and lives at risk, had some suprises.  There are so many questions as we race to the finish…Will Gwen find the Helheim dagger before the Reapers? Will Lokie return to create chaos? Will Logan and Gwen finally come together?  How will Gwen handle the truth about her powers?

Jennifer Estep does a wonderful job with this book, and continuing the storyline flawlessly.  Dark Frost is action filled, and if you are a fan of the Mythos Academy series, you will not be disappointed.  This book was very good and exciting.

Reviewed by Barb

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Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep

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Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep

Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep, is a fun introductory novel into the world of Mythos Academy. The main character Gwendolyn Frost is a gypsy teenager sent to a school specializing in training those with magical abilities such as Valkyries, Spartans, Vikings, Amazons, Gypsies, and other warriors.  The book did stay away from witches, vampires, and werewolves, which made it a refreshing take on Young Adult fantasy.

It is Gwen’s first year at Mythos Academy and she tries to find her place in a new mythological world she knows little about. It is a typical high school with popular mean girls, band geeks, and jocks but they are descendents of mythical warriors and have magical abilities.

Gwen has the ability to touch people and objects and know their history and the feelings associated with them.  This comes in handy after the most popular girl in school is murdered and a powerful magical object, the Bowl of Tears, is stolen at the Academy. Gwen is compelled to solve the mystery of what happened because of the recent loss of her mother, a police detective. Her mother was killed while helping the innocent and Gwen feels the same drive.

As she discovers more about the murder, she also learns more about the mythologies of her world and her role in them.  She ends up literally bumping into a bad boy Spartan Logan on numerous occasions and Daphne, a Valkyrie, teams up with Gwen to find the killer and thief on campus. Gwen starts out as an average girl, an outsider and ends up a hero.

I did not include many spoilers, because they are important to the plot and would make reading Touch of Frost less enjoyable!  Did I enjoy the book?  Well,…..it is written for young adults.  I had to release my inner teenager and embrace this world. May I add, I am SO glad that I am not a teenager anymore!  I personally don’t like seeing bad boys glamorized, dear Logan really likes to count his female conquests on campus.  Gwen is a great heroine who learns about her powers and uses them for good.  I let my two teenage daughters read the book and they both gave it two thumbs up, so I guess that is what counts!  I will continue to read Jennifer Estep‘s adult novels and my girls will continue to read the Mythos Academy novels.   

 Reviewed by Jules

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CLOSED HEARTS (Mindjack Trilogy #2) YA-by Susan K Quinn-a new release review

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CLOSED HEARTS (Mindjack Trilogy #2) YA-by Susan K Quinn-a new release review

CLOSED HEARTS (YA) by Susan K Quinn

CLOSED HEARTS is the second novel and May 23, 2012 release in Susan K Quinn’s Young Adult -Mindjack Trilogy.

PREVIOUSLY: 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, and Kira will learn first hand, just how different is she. Discrimination and stereotyping will force the mindjackers into hiding-fearing for their lives.

Kira Moore is a mindjacker. It has been 8 months since Kira revealed to the world that Agent Kestral and the FBI were performing illegal experiments on changelings. With her family now secluded and hiding under false names, Kira and her father are working for a powerful man thought to be on their side. But waking up in Jackertown amongst strangers wasn’t part of her plan. Complicating matters, Clan leader Molloy appears to have aligned himself with other mindjackers in the hopes of finding his brother.

Kira soon meets the other housemates who are hiding in Jackertown. Julien, their leader, is hoping that Kira will help find and rescue his sister, who has been taken prisoner by Agent Kestral to another mindjacker experimental facility. And it is Julien’s references to Kira as a keeper that have everyone hoping she is their answer to freedom but even Kira is not strong enough to break through the newly established mindguard security. With the revelation that mindjackers exist, security is tight, and government officials are hoping to round up everyone perceived as a threat.

Kira is introduced to several variations on the mindjacker phenomenon. Julien explains that those with enhanced abilities beyond the normal mindjacking are considered mage-they perform ‘magic’ and are able to control others in varying degrees. It is the mage more than anyone that the FBI fear. If the mindjackers are able to control one’s mind, are they able to control the body as well? But it is Sasha that will truly scare Kira-as a scribe, Sasha has a special ability that could easily make him a weapon in the war against the others.

Kira’s boyfriend Raf falls prey to Molloy’s tricks and deviance. Not originally part of Julien’s plans, Raf is now a pawn in a new game of search and rescue between Kira and Molloy. But there is more to Molloy’s plans than the rescue of his missing brother- and it is Kira who will become the ultimate prize for Agent Kestral and the FBI.

Kira’s love for Raf will force her to make choices and her decisions could ultimately cost Raf his life. Molloy’s schemes will find Kira imprisoned in a mindjacker facility, but with the help of a few new friends, Kira discovers that it is no longer (just) about her. Security becomes a necessary evil, but detection and discovery will result in lives lost and the loss of a friend. But the biggest loss for Kira will be her heart, when the one person she loves most in this life, is the one person who is no longer himself.

CLOSED HEARTS is a wonderful second instalment in the Mindjack Trilogy. The story is fast paced, the characters are real, and the discrimination against those that are different is a definite possibility in the world in which we live. The premise will make you think ‘what if’ and your heart will break for a love now lost. Susan K Quinn writes a thought provoking series that can easily reflect the mindset of many countries, groups and faiths.

In My Opinion:  The Mindjack Trilogy by Susan K Quinn is one of the best NEW young adult  series this year.

LINKS TO PURCHASE

Amazon Kindle
Amazon Books
B&N Nook
Smashwords

reviewed by Sandy

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OPEN MINDS (Mindjack Trilogy #1) YA by Susan K Quinn-a review

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OPEN MINDS (Mindjack Trilogy #1) YA by Susan K Quinn- a review

OPEN MINDS (YA) by Susan K Quinn

In My Opinion: one of the best new YA series this year.

OPEN MINDS is the first novel in Susan K Quinn’s Young Adult Mindjack Trilogy. A combination of paranormal and science fiction, Open Minds follows Kira Moore as she traverses her way through a world of mindreaders and zeroes. 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, and Kira will learn first hand, just how different is she.

At the start of another school year, Kira has yet to change. Without the ability to mindread, she is at a disadvantage with schoolwork, friendships and future employment. In a world where all communication is done through mindreading, she is considered a zero-a nobody. With the support of her family and her BFF Raf Santon, Kira manages the pitfalls of life. But an accidental encounter with fellow student Simon Zagan will reveal that Kira is more than a mindreader-she is a mindjacker like Simon-she has the ability to control others with her mind. And now it is Simon’s turn to help Kira manage her newfound powers.

Hoping to engage Kira one on one, Simon directs Kira into a world of manipulation and power. Practicing the art of control, Kira soon learns that there is more to her mindjacking than control-Kira is special-with powers that have yet to come into their own. But there are others who wish to acquire Kira and it is Simon who has been instructed to bring Kira to the Clan. The Clan, headed by the mysterious Molloy, is an organized family of mindjackers that seeks revenge against those who are kidnapping and experimenting on the mindjacker changelings. In a world of mindreaders, mindjackers are a threat to their peaceful existence-with the ability to control others, mindjackers are perceived as dangerous, and there are those who have the ability to strike out and destroy.

Following a government raid on the Clan, Kira finds herself in a concentration camp for mindjackers. Physical violence, medical experiments and missing friends have Kira and the changelings fearing for their lives. With Simon and the others, Kira discovers that her abilities are growing stronger, and with Molloy’s insistence and threats, Kira and Simon are forced into a life-threatening situation where someone will not survive.

Escape is the only option, but when Kira returns home, she finds her family is now under surveillance. Hoping to contact her parents, Kira soon discovers that she is not the only mindjacker in the family. Knowing that she is risking the lives of her family and friends, Kira makes good on a promise to let the world know what has been happening to those who present ‘outside the norm’.

OPEN MINDS is a wonderful first story from Susan K Quinn. The dialogue is mature, the narration clear and to the point, without any of the condescending ideals of teenage drama. Yes, there is some teenage interplay between the haves and have-nots, but the harassment and high school drama is kept to a minimum and does not overwhelm the story. OPEN MINDS is a study in stereotyping and discrimination-those who are perceived as different, are treated like vermin and discrimination runs deep. The concept of the Mindjack Trilogy is not unique in its’ message but addresses the discrimination against others through the eyes of the young. Using mindreaders as the ‘new norm’ and mindjackers as the ‘minority class’, Susan K Quinn looks at a dystopian world with utopian attitudes.

I would suggest, however, that you read MIND GAMES from the IN HIS EYES anthology (FREE from AMAZON Kindle-click here)  by the indie author’s group the INDELIBLES. Mind Games is a small introduction leading into the Mindjack Trilogy that will help explain the premise behind the story. Whether it was intentional by the author or not, the message presented throughout the novel-to keep an ‘open mind’ –when there are others who are different than you. I am looking forward to reading Closed Hearts-Book Two to be released May 23.

LINKS TO PURCHASE

Amazon Kindle
Amazon Books
KOBO
B&N Nook
B&N Books
Smashwords

MIND GAMES free introductory e-novella from IN HIS EYES
KOBO

reviewed by Sandy

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