Wednesday, November 26, 2014

Meritropolis By Joel Ohman Promotion, Interview, and Giveaway

Title- Meritropolis
Author- Joel Ohman
Source- ebook 
Pages- 226
Publisher- CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Publication Date- September 8th, 2014


             Amazon Summary-
The year is AE3, 3 years after the Event. Within the walls of Meritropolis, 50,000 inhabitants live in fear, ruled by the brutal System that assigns each citizen a merit score that dictates whether they live or die. Those with the highest scores thrive, while those with the lowest are subject to the most unforgiving punishment--to be thrust outside the city gates, thrown to the terrifying hybrid creatures that exist beyond.
But for one High Score, conforming to the System just isn't an option. Seventeen-year-old Charley has a brother to avenge. And nothing--not even a totalitarian military or dangerous science--is going to stop him.
Where humankind has pushed nature and morals to the extreme, Charley is amongst the chosen few tasked with exploring the boundaries, forcing him to look deep into his very being to discern right from wrong. But as he and his friends learn more about the frightening forces that threaten destruction both without and within the gates, Meritropolis reveals complexities they couldn't possibly have bargained for...
From November 27th to December 1st, Meritropolis, the acclaimed YA distopia is only 99 cents on Amazon. This is a really great deal for this book!

Amazon  Barnes&Noble  Book Depository

Author Information

Joel Ohman is the author of Meritropolis--"The Hunger Games meets The Village with a young Jack Reacher as a protagonist". He lives in Tampa, FL with his wife Angela and their three kids. His writing companion is Caesar, a slightly overweight Bull Mastiff who loves to eat the tops off of strawberries.


Author Interview
Who or what was your inspiration to write about post-apocalyptic, dystopian sci-fi?
I've read a lot in this genre, so I would say it’s a mix of a lot of different things. I really just wanted to explore this question of, "What gives a person worth?" Is it their usefulness to society? Is it because someone loves them? Is it because of how they look? Is it because of their health or ability? As a Christian, I believe that all people have worth, because they are made in the image of God. I wanted to explore some different takes on this question. I think that the post-apocalyptic/dystopian/sci-fi genre was the best vehicle to tackle some of those deep philosophical questions in a fun and interesting way.

Why do you write? Is it for fun, or because you have something you need to say in your writing?
Some writers are loath to say their writing has a message, because maybe they think doing so diminishes their art (not true, in my opinion), but I think that everyone has a message in their writing, even if they aren't as consciously focused on it—and that's a good thing. My message is in my epigraph: "Because everyone matters - Psalm 139".

Why the title Meritropolis?
I wanted a short one word title that was a clever—or at least semi-clever—play on two different words. I like "Meritropolis" because it combines "Merit" and "Metropolis," two words that are great for describing a city where each resident's worth is measured by a score given to them.

In Meritropolis how were the animal combinations decided upon? For example, I know you chose to write about a bion (bull-lion), as well as many other freaks of nature. So what I want to know is how did you decided which animals to meld together and why.
I have a big list of animal combinations that I came up with before I began writing the book, and I tried to work in as many as I could. Sometimes the only criteria was that I liked the way the name sounded. Look for many more in the following books!

Can you tells us about your characters and who/what inspired them?
I am a big believer in John Truby’s approach to building a “character web”, because this deepens the relationships between characters and helps to make each of the characters more complex. Absent building a good character web, it can be all too easy to fall into the not-very-true-to-real-life good-person/bad-person false dichotomy where your protagonist devolves into this I-can-do-no-wrong character and your antagonist is just pure evil. I was very much aiming to show the imperfections and brokenness in each of the characters. My thinking as a Christian influences this to some degree, given that the Bible teaches that we are all essentially the same; we are all sinners—only God is perfect.

Do you have a favorite genre that you like to read?
I read pretty much everything! Fiction, non-fiction, you name it! I am of the opinion that, as an author, I can learn something from almost every kind of writing. Sometimes, it most definitely is a matter of learning what not to do—but, on the whole, I love to read a wide variety of writing styles, genres, etc.

Are there any books that have inspired your own writing?
I read A LOT so there are many different things that have shaped my writing over the years, but I wouldn't say there was any particular book, or books, that I was consciously looking to for inspiration while writing Meritropolis. Looking back though I can definitely see different threads of influence in almost everything I have read over the years that contribute toward making Meritropolis what it is: the strong protagonist of Lee Child’s Jack Reacher series, the philosophical bent of C.S. Lewis’ fiction, the dystopian setting of Hugh Howey’s WOOL series, and many more.

Are there any authors that have emerged in the last three years that have caught your interest?
Hugh Howey is an author that I really like that has caught my attention lately. I would highly recommend his WOOL series!

Don’t forget!
Meritropolis is marked down from its regular price of $5.99, but only for a limited time. Feed your Kindle by picking up a discounted copy for just 99 cents, but make sure you do it before December 2!

Giveaway
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Heart By Nicola Hudson Release Event and Guest Post


Heart
By: Nicola Hudson
New Adult Contemporary
Companion Stand - Alone to CURVE
Releasing November 28, 2014
This title is suitable for readers over 15 


                  Summary
Sometimes it doesn’t end with happy ever after.

Neve believes Jake is the one.  She is miles away from home, struggling to fit in at university and missing the people she loves.  The only thing getting her through is the knowledge that Jake will be visiting for the weekend.

Jake believes he isn’t the one.  His family and lifestyle mean he can’t give Neve what she deserves: so much more than him.  He arrives for the weekend, knowing that he has to break her heart, along with his own.

Sometimes we make decisions and have to live with the consequences.

Each of them struggles to cope with the aftermath of the weekend.  Each of them is unhappy.  Each of them refuses to do something about it.

Sometimes it isn’t about a boy meeting a girl and falling in love; sometimes it is about what happens next.
Buy Links:
Amazon US  Amazon UK iTunes B&N Nook Kobo Scribd
Author Information
As well as being a writer, I love reading and reading about reading. My taste goes from Shakespeare to John Green...and much of what lies between! Dickens, check. Austen, check. Atwood, check.

Over Christmas 2012, I discovered the joy of new adult fiction and, inspired by Colleen Hoover and Tammara Webber, I decided to try my hand at writing my own NA novel.

I love the friendliness of the Indie writer community and have been overwhelmed by the support of followers interested in my journey. Please feel free to monitor my publishing progress via my Facebook page, Twitter or blog :-)

My first novel, Curve, was released in October 2013. My second novel, Heart, is a standalone companion to Curve and will be released in November 2014.



Guest Post
Fun Facts about HEART
By Nicola Hudson
  • When I started to plan Heart, I knew I didn’t want to write about Neve and Jake falling in love. That’s the easy part – dealing with the end of a relationship is much more traumatic! This is where the tagline sometimes it doesn’t end with happy ever after originated.
  • When I wrote Curve, I didn’t think that I would be writing a second novel, let alone using some of the same characters. However, by the time Curve was finished, I already had the title Heart and knew it would be Neve’s story.
  • I didn’t really like Neve when I started to write her in Curve! But that changed as she supported Cass and I saw what a wonderful friend she was.
  • Like Neve, I went to university in Brighton and loved sitting by the sea, especially on a wintry, windswept day.
  • I took the photo on the back cover – on yet another wintry, windswept day at the beach.
  • Without being too spoiler-y, the ending was very different in my plot outline. But then I reached a point where it felt like the planned ending was going to feel too contrived to be realistic - and a late night conversation with a blogger gave me the courage to change it.
  • One of my wonderful friends, who is also a beta reader, let me go with her when she had a new tattoo. The scene where Neve gets her tattoo is a pretty faithful account of that afternoon; I even wrote it in a coffee shop close to the tattoo studio!
  • The hospital scene was the hardest scene I’ve ever written. I’ve been in a similar situation to Neve and writing about it brought all of the emotions back to the surface. I was drained and couldn’t revisit it for a few weeks.
  • I found writing Heart much more difficult than Curve. I hit a metaphorical brick wall and was really struggling when I went to an author event in Edinburgh. I asked every author I met for advice. So I have Abbi Glines, Kirsty Moseley, Karina Halle and Natasha Boyd to thank as they gave me some really useful tips which got me back on track.
  • Myrtle is a beautiful evergreen plant with white flowers that symbolizes love and immortality: which is why Jake uses it as a nickname for Neve.


GIVEAWAY
Nicola Hudson is hosting a giveaway to celebrate the release of her novel HEART! Check it out and enter on her Facebook Page!

  • Signed Print Copy of HEART (International)
  • eBook Copy of HEART
  • Nicola Hudson Swag Pack
  • $20 Donation to the charity of your choice OR a $10 Amazon Gift Card
  • $20 Donation to the charity of your choice OR a $5 Amazon Gift Card


Monday, November 24, 2014

Cover Reveal of Atlantis Rising by Gloria Craw

Title- Atlantis Rising
Author- Gloria Craw
Publisher- Entangled Teen 
Releases- January 6th 2015


Goodreads Summary

I am different. I have always been different, but no one can know or my life will be in danger. So I hide in plain sight, wearing drab clothes and thick glasses and trying to be invisible. I’m so good at hiding, no one has ever noticed me. Until Ian…the mysterious and oh-so-cute boy I know I need to avoid.

Now I have been seen. And more terrifying still, I am wanted—by those who would protect me and those who would destroy everything and everyone I love. But if they’re all terrified about who I am, wait until they see what I can do…

~Author Information~


 photo iconwebsite-32x32_zps1f477f69.png  photo icontwitter-32x32_zpsae13e2b2.png  photo icongoodreads32_zps60f83491.png

Gloria Craw grew up in the desert southwest, inspired every day by the wide skies and rich colors around her. After high school, she attended the University of Utah where she majored and got a degree in anthropology. These days, she lives in the ‘burbs’ just outside of Seattle, Washington where she is the shepherd of a husband, four daughters and a very hairy dog.


Cover Reveal Organized by:

Saturday, November 22, 2014

Hanging Tree

Picture found on google images
Poem by me

My mind
swims, drowning in a sea
of lost calculations,
switches off and on like a
light switch. It
sways
in the wind, steady but
daunting. Ready to jump.
Ready to fall. I cannot
stay in focus. I am
like the
tides. The moon calls
for me and I am awake
Thoughts feeble and thin
like the tree's leafless
willows.
Ideas come and go like
a lonely tumble weed.
Help me stay. Help me go.
I am stuck in the shadows
of the
forgotten memories, stolen
wishes, lost time. Now I've
ended up traveling in
the direction of the
hanging tree.

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Robin in the Hood By Diane Reed Book Review

Title- Robin in the Hood (Robbin' Hearts Series Book 1)
Author- Diana Reed
Source- ebook 
Pages- 300
Publisher- Bandits Ranch Books, LLC
Publication Date- December 5th, 2012


             Amazon Summary-
“Is it any wonder I became a bank robber?” 
But she never dreamed she’d fall in love . . . 

Wealthy high school student Robin McArthur thinks she has it all figured out when it comes to bilking her work-a-holic dad for guilt money as a substitute for his genuine affection. Until one day he suffers a stroke at his law office, and she learns the brutal truth— They’re broke. Her stepmom has skipped the country. And everyone from bankers to bookies has lined up in her dad’s hospital room to collect on the millions he’s racked up in debt. Panicked and desperate, Robin figures she has two choices: either surrender to the pestering caseworker and live in a skanky foster home, or take a chance and sneak her dad out of the hospital to make a run for it. Little does she know that stealing a car and hitting the road means that before the day is through, she will rob her first bank. Now an outlaw, Robin finds a backwoods trailer park to hide her dad from authorities where she encounters Creek, a bad-boy in crime who first steals her money and then steals her heart. The two of them embark on a round of increasingly dangerous heists to provide for their motley trailer park neighbors. But what Robin hadn’t counted on is the way these hardscrabble people begin to embrace her and become the first real family she’s ever known. And along the way, worldly-wise Creek teaches her how to develop a genuine relationship with her dad based on the hard truths of their lives instead of his past lies. As Robin and Creek’s criminal journey forces them to make gut-wrenching choices, they soon begin to discover that people are more precious than pocketbooks, and true love means opening your heart to the kinds of treasures money can’t buy.

~Review~

Cover Thoughts-
It is a very enticing cover. I love how it includes a feather that Robin and Creek use for good luck or to reach out to her mom. Although, I thought the feather was white I still think the vibrant yellow makes the cover stand out. The girl looks beautiful and I can't believe she would fit in a trailer park full of crazy people. 

First Thought-
I knew from the start that this series was gonna be very different from most young adult literature I usually read. It's something more original that today's usual paranormal romance, fantasy, or contemporary romance.

Review-
I would like to start by saying Robin in the Hood is a delicate balance between grieving of loss, of having your life flipped upside down and happiness of being part of a family and discovering who you really are. I spent a whole night changing between laughing and crying. Robin is very brave and hilarious. She reacts to her sudden life change humorously and begins to bond with her father. She challenges a stranger to robbing a place (she didn't technically steal the money), and then he steals her money and probably her heart. You can't help but laugh at that.
Robin in the Hood is oddly spiritual. Granny Tinker, a very strange old lady, scares Robin at first but ultimately the old lady is who helps guide her on her journey through love and discovering herself. With the help of Granny's crystal ball and Creek's white feathers Robin finally learns who she really is and where she comes from.
Robin in the Hood is a funny mix between Robin Hood and Bonnie & Clyde. The characters are all unique with their own distinct personalities. It's impossible not to bond with them. I would rob a bank for Robin and Creek's trailer park family too.
I have some questions about some parts of the book though. Mostly, I really want to know more about Robin's father's journey to riches. How did he go from that trailer park to having Swiss bank accounts? The suspense of what happen to Robin's mother is killing me. How is Robin able to connect with her spiritually if she never met her? (Please don't be dead) How does Robin so easily accept these people when she started as a "rich bitch"? Robin's personality seems far from what I would expect of someone who has everything and then loses it all.
It doesn't matter though because Robin is unique. Her voice is something I could read all day. I feel her fear, her curiosity, her grief, her joy, and her love/loyalty for her new family. What a magical ride this book has been.

Overall Readability-
This is a great read for someone looking for something a little different than your usual fantasy or romance. It's fun, unique, and you never suspect whats going to happen next.

My Final Thought-
That was probably my fastest google for the rest of series ever. There's 3! I really want to know if Robin finds her mom and if her and Creek's love prevails over money greed.


4 out of 5 Haunted Roses

~Author Information~

Diane J. Reed is a mutli-award winning author who has a lifelong passion for books—both popular, forgotten & literary—as long as they touch her soul & make her want to tuck them under her pillow at night to remember them in her dreams. She writes novels that are infused with enchantment, where characters dare to break through boundaries and believe in true love. She also has a soft spot for artisans & outlaws of the heart, those who burn brightly to live each day as a gift—because it is! She loves to hear from readers, so feel free to visit her website or message her here to share the whispers of your spirit. 

Sunday, November 16, 2014

Back From Hiatus!

Follow my blog with Bloglovin
Hey Everyone! I am back in full force with tons of new reviews and book tours coming. College occupied a lot of my time, but I feel like blogging about books is what really keeps me sane. So follow me on Bloglovin and request a review. Thanks!

Friday, November 14, 2014

Tainted Energy By Lynn Vroman Book Review

Title- Tainted Energy
Author-Lynn Vroman
Source- ARC ebook  
Pages- 304
Publisher- Untold Press
Publication Date- November 4th, 2014
Amazon Summary-
For seventeen-year-old Lena, living in the trailer park with the rest of town’s throwaways isn’t exactly paradise. Dealing with a drunken father who can’t keep his fists to himself doesn’t help matters either. The only good thing in her life, other than track, is the mysterious man who visits her dreams, promising to find her.
When a chair burns her arms, Lena chalks it up to stress-induced crazy. Yet as bizarre incidents escalate, even being crazy can’t explain it all away… until one day dream guy does find her.
Tarek lost Lena seventeen years ago after she was accused of treason and marked Tainted. He finally discovers her reborn on Earth into a life of suffering as punishment for her crime. However, someone else has already found her… and wants her dead. Willing to sacrifice everything, he fights to keep her safe so she can live the only life she’s ever known—even if that life doesn’t include him.

~Review~

Cover Thoughts-
What I love about the cover is the girl's facial expression. She appears so emotionally damaged but she remains strong. Her green eyes match perfectly with the text too. I love how she looks so natural but powerful in such a simple cover. 

First Thought-
I've lived in an environment that Lena lives in before. Like her, all I wanted was to get out of there. So, before reading this I knew this is something I can empathize with. This is a read that can wrap me up and make me escape reality with it's beautiful imagery. Most of the time my first thought is usually wrong, but not this time.

Review-
Reading Tainted Energy was like riding the best roller coaster. My stomach did flips every time Lena was in trouble. I felt like I was there with her. Lena has no idea that her life at a trailer park, being abused by her dad is a punishment for her treachery in an entirely different dimension. This dimension being the most evolved and where Lena was once a guide.
The author describes everything with beautiful vivid detail. Even thought visiting Arcus is sure to bring death I wouldn't mind visiting it in my dreams. My favorite part about this novel was how romance was handled. It was not overdone or the entire focus of the novel like I feel most young adult fantasy novels are today. Of course there is the tragic love story of Lena and Tarek, but this time it isn't all about love. It is all about getting over fear and having strength.
This novel feels so exotic to me. The names of some of the characters are some that I have never heard before. Wilma, Tarek, Mateusz, etc... The different dimensions, each with their own exhilarating, exotic nature are so dreamlike. This is one of those books you truly feel like you are escaping reality with.
I really wish there was more information about Exemplar, the most evolved dimension. I also felt like I didn't know enough after how the Guides use energy or about the Synod at all. Some important details felt left out while other minor details had too much focus.

Overall Readability-
I encourage readers looking for something a bit different than your usual fantasy young adult novel with a strong female lead to try Tainted Energy. I stayed up all night stuck in suspense and the need to find out what will happen to Lena. Lena is what a lot of girls wish they could be in her situation. She is a regular YA Fantasy role model.

My Final Thought-
The ending left me feeling broken. I won't spoil it for you but I can't wait till 2015 when, Lost Energy, book 2 comes out.

5 out of 5 Haunted Roses


Click the link below to buy it on Amazon
Tainted Energy Amazon

Right now there is a Goodreads giveaway! Hurry up and enter before December 1st!
Tainted Energy Giveaway

Tainted Energy

~Author Information~



Born in Pennsylvania, Lynn spent most of her childhood, especially during math class, daydreaming. Today, she spends an obscene amount of time in her head, only now she writes down all the cool stuff.

With a degree in English Literature, Lynn used college as an excuse to read for four years straight. She lives in the Pocono Mountains with her husband, raising the four most incredible human beings on the planet. She writes young adult novels, both fantasy and contemporary.