Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Review # 225: The Power of the Prophetic Blessing by John Hagee

Description: (from the Publisher)
     God's prophetic voice thunders through time - from Adam and Eve, continuing through Noah, Abraham, Moses, the Prophets, and then through Jesus himself. While apocalyptic prophecy is a dark cloud over the heads of unrepentant, rebellious people, at its core, prophecy expresses God's desire to powerfully bless and multiply his people, not to strike fear in their hearts. 
     For God's people, prophecy is a word of hope, deliverance, bounty, and richness for their life and family. Hagee takes readers through the entire biblical narrative, showing how this powerful prophetic message flows throughout the Bible.

Review:

     I enjoy reading books about Christian inspiration and spiritual growth - particularly the more unique topics - so when I got the chance to read John Hagee's The Power of Prophetic Blessing, I knew that I was in for some deep reflection. Being a Christian myself, I have heard many people exclaim how blessed they are by God, and how prayer and scriptural studies have helped them lead a happy and more fulfilled life; however, most people aren't really sure how to receive or use those blessings. I talk to God often, knowing that my prayers will be answered in whatever form they may come. The answer may not be what I want or expect, but I know that the Lord provides, even if the provisions are mysterious or unexpected. I have truly been blessed by the life I have been given, but I don't always know how to live it to the best of my abilities. That is why this book is so interesting, it not only details what men have sought for millions of years - happiness and a good/successful life - but it outlines the path to receiving God's blessings with examples from liturgical history; both from the Old and New Testaments. I like when Christian-based books cite scripture, the use of Bible verse makes the discussed topics easier to read, not to mention more accessible. Many Christians are guilty of not reading the bible from cover to cover - a somewhat daunting task - but the organized and condensed passages used in this book aid in enjoyment and comprehension. Each section is supported by the Bible's written word, and I felt a genuine truth to what I read. The book is well researched, to-the-point, and full of both personal and well-known stories of blessing and being blessed. The eight Proclaimations, (Your Children and Grandchildren,Your Wife, Your Business, Health and Healing, Time of Testing and Trial, Emotional Stability, The Favor of God, and Divine Prosperity), are a refreshing take on the modern prayer, allowing Christians to reflect on the deeper meaning behind their words of praise; truly bringing them closer to God. Great reference tool - recommended for readers interested in God's blessings throughout history, and ways to receive His blessings daily.

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this book from the author (Worthy Publishing/Handlebar Marketing) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.
About the Author:

     Pastor John C. Hagee is the founder and Senior Pastor of Cornerstone Church in San Antonio, Texas, a non-denominational evangelical church with more than 20,000 active members. Pastor Hagee is President of John Hagee Ministries, which telecasts his national radio and television teachings throughout America and in 245 nations worldwide.

     Pastor John Hagee received his theological training from Southwestern Assemblies of God University, his Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas and earned his Masters Degree from North Texas University.

     Pastor Hagee has received Honorary Doctorates from Oral Roberts University, Canada Christian College, and Netanya Academic College in Israel. He is the author of 34 major books including four on the New York Times Best Seller's List. Among his works are commentary study Bibles, novels and numerous devotionals. His upcoming book entitled "Power of the Prophectic Blessing" is published by Worthy Publishing.

     Over the years, John Hagee Ministries has given more than $60 million toward humanitarian causes in Israel. In 2006, Dr. Hagee founded, and is the National Chairman of Christians United For Israel, a grass roots national association through which every pro--Israel Christian ministry, para-church organization, or individual in America can speak and act with one voice in support of Israel in matters related to biblical issues. Dr. Hagee gains support for this worthy cause by conducting A Night to Honor Israel in every major city in America and by organizing an annual Washington D.C.-Israel Summit where CUFI delegates have the opportunity to meet the members of congress face to face on behalf of Israel. Christians United for Israel has grown to become the largest pro-Israel organization in the United States - with over 750,000 members-- and one of the leading Christian grassroots movements in the world. Pastor Hagee and his lovely wife Diana are blessed with five children and 12 grandchildren.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Review # 224: The Puppet's Secret by Alex Samms

Deception and desire at the edge of reality...
Description:
     A fictional novella about Angela, a middle-aged woman, whose feelings of lust, hate, and obsession towards an alluring stranger bring her to the brink of insanity. "A tale of romance that never was, and the consequences one must pay for the choices one makes..."
Review:

     I did not expect to find myself engrossed in a fifty-two page short-story, especially since the book blurb was so vague, but I was pleasantly surprised by the subject matter. I have always wondered - what drives a person to their breaking point? Is it a gradual change in behavior? A quick-footed mental "trigger"? Or is every person's psychological profile different? How does one contemplate crime or murder without veritable reason or motive? The Puppet's Secret by Alex Samms describes the mundane life of Angela, a wife and mother, who descends into madness after a chance "encounter" with a man at a local beach. Readers experience Angela's emotional and behavioral changes firsthand through a journal-like narrative, her secrets and disillusions becoming more and more pathological as the story progresses. What begins as an inappropriate feeling, leads to an unprovoked anger so great, that Angela can't even see what's coming - even though her inner "puppet master" seems to know exactly which strings to pull, (No Spoilers!). I was thoroughly fascinated by Alex Samm's ability to connect the reader with the character. Everyone is inclined to the occasional errant feeling when it comes to life and love, but not everyone acts on it. Any person who has ever been wronged has probably imagined a "revenge" scenario; it's just Angela's over-reaction to a seemingly normal stimuli that separates her from the masses. I liked the journal-like format, the background given about Angela's past, although short, helped me to understand her "current" mindset. I also liked the very short chapters and the silence that seemed to fall between them - never knowing how far Angela would go. The only aspects that irked me were structural - grammatical errors and an overabundance of sentence fragments - but they did not take away from my overall reading experience. Recommended to adult readers wishing to delve into a more psychological, delusional, and short-lived romance.

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I received this book from the author (Bostick Communications) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Guestpost: Ron Brackin - The Author in the Corner



The Author in the Corner

     While Kindle and Nook are revolutionizing the publishing industry—and by that I refer to The Amazing, Technicolor eBook Revolution—might we give some attention to that dusty corner over there in the shadows? The eyes peering out of the darkness, like Ignorance and Want from under the robes of Christmas Present, belong to literature’s ghosts—ghostwriters, if you must.

     From a purely rational viewpoint, an author searches for a subject and writes a book. Or a subject searches for an author, and the author writes a book. Either way, an author is an author, and a subject is a subject. A subject does not become an author unless he writes a book.

     In the orthodox publishing world, however, the author who is found by the subject is called a “ghostwriter,” the subject is then called the author, the manuscript is called a “work for hire,” and the author is paid a “fee.” And in the credits, if the author’s name appears at all, it follows the word “with” after the subject’s name, all of which makes one wonder if the whole thing wasn’t the first experiment in political correctness.

     If a subject finds an author, I say let them share credit and royalties equally. Indisputably, it takes two to make a NYT bestseller—great writing as well as a great story. What say ye?

About the Author

     The writer of the international bestseller, Son of Hamas, Ron Brackin has traveled extensively in the Middle East as an investigative journalist. He was in the West Bank and Gaza during the Al-Aqsa Intifada, on assignment in Baghdad and Mosul after the fall of Iraq and more recently with the rebels and refugees of Southern Sudan and Darfur. He has contributed articles and columns to many publications, including USA Today and The Washington Times.

Ron is the author of other nonfiction books, including Sweet Persecution, Between 2 Fires and Iraq, My Handiwork. He was a broadcast journalist with WTOP-AM, Post-Newsweek’s all-news radio station in Washington D.C. and weekend news anchor on Metromedia’s WASH-FM. And he served as a congressional press secretary under the Reagan Administration.

Visit his blog at ronbrackin2.wordpress.com




Friday, August 24, 2012

Free Back-to-School Flash Drive Giveaway at USB Memory Direct

Win A Free Flash Drive & Get Great Back-To-School Tips
75 Creative Back-to-School Tips for Super Moms

From USB Memory Direct - As a family-oriented company, and we know how hectic being a mom can be any day of the year. We wanted to provide a back-to-school giveaway for all of the fantastic moms out there, to give them something unique and useful. We also believe in children experiencing enriching and healthy childhoods.

So, we decided to give moms something that would hopefully make their lives a little bit easier, but also help their children succeed in school, participate in rich and creative activities, and enjoy nutritious snacks.


Free 2GB Flash Drive

In todays classroom, flash drives are as commonplace as pencils and chalk boards. These flash drives will come in handy for saving work and submitting reports.




25 Snack / Lunch Box Ideas

Fun ideas for snacks and lunches that your kids will love. These healthy and tasty snacks will be the talk of the lunchroom and the best part is: they are as fun to make as to eat.



25 Homework Helper Tips

We have some creative ways to help your kids succeed in school. These homework tips will help parents and students do homework better and smarter.




25 Fun After School Activities

We collected 25 of our favorite after school activities to keep the kids entertained after school or on weekends. There are great games for kids to play alone or with their parents!

Spotlight: EOS - The Samsara Chronicles Book One


EOS: Excerpt

     Seanna snuggled against the pillows and drifted off, the background sounds of Blake in the shower a receding whisper. She felt herself sinking into cotton wool silence, her head spinning beyond the effects of the single glass of Merlot she had at dinner. Embraced by a warm spectral breeze, her hair billowed in an auburn veil. Invisible hands gently directed her like a falling leaf into an aura of brilliant light tinged with ethereal hues of blush pink, rose and mauve. Seanna reached out in awe to embrace the shimmering sea of color. Silken to the touch, it caressed her bare skin. A sensation of bliss infused her.

     She drifted onto a field of gossamer grass. Surrounded by a pastoral landscape, her gaze followed the undulation of verdant hills and riotously blooming meadows. Such was the intensity of colors and fragrances that she felt she could touch and even taste them. The peace and serenity of the wondrous landscape enveloped her with an infinite sense of well being. Snowy birds with cascading silver-specked tails soared in an endless azure sky.

“Where am I?” she whispered.

A breathy voice answered. Behold your destiny, my child.

     A floral perfumed breath whispered against her ear. Seanna watched a swirling mist appear. Soft, tinkling music danced on the wings of the breeze. She discerned shapes, glass balls that resembled fragile soap bubbles like the ones she used to blow as a child, some large, some smaller. They pirouetted toward her in a graceful ballet. A vague figure formed in the center of the mist cloud. It waxed and waned, teasing her with fleeting glimpses of a body, a face, then quickly disappeared as though embraced by an evening fog.

     Seanna tried to rise from the velvety grass but spectral arms guided her back. She lay on the pliant blades and felt a delicious languor overcome her. Rays of sunlight caressed her body, arousing her until every nerve on her body cried for release. Her flesh pimpled, her nipples hardened. Eagerly, she spread herself open to embrace the golden light. The spheres hovered around her and glided against her skin. Phantom hands raised her legs and played against her flesh like a master pianist.

About Diana Kemp

Toronto native Diana Kemp is a multiple award-winning screenwriter and author with one hundred and thirty film festivals and screenwriting competition awards/placings to her credit. She is the co-writer of an NRL (Naval Research Lab) documentary (http://www.nrl.navy.mil/media/videos/nrl-extended-video) produced by David Bellino of Second Wind Films.

Graduating with honors from Cal State Long Beach, she began a writing career at the age of seven that culminated in a diversely prolific collection of science fiction, horror and fantasy short stories, numerous short and feature screenplays and three science fiction novels, two of which include The Samsara Chronicles co authored with Gabriella Bradley.

In addition to serving as Executive Producer and Producer on a variety of projects with Michael Gianfriddo, her credits include Blink Black Ops (http://pro.imdb.com/title/tt2083939/) and her 3-D science fiction show, Trapezoid, (http://pro.imdb.com/title/tt2160425/), which is in pre-production. .

Diana founded Shadowland Productions and Edge Media with producing partner Michael Gianfriddo and holds positions as CEO and Chairman in addition to serving as an executive for Dominant Entertainment. She oversees all development, production and management for each company.

She is represented by industry veteran Sherry Robb of the Robb Entertainment Group.

About Gabriella Bradley

Gabriella Bradley lives amidst rugged mountains. She more than often has a grizzly in her backyard searching for food. Other critters that visit on a regular basis are cougars, coyotes, squirrels, raccoons.

She has been a writer all of her life, though only ventured into erotic works in 2003. The Samsara Chronicles was born through psychic channeling. Many of the scenes in these books were inspired by David—possibly a writer during his life, a guide from beyond that visited Gabby. During the course of his visits, he told her to involve Diana.

Gabby’s hobbies include hiking, gardening, swimming, sewing, embroidery. Favorite movies are old timers like Gone with the Wind, Spartacus etc. Favorite music is Abba. Besides all that, she owns and directs a busy company and its staff.


About The Samsara Chronicles

PUBLISHER: eXtasy Books
ARTIST: Martine Jardin
TITLE: Eos
AUTHOR: Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
ISBN: 978-1-77111-141-6
WORDS: 12366
FLAME: 2
PAGES: 44
PRICE: 2.99
GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Futuristic, Romance
SERIES: The Samsara Chronicles Book 1
Purchase at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0086FP934
Guided by mystical beings, a human mother bears a daughter of alien royalty, Aislinn, destined to champion the future of two worlds.
ARTIST: Martine Jardin
TITLE: Nadir
AUTHOR: Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
ISBN: 978-1-77111-142-3
WORDS: 21000
FLAME: 2
PAGES: 70
PRICE: 2.99
GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Futuristic, Romance
SERIES: The Samsara Chronicles Book 2
Purchase at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0086FP9AC
Aislinn, directed by circumstance to meet her past and future soul mate, Dylan Young, begins to understand the daunting task awaiting her. In order to save Earth, she and Dylan must open the portal, the celestial gateway that will allow salvation of Earth’s chosen. Facing opposition at every step from a world plunged into chaos, they have until midnight, December 31st, to reach their destination.


PUBLISHER: eXtasy Books
ARTIST: Martine Jardin
TITLE: Covenant
AUTHOR: Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
ISBN: 978-1-77111-143-0
WORDS: 20380
FLAME: 2
PAGES: 72
PRICE: 2.99
GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Futuristic, Romance
SERIES: The Samsara Chronicles Book 3
Purchase at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0086FP8TE
Targeted by Eletarii minions, Aislinn and Dylan are guided to acquire the crystal skull, the core of Aislinn’s past and future power. After a terrifying encounter with the dark forces while spending Christmas at her parents, Aislinn and Dylan accept the perilous journey ahead of them.
PUBLISHER: eXtasy Books
ARTIST: Martine Jardin
TITLE: Itineras
AUTHOR: Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
ISBN: 978-1-77111-144-7
WORDS: 18550
FLAME: 2
PAGES: 68
PRICE: 2.99
GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Futuristic, Romance
SERIES: The Samsara Chronicles Book 4
Purchase at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0086FP8US
No longer safe in Burnaby, Aislinn and Dylan are directed to visit her parents on Boxing Day where they meet an Italian orphan, Angelica. Aislinn recognizes her soul sister from her home world, Nirvana. Guided by an escort in the guise of an eagle, Aislinn and Dylan continue their quest to gather the talismans.


PUBLISHER: eXtasy Books
ARTIST: Martine Jardin
TITLE: Tempest
AUTHOR: Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
ISBN: 978-1-77111-145-4
WORDS: 20200
FLAME: 2
PAGES: 76
PRICE: 2.99
GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Futuristic, Romance
SERIES: The Samsara Chronicles Book 5
Purchase at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0086FQPNW
Narrowly escaping danger during their quest to acquire the talismans and suspected of multiple murders, Aislinn and Dylan endure harsh winter conditions to evade the military and corrupt human minions seeking to stop them from the opening of the portal.
PUBLISHER: eXtasy Books
ARTIST: Martine Jardin
TITLE: Maelstrom
AUTHOR: Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
ISBN: 978-1-77111-146-1
WORDS: 20200
FLAME: 2
PAGES: 78
PRICE: 2.99
GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Futuristic, Romance
SERIES: The Samsara Chronicles Book 6
Purchase at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0086FQOHO
Forced to abandon their vehicle, Aislinn and Dylan must cross the treacherous mountains on foot. Close behind is the military, whose corrupt leader must honor his pledge to the Eletarii to capture them. But as more guides appear to help Aislinn and Dylan, they are brought to the sanctuary of Emerald Lake.


TITLE: Exodus
AUTHOR: Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
ISBN: 978-1-77111-147-8
WORDS: 18000
FLAME: 2
PAGES: 68
PRICE: 2.99
GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Futuristic, Romance
SERIES: The Samsara Chronicles Book 7
Purchase at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0086FRWJI
Besieged by the Eletarii, humanity struggles in its final hour. Legions assemble by the lake where they descend into the basest depravity wait while Aislinn and Dylan prepare to open the gate at midnight, a portal through which only a chosen few will pass.
TITLE: Nirvana
AUTHOR: Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
ISBN: 978-1-77111-148-5
WORDS: 16000
FLAME: 2
PAGES: 60
PRICE: 2.99
GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Futuristic, Romance
SERIES: The Samsara Chronicles Book 8
Purchase at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0086FRWZW
Aislinn and Dylan’s joyous homecoming to Nirvana is tempered by yet another crisis. Aliens, assisted by a traitorous member of Nirvanan security and a threat to the royal bloodline, have kidnapped Aislinn’s parents and hold them hostage on the dying world of Klatria. Aislinn and Dylan now face the task of rescuing them before they are killed.


TITLE: Netherworld
AUTHOR: Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
ISBN: 978-1-77111-149-2
WORDS: 10300
FLAME: 2
PAGES: 40
PRICE: 1.99
GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Futuristic, Romance
SERIES: The Samsara Chronicles Book 9
Purchase at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0086FRVK8
Seeking answers regarding the kidnapping of her parents, Aislinn and Dylan follow one of their Earthly guides to the mysterious Overlap, a temporal rift situated within an ancient castle. There they experience past events that reveal the nature of the rival Nirvanan bloodlines as well as the identity of the traitor in league with the Klatrians.
TITLE: Bloodline
AUTHOR: Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
ISBN: 978-1-77111-150-8
WORDS: 16100
FLAME: 2
PAGES: 60
PRICE: 2.99
GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Futuristic, Romance
SERIESS : The Samsara Chronicles Book 10
Purchase at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0086FQP6Y
While Vark, Soulmaster and corrupt ruler of Klatria, plots with the Nirvanan traitor to acquire the skull and kill the royals, insurrection grows from within the ranks of his own people. His intention to use Aislinn’s parents as pawns to lure Aislinn to Klatria conceals his true intentions to destroy them all.


TITLE: Entity
AUTHOR: Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
ISBN: 978-1-77111-151-5
WORDS: 18200
FLAME: 2
PAGES: 70
PRICE: 2.99
GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Futuristic, Romance
SERIES: The Samsara Chronicles Book 11
Purchase at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0086FQP6Y
Faced with Shakan’s treachery, Aislinn and Dylan must capture him and rescue Nashira, Aislinn’s sister. Realizing that Shakan is both possessed by the spirit of a corrupt ancestor and is in league with Vark to betray Nirvana, they devise a plan to rescue Aislinn’s parents using alien technology obtained during Shakan’s capture.
TITLE: Kindred
AUTHOR: Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
ISBN: 978-1-77111-152-2
WORDS: 17650
FLAME: 2
PAGES: 68
PRICE: 2.99
GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Futuristic, Romance
SERIES: The Samsara Chronicles Book 12
Purchase at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0086FQP2I
Shakan’s sentencing to the Overlap for his betrayal of the royals and his collaboration with the Klatrians leads Aislinn and Dylan to finalize their plans to rescue her parents before the Fortieth Tribunal. In the meantime, the Klatrian resistance make their own plans in response to Aislinn and Dylan’s arrival.


TITLE: Nexus
AUTHOR: Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
ISBN: 978-1-77111-153-9
WORDS: 17150
FLAME: 2
PAGES: 68
PRICE: 2.99
GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Futuristic, Romance
SERIES: The Samsara Chronicles Book 13
Purchase at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00866K848
Certain that Shakan’s banishment to the Overlap has forever ended the tainted bloodline of Jhanvar, Aislinn and Dylan prepare, with the help of Altithronus, emissary to the Antiquitas, for their journey to Klatria to rescue the royals.
TITLE: Equilibrium
AUTHOR: Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley
ISBN: 978-1-77111-154-6
WORDS: 32067
FLAME: 2
PAGES: 116
PRICE: 3.99
GENRE: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Futuristic, Romance
SERIES: The Samsara Chronicles Book 14
Purchase at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0086FQQB8
The royal pair’s next journey is to go back to Earth and help the Earthlings restore their planet. But now, the safety of two worlds hangs in the balance. Can they come up with a plan to escape?


Tour Schedule:

Monday, June 1

Book Spotlight & Giveaway at Literarily Speaking (EOS)

Monday, June 4

Book Spotlight & Giveaway at I Am a Reader Not a Writer (EOS)

Tuesday, June 5

Book Review at Books Books and More Books (EOS)


Book Spotlight & Giveaway at The Book Faery Reviews (EOS)

Thursday, June 7

Book Review at Books Books and More Books (Nadir)

Friday, June 8

Book Review at Waiting on Sunday to Drown (EOS)

Monday, June 11

Book Review at Books Books and More Books (Covenant)

Tuesday, June 12

Book Review at Bunny’s Reviews (EOS)

Wednesday, June 13

Book Review at Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf (Nadir)

Thursday, June 14

Book Spotlight & Giveaway at The Book Faery Reviews (Nadir)

Friday, June 15

Book Review & Giveaway at Books Books and More Books (Itineras)

Monday, June 18

Book Spotlight & Giveaway at The Book Faery Reviews (Covenant)

Tuesday, June 19

Book Review by Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf (Covenant)

Wednesday, June 20

Book Spotlight & Giveaway at The Book Faery Reviews (Itineras)

Friday, June 22

Book Review & Giveaway at Books Books and More Books (Tempest)

Monday, June 25

Book Review at Book Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf (Itineras)

Tuesday, June 26

Book Spotlight & Giveaway at The Book Faery Reviews (Tempest)

Thursday, June 28

Book Review at Bunny’s Reviews (Covenant)

Monday, July 2

Book Review & Giveaway at Books Books and More Books (Maelstrom)

Tuesday, July 3

Book Review & Giveaway at Bunny’s Reviews (Itineras)

Thursday, July 5

Book Review & Giveaway at Book Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf (Tempest)

Friday, July 6

Book Review & Giveaway at Books Books and More Books (Exodus)

Monday, July 9

Book Spotlight & Giveaway at The Book Faery Reviews (Maestrom)

Tuesday, July 10

Book Review & Giveaway at Bunny’s Reviews (Tempest)

Wednesday, July 11

Book Review & Giveaway at Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf (Maestrom)

Thursday, July 12

Book Spotlight & Giveaway at The Book Faery Reviews (Exodus)

Friday, July 13

Book Review & Giveaway at Books Books and More Books (Nirvana)

Monday, July 16

Book Review & Giveaway at Bunny’s Reviews (Maestrom)

Tuesday, July 17

Book Review & Giveaway at The Story of a Girl

Wednesday, July 18

Book Review & Giveaway at Book Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf (Exodus)

Thursday, July 19

Book Spotlight & Giveaway at The Book Faery Reviews (Nirvana)

Friday, July 20

Book Review & Giveaway at Books Books and More Books (Netherworld)

Monday, July 23

Book Review & Giveaway at Bunny’s Reviews (Exodus)

Tuesday, July 24

Book Review & Giveaway at Book Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf (Nivana)

Wednesday, July 25

Book Spotlight & Giveaway at The Book Faery Reviews (Netherworld)

Thursday, July 26

Book Review & Giveaway at Bunny’s Reviews (Nirvana)

Friday, July 27

Book Review & Giveaway at Books Books and More Books (Bloodline)

Monday, August 6

Book Review & Giveaway at Books Books and More Books (Entity)

Book Spotlight & Giveaway at The Book Faery Reviews (Entity)

Book Review at The Story of a Girl (Covenant)

Tuesday, August 7

Book Review & Giveaway at Reader Girls (EOS)

Wednesday, August 8

Book Review & Giveaway at Reader Girls (Nadir)

Thursday, August 9

Book Review & Giveaway at Bunny’s Reviews (Netherworld)

Monday, August 13

Book Review & Giveaway at Books Books and More Books (Kindred)

Tuesday, August 14

Book Review & Giveaway at Bunny’s Reviews (Bloodline)

Wednesday, August 15

Book Review & Giveaway at Book Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf (Entity)

Thursday, August 16

Book Spotlight & Giveaway at The Book Faery Reviews (Kindred)

Friday, August 17

Book Review & Giveaway at Bunny’s Reviews (Entity)

Monday, August 20

Book Review & Giveaway at Books Books and More Books (Nexus)

Tuesday, August 21

Book Review & Giveaway at Bunny’s Reviews (Kindred)

Wednesday, August 22

Book Review & Giveaway at Book Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf (Kindred)

Thursday, August 23

Book Spotlight & Giveaway at The Book Faery Reviews (Nexus)

Book Spotlight & Giveaway at The Road to Here (Equilibrium)

Friday, August 24

Book Review & Giveaway at The Paperback Pursuer (EOS)

Monday, August 27

Book Review & Giveaway at Books Books and More Books (Equilibrium)

Tuesday, August 28

Book Review & Giveaway at Bunny’s Reviews (Nexus)

Wednesday, August 29

Book Spotlight & Giveaway at The Book Faery Reviews (Equilibrium)

Thursday, August 30

Book Review & Giveaway at Book Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf (Equilibrium)

Friday, August 31

Book Review & Giveaway at Bunny’s Reviews (Equilibrium)

Thursday, August 23, 2012

Review 223: The Blood Poetry by Leland Pitts-Gonzalez

Description: (from Press Release)
     The Blood Poetry is a dark and otherworldly literary novel about a clan of grotesques. Epstein, the protagonist, who delivers his innermost rants in a berserk vernacular all his own; Abby, Epstein’s wife, whose disappearance sparks our protagonist’s descent into guilt and vice; Olivia, Epstein’s mother, who is undead and tames her ruthlessness by joining a Pentecostal church; Astor and Fester, conjoined twins who date back to the Civil War and elders of the Pentecostal church who profess their own brand of redemption to Epstein; Professor Applebaum, Olivia’s boyfriend during Epstein’s childhood, who forced Epstein to participate in a series of horrifying acts; and our once rambunctious Sylvia, Epstein’s daughter who returns to life after dying, only to become repulsed by the sound of her grandmother’s thoughts and all human touch, but whose yearning for her father to restore her to health is Epstein’s best chance at reclaiming his own humanity.

Review:

     Obscenely unique to say the least!  When I read the blurb, I was oddly intrigued, yet confused by the seemingly evasive premise. I was not quite sure what a "grotesque" was, or why the mentioned characters appeared to be circling the drain of madness, but I knew that I was interested in figuring it out. Upon receiving the eBook, I was surprised by the story's abrupt start, Epstein and Sylvia were the first characters I met, and their relationship, as well as their inner dialogues, were quite putrescent - dark and boorish, with an abundance of corkscrewed humor. I am not used to reading books that play back-and-forth between streams of consciousness, so I had to get used to Leland Pitts-Gonzalez's interesting writing style, however, after the first couple of sections I actually started to enjoy the gritty and off-kilter nature of the plot-line and characters, particularly Astor and Fester's role in the unearthly bedlam. Epstein is a very strange and complex character, I spent most of my time attempting to figure out his personality and queer behaviors - cringing at the overly descriptive prose that tended to be offensive, but not entirely off-putting. The back-story was just as demented, proving to be a challenge - which may have been the intention - nevertheless, it added another layer of convoluted imagery to the already tangled series of events. I will admit, I did have a bit of trouble comprehending a few sections, whether it was the wording or the grammar, I do not know, but I felt that it was easy to get lost in text itself; I even had to get out the dictionary a few times. That said, the crude, off-the-wall, and untamed content still presented itself as well-constructed and highly original. I do recommend this book to adult readers, although - be warned - the strong language and subject matter is definitely rated "R". I do consider the perverse style of The Blood Poetry an acquired taste, but it was very interesting reading experience indeed.

Rating: On the Run (4/5)

*** I bought this eBook on Amazon.com in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.



About the Author:

     Leland studied creative writing and ethnic studies at San Francisco State University where he discovered the enormous possibilities of poetic language, experimentation, and critical theory. He eventually earned an MFA in Writing from Columbia University on a merit fellowship. He has published fiction in Open City, Fence, Dark Sky Magazine, Drunken Boat, and Monkey Bicycle, among other literary journals. He is also the Project Director for an upcoming literary series of happenings, Phantasmagoria, for which he received fiscal sponsorship from The New York Foundation for the Arts. He lives in Brooklyn, NY. This is his first novel.

Visit Leland on the web at www.THEBLOODPOETRY.com.

Like Leland Pitts-Gonzalez on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Phantasmagoria.nyc



The Blood Poetry Tour Schedule


Monday, August 6

Horror Book Pick at Book Marketing Buzz

Tuesday, August 7

Guest Blogging at Literarily Speaking

Wednesday, August 8

Guest Blogging at Moonlight Lace & Mayhem

Friday, August 10

Guest Blogging at Precious Monsters

Monday, August 13

Book Feature at Bunny’s Reviews

Wednesday, August 15

Guest Blogging at Bibliophilia, Please

Thursday, August 16

Character Interview at Beyond the Books

Friday, August 17

Interview at Between the Covers

Monday, August 20

Interview at Review From Here

Tuesday, August 21

Interview at The Dark Phantom

Thursday, August 23

Book Review at The Paperback Pursuer

Friday, August 24

Interview at Pump Up Your Book

Monday, August 27

Interviewed at Review From Here

Tuesday, August 28

Guest Blogging at The Writer’s Life

Friday, August 31

Guest Blogging at As the Pages Turn

Monday, August 20, 2012

Guestpost: Chris Reynolds - The Power of the Mind


THE POWER OF THE MIND 
by Chris Reynolds 

     The mind is so powerful, it can sometimes seem impossible that it is limited to merely thinking of stuff. It can conjure up some amazing stuff, there is no doubt — symphonies, great literature, sub-atomic particle physics — but it is so alive, there must be more to it than that.

     This idea is at the heart of my novel, Mind Secrets. I’d always loved stories about people with mind powers, whether it be telepathy, telekinesis or psi-powers, but many of them seemed too far-fetched. The idea that someone could throw another person across the room just by looking at them works great in the movies, but it is one step beyond what seems plausible. Our thoughts and our feelings, however, are so strong, it is easy to imagine how someone else might eavesdrop on them. I know it isn’t possible in the real world, but I was intrigued by the idea that, someday, that ability might evolve in humans.

     It is one simple change that could alter the balance of power in the population. Imagine if teenagers started to develop that ability, how would they be looked upon by adults? They would be feared, treated with suspicion and that could lead to tensions which threaten to overspill into violence. And those tensions already exist within society, there is a gulf between teenagers and adults which has been around since before James Dean broke free from his parents in Hollywood’s influential 1955 movie Rebel Without a Cause. Teenagers are seen as people who hang around on street corners being a nuisance, are hoddie-wearing binge-drinking creatures with their heads buried in their mobile phones. It is not difficult to imagine society conspiring to change the teenage culture.

     It all seems very unfair to the teenager who just wants to be left alone to do their own thing. And it was that feeling of being isolated and ostracised that I wanted to draw on in the novel. It was something I felt when I was a teenager. I wasn’t like the other kids, I was into reading books and watching science fiction films. I felt different and I wanted to express that difference by dying my hair crazy colours and wearing clothes that didn’t look like anyone else’s. I think that’s why I related so much to stories of teenagers with special powers. They were different, like I was different, and what’s more that difference was ‘special’ and exciting. I wanted to be like them. And, when I grew up, I wanted to write about them.

     The teenagers in Mind Secrets are having to live in a world where specialness has been thrust upon them. They didn’t ask to be Perceivers — to sense the thoughts and feelings of other people — but they are dealing with it nonetheless. Not too dissimilar to the difficulties of going through puberty, with all the feelings of having no control over the things changing inside of you.

     Not as if I went out of my way to write a polemic about the modern teenager and society — because that would be pretty dull. I sat down to write an adventure story about youngsters with special powers who have to fight to protect themselves against adults who don’t understand them. About a group of young people trying to find out more about Perception and the hidden agenda behind those who want to ‘cure’ them of it. About a boy uncovering the truth about his past, how it relates to the rise of Perception, and why his memories were wiped. It is only after I had finished the book that I sat back and thought about where all the story had come from and of all the things which my subconscious had put into the writing.



About the Author:

Chris Reynolds is a lover of adventure stories. Chris spent her time growing up avidly reading them, watching them on TV and writing them in her school exercise books. She was often frustrated that stories written by other people didn’t go the way she wanted them to, so she decided to write her own. In the interim, she has worked for the BBC and independent radio as a journalist, written for magazines and some published non-fiction books. Now her stories are available for all to read, following the release of her acclaimed debut novel Mind Secrets. Chris lives among the Chiltern Hills, north of London.

Chris’s online home is: http://www.chrisreynolds-writer.co.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ChrisReynolds_1

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChrisReynolds01


About the Book:

     On the run and without his memories, Michael escapes from a man called Carter onto the unfamiliar streets of London. There, he meets a gang of teenagers with the power to sense the thoughts and feelings of others. They live in fear of ‘the cure’, a mysterious process which takes away their power and, some believe, destroys their personality. Suspecting the cure caused his memory loss, Michael goes undercover to investigate the truth behind the doctors of the cure clinic. What he discovers leads him to a conspiracy that runs to the heart of government and reveals the shocking reality of his own past.

Mind Secrets is a compelling thriller set in a contemporary world and will appeal to anyone who’s ever wondered what it’s like to have mind powers.


Tour Schedule


Monday, August 6

Book Review at Live to Read

Tuesday, August 7

Interview at Blogcritics

Wednesday, August 8


Thursday, August 9

Guest Blogging & Book Giveaway at Darlene’s Book Nook

Friday, August 10

Book Review at Mean Old Library Teacher

Monday, August 13

Book Review & Book Giveaway at Captivated Reading

Tuesday, August 14


Wednesday, August 15

Book Review at Mary’s Cup of Tea

Friday, August 16

Interview at Examiner

Monday, August 20

Book Review & Guest Blogging at The Paperback Pursuer

Wednesday, August 22

Guest Blogging & Book Giveaway at Bookingly Yours

Thursday, August 23

Guest Blogging at Motherhoot

Friday, August 24

Interview & Book Giveaway at I Am a Reader Not a Writer

Review # 222: Mind Secrets by Chris Reynolds

Description:
     Teenagers are developing telepathic and empathic powers that they can use on anyone around them - Sounds cool, right? - Wrong, just ask Michael, a teen with no  recollection of his past, whose recent escape from some pretty mysterious people has left him roaming the unfamiliar streets of London. Finding other affected (and ostracized) teens along the way, he must figure out who - and what - he is and decide whether to try and fight back against an unaccepting and power-driven society obsessed with a "Cure".
Review:

     Mind Secrets officially made it to my Best of 2012 list; its cool cover art, well-written plot, and high-definition characters leaving me breathless and craving more! After reading the blurb, I was worried that this book would be a boring, run-of-the-mill paranormal read, but Chris Reynolds has definitely rebooted the classic "normal versus abnormal" theme with the battle between the norms and the Perceivers. This Psycho-paranormal read has all the best aspects of my favorite books - a solid plot-line full of twists and thrills, realistic characters and dialogue, (especially Michael and the Perceivers), detailed settings and interactions, and a good dose of science, as well as shock-value - who doesn't like a book with a good cliff-hanger or two? Michael doesn't remember his past, or even who he is, but the author manages to make him relatable - a literary feat in itself. I enjoyed getting to know Michael as he got to know himself, his feelings and thoughts well-scripted and compelling. Once I finished a chapter I couldn't help but keep going, wanting to figure out what happened next! I was definitely invested in Michael's history, and piece-by-piece it came together in a well-written, (and completely gasp-worthy), fashion - (no spoilers)! The levels of suspense and deception were high, but not overdone - perfect for any teen or adult who itches for a psycho-paranormal page-turner, and the British references only added to the allure. The book's ability to attract both male and female readers was also a unique aspect; I usually prefer female leads/heroines, however, Michael's personality and plight really interested me, which is rare. This book may have started out with a literal "blank-slate", but the resulting action and fast-paced plot left me in a state of thrill-induced hypnosis! Highly recommended!!!

Rating: On the Run (4.5/5)

*** I received this book from the author (Pump Up Your Book) in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Guestpost: Chris Reynolds - Where Are The Books For Teenage Boys?

Where Are The Books For Teenage Boys?
by Chris Reynolds

    I was in a bookshop the other week, browsing the teenage fiction section, and there was a woman in there getting rather frustrated. She was looking for a book for her son, but all she saw in front of her were the likes of Twilight and their clones. She asked the shop assistant and all he could do was scratch his head and make the odd suggestion of books which her son had already read.

     There’s nothing wrong with the likes of Twilight. No matter what you may personally think of the novel, teenage girls loved it and are continuing to read because of it. But what are the boys reading? There doesn’t seem to be a lot on offer to them.

     When I started writing for young adults, I was told that boys tend not to read books with a girl heroine, whereas girls are happy to read books about either sex. It’s one of the reasons I chose to make Michael my hero — the other being that he seemed suited to the type of adventure book I wanted to write. I was never into all that lovey-dovey stuff when I was a teenager, I wanted an exciting story that kept me turning the pages, so that was what I was determined to write.

     It’s unfortunate that there is any separation between the sexes when it comes to books at all. The best books should be enjoyed by everyone. Of course, there are certain subjects that are going to appeal more to girls and others which are going to appeal more to boys —and there’s nothing wrong with writing a book about ponies or one about football. But when everyone jumps on the same bandwagon — like with the recent vampire craze — it leaves behind the readers who want something different.

     I found it interesting (and a little annoying) that when I first started showing my novel, Mind Secrets, to editors I received a lot of enthusiastic letters, but many turned it down because it seemed they were looking for anotherTwilight-type book and not an adventure novel about teenagers with mind powers. They wanted love interest, whereas I wanted action and adventure. Michael is, after all on the run and trying to stop his friends being ‘cured’ of their mind powers — and has little time for a girlfriend.

     I could have gone back to the manuscript and re-wrote it to appease these sort of editors, but I chose not to. I believed in what I had written and I wanted to give young adults a chance to read it, just as I had devoured these sort of books when I was younger. Moreover, there were other books out there that were doing this sort of thing perfectly well and they didn’t need another Twilight clone fighting for shelf space.

     Now that Mind Secrets is finally out in the wide world, people are telling me how they love stories about teenagers with mind powers and how they are turning the pages to find out what happens next. I’m so pleased that people are reading it, and I hope I have done my job to appeal to everyone from boys and girls to men and women. If only more writers and publishers could do the same.


About the Author:

Chris Reynolds is a lover of adventure stories. Chris spent her time growing up avidly reading them, watching them on TV and writing them in her school exercise books. She was often frustrated that stories written by other people didn’t go the way she wanted them to, so she decided to write her own. In the interim, she has worked for the BBC and independent radio as a journalist, written for magazines and some published non-fiction books. Now her stories are available for all to read, following the release of her acclaimed debut novel Mind Secrets. Chris lives among the Chiltern Hills, north of London.

Chris’s online home is: http://www.chrisreynolds-writer.co.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/ChrisReynolds_1

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ChrisReynolds01


About the Book:

     On the run and without his memories, Michael escapes from a man called Carter onto the unfamiliar streets of London. There, he meets a gang of teenagers with the power to sense the thoughts and feelings of others. They live in fear of ‘the cure’, a mysterious process which takes away their power and, some believe, destroys their personality. Suspecting the cure caused his memory loss, Michael goes undercover to investigate the truth behind the doctors of the cure clinic. What he discovers leads him to a conspiracy that runs to the heart of government and reveals the shocking reality of his own past.

Mind Secrets is a compelling thriller set in a contemporary world and will appeal to anyone who’s ever wondered what it’s like to have mind powers.



Tour Schedule

Monday, August 6

Book Review at Live to Read

Tuesday, August 7

Interview at Blogcritics

Wednesday, August 8


Thursday, August 9

Guest Blogging & Book Giveaway at Darlene’s Book Nook

Friday, August 10

Book Review at Mean Old Library Teacher

Monday, August 13

Book Review & Book Giveaway at Captivated Reading

Tuesday, August 14


Wednesday, August 15

Book Review at Mary’s Cup of Tea

Friday, August 16

Interview at Examiner

Monday, August 20

Book Review & Guest Blogging at The Paperback Pursuer

Wednesday, August 22

Guest Blogging & Book Giveaway at Bookingly Yours

Thursday, August 23

Guest Blogging at Motherhoot

Friday, August 24

Interview & Book Giveaway at I Am a Reader Not a Writer