Blog Tour: Jocelyn Adams author of the Lila Gray Novels Guest Post/Giveaway

As part of J. Taylor Publishing's blog tour I am sharing a guest post from Jocelyn Adams author of the Lily Gray series in honor of the release of Rise of the Magi the third book in her fantasy series. Enjoy, and be sure and check out the synopsis,stunning cover and giveaway!

Author Guest Post 

Creating Fantasy 

 Creating fantasy worlds is one of my favorite aspects of writing a book. With reality, I’m limited to the laws of physics and the boundaries of human science and capability, but in fantasy, I can dream big, set my imagination free to roam, and create something crazy...and make my readers

believe it.

When I started writing The Glass Man, I knew I wanted my fae cities to be something new, something that might surprise my readers.  When I’m searching for ideas, the most effective method for me is to put it out of my mind, and usually my subconscious eventually has an AH-HA moment.  That was certainly the case with the Black City, the first fae city Lila visits. I remember thinking, what would really shock me the most if I wandered into some realm I never knew existed?  Then I thought...if I was staring out at these strange buildings, wouldn’t it be neat if they stared back?

They have windows, right?  Those could be eyes, the curtains their lashes.  The doors could be mouths.  The buildings grew from there, becoming sentient beings with feelings that could read a fae’s thoughts and take on the form of the occupant’s dream house, creating furniture, artwork,
flooring, you name it.  The city became a living, shifting thing instead of a boring, static city.  Often they helped Lila out of sticky situations, even saving her life at one point.  The possibilities became endless.

In fantasy, if you can dream it, you can make it happen.  You want a dragon heli-pad in the middle of the street?  Go for it.  You want trolls as police?  Why not?  As long as the backstory is believable and painted well, anything is possible.

One thought to keep in mind while creating a world is to not overwhelm the reader within the first three chapters.  Try not to toss them into the deep end of your world right away, but to gradually ease them into it throughout the book.  One of the biggest complaints I hear about
fantasy books, is that “I was confused in the beginning”.  I’m a pretty bare-bones writer, keeping my description to a minimum while still painting enough of a picture for the reader to continue their own rendition of my world in their head.  It’s a hard balance to achieve, but it’s totally worth the effort.

If you could step into any fantasy world for a day, what would it be?  I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. ~ Jocelyn

Rise of the Magi
by Jocelyn Adams
Series: Lily Gray #3
Publication date: June 4, 2013
Genre: Fantasy
Purchase*: Barnes and Noble/Amazon
*purchases through buy links support this blog

In a battle of wills, who is strongest? The one who hates or the one who loves?In a test of faith, who will fight the hardest? The one who has everything to lose or the one who believes only in herself?  For Lila Gray, the answer is both. For the Magi, the questions are pointless since they can’t lose, and they’ve been waiting since before Lila’s birth for this one moment. Lila only needs to find them to understand her entire purpose in life. This time, though, instead of protecting her people, Lila may be leading them all, including her unborn child and the man she loves, to their deaths — and not by accident. In the ultimate trial of heart and soul, and the conclusion to the Lila Gray series, Lila will learn that the greatest weapon of war is herself, with one ultimate unknown. For which side will she fight?

Series: 

About the Author

Jocelyn Adams grew up on a cattle farm in Lakefield and has remained a resident of Southern Ontario her entire life, most recently in Muskoka. She has worked as a computer geek, a stable hand, a secretary, and spent most of her childhood buried up to the waist in an old car or tractor engine with her mechanically inclined dad. But mostly, she's a dreamer with a vivid imagination and a love for fantasy (and a closet romantic — shhh!). When she isn't shooting her compound bow in competition or writing, she hangs out with her husband and young daughter at their little house in the woods.

Website  | Blog |  Facebook  |  Twitter  |  Goodreads  

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Release Day Review: A Conspiracy of Alchemists by Liesel Schwarz

A Conspiracy of Alchemists
by Liesel Schwarz
Series: The Chronicles of Light and Shadow #1
Publisher: Random House
Publication date: March 5, 2013
Genre: Steampunk/Paranormal
Purchase* Barnes and Noble/Amazon/Book Depository
ARC provided in exchange for unbiased review
*purchase through buy links supports this blog

LEAVE IT TO CHANCE. Eleanor “Elle” Chance, that is—a high-flying dirigible pilot with a taste for adventure and the heroine of this edgy new series that transforms elements of urban fantasy, steampunk, and paranormal romance into pure storytelling gold. It is 1903, and the world is divided between light and shadow. On the side of light is a wondrous science that has transformed everyday life by harnessing magical energies to ingenious new technologies. But each advance of science has come at the expense of shadow—the traditional realm of the supernatural. Now two ancient powers are preparing to strike back. Blood-sucking immortal Nightwalkers and their spellcasting Alchemist allies have a plan to cover the whole world in shadow. All they require is the sacrifice of a certain young woman whose past conceals a dangerous secret. But when they come after Elle, they get more than they bargained for. This enterprising young woman, the daughter of a scientific genius, has reserves of bravery and determination that even she scarcely suspects. Now she is about to meet her match in more ways than one: a handsome yet infuriating Warlock named Hugh Marsh, whose agenda is as suspect as his charms are annoyingly irresistible.

I get a little nervous when someone says a book offers a blend of genres as nine times out of ten one of those genres suffer and usually it’s the one I bought the book for. So it was with trepidation that I began reading A Conspiracy of Alchemists by Liesel Schwarz. My fears were quickly put to rest as I slipped into this delightful steampunk fantasy wrapped in paranormal and historical elements. I found I could not put this action packed tale down and quickly consumed it.

The tale takes place in 1903 where science and magic are split. On one side is the shadow or the realm of supernatural and on the other is light where science creates new technologies and wonderful gadgets. This balance has been kept in check but as man creates more technology the power of the shadow realm begins to fade and a plot is devised to take over the world from the light once and for all. With the help of Nightwalkers and spell-casting alchemists they plan to perform a ritual using a special woman as the conduit to harness the power. Aren’t you already drooling..I was. We meet our protagonist Ella, the daughter of a scientist, an ace mechanic and a pilot. She is hired to transport a package from Paris to London and the tale that unfolds is action packed and magical with a hint of romance as Ella finds herself at the center of a war. Determined to fight back she teams with Hugh Marsh, a Warlock who both captivates and annoys her. I found myself complete spellbound as we traveled across Europe by air and the Oriental Express.

Eleanor “Elle” Chance is absolutely delightful and refreshing. She is certainly not, molded after the women of 1900’s and in fact her Aunt’s attempt to have a season for her was an absolute disaster. She lives with her inventor father and after the death of her mother he dotes on her. He has tried to get her to conform, but as most daughters are capable of she slowly chips away at his resolve and gets her way. This includes attending the flying academy, wearing pants and traveling the world. She is a better shot then most men and has a specially made corset that she wears on the outside of her clothes, complete with gun harness. She loves logic and as she discovers more about herself and her mother she struggles to accept things. I loved this vulnerable side of her. She is brilliant and kick-ass and oh so much more. Meaning she needs a man who is her equal in all things and who can handle a strong-minded, fearless woman and that my friend is the deliciously handsome warlock, Hughes Marsh. As a member of the Order he has obligations and duties but soon finds his priorities have changes. Elle captivates him on many levels and he struggles with who she is to the order and who she is to him as a man. We meet characters from both the light and the shadow and they added to the tale. 

The world building in this urban fantasy was refreshingly delightful. I am a huge fan of steampunk and so appreciated the author’s inclusion of these elements from gadgets to setting.  She then mixes in magic, myth, and the supernatural to create a battle of shadow and light. I loved where Elle’s role will be in all of this and look forward to seeing her grow and mature. The romance was sweet, but clearly played second to the epic plot with its twists and turns. We get a beautiful history of the how and why of the shadow and the light setting us up for the rest of the series. This was a strong tale and would work as a standalone as well. I absolutely loved the journey the characters went on from England to Constantinople and did not want it to end.  Was I surprised by the overall plot and turn of events; no but the delivery and genre elements made this original and I look forward to continuing this series.

Not all authors can blend genres and create a successful, believable work, I think Schwarz succeeded and fans of urban fantasy, steampunk and the supernatural should add A Conspiracy of Alchemists to their reading list. A Clockwork Heart the next book in the Chronicles of Light and Shadow has a  release date of August of 2013. I look forward to devouring it.

Four cups of Vienna coffee out of five

The Kingdom on the Edge of Reality by Gahan Hanmer -Blog Tour

Today I am happy to be a part of Tribute Books Blog Tour of

 The Kingdom on the Edge of Reality by author Gahan Hanmer.

The Kingdom on the Edge of Reality

by Gahan Hanmer

Publisher:Two Harbors

Publication Date: April 2, 2012

*Adult-fantasy 

Buy: Barnes and Noble / Amazon

Sometimes it's funny how fast things can change, and sometimes it's not...

Welcome to Albert Keane's beautifully designed medieval kingdom nestled in a completely isolated river valley in the Canadian wilderness. Peaceful, happy, and prosperous, it takes nothing from the modern world, not so much as a single clock.

There is a castle, of course, and a monastery. There is even a pitch dark, rat-infested dungeon - because you simply have to have one if you are trying to rule a feudal kingdom!

Farmers work the land, artisans ply their trades, monks keep school and visit the sick, and nobody (well, almost nobody) misses the modern world at all.

So why has Jack Darcey - actor, wanderer, ex-competitive fencer - been tricked and seduced into paying a visit? And why hasn't anyone told him that the only way to leave is a perilous trek across hundreds of miles of trackless wilderness without a compass or a map?

Because a tide of fear and violence is rising from the twisted ambitions of one of King Albert's nobles, and Albert's fortune teller believes that Jack could turn the tide - if he lives long enough(synopsis from Goodreads)

The Kingdom on the Edge of Reality by Gahan Hanmer offers a modern day medieval tale with a message of survival and hope. Hanmer takes us on an imaginative journey filled with romance, violence, and deception. I found the tale to be enchanting as it delivered a message about technology and its impact on human relationships.

Protagonist Jack Darcey is the hero in this novel. When we meet Jack, he is at a crossroads in his life. He is down on his luck and unsure which road to travel next.  His old friend from prep school, Albert, sends an employee to deliver Jack to his home. Albert spins a tale about the kingdom he has created in the woods of Canada. He urges Jack to join him. Jack finds the kingdom is isolated from the outside world as a helicopter delivers him. Here he finds a kingdom complete with a grand castle. There is no electricity, a dungeon and a monastery. He finds farmers and skilled workers to perform all sorts of tasks. The monks teach school and run a hospital of sorts.  Just as Sir Jack, now a knight begins to enjoy this medieval life, conflict brews and a battle breaks out. A prediction is made that Sir Jack can save the kingdom and the tale that unfolds is fascinating and at times dark. 

I didn't love Jack, but he ultimately tries to do right. Jack really takes to this medieval life and as a knight he truly looks out for all the people of the kingdom. His journey of self-discovery while painful was enlightening. At times I wanted to shake him and his actions annoyed me. Duke Hawke someone from Jack’s past wants to rule the kingdom. I cannot help but wonder if Albert didn't deliberately set up this chess game. I would have liked to have seen some of the characters more fleshed out, and some of the conversations seemed awkward. The tale was filled with good and evil characters. Sadly even in this utopia; greed, jealousy and politics still exists.  

Hanmer world-building was delightful and the tale he spun interesting. He weaves a tale, all while posing the questions, "Are we losing our humanity as we become more connected?” His depiction of time spent in a dungeon felt genuine and was eerie. I find this time period romantic, but would miss modern inventions. While I felt parts of this tale were flawed, I enjoyed the overall story.

Kingdom on the Edge of Reality was an easy read, and I breezed through it in a single afternoon. I recommend it to fans of historical fiction and fantasy.  Kingdom on the Edge of Reality is available both in paper and eBook format.
  

I gave this novel 3 coffee cups out of 5. 

Gahan Hanmer

Website

  About the author: Gahan Hanmer enjoyed a colorful career in the theater as actor, director, designer and technician, and also wandered extensively searching for love, happiness and truth. He unintentionally became a grown-up raising two beloved daughters and now lives in the high chaparral desert of California.

Tribute Books:

Website

Kingdom on the Edge of Reality Tour Schedule

Thief of Hope by Cindy Young-Turner

Sydney, a street urchin and pickpocket in the town of Last Hope, has managed to evade the oppressive Guild for years, but there is no escaping fate when she's sentenced to death for associating with the resistance.After she's rescued by a wizard, Sydney is forced to accept that magic-long outlawed throughout the Kingdom of Thanumor-still exists, and the Tuatha, a powerful faery folk, are much more than ancient myth and legend. When the wizard offers a chance to fight the Guild and bring Willem, bastard prince and champion of the Tuatha, to the throne, Sydney embraces the cause as a way to find her own redemption.But Sydney's fear of the Guild, distrust of authority, and surprising connection to the Tuatha threaten Willem's success. Can she untangle the strange threads that entwine her life not only to the fate of the kingdom, but also to Willem himself?(synopsis from Goodreads)


Thief of Hope, Cindy Young-Turner’s debut novel is pure delightful fantasy. The tale takes place in the city of Last Hope in the kingdom of Thanumor.  The King rules in name only as the Guild, a greedy army has been strong arming the businesses and people of the kingdom.  Despite conditions the people of Last Hope dream of a new king and overcoming the Guild.  At one time magic was an integral part of Thanumor, but it has been banned, driving the wizards and fae to leave this realm. When the king dies, the Guild appoints one of their own to rule. Willem the bastard son of the king, must come forth, battle and reclaim the throne which is rightful his.  The tale is enchanting and the characters believable.

The protagonist is a young woman named Sydney. She has never known her mother and was raised by a man named Edgar. He taught her everything she knows and she loved him like a child loves her father.  Edgar worked to resist the Guild and was hanged by their evil leader, a man called Schramming.  He is a ruthless evil man who is the executioner and assassin for the Guild.  At fifteen Sydney watched him take and hang Edgar. Since that time, Sydney has lived on the streets. She has been a thief and a whore to survive. She takes a couple of coins from an official and is sentenced to be hanged. A promise made to Edgar and a wizard save Sydney from the hang man’s noose. The wizard takes her into his realm, where she learns that those in the magic realm are ready to assist Willem in reclaiming the throne and that magic will return. She meets others who will play a part; a monk, an ex-knight, the wizard’s daughter and a messenger.  The wizard asks Sydney to help. The tale that unfolds is suspenseful and dark as this small group work to regain the city of Lost Hope and eventually the throne.

The romance that develops between Sydney and Willem is believable and the journey they face a difficult one. The monks and townsfolk of Last Hope are brilliantly portrayed and you get caught up in their fears and emotions. The wizards good and evil are both frustrating and delightful as they speak in riddles and truths. Sydney is more vital to their success, then anyone realizes. She thinks she is nothing more than a thief and a whore…but she will soon discover that she is so much more.

Thief of Hope was a captivating fantasy with believable characters. I recommend this to fans of fantasy, kings, fae and wizards.  Thief of Hope is currently available in paper and eBook format. Thief of Hope is a 2012 Epic eBook Award Finalist. I am looking forward to reading more from this author.


I want to thank the author for providing this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review. 

I gave this novel 4 coffee cups out 5. 

Author's website: Cindy Young-Turner

Buy this at Barnes and Noble here:

Or at Amazon here:

Incarnate (Newsoul #1) by Jodi Meadows

NEWSOUL

Ana is new. For thousands of years in Range, a million souls have been reincarnated over and over, keeping their memories and experiences from previous lifetimes. When Ana was born, another soul vanished, and no one knows why.

NOSOUL

Even Ana’s own mother thinks she’s a nosoul, an omen of worse things to come, and has kept her away from society. To escape her seclusion and learn whether she’ll be reincarnated, Ana travels to the city of Heart, but its citizens are suspicious and afraid of what her presence means. When dragons and sylph attack the city, is Ana to blame?

HEART

Sam believes Ana’s new soul is good and worthwhile. When he stands up for her, their relationship blooms. But can he love someone who may live only once, and will Ana’s enemies—human and creature alike—let them be together? Ana needs to uncover the mistake that gave her someone else’s life, but will her quest threaten the peace of Heart and destroy the promise of reincarnation for all?(Synopsis from Goodreads) 

Jodi Meadows' debut novel Incarnate is the first book in the New Soul trilogy. This fantasy offers a unique world filled with dragons, slyphs and a city called Heart. The tale has danger, battles, suspense, romance, a divine being, mystery and intrigue. Book one centers around the romance of Ana and Sam; as we are spoon-fed details about the world in which they live. While at times I found this frustrating, it was enough to keep me engaged.  

Protagonist Ana is born on the eve of Ciana’s expected birth.  In Ana’s world souls are reborn over and over. At her birth it is the first time in recorded history that a new soul is born and an old soul is lost. This causes panic throughout this tightly woven utopia. Her father is embarrassed and quickly leaves town. Li, her mother, reluctantly raises her away from the community of Heart. The first seventeen years of Ana’s life are bleak, as her mother inflicts her fears and hatred upon her. She calls her a nosoul and convinces Ana she is nothing. Despite this Ana secretly teaches herself to read and develops a passion for music. When Ana is eighteen, she leaves her childhood home to return to Heart. She is determined to find answers and escape her mother. Ana's journey is filled with danger and it is here that she first meets Sam. I love how they meet, and the dance they do trying to figure each other out. It is evident that Ana's upbringing has effected her, but slowly Sam builds Ana's confidence and the real Ana begins to emerge. They travel to the city of Heart and the tale that unfolds is beautiful, captivating and shrouded in mystery. 

I know some readers will be frustrated by the limited world-building, but because this is a trilogy, I am giving the writer some slack. The main focus of this novel was the relationship between Sam and Ana and it was beautiful done and totally believable. The romance progressed slowly and the way they interacted had me giggling, pulling my hair out and flipping the pages. The author begins to show us the character growth we can expect from Ana as she gains more confidence and validates her existence. I give Meadows kudos for her grasp of the complex psyche an abused soul exhibits. We see insight into Sam's former lives, his loneliness and his regard for Ana. Most of my frustration came in the form of questions involve the world, the city of Heart, Janan and the souls.  Meadows gave me just enough details to wet my appetite and equally frustrate me.

I blew through Incarnate simply because I could not put it down. The romance was wonderful, but I am really hoping that books two and three give us more detail regarding Heart, Janan, the Tower and Souls. I consider Incarnate (Newsoul #1)to be an appetizer and I am still hungry. Hopefully book two will provide the main course. I am looking forward to the next installment and will be keeping an eye on this talented author. 

I want to thank netGalley and HarperCollins for providing me with this ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.                     

I gave this 4 coffee cups out of 5.                  Kimba

Author's website:Jodi Meadows

Buy it at B&N here:Incarnate
or at Amazon here:

The Shade and the Nine Lower Levels by Tannis Skye

Below our feet, where the damned roam undetected, a whole other world exists. Once a distinguished, high ranking tier nine angel, Lucifer challenges the vision of The Light King. Before a rebellion can be formed, Lucifer is banished from the Upper Levels, where he plummets to the center of the Earth. Lucifer forms a lava oasis, which descends nine levels deep, into the very core. In this new world he creates an army of hellions, renounces his former identity and stands as Abaddon.  One of his hellions Valafar has been in his service since the beginning and millenniums later, it is his turn to prove himself worthy of being Realm Lord of level Four. Before doing so, he is released from the hell-mouth with the task of dragging a soul back with him. Thinking himself triumphant, Valafar’s intended victim becomes his greatest folly. Kai’s soul has been stolen, but his body remains. Without a soul and not quite dead, Kai lives on, as a shade. It’s been over seventy-five years since the birth of his new life. Kai seeks a quiet existence with the possibility of the human interaction he has been without. But Kai is not the only supernatural being to reside within the sleepy town of Madeira Park.  Unlike Keetes, Kai’s soul has been stolen from his body by a demon, leaving him as a shade; a stronger version of a vampire. Keetes is the best friend to Riley, the town’s fire cracker and hot mouth. Meeting at night classes and sharing a mutual love of art, Kai’s connection to Riley is undeniable. Riley is unaffected by any form of compulsion thanks to a shield her unaware clairvoyant friend and she is a puzzle that Keetes has grown bored of trying to solve. It’s time to change her. Kai struggles with his need to remain anonymous and his blossoming feelings for the infuriating red-head. Unwilling to let Keetes turn her, Kai is forced to reveal his unequalled skill. As he is thrust onto a wooden spike and lit aflame, Keetes vows to seek out Kai’s maker within the Lower Levels and inform him that his mistake is siding with humans rather than his own kind. There is only a matter of weeks before Keetes will find Valafar and when he does, a whole army of hellions will be sent to wreak havoc on the disobedient shade. The only hope Kai has is seeking out the phantom Unholy Priest.(synopsis from Goodreads)

The Shade and the Nine Lower Levels is a dark urban fantasy with supernatural elements.  It started off slow for me and left me with unanswered questions. The story line is unique and I look forward to reading more in this series. This novel has vampires, demons, angels, hellions and a new creature called a Shade.  

Skye introduced several key characters.  Kai, is a demon’s mistake known as a Shade. We learn about his past, and find him living in the woods near the town of Madeira Park. He is for the most part a recluse, and has very little interaction with the townspeople.  Riley, the protagonist, of the story is strong, talented and protective of her friends Willow and Fay. I sometimes found her to be annoying and moody. Riley, spent her life in and out of foster care, and carries secrets about her past.  Riley and Fay work at the local pub known as The Grasshopper. Riley attends art school at night, and has been friends with Keetes for over a year. She senses Keetes likes her, but he hasn't made a move. Riley finds herself attracted to Kai but his signals are mixed. What she doesn’t know is that these two are far from human, and Keetes has horrible plans for her. Fay is just eighteen and troubled with dreams involving Riley. She learns that she is clairvoyant and tries to warn Riley of the danger she senses from Keetes.  Willow is Fay’s sister and the mother figure for the Riley and Fay. The three women live in a cabin deep in the woods outside of the town.

In the Shade and the Nine Lower Levels, Skye introduces you to the characters and then slowly reveals who and what they are. Be patient, as most answers are slowly revealed, and some will shock you.  The descriptions of heaven and hell were interesting, as was the tale of Lucifer. While some of the writing and editing was shaky, the tale was well worth my time. This is a fresh storyline and I can see the writer’s vision. The second half of the book shows growth, for both the writer and the story. These emerge as details began to tighten up and the storyline became fast paced.  I loved some of the scenes, the suspense and unexpected revelations that occurred throughout the story. Skye's descriptions of the town, the pub and the cabin were vivid. By the end I had connected to the characters, the tale and was left wanting more.

I highly recommend the Shade and the Nine Lower Levels to fans of dark urban fantasy, vampires, demons and the supernatural.  I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series. This book is currently only available as an eBook. 

I want to thank the author for providing me with this ARC, in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this book 3 coffee cups out of 5. 

Buy here: Amazon or here: Smashwords

Author's website: Tannis Skye

A Ripple in Time - Angel of the Titanic (Celtic Cousins' adventures) by Juliet Hughes

Wren's dreams become entangled with those of someone who lived 100 years ago. Fearing he is losing his mind, Wren googles the name of young girl he dreams of. He finds her story in a book entitled 'Survivors of the Titanic.'
Through Wren, the girl becomes aware of the tragedy awaiting and manages to avert disaster by warning the crew. What happens next tears the very fabric of time itself, creating an alternative history. If this world is not to become reality, Wren must use the mythical sword Excalibur to turn back time, harnessing the power of ancient standing stones.
Wren is trapped at Stonehenge. Stepping from its protective circle means he will cease to exist. Here at least he has some kind of half life in spirit form.
As days then weeks pass, this version of the world becomes more solid, and his chances to turn back time and restore reality fade.
Wren needs to convince his cousin Rhyllann to bring the mystical sword Caliburn (Excalibur) to Stonehenge. They must turn back time, and ensure that the Titanic fulfils her destiny.
Unfortunately, the only person who can see him is a crazy old woman. Luckily she has a feisty granddaughter. Carrie only plays along to humour Gran at first. But soon she is running for her life. She comes to realize that although Wren may not be on the side of the angels, he is certainly on her side.
Without so much as a kiss, Carrie begins to fall in love with the enigmatic Wren. Too late, she discovers just how ruthless he can be. Too late she discovers the true secret of the stones. In order to reverse the order of the stars, Wren not only needs Excalibur. He also needs the blood of a virgin. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

A Ripple in Time - Angel of the Titanic was a time traveling fantasy.  It started off rocky for me, so stick with it.  I felt like I was dropped in mid-story and it took me a while to get my bearings.  My reward came to fruition quickly, as I embarked on an exciting quest; filled with famous characters, places, events, villains and lovable heroes.

The premises behind the tale started with Wren's dream of the sinking of the Titanic. His dreams became entangled with those of a young girl who lived a hundred years ago. Based on those dreams, her knowledge averted the sinking of the ship. This action altered the course of history.  Wren (who no longer existed in his current timeline) had to convince his brother Rhyllann and Carrie, the granddaughter of the young woman from Wren’s dreams to help him restore the timeline. The story that unfolded was delightful. 

Hughes wove a tale using both fantasy and fact. While there were some errors in her historical references, her knowledge of the subject was apparent. It was highly entertaining the way she brought famous persons throughout history to interact with our heroes. Character development was good, and the romance that developed felt fresh and believable.  I found Rhyllann, Wren and Carrie to be enchanting.  I cheered this trio on throughout their quest. Hughes tale posed several questions regarding the butterfly effect. The novel emitted many emotions from me and I did get weepy at the end. 

A Ripple in Time - Angel of the Titanic, is currently only available as an eBook, and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys mystical fantasies.

I want to thank the author Julia Hughes for sharing this book with me, in exchange for my unbiased review.


I gave this book 3 coffee cups out of 5. 

Buy here: Amazon or here: Smashwords
Author's website: Juliet Hughes

The Next Thing I Knew (Heavenly) by John Corwin

When Lucy Morgan drops dead along with everyone else on Earth she refuses to take death lying down even if, technically, her corpse is.
She drags her ghostly social life back from the grave and enlists her friends to figure out the rules of the afterlife. More importantly, they want to discover who or what killed everyone and why the heck anyone would do such a mean thing.
But what they discover changes everything. And if they can't figure out how to put their new found ghostly powers to work, humanity will be extinct for good. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

The Next Thing I Knew is an interesting YA science fiction/fantasy novel.  Seventeen year old, protagonist Lucy Morgan wakes up to discover she and everyone else on the planet are dead; ghosts. 

Lucy is a well rounded character who comes into her own as the story progresses.  She is funny and sees the good in others.  She ultimately becomes the leader of a small group of teens.  They set out to discover what happened and save Earth.  The plot is a unique, post-apocalyptic story.  Typical of most YA books, the story developed at a fast pace keeping the reader on a roller coaster ride.  There is some romance and implied sex, but the story line revolves around saving the earth.

Corwin’s imagination and writing style is well thought out and enjoyable.  While it isn't completely believable, it fits into the realm of fantasy.  Fantasy fans will enjoy the aliens and ghosts.  Fans of science fiction will love the technology scattered throughout the tale.  The Next Thing I Knew touched on good versus evil along with religious and moral issues.  Overall, this is a good read and I recommend it to those who enjoy fantasy and science fiction in a young adult genre. 

I want to thank John Corwin for sharing this novel with me in exchange for my unbiased review. 

I gave this book 3 coffee cups out of 5. 

buy here: B&N or here: Amazon

author's website: John Corwin

The Black Prism (Lightbringer #1) by Brent Weeks

Gavin Guile is the Prism, the most powerful man in the world. He is high priest and emperor, a man whose power, wit, and charm are all that preserves a tenuous peace.  But Prisms never last, and Guile knows exactly how long he has left to live: Five years to achieve five impossible goals.
But when Guile discovers he has a son, born in a far kingdom.  After the war that put him in power, he must decide how much he's willing to pay to protect a secret that could tear his world apart. (from Goodreads)

I absolutely love the world Weeks has created in Black Prism.  This book is pure fantasy and the saga (part of a trilogy) looks to be exquisite.  The magic used in this realm is based on light and color. It is quite unique and different.  I was a little confused at first, but quickly figured out how this power was used.  I like the way Weeks was a little vague leaving plenty of room for surprises and tweaks.  The plot is brilliant and the battles are epic.  The book is over 600 pages long, but don’t let that scare you.  It is seamlessly written and captivating; a gripping story that will leave you begging for more.

Weeks characters were complex and I felt engaged and connected with them.  Our young protagonist Kip is fifteen and the bastard child of Gavin Guile, the Prism.  He is a chubby, quick to temper, loyal, winey, courageous and loveable hero.  I was entranced by so many of the characters in this book especially, Gavin, Dazen, Liv, Kallis, Corvan, Ironfist and the White.

 The political games and the way Weeks describes this world and its history brought the pages to life.  Just when I thought I knew the direction the story was going and who was who, Weeks turned everything inside out.  It made me crazy, it made me mad and I want more.  There were a few sub-plots which made the story more fascinating.  While this is the first in a trilogy, I wasn’t able to find even the hint of a release date.  Mr. Weeks…I do not like waiting!

I give this book 5 coffee cups out of 5.

Purchase:B&N

Author website:Brent Weeks

Canyons of the Night (Looking Glass Trilogy #3, Arcane Society #12) by Jayne Castle

Charlotte Enright, owner of a small antiques shop called Looking Glass Antiques on Rainshadow Island, and Slade Attridge, the community's new chief of police, both have something in common: they possess strong paranormal talents.

They met several years ago when they were in their teens spending the summer on the island. Slade saved Charlotte from a gang of drunken toughs, but then at the end of the summer Slade and Charlotte went their separate ways and started their adult lives.

Now, fifteen years later, they have both been drawn back to Rainshadow Island. They will discover the adult passion they have for each other and start to explore some of the mysteries of the forbidden section of the island known only as the Preserve.( synopsis from Goodreads )

I had preordered this book and was delighted when it arrived. Having read all of the Arcane Society novels, I knew that once I started reading, I’d be unable to stop.  I highly recommend this series, if you are looking for a mystery, romance thriller with a paranormal twist.  Second Sight by Amanda Quick was the first paranormal book I’d ever read.  I read the back cover and said, “Paranormal?” “What?” “Yuck!”  My husband brought this book home to me and since I didn’t want to hurt his feelings; I dutifully began reading and thus my love for paranormal books began. This opened the door to all the genres for me.  Don’t be afraid to try a new genre, you may be amazed at what you find.

For those of you who have not yet read this series, I want to give you a little background on the author.  Jayne Anne Krentz writes all of the Arcane Society novels using three different names. When writing about the past, she uses the pseudonym Amanda Quick.  When she writes a contemporary story she uses her own name.  When she writes about the future on a colonized planet called Harmony, she writes as Jayne Castle. While all of them can be read as a standalone or as part of a trilogy, I recommend reading them in order.  I have added the author’s link at the bottom of this review, so that you can see the chronological order of the series.

Canyon of the Night, the third book in the Looking Glass Trilogy, takes place on the colonized planet of Harmony.  The setting is Rainshadow Island.  Protagonist, Charlotte Enright is back on the island after inheriting an antique shop called The Looking Glass.   Slade Attridge, a former FBPI agent, returns to accept the chief of police position.  They both feel an instant connection, but personal demons leave them leery.   Things quickly heat up after a break-in and murder at the Looking Glass.  Someone on the island wants them dead and something is definitely wrong with  the  Preserve.  I liked the main characters and was intrigued by some of the town’s people.  Foreshadowing leads me to believe we will meet them again.   The novel is filled with suspense as they work to unravel the mystery.  The romance is steamy and discreet, a talent that only Castle (Krentz) can deliver.  While wrapping up the murder investigation, the book left many unanswered questions about the Preserve.  The story kept me completely engrossed and had me saying things like, “one more chapter and I’ll go to bed.”  I am looking forward to the next book in this series and hoping for some answers.

I gave this book 4 coffee cups out of 5.

purchase : B&N

author's website: Jayne Castle/Amanda Quick/ Jayne Anne Krentz

Lord of the Vampires (Royal House of Shadows #1) by Gena Showalter

“Once upon a time…the Blood Sorcerer vanquished the kingdom of Elden. To save their children, the queen scattered them to safety and the king filled them with a need for vengeance. Only a magical timepiece connects the four royal heirs…and time is running out. “

Lord of the Vampires, is the first novel in a four book series. Each book is written by a different author. I enjoyed this book and think Showalter had as much fun writing it as I did reading it. This is the story of the king and queen’s oldest son, vampire Prince Nicolai. When the spell is cast, Nicolai ends up sold as a sex slave. His memory wiped by a witch and his timepiece taken.  He is left with an overwhelming need for revenge and freedom. Using what little remaining magic he has, he calls across the universe for help. This tale is told from the point of view of heroine, Jane Parker. Jane is a tough cookie who has recently lost her family from a tragic accident. It has left her injured and reevaluating her life.  Jane has dreams of a sexy enslaved vampire who needs her. She discovers a package left on her door step. When she opens the package it reveals an old book. Upon opening it, she hears him calling, telling her to come and the need to obey is overwhelming. What follows is a steamy affair, set with danger.   Nicolai tries to regain his memory and Jane struggles to save the one man she has ever loved. I loved Nicolai and his barbaric, wanton ways. He is blood thirsty and violent, but with Jane, he is tender. His constant referral to her as “Mine” and “No touch, mine” and “Want You” gave me tingles. Elements of fantasy, magic and sex made this an exciting fast paced read. I am looking forward to the next installment Lord of Rage which will be written by Jill Monroe.

A special thank you to netGalley and Harlequin for the ARC in exchange for my unbiased review.

I gave this book 3 coffee cups out of 5.