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Kirstin Pulioff, Author
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Spooky Inspiration... #asmsg #amwriting #writingprompt

10/31/2014

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Usually my prompts are fantasy fun inspired... but not today. Today I open myself to a darker image... and a darker thought.

Trick or treat? Would you follow this woman into the dark woods? What if she promised to make your deepest wish come true? Or answer your darkest desire... could you resist the temptation? 

Take 
a moment to reflect on this. Let your mind wander. See where this creative inspiration takes you. 

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The Secret Sister's Club - Book Blast & #Giveaway #mglit #asmsg

10/29/2014

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Ginnie West Adventures - collage  

About the Books

Book 1: The Secret Sisters Club

The Secret Sisters Club - cover
Title:
The Secret Sisters Club (Ginnie West Adventures, Book 1) | Author: Monique Bucheger | Illustrator: Mikey Brooks | Publication Date: March 18, 2012 | Publisher: True West Publishing | Pages: 238 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 13 Book Summary: Twelve-year-old BFFs want to be sisters. Tillie's divorced mom plus Ginnie's widowed dad could equal a lifetime of round-the-clock girl talk. Too bad Dad vowed to never marry again. Ginnie and Tillie come up with the perfect mission to change his mind: ‘Operation Secret Sisters.’ Before long, Ginnie suspects Tillie has turned ‘Operation Secret Sisters’ into a scam called ‘Operation Steal My Dad.’ Things get more complicated when Ginnie stumbles across her dead mom’s hidden journals. Ginnie can finally get to know the mother she doesn’t remember and Dad doesn’t talk about … until Dad takes the journals away.

Book 2: Trouble Blows West

Trouble Blows West - cover
Title:
Trouble Blows West (Ginnie West Adventures, Book 2) | Author: Monique Bucheger | Illustrator: Mikey Brooks | Publication Date: April 13, 2012 | Publisher: True West Publishing | Pages: 234 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 13 Book Summary: Putting her body in motion before her brain is in gear creates a mountain of problems for 12 year-old Ginnie West. Ginnie is certain that defending her twin brother from the biggest bully in sixth grade was the right thing to do, but she soon finds out she couldn’t be more wrong. Bullies don’t like being embarrassed by girls at school—especially when they are being abused at home. When Ginnie figures out Pierce’s awful secret, she switches gears and decides to be his ally, because he won’t let her be his friend.  

Book 3: Simply West of Heaven

Simply West of Heaven by Monique Bucheger
Title:
Simply West of Heaven (Ginnie West Adventures, Book 3) | Author: Monique Bucheger | Illustrator: Mikey Brooks | Publication Date: January 1, 2013 | Publisher: True West Publishing | Pages: 288 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 13 Book Summary: Twelve-year-old BFFs are matchmaking geniuses. They schemed to get Ginnie’s widowed dad to fall in love with Tillie’s divorced mom. Then Ginnie stumbled upon her late mom's journals, making life totally awesome sauce … until her dad confiscated the journals. Ginnie is counting on Tillie's help to make Dad change his mind, but Tillie's not sure the ghost of Ginnie's mom will make a good addition to their new family tree. When a blast from the past shows up and makes Tillie go nutburgers, Ginnie is torn between helping her BFF and having her questions answered.  

Book 4: Being West is Best

Being West is Best - cover
Title:
Being West is Best (Ginnie West Adventures, Book 4) | Author: Monique Bucheger | Illustrator: Mikey Brooks | Publication Date: April 19, 2014 | Publisher: True West Publishing | Pages: 350 | Recommended Ages: 8 to 13 Book Summary: Twelve-year-old BFFs, Ginnie West and Tillie Taylor, are matchmaking geniuses. Together, they maneuvered Ginnie’s widower-dad into proposing to Tillie’s divorcee-mom. Sweet! Certain they are well on their way to sisterhood, each girl is floored when Tillie’s lousy-excuse-for-a-birth-father puts in an appearance after a six year absence. Too bad “lousy dad repellant” doesn’t come in a can. Even though Tillie’s dad has sobered up and is determined to make amends, Tillie would rather he just disappear again. If he stays, “Operation: Secret Sisters” may need to be renamed “Operation: Not Gonna Happen.”

Amazon | Print Books Signed by Author

 

About the Author: Monique Bucheger

Author picture Monique
When Monique Bucheger isn’t writing, you can find her playing taxi driver to one or more of her 12 children, plotting her next novel, scrapbooking, or being the “Mamarazzi” at any number of child-oriented events. Even though she realizes there will never be enough hours in any given day, Monique tries very hard to enjoy the journey that is her life. She shares it with a terrific husband, her dozen children, sons-in-law, and adorable grandchildren, cats, and many real and imaginary friends. She is the author of the Ginnie West Adventures series, picture book, Popcorn, and plans to write plenty more.

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Google+ | Goodreads

   

About the Illustrator: Mikey Brooks

Mikey Brooks
Mikey Brooks is an author/illustrator that specializes in children’s art. His picture books include the best-selling ABC Adventures: Magical Creatures, Trouble with Bernie and Bean’s Dragons. He is the illustrator of several picture books such as Popcorn by Monique Bucheger, Bongo Flo by Carolyn Quist, and Lucius and the Christmas Star by Jim Long. He is the author of The Gates of Atlantis: Battle for Acropolis, The Stone of Valhalla the best-selling middle-grade series The Dream Keeper Chronicles. You can find more about him and his books at: www.insidemikeysworld.com      

*$25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Amazon 25 gift card
Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest closes: November 27, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the Monique Bucheger and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway MDBR Book Promotion Services
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Ten Thankful Turkeys - Book Blast #asmsg #kidlit #Thanksgiving

10/24/2014

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Ten Thankful Turkeys by Angela Muse

About the Book

Title: Ten Thankful Turkeys | Author: Angela Muse | Illustrator: Ewa Powdles | Publication Date: October 4, 2014 | Publisher: 4EYESBOOKS | Pages: 32 | Recommended Ages: 2 to 8 Summary: This colorful autumn tale follows ten turkeys as they get ready for an important celebration. This story teaches about gratitude. There are also fun turkey facts in the back of the book.

Kindle version available for only 99 cents from Amazon on October 24 & 25, 2014. Grab your copy now!!

Amazon (Kindle) * Amazon (Paperback)

 

About the Author: Angela Muse

Angela Muse, Author
Angela Muse was born in California to a military family. This meant that she got used to being the "new kid" in school every couple of years. It was hard trying to make new friends, but Angela discovered she had a knack for writing. In high school Angela began writing poetry and song lyrics. Expressing herself through writing seemed very natural. After becoming a Mom in 2003, Angela continued her storytelling to her own children. In 2009 she wrote and published her first rhyming children's book aimed at toddlers. Since then she has released several more children's picture books and released books in her first young adult romance series, The Alpha Girls, in 2013/2014. Her husband, Ben Muse writes suspense/thriller books that can also be found on Amazon.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

 

* $50 Book Blast Giveaway *

Amazon $50 Gift Card
Prize: One winner will receive a $50 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest closes: November 23, 11:59 pm, 2014 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the Angela Muse and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway MDBR Book Promotion Services
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Creative Inspiration... #amwriting #asmsg #prompt

10/21/2014

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Without reflection, we go blindly on our way, creating more unintended consequences, and failing to achieve anything useful.
- Margaret J. Wheatley



I challenge you. Be aware of what you reflect into the world. What are you projecting to the outside world. Make sure it is a true identification of who you are, rather than what others have imprinted on you. Don't lose yourself to fit in the crowd.

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Andy Smithson - Disgrace of the Unicorn's Honor - New Release Book Blast #mglit #new #fantasy

10/20/2014

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Disgrace of the Unicorn’s Honor

Andy, now twelve, discovers more than he bargained for when his parents reveal his mom’s past and he realizes she will die when he breaks the curse unless he intervenes.

Andy returns to Oomaldee to find its citizens on edge after many have been turned into vulture-people. Against this background, Andy and his company embark upon the next quest, to retrieve the horn of a unicorn. But not long into it, a seductive voice calls to Andy, tempting him to surrender the next ingredient in exchange for a promise to preserve his mom. Will he be able to stop the transformation of Oomaldee’s citizens? Will he jeopardize his ability to end the curse to save Mom?

Available in Kindle and Paperback

 
"Andy Smithson will take on any problem that comes his way. The scenes and dialog in this book come alive on the page. I felt Andy’s emotions and victories, and I was with him for his pain and recovery. This is an amazing adventure that I have been impatiently waiting to read since book two!" - Rena Marthaler, Rena Writes (Rena is 10) 

"Sometimes, I just let the 5 star rating speak for itself. I can add nothing more." - Wayne Walker, Home School Book Review 

"A long-lasting story that is part of one of my favorite series."

- Erik Weibel, This Kid Reviews Books Blog (Erik is 13)


Other Books in the Series...

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Andy Smithson: Blast of the Dragon’s Fury is FREE.


Pick up a copy at Smashwords, Kobo, Google, B&N. You can also listen to the FREE podcast of Book 1 on iTunes. Book one is also available in paperback.


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Andy Smithson: Venom of the Serpent’s Cunning is available in Kindle and Paperback.


Meet the Author - L. R. W. Lee...

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L. R. W. Lee writes to teach her readers principles that can transform their lives - overcoming frustration, impatience, fear and more. She also shows why responsibility, diligence and dignity are the keys to true success in life. L. R. W. Lee lives in scenic Austin, TX with her husband, daughter and son.

Connect with L. R. W. at: Twitter   Website   Facebook


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Jack Templar & the Lord of Werewolves - Book Blast & #Giveaway #asmsg #mglit

10/17/2014

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Jack Templar 4
Jack Templar and the Lord of the Werewolves
Fresh from confronting the Lord of the Vampires in the limestone catacombs beneath Paris, Jack Templar faces his toughest challenge yet as he searches for the next Jerusalem Stone, this one being held by the Lord of the Werewolves. But the narrow escape from the vampire lair came at a great cost and Eva battles to survive the new vampire blood in her veins. The only chance to help Eva is to continue their quest and find the Jerusalem Stones. Reuniting the Stones will not only stop Ren Lucre’s coming war against mankind, but also transform Eva back into her human self. From the ruins of ancient Delhi to the depths of the Black Forest in Germany, Jack and his friends face monsters, bewildering riddles and treachery from the most unlikely of places. Through it all, they are plagued by the Oracle’s prediction that at least one of their group with not make it through the adventure alive. Worse yet, they know that Kaeden, the Lord of the Werewolves, will do his best to make sure none of them do. But they are monster hunters of the Black Guard… and they will do their duty, come what may.

Amazon

  Excerpt The stench hung heavy in the air. There was no other smell in the world quite like it. First came the stink of grease fires from the wall torches, the heavy black smoke that roiled through the air like a foul fog. Then a moldering, musty base layer came to the senses. It reeked of decay and seeping moisture that grew black mold on every surface. The mold clung on the rough-cut rocks lining the dungeon tunnels. It covered the thick iron bars holding the prisoners in place. It even grew on the tattered rags covering the miserable creatures in the cells and likely on their skin as well. That final smell overlay the symphony of stink. The Creach prisoners. Werewolves, harpies, blind mad-worms, blinderwursts, fangpiercers, even some demons held with the special pure iron chains required to keep them in place. Many of these creatures were pungent under the best circumstances, but locked in the deepest dungeon underground, sometimes for decades, they took on an odor so ripe, so awful, that visitors to the dungeon often had to hold their breath to enter. Even then, the smell would make their eyes sting and well with tears. Immediately after leaving the dungeon, visitors were allowed a bath or a shower in the castle. As they washed the stench from their bodies, they would feel an overwhelming sense of thanks that they were not a prisoner wallowing in the horrifying conditions they’d just witnessed. No one, human or Creach, wanted to be a prisoner in the dungeons of Ren Lucre. Far away, at the end of one of the long, twisting corridors, came the creak of a massive door opening. The prisoners stirred at the sound. Their reactions mirrored how long they had been in their cells. The newer arrivals looked up with expectation, still hopeful their punishment was going to be short and that someone was coming to tell them their nightmare was over. Those who had been there longer knew that hope was useless in this dark place. They simply cowered farther into whatever dark corner they could find in their cell, desperate not to be noticed by the Master. Then there were those who had been there the longest. They simply looked up with mild interest, knowing that nothing they did made any difference. Their spirits were broken. Worse, they knew this to be the dark truth, and they simply didn’t care. One single prisoner reacted in none of these ways. He simply stood, and the rags that had once been his clothes hung on his bony frame. Unbroken by years of starvation and torture, he still squared his shoulders in the direction of the sound and raised his chin, his eyes glistening in the torchlight with defiance. What he saw would have brought a normal man to his knees, but this man was no more normal than the monster approaching. Ren Lucre, the five hundred year old vampire, filled the hallway as he strode through it, his cloak billowing behind him as he rushed past the stinking cells. His pale, narrow face looked pinched and concerned. His blood-red lip pursed in a straight line, and his eyes glowered like embers in a fire that might at any time combust into new flame. He came to the thick set of bars that held the proud man, stopped, and stared him down. “Well, if it isn’t the Lord of the Creach,” the man said. Even though his voice was course and weak, he still managed an edge of bitter sarcasm. “You look like you’re having a bad day.” The man spat on the floor. “Good.”
Jack Templar 4 Tour

Tour Schedule


  jeff
Author Jeff Gunhus Jeff Gunhus is the author of the Amazon bestselling supernatural thriller, Night Chill, and the Middle Grade/YA series, The Templar Chronicles. The first book of the series, Jack Templar Monster Hunter, was written in an effort to get his reluctant reader eleven-year old son excited about reading. It worked and a new series was born. His book Reaching Your Reluctant Reader has helped hundreds of parents create avid readers. Killer Within is his second novel for adults. As a father of five, he and his wife Nicole spend most of their time chasing kids and taking advantage of living in the great state of Maryland. In rare moments of quiet, he can be found in the back of the City Dock Cafe in Annapolis working on his next novel. If you see him there, sit down and have a cup of coffee with him. You just might end up in his next novel.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Jack Templar awards

book blast button        
Book Blast Giveaway $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/4/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.  
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Antebellum Awakening - Book Blast & Review #asmsg #fantasy #newrelease

10/15/2014

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Merry Meet Bianca!
Oh, how I have been waiting to read about you again after Miss Mabel's School for Girls. For those of you who have not met Bianca, we must change that today... She is a strong-willed witch determined to take control of her life, at any cost... even if it means her life.
Intrigued... I knew you would be. ;)

     Antebellum Awakening...

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Blurb:
Never underestimate the power of a volatile witch. 

Still reeling in the wake of her mother’s death, sixteen-year-old Bianca Monroe is forced to move to Chatham Castle. Not even the sudden appearance of ancient dragons in haunted Letum Wood nor her two best friends can distract her from the strength of her deep, dark rage. 

Her grief puts her magical powers into chaos, endangering any witch around her. She has six months left to destroy the curse that will kill her and fulfill her contract with the most cunning enemy of all: her former teacher Miss Mabel. 

Bianca must make a choice: learn to control her restless powers, or let the powers control her. 

Antebellum Awakening is the second book in the thrilling new fantasy collection, The Network Series. It’s a haunting tale about tragedy, loss, and the power of moving on.

$3.99 Amazon

My Review...

With the heartbreaking and yet empowering end to Miss Mabel's, you know something big is about to happen in the sequel and in Bianca's world. After the tragic death of her mother, battle with Miss Mabel, and uncovering of a planned network takeover, Bianca's life is in turmoil. Moved to Chantham Castle for her safety, Bianca struggles to come to terms with her grief, out of control magic, and the new direction of her life. Even with the political turmoil, grieving, and preparing for war, Bianca still has one thing to worry about... her life. Can she break the curse that threatens her life, or will unforeseen circumstances stand in her way?

I won't lie... when I finished reading Miss Mabel's School for Girls, I became one of Katie Cross's biggest fans. In fact, I think the first things I did after reading the first book was contact her and ask when the second book in the series was coming out. Thankfully, she didn't disappoint and I only had to wait  a few months... A few agonizing months, but it was worth it.

Again, when I started reading, I found myself hooked from the first scene. Teased with the High Priestess vowing to break Bianca's inheritance curse, the complex relationships between characters and plot gripped me. This is a fast paced, action filled tale that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Once I opened the book, there was no going back (or putting the book down.) The sequel delivers on all the promises made from the first book and gives us more.

Just a quick note as a total fan girl for Bianca. One of the exciting points from the first book is that she is independent and self-sufficient. Romance was not necessary for her at that point in her life. While I wholeheartedly understood that, I'll admit, I was excited about the potential romance story when the guardians were introduced. Who wouldn't drool over the strong men that protected the castle... Ok, maybe they were cuter in my imagination than intended, but the plot line caught my attention... and I still appreciated that even with the addition of some romance, Bianca stayed true and strong to who she is. 


She's a girl to route for. Does she need a sidekick, sure, who doesn't need friends of all sorts in this type of dangerous journey... But she doesn't need a man... And I love that.

Bottom line, Katie Cross has done a magical job. After reading and reviewing the first book, I said forget Hogwarts, go to Miss Mabel's... This book I make no comparisons. Antebellum Awakening stands on it's own as a remarkable book with an original tone, and cast of memorable characters.  

5 stars!

Bonus...

Because Katie Cross is awesome, as a special gift for the release of Antebellum Awakening, she has put Miss Mabel's School for Girl's on sale, for only $0.99. GRAB YOUR COPY TODAY!!!!
$0.99 Sale on Amazon - Miss Mabel's

Meet the Author - Katie Cross...

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My world revolves around my husband (who is a major hottie), my Vizsla’s, and the mountains.

I wear hiking boots instead of heels when I need to feel powerful, and on a bad day, I love a weightlifting workout. Actually, I love it on a good day.

I don’t eat bread because my thyroid doesn’t like it, although there are days I miss it. Especially ciabatta. Sweet potatoes are kind of my thing. Cookies too.

I write because I never stopped.

Email me at k cross writing  at gmail dot com
Website/Blog: http://www.kcrosswriting.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/katiecrosswriting
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kcrosswriting

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Steampunk's Finest New Series - The Yellow Hoods #asmsg #steampunk #new

10/14/2014

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Along Came a Wolf is the debut book of the highly rated emergent Steampunk series, The Yellow Hoods. This young adult series is layered for the mature reader. It incorporates some elements of fairy-tale, inspired by the notion of what if the rhymes and tales we know were based on real events, in this world. 

Seeds of a technological revolution have started to sprout in this old world, about to change it forever. A secret society, long thought crushed, makes its first move against its unsuspecting, benevolent opponent. 

Master inventor Nikolas Klaus has seen some of this coming, and has quietly broken the rule of keeping his secret society's knowledge and skills from the younger generations. He knows that the day will come when they will be needed, but has underestimated how soon. 

Tee, Elly, and Richy shed their innocence and are forced to stand as the Yellow Hoods to overcome life- threatening dangers unleashed as secrets of Nikolas' past are revealed. 

Will Nikolas' secrets cost him the life of his granddaughter? Are his efforts too little, too late? 

Review Quotes...
"A gripping read. Lots of fun for kids and adults both. A wonderful mixture of action, mystery, and whimsy that leaves an impression on you long after you've turned the last page." 

"I was always envious of people who could get drawn into a good book. Now, I am one of those people." 

"This book is well written and the character development is phenomenal. I'm not just talking about the main characters here—I mean ALL of them."


Amazon

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In an act of desperation, inventor Maxwell Watt sends his teenage son to Nikolas Klaus with the secret plans for his steam engine. The Fare, a nefarious secret society, learns of the game-changing invention and accelerate their timeline to neutralize Klaus and reclaim control over the kingdoms. 

While wars spark to the south, children in Mineau have started to go missing—again. Captain Archambault suspects the return of the Ginger Lady. With the help of the Yellow Hoods and their friends, the search is on to find the missing children before it is too late. 

What is the secret that ties the Yellow Hoods to the Ginger Lady? Who are the Red Hoods really? 

Review Quotes...

Enjoy this darker, edgier instalment in this exciting Emergent Steampunk adventure series that is laced with elements of fairy-tale that gives it depth. A young adult series that is layered for the mature reader. 

“A beautifully spun tale in a unique and captivating world.”


Amazon

Meet the Author - Adam Dreece...

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Adam Dreece wrote short stories for friends and family, for 25 years. After becoming seriously ill, he decided to make some changes, including never missing a night of reading stories to his kids again because of work, and going after his dream of being an author.

He spent three years writing a memoir about his life up to and through that event. With that out of the way, he felt free and able to start writing fiction again. With a nudge from his daughter, he wrote Along Came a Wolf and created The Yellow Hoods series.

Adam spends time with his kids, his wife and helping others with their writing online. He's also a public speaker and mentor. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

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The Girl Who Came Back to Life - Review & #Giveaway #asmsg #mglit

10/13/2014

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thegirlbanner
The Girl Who Came Back to Life is a Middle Grade Fantasy (fable/fairytale) and the tour runs October 13-17 with reviews only. Check out thetour page for the full schedule.

TheGirlWhoCameBackToLife_Cover_FrontOnlyThe Girl Who Came Back to Life by Craig Staufenberg

When you die, your spirit wakes in the north, in the City of the Dead. There, you wander the cold until one of your living loved ones finds you, says "Goodbye," and Sends you to the next world. After her parents die, 12-year-old Sophie refuses to release their spirits. Instead, she resolves to travel to the City of the Dead to bring her mother and father’s spirits back home with her. Taking the long pilgrimage north with her gruff & distant grandmother—by train, by foot, by boat; over ruined mountains and plains and oceans—Sophie struggles to return what death stole from her. Yet the journey offers her many hard, unexpected lessons—what to hold on to, when to let go, and who she must truly bring back to life.
 

Amazon | Goodreads




About the Author:
Craig Staufenberg is a writer and filmmaker living in NYC.
Website: craigstaufenberg.com
Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads 

My Review...

Sophie, 12 years an orphan cones up with a plan... Bring her parents back to life. Sounds tough, but she is determined. She'll make the difficult journey to the north, but instead of Sending them off, she will remind them why they need to live. 

However, getting there will be more difficult than she thought and more eventful than she wanted. Still grieving her husband's death, Sophie's grandma accompanies her on the journey. That seems normal, except their relationship is anything but that... Together, they find their way north, but also find out more about each other and life than either anticipated.  

The Good:
This book has several strong points. First, in the tradition of fairy tales, it imparts many lessons about family, death, grief, and acceptance. The pace of the adventure kept me intrigued. And as each new challenge was presented, a deeper level of understanding developed the characters. There was a subtly to this story that I really enjoyed.

The Bad:
With any book though, I feel compelled to point out any issues that I, as a reader encountered. 

The story is told almost entirely in a narrative format rather than being immersed in dialogue or an active point of view. For younger and middle grade readers this is common, but I found myself longing for more.  

I also had some confusion at points over the main character. For being stripped from a loving home and deposited into a cold environment without help, or guidance, I felt Sophie remained too controlled... and a bit too mature for  twelve.

Neither of these deterred me from this enjoyable story.

My Recommendation:
I enjoyed the way this book was broken into distinctive parts and short chapters. The reader is easily guided along this fast-paced, descriptive journey. I believe that this book will appeal to middle graders that enjoy a darker theme... and also reluctant readers.The short chapters truly give you a feeling of accomplishment, transition, and progress... 

4 Stars!

Giveaway...

3 signed copies of The Girl Who Came Back to Life by Craig Staufenberg (US)

3 ebook copies of The Girl Who Came Back to Life (INT)
a Rafflecopter giveaway

2 Comments

Rise of the Flame - Cover Reveal & Giveaway #asmsg #fantasy #comingsoon

10/11/2014

2 Comments

 
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Rise of the Flame
by K.N. Lee
There are six races, four realms, and one human girl who can bring them together in peace...or war.
 
Lilae has been hunted since the night of her birth. She is the only heir to the human god's throne.
 
For centuries the races have been separated by an ancient barrier. Now that the barrier is crumbling and vanishing, the races are once again pitted against one another.
 
Who will rule? Which races will survive? Will Lilae give up her chance for the throne to save the race of the man she loves?
  
Coming January 2015 to
Amazon & www.Kn-Lee.com

Exclusive Excerpt...

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Prologue
Even in the lowest levels of the Aurorian palace, where the servants slept, the castle staff sat up and listened to the queen’s cries of pain. No one wanted her to die. She was only the fourth queen of the Black Throne and yet she was the most loved.

King Torek paced the dim, narrow corridor; the only light came from the brass torches placed against the stone walls. His brow furrowed as he waited for his summons.

He wondered if it was wise of them to try for a second child. He was growing older and weaker. But one son wasn’t enough of a legacy for an Aurorian king. Torek had grown up with four brothers and seven sisters. It was a shame that he hadn’t sired more children in his long lifetime. King Torek had four wives and only one son.

It was too late for doubts. They were twenty hours into labor and either the child would finally come or both the baby and the mother would die.

King Torek finally sat down on the carpeted corridor’s floor in exhaustion. His legs were tired from standing. Sweat ran down his balding scalp.

“Do you need anything, sire?”

King Torek waved the young guard away as one last scream, more agonizing than the rest, broke him from his thoughts. The sound itself, in its clarity, sent a shiver up his spine. Torek drew a fearful breath and waited. His body was tense and rigid. After a few moments of complete silence, the short midwife opened the doors to Queen Sysil’s quarters and ushered him inside.

The air inside the room was thick and steamy, the candlelight dim; it bathed the room in a faint orange glow. The smell of blood and sweat invaded his nostrils, so he covered his nose with his long velvet sleeve.

King Torek noticed his young wife sprawled motionless on the bed. “Is she all right?” A look of worry creased his aging face.

Queen Sysil’s eyes seemed sealed shut from tears of pain. Her scarlet hair was in disarray and sweat beaded her pale face. Her chest rose slightly and fell, and he sighed in relief.

The midwife nodded. “She’s only resting.” Her aged eyes seemed to hold something more.

“Where’s the child?” His dark eyes roamed the room. There were no screams or cries from the baby.

The midwife pointed a chubby finger to the small bassinet at the queen’s bedside. The midwife’s aide stepped aside timidly, careful to avoid eye contact as the king towered over them on his path to the baby.

An attendant wiped the sweat from the queen’s face with a cool rag. Sysil’s lips trembled. “I am sorry that it is a girl. We can try again, if it is your desire.”

If only they had time to try again. Sysil was only twenty-two, but Torek was nearly seventy, and his body reminded him of his mortality every day. Two children would have to do.

“A baby girl?” To everyone’s surprise, Torek smiled.

He looked in at the daughter who seemed so calm and peaceful. He picked her up, and his thoughts of having another boy vanished as he stared at her appealing, yet eerie beauty.

The girl was tiny, with a head full of short, curly hair. It was odd; he’d never seen anyone with hair that shade of red before. It was so bright, that it seemed to have traces of gold throughout.

The king’s body tensed as though under a spell, when his daughter looked up into his eyes. Under long, thick golden lashes were eyes of a rich, bluish green. He gasped, almost dropping her, when a faint flicker of light moved deeply within them. The child yawned so innocently, her little mouth opening in a perfect circle, before she closed her eyes to sleep.

“Do not look too deeply into the child's eyes.”

“She’s bewitched,” one of the attendants whispered.

Torek turned and looked at the midwife; one of his bushy white eyebrows rose in search of answers. The queen’s attendants avoided his eyes as they busied themselves with cleaning the room of the blood-soaked rags.

The babe did indeed resemble the queen as far as her hair color; however, her blue-green eyes were rare and unsettling. Though many humans of the North had special traits, there was something more to this girl.

Torek already felt a deep love for the child, his baby girl. He gently hugged her close to him.

“Let me hold her, your grace.” The midwife held her arms out, her small eyes never leaving the baby.

“My king, what is wrong?” Sysil weakly tried to sit up in the bed. Her face paled even more when she saw Torek’s smile fade.

The child’s eyes…did that thing again, flickering with light. Torek swallowed hard, fearing that something was wrong. He watched as the midwife examined the baby, the room full of tension.

Heavy boots trampling down the corridor broke the silence. The door burst open and the captain of the palace guards, Pirin, charged into the room.

“What is going on?”

Pirin pointed to the midwife. “Get the child from that woman! She is a witch.” Pirin looked to the king and spoke quickly. “We found the real midwife’s body in the stables.” He glared at the woman who stood there with the princess in her arms.

There was a collective gasp from the aides.

“I’ve been called many things over the centuries, but never a witch.”

Torek’s heart raced as he watched the midwife transform to a woman of a younger age. He stepped back, startled. His jaw hung open as his eyes searched her face. Torek balled up his fists as the rage filled his veins.

She did look evil with her black hair and pale skin. Her blue eyes looked at him without fear and that made his anger intensify. She stood there holding his beloved daughter.

“I assure you,” she said, “I am Delia, Elder and gatekeeper of the Underworld. Not even a witch is safe from my power. Now, lower your weapons, and listen to me.”

“Sorcery! Seize her!”

 Delia shook her head, gripping the baby close to her chest. “I have not come to harm the child.” She raised a hand as if to calm them, meeting all of their eyes.

“Seize her!” The soldiers charged for her.

The calamity and uproar upset the wee princess, who wailed into the air.

“Silence!” With a flick of her small hand, Delia seemed to rip their voices right from their throats. It was so sudden and immobilizing that no one could even scream. The room was flooded by light and all sound was sucked away. When she lowered her hand, everyone was frozen in place like statues.

Delia slumped onto a chair, as though exhausted from her sudden burst of energy. She looked down at the child whose cry was the only sound heard in the room. She sighed and gently rubbed the girl’s tiny hand, as if to soothe her.

“I warned you,” Delia said, shaking her head. “You people think you know everything don’t you? You know nothing. I have come a long, long way to help you humans.”

Torek watched as Delia gazed into his daughter’s eyes. He saw the woman’s body shiver and knew that she, too, saw the light flicker there.

“The Ancients have asked me to protect this child, and as an Elder, I am more qualified than any of you to help her fulfill her destiny.”

The veins in Torek’s neck strained as he watched the woman cradling his daughter. Elder or not, he wanted to break free from the hold she had on all of them, and wring her neck.

“I cannot begin to explain how important this little girl is, nor do I have the time. But you must understand. It is too dangerous to keep her here. There are dangers for her, and she is a danger to you.”

She reached inside her leather side-purse for a clear vial of blue liquid. When she opened the cask, a slight cloud of frost escaped. Torek watched as Delia drank a tiny sip; she squeezed her eyes shut and breathed deeply, as if waiting for something to happen. Finally, she stood.

“Listen, Torek. You should be glad that I arrived first.” She wrapped the baby in a blanket and secured her to a sling upon her chest. “I don’t have the time to explain everything, but you have to know that others will come, if the child stays here. You have to trust me.”

Delia was asking the impossible of Torak and Sysil; he wasn’t sure he could give up his newly born daughter, even if it was absolutely necessary.

“Our world is about to change,” Delia said. “There are beings who would seek to kill the princess and destroy your kingdom. Understand that I will protect her, train her, and prepare her for the time when she will be called upon to save our world. She has one of the most difficult tasks of all ahead of her, and I will make sure she is safe until that time comes.”

Delia looked toward the captain of the guards; he was tall like most Aurorians and very well built. “Pirin is it?” His eyes widened. “I shall take you with me. Lilae will need training, and”—she looked him over - “you will do.”

Delia released Pirin from his frozen state, and he fell to the floor. His hair was so blond that it was nearly white, and it fell into his eyes as he looked up at her. He winced as he began to move his limbs, as if shaking out pins and needles. He stretched his arms and picked up his sword.

“What do you mean, ‘will do?’” Pirin frowned at her, furrowing his thin eyebrows. “I haven’t agreed to anything.”

“Do you understand that you have been chosen to join the child and me?”

Torek looked around at the others, whose eyes were now glazed over; he sensed that they were no longer aware of what was occurring.

“Why?” Pirin asked. “You’re still an enemy as far as I’m concerned. I know you have power. I’ve seen that. But try to harm the king and queen and I will find a way to kill you.”

Delia blinked at him and sighed. “I know you have no reason to trust me, but in time the Ancients will reveal to you what I have seen.”

Pirin stood there, as if unsure about what to do. He glanced at the king.

Torek knew that if the Ancients, the creators of the races who populated the world, put their trust in this woman, then she must be an important person and one to listen to. The king tried to nod in Pirin’s direction, though he was still pinned still from Delia’s powers.

“You’re obviously not from Auroria,” Pirin reasoned, his eyes grazing over her dark hair. “You don’t have our pure blood, nor fair hair and light eyes.” Though Delia’s eyes were blue, they were dark, like the ocean at night. “But you haven’t come all of this way just to kill the child, either.”

Delia nodded. “I have not, Pirin. But there are those who would come from afar, to do just that.”

“Then why have you come?”

“As I said, I wish to protect the child from those with power, who would use it to kill her. She is a weapon that if in the wrong hands, could cause great harm to this world.”

“You are really an Elder?” Pirin remained calm, looking at the woman who claimed to once rule the Underworld.

Delia gave a single nod. “I am.”

Pirin frowned. “You don’t look like an Elder.”

Delia raised an eyebrow. “Have you ever seen an Elder?”

He shook his head.

“Good. And you don’t want to see me in my true form.” She watched his face. “Pirin, look at me.”

He glanced up at her.

“I will tell you everything you need to know after we are far from danger.”

“What danger?”

Delia shook her head. “I don’t think you are quite ready to know such things,” she said. “But in time, I will tell you.”

Though Pirin’s stance looked imposing, his eyes filled with worry. “I need more than that, Elder. I have a wife and two little girls. What will become of them? Who will protect them if I come with you and the princess?”

“Bring them,” Delia said without hesitation. “We will give this child a family, and protect her until her time has come.”

“Do I have a choice?”

She nodded. “You do. But wouldn’t you still be serving your king and queen by protecting their daughter?”

Pirin looked up. “Yes, but I’d be putting my twin daughters in harm’s way.”

Delia lifted her shoulders. “Are there any other soldiers who could do as good of a job in protecting and training the princess as you?”

He shook his head.

“And wouldn’t it be wise to keep your family close, to protect and train them as you would the princess?”

Pirin looked back at his men. They were still frozen.

“I know your secret, Pirin…”

His face lost what little color it had when his eyes lifted to hers. “What?”

Delia sighed. “You heard me.”

He shifted from one foot to another. “What do you think you know?”

“I know everything.” There was a tense silence between them, as she watched him with a straight face. “So, are you coming or not?”

“I'll do it.”

Delia nodded, a small smile forming at the corners of her lips. “Are you doing it because I know all of your secrets, or because you want to?”

He didn’t hesitate. “Everyone has secrets. I care about the child. You have given me a chance to protect her, and I accept.”

She nodded, as if pleased by his answer. “Well said. I see much good in you, Pirin. You will go down in history for your part in this.”

Pirin put his sword away and looked at the queen, whose tears were trailing down her face. “I don’t care about history. I only care about this child and my own. If what you say is true about danger heading this way, then we’d better get going.”

Pirin crossed the room and wiped the queen’s face. He leaned down and whispered something to her. Pirin unhooked Sysil’s silver necklace and balled it into his fist.

Delia narrowed her eyes and asked, “What exactly are you doing?”

Pirin turned, his hazel eyes wet. “For the princess. She will need a token from her mother. It’s the least we can do, isn’t it?”

“Very fitting.” Delia nodded, staring at the necklace for a moment before putting her hand across the baby’s face. Instantaneously, the little girl fell asleep.

“One more question, Elder.”

“Call me Delia, please,” she replied to Pirin.

He nodded, dropping the necklace into his pocket. “Fine…Delia.” He lifted his shoulders in a shrug, and asked, “Why me?”

Delia pulled on her cloak and covered the girl’s head, holding her snuggly against her chest. 

She walked toward the door, but glanced back at Pirin, an eerie smile on her pale face.

“It was always you, Pirin. Coincidences don’t just happen. We have all been chosen, so long ago that the world has forgotten. We cannot escape our fate; not when the entire world is at stake.”

Meet the Author - K.N.Lee...

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K.N. Lee is an award-winning author that resides in Charlotte, North Carolina. When she is not writing twisted sales, fantasy novels, and dark poetry, she does a great deal of traveling and promotes other authors. Wannabe rock-star, foreign language enthusiast, and anime geek, K.N. Lee also enjoys helping others reach their writing and publishing goals.
Her works include, Rise of the Flame, The Chronicles of Koa: Netherworld, Dark Prophet, A Gifted Curse, Wicked Webs, Empty Your Heart, Pixie Dust, and the paranormal collection of short stories, Thicker Than Blood. Her short fantasy story, The Last of the Jinn, is in the anthology, A World of Worlds and The Ticking Ring is in A World of Joy by ASMSG authors.
Author, K.N. Lee loves hearing from fans and readers. Connect with her!
www.Kn-Lee.com
www.WriteLikeAWizard.com
www.Facebook.com/knycolelee
www.twitter.com/knycole_lee


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