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Friday, August 22, 2014

Entangled by Nikki Jefford

Title: Entangled
Author: Nikki Jefford
Pages:303
Genre: Paranormal, Romance, YA
Version reviewed: E-book purchased from Amazon.
Publication:February 20th 2012 by Nikki Jefford (first published February 19th 2012)
Website:Author Website HERE
Add the book on goodreads:HERE

Goodread Synopsis:
Two months after dying, seventeen-year-old witch Graylee Perez wakes up in her twin sister Charlene’s body.

Until Gray finds a way back inside her own body, she’s stuck being Charlene every twenty-hour hours. Her sister has left precise instructions on how Gray should dress and behave. Looking like a prep isn’t half as bad as hanging out with Charlene’s snotty friends and gropey boyfriend.

The “normals” of McKinley High might be quick to write her behavior off as post-traumatic stress, but warlock Raj McKenna is the only person who suspects Gray has returned from the dead.

Now Gray has to solve the mystery of her death and resurrection and disentangle herself from Charlene’s body before she disappears for good

Review:
I chose to ex this off of my T BR list for multiple reasons. The cover is breathtaking, it was discounted on amazon and I had requested to review the second title in the series so I figured I had better read the first.


I am glad I did, because even though it is the typical two witches, one is good one is bad , twin sister vibe. I actually liked that what most people would consider the bad boy to be turned out to actually be the good guy.

I liked the foreshadowing to how crazy Charlene  really was. 

I thought it was clever to put into the story that only one soul could occupy the body, and that all magic had a price. 

I figured out how Gray died before it was actually said, practically saw it coming in big neon letters really, but it was still interesting that she thought the best of her crazy twin until there was no room for error when it came to how crazy her sister really was. It really goes to show what the love of family will do for you.

I am actually looking forward to the next installment of this series because I want to see what Gray will do now that things have changed and how she will pull it all off. 

Rating:
4 out of 5 stars!

Tuesday, August 12, 2014

Bayou Blues by M.M Shelley Blog Tour Interview and Review

About the Author:
M.M. Shelley is a storyteller, word smith and dreamer. MISHAP AND MAYHEM, a captivating story of faerie's and magic, is her debut novel. She has traveled the world extensively in search of the magic which is often overlooked in every day life. M.M. Shelley is a native of southern California, and a student of mythology from which she gets much inspiration.

Visit M.M. Shelley at her blog:mmshelley.blogspot.com

   1. It says that you have studied mythology, do you have a favorite pantheon or group that you find yourself relating to, if so why?

That would be Greek Mythology, the stories, myths and legends drew me in and I was just fascinated by the structure. There are so many great stories today that are influenced by Mythology.

2. What has been your favorite place to stay during your travels.

My favorite place to stay was the Le Pavillon Hotel in New Orleans. Our hotel room was upgraded without us asking; after we checked in they told us that they were giving us a complimentary upgrade. I had such a great time at this hotel that Ava, in Bayou Blues, stays at this hotel.

3. What is one piece of technology you could not live without.

My phone, I’d be lost without it!


4. Did you have any specific songs you found yourself listening to while writing this?

I did, I listened to Etta James;
Trust in Me
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwWJgHEcMrs&hd=1

Fool that I am
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dr-mygCDaf0&hd=1

The Band Perry Post cards from Paris
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cO3PQ5onovo&hd=1

And Creedence Clearwater Revivial: Born on the Bayou
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f775c_KgXE0&hd=1
These are just a few of the songs that I listened to while writing Bayou Blues.



5. when you are writing, do you have a specific setting or food you find yourself munching into?

I’ll sometimes forget to eat and just survive on coffee! I’ll notice the time when I reach for my coffee only to find out its cold and then I’ll go see what I can find in the fridge. I like to keep fruit on hand, depending on what’s in season I usually go for, peaches, strawberries and pineapple.

6. Out of all of the creatures found in the fantasy genre which do you think are the most horrific and most glamorous.

That would be the dragon; there is just something about the dragon that speaks to me. It’s both beautiful and dangerous.

7. Out of all of your creations, who do you find yourself relating to the most and why?

Ava, from Bayou Blues and that’s probably because she’s the character whose story I’m currently working on. It seems to be that way with which ever character I’m focused on.


8. Did you enjoy the first days of school growing up or did you dread them?

I’d say I enjoyed them; I always looked forward to catching up with my friends.

9. Out of all of your characters, who has been the easiest to write for?
Orlando Drake from the Chronicles of Orlando, his character has really grown.

10. Thank you for stopping here at wonderland Reviews and taking time to answer a few questions, do you have any last words for the readers or any advice for the budding authors out there?

Thank you so much for having me on your site today! I had a great time answering your questions and sharing Bayou Blues (A New Orleans Mystery) with you and your readers. My advice is to always follow your heart and not to be afraid of taking chances!

Synopsis of the book:
Sixteen year old orphan, Ava Lopez, has returned to New Orleans, Louisiana, just as a dark entity has taken residence in the bayou.
Not only does Ava have to discover who or what is taking its victims from the Quarter, and leaving their remains in the Bayou. She will also have to maneuver her way around a new school and deal with a new bodyguard.
Ava will have to uncover the mystery before she becomes its next victim

Review:
I am on the fence about this book, on one hand there was a lot of action and I liked the use of the wolf spirit vs. the normal werewolf action I see in most paranormal books, but on the other hand I just found my self detached with this book.
It did not flow smoothly for me and because of that I kind of struggled to finish the book. It was an ok read, I would recommend it more for the early teens vs. the later teens and YA crowd. I did like the cliff hanger, that was probably my favorite part of the book if only because cliff hangers tend to make me want to read the next book as soon as possible. I would buy the next installment of the series if I had nothing else to read but it would not be at the top of my list.

Rating:
3 out of 5 stars!

                                                                                                                                                 
                                           

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Wednesday, August 6, 2014

The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen by Tosca Lee

Title: The Legend of Sheba: Rise of a Queen
Author: Tosca Lee
Pages:336
Genre:Literature/ Fiction (Adult)
Version reviewed: E-book provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Publication:September 9th 2014 by Howard Books
Website:Author's Website
Wdd the book on goodreads:Here
Where to buy it at:Amazon

Netgalley Synopsis:
Her name is legend. Her story, the epic of nations. The Queen of Sheba. A powerful new novel of love, power, and the questions at the heart of existence by the author of the award-winning “brilliant” (Library Journal) and “masterful” (Publishers WeeklyIscariot.

There is the story you know: A foreign queen, journeying north with a caravan of riches to pay tribute to a king favored by the One God. The tale of a queen conquered by a king and god both before returning to her own land laden with gifts.

That is the tale you were meant to believe.

Which means most of it is a lie.

The truth is far more than even the storytellers could conjure. The riches more priceless. The secrets more corrosive. The love and betrayal more passionate and devastating.

Across the Red Sea, the pillars of the great oval temple once bore my name: Bilqis, Daughter of the Moon. Here, to the west, the porticoes knew another: Makeda, Woman of Fire. To the Israelites, I was queen of the spice lands, which they called Sheba.

In the tenth century BC, the new Queen of Sheba has inherited her father’s throne and all its riches at great personal cost. Her realm stretches west across the Red Sea into land wealthy in gold, frankincense, and spices. But now new alliances to the North threaten the trade routes that are the lifeblood of her nation. Solomon, the brash new king of Israel famous for his wealth and wisdom, will not be denied the tribute of the world—or of Sheba’s queen. With tensions ready to erupt within her own borders and the future of her nation at stake, the one woman who can match wits with Solomon undertakes the journey of a lifetime in a daring bid to test and win the king. But neither ruler has anticipated the clash of agendas, gods, and passion that threatens to IGNITE—and ruin—them both. An explosive retelling of the legendary king and queen and the nations that shaped history.

Review:
I don't often read books of this genre but something about this book called to me, perhaps it was the eyes on the cover that lured me in like they did so many a man that Bilqis(Sheba) came across.

I love so much of this book, I don't think I have a single bad thing about this book that I could come up with other then I want more!

It was like reading the pages of the girls diary or being right there next to her and experiencing all the beauty her world had to offer and all the pain that hid behind their veils.

One of the things that will draw a reader to this book is a strong independent woman who is a ruler in a time when women where nothing more then cattle to be bartered off. They thought they were going to get a Queen they could manipulate and marry off easily and instead they got Bilqis. A strong woman who conquered men without revealing her face.

I love that the ending is both a happily ever after and a heart breaker. I didn't want to root for a happy ending because I get sick of always reading them but this ending was one that satisfied every part of my readers soul.

I like that they fell in love with their words before ever setting eyes on one another. And people think online dating is a new thing. HAH! Bilqis and Solomon where pro's.

Seriously one of the best books I have read in months and that surprised me but once you read it you will understand why this is a must have on your shelves.

Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars!

Monday, August 4, 2014

Branded by Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki

Title: Branded
Author: Abi Ketner & Missy Kalicicki
Pages:384
Genre: Teens & YA
Version reviewed: E-book provided by netgalley in exchange for an honest review
Publication:
Website:http://www.abiandmissy.com/
Add the book on goodreads:Here
Where to buy it at:Amazon


Goodreads synopsis:
Fifty years ago The Commander came into power and murdered all who opposed him. In his warped mind, the seven deadly sins were the downfall of society. 

To punish the guilty, he created the Hole, a place where sinners are branded according to their sins. Sinners are forced to live a less than human existence in deplorable conditions, under the watchful eye of guards who are ready to kill anyone who steps out of line.

Now, LUST wraps around my neck like thick, blue fingers, threatening to choke the life out of me. I’ve been accused of a crime I didn’t commit, and the Hole is my new home. 

Constant darkness. 

Brutal and savage violence. 

Excruciating pain. 

Every day is a fight for survival. 

But I won’t let them win. I will not die in the Hole. 

I am more than my brand. I’m a fighter. My name is Lexi Hamilton, and this is my story.

Review:
I had actually forgotten what this book was about, I just  saw that it was on the most requested page on NetGalley and figured if it was in high demand then the review would be as well. I have been trying to get my TBR pile down to at least a decent stack, a task I am afraid I shall never accomplish since I am constantly adding to it, but this was towards the top and this book became my choice for the day.

I actually binged read this book to the best of my abilities. If I was not taking care of my daughter you can bet your buns that I was reading this book and after looking  back at the synopsis this quote reminds me why I chose the book in the first place.

"Now, LUST wraps around my neck like thick, blue fingers, threatening to choke the life out of me."

That sentence truly is genius because it snags a reader and draws them in with questions that are quickly answered. Yes the book is a little raw in the writing form but the story itself is brilliant.

The new world is run by the Commander, a man who believes himself to be pure and above all runs it so that anyone caught committing one of the 7 deadly sins gets branded a color that represents their sins and is sent to the Hole, a concentration camp of sorts.

The bad thing is that I could totally see this happening in the distant future given how some people act with their religion. It is just as corrupt as the system we have in place now however, if you have money you can send an innocent person to jail or escape the charges yourself.

I like so much of this book, I like that Lexi, our main character was struggling with this deep dark secret and still found a light in the darkness that was the pit. I like that Cole was suppose to be this big bad guard who is not suppose to have feelings but instead has a big sloppy Dog named Zeus, who was my favorite out of the entire story by the way, and does nice things for dying girls.

I also disliked a lot of this book, it seemed like the love that Cole and Lexi had came along really fast. It happens in books alot and it tends to be a pet peeve of mine since I am a firm believer that you don't really love someone until you really know someone and to know someone takes time. 

I also didn't like that one letter from her deceased father cleared up all the negative emotions Lexi has for her brother... it might just be because I hold a gold medal in holding a grudge and being vindictive but it just didn't sit right with me.

And sadly when the commander was revealed, I had already figured out who he was.

Still it is a worth the read but it is pretty fast paced.

Rating:
4 out of 5 stars!

Disclaimer


*Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a member of numerous Blog Tours and a copy of this book was provided to me by the author. Although payment may have been received by the Blog Tours, no payment was received by me in exchange for this review. There was no obligation to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are entirely my own and may not necessarily agree with those of the author, publisher, publicist, or readers of this review. This disclosure is in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255, Guides Concerning Use of Endorcements and Testimonials in Advertising*