'Benjamin McTish and the Door Through the Grandfather Tree' by June M. Pace

Book Info-

Title- Benjamin McTish and the Door Through the Grandfather Tree

Series- Book  #1

By- June M. Pace

Genre-  YA/Fantasy

Blurb-

It’s Harry Potter meets the Celestine Prophecy in this magical and thrilling ride! The McTish Series is an explosive adventure through a dimensional Gateway into another world, a world of beauty and magic, Coranim...a land of insight, thought and possibilities, that sits beneath the enchanted Gilley Forest.

There is local legend in the small town of Grandlochcheshire that has been passed down for a 100 years about the mysterious disappearance of the Chickering family, that trails on the coat tails of the equally shocking  abduction of the Skeffington Union Rails heirs, Connor and Shelbe. The circumstances that follow this notorious tale enter into the modern world of Benjamin and his two best mates.  

One day Benjamin watches from behind the Rhododendron as a mysterious little woman steps out of a taxi in front of the cream colored house with the forest green trim next door and in one synchronistic moment their eyes lock and a series of visual snippets of unfamiliar events unfold in his mind’s vision. His razor sharp sixth sense allows him the freedom to explore the extrasensory messages coming at him in a frenzied speed, like a derailed freight train.

And when Benjamin finds a peculiar old relic of a key in his grandmother’s garden shed, he could never know his world was about to change forever.

Annabel and Mathilda, two sisters who have moved to Grandlochcheshire from America, have become more than mere friends to Benjamin, they have all become the three Muskydeers (Mathilda’s mispronounced version of Musketeers, which was a huge laugh and of course it stuck), as they are plunged head first into this curious journey.  

In the Gilley Forest they discover that the path they have chosen is inundated with many obstacles as well as intrigue.  Alliances are made with the Forest clan of Gnomes known as the Set, and with the aid of the Vila sisters, Sethina and Morel, as well as some surprising and unexpected allegiances, the three friends take on the test that is the Grandfather Tree.  They must stay on the pre ordained Path of prophecy, portended by the ancient seer Pajah Set, whose ancestry comes from the home of the oldest living beings on the planet, the Elves of the Darmon    However, this is no easy task for the Muskydeers as they have the foulest of sorcery hunting their every move, the powerful dark beauty known to all as Tar Vigorn.

This ruthless Queen is not without humor however, and loves a good game of cat and mouse, as long as she’s the cat. With her biting sense of sarcasm and calculated taunting, she knows just how to unnerve the young Benjamin. Her phantom army known as the Blunt are searching for a way into the Grand Tree and will stop at nothing to infiltrate the pristine world beneath his giant roots.

Once in Coranim the children make the acquaintance of the greatest Medicine Elder alive, Esmerelda Fet.  A most powerful Light Sorceress with a brazen in your face attitude and a thick Irish brogue, who guides the trio on their Path of destiny.  “All tings be possible ya wee chil’ren, if’en ya put yer mind to it!  Thar be nothin ya can’t accomplish.  Ya just need ta be placin all yer carage inta tha middle of yer core whar yer Spirit shines...an ya can do anythin! Ha!”

Filled with many wonders, and home to the Fet clan of Gnomes, Coranim is a magical world of art, sound, thought, invention and discovery....and home to the World Library of Identity, with none other than Dunston Tibbitts at the helm.  

Every being on the planet has a book dedicated to the entirety of their lives.  Dunston reports to Benjamin, “according to what I see here now, this very minute, whatever it is that you are seeking will show itself today and change your Path immediately.  It will put you into a whole new dynamic as they say.”

What could alter the overpowering trajectory Benjamin has followed to Coranim?  How will it change his life?

Find out as our three heroes delve into the mystic, as well as their own inner character, as you watch from the edge of your seat.

Book Two, Benjamin Mctish and the Wizards of Coranim, coming 2013

Meet the Monsterjunkies! Popular teen read about bullying and being yourself!

Hey all you Hipsters, fantasy / paranormal/romance fans, mmm... Meet the weirdest family in the world with the coolest parents and pets, house and friends.

Meet the The Monsterjunkies, an American family odyssey ,The book explores the one issue every teen and young adult faces no matter his or her social status or economic condition: How can I fit in? Great story and very funny - just 99 cents this week on Amazon.  Download it today!

Blurb from Amazon:

 

The Monsterjunkies prepares your child to deal with bullying!

 

Teen angst, monsters, bullying, strange animals, stranger house!

 

Tucked away in a remote cul-de-sac is a place where the strange is normal, and the bizarre, is everyday. This is a place, where, if you do not have an open mind, you will loose your mind in its reality and truths. This is the home of The Monsterjunkies, An American Family Odyssey. "A modern day Addams family."

Residing at this place, is Crow and his sister, Indigo, along with their friends, go down a reality curve to arrive at the harsh truth of the indelible hurt bullying, emotional abuse and prejudice can foster. The family faces ignorance combined with aggression at every step as they try to build a life for themselves in the home of their ancestors.

We are all Monsterjunkies and wear masks during our daily lives, in school, during work, hanging out with friends, imitating, being people who we look up to and admire, or those we want to be. It is those people who take off their masks and show the real person inside who are the ones that truly find the meaning of their lives.

The Monsterjunkies an American Family Odyssey, defines growing up through a cast of quirky yet engaging characters who also experience the same anxieties as any other family, enduring the issues that portend 'coming of age.' Not all angst and agony, it marks a clear path to the ultimate form of acceptance, the approbation of self.

Read some review snippets - 4.8 out of 5 stars!

I grew up a huge fan of "the Adams family" and "the Munsters" - the author of "Monsterjunkies" gently tips his hat to them while taking the concept in an artfully new direction. It makes wildlife rehabilitation sound like a wonderful adventure to be adored and appreciated. ~~ dramateacher

I loved it. The story teaches you that it is okay to be different or unique. It also shows great respect for animals and nature.  ~~ Nancy Cataldi

This is the addictive tale of the weirdest family in the world. Brilliantly descriptive, the authors paint their strange world in vivid colours making their tale believable and engaging. ~~ Conrad Jones

Erik Shein has created a fascinating world of otherworldly beasts, cared for by an eccentric but close and loving family. The stage is set for adventure. ~~ Bluestalking Reader

Buy it on Amazon

 

Erik Daniel Shein was born Erik Daniel Stoops, november 18th 1966 He is an American writer, and film producer, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur, entertainer, and philanthropist, Pet enthusiast and animal health advocate . He is the author and co authored of over 30 nonfiction and fiction books whose writings include six scientific articles in the field of herpetology. His children’s book, “The Forgotten Ornament” is a Christmas classic, and was endorsed by Hollywood legends Mickey and Jan Rooney.

Judyann McCole and 'Adela Arthur and the Creator's Clock (The Chronicles of A Book 1)'

Meet Judyann McCole and her new series, The Chronicle of A.

What was the inspiration behind the Chronicles of A series?

My inspiration came from one of my jobs actually. I’m a babysitter to these 3 amazing little girls, all of whom love to read, and one day one of them demanded a new story. Apparently they wanted a girl to go on an Adventure just like the boys and so I wrote Adela Arthur. I told them story after story about Adela Arthur and day it just clicked to write them down.

How much do you have in common with Adela, the main character?

We are both book and movie nerds. Throughout the novel she makes references to novels, T.V shows, and movies, which doesn’t really make sense to anyone since she is part of a new world. She quirky and also very hard on herself treats that I also deal with.

Book 1, 'Adela Arthur and the Creator's Clock' is currently available. Four more books are to follow. When can we expect the next installment?

The next book in the Chronicles of A is Adela Arthur and the Eternal Evergreen. It picks up a month after the first book and takes place over the summer. Adela is forced to deal with the truths that are revealed to her in first books; all while dealing with a new danger lurking the halls.

How do you find time to do so much writing as a full-time college student?

Haha, good question. So….I tend to forgo sleeping most nights. I love college I really do but it is hard to manage writing and school. I have a great circle of friends that help me focus and make me have fun. I’m not really sure who it’s all working right now but I hope to keep all my balls in the air.

What are you currently studying?

Biology. Yep, every time I tell people they are always surprised.

Do you have any other writing projects in the works?

Yes I have another Young Adult novel coming out in the fall/winter hopefully by Tri-Destiny Publishing. It’s called Moonrise and follows the life of Cordelia Lane, a human and Aedan Galahad, an Angel. I love Young Adult novels but after Adela Arthur and Moonrise, I’m out lining a Historical Fiction novel.

How does Maya Angelou inspire you?

Thank you for asking this question! Maya Angelou to me is huge, in all of her writings I feel as though she is talking about me, or trying to reach me. She inspires me because she makes me think and feel a different emotion each time I read her work. She’s just amazing!

You do book reviewing, in addition to everything else. What is your favorite genre to read?

I wish I could do more! I love books I really don’t have a favorite genre. Just read the White Queen by Philippa Gregory.

What are you reading now? What is coming up on your TBR pile?

Right now I’m trying to read The Sea of Tranquility by Katja Millay

You also like to do book covers. Why do you redo covers on your blog?

I by no means ever want to tear down an author’s cover. I just love art! And when a book has a cool title my mind goes of into all of these idea’s. I’ve done a whole bunch of covers for my books. Before I even write I have to make a mock cover. I’m not sure why it just inspires me to write and or read.

What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

Um….I’m not sure? I really love politics and religion? Not the part where everyone is yelling at each other; But the learning aspect of it. I love learning about other peoples religion or lack their of and what people believe. Knowing what people believe is a huge step in defining a character.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Check out my book!

Please and thank you!

Thank you so much for your time!

No thank you! Your questions are amazing!

Adela Arthur and the Creator's Clock

by Judyann McCole

This book 1 of 5 for The Chronicle of A

Genre: Fantasy

To Who Ever This May Concern;

I wish I could tell you the contents of this book were purely fictional. That I, Adela Arthur, was just a normal sixteen year old from Portland and that dragons, giants, elves and mermaids were just myths. I wish these were legends shared from crazy old grandparents to crazy old grandparents around campfires. After all, that is what I used to believe.I never would have thought they lived on the other side of our mirrors in a world called Cielieu. But they do…I never would have thought there were humans, better known as Volsin that lived among them with the ability to create light from a single thought. But there are…I never would have thought I was one of them… But I am… I am the last Arthur and I was brought to the human world after a Volsin, filled with greed, began to strip the light from our kind.The human world was supposed to be a safe haven… but he’s found us and the only way to stop him is to go back to Cielieu and begin training as a student in the Elpida Castle of Light.Like I said I wish the contents of this book were purely fictional and not my life…  

Adela Arthur is now on amazon in Paperback | Kindle

About the Author:

JUDYANN MCCOLE was a senior in high school when she started working on Adela Arthur and the Creator’s Clock during her history class. It started off as short story for a group of young kids she babysat for and grew into an adventure she herself wanted to go on. She is currently attending college in Virginia. Where she hopes to finish the next adventure in Adela Arthur’s life. She begin writing when she was in middle school most of it was just simple poetry but she was inspired by Maya Angelou and even a little of Dr. Seuss.

Follow Judyann: Website | Blog | FaceBook | Twitter | Goodreads

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Review of 'Escaping Me' by Elizabeth Lee

ESCAPING ME Synopsis:

All she wanted to do was forget. Forget the memory of walking in on her boyfriend in the middle of, well, another girl. Forget how she had her entire life planned out. And, forget about being perfect all the time. Unfortunately, she was Whitney Vandaveer and despite the fact that she moved to the middle of nowhere—she couldn't.

He always knew he would never be more than nothing. No job, no money, no future. Cole Pritchett had accepted the fact that he would always be the screw up and he was okay with it. Until he met her.

Here's the thing they quickly found out—sometimes we all need a little help escaping who we think we are.

**My thoughts**

Whitney is a beautiful disaster. She had almost naively believed that she was going to live happily ever after with her boyfriend. He had lied to her, and she found in in flagrante delecto with another woman in college. When we meet her, she is out running in hundred degree heat, and ends up passing out at the end of her driveway. She is confused about herself and what she wants out of life. Trying to adapt to her mother's laid back country way of life is a little difficult after kissing up to people while living in the city with her father. 

At the same time, she has a lot of strength inside of her. She can stand up for herself when she needs to and is willing to learn new things. She also seems to surprise herself with her level of attraction to Cole and to another side of herself that she never knew existed.

Cole is hot. We are introduced to him as the knight in a shining armor truck, as he comes across the collapsing Whitney and brings her inside her mother's home. I don't know why, but it made me think of Willoughby in Sense and Sensibility. Especially with the way that Whitney's mother and sister carried on about him after the fact.

He comes from a rough past, but has a very soft side to him that he isn't likely to show very often. I think he even surprises himself as he tries to take her on.

The two of them have an intense heat between them that is noticeable from the moment they meet at the end of that driveway. Because the story is told from their alternating points of view, it becomes even more obvious and even steamier. They really bring out the best in each other as they try to defy the paths that their pasts have ordained for them. They are meant to travel this road together, as they discover who they really are, both apart and together. The question becomes, will they be able to maintain this new relationship in spite of their pasts and when the summer finally ends?

 

Buy it on Amazon

Elizabeth Lee Bio:

When I'm not writing or playing the part of wife and mother, you can find me dancing back-up for Beyonce, singing back-up for Miranda, or sunning myself on the beach with a drink in hand.  Here's the thing about being born and raised in a small town—you have a very vivid imagination!  Now, I channel it all to create stories where the girl always ends up with the right guy, first kisses are magical, and a happy ending is just that!

Links:

Facebook \ Twitter \ Website \ Author Goodreads

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'Cuspian' by DC Hall Book Tour Blast!

Cuspian

by DC Hall

Twins, Kendal and Kennedi Myles are the envy of their peers with: a second string spot on the varsity football team, smartass but loyal teammates, miniature pores, and a killer spray tan. They had big plans for sophomore year, until their mother is slaughtered during a botched robbery.

Forced to move with their estranged father, Kendal becomes fixated with finding their mother’s killer, while Kennedi tries to settle into life with their dad. After the discovering a trail of unsettling clues, the pair to believe their mother’s death was part of a conspiracy. As the teens’ investigation digs deeper into their mom’s enigmatic past, a mysterious agency stumbles upon them, and the twosome learns they are Cuspians—individuals gifted with supernatural abilities. Kendal and Kennedi are soon faced with the challenge of staying concealed from the shadowy organization hell-bent on enslaving powerful Cuspians while trying to solve a murder.

Family secrets, bloody breadcrumbs, and deadly obsessions guide the twins through tough decisions and awful mistakes. Desperate for their lives to return to normal, the pair found normal is not written in the stars for either one of them.

Purchase on Amazon / Barnes and Noble

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR DC Hall is obsessed with argyle socks, the smell of books and believes he is the smartest person in the room. Granted he’s usually alone when he thinks this but it still feels good. When his nose isn’t stuck in a book, DC is usually writing or trying to teach his dog, Brooklyn, how to wash dishes (success remains elusive.) DC is from the south where the teas are sweet, distance is measured in minutes—not miles, and the skies are always Carolina blue.

If you are interested in learning more about DC:

Email: dchallauthor@gmail.com

Twitter | Blog | Facebook

Follow the Book Tour Prize - Summer themed with nail polish, zodiac jewelry, and some other favorites of the main character

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Scavenger Hunt! 'Immortal Heart' by Inger Iversen

Welcome to the scavenger hunt for 'Immortal Heart' by Inger Iversen! The hunt lasts for the entire tour. I'm in disbelief at how popular this is! Find out more about how to participate by clicking here.

Book Info-

Title-Immortal Heart

Series-Few Are Angels Book # 3 (Prequel)

By-Inger Iversen

Expected Publication Date- September 28th, 2013

Genre-New Adult/Mature YA-*Contains sexual context

Blurb-

More than a century after the tragedy of Hélène's death and before Ella found Kale bruised and broken on her doorstep, Kale moved through the world in a haze of personal punishment allowing it to consume him. Until his friend, Detective Deacon, a newly infected Chorý calls on him for a favor.

In this prequel to the Few Are Angels series, Kale is thrown into a world of human blood trafficking and is introduced to a Chorý that offers him a chance at happiness— in blood.

Join the scavenger hunt event here.

Read the excerpt:

“Are you listening to me?” Kale _______  and faced Léon, who was eyeing him quizzically from across the table in the diner. The sounds of dinner plates landing on tables, customers placing their orders, and waitress yelling at the kitchen staff slowly seeped back in. Kale realized that he’d been distracted again.

“Yeah, what’d you say?” he asked.

“You want to come with me on this lead or take it on my own?” Léon took a bite of the chilly cheese dog he’d ordered and then gulped down some soda. The gusto reminded Kale that he was human. Sending Léon up against possible ________ Council members was a bad idea. “I think that a state and a name is a great place to start. The name is odd enough that he’d be able to find her faster than if she were called Heather or Amy.”

Kale nodded, but he once again stopped listening as he formulated a new plan. “I have some unfinished business here.” He pulled his phone from his pocket and turned it back on. He’d turned it off during negotiations with Josef. “You scout ahead and call me if you come upon anything.”

Léon nodded and continued eating.

“Also, I want you to take Boris with you.”

He stopped mid-bite, ignoring the chilly and cheese that slid down his chin.

Boris wasn’t Russian, nor was his name Boris, but he bore a _____ resemblance to the monster in the 1930’s movie Frankenstein. After he’d broken a few limbs of men who called him Frankenstein, everyone just started calling him Boris behind his back, after the man who played Frankenstein in the movie.

“Boris, really?” Léon asked.

Boris was anything but a friend of Kale’s. He reluctantly helped out when Kale needed him, to pay off a debt. A few months ago Boris had made it clear to Kale that he only had one _____ left. Sending Boris with Léon would mean that he could never call on the man again for help, no matter what.

“You really want me to take B?” Léon asked as he cleaned his mouth with a napkin. “I mean, I know that I can’t really stand against Chorý and the Council the way that he can, but my job is to get in and out and gather intel without being detected.” He leaned back and looked upward, shaking his head in_______. “Have I ever let you down in doing that?”

Kale understood where Léon was coming from, but he was not letting him go alone. It was dangerous enough that the Council was looking for this Eloise, but Laurent added a threat to the mix that Kale would have been a _____ to ignore. “No, I’d be letting you down if I sent you in there and the Council is already there.”

He leaned in to make sure that Léon was listening. “I won’t have your blood on my hands, do you understand?”

But Léon was already shaking his head. “I don’t take jobs I can’t handle.”

“Really?” Kale raised a brow at Léon’s  _____ attitude. “When was the last time you took on a Council member, let alone a High Guardian or Retriever?” Kale let his tone grow menacing. “They will gut you like a fish, and I will be the  ____ sending your remains to your  _______ wife.”

Though Kale was sure that his words had disturbed Léon, the man still sat there like a stone, seemingly unaffected.

“What would she tell your daughter, Marcel, of your disappearance in her life?” Kale looked directly into Léon’s eyes and whispered, “You’d burden me and your wife with such a task?”

Léon took a deep breath and closed his eyes. “I get what you’re saying, but understand this,”—he opened his eyes and peered into Kale’s—“working with Boris means no anonymity. Boris goes in, destroys, and then walks away  ______ and smiling. I think… I think that man gets off on ____ .” He shook his head. “And then I’m left to pick up the ______.”

Kale groaned. He was getting restless, but Léon’s concerns were his responsibility to address. He was paying him to do a job, and when issues arose, he needed to fix them. Léon raised his hands in defeat.

“Your concerns are noted, but I won’t change my mind on this. I’ll give him instructions on what to do if the Council isn’t there, but if they are, you’ll be _______ that I sent him with you.” Kale leaned back, running his fingers through his hair. “I won’t send you to your death. If you die, it will either be A: because you did something stupid; or B: your body gives out on you, years into the future. You decide.”

“Hell, Kale. If you like it, I ____ it. You’re the boss,” Léon finished the rest of his drink and then pulled a few bills out of his wallet and placed them on the table.

Join the Facebook Release Day Event here.

About the Author-

Inger Iversen lives in Virginia Beach with her tree-hugging boyfriend Joshua and her overweight lap cat Max. When not reading or writing she spends her time watching reruns of True Blood or killing zombies in Call Of Duty.

Author Links-

Twitter \ Goodreads \ Website \ Facebook Fanpage 

 Follow the tour on Facebook here.

Meet Emma Right, author of 'Keeper of Reign'

Please welcome Emma Right to the blog today! Get to know her and her book a little bit better in this interview. Be sure to leave her a question or a comment!

What was the inspiration behind 'Keeper of Reign'?

When I first heard the Switchfoot song , "Meant to Live" (for so much more) it got me thinking about how far short each of us fall from our true potential. Christ really came to give us life, and life more abundantly, and yet the trials and troubles of this world reduce us, and it feels that our troubled world is so big. This is just like how it was for the Elfies. Also I'd read Destined to Reign, and it inspired me to think of possibilities.

I wanted to write an allegorical fantasy about the fall of man and the redemption story set in a fantasy setting that's filled with danger and adventure. Something young readers can enjoy but still have a Christian message.

Which character spoke to you the most during the writing process?

Eleazer in the prologue. He's the King's helper, and he knew the King personally, yet even he felt fear, and didn't have total confidence that what the King had left for the people of Reign, Books written in the King's own blood, was enough to overcome Gehzurolle (german word for "confounder'). And that feels like how things are for me sometimes. Even after all the miracles I have seen and witnessed I still have fear, and that is what the enemy will use to try to overcome me.

Which scene was your favorite?

(Spoiler time)

The last scene when Jules has nothing but the pouch of stones to overcome Whisperer and his evil ways--the pouch of stones Jules has had all along and which, time and again, the enemies tried to take away from him. It is sort of like us, we have Jesus, the Rock, all along, and sometimes we need to be at the end of ourselves to realize God has given us all we need to overcome our greatest enemies. Seek and we will find.

What message do you hope to send with this book?

I hope my readers can see that with the power of the Gospel, we can overcome our problems and difficulties. I want to empower young readers with this message, that if they seek the truth (the Ancient Books, in Keeper of Reign) they will find wisdom and answers to life's problems. It doesn't mean the answers are going to come easy, but persistence will pay off, and the BIble has the answers to help each person live triumphantly, in essence, to reign in life.

This is the first book in a series. How many do you anticipate there being?

Maybe three more, maybe four.

When can we expect the next installment?

Early 2014.

How do you make yourself stand out in this competitive YA genre?

I made Keeper of reign free for several weeks and it reached no. 1 for Kindle free in the secular teen fiction category, as well as epic fantasy. This has helped it's ranking. Now I have it as a paid book, and naturally it isn't going to reach the number one spot so easily. But I believe the Lord will bless the book.

You homeschool five children. How do you find time to write?

Any which way I can get. I pray for strength and motivation everyday, many times during the day!

You like to create stories from them and to encourage them to read a lot. Will you publish more of your stories for them?

Yes. Keeper of Reign 2 is in the works and should be ready early 2014. I am also working (in the editing stage) another series , targeted more at girls (also YA), and it has more character development. It's titled, Dead Dreams.

How does your strong faith influence your writing?

I know that apart from Christ I can do nothing. I'm not being humble , it's the honest truth. And i hope that in every story I craft the Holy Spirit will work through me, and touch the readers with words that are meant to touch and transform them. And that's the power of words.

What is something readers may be surprised to learn about you?

That some may see me as naive, but I wholeheartedly believe, that ALL things are possible for those who believe.

Anything else you wish to add?

Thank you for giving me the time to connect with you all, and may the Lord bless you in everything He's called you to do. Please sign-up for my newsletter on www.emmaright.com website,and even ask for prayer requests any time you feel led.

Thank you so much for your time!

Author Bio:

Emma Right is a happy wife and homeschool mother of five living in the Pacific West Coast of the USA. Besides running a busy home, and looking after their five pets, which includes two cats, two bunnies and a Long-haired dachshund, she also writes stories for her children. When she doesn't have her nose in a book, she is telling her kids to get theirs in one.

Right worked as a copywriter for two major advertising agencies and won several awards, including the prestigious Clio Award for her ads, before she settled down to have children.

Visit Emma Right at her home site and blog for tips and ideas about books, homeschooling, bible devotions, and author helps of various sorts: www.emmaright.com and follow her on facebook emma.right.author

Website \ Twitter \ Facebook \ Goodreads \ Librarything

Young Adult Fantasy
Date Published: 5/19/2013

Books written in blood. Most are lost, their Keepers with them. A curse that befell a people. A Kingdom with no King. Life couldn’t get more harrowing for the Elfies, a blend of Elves and Fairies. Or for sixteen-year-old Jules Blaze. Or could it?

For Jules, the heir of a Keeper, no less, suspects his family hides a forgotten secret. It was bad enough that his people, the Elfies of Reign, triggered a curse which reduced the entire inhabitants to a mere inch centuries ago. All because of one Keeper who failed his purpose. Even the King’s Ancient Books, did not help ward off that anathema.

Now, Gehzurolle, the evil lord, and his armies of Scorpents, seem bent on destroying Jules and his family. Why? Gehzurolle’s agents hunt for Jules as he journeys into enemy land to find the truth. Truth that could save him and his family, and possibly even reverse the age-long curse. Provided Jules doesn't get himself killed first.

Read an excerpt:

Jules peeked. The intruder had a walking stick and was tap- tapping the stone floor as his feet shuffled across the library ground. Except or the light from his lantern, a rusty can with a stumpy candle within, the old library was as dark as a cave. He kept his lantern low, making it impossible to see his face.

He and Miranda turned their dragonfly lanterns off just as they’d heard the door creak open as it slid on its tracks. From behind a particularly dusty book, Jules peered at the dark form shuffling and waving his stick as though testing every bit of stone on the floor. Jules felt his nose tingle as the moments wore on.

Then it happened. He sneezed. The muffled explosion wasn’t loud, but in the dead silence of the library with only the intruder’s shuffling feet and the distinct tapping of the stick, it might as well have been a blast.

Instantly, the tapping and shuffling ceased. From almost nowhere the metal tip of a stick rapped Jules gently on the crown of his head. “Come out,” the intruder demanded, voice stern and angry.

Jules could hardly believe it.

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Review of 'Nearly Broken' by Devon Ashley

Nearly Broken
by Devon Ashley
Release Date: 06/04/13

Summary from Goodreads:

We’d both gone missing at one point, but Claire had one thing I didn’t. Someone to notice. So why was I the one still here and she the one still gone?

Nineteen year old Megan Smith has spent the past year working in a small town diner in the middle of nowhere. Life is quiet, simple, safe. Then comes the news that her look-a-like has gone missing.

Claire.

Still damaged both physically and mentally, Megan's not looking to be noticed. Wherever she goes from here, it's a road she needs to take alone. But when Nickolas Ellis takes the job as the new nightshift cook, it scares her how easily her defenses crumble down, down, down for him. But there are secrets she can't bear to share with just anyone, unspeakable acts that continue to haunt, and when the similarities of Claire’s abduction couples with the fear of an unwanted visitor in town, the urge to run before it all happens again intensifies, threatening the only happiness Megan's ever found.

New Adult Romantic Suspense / Realistic Fiction
Recommended for 17+ for mature and disturbing situations, language and sexual content.

**My thoughts**

'Nearly Broken' broke my heart. Megan is so badly damaged and alone and scared from unspeakable traumas in her past. I honestly don't know how she is supposed to get over all of it, especially as more and more of her physical, mental, and emotional abuse comes to light. She finds some solace in Nickolas, even though she can't explain it. But even he can't protect her from the dangers that still exist for her, as well as her inner demons.

It's difficult to get into all of those demons and her relationship with Nick without giving away a lot of spoilers. Nick is an amazing man, who is able to stand by her side, even as he finds out more and more about Megan. He leads her to another amazing group of people who are extremely supportive. Most girls in her situation unfortunately do not have such support. They are also usually so broken that the don't even seem to notice that it is missing.

Megan is an extremely strong woman, despite all of the damage that has been done to her. It is that strength that has helped her to be a survivor in spite of everything, and that will help her to persevere in the future. With even more help, this may continue to be a reality.

Her story is one that doesn't seem possible, yet happens more than we are aware. Readers will need a strong stomach to read about her horrors; yet even us strong ones will be appalled at her story. Yet, you will be compelled to keep on reading.

I felt that the characters were pretty well developed. They continued to grow and evolve as the story went on. The story seemed solid. Just as I was getting comfortable (like the characters), I was starting to wonder where the twist would come into play. BAM it came from out of nowhere, though I did anticipate it. The story comes to a satisfying conclusion, though much more is possible. You aren't going to be able to read this book and not want to know what happens next. This book has to end where it does, but it looks like a sequel is quite possible. I really hope so. I am attached to Megan now.

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About the Author

Devon Ashley was born in Huntington Beach but has spent most of her life residing in Texas. She spends a great deal of her time taking care of her husband and son but always seems to find time to write, knit and create unique decorative pieces. She particularly likes to write Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance.

Interesting Fact: Devon Ashley shares her birthday with her favorite author, Jane Austen.

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'Destiny (Destiny Series)' by Laura DeLuca

Destiny (Destiny Series)

by Laura DeLuca

YA Paranormal Romance

Publisher: Bumble Book Press

Release Date: January 15, 2011

Heat Level: Sweet

Word Count: 91,773

Description:

Gabriella is a witch. The problem is, she doesn't remember. She repressed the memories of her powers years ago when her mother was murdered. Now, the warlock who was responsible for her mother's death has set his sights on Gabriella. He is determined to use her fear to turn her to the dark side of magick…even if it kills her. Her mother's spirit is reaching out to warn her, but even that she pushes away. Desperate to save her daughter, the spirit finds a male witch–one that just happens to be in love with Gabriella. Darron is more than willing to help but the two young witches will have way more to battle than just an evil warlock. There are overbearing jocks and petty rich girls who get tempers flaring and often set Gabriella and Darron at odds.

There is more to the story than Gabriella and Darron could even imagine. There are terrible secrets to be revealed, battles to be waged, and lives will be lost. Only after Gabriella and Darron both come to terms with who they really are, and open themselves up to the true meaning of magick, can they have any hope of fulfilling their destiny.

Excerpt:

Her eyes scanned the room, from the pale blue sofa to the bloody dent in the wall. But she didn’t need her eyes to know Darron was there. Her heart sensed his presence before her eyes saw him lying in a heap on the ground. His body shuttered with occasional spasms, and even though he wasn’t fully conscious, his lips were twisted in a grimace of pain.

Uttering a gasp of surprise, Gabriella flew to his side. She knelt beside him, and choked back a sob as she took his hand in her own. She saw his chest rise and fall and was glad to know was alive, but she felt helpless as she watched his face contort in pain. She noticed something wet and sticky on her fingertips. She gently titled his head and saw a large gash that looked like it needed medical attention. The skin around the gash was so deeply bruised it looked almost black.

“Darron, what happened to you?”

He didn’t move or reply. Gabriella moved her hand from the cut on his forehead, and her fingers dripped with blood. She bit her lower lip with fear. She knew enough about head injuries to know that the wound could be serious. She grabbed a few tissues from a box on the coffee table, and tried to apply pressure to the wound, but it was useless. The tissues were soaked through in seconds.

“Darron?” She squeezed his hand, and fought back tears of fear and frustration. “Darron, please open your eyes. Please be all right!”

He squirmed and groaned a little in response. Looking at his contorted features, Gabriella felt incompetent and useless. She didn’t know what to do to help him. The cut must need stitches. The blood was gushing through her fingertips, and she was sure his life was slipping away just as quickly.

More than anything, Gabriella wanted to help Darron, to end his suffering. Her thoughts, her desperation, caused something deep inside of her to stir. Something that had long been napping was awoken. The power she had fought so hard to deny was forcing its way to the surface. This time she didn’t struggle against that power. Her instinct to hide from it was finally overcome by the thought of losing someone else she cared about.

Gabriella was pulling strength and warmth from the earth, as though her legs were tree roots taking nourishment from the element. A tingling sensation began in the tips of her toes and spread slowly though her body as she breathed in the essence of the element of air. Her blood flowed and grew warm, the element of water, bringing the power to the surface. She was overcome by a vigorous strength as she envisioned her spirit encircled by the element of fire. She felt so powerful that she thought she could stop the world from churning if that was what she wished. Gabriella focused the power, remembering for a moment her mother’s lessons. She looked down at her battered friend. She willed him to open his eyes and look at her. She demanded it of him.

Gabriella would have thought it was impossible, but she felt herself grow warmer. Her face dripped with perspiration. The power within her reached a climax. Then finally, when she thought she might burst, she felt the energy release. It seeped through her fingers, and shined with an illumination that only she could see. She heard herself chanting unfamiliar words, and scarcely recognized her own voice.

“By the power of earth, water, fire and air,

Heal this man who’s in my care.

Goddess, hear your daughter’s plea.

As I will it, so mote it be!”

Gabriella repeated the words three times. Three was the number of power. Then she watched as the wound on Darron’s forehead healed before her eyes, becoming smaller and smaller, until finally it was gone. The blood was still warm and sticky, but beneath the blood, the skin was smooth and unmarred. Even the horrible bruise had vanished. Gabriella stared in open astonishment, marveling at the work she had done.

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About the Author:

Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the sole author of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan, Player, and Demon.

Connect with Laura DeLuca

Website - http://authorlauradeluca.blogspot.com/

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/AuthorLauraDeLuca

Twitter - https://twitter.com/authorldeluca

Pinterest - http://pinterest.com/authorldeluca/

Goodreads - http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4670048.Laura_DeLuca