Tuesday, September 24, 2019

Blood Branded (The Mix-Blood Book 1) by J.A. Alexsoo


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(The Mix-Blood: Book One)
Young Adult, Coming of Age, Fantasy
Date Published: October 1, 2019
Publisher: Breezy Pages Publishing


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Defiance is paid in blood.

Their time is up. The crimsons are coming, marching on Hammerstone to crush the rebellious grays who renounce their rule. The graybacks have defied the ban that forbids trade or alliances with other races.

Frafnar understands intolerance better than most. Every season the grayback settlements send tribute to their oppressive orc cousins, and Hammerstone is no exception. After Frafnar is denied the opportunity to join the tribute guard because of his mixed heritage, he leaps at the chance to prove himself when his father’s signal horn is left behind.

Smoke rises in the distance. Frafnar must warn Hammerstone of the threat and comes to realize that his people are struggling with what he’s faced all his life. Now he must fight alongside those he loves—and hates—to protect his home.

Can Hammerstone withstand the siege, or will it become the final gravesite in a failed rebellion?

When the crimsons strike, always remember… strength in blood.

If you’re a fan of the epic or high fantasy genres, coming of age stories, or action-packed tales with haughty orcs and mysterious magic, then you’ll want to pick up Blood Branded.



Excerpt

Mix-Blood


“I have to win.”

The words pierced the chatter among the gathering, reaching Frafnar and echoing his own thoughts.

“I want to see a crimson!” another hollered.

“Better hope you’re not against me!” someone else shouted.

Then the energy of the group stilled as if everyone held their breath. Frafnar stood on the tips of his toes, but he still couldn’t see past the bobbing heads and shoulders of the other runts.

“Frafnar, son of Armastus.”

His elation was cut short by the groans of the group. The outbursts ceased when Trainer Groth roared for silence.

“His opponent will be…”

The gathering leaned forward.

“Bromh, son of—”

“No!” Bromh yelled from within the crowd. “I won’t be paired against the mix-blood.”

“Then you forfeit,” Groth said, already searching for the next contender.

“I never said—”

“Get over here,” Groth snapped. “Where’s Frafnar? Let him through.”

The circle of bodies parted enough that Frafnar squeezed between them, ignoring the sharp stares from the others. He kept his chin high and broke eye contact only as he passed the runts towering over him.

Trainer Groth and Bromh waited in the center of the ring.

“What’s the matter?” Frafnar taunted when he broke through the crowd. “Afraid you’ll lose?”

Bromh scoffed. “I’ll crush you in an instant, twig.”

Groth’s scowl deepened. Veins popped out of the tight flesh on his arms and neck.

“Fine,” Bromh stammered. “But everyone knows I should’ve had a real challenge,” he dared to add.

“Get into position.”

Frafnar met Bromh in the middle of the circle, a solid wood construction between them.

“Winner moves on to the finals,” Groth reiterated with a huff.

Frafnar mirrored Bromh by grasping the iron bar on the side of the wood platform with one hand and placing his elbow on the leather pad. Bromh glared over their clasped hands and squeezed so hard his knuckles paled. Maybe when he was younger, Frafnar might have cried out because of the pain. Today, Bromh would have to break his hand before he’d let go. When he won, they’d have no choice but to acknowledge him as an orc.

Trainer Groth balanced two thin strips of kindling on each side of their hands to ensure they started at his command. “Prepare,” he said. Then, after a suspense-filled moment, “Go.”

The audience erupted with noise, hollering as the strips fell over. Frafnar met Bromh’s strength with his own. He inched his opponent’s arm halfway down to the wood surface. The notion of a quick triumph crumbled when he heard Bromh snicker.

“That all you got, twig?”



About the Author


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J.A. Alexsoo lives in Ontario, Canada, and has forever been a fan of fantasy and science fiction. When not working on writing or imagining new adventures, she tours the lands with her two trusty canine companions. She’s the author of THE KNIGHT’S ORDER and her new book BLOOD BRANDED is scheduled to be released October 1st.





Contact Links




RABT Book Tours & PR

Wednesday, September 18, 2019

Review of 15 Days With You by Ara Grigorian

Mikki Noble, author of Limbonian, on her Top 10 Favorite Teen Fiction Books with Giveaway


Welcome to the book tour for Limbonian, the second book in the Vessel of Lost Souls series by Mikki Noble! Today, Mikki is sharing her Top 10 Favorite Teen Fiction Books, as well as an excerpt from her new book. Be sure to follow the tour for even more fun! And enter the great giveaway at the end!


Top Ten Favorite Teen Fiction Books

(Affiliate links are included in this post.)

1. Vampire Academy - Richelle Mead

2. Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban - J.K. Rowling

3. Nearly Series - Elle Cosimano

4. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children – Ransom Riggs

5. Lifeblood - Gena Showalter

6. The Goddess Test - Aimee Carter

7. Hexed - Michelle Krys

8. What the Dead Want - Norah Olson

9. House of Night - P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast

10. Breaking Dawn – Stephenie Meyer



Limbonian (Vessel of Lost Souls #2)

by Mikki Noble
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance/Urban Fantasy
Release Date: September 15th 2019

Summary:

I am not completely useless.

Although, I feel like it lately. I lose more and more control over my emotions every day and I don't know why. Is it because my best friend was murdered just steps away from me, or because my father has been taken? Maybe it's because I had magic for about five minutes and lost it.

Everyone has a plan to follow. Me? Try to get my powers back or sit around waiting with my tail between my legs—and that's just not going to happen. If getting my magic back is going to help my friends, then that's what I have to do.

How do I fend off an anger that is so compelling and powerful it makes me forget just who the heck I am before I chase off everyone I love? How can I save two people I am destined not to?




Read an excerpt:
Everything vanishes; the television, fireplace, sofas and various accessories all disappear into the ground, dropping out of view entirely as if I’ve taken the elevator down. Shawn, Noah and Gavin are gone. My view becomes a warm, summer beach. I watch the waves on a steady sway back and forth, reminding me of the lake by my house. Birds chirp and the sun beams across the rippling water. I feel at ease until I hear, “What the heck are you doing here?” She doesn’t sound happy to see me, but then she squeals, “Marley, I missed you.”

Kimmy rushes up to me and hugs me fiercely, nearly cutting off my air supply. She is dressed in her favorite yellow bikini and has a slight tan to her already tanned skin. “Kimmy.” I hug her back, just as fiercely.

I can’t believe my eyes. My best friend is standing right here, right in front of me. But I was just in my living room with the boys. Somehow, I must have travelled to Aeaea, again—the island inside of Limbo. “How am I here, right now?” 
“You’re not dead, I hope.” 
“No,” I tell her.

“Then I don’t care how you got here. I’m just happy to see you. 
“I thought I could only come here when Gavin was here.” 
“Guess not, but this is fantastic. You can tell me how everything is going back home. I mean, I got to see Shawn for like a second in the mirror this morning—” 
“Is that because he was with Noah?”

“No, he wasn’t with Noah at the time. Why?”

I shake my head, aiming my eyes down at the sand. I stare at a rock nestled in the grains and try to figure out how I get myself into these messes. “Well, Noah and Shawn are at my house right now.”

Kimmy’s eyes go wide-eyed. She looks like how I felt when I first saw them. “So, he knows. How is he?” 
“I was just trying to explain everything to him. He’s a hard-headed boy, that one.” 
“Can’t argue. What else?” 
Where do I even start? My life lately is like I’ve fallen into a well and every time I scrape my fingers and toes along the sides and reach the top, someone or something is there to kick my butt back down.

“Let’s find Circe first,” I suggest. “It’s so good to see you, even under these circumstances. I’ve missed you.” 
“I feel like I haven’t seen you in forever.” 
“To you,” I say, “I guess it’s been a while. It’s only been four days up there in the land of the living.”

“Wow. So, what do you think of my surprise soul mate?”




FREE for a limited time!



About Mikki Noble

As far back as she can remember, Mikki was creating characters and stories in her head. It wasn’t until fate brushed the tip of its wings over her eyes that she began to see that writing was what she was born to do. She loves animals, reading, everything supernatural related, and enjoys spending her free time on social media whenever she can.

Author Links: Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook


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Tuesday, September 17, 2019

The Ghost and the Wolf (The Broken Book One) by Shelly X Leonn

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YA Mystery Thriller
Release Date: 09/26/19

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Penelope, a student reporter, struggles to find her identity after a childhood of tragedy. Desperate to prove herself to her peers, she chases a story tip on a secret organization of teen urban explorers called “The Broken.” The group demands she complete a test before they let her write the story. While following the clues of their twisted scavenger hunt, she encounters Lex, a young paranormal investigator with a knack for computer hacking, and together they work to uncover the organization’s darkest secrets.

As they tag along on urban exploration missions, including an abandoned farmhouse, a vacant mall, and a haunted truck stop, they became entangled in the group’s inner fighting and their leader’s plans that turn out to be much more nefarious…and deadly…than they’d believed. Realizing her mistakes too late, Penelope will have to fight for her own life and the lives of her friends as she learns what it means to be one of the broken.


Pre-Order on Amazon   






About the Author

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Shelly X. Leonn is the author of The Broken Series. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism, Shelly worked at her hometown newspaper as the web and youth editor. During her time advising the youth staff, Shelly realized her true calling was teaching. Her years in education have been spent in middle school and high school language arts classrooms. She is also an adjunct professor.

She and her two boys reside in Affton, and she enjoys reading, writing, outdoor activities, anime, video games, and other dorky pastimes.

Shelly is represented by Stephanie Hansen at Metamorphosis Literary Agency.

Publisher Links

Friday, September 13, 2019

Witches Protection Program by Michael Okon


Hey everyone, Michael Okon is back with a new book! Check out an excerpt from Witches Protection Program and then follow the tour for more excerpts and reviews. Let him know what you think in the comments! And best of luck entering the great giveaway.


Witches Protection Program

Wes Rockville, a disgraced law-enforcement agent, gets one last chance to prove himself and save his career when he’s reassigned to a 232-year-old secret government organization.

The Witches Protection Program.

His first assignment: uncover a billion-dollar cosmetics company’s diabolical plan to use witchcraft for global domination, while protecting its heiress Morgan Pendragon from her aunt’s evil deeds. Reluctantly paired with veteran witch protector, Alastair Verne, Wes must learn to believe in witches…and believe in himself.

Filled with adventure and suspense, Michael Okon creates a rousing, tongue-in-cheek alternate reality where witches cast spells and wreak havoc in modern-day New York City.


Read an excerpt:
The narrator filled in more information. “It wasn’t until this land became my land that the government decided to create an organization to protect women at risk. The Davina Doctrine went against everything that the Willas stood for. Even though they ran the risk of persecution, the Davinas chose to work with law enforcement to expose the evil deeds of the rival sisterhood. President George Washington established secret legislation under Title VI of the Control Act of 1792. The law was enacted to protect the good witches that exposed the evil deeds of their sisterhood.”

The screen went dark. There was only a chair in the center of a dimly lit stage. A single spotlight focused on the top of the blond actress’s head. Wes was right; it was the actress he’d suspected. She had a hit sitcom and two Emmys, and there was some recent Oscar talk about her last movie.

“Yes. There are witches. Living among us. They are women who believe in using their power to protect love and life. And then there are some who use their powers for all the wrong reasons.”

The camera came to rest on her beautiful face. She winked saucily as she placed a triangular witch’s hat on her head. “Welcome to the Witches Protection Program.”

Alastair smiled broadly. “I love that part.”

“That was Jennifer Anis—”

Available on Amazon
Should you make a purchase through my affiliate link, I may earn a few pennies at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my websites!



About Michael Okon


Michael Okon is an award-winning and best-selling author of multiple genres including paranormal, thriller, horror, action/adventure and self-help. He graduated from Long Island University with a degree in English, and then later received his MBA in business and finance. Coming from a family of writers, he has storytelling in his DNA. Michael has been writing from as far back as he can remember, his inspiration being his love for films and their impact on his life. From the time he saw The Goonies, he was hooked on the idea of entertaining people through unforgettable characters.

Michael is a lifelong movie buff, a music playlist aficionado, and a sucker for self-help books. He lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wife and children.

Webpage:  michaelokon.com

Amazon Author Page:  amazon.com/Michael-Okon/e/B0752THRZV

Email:  michaelokonbooks@gmail.com

Twitter:  twitter.com/IAmMichaelOkon

Instagram:  instagram.com/iammichaelokon

Facebook:  facebook.com/iammichaelokon

Snapchat:  snapchat.com/add/iammichaelokon



Michael Okon will be awarding a $50 Amazon Gift Card, then 5 signed copies of the book (US ONLY) to randomly drawn winners via rafflecopter during the tour.

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Monday, September 9, 2019

Read an excerpt from Evermore by Jody Hedlund with Giveaway

On Tour with Prism Book Tours


Always


(The Lost Princesses #0.5)
By Jody Hedlund
Christian YA Historical Romance
Paperback & ebook, 136 Pages
August 13th 2019 by Northern Lights Press

A fierce elite guard. A loyal lady in waiting. They must work together to save three princesses from certain death.

On the verge of dying after giving birth to twins, the queen of Mercia pleads with Lady Felicia to save her infant daughters. With the castle overrun by King Ethelwulf’s invading army, Lady Felicia vows to do whatever she can to take the newborn princesses and their three-year old sister to safety, even though it means sacrificing everything she holds dear, possibly her own life.

Gravely wounded in battle and knowing all is lost to his enemy, the king of Mercia tasks Lance, one of his fiercest elite guards, to protect his family along with keys to an ancient treasure. As Lance makes plans to sneak the princesses out of the capital city, he doesn’t need or want Lady Felicia’s help.

With the dark enemy in pursuit, Lance and Felicia must put aside their differences to outrun King Ethelwulf and prevent him from killing the princesses. In a desperate attempt to hide the young girls, Lance and Felicia agree to a marriage of convenience, a decision that will change their lives—and hearts—forever.

(Affiliate links included.)
GoodreadsAmazon
Barnes & NobleBook Depository
Also FREE through KindleUnlimited


Evermore


(The Lost Princesses #1)
By Jody Hedlund
Christian YA Historical
Paperback & ebook, 222 Pages
August 27th 2019 by Northern Lights Press

An ancient key. A secret treasure. And a princess destined to use them both to fight evil and restore peace.

Raised by a noble family, Lady Adelaide has always known she’s an orphan. Little does she realize she’s one of the lost princesses and the true heir to Mercia’s throne…until a visitor arrives at her family estate, reveals her birthright as queen, and thrusts her into a quest for the throne whether she’s ready or not.

Unable to tolerate King Ethelwulf’s cruelty and lawlessness, Christopher Langley left Mercia years earlier, training a group of rebels in neighboring Norland. When he returns home after his mother’s death, he discovers that not only is Adelaide all grown up, but she’s also the rightful queen of Mercia.

When King Ethelwulf discovers Adelaide’s location, he’ll stop at nothing to capture her and the key she holds to the ancient treasure. Christopher is just as determined to protect Adelaide so she can lead the growing rebellion. When feelings ignite between the two old friends, forces threaten to destroy their love and rip them apart forever.

Read an excerpt:
“We need this victory more than any other.” I stiffened my shoulders as Mitchell began to thread the belt from my cuirass to the cross-shaped hole at the base of the helm. Though I couldn’t see Mitchell anymore, I sensed his troubled gaze upon me. With the customary Langley brown hair and eyes, he was small of stature for a man, more scholarly and interested in his studies than in tournaments. However, like any good nobleman’s son, he’d been trained to use both his mind and body. 
Much to the chagrin of my aunt and uncle, I’d trained right alongside Mitchell and my other cousins. Aunt Susanna oft lamented I was too much like my cousins and that she’d failed to raise me as a proper lady. I oft replied I would have it no other way.

The great helm lay heavy against my chain mail hood and padded coif. I was smaller than Mitchell, but we were close enough I’d jousted in his stead at tournaments. Always in the past, I’d enjoyed the challenge of taking part in competitions disguised as Mitchell. And always in the past, he’d humored my whims, relieved to escape his obligations.

(Affiliate links included.)
GoodreadsAmazon
Barnes & NobleBook Depository
Also FREE through KindleUnlimited


Other Books in the Series

Coming late September and October. Pre-order now! (Affiliate links included.)

About the Author
Jody Hedlund is a best-selling and award-winning author who loves fairy-tales and happily-ever-afters. She makes her home in Midland, MI with her husband and five teen-aged children. When she’s not writing another of her page-turning stories, you can usually find her sipping coffee, eating chocolate, and reading.



Tour Schedule


Tour Giveaway


One winner will receive the prequel and all three books in The Lost Princesses series (Always, Evermore, Foremost and Hereafter) in paperback or ebook (winner's choice, if winner is outside the US ebooks only)
Ends September 25, 2019

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Monday, September 2, 2019

Mind of Mine by C.F.E. Black Book Tour Grand Finale

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Book Tour Grand Finale for
Mind of Mine
By C. F. E. Black

We hope you enjoyed the tour! If you missed any of the stops
you'll find snippets, as well as the link to each full post, below:

Launch - Interview with the Author

What motivated you to write this particular story?

Two reasons: First, I fell in love with the characters and the idea of sharing thoughts. I just couldn’t get the characters out of my head once they arrived. Second, I want to encourage teenagers. I have been working with teenagers since I graduated from college, and I just can’t explain how great they are to work with every day. They deserve all the love and encouragement we can give them, and I hope my books do that. I hope this book in particular tells teenagers that they matter, that their thoughts and opinions matter, and that (really important to me) they take the time to consider how they define themselves.

Heidi Reads... - Excerpt

As I stand, I try to ignore the spinning in my head. Pru eyes me gripping the side of my chair for support. Marcus is rising, his arms boasting grooves and bulges as he pushes himself up. He sees me staring, and for just a moment longer, I wait to look away.

All sixteen of us are standing now. Dr. Yamaguchi says in her hypnotic voice, “To whom much is given—”

As one, we say, “—much is expected.”

Remembrancy - Review

"Mind of Mine is an interesting YA science fiction read but also a cautionary tale. Life on the other side of the fence comes with its own difficulties."


Only when I am with Marcus does the opaque white door before me not freeze my insides. Only with him am I not afraid of what happens behind this door. Streaming with Marcus is the one thing that feels like it belongs to me, even more than my research, which could be deleted at the touch of a button. Marcus cannot be deleted from my mind, nor I from his. And that makes me feel like, at least to him, I exist as an individual.

That is why we do this, after all. To remind us—most often just me—who we really are. Especially after a punishing day of deluge in the box—a day spent hooked up to fifteen other minds crashing simultaneously into my own—I need a grounder. I need this.

Colorimetry - Excerpt

Someone shuts the chamber doors and the lights above us dim. A man in a charcoal suit emerges from beneath us into a shaft of light on the stage. The Director. Daddy, as I like to call him. My teeth grind against each other.

“Thank you, Order members, for coming to this impromptu meeting.”

Like we had a choice.


"Wow! This one definitely sucked me in. I love it when speculative fiction explores a premise that seems to promise so many benefits—for example, overcoming our perceived shortcomings and limitations—but ends up demonstrating that the sacrifices made in the process actually de-humanize us rather than elevating us to a higher way of living. . . . this story really did have me hooked from cover to cover. I look forward to seeing more from this author!"

Wishful Endings - Excerpt

The rooftop. Oh, the air! The stars, hidden behind the city’s haze, pale in comparison to the blinking lights of Atlanta—each light a testament to human ingenuity and the desire to push harder, further, against the night. Marcus sits on the concrete, back facing me. He looks over at the sound of the door announcing my arrival. His smile flips into a frown in less than a second.

A week and a half have passed since they cut off our paired streaming. In almost eight months, a week hasn’t gone by without an exhilarating dose of Marcus’ emotions and the grounding feeling that I mean something to him. Until now.

Jypsylynn - Review

"The question at the heart of the story is a complex one with no right answer. The story is compelling, sharp and thought provoking. Although it is speculation, the premise is plausible. I liked V because of her daring. She questions the system that she has always accepted. I enjoyed the story because it really gives you something to think about after the last page. The ideas will stay with you. I've become a fan lately of speculative fiction, and Mind of Mine is a great example of excellent story telling in this genre. Definitely try it out!"

I'm Into Books - Excerpt

“Let him alone.” Pru’s stony voice edges in from the doorway. Her arms are crossed and her mouth flat.

Flavius whips an angry glare at her. “He’s been boxed. Can’t remember who he is. It’ll come. Just give him a minute.”

“Leave him,” Pru demands. “Each time one of us gets the box, it affects us all. Let him suffer. Maybe then he won’t do whatever it was again.” She spears me with her gaze then spins on her heel and disappears.

Jessica Belmont - Review

"I love that this is a debut because there is so much right about this book. The plot is captivating and keeps you drawn in. I really enjoy C.F.E. Black’s writing. She really knows her audience and pays close attention to what she’s writing. Fantastic. I recommend checking this one out!"


"A wonderful debut by C.F.E Black and a new to me author!!

This is more of a YA and if you love sci-fi then this is for you. A great mixture of both!!"


Don't forget to enter the giveaway at the end of this post, if you haven't already...



Mind of Mine


By C. F. E. Black
Young Adult SciFi
Paperback & ebook, 302 Pages
August 7th 2019 by Illuminate YA

Raised to put science over self, V must link her brain with fifteen other people, making her one of the world’s smartest humans. With this privilege comes a life dedicated to continual research inside a secluded facility, a life devoid of freedom.

But V is losing her identity and unable to predict which face will peer back at her from the nearest mirror. Escaping this life will mean freedom to think for herself—and abandoning everything and everyone she’s known and loved.

When your thoughts and speech are no longer private, freedom comes at a price. But for V the price may be her life.


GoodreadsAmazon
Barnes & NobleBook Depository
Should you make a purchase through my affiliate link, I may earn a few pennies at no additional cost to you. Thank you for supporting my websites!


About the Author

If you're a teen, I work for you.

I write for you. I teach for you.

Seven days a week I seek to shine light into the world-darkened lives of young people, whether it be in a high school Spanish class, a youth group Sunday school class, or a coffee shop with my computer writing my next book.

I want my writing to be a bright spot on a dark shelf, a source of truth among many lies. You guys deserve books like this.

I live in north Alabama with my son, two droopy hound dogs, a cat named Sprinkles, and my superhero husband. No, really, he saved my life once. It’s a cool story.

If you want to know more about me, my writing, or my escapades as a teacher, please visit my blog.

Mind of Mine is my first novel.


Tour Giveaway


1 winner will receive a print copy of MIND OF MINE and a $25 Amazon gift card
US only
Ends September 4, 2019

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Sunday, September 1, 2019

Cover Reveal! Feather and Bone (Frey Saga #6) by Melissa Wright #FeathBoneCR

On Tour with Prism Book Tours

Welcome to the Cover Reveal for
Feather and Bone (Frey Saga #6)
By Melissa Wright

The newest addition to this New Adult/Young Adult Fantasy series is coming July 21, 2020...


GoodreadsiBooks

Other Books in the Series


About the Author

Melissa is the author of the Frey Saga, Descendants Series, and KING OF ASH AND BONE. She is currently working on the next book, but when not writing can be spotted collecting the things she loves at Goodreads and Pinterest. Contact her through the web at www.melissa-wright.com or follow her blog at authormelissawright.blogspot.com.

For info on contests and new releases, sign up for the newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/zbisj.


Cover Reveal Giveaway


One winner will receive the Frey Saga eBook Set of books one through three and a $20 Amazon eGift Card (winner may also choose to receive a print book of Frey in place of the ebook set if in the US).
Open internationally
Ends September 1, 2019

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