Review of 'The White Door (Visitors Series #3)' by Christy Sloat

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Title: The White Door
Author: Christly Sloat
Series: The Visitor’s Series, #3
Genre: YA Paranormal
Audience:  14 years and up
Formats: e-book and Paperback
Publisher: Anchor Group
Cover By: KC Designs
Editor: MAI Editing
Date Published: 3 March, 2014
 
 

The haunting third book in the Best Selling Visitors Series.

“When I first moved here I was still a girl who cherished the normality of teen life. Now, after being here a year I had come to love a boy who was both strong and courageous. I made real friendships that would last even after death. The selfish girl my grandmother warned me of becoming had vanished. A girl who stood tall, with the powers to see the dead and help those in need, appeared in her place.”

In Brylee’s world, nothing is normal. She sees and speaks with the dead and, at seventeen years old, she already has a full plate. She’s in her senior year of high school and college is just around the corner, but only if she learns to control her gifts and survive in the land of the living.

She has succeeded in ridding her boyfriend, Ephraim, from the Brown family curse, but, in the end, her best friend loses her life. Now a whole slew of new problems present itself and, like always, Brylee is tempted to run for the hills. With Ephraim at her side, she must come to grips with the reality that she is not an average girl and she never will be.

What will happen when the town turns on her? Or, better yet, when a body is unearthed in her backyard? The choices that Brylee must make will determine whether she has a future or nothing at all.

Amazon /Smashwords  / Goodreads

Excerpt-

“Branson!” Miss Hailey shouted at me from the front of the room while tapping her black ballet flats harshly against the floor. I hadn’t listened to a thing she had said, of course, so I just smiled at her.

“Yes Miss?” I said in the sweetest, most innocent voice.

“Why are you in my class if you’re not going to pay attention?”

Whoa! Ephraim was totally right about her being strict. “I love this class Miss. I was just worried about the storm is all. I have never experienced anything like this before,” I lied.

“Well,” she sighed. “I will forgive that. No one likes hurricanes, but they don’t stop the learning process.”

“Unless the hurricane kills you.” I looked up to see Kayla sitting on top of the teacher’s desk. I fought back the urge to laugh when she walked towards me. I sure hoped she wouldn’t mess with me now. She sat in the empty seat next to me and tapped her fingers on the desk.

“I always hated her, did you know that?”

I shook my head. How did she expect me to communicate with her in public?

“I’m here to talk to you about something important. Can you give me five minutes?”

I raised my hand to excuse myself to the bathroom and Miss Hailey obliged. I sped walked to the girl’s room as Kayla skipped behind me. I pushed open a stall and threw my hands up in the air. “What the heck Kayla? Here, at school?”

She laughed.

“Seriously? I know something’s up, but why not wait until after school?”

She leaned against the stall and sighed. “I told you things are weird with me lately. I don’t know what’s happening but I can feel a change coming. I… I…” Her mad rush to speak was suddenly interrupted by a choking sound coming from her mouth.

“Kayla!” I rushed to her and my hands went through her body. She wasn’t solid like normal. Something was wrong! Kayla had always felt like flesh and blood to me. Never like a ghost.

Suddenly her mouth opened and water poured out onto my feet, splashing my shoes and legs. I still tried but failed to help her. She was choking on water and, if I wasn’t mistaken, she was drowning. I was helpless and didn’t know what to do. Then before I could come up with an answer she uttered one word, “Diary.”

“Diary? Okay, where?” Any clue besides diary would have been perfect, but I was helpless now because she suddenly vanished.

**My thoughts**

Oh, how I have loved this series. I fell madly in love with The Brown House and got hooked on Christy Sloat's books. I have been eagerly anticipating the conclusion to this series, and wasn't disappointed. In fact, it confirmed that this is my favorite of her series.

Like most final installments of a trilogy, the action is slower, resolutions are finally obtained, and answers are finally revealed. Brylee really comes into her own as she end Ephraim are forced to fight to the bitter end to save themselves and the ghosts of those who have gone before them from the evil Evangeline. A lot of the plot twists are pretty easy to figure out, thanks to a lot of foreshadowing and other hints sprinkled throughout the book. I felt like I already knew what was going to happen, well ahead of Brylee. Nevertheless, I enjoyed this quick read and am going to miss the characters. But, it does seem like another chapter in their lives may one day be written?

I do recommend reading the first two books in the series before you read this one, even though you get a brief recap of the events leading up to this book, so that you can fully understand and appreciate the story. 

 

Christy Sloat is a SoCal born girl who resides in New Jersey currently with her husband, two daughters and Sophie her Chihuahua. Christy has embraced the love of reading and writing since her youth and was inspired by her grandmother’s loving support. Christy passes that love of reading, writing, and creativity to her daughters, family, and friends. When you do not find Christy within the pages of a book you can find her being mommy, wife, crafter, and dear friend. She loves adventurous journeys with her friends and can be known to get lost inside a bookstore. Be sure to venture into her Past Lives Series, The Visitor’s Series, and watch for many more exciting things to come
 
 

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March 10 to March 16

 

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Eclipse Reviews

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Cover Reveal! 'Kasadya Hellhound: Defined (Kasadya #4)' by Karen Swart

Cover Reveal

Book Info -

Title: Kasadya Hellhound Defined

Series: Kasadya, #4

Author: Karen Swart

Genre:  Urban Fantasy

Audience: Young Adult 14 years and up

Formats: E-book and Paperback

Publisher: Self Published

Cover by: Melody Simmons

Edited by: Blue Butterfly Editing

Expected Publishing Date: 10 March. 2014

Blurb -

Kasadya: Hellhound Defined (Book #4 of the Kasadya Series)

For centuries his only reason for existence was to destroy evil.  But when he finally found his mate, that all changed for the deadly Chax De Luca. When the hellhound Kasadya captured his heart, he surrended it to her, thinking he’d finally found what he’d been looking for. Little did he know that his mate would sacrifice herself to save them all.

His fury is legend. His wrath, merciless. His love for his mate, undeniable. He’s going to hell to retrieve his heart, and if that means that he must destroy hell itself, then so be it.

Kasadya awakes to a world in peril, her mate forever changed, and a war filled with evil creatures intending to enter Earth’s realm and destroy all that she holds dear. Can she complete her divinity in time to save her loved ones and mankind? Will she have to choose? Or will all be lost in the final battle?

The final battle is here, and with it, secrets are revealed and worlds are changed forever.

Book Links-

Goodreads

About the Author -

Karen lives in a small town in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa. She shares her live with her husband, two sons and daughter. If she isn't reading she is writing.

Her preferred genres are Paranormal and Urban fantasy. Karen specializes in payroll and HRIS systems analysis and development. At the age of 21 Karen's professional success reached its highest platform, an outstanding achievement at such a young age.

Media Links –

Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Blog / Amazon 

Review of The Past Lives Series by Christy Sloat

Book Info-
Title- The Many Lives of Avery Snow
Series-The Past Lives Series Book #1
By- Christy Sloat
Published By-Anchor Publishing Group
Publication Date-January 11, 2012

Blurb-

Avery Snow led a boring, no thrills life. After her father left the family when she was young, Avery’s mother died when she was only twelve, leaving her all alone except for her Aunt Paulina. Now, at twenty-six, Avery is very used to being lonely. She enjoys her job at Sunrise Estates, it’s the one place where she doesn’t feel left out. Her boss, Kerri, is her best friend and Lucy O’Shea, a resident at the home, is a good friend to her as well. The night Lucy dies in Avery’s arms she delivers a haunting message to Avery. She tells her that there is a man looking for her from a past life. And he will stop at nothing to have her.

Now Avery is unable sleep for more than a few hours, her dreams are keeping her awake. She is too terrified to sleep for the dreams are too vivid and too real. The only catch? She cannot remember what they are about. Until her Spirit Guide, Ianni, comes to help. Ianni shows Avery her past lives and tells her about the man who is stalking her soul. Now Avery remembers every life she has ever lived and she remembers the man she shared them with. He will not give up until she falls in love with him. The problem is Avery is in love with someone else. Ianni must help keep Avery from making the wrong choice. One her soul doesn’t want. She also must keep her safe from the Dark Guides who are after Avery.

Now Avery must make choices she never has before. This once lonely girl is now surrounded by Spirit Guides, psychics, Demonic Angels and two men fighting for her love.

Do you believe in reincarnation and a love that can last lifetimes?

**My thoughts**

This was the second book by Christy Sloat that I had ever read. It's a horrible romantic dilemma to be in. Read my review here.

Links-

 

Book Info-
Title-Ianni
Series- The Past Lives Series Book # 1.5
By-Christy Sloat
Publication Date- August 31, 2012
Published By- Anchor Publishing Group

Blurb-

Ianni gave up her angelic existence to save a human soul. Killing the Dark Guides caused her to be banished from Heaven. Now she will be sent to earth to live as a human. But becoming a human is complicated. She must learn their ways and try to let go of her past life as a Spirit Guide. As if that wasn’t hard enough, now she learns there is a new threat to her friends. Will Ianni strive in her new skin or fail miserably?

Follow Ianni’s new path in this novella of The Past Lives Series.

**My Thoughts**

This short story, or novella, tells the story of Ianni and how she fell from Heaven to be human on Earth. We already knew that she fell because of the first book in the series, but we didn't know the whole story. This story fills in the missing pieces for us and gives us greater insight into her character. You feel sorry for her as she stumbles through her transition, yet admire her for her bravery.

Links-

Book Info-

Title- The Unraveling of Avery Snow
Series-The Past Lives Series Book # 2
By-Christy Sloat
Publication Date- February 2013
Published By- Anchor Publishing Group

Blurb-
As Avery Snow settles into her life and relationships with those around her, she fights to forget her past lives. All of which she spent with Landon, who still has no recollection of who she really is. It seems better that way. Even though she still feels a draw to his soul, she chooses to ignore it.

For now everything is fine. Her boyfriend, Dallas, has opened a new restaurant. Her friends, Ianni and Kerri, are settling into their lives as well. But when news of a new Dark Guide is revealed, Avery is forced to start thinking about the life she truly leads. One that is very abnormal. One she is desperate to forget. This Dark Guide is determined to make Avery pay for the death of someone she held dear.

Now Avery’s life has gone from seemingly perfect to falling apart. What will be at stake next? Her life? Her love? And who will be there in the end to help her up off the ground?

Even the strongest love can unravel.

Will Avery be able to hold it all together, or will she just let go?

**My Thoughts**

As often happens to me with sequels, I didn't quite like this book as much as the first one in the series. Yet, I was compelled to read it, as I needed to know what happened to the characters. I would also recommend anyone else read it, to finish the series and to find out what happens to Avery, et. al. That being said, I didn't put it down until I was done reading it.

Her heart is still torn in two different directions, though she tries to convince herself otherwise. I found myself still upset with her choice in the romance department. I felt sorry for her as she tries to determine who is going to get hurt, because there is no answer that makes everyone happy. I did find myself changing my opinion on what decisions I thought she should make. There are definite pros and cons to both decisions. You may find yourself contemplating the story even after you have finished it.

There are plenty of twists and turns in the plot. You definitely need to read the series in order, to truly appreciate the story.

In the unlikely event that another story appears in this series, I will be sure to pick it up!

I received a complimentary ecopy of this installment in exchange for my honest review.

Links-

Facebook Event- https://www.facebook.com/events/581447245247373/

About the Author-

Christy Sloat is a Southern California native who now lives in New Jersey with her husband and two daughters. She believes that reading is a passion and it should be embraced. She is literally obsessed with reading and tries to fit as many books in as possible. She has a very active imagination and she encourages her daughters to find theirs. Christy hopes to inspire them and others to use their creativity for the use of good. When she is not writing, reading or being Mommy, you might be able to find her at a bookstore scouring the shelves.

Look for her recent titles The Many Lives of Avery Snow, Ianni, The Unraveling of Avery Snow and The Brown House. Links-

Website- http://www.christysloat.com/
Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5445209.Christy_Sloat
Twitter- https://twitter.com/christysloat
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/christysloatauthor?fref=ts
Amazon Author Page- http://www.amazon.com/Christy-Sloat/e/B0071MMCU6
Publisher- http://anchorgrouppublishing.com/
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Review of 'Snow Bound (More Than Magic #2)' by Elizabeth Kirke

Blurb from Amazon:

After learning how to use magic and fighting vampires, anyone would be bored going back to normal college life. As if that wasn’t enough, Jen didn’t realize how hard it would be to tiptoe around her non-magic family and friends. She can’t even talk to her familiar, Rak, without making sure no one else is around! Worst of all, Jen misses the friends she made over the summer. Aside from Rak, they’re the only other magics she knows and she hasn’t seen them in almost five months!

Jen is all too happy to accept an invitation to go skiing with the gang. She gears up for two weeks of snow, magic, and fun. Just when everything seems to be going great, an uninvited guest turns up. Soon the skiers aren’t the only things going downhill. Jen thought that vampires were just about the most dangerous thing the magical world could throw at her. Unfortunately, she’s about to learn that people with no magic at all can be just as deadly ...

*My thoughts**

I loved this book just about as much as I loved the first book in the series. The characters are all a lot of fun as they play with their elements and powers. They enjoy topping each other and picking on each other, just like one big happy family. (I am also a New Yorker who is a Lions fan, so I get a kick out of all of the football banter!) Jen definitely feels the most comfortable when she is around them, because she can truly be herself. She seems to be growing into herself, but still has a really long way to go.

In this installment, Jen has been away from everyone else for the past five months. I do wish we would have had more insight into what she did for those five months, because that seems like an awfully long time to go without seeing everyone. I'm waiting for more lessons about her powers and abilities. She does have the opportunity to learn much more about the history of magic and more about their magical world as the new dangers present themselves up on the mountain. She also seems to find herself in the new position of being somewhat of a teacher. Old friends rejoin the cast in this book, as well as a couple of new additions. I love Dani and Charlie. This time around, I didn't confuse TS and Thomas as much. (Their names are too close!) Marianna didn't play as much of a role in this book. Sometimes, I forgot she was even there. Ember is new and has a lot of spunk. Shannon is also new, in that she now has an active role instead of being just someone mentioned. She too smart for her own good and definitely keeps things spicy!

I enjoyed the action in this book and still had a hard time putting it down. I shook my head, laughed out loud, and even got a little teary.  I did feel like Jen was a bit more of a passive observer in this book, as opposed to being involved in a lot of the action. The story is told from her perspective, so she does get a lot into her thoughts and emotions. Her biggest change in life revolves around her love life and her cousin's visit. The dynamic of those relationships change drastically.

I enjoy how the series holds true to its name. Yes, magic is involved in each book, but the stories are more about friendship and creating everlasting bonds with your loved ones. It's about finding your place in this world.

I feel like something bigger is being set up in this book. Jen and her friends are working their way up to an epic battle of sorts in the future. I can't wait for the next installment!