'Taking Angels' by C.S. Yelle

Book Info-

Title- Taking Angels
Series- The Angel Crusades Series #1
By- C.S. Yelle
Genre- YA Paranormal/Angels
Published On- March 26, 2013
Published By- Staccato Publishing

Blurb-

Britt Anderson went along with everything the doctors said for nearly four years, but she was still dying at eighteen. The cancer had won leaving her without a future, without any options, and without control. No control, except for how she would leave this world. As Britt tries to end her life by going into the frigid waters she realizes her mistake. She struggles to get back to shore, to cry out for help, but her atrophied muscles are useless and the frigid water steals the breath from her chemo-scarred lungs. Despite her father’s attempts to reach her, she flies over the waterfall.

When Allister Parks finds Britt’s fragile body on the riverbank something calls out to him. Ignoring the warnings of his sister, Allister brings Britt back from the edge of death. The only problem is that an Eternal like Allister isn’t allowed to touch those who have already passed from this world. It is forbidden; an infraction punishable by death.

As Britt relishes her new cancer-free life and senior year of high school, her very existence threatens Allister’s place in this world. Allister struggles to keep Britt a secret from the Eternal Council and out of the hands of the only Eternal who already knows the truth: the one who stole her guardian angel.

Read an excerpt:

“You were dead,” Allister agreed. “I touched you and brought you back, only it was as something different than you were before.”“Uh, I kind of noticed,” I said, waving my hands around my body like a model showing him the latest fashions. “And that little thing about being able to heal people is new. So what did you bring me back as?” The words came out and I wanted to catch them and shove them back into my mouth. Fear swelled within me as I realized I wasn’t sure I wanted the truth…if it was bad.

Read another excerpt:

Just as the tingling began, panic gripped me. I recognized the yard and the house. Mine. 

My room materialized before me as the smell of lilac came to me and I stared through Kendal’s eyes at my bed as I slept. He crept closer even as my mind screamed for me to wake up, to just, wake up. 

My eyes flew open and I sat up. Kendal, only a step from me, jumped back in surprise.

Book links

Goodreads \ Amazon \ Smashwords \ Barnes & Noble

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About the Author-

C.S. Yelle was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MN, the “almost” middle child of six. He attended Grand Rapids Senior High School where he enjoyed music and sports. He received his BS in Chemistry from Mayville State University, Mayville, ND in 1987. He taught 7-12 Science and coached for six years in several North Dakota schools and currently works as an Executive Account Manager in the Water Treatment Industry where he has been for over eighteen years. He is the father of four and grandfather of one. He writes novels, screenplays, and an occasional short story. He has been writing seriously for over 15 years and plans to continue until his fingers are unable, maybe longer. He currently resides in a Minneapolis, MN suburb with his wife Jennifer.


Links-

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/pages/CS-Yelle/368771436505884
Publisher- http://staccatopublishing.blogspot.com/p/cs-yelle.html?m=0
Goodreads- https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6996127.C_S_Yelle
Twitter- http://www.twitter.com/CSYelle
Website- http://p8.hostingprod.com/@csyelle.com/

'Chosen (Daughters of the Sea #3)' by Kristen Day

Chosen

Daughters of the Sea Book #3

By- Kristen Day

Publication Date- May 27th, 2014

The essence of who we are lies not in what we have, but in what we are willing to give up.  Because in the end, Time and Tide wait for no one.

After sacrificing all that she had, the evil princess of the Underworld is still successful in her bid to tear Finn from Stasia’s life.  In the midst of her search to reclaim him, Stasia is summoned to the island nation of Cyprus to take part in an age-old ritual; unveiling the missing pieces of her ancestry and re-igniting an ancient war.  As she struggles to both save Finn’s soul and free Carmen’s mind, Stasia’s bravery and determination will be pushed to its breaking point.  A dark storm is forming on the horizon, and the forces who are vying to destroy her may be much closer than she thinks. Destiny weaves a sticky web of evil, betrayal, and revenge that can only be undone by the purity of love and the soul’s unyielding will to survive.  In the last installment of the Daughters of the Sea trilogy, the past will collide with the present as Stasia’s future hangs in the balance.  The prophecy that paved the way for her new life may indeed be the very thing that strips her of the ones she loves the most.

 

Review of 'Ride of Your Life' by Shevi Arnold

Ride of Your Life

By- Shevi Arnold 

Seventeen-year-old Tracy Miller met the love of her life . . . thirty years after her own death. 

Tracy was working at the House of Horrors at the Amazing Lands Theme Park when the fire broke out. Instead of running, she lost her life trying to save eleven-year-old Mack. Now thirty years have passed, and suddenly everything changes with the arrival of two new ghosts: a little girl named Ashley and a cute, seventeen-year-old boy named Josh. Josh would do anything for Tracy, but can he help her let go of the past?   

Ride of Your Life is a bittersweet, romantic, YA ghost story that was inspired by a true event, the Great Adventure Haunted Castle fire, which killed eight teenagers in 1984, exactly thirty years ago this May 11th. It is a fantasy novel about undying love, and it won third-place in Smart Writer’s Write It Now (W.I.N.) contest in the YA category, which was judged by Alex Flinn, the author of Beastly and Cloaked.

Hang on. Love can be as terrifying as a roller coaster, but it can also be the Ride of Your Life.

Additional information about the Six Flags Great Adventure Haunted Castle fire- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haunted_Castle_(Six_Flags_Great_Adventure)

  

 

**My thoughts**

It's sad that this story was inspired by real events, but what a lovely thought, that those who have moved on may still be around on some level, helping those who have recently passed over. 

Tracy and Mack have made it their afterlife's goal to take care of the newbies. Okay, so it is more Tracy who has a compelling need to take care of the ghosts. Josh also seems to have a big heart, as he died trying to save Ashley. Ashley is just a sweet little girl who died in a freak accident. Mack is a troubled tween who has found more love and affection in the afterlife than he ever had in real life. The bond between these kids is heartwarming, especially because in real life, they probably would have never bonded. I like how even in the afterlife, one can grow and mature. I even like the idea of a little romance.

I liked the unique setting of an amusement park as the "waiting area" to go to Heaven. I liked the creativity in how the ghost kids made themselves comfortable as they found new ways to carry on their new afterlives. It made me wonder what I would do, should I get stuck somewhere like that after I die. And in a weird way, it did make me crave visiting an amusement park once again. I grew up with Cedar Point and had fun imagining what it would be like to run around there, without being seen.

All in all, a fun YA romance with a bit of adventure, that would be a great summer read.

Cover Reveal! 'Chosen (Daughters of the Sea #3)' by Kristen Day

Chosen

Daughters of the Sea Book #3

By- Kristen Day

Expected Publication Date- May 27th, 2014

The essence of who we are lies not in what we have, but in what we are willing to give up.  Because in the end, Time and Tide wait for no one.

After sacrificing all that she had, the evil princess of the Underworld is still successful in her bid to tear Finn from Stasia’s life.  In the midst of her search to reclaim him, Stasia is summoned to the island nation of Cyprus to take part in an age-old ritual; unveiling the missing pieces of her ancestry and re-igniting an ancient war.  As she struggles to both save Finn’s soul and free Carmen’s mind, Stasia’s bravery and determination will be pushed to its breaking point.  A dark storm is forming on the horizon, and the forces who are vying to destroy her may be much closer than she thinks. Destiny weaves a sticky web of evil, betrayal, and revenge that can only be undone by the purity of love and the soul’s unyielding will to survive.  In the last installment of the Daughters of the Sea trilogy, the past will collide with the present as Stasia’s future hangs in the balance.  The prophecy that paved the way for her new life may indeed be the very thing that strips her of the ones she loves the most.

'Surrender (The Ferryman and the Flame #1)' by Rhiannon Paille

Surrender

The Ferryman and The Flame #1

By: Rhiannon Paille

Published: October 2nd, 2012

How far would you go to save everything you ever loved?

Kaliel was warned about her love for the Ferryman. One day he will marry the land and leave Avristar forever. She doesn't listen, and because of what she is-- a Flame-- one of nine apocalyptic weapons, she sparks a war. In a desperate attempt to save her home and her love, Kaliel tries to awaken Avred, not knowing she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.

     

The Daughters of Zeus Series by Kaitlin Bevis - Now in audiobook!

Persephone

Daughters of Zeus Book #1

By- Kaitlin Bevis

Genre-YA Paranormal

There are worse things than death, worse people too.

The "talk" was bad enough, but how many teens get told that they're a goddess? When her mom tells her, Persephone is sure her mother has lost her mind. It isn't until Boreas, the god of winter, tries to abduct her that she realizes her mother was telling the truth. Hades rescues her, and in order to safely bring Persephone to the Underworld he marks her as his bride. But Boreas will stop at nothing to get Persephone. Despite her growing feelings for Hades, Persephone wants to return to the living realm. Persephone must find a way to defeat Boreas and reclaim her life.

 

Cover Reveal! 'Aqua' by M.A. George

Aqua

By M.A. George

Genre- YA Paranormal 

Expected Publication Date- April 16th, 2014 

Meet Layla McKelland: 

Novelist (unpublished, but cut her some slack…seventeen is a bit early to despair), 

Slightly neurotic introvert (Alright, let’s be honest…there’s no “slightly” about it), 

International Woman of Mystery, and…

Okay, just scratch the bio.

The only real “mystery” in Layla’s life is why her father has never been on the scene. Or why her mother drags Layla to a new coastal home every year. 

Nothing about the latest hometown seems too newsworthy…until a routine day at the beach leaves Layla questioning whether she’s read one too many paranormal fantasy novels. The plot thickens when a random guy claims to know things about her father—a bizarre claim he backs up with an equally impossible stunt. And Layla soon finds herself on the wrong side of a mysterious attempted drowning…on her own kitchen floor.

When all is done, Layla will attest that fact is far stranger than fiction. And nothing in real life is ever as transparent as it seems…Not even water.

Especially not water.

'Awaken (Daughters of the Sea #2)' by Kristen Day

Awaken

Daughters of the Sea Book #2

By Kristen Day

The sacrifices we make have the power to shift the very fabric of who we are, and ultimately who we are meant to be…

After learning of her true destiny as the intended Leader of the Tydes, Anastasia Whitman must now embark on a perilous quest to the Underworld before the age of eighteen in order to plant the seed of immortality and complete her essence to become a true Sea Goddess. But before she can make her legendary journey, an unexpected new student transfers to Lorelei; initiating a sequence of events that will unravel Stasia’s new life, and test the boundaries of her relationship with the mysterious, dark, and sexy Finn Morrison. The line between the Underworld and the Living begins to blur as gruesome ghosts, morbid reveries, and pure evil haunt her waking hours as well as her sanity. Once the details of Finn’s own startling destiny are revealed, the dangerous secrets he’s been hiding will threaten the very love Stasia believed to be indestructible. As time begins to run out, she will be forced to choose between the one she loves and the destiny she cannot escape.

  

Cover Reveal! 'Awaken (Daughters of the Sea Book #2)' by Kristen Day

Awaken

Daughters of the Sea Book #2

By Kristen Day

The sacrifices we make have the power to shift the very fabric of who we are, and ultimately who we are meant to be…

After learning of her true destiny as the intended Leader of the Tydes, Anastasia Whitman must now embark on a perilous quest to the Underworld before the age of eighteen in order to plant the seed of immortality and complete her essence to become a true Sea Goddess. But before she can make her legendary journey, an unexpected new student transfers to Lorelei; initiating a sequence of events that will unravel Stasia’s new life, and test the boundaries of her relationship with the mysterious, dark, and sexy Finn Morrison. The line between the Underworld and the Living begins to blur as gruesome ghosts, morbid reveries, and pure evil haunt her waking hours as well as her sanity. Once the details of Finn’s own startling destiny are revealed, the dangerous secrets he’s been hiding will threaten the very love Stasia believed to be indestructible. As time begins to run out, she will be forced to choose between the one she loves and the destiny she cannot escape.

'Before the Full Moon Rises' by M.J. Bell

Before the Full Moon Rises

Series- Chronicles of the Secret Prince Book # 1

By- M.J. Bell  

Deston Lespérance grew up believing faeries and monsters are just stories told to children at bedtime. However, when his mother mysteriously vanishes and he stumbles into the mystical realm of Tir na-nÓg, he discovers the shocking truth that these beings are not only real, they hold the key to his future. With a new friend, Margaux, and Excalibur’s twin brother sword, Caluvier, at his side, Deston races against time to find his mother and the Light Crystal before the full moon rises on the autumnal equinox. The odds are stacked against them and the obstacles they run into push the limit of what two teenagers can handle: an attack by gremlin-like creatures; captured by 6 foot tall vampire bats; hunted by a giant wolf, and almost lost forever in the mist of Avalon. Yet Deston doesn't give up, for he vowed to do whatever it takes to get his mother back—even if that means fighting the devil himself. The thing is … when he made that pledge he had no idea how close he would have to come to doing just that!

 

 

'Once Upon a Darker Time (Chronicles of the Secret Prince #2)' by M.J. Bell

Once Upon a Darker Time

Series- Chronicles of the Secret Prince Book # 2

By- M.J. Bell

Defying the odds, Deston Lespérance defeated Grossard, the Solitary Faerie who kidnapped his mother and father, and delivered the Light Crystal back to Tir na-nÓg in time to secure the Fae’s reign of the high realm. Now at long last, his dream of having a whole family has come to pass. Unfortunately, “happily ever after” doesn’t last forever, for Grossard lives and is more resolved than ever to get his revenge on the Fae—this time teaming up with Mordred to unleash the darkness which has lain dormant since the earth’s creation.

Deston, though still struggling with his newly found powers, sets off with Margaux on another epic adventure to locate and destroy the Shard of Erebus before Grossard and Mordred can find it. He is fully aware the stakes are high, but he has no idea the scope of sacrifices he’ll be required to make. As his world crumbles around him and his friends fall, he holds onto the only glimmer of hope he has left … that the Fae power and strength truly does reside within him and that he still has a chance to become the hero they claim him to be.

'Forsaken' by Kristen Day Release Day Blitz!

Forsaken

Daughters of the Sea-Book #1

By Kristen Day 

Once you’ve been touched by darkness, it never leaves you…

Abandoned by her parents as an infant; seventeen year old Hannah spent her childhood wading through countless foster families until being adopted by the Whitmans three years ago.

Unfortunately, Atlanta’s high society wasn’t quite ready for Hannah…or the strange events that plague her.

Chilling visions of murder, unexplained hallucinations, and  dark, mysterious guy who haunts her nightmares all culminate to set in motion a journey of self-discovery that will challenge everything she’s ever believed; not to mention her sanity.

Sent to live at The House of Lorelei on Bald Head Island, NC for ‘kids like her’, Hannah quickly realizes things are not what they seem. Her fellow ‘disturbed’ teens are actually the descendants of mythical Sea Gods and Goddesses. And so is she.

But when Finn, the ghost from her dreams, appears in the flesh; her nightmares become reality and her dark visions begin coming true. Inexplicably drawn to him, she can’t deny the dangerous hold he has on her heart. The deadly secrets he harbors will ultimately test her courage and push the boundaries of her love.

She must decide if she is ready to embrace the ancient legend she is prophesied to be a part of. The fate of all the descendants will forever depend upon it.

 

Author Jennifer Anne Davis shares her Top 10 Books

Which books make your Top 10 Favorites list? Jennifer Anne Davis, author of THE KEY shares her list.

Top 10 Books

1. The Hunger Games Trilogy by Suzanne Collins

2. The Girl of Fire and Thorns Trilogy by Rae Carson

3. Fire by Kristin Cashore

4. Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

5. Graceling by Kristin Cashore

6. Divergent by Veronica Roth

7. Crown Duel by Sherwood Smith

8. Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

9. Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo

10.      Shatter Me Series by Tahereh Mafi

10.1   The Mortal Instruments & The Infernal Devices Series by Cassandra Clare

10.2   Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas

10.3   Oh, and I love The Decoy Princess and Princess at Sea by Dawn Cook

Ok, I’m forcing myself to stop. It’s hard to only pick 10!!

Book Info-
Title- The Key
Series- The True Reign Series #1
By- Jennifer Anne Davis
Publication Date- November 15th, 2103
Published By- Clean Teen Publishing

Blurb-

Within these pages lie kingdoms with castles and princes who fall in love with fair maidens, but make no mistake−this is no fairytale.

His father’s kingdom is on the brink of upheaval and at the center of it all is an ordinary girl who could be the key to its undoing. When faced with the ultimate choice, will he choose the girl he’s falling in love with or the kingdom he has sworn to protect?

An ordinary girl with an extraordinary past. All she wants is to be free. What she doesn’t realize is that freedom comes with a price she can’t afford to pay. She’s forced to accept the proposal of a prince she despises, even though her heart belongs to someone else . . . his brother.

Seventeen-year-old Rema lives in a brutal kingdom where travel between regions is forbidden, people are starving, and looking at someone the wrong way can mean death. Nineteen-year-old Darmik is the king’s son and Commander of the King’s Army. He spends his days roving the island, doing his father’s bidding and trying to maintain control over the people.

When a chance encounter throws Rema and Darmik together, they share an instantaneous connection, but any sort of relationship between them is strictly forbidden. Darmik’s brother, the Crown Prince, notices Darmik’s interest in Rema and, in a calculated, political move, blackmails her. Faced with an impossible choice, Rema is forced to sacrifice her heart in order to save her family.

As Rema is taken to the palace with the Crown Prince, Darmik confronts the growing rumor that a legitimate blood heir to the throne exists and is trying to overthrow Darmik’s family. In Darmik’s quest to hunt down and kill the threat, he discovers that nothing is as it seems. Locked in the king’s castle, Rema finds herself a key player in a massive power struggle. When Darmik shows up, she’s not sure if she can trust him. The line between friends, enemies, and loyalty becomes blurred. As truths are unlocked, Rema understands that she just might be the key to finding the rightful heir and restoring peace to the kingdom… if she can manage to stay alive long enough.

Read an excerpt:

Darmik had to talk to her again. He ran to the back of the stables, hoping to catch her alone. He rounded the corner, slamming into her, knocking her to the ground. Big, round sapphire eyes looked up at him.

“I’m sorry,” Darmik stammered, reaching down to help her up. “I didn’t realize you were there.”

“Prince Darmik,” she politely nodded, getting to her feet on her own. Her eyes quickly scanned him from head to toe, lingering on his royal markings that covered his neck and shoulders. The black stallion whinnied and ran away from them. Tabitha sighed, exasperated. “What are you doing here?”

“Um,” he wasn’t usually at a loss of words, but there was something about her piercing gaze that made him forget what he was doing. She cleared her throat and brushed the dirt from her dress.

“Sorry about that,” he pointed to her, indicating the collision. Her eyes darted behind him. Darmik glanced back, but no one was there. “Are you looking for someone?” he asked.

“My uncle. He’s waiting for me. We just came to deliver this horse.” She waved her hand toward the black stallion grazing nearby.

Tabitha certainly was bold, and far more interesting than any of the nobles Darmik had ever met. But then again, she wasn’t from the noble class—she was from the merchant class. Still, she stood out like she didn’t belong to anyone or anything.

“Tabitha?” He took a step toward her, wanting to get closer.

“That’s not my name,” she stated.

“Excuse me?” He remembered her band: Tabitha, seventeen years old, niece of Kar and Maya, not yet married or engaged.

“Aren’t you the commander of the King’s Army?” she asked. Darmik nodded. “Don’t you have an army to run? Or do you only hunt and mosey about, pretending to be of use to the kingdom? I thought King Barjon would manage to keep you busier.”

Was she serious? Nobody had ever spoken to him in such a manner.

“Well,” he began to answer, but she started laughing.

“I go by Rema.” She held out her hand in greeting.

Darmik never shook hands with anyone. Even though he was the commander of the army, he was also a prince, and his men addressed him as such. Shaking hands was for commoners. Her pale hand remained suspended in air, waiting for him.

His hand slid into hers. “Prince Darmik,” he responded, shaking her warm hand, eager for the chance to touch her again. “I got that part,” Rema smiled. Her breath smelled sweet like apples. She tried pulling her hand from his, but he refused to release her.

“Let me escort you inside the stables.” Darmik put her hand on his arm. She seemed reluctant at first, but he pulled her along toward the front of the stables, not giving her a chance to refuse. “Do you live nearby?” he asked.

“Yes.”

When she didn’t elaborate, he forged on. “I haven’t seen blonde hair very often. Does your mother have the same coloring?” As soon as he asked the question, he knew he’d made an error. Her body tensed. He looked down at her, remembering her band said she lived with her aunt and uncle. Rema shook her head, refusing to answer.

Afraid he’d offended her, he continued on. “I’ve traveled to Emperion. Almost everyone there has blonde hair and blue eyes.”

“You’ve been to Emperion?” she asked, squeezing his arm.

“Yes. For training.”

Rema’s eyes widened. “Tell me about it,” she demanded. Darmik smiled in response to her excitement.

“Rema!” a stablehand yelled.

“I forgot about my uncle,” Rema said. “He’s waiting for me. I have to go.” She jerked her hand away from Darmik’s arm and spun around, heading back the way they came. Rema glanced over her shoulder and smiled at him. Then she rounded the corner and disappeared.

Not ready for her to go, Darmik jogged after her. Nearing the corner, he heard the boy say, “We’ll miss seeing you Rema.” Darmik turned the corner and saw the stablehand holding a pitchfork, his face bright red. “You have such a way with the horses,” the boy stammered.

“I’m getting married, not dying.” She smiled mischievously. “You’ll see me again.”

“Rema,” Darmik couldn’t help himself. “You’re engaged?”

The stablehand dropped to one knee and bowed his head.

Rema’s smile vanished. Standing just behind her next to the stables was an older man. The elderly man’s eyes moved from Darmik to Rema and back again. His face lost all color as he knelt on the ground. Darmik assumed this was Rema’s uncle.  

Rema’s eyes bore into Darmik’s. “Yes, Prince Darmik,” she answered, kneeling before him. “I am engaged,” she replied softly. “The signed contract was delivered to Lord Filmar today. My band is going to be marked tomorrow.”

Darmik was about to reply when a flicker to his left caught his attention. His brother, Prince Lennek, stood just inside the stables with a devious smile. Darmik prayed he hadn’t drawn any attention to Rema. Lennek leaned against the wall, watching.

“You’re dismissed,” Darmik said, trying to sound nonchalant. He moved past Rema, into the stables. Seconds later, Darmik heard the sound of a wagon pulled by horses, and Rema was gone.

Lennek sauntered over to him. “She was beautiful, in a wild sort of way,” he mused. “She looks like a bit of a challenge.” He cocked an eyebrow. “Might be fun though. And you know how much I love a challenge.”

Darmik had the urge to punch that smirk off his brother’s face. Lennek always knew which buttons to push. Anytime Darmik was interested in something, Lennek had to have it, whether he wanted it or not, just to prove he was better. Darmik drew in a deep breath, smelling horse sweat and sweet hay. He couldn’t dismiss Rema—Lennek was too smart and perceptive. “Blonde hair is so rare that I found her appearance interesting. Not my type though. Not only is she a commoner, but she’s engaged.”

Lennek’s eyes sparkled. “Definitely a challenge.”

“Laws are laws, Lennek. Some not even you can break.”

“No,” he laughed, “but there are always ways around them.” Lennek strolled out of the stables.

Buy links

About the Author-

Jennifer graduated from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential. Afterwards, she married her high school sweetheart, worked as a legal assistant, and taught high school English. Jennifer is currently a full-time writer and mother of three young children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids' creativity.

Links-

Website: http://jenniferannedavis.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferAnneDavis

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AuthorJennifer

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/authorjennifer/

Tumblr: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/authorjenniferannedavis

Goodreads- http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6466369.Jennifer_Anne_Davis

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