Sheila's Books Read

Sheila's bookshelf: read

The Best Intentions
Scotland's Melody
The Secret Society of Salzburg
Secret of the Sonnets
20-40-60-Minute Dinners: Meals to Match the Time You Have
Through the Wilderness: My Journey of Redemption and Healing in the American Wild
Secret Santa Claus Club: A Tool to Help Parents Unwrap the Secret of Santa
Mr. Pudgins
Revenge Never Rests
The Best Mistake
Meriden Park
More Inspirational Stories for Young Women
The Great Tree: A Christmas Fable
To Capture His Heart
The Call of the Sea
Esperance
Livvy and the Enchanted Woodland
Come, Gentle Night
The Bad Boy Theory
Guide To Smart Wedding Planning: What You want to know and everything you haven't thought of yet.


Sheila's favorite books »
Showing posts with label Rachel McClellan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Rachel McClellan. Show all posts

Monday, February 8, 2016

Escape to Eden by Rachel McClellan-Blog Tour Review and Giveaway



Run now!

When seventeen-year-old Sage wakes up in a hospital with no memories, her only clue are the words written on her hand. With a deadly disease threatening to wipe out mankind, Sage must find out who she is and why most people would kill to get their hands on her--before it's too late. This fast-paced, futuristic thriller is a spine-tingling read!



                  


Rachel McClellan was born and raised in Idaho, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she's not in her writing lair, she's partying with her husband and four crazy, yet lovable, children. Rachel's love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was... 



                      


In the first chapter,this story starts by giving you a huge adrenaline rush and doesn't stop from there. I was only going to read a few chapters before I went to bed and two hours later I was still reading. Beware: this novel will suck you into this exciting story and doesn't let you go very easily until the very end. 

Escape to Eden takes place in a world where "normal" humans or Originals are scarce because the rest of the population have become Mutants from excess use of DNA from many sources, human and animal. Main character, Sage, is an Original and wakes up in a hospital room with no memory of who she is. From that moment on she escapes and slowly her memory returns. This fast paced novel runs as fast and hard as Sage does in her search for her brother Max and her father.  The Primes want the Originals for their DNA to extend their lives. The world building is detailed and easily understood without dragging readers into boredom like some novels do. You learn enough about possible mutations, gene therapies, mutants and their powers which deeply involves you in this world. The bigger story is about what causes someone to lose the "human" side of them? Can a mutant still feel and show love? What happens when apathy takes over and humans lose the ability to feel and care? These are ideas and themes that run throughout the story and make you think, as well as be entertained by the kick-butt action.

This story is one of the best dystopian novels I've read in a long time. There is so much that is original and eye opening. I especially loved the characters of Colt a Noc, and Anthony and Tank. They all are Primes,humans that were given extra DNA to gain superior traits,with abilities that help Sage in her quest of getting to her father. Each character is so well developed that you can't help but care about each one and their well being. 

Make sure to plan a time when you can sit down and read this all the way through. There are very few slow points in the book, because the action is always moving the story forward. The book ends in a way that leaves the door open to a sequel. I for one will be ready and excited to read the next book. I highly recommend Escape to Eden for adults and teens.

***Some violence, blood and mild gore.***
Excerpt:
"Stop!" a man shouts. He runs towards us. Two more appear behind him.
Jenna reaches a hand down. "Grab it!"
Colt takes hold and she easily lifts him out. They are all so strong.
"Go up, Sage,” Anthony says. “I've got these guys.”
He's holding the same dagger I'd had in my hand earlier.
"I'm not leaving you alone," I say.
"Three guys is nothing. I'll be fine. Go."
I look up toward where my brother sits waiting for me and then back at Anthony.
"Stop right there and we'll let you live," a guard says. He has a single spike sticking out of his otherwise bald head.
"Don't listen to him Sage," Anthony says. "You're too valuable. Just go before they capture Max again."
This makes me move. I scramble up the ladder. When I'm at the top, I shout down, "Come on! You can make it."
He stares up at me through the narrow opening and smiles. "Change the world," he says just as an invisible blast knocks him to the ground.


To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 



Friday, February 1, 2013

Blog Tour Review and Giveaway for, Fractured Soul, by Rachel McClellan

Product Details

  • Title: Fractured Soul
  • Author:Rachel McClellan
  • Hardcover: 336 pages
  • Publisher: Cedar Fort, Inc. (February 12, 2013)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1462111807
  • ISBN-13: 978-1462111800
  • FTC: FYI: I was given a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.






Book Description

February 12, 2013
Llona will do whatever it takes to protect her newfound friends and home, but the dark plot that is threatening Lucent Academy, a school that's supposed to be a safe place for Auras, may be too powerful for even Llona to defeat. This fast-paced tale of love, loyalty, and overcoming the darkness will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page!
My Review
This is the second book in the series. I was blown away by the first book. If you didn't read the first book, here is a synopsis of what happened...

About Fractured Light

Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. She can’t take any chances. But when she starts to make friends for the first time in her life, she gets careless and lets her guard down. Big mistake.

As an Aura, Llona can manipulate light and harness its energy. But if she wants to survive, Llona will have to defy the Auran Council and learn to use her power as a weapon against the Vyken whose sole desire is to take her light. Now she’s caught in something even bigger than she can understand, with a power she can’t wield, and no one she can trust, except, just maybe, a mysterious stranger.

I loved Fractured Light, and I started reading Fractured Soul cautiously. You know about the "2nd book curse" in a series right? Many times they are never as good as the first book. Well...you are NOT going to find that to be the case with this book.It is just as good or better than the first book! Many reviewers rate books by stars,I rate my books by what I'm doing while I'm reading a book. If I'm having a hard time staying awake and can easily put a book down to go to sleep, well...you get the picture. With Fractured Soul...I didn't EVER want to put this book down, even when I could hardly keep my eyes open. I also was jumping in my seat, and exclaiming things out-loud; such as, "I can't believe she just did that!", "Oh no!!", and, "Run!!". Yes, people have told me I'm very annoying while reading a book like this or very entertaining. 

There are so many things I loved about this book! The action is so consistent and very little down time. Main character, Llona is still a beautiful, independent, kick-butt girl. There really isn't a love triangle in this book. Llona loves one guy, but there are things keeping them apart. Once again there is a mystery in this second book that keeps you guessing until the end. Speaking of the end....explosive!! You can finally breathe at the very end of the book, because you will be holding your breath in tense excitement. This YA Paranormal thriller is a must read for teens and adults. Rachel has created a story that you will love reading from beginning to the end. 

You have a chance to win a copy of Fractured Soul here at my blog! I'm so excited that the publisher is offering you a chance to win a copy!  Also, because I have over 1000 followers, this is opened Internationally! You can enter in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!


Author Bio  

Rachel McClellan was born and raised in Idaho, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she's not in her writing lair, she's partying with her husband and four crazy, yet lovable, children. Rachel's love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was...


Find Rachel

Facebook  |   Blog   |   Website   |   Twitter   |   Goodreads  |  Book Trailer

Buy Fractured Light


Buy Fractured Soul





 

 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, December 23, 2011

Blog Tour Review of Fractured Light by Rachel McClellan





Product Details:

Title:  Fractured Light
AuthorRachel McClellan
Publisher:  Cedar Fort
Imprint:  Sweetwater
Pub Date:  02/07/2012
Genre:  Young adult/adult urban fantasy 
ISBN-10: 1599559420 
ISBN-13: 978-1599559421







Book Description:

Llona Reese is used to living on the run. After the Vykens killed her parents, she knew they would eventually come for her too. She can’t take any chances. But when she starts to make friends for the first time in her life, she gets careless and lets her guard down. Big mistake.

As an Aura, Llona has the ability to manipulate light and harness its energy. This is the power the Vykens are after. This is what the Guardians are trained to protect. Christian has been waiting his whole life for the opportunity to fulfil his destiny as a Guardian, but Llona has other plans for him. Going against everything that she’s been taught and defying the Auran Council, Llona convinces Christian to teach her how to use her power as a weapon. It may be her only hope of survival.



My review:

 



If you haven't watched the video yet, you should before reading my review. This is a fan-made book trailer but it truly captures the feel of the book and the characters. 

I loved Fractured Light. It is one of my top 20 books I've read in 2011. The unique abilities that main character Llona has, truly makes this story original and different from what is out there. As the book description said, Llona has the ability to manipulate light and harness it's energy. As an Aura, she is supposed to only use this "gift" for good and not evil. But with a Vyken after her, wanting her dead like her mother, Llona starts learning ways to protect herself and fight back.



Llona is not a wimpy heroine that needs a man to take care of her. Even though she is drop-dead gorgeous, she is not self-centered where she thinks the world revolves around her. Llona is wanting a normal life, but she and her Uncle have been on the run ever since Llona's parents were killed. You can feel the tension, as you find they have been hiding from the Vykens in order to protect Llona's life. 



The story becomes interesting early on as Llona meets a new, very good looking, kid at her school. Christian is the kind of guy that all of the girls want. The interesting thing is that he only has eyes for Llona. Their relationship is up and down throughout the story. He is also pretty obsessed with protecting her and making sure that she takes care of herself and not do anything risky. You start to wonder who Christian really is and what his intentions are. There are many other key players in the plot that make you question if they are good or bad guys. Even Llona's best friend is strange and has unique abilities of her own.




Fractured Light has fantastic action, a moving storyline, great plot and well written characters. The cover is beautiful and the book does come to somewhat of a conclusion at the end. This first book is truly set up to head right into the second book. There is so much to this world of Auras' and Vykens' that need to be explored. I hope that Rachel in book two expands even more about the history and the interaction between these two races. I of course want more romance between our couple. 

I read this book quickly once I started and had a hard time stopping to sleep. I know you will like this book and I highly recommend Fractured Light. I know that I will be anxiously waiting for book two to come out. The sad part is, book one isn't officially released until Feb. 2012, so I think I have somewhat of a wait in store. I can tell you already though, it will be worth the wait.


Author Details:


Rachel McClellan was born and raised in Idaho, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she's not in her writing lair, she's partying with her husband and four crazy, yet lovable, children. Rachel's love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was...








To learn more about the author and the publisher you can go to one of these many sites.

Author Blog:http://www.blackbirdinmywindow.blogspot.com/
Author Website: http://www.rachelmcclellan.com/
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorRachelMcClellan
Book Poster page: http://fracturedlightbook.com/
Publisher Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/cedarfortbooks
 
 
** I was provided a review e-copy of Fractured Light by Cedar Fort and Netgalley. In no way did this influence the honest review that was given.**