Mysteries of Cove: Fires of Invention by J. Scott Savage -- Blog Tour Review

Product Description:

Title:Mysteries of Cove: Fires of Invention

Author: J. Scott Savage

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Publish date: Sept. 29, 2015

ISBN13: 9781629720920

Hardcover: 370 pages

FTC, FYI: I was given a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Book Description:

Trenton Colman is a creative thirteen-year-old boy with a knack for all things mechanical. But his talents are viewed with suspicion in Cove, a steam-powered city built inside a mountain. In Cove, creativity is a crime and “invention” is a curse word.

Kallista Babbage is a repair technician and daughter of the notorious Leo Babbage, whose father died in an explosion—an event the leaders of Cove point to as an example of the danger of creativity.

 

Working together, Trenton and Kallista learn that Leo Babbage was developing a secret project before he perished. Following clues he left behind, they begin to assemble a strange machine that is unlike anything they’ve ever seen before. They soon discover that what they are building may threaten every truth their city is founded on—and quite possibly their very lives.

My Review

When I first heard J. Scott Savage telling me and my kids about a new book he was writing, we were all excited. The words Steampunk and Dragons stuck in my mind, but the thought that being creative was considered a crime was the thing that blew me away. In this society found in Fires of Invention, the first Mysteries of Cove book, all inventing has been outlawed and considered bad and staying within the norms was the safe and right thing to do. As a teacher I felt stifled by this idea. I love when my students are creative and come up with wild ideas. This is why I immediately fell in love with main character Trenton Colman. He doesn't fit in with the "average" kids at Cove because he has many ideas running through his head and he can't leave them alone. He knows he shouldn't consider building anything, and when he does this is where the fun starts. Along the way he meets a fellow inventor, Kallista Babbage, and their friendship starts off quite rocky with some kicks and punches. I laughed at the tension felt by these early teens and how they eventually get together to do something very important. I will be giving away no spoilers here because it is too much fun finding out what happens on your own!

 

J.Scott Savage is such a wonderful story teller that this story came to life so easily in my mind. I know that this book's main audience is the Middle school/teen crowd, but honestly, as an adult I loved it! This book won't let you down, because it hooks you at the beginning and has a wonderful end that made me laugh and cry. It has a fabulous starting point for book two. I recommend this book for solo readers, teachers to read to their class, and for parents to read with their kids. You know you are always in for a great entertaining read when J. Scott Savage is the author. Well Done!!

                                                                     

 Here is the author J. Scott Savage with my kids,the day we first heard about this new book coming soon that combined Steampunk and Dragons!

How did J.Scott Savage come up with this awesome idea? Here is what he had to say about that:

Author Note:

"Like many of my books, the inspiration for my new series Fires of Invention came from the collision of two ideas. The first time the story occurred to me was while I was watching the musical Wicked with my wife. The moment I walked into the theater and saw the huge mechanical dragon above the stage, I thought, Wow! I have to write a story about that! A few weeks later, I was talking with my nephew, who is probably the most creative kid I know, but whose inventiveness often gets him into trouble, and I thought, What if a kid who had the talents of my nephew lived in a world where creativity was against the law? What if the kids were building . . . a steam-powered dragon? Bam! I had my story.

Powered by great feedback from my agent, Michael Bourret, my good friend and author James Dashner, my publisher, Chris Schoebinger, and the song “Warriors” by Imagine Dragons, I wrote the entire first draft of the first volume in the series, Mysteries of Cove in four weeks. This book is unlike anything I have ever written. There are elements of City of Ember, Dragon Riders, and Hugo in it all mashed up together in a world I fell in love with from the moment I started writing.

I think what’s most exciting to me about this book is that it’s about giving yourself the freedom to imagine. To take chances. Too often we limit ourselves by only trying things we’re confident we can succeed at when what we need to do is give ourselves permission to fail. Often it is when we attempt things with no idea of how we can possibly pull them off that we achieve our greatest successes."

 Add this book to your goodreads list!

 Meet the Author: J. Scott Savage

Author Bio:

J. Scott Savage is the author of the Farworld middle grade fantasy series and the Case File 13 middle grade monster series. He has been writing and publishing books for over ten years. He has visited over 400 elementary schools, dozens of writers conferences, and taught many writing classes. He has four children and lives with his wife Jennifer and their Border Collie, Pepper, in a windy valley of the Rocky Mountains.

Website / Goodreads / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

Power of the Matchmaker Series: 12 Novels by 12 Bestselling Authors!

To say I was excited when I first heard about this series would be an understatement! So many of my favorite authors wrote a book for this series, so I know it will be amazing! There will be a book released each month throughout 2016. I'm currently reading the prequel novella to the series, written by Heather B. Moore. Here is what the prequel is all about!

A prequel novella to the POWER OF THE MATCHMAKER Series

Mystical . . . Beautiful . . . Romantic . . .
12 novels by 12 bestselling authors
Released once a month in 2016
Read the matchmaker’s story to find out where it all starts . . .

Mae Li has been in love with Chen Zhu for years, and he with her. But when the matchmaker arrives at the Zhu family home, she recommends another village girl for Chen.

Heartbroken, Mae Li watches as Chen does his duty by marrying another. Mae flees her village with the clothes on her back and her only possession—a pearl embedded comb, given to her as a goodbye gift from Chen Zhu.

Upon Mae’s arrival in Shanghai, she quickly learns that she’ll starve within days unless she sells her prized comb or joins a courtesan house. She goes to the Huangpu River and promises the River God that she’ll always be selfless if he will save her from becoming a prostitute . . . Her wish is granted when Ms. Tan, the matchmaker of Shanghai, finds Mae. But Mae must completely change her future and her name if she is to become the next matchmaker.

Pre-order on Amazon

Janitors:Heroes of the Dustbin (Book 5) by Tyler Whitesides-Blog Tour Review and Giveaway

Product Description:
Title: Heroes of the Dustbin (Janitors #5)
Author: Tyler Whitesides
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published Date:  September 8, 2015
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Hardcover: 416 pages
ISBN# 978-1-62972-065-4
FTC,FYI: I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.



Book Description:
Spencer knew that from the moment the Founding Witches had returned, the Rebel Janitors had begun disappearing. So many schools were defenseless now, the students’ minds rotting from Toxite breath while the janitors vanished without a trace. Then it became personal.

Although their enemies are powerful, their allies few, Spencer and his team of Rebels are not giving up! But what chance do a handful of kids and one rescued janitor have against the combined evil of the Founding Witches and the Sweepers? Can the Rebels close the source of all Glop and stop the Toxites once and for all-or is the world doomed to fall under the control of the sinister Bureau of Educational Maintenance? This explosive series finale is a gripping ride through conflicted loyalties and daring escapes, unexpected alliances and betrayals, and an ending you will never forget!

Amazon * Deseret Book
 

My Review:

I remember reading the first book thinking how creative the idea was behind the Janitors book. As a teacher, I was amused by the thought of there really being something behind my students that are always daydreaming and dozing off in the middle of class. The premise behind this series is that Toxites have infiltrated schools and inhibit learning in a variety of ways. They are usually invisible to students, and janitors have been fighting them and the corrupt Bureau of Educational Maintenance, to help students continue to learn. With the help of magical properties, cleaning tools and supplies are used as weapons against the growing threat to education. I wish I had the time to list out how many different cleaning products/tools have been used in this series. It's amazing how they are used and what they do. Kids really love this part of Janitors! You will honestly never look at a spray bottle of Windex or a mop the same way again.

Our reluctant heroes in the series have been Spencer and Daisy, two friends that find themselves caught up in the middle of a great war between the BEM and Rebel Janitors. There have been many good guys that have turned bad, and some bad that have turned out to be good, and the reader is always kept on their toes trying to figure it all out.

This series is perfect for kids ages 8-14 and any teen and adult who likes a great fantasy in this world. The fifth book has found Spencer and Daisy in a sticky situation where they are some of the only people left, along with the bully from their school, Dez, to save the imprisoned Rebel Janitors, defeat the Founding witches, Belzora, Ninfa and Holga, and destroy the source of the Toxites, which just happens to be at their school. You can see the growth of the sixth graders and how they really have to rely on each other and their strengths, which turn out to be bravery, loyalty and selflessness. There are some great surprises here and it does end with that bang that you were hoping for. I recommend that this series be read in the correct order(Books 1-5) because the story line builds upon each book until the climactic end. You will be glad that you jumped into the world of Janitors.

      Remember to enter the $25 giveaway down below!

Meet Author Tyler Whitesides:
TYLER WHITESIDES worked as a janitor at a middle school while attending college. It was there he discovered the many secrets and mysteries that can be hidden in a dusty school. Tyler graduated from Utah State University with a degree in music. He enjoys fly fishing in the mountains, cooking, and vacuuming. Tyler and his wife, Connie, live in beautiful northern Utah.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Blog Tour Schedule
September 1st
I Am A Reader – Spotlight
A Writer’s Bookshelf – Review
Min Reads and Reviews – Spotlight
Cuzinlogic – Spotlight
SolaFide Self-Publishing and Book Blog – Spotlight
Julie Antonovich Reece – Spotlight
September 2nd
Girl of 1000 Wonders – Spotlight
Highlighted Author – Spotlight
3 Partners in Shopping, Nana, Mommy, &, Sissy, Too! – Spotlight
Mythical Books – Spotlight
September 4th
My Book A Day – Review
Little Red Reads – Spotlight
The Cheshire Cat’s Looking Glass – Spotlight
Gustosa Giveaways – Spotlight
September 7th
Julie Coulter Bellon – Review
Coffee Books & Art – Spotlight
deal sharing aunt – Spotlight
Bargnhtress – Spotlight
September 8th
Katie’s Clean Book Collection – Spotlight
LeahSay’s Views – Spotlight
Cassandra M’s Place – Spotlight
The Loopy Librarian – Spotlight
September 10th
Bonnie Gets A Say – Review
Maureen’s Musings – Spotlight
Domestic Chanteuse – Spotlight
September 11th
I Love to Read and Review Books – Review
Lori’s Reading Corner – Spotlight
Susan Heim on Parenting – Spotlight
Taffy’s Writings – Spotlight
September 12th
Wishful Endings – Spotlight
September 14th
Mel’s Shelves – Review
Lisa’s Research & Reviews – Spotlight
Writer’s Alley – Spotlight
Paranormal Sisters – Spotlight
September 15th
readalot – Review
Here We Go Again… Ready? – Spotlight
CBY Book Club – Spotlight
September 18th
Why Not? Because I Said So! – Review
Bound 2 Escape – Spotlight
Bookhounds YA – Spotlight
Diana’s Book Reviews – Spotlight
ContestPatti – Spotlight


    $25 Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 9/25/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway />

Simply Anna: A Regency Romance by Jennifer Moore-Blog Tour Review and $25 Giveaway

Product Description:

Title: Simply Anna

Author: Jennifer Moore

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published: September 2015

ISBN13: 978-1-68047-364-3

Paperback: 210 pages

Genre: Regency Romance

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Description: 

Suffering from a cruel heartbreak, Lord Philip Hamilton has been driven to seek refuge from the painful memories haunting London, and his father’s Jamaican sugar cane plantation provides just the escape he needs. Philip finds solace in his hard work and takes comfort in the fact that his distance from society ensures that his heart will be protected from future entanglements. Protected, that is, until the unexpected appearance of a mysterious woman with no memory of her past. The only clue to her identity is a necklace inscribed with a name: Anna. In a matter of weeks, this gentle, intelligent, and impossibly beautiful stranger turns Philip’s world upside down. But as the bond between the pair grows, the threat of Philip losing his heart once more is only the beginning of the dangers that await. Island renegades and a ruthless band of pirates clash in a swashbuckling battle, and it soon becomes clear that these villains may be the key to unlocking Anna’s past.

My Review:

There is something wonderful about reading a sweet, clean romance; especially from this author, Jennifer Moore. I have loved the previous books written by her. In fact, one of my favorites from last year was her book, Becoming Lady Lockwood. Simply Anna is from the same "world" as the characters found in that book and the second book, Lady Emma's Campaign. Anna is a women of gentle birth, orphaned, who is now a lady's maid. She is accidentally thrown overboard a ship. Once found by the dashing Lord Philip Hamilton, Anna can't remember anything about herself or her accident. This is where the book took off for me. 

There are so many great characters in this book. I love how Philip and Anna bring out the best in each other. Though they have never met before, they are destined to become best friends or more. The romance builds slowly, but it feels so right. Little things happen along the way where Philip sees the kindness and caring that Makes Anna who she is. Then Anna sees what a noble man Philip is when he cares more about the lives of his slaves, than the crops he grows and the money it will bring to him.  Some of the best secondary characters can be found in the young slave boy, Ezekiel whose smile and eagerness is described so well you can picture it perfectly in your mind. Then I loved Betty, one of the Black woman slaves at the plantation that fiercely protects Ezekiel, not her blood son, who also learns to love and trust master Philip and the ever kind Anna. Even the tough and fearsome slave, Malachi grows on you as he learns to trust Philip and Anna. I enjoyed the band of Pirates they meet up with and what happens because of their acquaintance. The bad guy,Horace Braithwaite, the cruel and evil former overseer of the plantation, is written well because you hate him from the minute you meet him. The final 25 pages in the book are exciting and keep you bouncing out of your seat wondering about the outcome.

This Regency Romance, is perfect for a quick read and a rainy afternoon. The closing scene between Philip and Anna actually made me cry, that's how sweet and romantic it was. This love story was thoughtfully written and will be one I will return to again in the future.

  ******Make sure that you enter the giveaway down below for a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy 

of Simply Anna!*****

Meet Author: Jennifer Moore    

Jennifer Moore is a passionate reader and writer of all things romance due to the need to balance the rest of her world, which includes a perpetually traveling husband and four active sons, who create heaps of laundry that are anything but romantic. Jennifer has a BA in linguistics from the University of Utah and is a Guitar Hero champion. She lives in northern Utah with her family.

website  – http://shesgotthewritestuff.blogspot.com/

Blog Tour Schedule:

*Sept. 14th: http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 15th:  https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, http://www.iamareader.com/, http://atransparentmom.com/

*Sept.16th:http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/,http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/,http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/,http://www.ldswomensbookreview.com/wordpress/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 17th: http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://singinglibrarianbooks.weebly.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

*Sept. 18th: http://fireandicereads.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://littlelightdesigncollective.com/category/entertainment/books/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/ 

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Book Blast and $100 Giveaway for Rogue(Book 3) by Karen Lynch

  Rogue by Karen Lynch 

 Sara Grey is done hiding and done being afraid. The Master thinks he has her running scared, but she’s taking matters into her own hands and taking her life back. With the help of her friends, she sets out to find the one person who can answer her questions about her past, and who may be able to lead them to the Master. On her journey, Sara faces new challenges and dangers, and learns that the world of good and evil is not as clear cut as she had believed. She makes new friends, unexpected allies, and reconnects with people from her past. As her powers continue to change and grow, she transforms from a struggling girl into a strong young warrior. But at what cost? How much is Sara willing to sacrifice in her need for independence and her quest for the truth? And will her newfound strength be enough to save her and the people she loves when she finally comes face-to-face with her powerful nemesis? Nothing could have prepared her for what is to come, and it will take everything in her to survive the final test of courage and love.

Amazon * Barnes and Noble * Kobo * Smashwords * iBooks

 

Author Karen Lynch  

Karen Lynch grew up in Newfoundland, Canada - a place rich in colorful people and folklore to which she attributes her love of the supernatural and her vivid imagination. She moved to Charlotte, North Carolina years ago and was immediately charmed by the southern people but she says she will always be a newfie. Though she loves supernatural fiction, she has a soft spot for Charlotte Brontë and Jane Austin. She is a fan of classic rock, country and classical music but her favorite music is the sound of a good thunderstorm or a howling blizzard. Two of her favorite past times are baking artisan breads for her friends and spending quality time with her two German Shepherds.

Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

   

Praise for the Book 
"This is by far my favorite book this year. Amazing, likable and relatable characters, engaging plot and wonderful love story. This is Lynch's third novel of her career and she is incredibly talented." ~ Quinn Loftis (USA Today Bestselling author of the Grey Wolves series) 

Karen does it again with Rogue. The unstoppable heroine, the smoking hot warrior hero, their sweet and undeniable love, and action-packed scenes leaps from the pages and stays with you after the book ends. ~ Ednah Walters (USA Today bestselling author of the Runes series)

 "A must-read, thrilling conclusion to Sara Grey's epic journey!" ~ Melissa Haag (author of the Judgement of the Six series)     


 Book Blast
Giveaway $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/5/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast and $50 Giveaway for Mending Hearts by Kimberly Krey

Mending Hearts by Kimberly Krey 

Logan and Candice, on the verge of divorce, decide to give their marriage one last try. But will they be able to get past the issues holding them back? Candice is through with married life and all it entailed: infertility, an adoption gone wrong, and the death of her husband’s twin brother. Now that they’ve been separated for nearly a year, Candice is finally ready to set Logan free. But when he steps back into her life, Candice begins to have second thoughts. Even though she hasn’t fully healed from the heartache she endured over their married years, she can't fathom the thought of losing him a second time. Can Candice let go of past hurts and give Logan a second chance, or will her fears keep them apart? Logan has spent the months of separation giving Candice the space she needed. But when he discovers that Candice is about to file for a divorce, he decides he better take action quick. He didn’t spend the best years of his life with this woman, only to let her slip away. Yet just when the opportunity comes again – his chance to finally make things right – an entirely new force threatens to tear them apart. Will opposition keep the heart-broken couple from getting back together or will they have the strength to break through the barriers, no matter what their future might bring?

Amazon

Read an Excerpt from Mending Hearts:

Breaking her own rule now, Candice wandered slightly beyond the light, listening for his footsteps. They came in the soft, squeaking sound of crunching snow. She froze in place, unwilling to make a sound as he neared her. She heard his breathing next, constant and evenly paced, each measure bringing him closer. She turned her back to him, shrunk her neck into her shoulders, and giggled in anticipation, feeling like one of her students at recess.

Just as the breaths and footfalls neared, Logan’s strong hands gripped around her waist. The feel of them sending an involuntary thrill to rush through her. Candice ducked her head to one side, tossed the snow over her shoulder, and laughed when she heard him groan.

“Aw, man, right in the face.” She could hear the smile in his voice. Couldn’t fight back a grin of her own at the confirmation that she’d gotten him. Logan brought his mouth to her ear, speaking in a throaty whisper. “You’re going to get it.”

A mass of goosebumps spread over her arms and legs, the effects of his warm breath and teasing threat making her limbs go weak.

He brought her down gently, cradling her as they fell to the snow. And then he was above her, shouldering his weight as their laughter fused into one, glorious sound. A familiar one that made her recall good times spent with Logan.

Candice’s mind raced. She didn’t have time to dissect what was happening. Not even a moment to slow things down. His cold fingers found her neck, teased her skin as he brought his mouth close to hers. Bells were going off somewhere in her head. Warning bells. This is not what she’d been working toward all these months. She’d been planning to let go of Logan Emerson forever. But the thought only made her want him more.

He leaned in, causing a wild spell of euphoria to spill over her body.

So close. So good. She licked her lips, desperate to drown out the distant warning at last. Dying to satisfy the need building within her.

Logan ran his parted lips along her ear lobe. More goosebumps.

Come on, Logan. Just kiss me before I get ahold of myself.

 
Author Kimberly Krey 
Writing Romance That's Clean Without Losing the Steam! I'm a reader of good, clean romance, a lover of family time and Diet Coke, and the ultimate hater of laundry. I'm not patient enough to enjoy yoga, or tall enough to be great at basketball, but I do love to run - anywhere but on a treadmill. I love the sound of a rainstorm when I have no place to go, the feel of Soft Lips chap Stick on my lips, and the first peek of blue water as we round the mountains toward our favorite getaway in Bear Lake.

Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter

    $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash 

 Ends 9/29/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Tale of Light and Shadow- Book One and Book Two: Secrets of Neverak by Jacob Gowans

Product Details

• Title: A Tale of Light and Shadow
• Author: Jacob Gowans
• Series: Tale of Light and Shadow (Book 1)
• Genre: YA Fantasy
• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing; First Edition edition (May 12, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1609079817
• FTC, FYI: I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description: 
Enter Atolas, a world where swords and daggers both extend life and end it, where magic is feared by all but a few, and where feuds and friendships influence kingdoms and courtships. Henry and Isabelle have secretly sworn to marry despite his lowly station as a carpenter, but his devotion to her drives him to commit an unthinkable act that may cost both of them their lives.

At the same time, a secret, dark prophecy has set in motion events that will affect not only them, but the thrones of rulers throughout all of Atolas, threatening to eclipse the world in shadow. But all is not lost while hope remains in the guise of an unlikely hero and the strength of friendship. 

My Review of Book One: A Tale of Light and Shadow

When I first started reading this book I felt confused and it dragged to me. I put it down for a few weeks and read other things. One weekend I picked it up again, started from the beginning,and once I got to chapter three(22 pages into the book) the story took off!! Please don't give up on this book, because there is a very impressive story hiding within the pages of A Tale of Light and Shadow! I was amazed at the plot, the unforgettable characters, and the realism of life portrayed in this YA Fantasy novel. 

The love between two of the main characters, Henry and Isabelle, makes you long for this kind of love in your life. Henry and Isabelle being driven apart is at the heart of the plot of this series. Henry, along with his sister Maggie, his best friend Ruther, and Isabelle's brother, James, head out against all odds to rescue Isabelle who has been "kidnapped" by the evil Emperor of Neverak, who wants Isabelle to become one of his concubines. You meet some grand characters along the way that will astonish you and some will terrify you, as they journey towards saving Isabelle. 

A Tale of Light and Shadow will give you many characters to cheer for and many more to hate. After I started reading this a second time, I finished it in less than 24 hours because I literally could not put it down...until my eyes were red, the letters were blurring, and I had to go to  sleep. 

If you are looking for a book that includes the power of love and friendship, great adventure,humor, mystery and fantasy; you will be glad that you picked up A Tale of Light and Shadow.

Product Details

• Title: Secrets of Neverak {A Tale of Light and Shadow: Book Two}
• Author: Jacob Gowans
• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: Shadow Mountain Publishing; First Edition edition (July 7, 2015)
• Genre: YA Fantasy
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1609079787
• FTC, FYI: I received a review copy in exchange for an honest review. 

Book Description: 
Henry Vestin believed that despite being only a carpenter he could lead Isabelle and their friends to safety. He thought he could defy an emperor and protect Isabelle from harm. He was certain that love and friendship would be enough to survive.

He was wrong.

The Secrets of Neverak follows Henry and his friends after the disastrous battle at the Iron Pass. Horrors await them in strange new lands. Crippled and broken, Henry must rely on his friends more than ever. Allies and foes find them at every turn, but which are friendly and which are deadly? Isabelle, now a slave in Neverak, finds herself surrounded by enemies, uncertain about the fate of her friends, and desperate to escape. The Emperor moves forward with his plans of conquest, spurred on by the Seer's dark prophecy, but he has not forgotten those who defied him.

Return to the world of Atolas, where a blade can extend life or end it, where friendships can topple kingdoms, and where the Path of Light and Shadow is feared by all but a few.

My Review of Secrets of Neverak {Book Two of A Tale of Light and Shadow}:

I was so ready to pick up this sequel the second I finished reading the first book, and that is exactly what I did! This second book is over 500 pages long. I'm a fast reader and I have been reading this book as quickly as possible. I've been reading every spare minute, even during my whole lunch time. I'm also taking advantage of my 2nd grade class "Silent Reading Time". When my kids read, I read. 

Secrets of Neverak has all of the characters in so much distress: mentally, physically, and emotionally. Within the first few chapters many of them have to pass through a horrifying place called, The Iron Forrest, which is haunted. That was a very hard chapter to read because of what they go through during their passage. It just seems like one terrible thing after another keep happening to Henry, James, Maggie, Ruther, and a new friend Thirsty. I just kept thinking...please give them a break! I know it adds excitement and the characters grow a lot as individuals as they go through each trial. Isabelle has her own things to handle as a slave/concubine in Neverak and trying to stay out of the way of jealous women and the Emperor who wants her as his own. Isabelle has the hope that Henry and the others are on their way to rescue her, but she keeps trying to find ways to escape.  

Meanwhile, there are hideous bounty hunters after our heroes, the Emperor of Neverak is planning an invasion of his allies, and none of our main characters can stay out of trouble. I kept reading quickly because I hopefully wanted their journey to end and happily. But, here is the kicker, this series is NOT over yet. It ended and I sat there thinking how dreadful it was that now I had to wait for more. Author Jacob Gowans is a great storyteller, and you don't want to miss out on this YA Fantasy that will be enjoyed by older teens and adults of all ages and imaginations.  

Watch an interview with author Jacob Gowans

Meet Author: Jacob Gowans

Jacob Gowans is a resident of Utah, working as a dentist for kids. He is husband to a beautiful wife, and father to four children. When not working or writing, he enjoys watching sports, reading YA novels or long tomes, running, and chasing his kids around the house.

Psion Beta was his first novel, and he is currently working on two new series: Super Six and the Clone Saga. His favorite music artists are blink-182 (and their spin-offs) and Brandon Flowers. His favorite book is Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo, and thinks the greatest film ever made is Dead Poets Society.

He was raised in Papillion, Nebraska, graduated from college with a Bachelor of Arts in theater studies, and moved to Cleveland shortly thereafter for dental school at Case Western Reserve University.
For more info check out http://www.jacobgowans.com

Book Blast and $100 Giveaway for Lost King by H.B. Moore {Author of Finding Sheba}

   

Lost King by H.B. Moore  

From USA TODAY bestselling author H.B. Moore Undercover agent Omar Zagouri has been ordered to Giza. A prominent Egyptologist was murdered, and a priceless artifact—the only complete version of the Book of the Dead—is missing. Omar is still reeling from the recent disappearance of his girlfriend, Mia Golding, but he puts his quest to find her on hold to track down the lost piece of history. Omar’s mission is not just to locate the sacred book; he must also rescue the two archaeologists kidnapped and forced to translate its hieroglyphics under threat of death. Their kidnapper is determined to discover the text’s rumored explosive revelation: that Moses did not receive the Ten Commandments from God but instead copied them from the Egyptians. Though Omar’s need to find Mia grows more urgent, he must focus on finding the enemy who will stop at nothing to ignite a controversy that will change history, and the world, forever.

AMAZON

   




Author H.B. Moore
 H.B. Moore is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than a dozen historical novels set in ancient Arabia and Mesoamerica. She attended the Cairo American College in Egypt and the Anglican International School in Jerusalem and received her bachelor of science degree from Brigham Young University. She writes historical thrillers under the pen name H.B. Moore, and romance and women’s fiction under the name Heather B. Moore. It can be confusing, so her kids just call her Mom.

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Book Blast Giveaway!!!!!

 $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash 

  Ends 9/30/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blast and $100 Giveaway for The Villain: The Fall Series by May Nicole Abbey

   

The Villain by May Nicole Abbey 

A fall and crash A violent journey through the doorways of time A villain or hero in the making Rosemary Mayfield teeters on the brink of ruin. With the murder of her parents she is left the sole guardian of her younger brother and sister. Once a wealthy socialite in New York City, she now finds herself stranded in the untamed wilderness of the American West. When a wounded man comes crashing through her roof, as rough as the savage land, it is against her better judgment to bring him into her home and her heart. But she soon discovers he holds a secret that shatters everything, and she must make a choice, unaware that often destiny hinges on a single moment. Fresh from an unsavory past and a violent fall through time, Nicolas Ekkridon awakens to find himself cared for by three orphans ignorant of the role he played in their parents’ untimely death. They accept and embrace him, and a lifetime of hardened barriers begin to crumble. On the precipice between good and evil, only Rosemary and her spirited defiance stands between him and villainy. But time and space are against them. As its weaving tentacles envelop them in an indifferent grasp, they are swept into a shattering series of circumstances that threaten the very makeup of their lives. But when time can be bent, nothing is written in stone.

Amazon

Praise for The Villain  

There are very few words that can describe what they've accomplished in The Villain. Here are a few that come to mind: magnificent, overwhelming, heart-stirring, and a bit frightening at times. This author team writes some of the best characters I've ever read about and weaves them together in such a fascinating web. Each character has depth and an important role in the storyline (and possibly future storylines). Characters who didn't particularly interest me, at first, became very significant throughout the book. ~Shannon Keith 

The Villain is one of those books you pick up and read in one sitting. The kind that surprises you with its powerful and compelling characters and its poignant message. To say that I was surprised at how much the story touched my heart would be an understatement. ~C.J. Anaya Reading this book reminded me of the television shows I used to watch when I was a kid. “Little House of the prairie” and “Dr Quinn Medicine Woman”. I can confidently say if you enjoyed those shows, you will enjoy this novel. ~Nina Schluntz

   

Excerpt from: The Villain

 “Have you done… very bad things?” I asked, wishing I didn’t have to ask. His answer was simple. “Yes.” “And are you going to go on… doing bad things?” He lay very still, like if he moved, he would be discovered. The man as big and hard as the mountain had a weakness. “The gods of the ancient world punished men terribly for their sins,” he said in a hollow voice, his accent there again, thicker than I ever heard it. “Tortured them for eternity. There was no point in trying to escape.” I put my sewing down. “We don’t believe in those gods anymore.” He laughed in a hard, hateful voice. “And why should you? You were protected and cosseted and kept from every sin. What do you have to fear from them?” “And you like to imagine yourself some sort of wild, dangerous creature, trapped in a dungeon of your own making. You are too stupid to realize there are no locks on the doors. Does it come as a shock that brute force isn’t always called for? Does it horrify you to find some kindness lurking deep in your heart?” “Kindness!” he repeated bitterly, “I’ve done no kindness to you, my girl!” “You have!” He regarded me steadily. “If you knew the things I’ve done, Miss Mayfield, your blood would boil with hate and you’d throw me out the door this moment. And you should.” My heart stilled. “What have you done?” He turned away, and I couldn’t see his face. He was closed off. But I felt a shrinking from him, a retreat from a memory. I pushed my specs up the bridge of my nose and picked up my sewing again. An image filled my mind of the shoe flying across the room. His incense at Benjamin ignoring me. His artless, diffident effort to make up with Emily. Instinct made me say with some gentleness, “Whatever you did, perhaps it’s not as bad as you think it is.” I was frightened even as I said it, but I did not wish it away. He scoffed, but he looked at me. I saw something inside that good eye hoping to be convinced. He reminded me, I realized suddenly, of Benjamin. “There is no doubt you’ve done things you shouldn’t. And sure, you can be a pig sometimes. Mother would have been horrified,” I smiled. “But a real scoundrel would have shown himself long before now. You haven’t hurt us. You’ve even been good to us.” “Maybe I’m biding my time. I’m weak and injured and still need you to look after my wounds.” His tone was a cold blanket. “In which case, you’d hardly warn me against you. Instead you’d be trying to put me at ease.” My voice was equally cool. He snapped and threw up his hands. “Oh, I don’t have time for this! The sooner I get away from you all, the better!” I gathered up my sewing basket and stood. “The west is a dangerous place. You’re ripe for the picking out here in the wilderness, just waiting for someone to come along and help himself!” He couldn’t help but say. “What do you care? You just said it yourself, it isn’t your problem.” His hand balled into a fist. “Rosemary, you can’t just trust people, all right! It isn’t wise! Don’t just let anyone through your door and nurse him back to health, you got that? Don’t let Emily sidle up to him and cry over him and tell him her stories. And Benjamin tries to be angry, but it’s all bluster. He’s easy prey for anyone who gives him attention and sounds like they have some useful knowledge. Don’t just let anyone through that door!” “We didn’t let just anyone in, Nicolas,” I said simply. “We let you in. And I’m glad.”    

About the Authors 

Caroline Gregory and Shawnette Nielson are sisters on a mission. Their goal is to write clean, adventuresome romance stories, full of lovely characters, personal growth, truth, and hope. Although they live miles from each other, and are both busy with the daily needs of their respective families, they carve out time each night to put fingers to keyboard and write. Their goal? Twenty completed books. Set all over the world and throughout time, they thrill at the freedom that writing time travel offers them. From Georgian society, to Ancient Egypt and the Wild Western, the possibilities are limitless.

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Book Blast Giveaway 

 $100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 9/27/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cover Reveal for: Christmas Kisses Collection: Pre-Order now for 99 cents! Also enter to win 9 different books.

Christmas Kisses is a collection from five bestselling and award-winning authors. Set in the snowy town of Echo Ridge in upstate New York, these inspirational romances are sure to delight while you sip cocoa by the fire and listen to Christmas carols. 

***Pre-order now for only $.99***

Amazon * Barnes and Noble

Kobo * iTunes * Smashwords

 

Win amazing books by each of the authors. Enter below to win: Nine different books will be given to nine lucky winners.  

Christmas Makeover by Cami Checketts Amazon bestselling author Chelsea Jamison has been infatuated with Drew Stirling longer than she's loved playing basketball, high-top sneakers, and the Knicks. Unfortunately, all Drew sees is the kid who kicked his trash in the high school free throw contest and not the girl whose heart breaks into a fast dribble when he's near. Drew makes an unexpected visit home to Echo Ridge and their friendship picks up where they left off as they scheme to make a teenaged boy's Christmas dreams come true. When Chelsea realizes she's fallen for her best friend, she wonders if there is any hope of a relationship with Drew or if she's stuck in buddy-status for life.  

The Candy Counter Heiress by Lucy McConnell Amazon bestselling & award-winning author Someday Reese Gates will own The Candy Counter at Kenworth's; but someday can't come fast enough when the manager threatens to bring in a national candy provider. Reese secretly takes matters into her own hands hoping to save her parents from additional worry and prove herself capable of running the company. Her deception deepens as she ropes computer guru Andy Edwards into helping her expand the business. Reese wanted to shake things up, but she wasn't planning on her heart getting caught in the mix by Andy's stolen kisses. If she can hold it together until after Christmas, then she can reveal her successful online company and her feelings for Andy. Unfortunately for Reese, even the best laid plans can melt like chocolate. 

  

Soda Fountain Christmas by Connie E. Sokol Amazon bestselling author Keira Kenworth has one focus this holiday season: save her father's old-time department store from bankruptcy. She is not focused on Tayton Wells, the tall, dark, and genius marketing guru from downtown New York, hired to make it happen. He is as doubtful that her nostalgic connect-the-town ideas will succeed as she is about his numbers-first plan. However, it's not just their different approaches that cause sparks to fly. Working together on a fast deadline to save the store before Christmas, the unspoken connection between them grows. But will the tough decisions they face drive them back to their separate worlds, or will they lead to the beginning of love?

  

Christmas Makeover by Heather Tullis Amazon bestselling author Jonah Owens thought moving to Echo Ridge to open his art gallery would solve all of his problems. The need to sell his grandma's house adds an unexpected complication. It would be easier if his neighbor didn't have all those farm animals. Kaya Feidler's family has owned their land for nearly a hundred years--long before the neighbors were there. There's no way she's giving up the animal therapy business she's been struggling to make profitable. She gets a temp job helping Jonah in the gallery. Spending time together is a recipe for romance, but can they overcome their own hangups to be more than friends?  

Hope for Christmas by Rachelle J. Christensen Amazon bestselling & award-winning author Anika Fletcher hates Christmas--its promises of good tidings and hope for the future are as tinseled as the ornaments on Kenworth's Hope Tree. Despite her feelings, Anika wants to maintain her daughter's faith in the magic of the season and gladly accepts a second job working with the handsome Carlos Rodriguez to restore Kenworth's old fashioned soda fountain. Carlos is no stranger to hard times and slowly shares his life of light and joy with Anika as they work together. Just as her fragile soul begins to feel hope again, an ill-timed act of charity changes everything. Anika isn't sure who she can trust or if hope is worth nurturing--especially at Christmas when it's easy to enjoy a kiss and believe love can last longer than the season.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway