Review: Amulet of Elusion by Katie Lynn Johnson

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Goodreads

Summary:

Alexa Costa has a life-altering secret…only she doesn’t know it yet.

Confined by law to the kingdom of Alvair until the age of eighteen, Alexa Costa has lived a sheltered existence under the watchful eye of her sword-wielding guardian, Ivy. Her love interest, Caleb Whitman, is exactly the opposite. A merchant sailor and seeker of rare artifacts, Caleb has lived a life of adventure in nearby San Lucero, the long-time rival of Alvair.

After her eighteenth birthday, Alexa’s quiet existence becomes tumultuous, and she realizes she does not need to seek to find adventure. Myths become real, legend becomes fact, and Alexa discovers that she possesses rare abilities which make her a target for both sides in a centuries-old struggle for power. She must use every resource available to her—including her talents with the supernatural Amulets— to help her friends, rekindle her romance with Caleb, and save her island home from destruction.

My Rating: 4

My Review:

If you like YA fantasy as much as I do, chances are, you'll love Amulet of Elusion. With good pacing, lots of action, lots of romance and even a historical feel - it truly has something for everyone.

The idea of the amulets in general was enchanting and I loved discovering more about the potential and the abilities of each unique gem. Having specific people, the Interpreters, be able to further unlock the power really added to the plot. Together, Johnson beautifully crafted that magical feeling one looks for in fantasy novels.

I fully believe that I have the heart of an adventurer, and that part of me really came out through the reading. Between searching for rare artifacts by boat in the beginning (I mean, how cool is that?) to the massive amounts of sword fighting used in battle, the action is high quality throughout.

If you read my reviews, you know that I mention character a lot. (In fact, I mention mentioning characters a lot.) Characters are what a look for most in a novel. Luckily, Johnson delivers. Alexa is a strong female character, and even though she had to face a lot of adversity in her life, she still holds a remarkable outlook. I also really enjoyed that she could fight well on her own, and protect herself when needed. I loved Tobias, who showed just how corrupt leaders can get, and Jada, who is that delightful kind of female psychopath.

Speaking of characters: fangirls, let me introduce you to Caleb. He is strong attractive, incredibly skilled at fighting, and a true gentleman. Also, he owns a ship. Are you drooling yet? Wait until you read his dialogue. Even if I didn't like 'instalove' (which, for the record, I'm almost always cool with) I would have to admit that, in his case, it is understandable. (Besides, the romance is so sweet. It hits the heart without being so overbearing that it takes away from the plot.)

Although I could probably go on and on for hours about why you should read this book, I will conclude by saying simply that you should read this book. I can't wait to continue with the rest of the series, and I fully believe that readers will enjoy Amulet of Elusion as much as I did.

Review: Vendetta Nation by Sara Furlong Burr

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Goodreads

Synopsis

What if you gave up everything you knew and loved for a lie?

Nearly one year ago, Celaine Stevens made the choice to leave her life behind to join The Epicenter, an organization charged with bringing down The Man in Black - a terrorist and the one responsible for the murder of her entire family. Battling conflicting emotions and the pain her decision caused, Celaine tells herself that her sacrifices will all have been worth it when The Man in Black is finally apprehended.

But, instead of hunting the elusive entity, Celaine and her partner Ian Grant find themselves preparing for a war looming on the horizon. Angered by President Brook’s ever-tightening restrictions, a rebellion has formed, leading the charge against the President and anyone who stands in their way. Caught in the middle, Celaine and Ian are forced to choose sides, having to decide whether to align themselves with the rebellion, whose motives they question, or obey the orders given to them by an organization they are steadily growing to distrust.

A war is sparked by deceit, new alliances are formed, an unexpected love begins to blossom, and true identities are revealed in Vendetta Nation, the second installment of the Enigma Black trilogy.

My Rating: 4.5

My Review

I'm not sure if you have read Enigma Black - although I really suggest you do - but it is an excellent book. I didn't believe that Vendetta Nation would be able to top that first novel. But it did, or in the least, came extremely close to doing so. This second book in the series is absolutely breathtaking, filled with suspense and action.

The excellent plot of Enigma Black continues throughout this novel. The unique idea of the superheroes comes back into play. I still love the idea of generally ordinary people really becoming extraordinary. It's always harder to connect with a character that is born into greatness. In addition, the science behind the superheroes, although not explained with excruciating detail, is explained in enough that the reader can believe in the possibility.

Celaine continues to be a great protagonist. She's strong, determined, and constantly stands up for what she believes in. She can be killer, but also has a great empathy. For me, it was really easy to empathize with her, allowing me to further dive into the story and completely submerge myself in the world. Although while reading Enigma Black, I didn't want to let in a new superhero partner, Ian has completely won me over. Not only is he a great character, but he had some lines in which I actually had to stop reading and swoon a little bit. Contrasting completely, one of my favorite characters to read about is Victor. He might not be the most likable character, but he is such a round character with a whole lot of back story and surprise. Plus, I've really respect a good villain.

Vendetta Nation has a ton of twists and turns that kept me engrossed in the novel the entire time. I'm not always the best at predictions, but I'm usually not bad. Still, some of these I just didn't see coming. This really added to the suspense, I was practically at the edge of my seat half the time. Even the ending left me hanging, which is good and bad at the same time.

I feel that Vendetta Nation had me reacting physically and emotionally a lot more than other novels (which was a bit awkward when reading in public...) and I enjoyed every minute of it. With high action and gorgeous writing, the Enigma Black series will not disappoint readers. Vendetta Nation is no exception and I can't wait to read the finale.

Review: Of Dreams and Shadows by D.S. McKnight (Book Tour)

 Young Adult Paranormal

Date Published: 9/23/2013

Sixteen year old Jenna Barton isn’t a happy camper.  She’s had to move to a new town in the middle of her junior year.  It doesn’t help that her new neighbor, Chase Williams, is particularly unwelcoming.   Unfortunately, for Jenna these are the least of her problems.  She’s become the obsession of a murderous ghost.  Sarah Jones was just four years old when she disappeared and Chase was the only witness.  No one believed the ramblings of a scared little boy — especially when he said a shadow took Sarah.  Now, all he wants is for Jenna to move.  He knows what resides in her backyard — but how can he tell her?  She wouldn’t believe him anyway.   When Silas (the shadow) decides that Jenna will be his next victim, Sarah (don’t call her a ghost!) realizes she has to stop him.   It will take their combined efforts to save Jenna.

 

 

Amazon 

 

My Rating: 4

 

My Review:

 

Wow. What an incredible beginning to a series. Of Dreams and Shadows is sort of like the Costco of Young Adult fiction - it's everything that you're looking for in one place. Paranormal? Check. Historical? Check. Romance? Check. Realistic? Check. Completely awesome? Check, check, check.

Of Dreams and Shadows is beautiful, suspenseful and a wild ride for a readers. At the beginning, it seems like the average YA novel, although still highly addicting. However, soon enough, it jumps to extraordinary levels.

It's nice to read a novel that uses the third person point of view so incredibly well. Sometimes, in third person, I worry that a bit of the reader's connection to the character will be lost. The exact opposite of that happened in this case. I connected with even more of the characters. I absolutely loved the jumps in history to more clearly explain the back story. The change in tone and character for small segments added to the plot, instead of taking away from it. And those parts were written gorgeously, so I'd hard,y complain even if they did.

A+ for characters. Jenna doesn't always do the perfect thing, but she is easy to relate to and root for. Chase is just beautiful. All-around, he's great. I even found myself loving Silas toward the end. Yeah, okay, maybe he's a complete nut - but the guy definitely had layers. Oh, don't give me that look. Who can resist feeling empathy for the bad guy - especially a beautiful one?

I highly recommend Of Dreams and Shadows. It is a really great story that readers will devour faster than an evil spirit. (Just saying.) The ending blew me away, and I cannot wait to read more.  

Heart-Shaped Emblor by Alaina Ewing - Author Interview

 

 

 

Young Adult Paranormal Romance/ Sci-Fi

Date Published: 10/11/2013

Hidden powers. Otherworldly boyfriends. FORBIDDEN SECRETS. 
For Aislinn Moore, attending college at seventeen isn’t a big deal. Not when compared to the difficulties associated with seeing ethereal beings and having prophetic dreams. 
As Aislinn learns to surmount the obstacles of her talents, she awakens something inside herself—an ancient memory, long forgotten. She senses there are reasons for her gifts, but remains unable to understand them. 
When Alexander Welch enters her life, she learns of the Ewlishash—the hope bringers—and thinks she may have found her answer. Alexander is sexy, sweet, and his talents are like something straight out of a Sci-Fi flick. Aislinn wonders if she may be like him, but the more she tries to fit his mold, the more her instincts scream that her destiny holds something even greater.




INTERVIEW:

         In a hundred words or less, how would you describe Heart-Shaped Emblor?

AE: The Heart-Shaped Emblor is about finding your voice, overcoming fear, and learning how to follow your heart. Aislinn’s world includes witches, prophetic dreams, psychics, other dimensional beings, and what ties it all together is string theory. Acts of integrity and compassion raise the characters’ vibrations, allowing them special abilities in order to help those who’ve lost hope. Most of all, this novel is about love. Not just any love, but a cosmic connection that extends beyond the here and now, and across the multiverse.

How long did it take for you to write this novel, generally? Do you normally plan a lot ahead of time or just see where your writing goes?

AE: This novel took about a year and a half to complete because it began as a YA, then I rewrote it as a New Adult, then took it back to a YA again when asked to do so by my publisher. Normally it takes about three months for me to complete a full-length manuscript. This one just had several versions. Even now the first version is like reading a completely different book.

Out of all the characters that you developed, which is your favorite? Which one that held the most difficulty?

AE: I think my favorite is actually Aislinn since I can relate to her so much. She’s lost, has no sense of who she is or what she’s capable of. Trapped in a world of lies and false relationships that are based on social status. The difficulty of writing a character like this is that she appears weak or easily swayed, and for a while, she is. When you have no sense of identity, it’s too easy to adopt what everyone else tells you and be a push over. The challenge was to find a way to show this about her, but also reveal her growth as she began to trust her own instincts over others. This first novel in the series really covers a lot of her personal growth and becoming the person she’s meant to be.

Have you always held an interest in the paranormal genre? Are there any other genres you enjoy writing about?

 '

AE: I really enjoy cross genre stuff. This series is technically young adult, paranormal, and sci fi, but with a tone of romance. I have even dipped into some fantasy. So yes, I do write multiple genres and I usually tie more than one into a novel.

If any one character from Heart-Shaped Emblor could come alive in person, and you could have a conversation with them, which character would you choose?

AE: Oh wow, good question. This is a tough one because if it was based on hotness factor, I would choose Alexander. But for asking questions, I think I would rather it be one of the Celestial Guardians. In the story, they represent the highest form of love and compassion, as well as, have knowledge of all the cosmos. So it would definitely be one of them.

In Heart-Shaped Emblor, Aislinn has prophetic dreams. What is thecraziest or most interesting dream that you’ve had?

AE: I once had a dream where I traveled to a rainbow planet and met thousands of different species of intelligent life, all hanging out and socializing together. It was called The Healing Planet, and everything was translucent and the water iridescent. The crazy part of this dream was that I dreamt this when I was pregnant and later, my son informed me that before he went into my tummy he traveled past a rainbow planet with his other daddy. It was an odd experience!

Have you always wanted to be a writer? If not, when did you first hold an interest in writing?

AE: I used to love writing and wrote lots of short stories when I was younger. Then I got into high school and a teacher told me never to write for a career. He was brutal, and sadly, I gave up writing. It wasn’t until later in life when I got the sudden itch to begin writing again, that I realized the teacher was a jerk and I should have used the opportunity to prove him wrong. Or at least taken his insults as a challenge and chosen to rise above them. This is why we should never give up on our dreams, no matter what people tell us.

What thoughts went through your mind when you first became a published author?

AE: My publisher is crazy. That’s about it! I was happy and appreciative, but it’s hard for me to accept sometimes that people believe in me. As more people read the novel and tell me what they think or how it impacted them, I know my publisher saw something in me that I just didn’t yet. I feel grateful every day for the opportunities given to me.

What are some songs you would include on a playlist for Heart-Shaped Emblor? Do you enjoy music or prefer silence when writing?

AE: I’m a mood person, so if I need to write an action scene, I pick something that relates to that scene. Some of the songs I’ve used are “Gravity of Love” by Enigma, “We Are Here To Change The World” by Michael Jackson, “Resistance” by Muse, “Ten Thousand Fists” by Disturbed, and for romantic types scenes I use a lot of Enya. Sometimes I prefer silence, but it really just depends on how the scene is flowing.

Who are the authors that have inspired you the most?

AE: I think a lot of authors have inspired me, but I really connect with Jean M. Auel, Tad Williams, and for YA, Stephanie Meyer. I’m one of those silly girls who totally loved the Twilight Series.

When not writing or reading, what do you enjoy doing?

AE: My need to always be creating something keeps me pretty busy. I make jewelry, dream catchers, bookmarks, and I paint, draw, love taking black and white photos, making videos, and dancing, I can’t forget that!

What projects are you currently working on?

 '

AE: I’m on draft two for the Ewlishash series, working on book two for a dystopian romance series I have, and a YA fantasy romance too. Plus several short stories. I like to move back and forth between projects to keep my ideas flowing.

Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring writers or those who are considering publishing a novel of their own?

AE: Know your market. This is one people kept telling me, and because I love crossing genres, I’ve learned that the issue isn’t with people not loving to read stuff like that. The problems come in when a larger publisher is trying to fit your work into the display at the store. There aren’t sections where you can cross this stuff, so knowing what your novel fits in best is helpful in your pitch to an agent or publisher. Unless you’re self-publishing or going to be getting most sales from eBooks. Then you can have the book displayed in several areas at once.

Most importantly, don’t give up. If you need help, attend writers workshops. I am part of Cascade Writers and being a part of that group has really helped me clean up my writing and making it stronger. I also met several published authors and an agent through the group, and I’m still in contact with some of these people. Network, keep writing, and don’t give up.

Alaina Ewing lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two boys. She holds a degree in Multimedia Production and is the Assistant Chair for Cascade Writers, a nonprofit Milford-style workshop. She also makes jewelry, dream catchers, and enjoys working with herbs and essential oils. 

Her first novel, The Heart-Shaped Emblor, releases October 11, 2013 with Evil Girlfriend Media. The novel is the first in the Ewlishash Series. Read more about Alaina at www.alainayewing.com.

Website: www.evilgirlfriendmedia.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Heart-Shaped-Emblor/359662900803521

 

 

Book Blast: Love by Deception by Debra Elizabeth

Love by Deception

Book 2, Age of Innocence

Blurb:

Content with her life as a lady's maid, Isabel Knott learns the father she never knew has left her a fortune. The news comes with one restriction--she can never reveal his name. Isabel falls in love with Colby Tisbury, but with her nonexistent pedigree his father, Lord Tisbury, will never accept her as his daughter-in-law. Colby Tisbury must marry, and soon. If he doesn't find a bride before the end of the Season, his father will supply one. Then Colby meets sassy Isabel Knott, and everything changes--but can he go against his father's wishes and marry a girl utterly lacking in family and connections? Isabel is forced to make an impossible choice - reveal her secret identity and bring shame to her true father or lose Colby forever.

Amazon /BN

Debra L Martin

Blog: http://twoendsofthepen.blogspot.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Debra.L.Martin.Author

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dlmartin6 Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Debra-L-Martin/e/B003Q1WLXY/

Book Blast: Sweet Magic Song by Olivia Harden

Belle Bittner was sold to the highest bidder when she was just a child, sought for the magic lying dormant in her blood. She grew up as the adopted daughter of a wealthy vampire couple, and serving the child-trafficking Org seemed her only option in life. But Belle has other plans, and she won’t let anyone get in the way of her escape, even if it means betraying those who try to help her. Desperate to stay free of an evil vampire who means to possess her no matter what, Belle decides she can use the protection of the flirtatious faery named Roon. The two of them flee to the faery realm where Rooney believes he can better protect her. What he doesn’t know is that taking the bea utiful siren through the golden door will set off a cataclysm of events that will threaten the fabric of both the human and the faery worlds. Separating myth from fact to decipher the truth about her powers could mean the destruction of the new life Belle’s trying so hard to build.

Amazon

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iTunes and Kobo coming soon.

About Olivia:

When Olivia Hardin began having movie-like dreams in her teens, she had no choice but to begin putting them to paper. Before long, the writing bug had her and she knew she wanted to be a published author. Several rejections plus a little bit of life later, and she was temporarily “cured” of the urge to write. That is until she met a group of talented and fabulous writers who gave her the direction and encouragement she needed to get lost in the words again. Olivia’s attended three different universities over the years and toyed with majors in Computer Technology, English, History and Geology. Then one day she heard the term road scholar and she knew that was what she wanted to be. Now she “studies” anything and everything just for the joy of learning. She's also an insatiable crafter who only completes about 1 out of 5 projects, a jogger who hates to run, and she’s sometimes accused of being artistic. A native Texas girl, Olivia lives in the beautiful Lone Star state with her husband, Danny and their puppy, Bonnie.

Connect with Olivia and Get information about releases, contests, news and more here:

Website

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Cover Reveal: The Enlightening by Adrianne James

Today is the cover reveal of The Enlightening (Mackenzie Duncan Series #2) by Adrianne James.

  

Title: The Enlightening

  Series: Mackenzie Duncan Series #2

  Author: Adrianne James

  Genre: NA Paranormal

  Release Date: December 6, 2013

  Add to your Want to Read list on Goodreads

Mackenzie Duncan found out that pack life wasn’t for her. Now she is running for the second time in the six months   since she was bitten and turned into a Werewolf. But this   time, she isn’t alone. This time, she has Geoff and Liam     with her, two very hot Werewolves vying for her heart.

But her companions aren't her focus. The only thing she can focus on is getting far from her old pack and their murderous ways. Only, she doesn’t just want to run. She wants to warn every pack she can that their lives are in danger too. No one should be turned against their will like she was and no other pack should have to surrender to the ideas of a centuries old, power hungry woman.

Not only does Mackenzie have to deal with her crazy ex-pack leader sending people out to kill her, she has to keep both men at arm’s length (and that proves to be much more difficult than she thought), but she finds out more about her own life and heritage than she ever thought imaginable.

And suddenly, everything makes sense...

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About Adrianne James

Growing up, Adrianne couldn't get her hands on enough books to satisfy her need for the make believe. If she finished a novel and didn't have a new one ready and waiting for her, she began to create her own tales of magic and wonder. Now, as an adult, books still make up majority of her free time, and now her tales get written down to be shared with the world.

During the day, Adrianne uses her camera to capture life's stories for clients of all ages and at night, after her two children are tucked in bed; she devotes herself to her written work. Adrianne is living the life she always wanted, surrounded by art and beauty, the written word and a loving family.

As a young adult and new adult author, Adrianne James has plans to bring stories of growing characters, a little romance, and perhaps a little magic and mythology down the line for her readers to enjoy.

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Review: The Borealis Genome by Thomas & Nancy Wise (Tour Stop)

YA Sci Fi

Date Published: 6/4/2013

New novel The Borealis Genome addresses the issue of increased moral ambiguity as scientific technology advances and removes our sense of individuality. The married authors throw engaged characters Tim and Nora into a scientific nightmare where mind-uploading and a weaponized virus allow the minds of the few to control those of the masses. As the population starts turning into mental zombies can Tim and Nora find the source of this mayhem? And can their love persevere through these harrowing times?


My Rating: 3.5

My Review:

With the interest of the zombie apocalypse still in full swing, Thomas and Nancy Wise give a new take on the usual rotten corpses. Although other stories blamed 'virus' for zombie outbreaks, The Borealis Genome actually includes the scientific aspects of the virus, showing its spread and its effects on the population. I've held an interest in epidemiology (albeit not for a career) so that aspect of the novel definitely appealed to me, especially because it isn't easy to find good Young Adult science fiction.

Although the middle of a 'zombie virus' outbreak doesn't exactly seem like the best place for romance, The Borealis Genome still manages to have moments of great romance. The relationship between Tim and Nora is heart-warming, definitely adding to the plot of the novel.

Despite certain portions of the novel being a bit slow, I can't think of many more complaints, and the writing really succeeded in building tension and suspense throughout the reading experience. 

Overall, I enjoyed reading The Borealis Genome, and I would definitely recommend it to those with a soft spot for disease and zombies (in fiction, that is.)
 

Review: Lichgates by S.M Boyce (Tour Stop)

Lichgates (The Grimoire Saga #1) by S.M.Boyce

Kara Magari is about to discover a beautiful world full of terrifying things—Ourea.

Kara, a college student still reeling from her mother’s recent death, has no idea the hidden world of Ourea even exists until a freak storm traps her in a sunken library. With no way out, she opens an ancient book of magic called the Grimoire and unwittingly becomes its master, which means Kara now wields the cursed book’s untamed power. Discovered by Ourea's royalty, she becomes an unwilling pawn in a generations-old conflict—a war intensified by her arrival. In this world of chilling creatures and betrayal, Kara shouldn’t trust anyone… but she’s being hunted and can’t survive on her own. She drops her guard when Braeden, a native soldier with a dark secret, vows to keep her safe. And though she doesn’t know it, her growing attraction to him may just be her undoing.

For twelve years, Braeden Drakonin has lived a lie. The Grimoire is his one chance at redemption, and it lands in his lap when Kara Magari comes into his life. Though he begins to care for this human girl, there is something he wants more. He wants the Grimoire.

Links:

Goodreads : https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12900806-lichgates

Amazon : http://www.amazon.com/Lichgates-Book-One-Grimoire-Saga/dp/1939997062

Barnes & Noble : http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/lichgates-s-m-boyce/1109150950?ean=2940044342927

My Rating: 4

My Review: 

Lichgates is a beautiful and captivating novel that reignited my deep passion for the fantasy genre. From the very first page, the plot launches right into action, causing the reader to desperately chase the wonders sure to lie ahead.

Fear not, for Boyce delivers.

Like many fans of the fantastical, I believe that world-building is important. Well, Ourea is done beautifully crafted, created as a pocket of Earth - the two realms clings to each other. That had me believing the magic to be real. All of the new races and species are vividly described and interwoven with a rich history. Why, it practically had me drooling.

Speaking of, (pardon my teenage girl-ness) but Braeden is a brilliant character. "Mr. tall, dark and dangerous" indeed. What girl can resist a male lead with a dark side? In addition, Kara makes me question the young female lead stereotype. She's a great character readers can connect to - brave and funny without the forced perfection many readers (including me) hate to choke down.

With a refreshing idea (I love every part of the Grimoire), brilliant settings and characters plus a great pacing that kept me devouring every chapter, Lichgates is bound to impress. I can't wait to continue with the saga.

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The Grimm Chronicles (Book Tour): Author Interview

Young Adult

Date Published: 8/25/2013

The award-winning Young Adult adventure series reaches its penultimate volume! This collection contains the following books:

Book 7: The Giant Slayer

Europe: birthplace of Grimms' Fairy Tales. An unfamiliar land, brimming with its own breed of Corrupted who hide in the shadows, growing more evil with each passing day. For modern-day hero Alice Goodenough, this is more than enough to worry about. But she also has a fencing tournament to think about.

And a promise to keep with Sam Grayle, a Corrupted dwarf who schemes for more and more wealth. When their train breaks down in a small town in eastern Hungary, Alice finds the legacy of the hero is alive and well. Corrupted have visited this town before, and they aren't quite vanquished just yet. There's one left, hiding away, biding his time to enact a terrible price on his enemies. A little creature with big, big plans ...

Werewolves. Vampires. Giants. Europe is a different place with new dangers, new monsters and new surprises.

Book 8: Darkness Rising

200 years ago, the Brothers Grimm brought their stories to life.

But why? The question has haunted the heroes for two centuries, and no one has come close to the truth. Alice Goodenough will learn the terrible truth. And it will come at a terrible cost.

The fencing tournament is in just a few short days. Alice's team is hopelessly outmatched, facing off against fencers who have more experience and an inhuman amount of energy. But the other fencers also have a special drug, one that Alice's team can use to even the playing field. Whether they should take the drug or not threatens to tear the team apart.

Meanwhile, Alice must live up to her agreement with Sam Grayle, who lusts after a hidden treasure that once belonged to the Corrupted. Alice must team up with a group of explorers and delve deep into a forbidden cave that holds more secrets than any of them expected.

Book 9: Malevolence

The Malevolence has been biding its time inside Castle Vontescue, but now Alice must finally confront it. The very same evil force that brought the Grimms' fairy tales to life now threatens the hero and all she holds dear. No one is safe in the darkness.

But what, exactly, is this centuries-old creature? To find that out, Br'er Rabbit will have to use all of his wits and decode a series of clues before time runs out. Meanwhile, Alice must keep her friends close and fight through her numerous injuries if she hopes to stop the evil.

But nothing is certain. Alice's body is breaking down. Her loved ones are in constant danger. There is no escape now ... soon, she must face off against the ancient evil that lurks within Castle Vontescue.

And there will be blood.

This volume also contains the following extras:

- The lost diary of Abigail Bauer

- An exclusive introduction

... And the following Grimms' Fairy Tales:

- Hans in Luck

- The Brave Little Tailor

- Tom Thumb

- Twelve Dancing Princesses

- Rapunzel

 INTERVIEW WITH THE AUTHORS

What have you written? Describe your novel(s) in one line.

A super fantastic Young Adult action adventure series filled with characters from Grimms' Fairy Tales and also Br'er Rabbit!!

Where did you get the idea for The Grimm Chronicles? How does it differ/relate to past writing of yours?

This is the first Young Adult series we've written. Ken had an idea floating around in his head, but didn't really know what to do with it until he started re-reading Grimms' Fairy Tales.

If  you had to play favorites with your characters, which one would you choose to be your favorite?

We're really partial to Br'er Rabbit. It may sound strange having a non-fairy tale character in there, but Br'er Rabbit is a part of American folklore and he's been a blast to write. We wanted our hero to have a traditional hero's helper, only with a twist. Br'er Rabbit is a trickster, but it's also his job to help the hero, so he needs to stay focused. He also loves pancakes.

Where is your absolute favorite writing location?

Someplace quiet.

What are you currently working on? What can we expect to see in the future?

We'll be doing a sci-fi series next. The last episode of The Grimm Chronicles is going to come out in early January, and then we'll take a few months off before we start up again.

Which novels have really inspired you?

Recently: The Hunger Games, "You Think That's Bad" by Jim Shepard, and lots and lots of cartoons. "Mighty Max" is a personal favorite.

When not writing or reading, what do you enjoy doing?

Right now, Ken is addicted to Rome: Total War 2. But we also enjoy reading.

Have you always wanted to be an author?

Ken: For a long, long time now. I don't know what I would do if I couldn't put all of these ideas on paper. My brain would be this big, overstuffed box with ideas just spilling out.

If you were transported into the world of any novel or book series, which would you want it to be?

Someplace comfortable. No dystopian worlds, please! The last thing I want is a bunch of starvation and crazy drama. How about something more quaint, like one of those futuristic Charles Stross stories where lots of problems are solved and everything is generally OK? Yeah, that's the world for us.

If you were stranded on a deserted island for an indefinite amount of time, what is the ONE thing you would want with you?

I guess a really delicious sandwich. A turkey club, hold the mayo, with bacon and melted cheese and a side of fries. I mean, really, if I'm doomed to die on the island, I'd like to at least have a nice last meal. But wait! I'd get thirsty after eating the sandwich. Scratch that ... I'll take a big blueberry smoothy made with melted orange sherbet and a hint of banana.

If we ended up in a zombie apocalypse, who are the people you'd want on your survival team?

Someone weak, so we could clearly choose who to eat first. In fact, why not just roll with a bunch of weak people? You'd be like a shepherd, then, just picking them off one by one whenever you got hungry. And then, one day, you would stare out at the zombie horde below (we live in a condo), and you would think to yourself, "I'm just like them. Truly, I am the monster."

What are three movies you believe every person should watch in their life?

"The Sword in the Stone" by Disney, "Children of Men" by Afonso Cuaron, and "Batman Begins."

Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring writers?

Read. Read. I've worked with a lot of writers over the years, and I can't tell you how many I meet who don't read regularly. I don't think a lot of aspiring writers realize just how horrible their writing is, mainly because they have nothing to compare it to. And then we end up with horrible Kindle books filled with all sorts of weird formatting and terrible, terrible structure. The more you read, the more you assimilate. The more you assimilate, the better your writing becomes.


About the Authors:

Ken Brosky received his MFA in fiction writing from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, and his BA in creative writing from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. To date, he's had more than a dozen short stories published in literary journals, including Gargoyle, Barcelona Review and Midwestern Gothic.

This is Isabella Fontaine's first Young Adult series. In addition to managing the family farm, she also enjoys providing design-related services for those who meet the qualification of "fashion nightmare."

Website: http://www.thegrimmchronicles.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thegrimmchronicles

Twitter: @kenbrosky

BUY LINKS

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http://www.amazon.com/The-Grimm-Chronicles-Vol-ebook/dp/B00EVJPHC2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1381429455&sr=8-3&keywords=the+grimm+chronicles