Voices of Dragons by Carrie Vaughn Review
Sunday, January 15, 2012Goodreads Blurb
On one side of the border lies the modern world: the internet, homecoming dances, cell phones. On the other side dwell the ancient monsters who spark humanity's deepest fears: dragons.
Seventeen-year-old Kay Wyatt knows she's breaking the law by rock climbing near the border, but she'd rather have an adventure than follow the rules. When the dragon Artegal unexpectedly saves her life, the rules are abruptly shattered, and a secret friendship grows between them.
But suspicion and terror are the legacy of human and dragon interactions, and the fragile truce that has maintained peace between the species is unraveling. As tensions mount and battles begin, Kay and Artegal are caught in the middle. Can their friendship change the course of a war?
In her young-adult debut, New York Times bestselling author Carrie Vaughn presents a distinctly twenty-first-century tale of myths and machines, and an alliance that crosses a seemingly unbridgeable divide.
Purchased this book because I Love The Kitty Norville Series by Carrie Vaughn. Being Carrie’s first YA Novel I really loved it from beginning to end. Kay is your typical teenager, with good friends, and a loving family. Everything she could want until an accident on a hiking trail where she meets a new friend a dragon named Artegal. Finding that they can talk to each other she flies with him until getting caught and border intrusions cause a war between humans and dragons. After losing her father she starts to take action into her own hands. Showing everyone that humans and dragons can coexist together. After this comes more fighting between the two rivals. Kay makes the ultimate sacrifice and sacrifices herself for love of her mother , best friend, and a boy she has fallen in love with.
In all saying I believe Carrie Vaughn has hit it again with Voices of Dragons.
MY ONLY FAULT WITH THIS NOVEL IS THAT THERE IS NO SEQUEAL TO THIS NOVEL YET . HOPES ARE HIGH FOR MORE TO COME WITH THIS NOVEL.
CHECK OUT THE FIRST CHAPTER HERE.
RATING
QQQQQ
Reviewed by SMD
The Nightmare Garden by Caitlin Kittredge
Monday, January 9, 2012Genre: YA- Steampunk
Publication Date: February 14, 2012
Goodreads Blurb
Everything Aoife thought she knew about the world was a lie. There is no Necrovirus. And Aoife isn't going to succumb to madness because of a latent strain—she will lose her faculties because she is allergic to iron. Aoife isn't human. She is a changeling—half human and half from the land of Thorn. And time is running out for her.
When Aoife destroyed the Lovecraft engine she released the monsters from the Thorn Lands into the Iron Lands and now she must find a way to seal the gates and reverse the destruction she's ravaged on the world that's about to poison her.
Special Excerpt from The Fantastic Author Herself Caitlin Kittredge
Before me stood a figure twice as tall as I, only a shadow, smooth and without feature. I stayed still, unsure of my footing in the dream. I always felt only vaguely attached to my dream-body, as if my mind were floating free in the void of outer space and my body were waiting back on Earth.
Behind the figure, a great gear rose, half of it above the platform on which we stood. Above us, a hundred skies turned by, sunrises and sunsets, skylines and the blackness of space. And in those skies things twisted and writhed, great tentacles of darkness coming down to merge and mingle with the shadow figure before me.
I found I could speak, which wasn’t always the case in these madness dreams—for that was surely what this was, brought on by the iron of Windhaven. “Where am I?”
The figure stared back impassively. I knew he was staring, despite his lack of eyes or any features at all. I could feel his gaze, hot and penetrating. Beyond him, beyond the gear and the platform, the skies spun faster. They were more than skies now—it was as if we were inside a giant dome, and lantern reels in the thousands and millions were projected onto the glass sides.
“Where am I?” I asked again.
The figure reached out a hand. It was fathomless, black smoke in the shape of a human thing, and I felt cold emanate from the shadow as it drew closer to me. The tentacles writhed faster, lashing, and from all around us came a great moaning, which vibrated the dome to its core and came up through my feet into my bones.
“Who are you?” the figure hissed. “Why did you come here?”
“You tell me,” I whispered, my lips barely able to move from the frozen air of the dream and my own fear. This felt too strong, too real, to be purely a result of the iron around me. The madness was getting worse. I was starting to believe my own dreams. I dug my fingers into my palms, but in this dream place, I felt no pain. That didn’t soothe my worries any.
“I don’t know where here is,” I said. The great gear behind the figure began to turn, and as it did the tentacles retreated, the black figures floating in the skies shrinking away. In my ears, and through the dome, a thousand screams echoed.
“You shouldn’t be here,” the figure told me. “This isn’t your dream. This isn’t a dream at all.”
Then, as if I’d fallen from a great height, I snapped awake.
Links for Ordering
The Nightmare Garden
The Iron Thorn (paperback edition)
Caitlin is hosting an AWESOME GIVEAWAY please go check it out here.
Untouched by Jus Accardo Cover Reveal
Expected publication: February 21st 2012 from entangled publishing
Look AT all of kale’s hotness those piercing blue eyes wow
go add this to your goodreads tbr pile
Preservation by Rachael Wade Sneak Peek
Thursday, January 5, 2012I am happy to give all my wonderful followers a sneak peek into Rachael’s newest novel Preservation. I must say this sneak peek is a teaser that is gonna make you wish you could read the whole thing right now. so once again Rachael is gonna give us a novel that we are gonna want to put at the top of our tbr pile. so without farther ado here it is
Fear is sabotage’s sweetest weapon.
Kate has no time for meaningless romantic charades, and definitely no time for hot college professors who are full of themselves and smitten with her. Constantly battling eviction notices, tuition she can’t afford, and a sick, dependent mother, the last thing she needs is to be distracted with someone else’s complicated baggage.
When she stumbles into Ryan Campbell’s creative writing class, he is only “Mr. Campbell” to her, until Ryan finds himself captivated by her writing and she is forced to face their mutual attraction. His cocky know-it-all syndrome is enough to send her running in the other direction, and his posse of female admirers and playboy reputation are enough to squander any odds in her favor.
But underneath Ryan’s abrasive facade is something to behold, and she can’t stay away for long. Ryan and Kate must decide who they’re willing to become and fight against their former selves if they want to make things work. That’s if academia, vicious vixens, old skeletons, and their own mastery at self-destruction don’t pummel their efforts first
Expected publication: May 25th 2012 by Rabbit Hole Press
Adult Contemporary Romance / Realistic Fiction
Sneak peek time and you know it is gonna be good with a tag line that is as gripping and intriguing as ‘ Fear is sabotage’s sweetest weapon. ‘
Preservation Sneak Peek
That night, I made sure to arrive at the pool at my usual time. I didn’t want to stay a minute longer than normal, knowing Ryan would be showing up soon. The last thing I wanted was to get all flustered around him again like a total fool and feed his ego.
I did one final lap and ducked down to let the water rush over my head, slowly coming up for one more relaxing breath of air.
And there he was. Sitting on the ledge, looking over at me.
“Kate. Will you let me apologize for earlier today?”
“Ryan. You’re early.” I rolled my eyes and pulled myself up and out of the pool. As I stood to my feet, he slipped in.
“I didn’t mean to bite your head off like that. I’m sorry, really. I want to know what you came to talk to me about after class.”
I towel-dried my hair and began collecting my things, stuffing everything in my bag. Why not? Might as well tell him.
“I just thought I’d tell you that I’m going to be published.” I wrapped the towel around my torso, slinging my bag over my shoulder. “Not the piece you read, but something else. That’s it.”
“That’s it?” He flew out of the pool and lunged forward to hug me. “Congratulations! That’s really...well I’m not surprised. Your work is brilliant. It inspires me, actually.”
I jutted my head back, did a double take. “What? Inspires you?”
He put his hands on his hips and stared at me with bright, flickering eyes. They were on fire. “Yes, me.” He tapped my shoulder. “Just because I’m a professor doesn’t mean my students’ work can’t inspire me.”
I narrowed my eyes then glanced around, trying to understand his instant mood shift. His smile was blinding, wide and enthusiastic—unlike anything I’d ever seen.
“You look thoroughly disturbed.” He chuckled and crossed his arms. Wet. Dripping wet.
“You’re moody. I can’t figure you out, that’s all.” I let out an exasperated sigh. “One minute you’re really easygoing and nice to talk to, and the next...”
“I’m a total ass. Yes, it’s a part of my charm. You’ll have to forgive me.” He glanced down at his bare feet, sexy grin still intact. I refused to let my eyes wander to his tattoos. “I’m stubborn, get pissed if I can’t have my way, and I’m always guaranteed to make someone feel like shit at least once a day.” He shrugged. “But I admire and value good writing when I see it, and I don’t mean to treat my students that way. Especially you.” He held out his hand, waiting for me to shake. “Truce?” His hand hung in midair, the other perched on his hip.
Reluctantly, I slipped my palm into his and gently shook, noticing his gaze drift from my eyes to my lips. I stepped back. “You’re forgiven. And just for the record...you inspire me, too. That’s what I wanted to tell you this morning. You get this spark when you talk about my writing...well, writing in general. Your passion is inspiring. And sincere.” I nodded, tucking my hair behind my ear. “But if you’re an ass to me again, three strikes you’re out.” A small grin seized my lips.
He stood there, eyes soft, body wet, black ink calling my name. “Deal, Ms. Parker. So when and where is your work going to be published?”
“As far as I know, the spring issue of The Morning Theatric. It’s a drama-focused literary magazine.” The weight of my bag began cutting into my shoulder, and the temptation to lust after his body art was becoming unbearable. “But I better go; I’ll send you a copy when it’s published, okay?”
“All right,” he leisurely turned and slipped back into the pool. “I look forward to it.”
“See you around.”
“Hey, Kate!”
I stopped and turned to him.
“Come see me after class again next week. I have something you might be interested in. You won’t be able to resist.” He smirked and deadpanned me, biting his lip.
Holy hell.
“Oh? Okay, well we’ll see about that.” My eyebrows twitched in amusement but I worked to repress my own smirk, turning on my heel for the door. My instinct told me not to venture into his playful territory, but cue the Hallelujah chorus was all I could think.
Preservation, an adult contemporary romance/ realistic fiction novel by Rachael Wade, author of the paranormal romance series, The Resistance Trilogy. Add it to your Goodreads to-read shelf today!
Happy reading !!!!!
Winners of Whisper Cape by Regan Walsh
Tuesday, January 3, 2012Toxic (Denazen #2) by Jus Accardo
Monday, January 2, 2012I am showing a cover reveal of one f my anticipated reads of 2012. Toxic book #2 in the Denazen Series. And I must say this cover is HOT the people at Entangled Publishing Rock.
Expected publication: May 1st 2012 by Entangled Publishing
Here's the blurb:
When a Six saved Kale’s life the night of Sumrun, she warned there would be consequences. A trade-off. Something taken for the life they gained. But Dez never imagined she’d lose the one thing she’d give anything to keep… And as if it’s not enough Dez finds her immunity to Kale fading, the Six brought in to help Kale learn to control his killer touch starts drooling on him the moment they meet. Worse than that? Jade can touch Kale. But bimbo Barbie is the least of Dez's problems.
After Dez and Kale got away at Sumrun, her father lost not only his most powerful weapon but an important piece of the Supremacy project. Forced by Denazen to remedy the situation, he poisons Dez and offers her a choice—surrender to Denazen for the cure…or die. Determined to find a solution that doesn’t involve being bagged and tagged—or losing someone she loves—Dez keeps the poison a secret. But when a rash of Denazen attacks hit a little too close to home, Dez is convinced there’s a traitor among them. Jade.
Sacrifices, broken promises, and secrets. Dez will have to lay it all on the line if there’s any hope of proving Jade’s guilt before they all end up Residents of Denazen. Or worse, dead...
Book One in this Series was totally awesome so if you do not have it go get it and read it that way you are prepared for this awesome book.
Hushed By Kelley York Blog Tour
Saturday, December 31, 2011Author: Kelley York
Genre: YA/Drama
Publisher: Entangled Publishing LLC
Published: 6 December 2011
Here’s the back cover blurb:
“He’s saved her. He’s loved her. He’s killed for her. Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn’t protect his best friend, Vivian, from what happened when they were kids, so he’s never stopped trying to protect her from everything else. It doesn’t matter that Vivian only uses him when hopping from one toxic relationship to another—Archer is always there, waiting to be noticed. Then along comes Evan, the only person who’s ever cared about Archer without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is. But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders Archer’s committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn him in if she doesn’t get what she wants… And what she wants is Evan’s death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.”
About The Author
Kelley was born and raised in central California, where she still resides with her lovely wife, daughter, and an abundance of pets. (Although she does fantasize about moving across the globe to Ireland.) She has a fascination with bells, adores all things furry - be them squeaky, barky
or meow-y - is a lover of video games, manga and anime, and likes to pretend she's a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real unicorn. Or maybe a mermaid.
Within young adult, she enjoys writing and reading a variety of genres from contemporary with a unique twist, psychological thrillers, paranormal/urban fantasy and horror. She loves stories where character development takes center stage.
My Interview with the Awesome Kelley York
First Kelley I would like to say thank you for stopping by my blog Read Between The Lines and talking with us about your recently released debut novel Hushed.
To get things started could you tell us a little bit about yourself?
My name is Kelley, and I’m a young adult author who...uh, specializes? (Likes? Primarily writes?) dark fiction. I grew up in central California, and I have way too many pets.
1. What was the inspiration behind Hushed the book was Dark and Beautifully written?
Thank you! Archer was my inspiration. I got the idea for him, and then everything else fell into place around him. He isn’t the driving force of the novel (in my opinion), but obviously, he’s the biggest factor in everything that happens.
2. A lot of authors have playlist for writing did you have a playlist while writing Hushed?
I do! I made a blog post about this awhile back, in fact, sharing my entire playlist and casting choices. Dream Cast and Music One of the songs I listened to a lot while writing was ‘What Sarah Said’ by Death Cab for Cutie, and ‘Meds’ by Placebo.
3. Do you have a favorite time of day or even a special place you go to when writing?
My favorite time and place to write is...whenever I have time and wherever I can, haha! I’m really pressed for time, so my writing time is spaced into small areas wherever I can fit it. Often, it’s on lunches and breaks during my day-job.
4. How long did it take from start to finish to have Hushed published?
Oh, that's hard to say. I took about 5 months to write the book. I spent another 5-6 months querying. (This is just a guesstimate, though.) In June, 2011, I got my contract offer and six months later, it was published.
5. Do you have any other WIP that you can share some info on?
I have another LGBT book I'm working on, but I can't give away much more than that!
6. Have you always wanted to be a writer or is this something new?
I used to want to be an artist. A few years back, I got really burnt out on drawing and I hardly pick up a pencil anymore. I've written for as long as I can remember, but only when I wasn't occupied by drawing all the time did I dive into writing full-length novels and realize it was what I wanted to do for a living.
7. Do you have any authors that maybe inspired you to want to write if so who are they?
Not really. I wasn't reading much at all when I finished my first book. I read maybe three or four books a year. It wasn't until around the time I started HUSHED that I began picking books up again at a steady pace. (I've managed to read almost 50 in 2011, and I'm very proud of myself for that!) When I was little, though, I devoured things by Beverly Cleary and Judy Blume. And my favorite books were THE LAST UNICORN along with MRS. FRISBY AND THE RATS OF NIMH. They may not have inspired me to write, but they sure did spark my imagination.
Just For Fun
Favorite Candy?
Truffles! I love truffles. Also, banana-flavored runts.
Coffee or Tea?
Ick, neither! I'm a soda girl.
Favorite Book Genres?
Dark Young Adult. I'm partial to horror and thrillers.
Favorite Season?
Winter! Fall comes in at a close second.
And do you have anything you would like to say or share with your readers?
Read, read, read !
Review Time 5/5
My copy was provided by Entangled Publishing for review for part of the Hushed Blog Tour
This story deals with how the human psyche can be fragile and interweaves raw emotion with beautiful characters. When I read this book it brought out a lot of emotion in me I cried and I laughed and it even made my heart all warm and fuzzy. I fell in love with Archer and Evan but not so much Vivian.
Hushed is a Dark and Beautifully Written story about a guy Archer Pond willing to kill and has killed and forced some to take their own life in hopes of getting is best friend back Vivian who he was forced to watch being raped by her brothers friends. Since the rape Vivian as been on a downward spiral and Archer feels responsible for what happened because he was not able to stop it when it happened. So he made a promise to him self to get revenge for what happened to free him self of the guilt over what happened and and hope to free Vivian also. Along the way a guy Evan came into their lives and upon that happening Archer well sorta feel in love with Evan and outa love with Vivian which only infuriated her. Vivian wanted nothing to do with Archer romantically until Evan showed up and showed Archer that he did not need to be the monster that he was. That there was redemption for what he has done and a way to live life with out all the drama that Vivian only seem to bring to Archer with her constant failed relationships. This story is Dark and Gritty and captivates you from the beginning Kelley just takes you right into the world with no going back. This is a must read.
Some Hushed Praise
'Kelley York delivers in this impressive debut. I was at the edge of my seat waiting to see what would happen next! Bottom line, this wasunputdownable!!!'
--- YA Fantasy Guide ---
'How exciting that we live in a time when gay teen protagonists can be just as screwed up as straight ones -- and their stories just as creepy!'
--- Brent Hartinger, award-winning author of Geography Club and Shadow Walkers ---
Now Here is where you can find Hushed and Kelley
Hushed
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Kelley York
Kelley's Website
Goodreads