Book Spotlight and Giveaway! Rise of the Fire Tamer by Kailin Gow

Welcome to a spotlight of Rise of the Fire Tamer by Kailin Gow!
First, here's the 411 on this book:

Series: The Wordwick Games
Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 234

Synopsis:

After winning a contest for a popular game called Wordwick Games, five teens Gemma, Sparks, Rio, Kat, and Jack, are invited to stay at Wordwick Games inventor Henry Word's mysterious castle and play the newest level of Workwick Games. Little do they know, the castle is the doorway to a wondrous world call Anachronia where words can be used as weapons, power, and commodity. There is unrest in Anachronia, and if the five teens can follow the rules of Wordwick Games and prove to be the best player, one of them will be crowned Ruler of Anachronia.

Get the book on:

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Book Trailer





About Kailin Gow

Kailin Gow is the award-winning, international bestselling author of over 80 distinct books.

Kailin Gow is also the President of a media company, a media personality, and has been writing full-time since she was first published. Holding a Masters in communications management and leadership positions in Fortune 500 corporations, she puts her leadership abilities, her experience, and desire to help others into her fiction books. As a result, she has written the forthcoming, Finding the Heroine in You book which is also a national tour. She is a mother and spends whatever spare time she has volunteering at the Red Cross, Battered Women's Shelters, and other organizations.

Currently her Frost Series is in development for a major international MMO Game, and she has over 14,000 and growing Frosters on her facebook fan page.

Links:

Facebook * Twitter * Book Club

Website * Blog * Goodreads

Blog Tour now through January 25th

Tour Schedule

Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/27/13

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, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Cephrael's Hand Blog Tour: Excerpt and Giveaway!

Welcome, to the Cephrael's Hand Blog Tour, as hosted by Novel Publicity! 
Before we get to the excerpt and the giveaway, here are a few things about the book:

Series: A Pattern of Shadow and Light, #1

Genre: Epic Fantasy, Fantasy
Pages: 654
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Publication Date: Sep 22, 2010
Website: Melissa McPhail | Cephrael's Hand on Goodreads

Synopsis via Goodreads



"All things are composed of patterns..." And within the pattern of the realm of Alorin, three strands must cross: In Alorin three hundred years after the genocidal Adept Wars, the realm is dying, and the blessed Adept race dies with it. One man holds the secret to reverting this decline: Bjorn van Gelderan, a dangerous and enigmatic man whose shocking betrayal three centuries past earned him a traitor's brand. It is the Adept Vestal Raine D'Lacourte's mission to learn what Bjorn knows in the hope of salvaging his race. But first he'll have to find him. 

In the kingdom of Dannym the young Prince Ean val Lorian faces a tenuous future as the last living heir to the coveted Eagle Throne. When his blood-brother is slain during a failed assassination, Ean embarks on a desperate hunt for the man responsible. Yet his advisors have their own agendas, and his quest for vengeance leads him ever deeper into a sinuous plot masterminded by a mysterious and powerful man, the one they call First Lord. 

In the Nadori desert tormented by the missing pieces of his life, a soldier named Trell heads off to uncover the truth of his shadowed past. But when disaster places him in the debt of Wildlings sworn to the First Lord, Trell begins to suspect a deadlier, darker secret motivating them. Honor-bound to serve the First Lord in return for his life, Trell continues on his appointed path, yet each day unveils new and stranger secrets that eventually call into question everything he knows.

Please enjoy this excerpt from Cephrael’s Hand, a spellbinding epic fantasy by Melissa McPhail. Then read on to learn how you can win huge prizes as part of this blog tour, including a Kindle Fire, $450 in Amazon gift cards, and 5 autographed copies of the book.

Ean hugged the shadows as he tried to find his way back to le Comte’s estates. He feared they’d hurt his head worse than he thought, for the twisting alleys of the city disoriented him now. He was sure he’d passed the last street corner already once, and he had the uneasy feeling that he was walking in circles.

Trying to break the cycle, he turned into a long and shadowed alley, spotting a streetlamp at the other end. Abruptly a form reared out of the shadows. Ean reached for his sword—

“…Ean?”

The prince halted with his hand around the hilt. “Fynn?”

“Balls of Belloth!” Fynnlar crossed the distance in a rush and grabbed him by both shoulders, giving him a shake. “What are you doing out here, you wool-brained fool?”

“I might ask the same of you, cousin.” Pushing a hand to his throbbing head, Ean closed his eyes. He’d seen so much death since the last moon…so many lives lost, and for what? He couldn’t fathom the events that spun violently around him, only knowing they somehow had him caught in the whirlwind.

“Ean, are you unwell?”

“Hit my head pretty hard,” the prince murmured, lifting tired eyes to refocus on his cousin.

“I’ll be all right.”

“Come on. We’d best keep moving.”

The prince shook off the numbness edging his thoughts and followed his cousin. Fog was rising from the river as they headed back toward le Comte’s villa, fat fingers sliding through the streets to leach the color from the night. They reached a corner, and Fynn paused and looked warily around.

“Fynn, what are we waiting fo—”

But the words stuck on Ean’s tongue, for he heard it then: a strange whispering, the whisk of silk across the rough edge of glass. The sound had prickly tentacles that pierced into the soft flesh of Ean’s inner ear and twisted there, making him cringe.

Something flew out of the shadows and Ean swung his head after it, straining to make out what he’d seen. “What in Tiern’aval was that?”

Grimly, Fynn held his sword before him. “A Wildling—a Whisper Lord.”

The whispering continued, tormenting, growing soundlessly louder until it shrieked inside Ean’s skull, shattering any hope of focus.

The Wildling shot out of the shadows again, and Ean forced his eyes to follow, to find him in the shadows where he hid.

There.

He saw him lurking against the wall, smiling around big white teeth. His leathery skin was pitch black , and his eyes were golden like the desert sands. The man locked gazes with him, and—

Suddenly they were nose to nose. Ean felt the heat of his breath in the same moment that the fiery sting of steel pierced his flesh.

Shade and darkness!   

“Ean, he cut you!”

“I’m all right.” But Ean grimaced as he gingerly probed the wound. “Shadow take the abominable creature.” Fynn gave him a long look. “Be ready,” and he rushed to meet the Wildling.

The fight turned instantly vicious. Whisper Lord fought with long, stiletto daggers that speared like claws out of his gloves. His hands crisscrossed with amazing speed, never failing to find their mark on Fynn’s person, while his body twisted and spun. Fynn’s thrusts in turn only seemed to meet with the slashed silk of his garments. So fast did the Whisper Lord dart and cavort that Ean at first felt helpless to join in, for he could barely see the Wildling move until after it had happened, as if the sight had to bounce off the back of his eyes…as if he could only see the man’s reflection.

Then Ean found his focus and rushed to help Fynn.

The Whisper Lord marked him before he even got his blade around, a long swipe at the joining of neck and shoulder that burned bitterly. Ean realized that trying to use his sword alone would get him killed, so he pulled his dagger and dove in again. The Whisper Lord dodged like a jumping spider and managed in the same maneuver to slash a deep cut across Ean’s thigh, his daggers flashing first with the silver of steel and then dark with blood. Ean snarled a curse and staggered into the wall, teeth clenched against the pain, for the wound was angry and deep.

Abruptly Fynn threw himself backwards, himself narrowly avoiding a deadly thrust to his gut. Those spine-like blades sliced a chunk of flesh out of his side instead. The royal cousin clenched his teeth and held one hand to his midriff, using the other to pull himself out of reach.

Ean dove at the creature with renewed determination, his battered head forgotten in his haste to keep the man away from Fynn. He wore a malicious grin as they battled, and his golden gaze was flecked and sparkling against his face of leathery pitch. As Ean’s strength failed, the Wildling grinned even broader and began to chant in a voice like sand, “Tur or’de rorum d’rundalin dalal!  Tur or’de rorum d’rundalin dalal!” Over and over while he pressed Ean on the retreat; gleefully, like a madman.

And then he made a sudden thrust, and Ean jumped to avoid the slashing daggers that barely missed his throat. He came down unevenly on his bad leg, and his knee buckled. Stumbling, he hissed a curse and the man bore down on him. A swipe of his hand, and three spiny daggers cut deeply across Ean’s back with their sharp fire. The Wildling’s other hand darted for his throat again, but the prince veered and twisted so the blades caught his chin and cheek instead. Ean rolled and thrust upward, but the Wildling merely laughed and arched out of his way; the weapon met only the whisper of silk.

Ean lay panting. His dagger seemed lost along with his will, and desperation could no longer drive him on.

The Whisper Lord advanced slowly wearing a grim smile. With the shrieking noise still accosting his skull and the loss of blood and nausea in his stomach, Ean felt only numb acceptance. Shaking, he lowered his head—

A tall form pushed past him, knocking Ean aside as it rushed to engage the Whisper Lord, driving the Wildling back and away, taking the battle out of Ean’s hands.

Ean fell onto his back, gasping as the last of his strength bled out of him, and lay watching his rescuer take offensive control.

The woman’s brown half-cloak floated behind her as she advanced with long, fast strides, forcing the Whisper Lord on the retreat beneath two short swords wielded in a flashing figure-eight.

The Wildling smiled no longer. Every thrust and swipe of his daggers was blocked by the woman’s whirling black blades. She matched him stride for stride, spinning when he spun, darting as he did, dodging as he lunged. They performed a ferocious, twisting dance of death where both knew the steps intimately and took them with ease.

As Ean watched, the Wildling slashed his daggered gloves in a motion that should’ve gutted the woman, but she flipped out of his reach, thrusting long as she landed. Her sword met with the flesh of his side, drawing a hiss as he jumped back. He glared malevolently at her and pressed one palm to his side.

“Merdanti,” he snarled, his golden eyes hot as they assessed her black blades.

Arching brows with a predatory smile, she twirled her blades and lunged for him again, and once more the dance began, the meeting of their deadly weapons a rhythmic beating that seemed in time with Ean’s still-racing heart.

And then—

Ean thought he must’ve dreamed it, his tortured mind inventing an impression for what clearly defied explanation. The woman and the Wildling seemed to shift and slow, their cloaks floating as if suspended on the wind. Then the woman launched out of her turn so quickly that Ean lost sight of her, only to spot her again as she stood squarely before her opponent, blades crossed. With naught but a grimace of effort, she chopped her short swords crosswise through the Wildling’s neck, removing his head completely. His body toppled to the stones at her feet, paying respects to her skill.

Silence hung in the street, a palpable blanket sewn of incredulity fringed with pain.

The woman lowered her dripping blades and leveled tawny eyes on the prince…



As part of his special promotional extravaganza sponsored by Novel Publicity, the price of the Cephrael's Hand eBook edition is just 99 cents this week. What’s more, by purchasing this fantastic book at an incredibly low price, you can enter to win many awesome prizes. The prizes include a Kindle Fire, $450 in Amazon gift cards, and 5 autographed copies of the book. 

All the info you need to win one of these amazing prizes is RIGHT HERE. Remember, winning is as easy as clicking a button or leaving a blog comment--easy to enter; easy to win! 

To win the prizes:
1. Purchase your copy of Cephrael's Hand for just 99 cents
2. Enter the Rafflecopter contest on Novel Publicity or just enter below!
3. Visit today’s featured social media event

About Cephrael's Hand: Two brothers find themselves on opposite sides of a great battle, neither knowing the other is alive... A traitor works in exile while preparing for the disaster only he knows is coming... A race of beings from beyond the fringe of the universe begin unmaking the world from within... And all across the land, magic is dying. Cephrael's Hand is the first novel in the award-winning series A Pattern of Shadow and Light. 
Get it on Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the author: Melissa McPhail is a classically trained pianist, violinist and composer, a Vinyasa yoga instructor, and an avid Fantasy reader. She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, their twin daughters and two very large cats. 
Visit Melissa on Website | Twitter | Facebook | GoodReads

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Starflower Blog Tour: Finale Spotlight and Giveaway Winner Announced!

I'm proud to present the finale of Starflower Blog Tour today, as hosted by Prism Book Tours!
Before the giveaway, here's a few things about Starflower, by Anne Elisabeth Stengl!

Series: Tales of Goldstone Wood, #4

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 400
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: Nov 1, 2012
Website: Anne Elisabeth Stengl | Starflower on Goodreads

Synopsis:


When a cursed dragon-witch kidnaps the lovely Lady Gleamdren, Eanrin sets boldly forth on a rescue mission...and a race against his rival for Gleamdren's favor. Intent upon his quest, the last thing the immortal Faerie needs is to become mixed up with the troubles of an insignificant mortal. 

But when he stumbles upon a maiden trapped in an enchanted sleep, he cannot leave her alone in the dangerous Wood Between. One waking kiss later, Eanrin suddenly finds his story entangled with that of young Starflower. A strange link exists between this mortal girl and the dragon-witch. Will Starflower prove the key to Lady Gleamdren's rescue? Or will the dark power from which she flees destroy both her and her rescuer?

Get Starflower on Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Book Depository | Barnes and Noble Nook
You can also check out the other books in the series! Heartless | Veiled Rose | Moonblood | Starflower | Dragonwitch

Book Spotlight, Excerpt and Giveaways! Spellbound by Nikkie Jefford

I know I've been MIA for a while (missing a huge amount of posts at that), as my laptop has some trouble connecting with the wifi network at my place and it's only been fixed today! But  I hope it's will be up and running more consistently from now on, as I've got a lot to share with you guys!

For today, I'm hosting a book promo for the series Spellbound by Nikki Jefford. This promo is hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.

Now, a few things on all the 3 books in the series!

Entangled (Spellbound, #1)

Series: Spellbound
Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 303
Publication Date: Feb 20, 2012
Website: Nikki Jefford | Entangled on Goodreads

Synopsis:

Two months after dying, seventeen-year-old witch Graylee Perez wakes up in her twin sister Charlene’s body.

Until Gray finds a way back inside her own body, she’s stuck being Charlene every twenty-hour hours. Her sister has left precise instructions on how Gray should dress and behave. Looking like a prep isn’t half as bad as hanging out with Charlene’s snotty friends and gropey boyfriend.

The “normals” of McKinley High might be quick to write her behavior off as post-traumatic stress, but warlock Raj McKenna is the only person who suspects Gray has returned from the dead.

Now Gray has to solve the mystery of her death and resurrection and disentangle herself from Charlene’s body before she disappears for good.

Get Entangled on Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Book Depository | Barnes and Noble Nook
Keep reading to learn more about the 2 other books in the trilogy!

Keepers of the Zodiac Blog Tour: Author Interview with Sharon Wood

I'm hosting the Keepers of the Zodiac Blog Tour (hosted by Reading Addiction Blog Tours) today! Read on for an author interview with Sharon Wood!
But first, here are a few things about the book:

Genre: Fantasy
Pages: 234

Publisher: Self-published

Publication Date: Oct 19, 2011

Website: Keepers of the Zodiac | Keepers of the Zodiac on Goodreads

Synopsis via Goodreads: 

The stars have shifted and the Earth is rapidly moving into the throes of chaos. 

Four god-like beings known as the Zodiac High Council, send their winged herald, Syrie, out with twelve sealed envelopes. His mission? To bring a chosen group of thirteen future Zodiac Keepers, including a set of mesmerizing twins, to the Isle of Oriba for training. 

Syrie never could have imagined that he would fall in love along the way--ultimately forcing him to choose between betrayal and death. 

Keepers of the Zodiac is an enthralling tale of obligatory fate, temporary hope, and impossible love.

Get this book on Amazon | Barnes and Noble Nook

Now for a few thoughts from Sharon Wood herself...

Why did you first start writing? And why YA fantasy?
I have always wanted to write a book since I was little. I have written many stories, but never really finished any of them. I felt like the stars had aligned, and it was time to get serious. I like to say that KOTZ is reality with a touch of fantasy, rather than being all fantasy. I like Young Adult because it’s not too serious or heavy. Reality with a touch of fantasy is fun, because you can be transported to another world, yet still feel like things aren’t impossible. 

What’s your favorite part of an author’s life, besides writing? What’s your least favorite?
My favorite part about being an author is the entertainment factor. I love it when people say that they were entertained by the story, or were able to identify with some of the characters. My least favorite part is the editing process. I am anxious to get the work out, but I can’t because there are many things that need fixing and fine-tuning. 

What part of KOTZ was your favorite to write?
I loved inventing the characters. I have a special attachment to all of them, because they are each so unique. Their background stories were fun to create. I ended up bringing in certain elements of my own life, and it is fun because the reader has no idea whether or not they’re made up.

What part of KOTZ was the hardest to write? What was the hardest part of writing, in general?
The hardest part to write were the chapters surrounding the Keepers’ training. I did not want the training to be the focus of the book, yet I felt it had to be there. The hardest part of writing in general is keeping your head in what you are writing. I am a mom of two children that deserve my attention. I also have a full-time job, so I try to write mostly after work, after the kids have gone to bed. It is still easy to get distracted though, because you know there are household things that need to get done. 

5. What’s the inspiration behind the names of KOTZ? Do you do research on names and meanings, or do they just come to you at the right moment?
I do not do any research on names. The names come to me as I develop their personalities and stories. For instance, let’s take Cassidy. She is a bratty, rude girl, so I wanted a name that went along with that. Not that I think that all Cassidys are bratty, but when the name came to me, I immediately thought, “Sounds like Sassidy.” If I had named her something like Ann, it would not have fit as well. The only name that was inspired is Priscilla. The character Priscilla is based on my real life cousin. 

Quick fire round!

What's the last book you read? Did you like it?
Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith. I did like it!

What are you currently reading?
Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

Who’s your favorite author? Your favorite book?
Author - Nora Roberts. Book- The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Character or plot, which comes first?
Plot

Summarize KOTZ in 1 sentence?
A tantalizing tale of love, isolation, destiny, and worldly chaos. 

KOTZ as a film – who’s your first pick as director?
Catherine Hardwicke

KOTZ as a film – live action or animated?
Live Action

A film about your life – what’s the title?
The Dreamer

What’s your favorite Disney film?
The Little Mermaid

What do you think about Keepers of the Zodiac, now that you've heard from the writer? Please comment!

Book Spotlight, Excerpt and Giveaway! Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four by Nya Jade

Hey guys, and welcome to a spotlight of Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four by Nya Jade! I took part in the cover reveal last October, and I'm excited to support this book again! (There will also be a review as part of a book tour in February, so stay tuned!)
This promo is hosted by Xpresso Book Tours.

Now, here's the 411 on this book:

Series: Shapers
Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
Pages: 339
Publisher: Dreamwell Publishing
Publication Date: Oct 30, 2012
Website: Nya Jade | Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four on Goodreads

Synopsis:

The students of Green Lane Academy roam their halls unaware that below their manicured campus exists a prestigious school of an entirely different kind . . .

Sixteen-year-old Phoebe Pope has enrolled at the Campus Below: a spy academy for shape-shifters hidden deep beneath the grounds of a boarding school whose humans unknowingly protect it. There, thanks to a carefully planned schedule, she leads a double life: spy trainee Below and normal teenager Above.

As if two course loads, concealing a secret power she alone wields, and coping with her father’s recent death weren’t enough, Phoebe finds herself developing major feelings for actor and teen heartthrob Colten Chase, who attends the Campus Above and appears to be majoring in winning Phoebe’s heart. But when officials learn that Phoebe may be at the center of a startling prophecy, she becomes the target of shape-shifting assassins who will stop at nothing to suppress the truth.

Now Phoebe’s lessons about Shaper’s enemies and spycraft take on great importance as a menace stalks the campus, with Phoebe as its target. Meanwhile, what began as an unlikely relationship with Colten, quickly morphs into heartache when she suspects that something sinister lurks beneath this movie star’s glitter and fame. Suddenly, Phoebe’s caught in a mesh of lies, betrayals, and danger where she doesn’t know who to trust, and needs to rely on herself—and her secret power—to get to the truth and to stay alive.

Get this book on Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Barnes and Noble Nook
Keep reading for an excerpt and a giveaway!

Book Spotlight, Excerpt, and Giveaway! After Dark by Emi Gayle

You guys are probably full of spotlights for the day, but promise, original posts are coming!
This spotlight is for After Dark, the 1st book in The 19th Year by Emi Gayle, as hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 344
Publisher: J. Taylor Publishing
Publication Date: Oct 31, 2012
Website: Emi Gayle | After Dark on Goodreads

Synopsis:

What eighteen year old Mac Thorne doesn’t know will probably kill her.

In exactly eight months, five days, three hours and thirteen minutes, Mac has to choose what she’ll be for the rest of her life.

She has no choice but to pick. As a Changeling, it’s her birthright. To Mac, it’s a birthchore. Like going to school with humans, interacting with humans, and pretending to be human during the pesky daylight hours.

Once darkness descends, Mac can change into any supernatural form that exists—which makes her as happy as she can be. That is, until Winn Thomas, the biggest geek in her senior class figures out there’s more to what hides in the dark than most are willing to acknowledge.

In this first of the 19th Year Trilogy, Winn might know more about Mac than even she does, and that knowledge could end their lives, unless Mac ensures the powers-that-be have no choice but to keep him around.

Get After Dark on Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Book Depository | Barnes and Noble Nook |

Keep scrolling for an excerpt, a book trailer and the giveaway!

Book Spotlight and Excerpt: Housetrap

It's another book spotlight! I found Housetrap by R.J. Hore thanks to Reading Addiction Blog Tours, and it sounds so good I can't help but sign up for the pre-publication promo!

Genre: Detective, Fantasy
Publisher: Champagne Books
Publication Date: Dec 3, 2012
Website: R.J. Hore | Housetrap on Goodreads

Synopsis via Goodreads:

In a world ruled by committees of wizards, and packed with every creature imagined, or un, at least in the sleazy back streets of Central City you can always count on Randolf C. Aloysius to solve your problems, for a price. That is, assuming his trusty girl Friday, (a Banshee actually, name of Bertha Wildwater) can track him down and steer him on to the case. Randy is a sucker for a pair of long legs, and that is what the Elf displayed when she came into the office, in need of assistance to locate a missing boyfriend. Sounds like a simple case, right?

Of course, nothing is ever simple in Randy's life, what with avoiding commitments to his long-suffering lady friend, an attempted murder, an actual murder, stolen baubles, and another damsel in distress, what's a private eye supposed to do?

Simple really, follow the clues off-world, avoid demons, vampires and other assorted miscreants, and hope that he comes home with enough coin left over to meet Bertha's back wages.

Keep reading for an excerpt from this book, which will be out today!

Book Spotlight and Giveaway! Surrender by Rhiannon Paille

Welcome everybody to (yet another) book spotlight! I know, there hasn't been a lot of original posts up lately, but I'm still adjusting to my new life and study :( But you guys can expect me back in a few days, promise!

Now, without further ado, a promo on Surrender by Rhiannon Paille - hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer! This is the 1st book in her series, The Ferryman and the Flame.

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 402
Publication Date: Oct 2nd, 2012
Website: Rhiannon Paille | Surrender on Goodreads

Synopsis:

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

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

Get Surrender on Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Book Depository | Barnes and Noble Nook

A Tale of the Other Kind Blog Tour: Author Interview with Leandi Cameron

Welcome everyone to my stop of A Tale of the Other Kind blog tour, hosted by Orangeberry Book Tours! I've got an author interview with Leandi Cameron coming up, but firstly, here's the 411 on the book:

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Young Adult
Pages: 270
Publication Date: Sep 18, 2012
Website: Leandi Cameron | A Tale of the Other Kind: A Therian Novel on Goodreads

Synopsis via Goodreads:


Kai Emery likes to be indiscernible; however, his infatuation for his classmate, Sienna Fynn, has made his invisibility status all the more impossible to upkeep. His world spirals out of control when he discovers that he is a shape-shifting were-leopard, and finds himself unable to control his new-found anatomy.

An unpredictable vampire enters his life, leading him down a path that soon reveals his destiny, and discloses another world, filled with magic and terrifying darkness. When he finds himself in danger from the god of magic and darkness for disobeying a curse bestowed upon his kind, forbidding him from falling in love with a human, he has to fight for survival, and protect everyone that he loves.

To tell the truth, I think I've got something against stories like this - maybe because they all sound similar to Twilight (which in my opinion is the worst story ever told). But I think this book deserves a chance - especially after reading the reviews on Goodreads. The synopsis also shows no appearance of a Bella-like character, which makes it even better!

Let's chat a bit with our author, Leandi Cameron!

What inspired you to want to become a writer? 
It probably sounds like the world’s biggest cliché, but I was born to be creative. I was born to write and sketch. My veins are filled with ink and my hands itch to put pen to paper. I am drawn to books like addicts are drawn to their drugs and alcohol. When I write, or draw, I feel liberated; I am exported to another world that I create for myself – one I wish I could live in. I become my protagonist, and I become my characters. And for those periods when I indulge, I am nothing but my characters. They are who I am.

The Duchess of the Shallows Blog Tour: Excerpt

I'm excited to bring you the blog tour of The Duchess of the Shallows, by Neil McGarry and Daniel Ravipinto. This tour is hosted by ABG Reads Book Tours - thank you!

Initially, I was going to review this book, but life gets busier than I'd expected and I couldn't finish it on time (yes, it's that special event again) :( What a shame, the book has been so enjoyable as far as I've read! 

But thanks to Colette from ABG Reads Book Tours (who has been as helpful as can be!), I've got an excerpt here for you today!

Minette sat at a small table, a pattern of white and black tiles shimmering in the lamplight before her. Although Duchess was no expert at tiles, she played well enough to see why Minette was in a good mood: from the pile of coins before her she'd handily beaten her last opponent. Minette's office was decorated in more soothing shades than the front parlor: there was a lavender settee, its pillows upholstered in cream, and thick rugs of purple and light blue. Duchess knew from long experience to slip off her shoes before setting foot on those rugs. The walls were whitewashed, and the lintel, baseboards and rafters were cedar, giving the room a comfortable feel and an aromatic scent. The desk that dominated the opposite wall, currently unoccupied, was real walnut. 

                Minette was running one red-gloved finger over her winnings when she lifted her eyes, and without smiling gestured imperiously for Duchess to approach. Duchess slipped across the room to Minette's side to kiss a powdered cheek. ”Don't smear my makeup, dear,” Minette murmured. “Can't have the riff-raff think I'm dabbling with dirty-faced urchins.” She tweaked Duchess on the cheek and began clearing the tiles. 

Cover Reveal: Destiny by P.T. Michelle

I'm treating you guys to another cover reveal! Yay!

This time it's for Destiny, the 3rd book in the Brightest Kind of Darkness series by P.T. Michelle! Here we go!

Personally, I think this book is totally swoon-worthy! Though the colors are different from the other books of the series, I guess it could still work :)

Genre: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult

Expected Publication Date: Mar 31, 2013

Website: P.T. Michelle | Destiny on Goodreads

Synopsis via Goodreads:

When destiny is on the line, will love be enough to light the way?

In order to save Ethan, Nara gets pulled deeper into his dark world, where everything she thought she knew about Ethan and herself turns on its head.

Ethan and Nara turn up the heat with bone-melting seduction and heart-rending moments, but surprising revelations, lies, treachery, betrayal, and unimaginable evil will challenge their relationship and their future together.

As the stakes rise, encompassing more than just her relationship with Ethan, will Nara make the ultimate sacrifice?

You can also check out the other books in the Brightest Kind of Darkness series on Goodreads!

Brightest Kind of Darkness (#1) (currently FREE!)
Lucid (#2)

About P.T. Michelle

P.T. Michelle is author of the young adult series Brightest Kind of Darkness. She keeps a spiral notepad with her at all times, even on her nightstand. When P.T. isn’t writing, she can usually be found reading or taking pictures of landscapes, sunsets and anything beautiful or odd in nature.

You can find her at: Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest | Newsletter

Want to help spread the word about Destiny's upcoming release? Click this link and get the countdown widget script to put on your website or on your blog's side bar!

What do you think about the cover for Destiny? Comment!