An Unexpected Adventure: A Dive in Review

19 Sep 2018 4 Comments

by C.O. Bonham in Dive In Review, Uncategorized Tags: , , , , , ,

Hello, today’s post is a review of a cool book I just finished reading. It’s called, An Unexpected Adventure by Kandi J. Wyatt. And the cover is just stunning. 

 

1 An Unexpected adventure.jpgProtect their community or protect their discovery?

 For eighth graders Chace, Harley, Will, and Cherise, that’s a life-changing question after they find a dragon’s egg while hunting for thundereggs on the beach. Toss in summer jobs, family struggles, and a National Security Agent, and their summer vacation just became complicated.

 Can they find a solution that won’t leave their hearts broken or their community in flames?

It’s available for pre-order here:

 https://www.books2read.com/u/3yDLX6

It’s only 99 cents to pre-order it and the release date is September, 25 2018.

Author Bio:

Even as a young girl, Kandi J Wyatt, had a knack for words. She loved to read them, even if it was on a shampoo bottle! By high school Kandi had learned to put words together on paper to create stories for those she loved. Nowadays, she writes for her kids, whether that’s her own five or the hundreds of students she’s been lucky to teach. When Kandi’s not spinning words to create stories, she’s using them to teach students about Spanish, life, and leadership.

Where to find her:

Website: http://kandijwyatt.com/

Facebook: http://facebook.com/kandijwyatt/

Google: http://plus.google.com/u/0/+KandiWyatt/

Twitter: http://twitter.com/kandijwyatt

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/kandijwyatt

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13817774.Kandi_J_Wyatt

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Kandi-J-Wyatt/e/B00ZTC4T10/

My Dive in Review:

Because this book is for younger readers I am conflicted on how to review it. I usually write directly to my reader but I’m pretty sure that middle grade boys and girls do not read my blog. So I must write to you the reader of my blog, who may know a young reader in need of an adventure.

 An Unexpected Adventure by Kandi J. Wyatt, is the first book in her new Middle grade series, The Myth Coast adventures.

 The first thing I need to say about this book is that I loved the concept. Three boys discover a giant egg while searching for rocks. They take it home and it hatches into a Dragon. The scenes with the dragon are super cute and fun to read.

 The setting was also fun. It takes place in California, near San Francisco. I loved how the coastal culture was integrated into the story. It gave it a very realistic feeling despite the fantasy nature of the story.

 Two tropes involved really bothered me though. These are common middle grade tropes, they are both genre specific (meaning middle grade, not fantasy) and could be called expected even. But I question them anyway.

 Of course the government is looking for the Dragon too. Why are government agents always the bad guys?

  I will say though that Kandi does seem to twist the trope in this story. The government just wants to protect people, but the boys believe they are bad because they are bombarded by movies that tell them the government is always up to no good. It’s all a matter of perception really.

 The second trope, that I can’t really say was fixed, is the hide everything from your parents trope. Why? Do public schooled kids really not tell their parents anything?

 I admit I was home schooled so it’s really hard for me to understand why a school teacher would be more trustworthy than your own parents. But in the end I guess all that matters is that there is adult supervision. They are hiding a dragon from the government after all.

 In the end I give it four stars. It was engaging, had fun characters, and I would be willing to give this book to anyone without any reservations about content. Though when I have kids of my own. We are definitely having a talk about not hiding mythical creatures from mommy. I totally want in on any baby dragons hatching.

 *I was given a free copy of the book to read for review. All opinions are my own and were reached honestly.*

And if you still aren’t interested Kandi said I could share an excerpt with all of you

Excerpt from An Unexpected Adventure, by Kandi J. Wyatt:

After a few more minutes of digging, the stone came free. Will wriggled it until we could get a grip underneath and lift it out. I really had my doubts we could pick it up; I was sure it’d weigh close to a hundred pounds or more. However, to my surprise, it came free and up without a hitch, absurdly light for its size.

“Should it be this light?” I squinted at the rock in our hands.

“I don’t know.” Will shrugged his shoulder.

Chace shifted his grip. “I’ve never seen a single rock this big before. But it should weigh more than this. I still say it’s an egg.”

I was beginning to believe him, but there were some good reasons to doubt it, too. “What bird’s this big, and how did it get here? We’re a long way from the game park.”

The game park was the closest thing to a zoo we had. They had wild animals and some pet deer, sheep, donkeys, geese, goats, and peacocks to feed. They even had an emu and an ostrich, but I still couldn’t imagine either one having an egg quite this size.

Chace shook his head. “I don’t know, but listen.” He took a free hand and tapped ever so gently on the surface.

It echoed hollowly. Before anyone could say anything, a second fainter tap came as if in reply.

“What in the world?” I exclaimed, jumping and almost dropping the thing.

“It’s an egg,” Chace said with firm conviction. “I don’t know what kind yet, but it’s an egg.”

“Wh-what do we do with it?” Will looked like he wanted to toss it in the ocean.

“We keep it.”

Both Will and Chace looked at me as if I had just turned down a shot at a five-point deer during hunting season. I don’t know what I was thinking, but suddenly a fierce desire to protect the creature inside came over me

 

Faithless: a cover reveal

11 Sep 2018 2 Comments

by C.O. Bonham in Cover Reveal Tags: , , , ,

Edited to update preorder links. If you got an error message before, they should work now. Sorry about that.

Hooray the next book in the Ironfire legacy is almost here. Today I get to share the cover with you and tell you where you can pre-order it.

First about the next book:

cover reveal graphicOne wild night, Shance Windkeeper discovers he’s married to a death unicorn.
But that’s the least of his troubles.

As an agent for the Lawless, Shance is working with dragonshifters Kesia Ironfire and Zephryn Nightstalker, trying to end the dragon-human war and the organization that masterminded it. While on a mission in the Scepter of Knowledge, the Lawless is hit with a devastating death unicorn attack.

Out of the wreckage new allies emerge: Lirome Ukerys, and his twin sister Maira, the death unicorn queen—Shance’s long-lost wife.

Recently freed from captivity, Maira is fighting to regain control of her herd. Lurien Alistil, a rogue death unicorn, has bespelled the Scepter of Knowledge and taken Maira’s son. When Kesia unexpectedly challenges Lurien to a public debate, the Lawless has a chance to break the usurper’s hold. To obtain vital information they must infiltrate her lair—and as the husband of the death unicorn queen, Shance Windkeeper is the perfect prize to go in.

But Lurien’s power is stronger and more insidious than they realize. And if the final pieces of her plan fall into place, not even Shance’s newfound Talents and knowledge will be enough to stop her.

A steampunk fantasy adventure with much intrigue, unexpected romance, sudden tragedy, and a snarky cat-dragon.

Janeen-016Author bio:
Janeen Ippolito believes words transform worlds. She creates writing resources and writes steampunk fantasy. She’s also an experienced teacher, editor, author coach, and the editor in chief of Uncommon Universes Press. In her spare time, she enjoys sword-fighting, reading, food, and making brownie batter. Two of her goals are eating fried tarantulas and traveling to Antarctica. This extroverted writer loves getting connected, so find her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and at her website: janeenippolito.com

Social media links:

Website: https://janeenippolito.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janeenippolitollc/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaneenIppolito

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janeen_ippolito/

That book sounds amazing right? Especially if you have already read the first book Lawless, and the novella Priceless. There is no way you’re not going to instantly pre-order this book right?

Really? You say your only here for the cover, that’s really all you want? Fine have it your way.

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You are really going to work for this.

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Not quite there yet.

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Soon, maybe, if your nice.

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Okay, I’ve played with you long enough.

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Behold!

FaithlessCoverFullSize

Okay, so now you defiantly want to go pre-order this book now. I mean with a cover like that how can you not?

If you do pre-order, I recommend the following options, because signed books are the best. Also I heard a rumor that the author is sending swag to everyone who pre-orders:

1. Autographed paperback pre-order: https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/faithless-autographedpaperback-pre-order/
2. Faithless/Priceless pre-order bundle: https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/priceless-and-faithlesspre-order-bundle/
3. Lawless/Priceless/Faithless pre-order bundle: https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/ironfirelegacy-pre-order-bundle/

But if you really have to have it in Ebook, you can pre-order from the following sellers:

Amazon:

https://www.amazon.com/Faithless-Ironfire-Legacy-Book-2-ebook/dp/B07H5TFKRQ/

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/2940156067435

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/faithless-30

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1435665820

Add it to your Goodreads shelf: https//www.goodreads.com/book/show/41743098-faithless

FaithlessGraphic2

The release date is October 18th so hurry up and get those pre-orders in.

Worth of a Blog tour: A FICtastic interview.

01 Sep 2018 3 Comments

by C.O. Bonham in book tours, FANtastic interviews Tags: , , , ,

WorthTour

Yes you read that correctly. This is not a FANtastic interview. Why? Well because the subject of my interview is kind of, well, fictional.

She is a character from the book Worth of a King.

the worth of a king 4 (1).pngBook Description:
Princess Obsidia’s father was killed the night she was born. Since there was no male heir, the crown went to the man who killed him, by Dialcian law. This never bothered her, growing up, and when it comes time for Obsidia to choose her husband, she chooses Prince Delaney, the son of that man, with little hesitation. Only then does her life start crumbling around her.

Adrian expected to live a normal life, taking his father’s place at the print shop when his father retired. But, on his eighteenth birthday, when the princess’ engagement is announced, his world is ripped out from under him when he learns that his life was a ruse, and he is the twin brother to the princess – and expected to take back his father’s throne.

Delaney knows that his country is hovering on the brink of war – and that his father may harbor murderous intentions towards his intended bride due to her Zovordian blood. He wants nothing more than to protect Obsidia and his people, but as merely prince, he has little power against his father.

The ancient war between the Dragons and the Immortal King and Queen is nearing its climax, and the three are already caught in it.

Opening Chapter: https://knittedbygodsplan.blogspot.com/2018/02/the-worth-of-king-chapter-1.html

Add Book on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32739875-the-worth-of-a-king

Author Bio:

Kendra E. Ardnek (1)

Kendra E. Ardnek loves fairytales and twisting them in new and exciting ways. She’s been or acting them on her dozen plus cousins and siblings for years. “Finish your story, Kendra,” is frequently heard at family gatherings. Her sole life goal has always been to grow up and be an author of fantasy and children’s tales that glorify God and His Word.

Find her online at: Website || Blog || Goodreads || Facebook || Twitter || Amazon 

***

Now on to the interview. Today’s FICtastic Interview is with:

Queen Adelaide, Adrian and Obsidia’s mother, whose husband was killed the night the twins were born. She sent Adrian away for his safety, and has only seen him once since.

C.O: Has it kept you up at night worrying that your twins may meet one day and accidentally fall in love?

 Q. A: No, it has not. What has kept me up is for Obsidia to marry Ossian’s boy. She’s altogether too fond of him. His father killed hers, and she doesn’t care about that at all. 

C.O: I know nothing about your country’s politics, but shouldn’t you have succeeded your Husband? 

 Q. A: No, Dialcian law is ridiculous and will reward any common thief who can kill a king who doesn’t have a male heir. And I admit that if I’d kept my son, then Ossian would have been tried as the criminal he is, but … it was the heat of the moment, I panicked, and she agreed with me that it was the right decision. 

C.O: Why didn’t you just take both babies and run for it? It would have been a simple life but you’d be together?

 Q. A: Obsidia and I pose no threat to Ossian, and he is, furthermore, forbidden to touch us in any way. If I had run, then we would have been found. By staying, no one suspected that I smuggled a son out from under their noses.

C.O: Most mothers put a lot of thought into their baby’s name. What is the meaning behind your kids’ names?

 Q. A: It was a dark night when they were born, and I gave them names accordingly.

C.O: Do you often worry if your children will like each other? If they will like you once they learn the truth?

 Q. A: It was necessary, and whether or not they like me at the end of it is beside the point. As for liking each other … I did worry once, but when I took Obsidia through the village where my son lives, they had such an obvious connection … they couldn’t dislike each other. I do regret that their separation, but I know, when the time comes for Adrian to return to us, he will defend his sister to his last breath. 

C.O: What is your darkest fear?

 Q. A: For Adrian to fail when he comes of age.

C.O:What is your greatest wish?

 Q. A: That I could have my husband back. But Edson is gone, and I live in a nightmare.

***

I want to thank the Queen for talking with me today. I was interesting. I almost feel like she’s a really person, and maybe I’m the fictional one. Hmmm . . .

Giveaway time!

Kendra will be giving away a paperback copy of the book, Worth of a King and a 15ml bottle of Peppermint oil (US only). Visit her here and fill-out the Raffle copter:

 http://knittedbygodsplan.blogspot.com/

She also has a special prize for whoever leaves the most comments across the blog tour – and that one is international.

I’m the last stop on this blog tour so good news, for those wanting to take advantage of the comment contest.

Click here for a handy link to all of the other fun and interesting posts:

http://kendrasgiraffecrafts.blogspot.com/p/the-worth-of-blog-tour-kendra-e-ardneks.html

Question for you: If you could interview a fictional character who would you choose?

Let me know in the comments.

FANtastic Interview with H. L. Burke

22 Aug 2018 2 Comments

by C.O. Bonham in book tours, FANtastic interviews Tags: , , , , , ,

SpiceBringerBlogTourV2

Hi again, you may remember when I hosted a cover reveal for an amazing book called Spice Bringer.

From the Back cover:

SpicebringerCoverLargeA deadly disease. A vanishing remedy. A breathless journey.

 All her life, Niya’s known she will die young from the fatal rasp. She survives only with the aid of vitrisar spice and a magical, curmudgeonly fire salamander named Alk. Then an ambitious princess burns down the vitrisar grove in an effort to steal Alk so she can claim her rightful throne. Joined by Jayesh, a disgraced monk, Niya and Alk must flee to the faraway Hidden Temple with the last vitrisar plant, or all who suffer from the rasp will perish.

 But even as Niya’s frustration and banter with Jayesh deepen to affection, the rasp is stealing away her breath and life.

 For a girl with limited time and a crippling quest, love may be more painful than death.

***

Author PictureAuthor Bio:

 Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and was always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.

 Social Media Links:

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hlburkewriter/

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hlburkereaders/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hlburkewriter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burkesdragons/

Website: http://www.hlburkeauthor.com/

***

While Spice Bringer is back today for the official blog tour. I snagged author H. L. Burke for a Fantastic interview.

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FANtastic Interview with H. L. Burke:

 C.O: Your publisher sells the movie rights to Spice Bringer. The casting director asks you, who you see in the lead roles. What do you tell her? Most importantly who would you cast to voice Alk?

H.L: Unknown teens of the proper ethnicity to pull it off. The problem with being a YA writer is I very rarely know of any actors currently young enough to fulfill the roles (I don’t watch a lot of teen TV or teen focused movies), and with the setting of Spice Bringer, I’d need characters who look like they could have come from south east Asia. Off the top of my head, I cannot name any 16-year-old Indian actresses. There just aren’t any on any of the shows I watch, but I think this would be an awesome opportunity for a casting call to find new talent. As for Alk …he actually has kind of a harsh, high voice in my head, not typical voice actor stuff, but also not comical Gilbert Godfrey level. I’ll say Alan Tudyk because that man can do anything with his voice. 

 C.O: Good point about the actors. Spice Bringer would be a good story for an unknown Actor/Actress to really show what they can do. And yes to Alan Tudyk he is awesome.

Anyone who follows you on Social media knows that you have many obsessions: Foxes, cats, dragons, pineapples/psych, and sneks/snakes. Now Imagine that you have to give all of them up but one. Which one do you keep? Or conversely, Which could you give up? 

 H.L: I have to keep my cat. Bruce is family. I don’t actually have a Fox or a Snek as much as I want to. Dragons are in my books, so they’d be hard to ignore …I’d find a way to cheat with Psych, probably. 

 C.O: Spice Bringer has an Indian feel to it’s fantasy setting. What if any research did you do while writing?

 H.L: Less than you might think. I very intentionally wanted to separate my world from the actual India because a lot of factors would have to be different for story purposes. There are some major differences between The Empire of the Golden Bird and ancient India in terms of culture, history, government, religion, and geography. That said, I looked into things like architecture and how spices grow. 

 C.O: What would you do if you were diagnosed with the Rasp? And would your insurance cover it?

 H.L: Military Tricare (My husband is a US Marine) covers most medical conditions I’m aware of, but it’s mostly with military doctors and … some of them are great, but a lot of them are kind of in a hurry. Very eager to give you some motrin and get you moved on. They would have absolutely no idea what to do if faced with a fantasy-world-based-made-up-illness. Heck, they failed to diagnose that I had a cat allergy through multiple visits. Hopefully I could find a salamander and some vitrisar plants. Then I’d be all right. 

 C.O: Would you really want a Salamander though?

Alk can be snarky and irritating, if he were suddenly real and he had to live with your family, because you created him, would you wish you had written him to be more of a “help out around the house” salamander?

H.L: He wouldn’t fit in very well around here if I edited him. My husband is a constant tease who does things to be contrary all the time. My daughters learned sarcasm early. The cat is judging everyone. Dog roll his eyes when I tell him to do things. Alk would be right at home here. 

 C.O: What is the meaning of life the universe and Everything?

 H.L: 42 

  C.O: Hmm I suspect as much.

 For those who don’t know already Heidi does a random interview every week on her own blog, where she asks authors random questions. I am going to steal one of her own random question and ask it to her.

 If this question was any question in the world, what would it be and how would you answer?

 H.L: What super power do I want … NO! Tell me about your cat? … nah, too obvious … Favorite Psych episode? … no, worked that into another interview… ugh, choices!
How about, “Do you need coffee?”

The answer is yes. Yes, I very much need coffee right now. 

****

Thank you H. L. Burke for taking the time to answer my FANtastic questions. I love that last one.

3DTrioGraphic - Preorder Announcement

Spice Bringer releases in just six days. That’s less than a week! So don’t delay, there’s still time to take advantage of the UUP preorder special.

Regularly 17.99, autographed paperback preorders are 14.99 with free shipping discount (free shipping to US locations only). What a deal! 

 https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/spicebringer-autographed-paperback-preorder/

Or if you wish, find it at the other fine retailers below:

Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Spicebringer-H-L-Burke-ebook/dp/B07FBRF6HD

Barnes & Noble Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spicebringer-h-l-burke/1129054660?ean=2940155709763

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/spicebringer

Apple iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1409446712

Tour of Ever After: an anthology review.

08 Aug 2018 Leave a comment

by C.O. Bonham in book tours, Dive In Review Tags: , , , , ,

tOUR EA

Hello, today I have an another amazing anthology for you from the Fellowship of Fantasy.

Book Description:

36427032_2003913979653615_2197345443757686784_nRescue a princess, meet a mermaid, win your reward.

 The authors of the Fellowship of Fantasy tackle fairy tales from once upon a time to happily ever after. Explore twists on old tales and brand new magical stories. Meet feisty mermaids, friendly lampposts, and heroes who just might be monsters themselves.

 This fourth anthology from the Fellowship of Fantasy will lead you on a quest for entertainment and storm the castle of your imagination. So make a wish and enter the deep dark woods to find stories that will make you laugh, shiver, and maybe even fall in love.

 The best part is it’s free to download! (Paperback will cost you though.)

Amazon Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Ever-After-Fellowship-Anthology-ebook/dp/B07FFMHM8M/

Books2Read Universal Link: https://www.books2read.com/u/bwYKry

Goodreads Listing: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40788623-tales-of-ever-after

The fellowship is also hosting: a Rafflecopter giveaway U.S. Only: (All books are paperbacks, and possibly signed.)

If you are not U.S. that’s okay there’s an International: a Rafflecopter giveaway (All books are ebooks of the winner’s file format of choice)

Now on to my review. I am not sure why I  agreed to review the whole collection. The stories are so short that you can’t really delve into them without spoiling it. But in keeping with my brand of turning your gears, I will provide the full list of stories with their description and why I think it will turn your gears.

Tales of Ever After Author Graphic

 *Story descriptions were written by the author of each story.*

 Cinders by Kendra E. Ardnek

When the fairy Jalia receives a plea for her aid, it seems a routine Cinderella rescue – until she only finds the family’s pet cats.

 Why it turned my Gears: The Cinderella mythos has been done to death. I thought it was impossible to produce an original Cinderella story, I was so wrong. Cinders will take your expectations and turn them on their head. Wonderfully original plot combined with lovable and witty characters.

 At The Corner of Elm & Main by H. L. Burke

A sweet-natured lamppost dreams of seeing the world. When magic grants his wish, how will he use it? 

Why it turned my Gears: An original tale about an ordinary everyday object that is granted mobility for one night. This doesn’t turn the thinking gear so much as the feeling gears. It has a heart touching ending with a satisfying payoff.

 Tears of the Sea by Savannah Jezowski

When Le Rae indulges her fascination with the forbidden sand walkers, she discovers more than danger in the shallow waters.

 Why it turned my Gears: An original tale reminiscent of The Little Mermaid, but the best part is that it isn’t a romance. It makes you think, simultainiously about being willing to open your mind to new ideas and people who are different from you, while also learning to be content with where you’re at and what you have. At least that was my take away.

 Steelhand by Ashley Capes

When a man with a mechanical hand hears a woman’s ethereal voice calling for help, he must brave the steel forest to rescue her from a foul Alchemist.

 Why it turned my Gears: Steam Punk Sleeping Beauty need I say more? Okay a little bit more. In the story the hero is told to take three random objects with him on his quest: a lemon, a tin soldier and an Axe. You’re never going to figure out how they get used. Very cool plot elements bring originality to a familiar favorite.

 King or Beggar by D. G. Driver

When a king’s spoiled, conceited daughter refuses and insults every nobleman asking for her hand in marriage, he stops giving her a choice.

 Why it turned my Gears: This is a retelling of a little known fairy tale called King Thrushbeard. As a child, the dollar store had fairytale VHS tapes. The one I watched to death was King Thrushbeard. Why I loved it I really can’t say. It might have had something to do with me figuring out the twist and being delighted that I was right. Thank you D. G. Driver for bringing this pleasant childhood memory back to life.

 The Girl Who Talked by Birds by Kristen S. Walker

A young girl’s already isolated existence is worsened by the emergence of strange abilities.

 Why it turned my Gears: Wonderful original tale about an ordinary girl who discovers she is special. Really cool human and bird interactions. I love that the birds are still very bird like and aren’t personified too much. I also enjoyed that it was light hearted in tone. Anyone who likes “origin” stories should enjoy this one.

 The Princess and the Stone-Picker by Sarah Ashwood

“Those whose eyes are nearest to the ground are those who see its treasures.” A humble stone-picker’s mysterious remark sends a spoiled princess pursuing answers.

 Why it turned my Gears: The inciting phrase of this story, can be taken literally or figuratively. Either way you interpret it, this princess’s discovery is one that we can benefit from.

 Wake the Moon by Annie Louise Twitchell

Demons laugh, light fades, and Jesse must battle his own darkness to wake the sleeping girl.

 Why it turned my Gears: Wake the moon is at first glance, based on sleeping beauty, but it has some native American overtones, so I’m not sure if there is another fable at play here. Either way this short story reads like a novel in terms of character growth and the amount of nuance added to the protagonists everyday life. I mean, Jesse listens to Owl City. Okay maybe I just gave it high marks for name dropping my favorite artist.

 The Greatest Adventure by J.M. Hackman

A beautiful slave girl, hidden Fire Diamonds, and a wily dragon give Firebrand Aideen Siriol his greatest adventure yet.

 Why it turned my Gears: I love Aideen. He has spirit and drive, and the princess may be dead, but gosh darn it, he came to rescue somebody. So that’s what he does.

 Third Princess by Emily Martha Sorensen

The youngest of three always succeeds after the older two fail. But what if the older two aren’t willing to fail?

 Why it turned my Gears: Okay so to love this story you have to understand that there is a fairy tale troupe of three sisters, and the oldest two are always either too stuck up or too lazy or too independent to be the one the kingdom needs. As the oldest of three I hate this troupe. So when I saw that, Third Princess was going to turn this troupe on it’s head I was excited. Also the oldest princess in this story is totally me.

 A Week after Midnight by Alex McGilvery

The prince is so shy he needed a ball to find a wife. What will he do when she moves in?

 Why it turned my Gears: I really loved the Prince being an introvert in this story, it explains a lot about the Cinderella tale. The story is unique in this collection, in that for an anthology titled Tales of Ever After, it’s the only one that picks up after “happily ever after.”

 Being Seen by Gretchen E. K. Engel

Just because Ilmara is invisible, doesn’t mean she doesn’t exist.

 Why it turned my Gears: If I was asked to choose one story from this collection to be turned into a movie. My choice would be, Being Seen. It invokes visuals in my mind that beg to be seen (pun intended). An invisible girl who dyes her hair and skin just to be accepted, it’s a powerful message.

 The Quest for a Wide-Awake Princess by Lia London

Prince Jack needs to find a suitable princess, but he’d settle for one who’s not snoring.

 Why it turned my Gears: If it’s not sleeping princesses, it’s one’s who want to sleep but can’t. This story is the funniest of the lot. Told in the grand tradition of farce, Puns abound and the gags are over the top. I really love the ending though. It’s a good twist to this original take on the sleeping princess troupe.

 How to Hide a Prince by E.J. Kitchens

Princess Fiona is destined to save a prince, but would kissing a talking frog free a prince, or curse them both?

 Why it turned my Gears: Who is the prince? The enchanted frog, or the boy who stopped Fiona from kissing it? This is the question that kept me guessing throughout the whole story. And the answer is as satisfying as the asking.

 Believing Fairytales by Arthur Daigle

Some fairy tales are true. The dangerous ones are partly true.

 Why it turned my Gears: What a twist! I want everyone to read this anthology just for this story. This is an original story about Nestor a young man who works at an ancient shrine. And when bandits break in searching for a hidden relic Nestor warns them that they have the story all wrong. IT will make you think and feel things that you never thought you could think or feel.

 The Loathly Princess of Edimor by L. Palmer

Princess Selene always gets her desire. When she asks to escape a marriage by transforming into a swan, the witch who helps her has other plans.

 Why it turned my Gears: The last is certainly not least in this fairy tale collection. From what I can tell L. Palmer’s story is an original story, but loosely inspired by the swan princess. I could be wrong. Anyway, the story is slightly humorous, with a good witch who just can’t get people to listen to her, a young man who finds the old woman his family has taken in preferable to the princess he is engaged too, and a princess betrayed, by literally everyone. But hey she had it coming.

 Also I forgot to mention that there is a Comment Giveaway:

The person who leaves the most comments across the blog tour will receive the chance to read special sneak peaks from several of the authors’ upcoming works!

This is usually where I would post the full blog schedule, but this doesn’t really need to be any longer so if you want to go back through and leave comments on any other post you can access them all from here: Tales of Ever After Tour. 

Not sure what to comment about?

Which of the Tales of Ever After are you most excited to read?

What is your favorite Fairy Tale? Did they forget to include it in the anthology? Tell us about it.

Mythic Orbits 2

27 Jul 2018 2 Comments

by C.O. Bonham in Behind the keyboard, Cover Reveal Tags: , , , , ,

 

Today’s blog post is super exciting for me. Not only do I get to tell you about the release of a great speculative fiction anthology, I have a story in it.

Mythic Orbits vol.2 contains my first published story under the pen name C. O. Bonham.

 

Mythic Orbits 2

This anthology collected the best available speculative fiction short stories written by Christian authors. Science fiction, fantasy, LitRPG, and other genres are included, whether the stories have openly Christian themes or characters or not, without requiring the stories to have any specific theme in common. This collection is clean fiction—no profanity, graphic sexuality or extreme violence.

In a series praised by both Tosca Lee, Kathy Tyers, and Kerry Nietz,  this anthology of eleven speculative fiction stories by Christian authors shines in science fiction, fantasy, horror, and LitRPG genres. Featuring Kat Heckenbach’s “Mark the Days,” this collection has something for every speculative fiction fan.

 

 

My contribution is the short story “Recalled from the Red Planet.”  The quick pitch is Left Behind on Mars. The long pitch is, this is in response to that guy who said,  “Revelation proves that man will never colonize space.” I don’t remember his name now, but it annoyed me enough to write a story about it.

If that isn’t tempting enough, this anthology also features stories from such greats as, Steve Rzasa, C.W. Briar and Kat Heckenbach.

Also I just discovered that I can include the Kindle sample right here in the body of my post. (Complete accident, I will never be able to repeat this.) Just hit the free preview button and enjoy Mythic Orbits vol. 2.

 

Kindle edition sells for: $2.99

The paperback pending. But I will let you know once it’s available.

I really hope you’ll give Mythic Orbits vol. 2 a try. If you do would you consider leaving a review on Amazon or Goodreads if you have an account. They really do help books get visablity.

And if you would like to give Vol. 1 a try you can find it at the link below:

Spice Bringer Cover Reveal

12 Jul 2018 1 Comment

by C.O. Bonham in Cover Reveal Tags: , , , , ,

Today I bring you a tale of magic and mystery. The story is the magic; the mystery is, what will the cover look like?

Spice Bringer by H. L. Burke is the next release due out by the always awesome and never disappointing, Uncommon Universe Press. I am super excited for it. Read below to find out why?

From the Back cover:

cover reveal graphicA deadly disease. A vanishing remedy. A breathless journey.

 All her life, Niya’s known she will die young from the fatal rasp. She survives only with the aid of vitrisar spice and a magical, curmudgeonly fire salamander named Alk. Then an ambitious princess burns down the vitrisar grove in an effort to steal Alk so she can claim her rightful throne. Joined by Jayesh, a disgraced monk, Niya and Alk must flee to the faraway Hidden Temple with the last vitrisar plant, or all who suffer from the rasp will perish.

 But even as Niya’s frustration and banter with Jayesh deepen to affection, the rasp is stealing away her breath and life.

 For a girl with limited time and a crippling quest, love may be more painful than death.

***

Author PictureAuthor Bio:

 Born in a small town in north central Oregon, H. L. Burke spent most of her childhood around trees and farm animals and was always accompanied by a book. Growing up with epic heroes from Middle Earth and Narnia keeping her company, she also became an incurable romantic.

An addictive personality, she jumped from one fandom to another, being at times completely obsessed with various books, movies, or television series (Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and Star Trek all took their turns), but she has grown to be what she considers a well-rounded connoisseur of geek culture.

Married to her high school crush who is now a US Marine, she has moved multiple times in her adult life but believes that home is wherever her husband, two daughters, and pets are.

 Social Media Links:

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/hlburkewriter/

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/hlburkereaders/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hlburkewriter

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/burkesdragons/

Website: http://www.hlburkeauthor.com/

***

Doesn’t that sound amazing? It has everything! Adventure, danger, love against all odds, and a snarky animal sidekick. You want to know where you can buy it right?

What You want to see the cover first? You know You’re not suppose to judge a book by the cover. . .  right?

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Fine but I’m going to make you work for it.

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Well maybe not that hard.

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Behold!

SpicebringerCoverLarge

Isn’t it gorgeous? I bet you want to read it now don’t you?

Well it’s not out yet but you can pre-order at the links below:

Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/Spicebringer-H-L-Burke-ebook/dp/B07FBRF6HD

Barnes & Noble Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/spicebringer-h-l-burke/1129054660?ean=2940155709763

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/spicebringer

Apple iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1409446712

But you should really do this one:

Uncommon Universes Press – autographed paperback preorder: https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/spicebringer-autographed-paperback-preorder/

Regularly 17.99, autographed paperback preorders are 14.99 with free shipping discount (free shipping to US locations only). What a deal!

“But if we pre-order it, when can we have it?” you ask with big puppy dog eyes.

3DTrioGraphic - Preorder Announcement

“It Releases August 28th 2018!” I reply.

Don’t worry Spice Bringer will be back with a blog tour and pre-release awesomeness.

Renegade Skyfarer: a Dive in Review.

03 Jul 2018 5 Comments

by C.O. Bonham in book tours, Dive In Review Tags: , , , ,

 

Welcome back, I’ve got another Dive in Review for you this time it’s a book that features steampunk goodness.

About the Book

The airship crew saved Ben’s life from a dragon, of all things.

When Ben wakes up, he has no memory of his family, his home, or how he got to this strange world. All he knows is what his new crew members tell him: the magical Barrier that protects their land is weakening. Unless they find the artifact that can repair it, all of Terrene will be destroyed and enslaved by the enemies beyond.

But when Ben suspects that danger may lurk closer than dragons or sky pirates, he has to decide: stay and fight with the airship crew, or focus on regaining his lost memory? If he leaves, he risks losing his newfound friends–but if he stays, he might never return home.

Welcome to Terrene–where dragons exist, the past haunts, and magic is no myth.

Welcome aboard the Sapphire.

Amazon — Barnes & Noble

 

About the Author

During the day, Becky is a stay at home mom of two active little boys. When she has ‘free time’, she enjoys reading, writing, baking and sewing.

After many years of creative writing classes, writing fanfiction drabbles and daydreaming, it was high time to start writing her husband Mike’s story. She dove into the world of Terrene and hasn’t looked back—except for when she runs out of dark chocolate.

Any free time not spent in Terrene is typically expended on hosting dinner and game nights, running amok with the two little monkeys or watching nerdy movies with Mike.

Website— Facebook— Twitter— Instagram— Amazon Author Page

Dive in review of: Renegade Skyfarer

Renegade Skyfarer by R. J. Metcalf is the first book in a new steampunk fantasy series.

There was so much going on in this book that I don’t know where to start.

I’ll start with the dragons because this what sucked me into the story. I loved the different dragon species. It’s like How to Train Your Dragon, each species has a special trait. But even better, they are also described like dinosaurs. Yes that’s right, this isn’t just a story with dragons. It’s like Steampunk Jurassic Park.

The flying ones are even called Terrors and Dactyls. Do you get it?

There are multiple view point characters. Captain Slate, his daughter Jade, the mysterious Blade, and an amnesiac named Ben.

My favorite was Ben, he is super sweet and his past is this huge mystery that just keeps you guessing. Also since everyone had to explain things to him, it was a great way to introduce world building without bogging down the narrative. I loved watching him get his memory back and learning his past. And yes the pay off is really good.

My second favorite character is Jade. Her father’s younger sister married a prince so that makes them nobility or something. He drags her to balls and tries to teach her to be a lady. Jade is never happier than when she’s soaring the skies working on her Airship’s engines. She doesn’t want to be a lady. She is most certainly not trying to marry a prince.

Being a princess is the last thing on her mind. She wants Zak, a dragon hunter on her father’s crew. Too bad he treats her like a kid sister. And while I generally dislike love triangles, I have to confess, I approved when she started hanging out with Ben.

This novel has so many secrets that even if you guess some of them there will still be twists a plenty to surprise you. Five stars, A+, and can I have the next book now.

Let’s Party!

Calling all book readers! Join author RJ Metcalf as we chat about her fantasy novel RENEGADE SKYFARER on July 6th from 8 PM to 10 PM EST (7 PM CST and 5 PM PST).

Grab your favorite drink and snack and be prepared for a fun time of chatting with RJ, games, and giveaways.

Special guests S D Grimm and Jamie Foley, Authorwill also be sharing their books and joining in the fun.

RSVP Here

 

Giveaway Time!

Want to dive into a new world or in need of a good book? Enter to win a signed print copy of Renegade Skyfarer, a Stones of Terrene notepad and pen, Notebook of Writing, and bracelet! (US only.)

>>> Entry-Form<<<

Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, July 2nd

Tuesday, July 3rd

Wednesday, July 4th

Thursday, July 5th

Friday, July 6th

Saturday, July 7th

Monday, July 9th

Tuesday, July 10th

Wednesday, July 11th

Thursday, July 12th

Friday, July 13th

Saturday, July 14th

Monday, July 16th

 

Dive in Review of Priceless

15 Jun 2018 1 Comment

by C.O. Bonham in book tours, Dive In Review Tags: , , , , , , ,

 

Priceless Blog Tour

Today I’m excited to share a review of Janeen Ippolito’s new novella, Priceless. You may remember, not too long ago when I shared the cover revel for this book. Find it here.

Now that the book is out, I can share with you what I thought about it, and how much I loved it. But first important book stuff.

PricelessPriceless Back cover:

 A little ambition can turn into a lot of trouble, even for the city’s wiliest double agent.

 After years of rebel spywork in the dragon-human war, Nula Thredsing is ready to claim her legacy.

 As the Scepter of Commerce’s new liaison to dragons, she’s one step away from the old family seat on the city council. But during her first meeting with dragon diplomat Tiers Sunscaler, they are attacked by rogue dragons—one of them Sunscaler’s former tactical partner, who is bitterly determined to keep the sham war in action and turn the diplomat to his side.

 At the same time, Nula and Tiers discover a startling connection: an embermate bond. While a political marriage suits Nula, the bond’s side effects are obnoxious—and potentially deadly.

 Aided by an unexpected cat-dragon and a mysterious unicorn, Nula and Tiers must track down the rogue dragons before their dangerous bond tears them apart.

 Fortunately, Nula is used to impossible odds—and this time, she has a dragon on her side.

A steampunk fantasy novella with espionage, cat-dragons, snark, and a side of romance.

Author bio:

 Author Bio Pic for Uploads - FictionJaneen Ippolito believes words can (and should) transform worlds. She writes urban fantasy and steampunk, and creates writing resources, including the reference book World Building From the Inside Out and the creative writing guide Irresistible World Building For Unforgettable Stories. She’s an experienced teacher, editor, author coach, and is the leader of Uncommon Universes Press, a small science fiction and fantasy publishing house. She’s also the cohost of the podcast Indie Book Magic. In her spare time, Janeen enjoys sword-fighting, reading, pyrography, and eating brownie batter. Two of her goals are eating fried tarantulas and traveling to Antarctica. This extroverted writer loves getting connected, so find her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and at her website: janeenippolito.com

 Social media links:

Twitter: https://twitter.com/JaneenIppolito

Website: https://janeenippolito.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janeenippolitocreative/

Facebook Reader Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/168444147251310/

Instagram: janeen_ippolito

Buy it at Uncommon Universes Press:  https://uncommonuniverses.com/product/priceless

If you buy it from UUP it’s autographed!

Amazon link:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CMG669P/

Other Online Distributors: 

https://uncommonuniverses.com/books/priceless-an-ironfire-legacy-novella/

Add it to your to read list on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39942270-priceless

Dive in review of Priceless:

Priceless by Janeen Ippolito, takes place after the events of Lawless and should not be read first. Trust me there is a lot that hinges on the events of the first book. Priceless is also a novella, so it’s a fast read, and it will help with the Ironfire legacy cravings between Lawless and Faithless.

The main character is Countess Nula Thredsing , a minor character from lawless. I wasn’t sure if I would like this book as I didn’t care for her character in the first book. It turns out she just doesn’t like coming in second. Once she takes center stage her imposing personality becomes confidence and drive. Also her back story makes her much more sympathetic.

The best part of the story was all of the new elements to the world building. So you know how Lawless introduced us to Dragon Shifters? Well Priceless has Unicorn shifters. Like how awesome is that? Um . . . Very!

There is also a Cat dragon. Yes you read that right. A cat who is also a dragon. And this little dude is very sneaky. His name is Freckles and I want one.

He looks like this and you can meet him at the Indie Book magic facebook party tonight. (June 15, 2018). Click here to RSVP.

Launch Party That Includes Priceless

Dive in Review: All That We See or Seem

06 Jun 2018 1 Comment

by C.O. Bonham in Uncategorized

Hello, more fabulous content via Blog tours is coming your way soon.

But first a review of an amazing book that I read.

About the book:

All That We See Or Seem.jpg

 

Every night, seventeen-year-old Reeve Lennox finds herself under a noose.

By day she is a lady of Acarsaid’s royal house, daydreaming of adventure and love. But every night in sleep she wanders through a nightmarish city, an invisible witness to the screeches of monsters and the screams of their victims. Her only consolation is Bran, a battle-torn young man with a selfless heart and eyes that reflect the stars. 

Yet while Reeve falls deeper into her dreams, in truth she is engaged to Arden, a mercurial nobleman who has long been cured of his belief in love and breathes fire and flattery like other people breathe air.

Torn between two lives, Reeve struggles to remember what’s real. Until night and day collide, with a revelation that threatens all of Acarsaid.

Buy at: Amazon/Barnes & Noble/Kobo/Apple

Don’t forget to add it to your To-read shelf on Goodreads. 

About the author

 

Kristina Mahr head shotKristina Mahr devotes her days to numbers and her nights to words. She works full-time as an accountant in the suburbs of Chicago, where she lives with her two dogs and two cats, but her true passion is writing. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, and waking up at the crack of dawn every weekend to watch the Premier League.

 

Dive In Review: All That We See Or Seem

“All that we see or seem may be no more than a dream.” this is the Edgar Allen Poe quote that opens the book. This is the perfect quote to inspire the title for this novel.

All that we See or Seem by Kristina Mahr is a unique take on the YA trope of “The dream Boy.”

Reeve is not a princess, but as the Kings niece, she’s the closest thing her kingdom has to one, which of course makes her marriage of political importance. Just when Reeve resigns herself to marriage to someone who at least won’t bore her to death, she meets Bran. To bad he only exists in her dreams.

But as she falls more in love with Bran at night it becomes harder to fake enjoying her engagement by day.

Do not let the Adventure, danger and mystery fool you. This book is first and foremost a romance. And it won’t take you till the end of the book to figure out who Reeve chooses.

If anyone wants to know why I say that, it’s because Reeve is not nearly curious enough. She asks very few questions about why this is happening to her. She takes almost no action and just goes along with it. She is just so caught up in the romance of it all. I really wanted her to be investigating and questioning people, trying to figure it out. But instead of trying to find out if Bran is even real she seems to think it’s pointless because she would never be allowed to marry him anyway.

So just be warned, there is plenty of mystery danger and magic, but this is above all a book about a young girl who just wants to be loved in a world where marriage little more than a political device.

All that we see or seem is a sweet YA romance with a dash of fantasy, until the last quarter of the book where the danger really starts to ramp up, and the answers to the burning questions start to come out.

Unfortunately the ending makes things difficult for everyone. Especially me, because I need to know what happens next.

*Though not part of the official blog tour, I was given a copy of this book for review purposes. The opinions expressed here are my own.*

 

 

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