Blog Tour Review + Giveaway: Shadow Scale (Seraphina #1) by Rachel Hartman

Shadow Scale (Seraphina #1)

Rachel Hartman

Published: March 10, 2015

Publisher: Random House Books FYR

Age Demographic: YA Dystopia Fantasy

Pages: 608

Seraphina took the literary world by storm with 8 starred reviews and numerous “Best of” lists. At last, her eagerly awaited sequel has arrived—and with it comes an epic battle between humans and dragons.

The kingdom of Goredd: a world where humans and dragons share life with an uneasy balance, and those few who are both human and dragon must hide the truth. Seraphina is one of these, part girl, part dragon, who is reluctantly drawn into the politics of her world. When war breaks out between the dragons and humans, she must travel the lands to find those like herself—for she has an inexplicable connection to all of them, and together they will be able to fight the dragons in powerful, magical ways. 

As Seraphina gathers this motley crew, she is pursued by humans who want to stop her. But the most terrifying is another half dragon, who can creep into people’s minds and take them over. Until now, Seraphina has kept her mind safe from intruders, but that also means she’s held back her own gift. It is time to make a choice: Cling to the safety of her old life, or embrace a powerful new destiny?

To Order Shadow Scale (Seraphina #1) by Rachel Hartman please visit: Amazon & Barnes&Noble

(Note: I received a review copy of this book via the publisher, in exchange for an honest review which I have posted here on the blog and on Goodreads)

Shadow Scale, is the intriguing and captivating sequel to Serephina. Rachel Hartman explores Seraphina's world and the relationship between humans and dragons, revealing twists and turns that you won't see coming. It's beautifully written and stunningly imaginative. I really enjoyed reading this one a little bit more than the first one, because I found it a lot easier for me to sink into the world and just get lost in the characters and the conflict between the humans and the dragons. For anyone who is a fan of fantasy worlds, interesting character build up, and dragons this is the book that you'll fall in love with.

Original and brilliantly written, this is a book and a world full of imagination that will absolutely wow you from beginning until end. The characters are multi-layered and the plot is equal parts entertaining and compelling. Seriously, I don't even know how to begin to tell you how EPIC this book was in every single way, how it affected ALL THE FEELS I had! I feel like I'm at a loss for words here, because while I enjoyed the first book (Seraphina) I found it a little hard to follow along with. With Shadow Scale, I had no problems at all. In fact, from the moment I started reading this book, I didn't want to put it down until I was finished with it.

It's exciting, full of heart, and has so much emotional depth that you can't help but fall deeper in love with all of these characters. The unexpected twists and turns will definitely keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you wanting more. The broad expanse of the various cultures explored within this amazing novel alone, is enough to wet any fantasy lover's pallet. If you are looking for a story that is built on layers of mythology, emotion, and various cultures then this is the book that I would recommend to you.

Full review to come soon!

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Website Twitter Facebook

Rachel Hartman lives and writes in Vancouver, BC.

Her first YA fantasy novel, Seraphina, was published by Random House on July 10th, 2012. 

She is set to currently release the second book, Shadow Scale, in her YA Dystopia Fantasy series, Seraphina. It will be releasing March of 2015.

Make sure you fan her on her Goodreads page!

Blog Tour Review + Giveaway: Seraphina (Seraphina #1) by Rachel Hartman

Seraphina (Seraphina #1)

Rachel Hartman

Published: July 10, 2012

Publisher: Random House Books FYR

Age Demographic: YA Dystopia Fantasy

Pages: 512

In her New York Times bestselling and Morris Award-winning debut, Rachel Hartman introduces mathematical dragons in an alternative-medieval world to fantasy and science-fiction readers of all ages. Eragon-author Christopher Paolini calls them, "Some of the most interesting dragons I've read in fantasy."

Four decades of peace have done little to ease the mistrust between humans and dragons in the kingdom of Goredd. Folding themselves into human shape, dragons attend court as ambassadors, and lend their rational, mathematical minds to universities as scholars and teachers. As the treaty's anniversary draws near, however, tensions are high.

Seraphina Dombegh has reason to fear both sides. An unusually gifted musician, she joins the court just as a member of the royal family is murdered—in suspiciously draconian fashion. Seraphina is drawn into the investigation, partnering with the captain of the Queen's Guard, the dangerously perceptive Prince Lucian Kiggs. While they begin to uncover hints of a sinister plot to destroy the peace, Seraphina struggles to protect her own secret, the secret behind her musical gift, one so terrible that its discovery could mean her very life.

To Order Seraphina (Seraphina #1) by Rachel Hartman please visit: Amazon & Barnes&Noble

(Note: I received a review copy of this book via the publisher, in exchange for an honest review which I have posted here on the blog and on Goodreads)

Seraphina was an awkward book for me to read, because I have conflicted feelings towards it and it was hard for me to follow along with. In a way, I look at it as challenging and in another way I'm a little disappointed in the fact that I felt as if I had to constantly force myself to keep reading. This was a book that I was really excited to read, because it was fantasy and also involved dragons, which are two things that I absolutely love more than anything. I don't know if it was the book itself or the fact that I'm such a mood reader and maybe I just wasn't in the right mood for this one at the time. I think it was a bit of both, if I'm being honest.

There were things that I found myself liking about this book and then there were also things, that I found a little frustrating as well. The concept of this novel and the story itself, is brilliant. However, I think the writer may have bitten off a little more than she could chew. As I was reading, I found myself constantly being jarred out of certain parts of the story due to the rhythm and the pacing of it. Just getting through the first few chapters of the book felt like a chore in itself, but I continued to stick with it because I kept hoping that it would get better. In some small ways it did, because there were things that I did find likable about it, but then there were other's that I didn't.

It was hard for me to understand certain aspects of Seraphina, because at times it felt like the story was in various different places at the same time. I had to work to keep up with it and then I had to work even hard to stay involved with it. That's something that I find a little too tedious when reading a book that I really want to enjoy. I was looking to find a lot of action and a more compelling story, than the one that I felt was written. Maybe if I hadn't gone into this book with such high expectations, I wouldn't have ended up feeling like it let me down as much as it did. The way the mythology of the dragons and their history was written, made kind of hard for me to finally understand them and their role of importance to the storyline. I could have been a little more forgiving of the "less action" if I had been better able to understand the dragons.

Seraphina, on the other hand, I really enjoyed her character quite a bit. I love that Rachel Hartman gave us such a wonderfully endearing and awesomely complex character, such as her. Part dragon and musically gifted, she was a rare gem and a breath of fresh air for me in this story. I love the tough exterior that she presented to the world, while still being a bit vulnerable beneath the facade. Her and Lucian were probably the best part of the story for me, personally. Lucian is just made of so much awesome, that it's hard to put his character into words. I found him to be wildly enigmatic, entertaining, and definitely swoon-worthy in his own way. Glisselda, is just pure amazing. There's the only thing that can be said for her, except that I love her journey and optimistic nature. For someone who came across so carefree, she turned into one of the strongest characters the book had to offer and that definitely made reading it a lot more enjoyable.

This book has some wonderful potential, that it makes me look forward to reading Shadow Scale for sure to see what's going to happen with these brilliant characters I have come to love so much. Seraphina, is an interesting novel with an intriguing concept that I feel could be built and expanded upon better. If you are a reader who enjoys fantasy novels and you like dragons too, then I would go ahead and recommend this book. It is a pretty solid read, even though it hasn't been my favorite. I urge you to give it a chance and don't just take my word for it. There are many things about it that were enjoyable, even amidst some of the conflicting elements.

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About the Author

Website Twitter Facebook

Rachel Hartman lives and writes in Vancouver, BC.

Her first YA fantasy novel, Seraphina, was published by Random House on July 10th, 2012. 

She is set to currently release the second book, Shadow Scale, in her YA Dystopia Fantasy series, Seraphina. It will be releasing March of 2015.

Make sure you fan her on her Goodreads page!

Book Blitz + Giveaway: Exaltation by Jamie Magee

So, I'm like super excited to be sharing an excerpt from Exaltation with you guys, it's the next novel in the Web of Hearts Souls set by Jaime Magee. Oh my goodness! There are like 13 books in this series and one novella so far. Jamie is a new-to-me author and so is this series, because until now I didn't know it had existed until I caught notice of it through Xpresso Book Tours and noticed how interesting it looked. The synopsis read so hauntingly dark and lyrical, that I couldn't help but get swept up in it. Plus, it's YA Sci-Fi Fantasy, and it's totally right up my street. 

I've been wanting to branch out and read new-to-me author's and books and this one will definitely give me the opportunity. Today, I'm definitely happy to welcome Jamie to the blog, and to share with you an excerpt from Exaltation, as well as an awesome giveaway that you won't want to miss out on. 

I love Sci-Fi Fantasy, whether I'm watching a movie or television show, or just reading a book or series that's caught my eye. Unfortunately, I'm such a mood reader and I haven't been gravitating towards it lately. I'm hoping that this series will start to turn things around for me, because I really want to get back into it and read more than I have been lately.

But first, a little more on this awesome book...

Exaltation (Web of Hearts Souls)

by Jaime Magee

Published: February 5, 2015

Self Published

Age Demographic: YA Sci-Fi Fantasy

Buy Links: Amazon

Fate is a twisted b*$#@, at least his was.

Was one soul worth the lives of millions? The quandary was one that Rydell King had no choice but to face. No matter the answer, the truth remained—innocence was created to destroy him. She was beautiful…extinguishing her to save his people seemed impossible, and maybe it was. As an immortal, his focus was to destroy the curse upon his people, as he devoured the emotion that bore him—exaltation, no matter the cost. She made him question everything. 

Mercy had never been crueler. 

Epic Sci-Fi Fantasy Swoons, oh hell yeah!!!

Exaltation Excerpt
As Written By Jaime Magee
Before he could question why her lips were on his, which only made him draw a deeper breath, feel the high all the more, he felt the rush instantly—pure bliss.

Vim, energy, Rydell was very aware of it all times. He felt hers pulling from him, yet it wasn’t. It was as if there was this unseen silk barrier between them—a division he wanted beyond.

One hand reached for her waist, the other to cradle her face, when he felt her vim easing her back, he turned her against the wall. Nothing short of an atomic bomb would be strong enough to force them apart.

His lips feasted on hers, his tongue intertwining, drawing in subtle breaths each time he could. His fingertips filtered through the long locks of her hair…again it felt like silk, as if there was some barrier between them. He could feel her, but not really…pressed against ecstasy but couldn’t reach it.

His hand slowly fell, gliding past her shoulder, carefully down the side of her chest.


So responsive.

Finally reaching her hips he pulled her closer to him, forgetting where he was, what he was doing.

Right now all he cared to know was why this felt majestic…forbidden.

Blitz-wide giveaway (INT)

$25 Amazon Gift Card

Paperback copies of Exaltation, Insight, and Impulsion by Jamie Magee

Swag (tote, bookmarks, keychain)

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About The Author

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Tumblr * Goodreads * Blog

Jamie Magee has always believed that each of us have a defining gift that sets us apart from the rest of the world, she has always envied those who have known from their first breath what their gift was. Not knowing hers, she began a career in the fast paced world of business. 

Raising a young family, and competing to rise higher in that field would drive some to the point of insanity, but she always found a moment of escape in a passing daydream. Her imagination would take her to places she’d never been, introduce her to people she’s never known. 

Insight, her debuting novel, is a result of that powerful imagination. Today, she is grateful that not knowing what defined her, led her on a path of discovery that would always be a part of her.

Book Blitz & Giveaway for the Beasty Series by Tyffani Clark Kemp

In the spirit of Halloween, one of my favorite holiday's of the year because it's the one night when you can be anyone or anything you'd like to be, I thought I'd share with you a book blitz for the Beasty Series by Tyffani Clark Kemp. I haven't read either one of these books books, but just glancing at the synopsis of each one and taking a look at the ghoolish covers they look like they'll be lots of creepy fun!

Beast Within

Beasty # 1

By- Tyffani Clark Kemp  

Gabriel Slade runs Hollywood with his gorgeous blue eyes and egregious temper. No one knows that underneath it all is a man with a frozen heart, cursed to become a beast at every full moon. For seven days he has no choice but to roam the earth as a vicious animal, until he meets a woman who can change it all. 

Luna Grace has a hatred for everything Gabriel Slade stands for, but she doesn't even know what he looks like. When a chance encounter reveals feelings Luna never knew she harbored, it stands to reason that she would run. 

Can Luna overcome her hatred and break the curse? Or will Gabriel's temper keep her from realizing her true feelings, dooming him to remain the beast forever?

   

Cover Reveal featuring Born of Deception (Born of Illusion #2) by Terri Brown

I am so excited to be sharing the cover reveal for Terri Brown's second book in her Born of Illusion series, Born of Deception. I cannot wait for this book to come out, Born of Illusion is one of my absolute favorite books that I read this year. You may remember reading my review for it earlier on the blog. I don't have to tell you how amazing this series is, the world that Terri Brown creates is gorgeous, dark, and beguiling. It's a spiderweb of haunting illusion that will totally ensnare you from beginning to end.

How excited are you to see the cover for Born of Deception?!

Born of Deception (Born of Illusion #2)

Terri Brown

Coming in 2014

Balzer + Bray

Young Adult Historical Paranormal Romance

Budding illusionist Anna Van Housen is on top of the world: after scoring a spot on a prestigious European vaudeville tour, she has moved to London to chase her dream and to join an underground society for people like her with psychic abilities. Along with her handsome beau, Cole Archer, Anna is prepared to take the city by storm.

But when Anna arrives in London, she finds the group in turmoil. Sensitives are disappearing and, without a suspect, the group’s members are turning on one another. Could the kidnapper be someone within the society itself—or has the nefarious Dr. Boyle followed them to London?

As Cole and Anna begin to unravel the case and secrets about the society are revealed, they find themselves at odds, their plans for romance in London having vanished. Her life in danger and her relationship fizzling, can Anna find a way to track down the killer before he makes her his next victim—or will she have to pay the ultimate price for her powers?

Set in Jazz-Age London, this alluring sequel to Born of Illusion comes alive with sparkling romance, deadly intrigue, and daring magic.

How freaking exciting does that look!?

I don't know about you, but I personally LOVE anything that's set in the jazz-age and most especially London. I have so many feels for this book and I haven't even read it yet, but I know it's going to be just as phenomenal as the first book in this epic series was, maybe more. I have such a huge crush on Cole and Anna and am very excited to see their relationship progress even further. Ahh, the two of them just break my feels they're so gorgeous.

Pre-Order a copy of Born of Deception at Amazon

Terri is offering one lucky reader (US only) a signed ARC of Born of Deception. All you have to do is fill out the Rafflecopter below and you'll be entered to win. Good luck guys! I'm dying to get my hands on a copy of this as well. lol.

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Website | Facebook | Twitter

I'm not sure who to tell you about here because I'm actually two people rolled into one. As a responsible mother of teens, I show one persona to the world. That person is driven, conservative and level headed. But the other part of me just never grew up. She is rebellious, impulsive and curious.

It's hard being both these people. They're often at odds.

The mother part of me knows I should put a cap on how many animals we take in. The teen part of me wants to save them all. We have five cats and two dogs. Who do you think is winning?

Even now. The mother part wants to make a meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and a tossed salad. The teen part wants to order a pizza, work on my website and check my Facebook.

Luckily, though my two halves don't always agree, both of us live happily in Portland, Oregon, with a husband and too many animals. And we both love to write and write and write.

Q&A & Giveaway with Josh Grayson for Debut Novel Sia

I’m excited to be a part of the Sia Blog Tour! It’s sort of a coming of age young adult novel, where the main character loses her memory and after finding out how things really were or how cruel she has treated some other people; she embarks on this self-redemption path to change for the better all the while wondering if her memories come back, will she become the bully that she once was and will she lose the guy that she’s fallen in love with? If you enjoy contemporary novels like these, then I think you’ll definitely want to check out this book, because it looks like it’s going to be pretty amazing. I’m definitely excited to read it and share my thoughts with you, within the next month or so since the author was generous enough to share a review copy with me. This book is set to be released November 20, 2013, so definitely be watching for it.

This book is totally right up my alley, so let’s find out a little more about it.

Here’s the scoop on the SIA by Josh Grayson!

In Sia, when seventeen-year-old Sia wakes up on a park bench, she has no idea who or where she is. Yet after a week of being homeless, she’s reunited with her family. At school, she’s powerful and popular. At home, she’s wealthy beyond her dreams. But she quickly realizes her perfect life is a lie. Her family is falling apart and her friends are snobby, cruel and plastic. Worse yet, she discovers she was the cruelest one. Mortified by her past, she embarks on a journey of redemption and falls for Kyle, the “geek” she once tormented. Yet all the time she wonders if, when her memories return, she’ll become the bully she was before…and if she’ll lose Kyle.

Josh was awesome enough to share a Q&A with me as part of the promotion for this wonderful novel (which, has already received some fantastic feedback on Goodreads) if you’d like to check it out. He’s also offering a giveaway for an e-copy of the book as well, to one lucky winner so stick around for that.

Q&A with Josh Grayson

If you could fly anywhere in the world to do research on an upcoming book, where would you most likely want to go?

Italy, simply because it’s always ranked as having the best food in the world. Its beaches are nice too. I’ve Googled it.

What is your favorite genre to read/write?
Young adult (YA), because those stories carry universal themes we can all relate to, a peek into the lives of characters who are more intriguing, real, and raw.

What is one silly fact about you?
I can mimic Enrique Iglesias’s voice pretty well. I sang “Hero” at a friend’s birthday party once and received an enthusiastic response. Some applauded, others laughed. Overall, though, I felt good about my performance.

What got you started on your writing journey?
My move from Massachusetts (where I’d lived most of my life) to Virginia. The first year here was difficult. I was alone, depressed, and in completely new surroundings. But it was here in the South that I began seeing all these stories in my head, and that my “writing gene” got activated. So it seems the old saying is true, everything does happens for a reason. 

Why do you choose to write clean/sweet romance?
I don’t choose, per se. I just write whatever I see in my head. And so far, all the romantic parts have been sweet and clean, which is fine with me.

What other things do you have planned with your writing for the rest of the year 2013?
I’m working on another YA novel that Sia fans should enjoy as well. If things go according to plan, I’ll publish that in the summer of 2014.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a writer?
Being able to partake in the wildest adventures imaginable, all without ever leaving your house. 

Do you have a favorite comment or question from a reader?
One reviewer said, “It, without a doubt, inspired me to find ways to help others in need. I’m looking into charity work.” I loved hearing that, because that’s exactly what I wanted Sia to do: to motivate others to become their best self, to make positive changes in the world, wherever they are.

 
Where do your ideas come from?
I find muses everywhere! In books, magazines, poems, movies, YouTube videos, and so much more. I always try to be receptive. You never know what might trigger your next story.

What inspired you to write Sia?

Initially? Oprah. (laughs). I saw an interview she did on a man with fugue amnesia that impacted me. Fugue amnesia occurs when someone, usually in response to excessive stress, takes off on some unexpected travel. And during the travels, that person assumes either a partial or complete new identity. I found it both fascinating and frightening to think that stress alone can cause the human brain to demand a reset like that. I often wonder why I haven’t gotten fugue amnesia yet!

Is it true you wrote the screenplay adaption as well?

Yes! I wrote it as soon as the book was finished. I’m about to hire a seasoned Hollywood screenwriter to polish it. When it is up to industry standards, we’ll submit it to film companies and cross our fingers. I think Sia would translate wonderfully to film.

If you could sum your main character into five words, what would they be?

Determined. Compassionate. Humble. Kind. Brave.

Use no more than two sentences. Why should we read your book?

Because I believe it will leave you touched, encouraged, and—of course—entertained.

Giveaway
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Josh Grayson was born in Mexico, raised in Massachusetts, and now lives in Martinsville, Virginia. It was his move to the South that stirred his imagination and gave him the courage to start writing. During his free time, Josh enjoys reading, jogging, swimming, and watching YouTube videos.

Josh currently works as a medical driver, shuttling people all over Virginia and North Carolina. He has also worked as a machinist, film sales rep, admin. assistant, and telemarketer (he apologizes if he called you).

Sia is his debut YA novel.

BOOK NERD TOURS PRESENTS: Dead Girls Don't Lie Trailer Reveal & Giveaway by Jennifer Shaw Wolf

I am so ridiculously excited and super thrilled to be bringing you a trailer reveal for Jennifer Shaw Wolf's sophomore novel, Dead Girls Don't Lie. Guys, I cannot wait to read this book. I have an eGalley of it that I got from Netgalley definitely in my tbr for this month. I thought her debut novel, Breaking Beautiful, was absolutely heart wrenching gorgeous and tragic. So, when I saw the opportunity to be a part of the "trailer reveal" for Dead Girls Don't Lie, I absolutely jumped at the chance!

Thanks to Book Nerd Tours and Jennifer Shaw Wolf, here's a look at the trailer now...

Okay, so how amazing was that trailer guys?! It has definitely made me want to read the book even more. I am thrilled with the feel of suspense, mystery, and romance already. So let's find out more...

Dead Girls Don't Lie

Jennifer Shaw Wolf

YA Contemporary 

Release Date: September 17, 2013

Purchase: Amazon | B&N | Indiebound

Rachel died at two a.m . . . Three hours after Skyler kissed me for the first time. Forty-five minutes after she sent me her last text. 

Jaycee and Rachel were best friends. But that was before. . .before that terrible night at the old house. Before Rachel shut Jaycee out. Before Jaycee chose Skyler over Rachel. Then Rachel is found dead. The police blame a growing gang problem in their small town, but Jaycee is sure it has to do with that night at the old house. Rachel’s text is the first clue—starting Jaycee on a search that leads to a shocking secret. Rachel’s death was no random crime, and Jaycee must figure out who to trust before she can expose the truth.

In the follow-up to her powerful debut, Jennifer Shaw Wolf keeps readers on their toes in another dark, romantic story of murder and secrets.

And if that isn't enough, then there is an amazing giveaway that's going on in honor of the "trailer reveal" for Dead Girls Don't Lie. You must be must be 13+ to enter and shipping of physical Items in US Only. Just fill out the Rafflecopter below and you're all set. :)

Also, don't forget to check out the other tour stops along the way!

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About the Author

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Jennifer Shaw Wolf grew up on a farm in the tiny town of St. Anthony, Idaho. She spent cold Idaho mornings milking cows in the dark and attended a school where Hunter’s Education was part of the sixth grade curriculum. She’s always been a writer, whether it was sewing together books to read to her little brothers or starting an underground newspaper in sixth grade. She met the love of her life at Ricks College, (now BYU Idaho), after he dropped her on her head. She graduated from Ricks and then Brigham Young University, Provo with a degree in Broadcast Communications. Now she lives in beautiful, green, (rainy) Lacey, Washington with her husband and four kids. She loves to produce videos, ski, ride horses, and read, but really all she has time for is chasing kids and writing.