Blog Tour Fun...

An Uncommon Love Blog Tour, Interview AND Giveaway!

on 

Dey For Love

Check it out!

This sounds like a nice romantic story, by MJ Schiller.

It's on my wish list!!

PLUS MJ is giving away some of her books for free to lucky rafflecopter winners.

CHECK IT OUT HERE...

Books I Like #13

Resenting the Hero by Moira J. Moore
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

What a fun read! Lee is spunky if a little cranky, and Karish is...well, adorably misunderstood. Looking forward to reading the next one!

--Kara

View all my reviews on Goodreads...

Everville: The First Pillar Ebook Giveaway Contest!

Another head's up! On my main site...

Like free books? Like free books that are amazing? Have I got one for you!

Enter a chance to win a free Kindle ebook of Amazon’s #1 international epic fantasy bestseller Everville: The First Pillar. Also, be sure to stay tuned for details on the upcoming second book in the series Everville: The City of Worms, expected to be released in late Summer.

Where? HERE...  ;)

--Kara xxooxx

Big Giveaways on tellerofdestiny.com!

To celebrate the forthcoming release of

The Teller of Destiny™ Series, Book Two: Princes and Fools,

EVERYONE gets a special ToD image AND one lucky person will receive the Teller of Destiny™ White Wanderer Necklace and a signed limited edition print!

It’s easy! Here are your instructions for this giveaway: 

For the limited edition image:

1. Sign up for the Teller of Destiny™ newsletter (from the site tellerofdestiny.com menu).
2. That’s it. The image will be emailed to you.

To be included in the drawing for the necklace and print:

1. Sign up for the Teller of Destiny™ newsletter (from the site tellerofdestiny.com menu).
2. Like A. H. De Carrasco’s fan page on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AHDeCarrasco
3. That’s it. You’ll be entered into the drawing (plus you will get the email image, of course). Note: Your names should match for the newsletter and the fan page so we can make sure you get proper credit for your efforts!

Giveaway ends 06/19/13.  Newsletters go out occasionally to let you know about updates to trivia, new giveaways, and releases. We won’t clog up your email. Promise. 

Care for a Gargoyle? A Gargoyle Book Tour?

Like Gargoyles? Who doesn't? They protect us from mean demons and are kind of cute in cartoon form...


If you find the stony beasts irresistible, check out this new series by Lorraine Beaumont. It shows a lot of promise. And this isn't your typical Gothic cliche. These are interesting characters with fascinating mythologies.


My main site is the first stop on the Gargoyle Book Tour. Stop by, enjoy and let me know what you think! READ MORE HERE…

Book Lover's Buffet. Over 175 books at 99 cents. Big Prizes.

CHECK THESE LOVELIES OUT. ONLY 99 CENTS. OH YEAH!

Learn more here. Entering the contest is easy. Buying the books is even easier. 

http://bookloversbuffetdotcom.wordpress.com/fantasy-horror-scifi-timetravel/

Check it out.

-Kara xx00xx

Twelfth Spell Caster Installment

Chris A. Jackson was a seafaring wanderer soul long before he picked up the pen to write seriously. Stop by the main site to check out how those years have seasoned his life and writing. One of my favorite interviews.  Check it out HERE

Games I like #5

Okay! I've got more fun games to share. These are probably some of the most beautiful games I have played yet, and if you haven't checked out the Drawn series, well I say please do or I may have to set a dalek's plunger on you (Yes, I have just begun to accept Dr. Who into my life. What? Meh...I started out with Torchwood. Tough act to beat!). BTW, Drawn has absolutely nothing to do with Dr. Who really, that I know of but...

Oh well, just look at this picture...

And this one...

How about this one....

And though these are quite lovely--they ain't the half of it.  This is just a peek --not to spoil your gaming  appetites. Actually, I could probably show you the whole darn series here and you wouldn't be satiated--at least that is how I feel. The games are available on iPad, Windows and Mac. To learn more, check out Drawn's Website. 

This series was developed by Big Fish, in house. Check out the creatives -- Big Fish Team here.

Now I must note not everything is painted in shades of teal and orange. Every scene is a unique experience of puzzle solving. Perfect for the casual gamer who wants to experience something beautiful.
 --Kara xxooxx

Games I like #4

More to travel with...

Today I am highlighting a couple games I have and one on my wish list. These games were developed by Blue Tea Games and published by Big Fish. Namely, the Dark Parables Series. LOVE this group of games! Blue Tea has taken old fairy tales one step farther and created amazing 'point and click'ers, or in the case of the iPad--tappers. :)

Dark Parables: The Exiled Prince 

This picture comes from Blue Tea Games' website. Check out the site! If you like what you see, also 'Like' their FB Page. They update with some enchanting images.

The Exiled Prince is quite an adventure. In fact, from what I remember, it takes you all over the place. From a forest, to caves, to a city. The Prince has collected his beloved gals, and you are there to save the day. Sort of. I wasn't quite sure what the story line was (jet lag) but I remember wanting to get to the hotel so that I could continue playing. :)

Dark Parables: Curse of Briar Rose

Curse of Briar Rose is one of Blue Tea's older games that has finally come to iPad, but it does not disappoint. Eerie locations surround this Sleeping Beauty quest.

The next game is on my wish list becuase it hasn't reached iPad distribution yet. Bummer. But it is available for PC and Mac, if you're interested. ;)

Dark Parables: Rise of the Snow Queen

 Just Check out the image. Bright colors and paintings that tickle my fingers and eyes. Need I say more? (err... Maybe I've said too much.)

The only thing I wish is that all the Dark Parable games would get to iPad sooner. I hope they do. I am sure they will look amazing on the new iPad.  -Kara :)

Books I Like #9

ON PAR WITH A FAIRY

On Par with a Fairy  by Lyla Bardan 

Really cute love story. Pleasant, innocent. A breath of fresh air. For more details check out my interview of the author, Lyla Bardan on my website. Or click HERE.








RISER

 Riser (Riser Saga) by Becca C. Smith 

Necromancy was never more interesting than in this story. Becca C. Smith has created a believable world where zombies walk among us, animated by a few people with special powers. The main character Chelsan happens to be one of those with the gift.

This book gripped me with its opening line and never let up. And when it was over, I immediately bought the next. On the top list of my favorites. Highly recommended.

Check them out!

-Kara

Books I Like #8

APOCALYPSIS: BOOK 1 (KAHAYATLE)

Apocalypsis: Book 1 (Kahayatle) by Elle Casey-- A Canner? What (or Who) is that? A hungry young person you do NOT want to mess with. In fact, Bryn, the heroine of Apocalypsis, does everything in her power to avoid these bloodthirsty nasties, but she comes to their attention while helping out a young kid named Peter. A journey to safer land ensues, riddled with challenges, heartache, friendship and hope. Her group grows bigger and so does our bond with it. These characters are sympathetic and funny. Again, this was one I could not put down. Loved it.

PARIS BRATS

Paris Brats y Gwen Ellery--The heroine of Paris Brats is Fern, a rather well-off girl living in Paris with her friends. But will Fern's trust in others, including her family, leave her destitute? Fern's heart is golden. I just love this gal: quirky, spunky, and resourceful. And each friend or family member brings unique charm, adding to some great scenes. 

Need a light-hearted laugh? Gwen Ellery delivers.

Check them out!

-Kara

My Tenth Spell Caster is here! :)

My tenth Spell Caster! Woohoo!

Today it is my pleasure to welcome a new writer to my "Spells of Artistry" segment, Lyla Bardan. She writes YA and paranormal romance. Check it out HERE!

Kara :)

Books I Like #7

THE TRIAL OF TOMPA LEE

The Trial of Tompa Lee by Edward Hoornaert. This story gripped me within the first chapter and did not let go until I read the last page. Correction, it still has a hold on me. Hoornaert is an ambitious storyteller and world creator. No word is wasted as he fleshes out his characters, makes the reader care about them, and describes a place with unique customs and brutal justice. Truth and honor reside in the victor, however manipulative and savage. The story kept me on the edge of my seat, invested in the outcome. Would the innocent win against the mighty masses? And at what cost to the victor?





FROST ARCH

Frost Arch by Kate Bloomfield. The first book of Bloomfield's Fire Mage Trilogy takes us on Avalon Redding's exciting journey. A Fire Mage, Avalon runs away from home to Frost Arch, where she hopes to begin a new life and keep her family and its secrets safe. But placing distance between her past and her new life leaves her vulnerable to people who care more about class status than fairness. Frost Arch's lower magic-level inhabitants are treated like peasants, and Humans are treated even worse.

Bloomfield not only clearly explains a complicated magic system, but also adds extra details and symbolism that I noticed on second reading. For example: What would a tree, mentioned at the very beginning of the story, have in common with an animal Avalon adores? Read and find out. One note: some missing words and a Track Changes strike-through, which shows up near the end, might be distracting for some readers, but I believe these appeared as a result of formatting from AU to USA Kindle. Don't let these stop you. The story is wonderful. I loved it and can't wait to start on the next in the series.

A prequel, Raeven Blacklock, is available on her website and scribd.


THE INCREDIBLE ESCAPE OF THE SLY LITTLE FOX

The Incredible Escape of the Sly Little Fox by Lily Lexington. What a name! And what a cute children's story to go with it. Bright pictures and rhyming poetry will entertain your toddler for many years, and teach a nice lesson, too.  Recommended with a smile!







-Kara :)

Books I Like #6

TROLL OR DERBY by Red Tash

Troll or Derby by Red Tash. I love the author's voice in this story. A fun read, with real imagination and fast, witty dialogue. The book is written from the points of view of Roller Deb and Harlow on their first adventure: to save Deb's sister.

THE DISGUSTING CHILD by Christine McMahon

The Disgusting Child by Christine McMahon. Trapped in her parents' mansion,  Lydia is compelled by a strong wish to please her parents, but it seems nothing she does is good enough for Mother and Father.  As she repairs the strange house and comes across magic books and secret spaces, Lydia realizes the small, stormy world she is forced to live in isn't exactly what it appears to be. Jacket Art by Tim Mallos. 

I thoroughly enjoyed this tale. In fact, I read it in one sitting. Couldn't leave it. McMahon took me to a world of geckos and kittens, within enchanted rooms of revelation and danger. Her descriptions are beautifully crafted. I rooted for Lydia, at every challenge.  

MONSTER SOUP COMIC a series by Devin Blake

Last but not least--this noteworthy web-comic! While looking over a Spell Caster's drawing contest,  I came across Monster Soup, a comic by Devin Blake. The artwork is beautiful with clean, elegant lines. The story engages the reader right away. Funny characters, each with his/her own troubled past and agenda. Some language and adult content. Check it out!

-Kara :)

Books I Like #5

The perks of being a wallflower (Stephen Chbosky) -- Perhaps Charlie is one of the most loveable characters I have ever encountered in my reading. He feels geniune. Each mental hurtle he jumps and painful discovery he overcomes strengthens the bond between character and reader. Some sentences are packed with so much intent, I found it best to just set the book aside for a minute and mull them over. Having grown up around the time of this book, I was visiting an old haunt and looking back with better understanding. I am pretty sure there was a Charlie in my high school, and I wish I'd befriended him. High school would have had more meaning, immediately.

Catching Fire (Suzanne Collins) -- Gripping sequel to Hunger Games. Doesn't have the typical sag found in so many trilogies' middle books. By taking time to flesh out characters and introduce us to new ones, Collins has built an excellent bridge to her trilogy's dynamic, emotion-packed  conclusion.

On Dublin Street (Samantha Young) -- Okay this story is HOT. For adults ONLY. If you like steamy scenes and thoughtfully crafted plots that focus on relationships and sex, this is the ticket. Young takes extra time (and pages) to bring us along on Joss's journey, her path back to life after surviving tragedy. The fear, to let someone in, is a primary focus. I liked it and appreciated the patient development of characters--something that is sometimes lacking in the hotter books. Beautiful cover.

Books I Like

Today, I'm pointing out a few YA books I enjoyed reading recently. One is now a major motion picture. The next is a wonderful adventure that I would love to see on the big screen some day. After that is a great new twist on an old fairy-tale.  And the last is a blast from the past (2004) which I love for its wit and memorable characters.  I highly recommend these:

I know. I know. I am late. Everyone is talking about The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.  I learned about this series at our annual Halloween party, two years ago. Many kids were dressed as Hogwarts but, in between magic wand fights, they talked excitedly about a character called Katniss and a book called The Hunger Games. They highly recommended it, and after finally reading it, so do I. Even if you see the movie, read the book! I loved it.

Note: For the more mature audience,  Battle Royale is both a manga and movie. Or so I have heard, but again--sigh--I am a bit behind and haven't seen those yet!

Above World by Jenn Reese is one of the best YA books I have read in the past year. I cannot recommend it more highly. Taking place sometime in the future, this story is about Aluna, a young girl whose people (the Kampii) have adapted to living underwater, in the sea. When Aluna and her best friend Hoku discover the Kampii's breathing devices are failing, they set out on a courageous quest to find a solution and save their families. They must journey to Above World. The worlds within the story are delightful in detail; the characters, lovable. It is a rare gift for the reader when an author takes the time to create such depth within her worlds. It's much appreciated!  Usually, I can guess an ending to a book a chapter in, but this story was so original, I was pleasantly surprised at every turn. I eagerly await the next book and recommend it to many friends, young and 'less' young!

Marissa Meyer delivers. Without a doubt. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. A great variation on the old fairy tale, Cinderella. Cinder is a cyborg. She's a strong, lovable character who faces a tough world with her street smarts and resourceful optimism. It's a world that spares little sympathy for her, but I had plenty of empathy to make up for that. By the end I was reading on the edge of my seat. I still am. Loved this book. Couldn't put it down.

Okay, this is one fun book. Its title says it all, and I can't really add to that. I enjoyed Hunter and Jen's adventure in So Yesterday by Scott Westerfeld and I think you will enjoy it, too.

Published eight years ago, this book is still relevant and, remarkably, very few elements feel dated. The story is a funny social commentary camouflaged within a twisting plot and hidden between some bright, clever characters skating above a 'ticking time bomb' pace.




-Kara