Books I like #15

Here are some of the books I like.

The Messenger by Lois Lowry. Oh well, I read them out of order. Read this one, then saw the "The Giver" movie, and just swooped up the second book. Yeah, a scrambled mess I made of my reading experience. But the nice thing is they hold up just fine out of order. So... Onward to "Son." This series is geared toward middle school; all are fast, but entertaining, reads.

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. Yes, there's a pattern here. I like to squeeze in books before I see their movie adaptations or immediately afterward. Gone Girl did not disappoint. I LOVED this book, and the movie. As a writer I strive to plot like this. A writer who can keep me guessing until the end, who can throw curveballs and surprises, has my devotion forever. I swooped up her other books so...

Dark Places by Gillian Flynn. Just...Amazing! This book is so brutal and yet, so real. It's MC makes no apologies. Gusty prose. This one also kept me guessing; I only had it half-figured out. Several weeks later, I'm still thinking about Libby Day and all the other characters.

Enjoy!

Howling Heart blitz!

The Howling Heart Blitz features the new book

 by April Bostic on "Dey for Love!" ‬ Check it out! :)

MORE HERE!

I love finding new authors. 
--Kara xxooxx

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

Zombies on my Main Site!

You know you like 'em. They moan. They groan. They shuffle off to Buffalo.
Zombies. Check out Clive Riddle's book, "The Burning Z."

I have more info on my main site HERE...

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

I talk world building on Rachel Firasek's blog

Psssst... Hey peeps. Just a quick note, I talk World Building and History on Rachel Firasek's blog. One day left to join the giveaway -- one free copy of "Stealing Sky."  Note: The site is 18+
See you there.

Contemplating Alternate Futures in World Building

-Kara xxooxx

Spell Caster Updates

What's new with thee bewitching crew? Orange is IN...

FIRST---Sad zombie! Yes, A sad zombie is featured on the latest Monster Soup page created by Devin Blake. Check it out. Ya know ya want to. ;)

Oh! Yes. I have been waiting for this book for awhile and it is finally here. Thank you Jenn Reese. Mirage (Above World) -- The sequel to Above World. Check it out!

More music to soothe my savage beast and get me writing at my best! Hollan Holmes brings us more ambient sound waves. Phase Shift Check it out and turn it up! 

And remember, wherever and whenever you can--support local! (Katy Budget Books ---> )

If you haven't yet, check out their Facebook pages. Peace out.

https://www.facebook.com/MonsterSoupComic 

https://www.facebook.com/jennreeseauthor 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Hollan-Holmes-Music/366752073334927 

Kara xxooxxoo

Old Books on Kindle

From all corners of the world, authors are getting rights to their back lists and republishing old books as ebooks. Books that have been out of print for decades are finding new life in the digital age. All I can say is...hurray! 

Confession time: I am not one to typically reread books, especially those from my youth (sometimes they don't measure up to what I remember...) because I am a lazy reader. I experienced enough repetition practicing piano scales to last me a lifetime. And while I have no problem revisiting old sitcoms, movies, and comics a half-dozen or more times, I just don't crack open a book more than once. But the rekindling (forgive my pun, or don't...) of old memories, no longer at the expense of trees, if just fine by me. The first day I got my iPad, I downloaded all those old public domain books, from Mark Twain's works to Edgar Rice Burroughs's Barsoomian adventures (yay!) to the Meditations of Emperor of Rome Marcus Aurelius (I lost scalp scratching my head over that one). In regards to the latter, I still don't know if it was intentionally written in riddles or fell victim to a case of bad formatting...

There are some books I missed the first time around, and others that I am sure a new generation of readers would appreciate. So far, a few that I might actually enjoy rereading have not reappeared. 

Wishing for these in ebook format...

The Quest of the Riddle-Master Trilogy by Patricia A. McKillip

The Riddle-Master of Hed

Heir of Sea and Fire

Harpist in the Wind

This is a trilogy that stuck with me over the years. It had a profound effect on me and I remember thinking about the characters and their struggles for month afterward. I would love to revisit it, yet so far, I have only been able to acquire the second book, Heir of Sea and Fire.

Saturday, the Twelfth of October by Norma Fox Mazer

I read this story in grade school and I remember feeling transported to a past civilization right along with the main character, Zan. The book impressed me. Apparently, I'm not the only one who appreciated it, as the hardcover goes for $399. 

Do you have any books you would like to find again as ebooks? Please share. :)

-Kara

Books I Like #12

Since so many of my friends have young children, I'm highlighting some enjoyable children's books again! I especially like reviewing children's books because the artwork is always so amazing. These two are some of the cutest!

The Six Pirates by Lily Lexington. This books has everything a parent could ask for in a story: fun rhyming poetry, clean and crisp illustrations, and a nice story. I think this book will be wonderful for parents who like to read with their children.  It has great opportunities to ask them questions and to practice identification with words, colors, and objects. Not to mention, it also affords them an opportunity to discuss good and bad behaviors. Love the parrot.

Kevin and the Seven Lions by Martin Tiller. Illustrated by Carla Tracy. Martin Tiller has won a special place in my heart for creating this book. What writer or artist wouldn't have adored a teacher like Kevin's? Carla Tracy illustrates Kevin's daydreams superbly. I really like her style.

Check them out! 

-Kara :)

Books I Like #11

Today we are checking out two cute books for kids!

Samantha Loses the Box Turtle

Samantha Loses the Box Turtle by Daisy Griffin. From Daisy Griffin's website: "The Samantha Series of Children's Illustrated Chapter Books are written by Daisy Griffin and Illustrated by Matthew Gauvin. The books are a fun way for children to get to know more about animals while following eight year old Samantha's story."

I've reviewed this book and enjoyed it! I found it cute and educational for kids. What a fun read. And I especially liked the extra facts about turtles--everything I'd wanted to know about them since I was a kid, reading those "Fudge" books by Judy Blume. Parents will find educational questions in the back, for discussion.




Nimpentoad

Nimpentoad -- Story by Henry, Josh, and Harrison Herz, Art by Sean Eddingfield and Bill Maus.

The Niblings are a group of forest creatures who are slight of build. They've been bullied for a very long time, suffering under the cruelty of Goblins and other meanies. Can the Niblings find a safe haven with a giant?

Beautiful artwork and a compelling story. Really, these art pieces drew me in. What a wonderful interpretation of a story that tackles bullying and stresses perseverance  I especially like the note to parents at the back, which talks about positive lessons like teamwork, creativity and manners. Nice!

Check them out!

-Kara :)

Books I Like #10

HUSHED

Hushed by Kelley York. This book might not be for everyone. There is moral ambiguity in this piece, but I found the characters compelling. I understood where they were coming from, even though their actions were often rash and impulsive.

The characters got under my skin and I found myself reflecting back on their decisions days afterward. Not a light romp but worth the read, especially if you like to ponder over poor decisions and angst. It's on my Like List.




REAPER

Reaper (The Riser Saga) by Becca C. Smith. This story takes over where the first left off, and the pace does not slow for one moment, in my humble opinion. I learned more about the character's motivations and backgrounds, how and why they ticked (which is the most compelling thing for me as a reader, right next to character interaction).

Gotta give street cred to an author who makes us empathetic even toward the most deranged characters. Does not disappoint.

Check them out!

-Kara :)

Eleventh Spell Caster on my Website! Jenn Reese!

Happy New Year! I can't think of a more wonderful way to start this year's Spell Caster interviews than with the lovely and talented Jenn Reese.

Multitalented is an understatement! She writes great action romance, fun and engaging books for young adults and kids, and witty short stories and shorts series.  On top of that she studies martial arts and designs covers for ebooks. I suspect that's just the tip of the iceberg. My hunch? She's a renaissance woman, incognito.

It is a pleasure to have her visit my website today!

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 :)