Book Review: Frenzy by Robert Lettrick

Frenzy by Robert Lettrick
Genre: Horror, YA, MG
Source: Netgalley
Purchase: Amazon Hardcover
Release: April 8, 2014

Summary from Netgalley: Ages 12 and up

14-year-old Heath Lambert is spending his summer at Camp Harmony in the picturesque Cascade Mountain Valley. It's the perfect place to enjoy the soothing calm of nature as he weighs a heavy decision. The camp offers distractions: his friends, Cricket and Dunbar, always up for trouble; his reluctant crush on Emily, one half of the beautiful Em & Em Twins; and hulking bullies Thumper and Floaties, who are determined to make him their punching bag for the summer. But no one rattles Heath like his creepy cabin mate, Will Stringer. Brilliant, cold and calculating, Will views the world as one big chess game, and he's always three moves ahead of everyone else.

Heath soon learns there's a much bigger threat to contend with. Something's wrong with the animals in the surrounding forest. A darkness is spreading, driving them mad with rage. Wolves, bears, mountain lions-even the chipmunks are infected, spurred on in droves by one horrific goal: hunt and kill every human they find.

Heath and a ragtag band of campers are faced with a choice: follow Will's lead and possibly survive, or follow the camp staff and die. But how do you trust a leader when you suspect he's more dangerous than the animals you're running from?

Heath came to Camp Harmony to be surrounded by nature. He's about to get his wish.

Review: Heath goes to Camp Harmony to have a great time in the outdoors but gets more than he bargained for. The book starts with boys in a camp doing typical things including playing games, trickery, arguing over girls and of course bucking into older bullies. When things turn from camp fun into a forest nightmare Heath and a group of of campers have to literally run for their lives as some kind of disease turn even tame animals at the camp into raging beasts. Not to mention the wild animals surrounding them, not even squirrels are safe anymore. Everyone as to rely on one another as they face the elements, crazed creatures and more risky each other. Several campers have secrets including Heath himself. He didn't just come to camp for a good time and Will who is their best hope cares mostly about himself. Not even the cute Em twins are without secrets and Heath's two close friends from camp Cricket and his chunky friend will each prove their worth or danger.

This book is great for fans of horror, nature (or not of if you want to see the dark side), outdoors, camping (or not, hey there's danger and an excuse to stay in) and books from a male's perspective. While recommended for ages 10/12-14 this book can be enjoyed by older teens and even adults who enjoy books from the YA genre. I do and I highly recommend this book.

Rating: 4 Stars

Goal Accomplished

This year my goal for Do You Have Goals? Bloghop (a.k.a. Big Dreams) was to create a new writing genre in fiction. While I haven't taken the world by storm these past few months with AYA (Adults for Young Adults). I have done other things.

1. A website!

Visit: Adults for young Adults

2. A book to start writing

Photo Credit: wintersixfour @ Morguefile

I am loving this mock cover I spruced up.

Blurb: They told us or kids would be better than ever. That teen rebellion was simply an error to correct. Little did we know that tinkering with human behaviour could have dastardly consequences. Teen Error didn't make our kids better, not in the end. Teen Error has become Teen Terror and the adults are the ones who will be corrected next. Permanently.

Sorry folks no date on this one. But I do plan in 2014 to help expand the genre and add lists of books that fit this category including inviting authors and other bloggers to take part. I'm ok with what I've done so far. 2014 will be to work on making it spectacular. Happy Holidays and have a wonderful New Year.

P.S.: No this isn't a new book idea, it was actually made before I even came up with AYA. But it was after AYA I decided it was ready to be written. Still in the outline phase but I'll get there.

50 States of Pray Event and Merry Christmas

The 50 States of Pray event is hosted by the delightful Mark Koopmans. With this event each participant in 100 words shares thoughts of the past or for the future.

Dear Future Me

I hope you work hard to achieve your dreams.
Be kind, loving and never forget the power of prayer.
Forget naysayers, always move forward.
Make new friends and keep the old ones.
Pray more often, be honest with others and yourself.
That this letter to my future self is also what you
reader would like to see more of in yourself.
Happy Holidays!

That's all folks! Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Book Review: The Reflections of Queen Snow White and Celebrating Christmas

The Reflections of Queen Snow White by David Meredith
Genre: Fantasy
Source: E-copy from the author
Purchase: Amazon

Summary: What happens when "happily ever after" has come and gone? 

On the eve of her only daughter, Princess Raven's wedding, an aging Snow White finds it impossible to share in the joyous spirit of the occasion. The ceremony itself promises to be the most glamorous social event of the decade. Snow White’s castle has been meticulously scrubbed, polished and opulently decorated for the celebration. It is already nearly bursting with jubilant guests and merry well-wishers. Prince Edel, Raven's fiancé, is a fine man from a neighboring kingdom and Snow White's own domain is prosperous and at peace. Things could not be better, in fact, except for one thing: 

The king is dead. 

The queen has been in a moribund state of hopeless depression for over a year with no end in sight. It is only when, in a fit of bitter despair, she seeks solitude in the vastness of her own sprawling castle and climbs a long disused and forgotten tower stair that she comes face to face with herself in the very same magic mirror used by her stepmother of old. 

It promises her respite in its shimmering depths, but can Snow White trust a device that was so precious to a woman who sought to cause her such irreparable harm? Can she confront the demons of her own difficult past to discover a better future for herself and her family? And finally, can she release her soul-crushing grief and suffocating loneliness to once again discover what "happily ever after" really means? 

Only time will tell as she wrestles with her past and is forced to confront The Reflections of Queen Snow White. 

Book Review: I love authors and fairy tale retelling. So when David contacted me with a request that I review his book after finding my blog, I decided to accept. Am I glad I did. David not only retells the story of Snow White after her happily ever after but takes a new look at her past. While there is happiness over the upcoming wedding of her daughter, Snow White is mourning the loss of Prince Charming and wondering if she was ever worthy, strong or special. Then she finds the mirror her terrible stepmother used and is taken on a journey through her past reflections of herself and is given the chance to see through her grief and maybe rediscover happiness. If not the crushing grief just might destroy her.

David is a master at flashbacks which is the substance of this story. But instead of just taking us all over the place or filling space these reflections take on a journey to see how David interprets Snow White's journey through all the good and the bad. Readers get to see the beauty in both happiness and tragedy and we get to decide for ourselves if happily ever after is just a perfect ending or won well fought for and deserved. Also the mirror is given new life and a much more pivotal role, making Snow White see herself as more than just an aging queen. Will Snow White find happiness again? What of the kingdom and the wedding? You will just have to get a copy of the book to find out. I highly recommend this read to everyone especially over the holidays when one of things we do is reflect about the year and look forward to a bright future.

Rating: 4.5 Stars

Links: Website, Facebook, Goodreads, Amazon

For my last post in this meme before 2014 I just want to celebrate another christmas, surviving another year, all of you guys and your support and love. Celebrate all the good things, learn from the bad and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Getting Personal: Goal Fail and 2014

In February in posted Goals for 2013 Revamped and planned to accomplish as many of them as possible. Now 2013 is almost over and all I really managed to accomplish was goal #9 which was to take my marketing and promoting of my books more seriously. I believe I did a good job at at along with the help of Courtney who assisted me from the marketing package I had one. Even though I got sick and had to delay the book, I received honest sage advice that will help me for all things I market. Thank you Courtney.

Am I disappointed I didn't accomplish more goals. Yes. Do I feel bad. Oddly not really. Earlier in the year I did have the downs as I realized I was definitely going to accomplish as much as I'd planned. But now I know I did accomplish some things that weren't even on the list. I got Briar's Dilemma off the ground without it being on the list, I'm working on a new genre AYA, and I have a secret project that popped up on the tail end of Nano 2013. Even though I didn't publish any books this year I do have a smashing book cover for Sacrifice HER. There are things I did without a list and I learned from my failures.

What I want to say is that failure comes with lessons and what you learn prepares you to do better next time. For 2014 I don't plan to have a goal list but I will always have goals. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I do plan to post through the holidays minus Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Book News: The Sacrifice Series

I have officially set the date of Sacrifice HER as March 17, 2014. Deadly Luxury will be out May/June 2014 and the others will range from Summer/Fall release dates. But I'm also excited to say that Sacrifice Her will be getting a bit of a re-do.

The image of the female will still be there but I have to change the smoke because of a mix up that's a misuse on my part and I want to add to the title that this novella is book one in The Sacrifice Series. I plan to set the re-reveal as the same day as the cover reveal for Deadly Luxury.

Yes it is time again for another spectacular talk of an upcoming book by me, Tessan Chin. Kidding, Kidding, but congrats on winning The Voice girl! Jamaica's so proud. Oh and the U.S.A. and so forth...I guess. Serious now. In January I will open sign up for the February Cover Reveal for Deadly Luxury. I am excited about sharing another cover with you guys after all the positive responses I received for the first book. I like the mock cover I chose and believe the official cover will truly depict the fate that the two MC's are facing. I considered putting the sign up now but decided I want to focus on the holidays. Also you can check out my Pinterest Board for the series. And go to The Sacrifice Series Page for more on all the novellas.

Oh I'm so excited and I'm practically bouncing as I write this. Thanks for all the support and I can't for you guys to meet Deidra, Lord Brinn, Jessica and Joseph when my novellas come out. Ahhh! Can you tell I'm excited? Thanks for all your support and Merry Christmas. Happy Holidays my loves.

Stakeout Cover Reveal

Today I'm excited to share the cover for Stakeout by Nikki Jefford. She is the author of the Aurora Sky series and a fun blogger to boot. Xpresso Book Tours is hosting this reveal.

BOOK & AUTHOR INFO:

Stakeout by Nikki Jefford
(Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter #2.5)
Publication date: January 14th 2014
Genres: New Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Synopsis:

Noel Harper got a second chance at life when the government recruited her as an undercover vampire informant. Since the day they brought her back from the good-as-dead, she has wanted to prove herself worthy.

When a member of her investigative unit is murdered, Noel is paired up with a vampire hunter named Dante to spy on a suspect in Fairbanks. The problem? They’re not the only ones on stakeout. Taking down murderous vampires is one thing. Dealing with the past is another. But this time, Noel isn’t letting fear win. She’s calling in help from the other side and learns a shocking secret along the way.

(STAKEOUT is an Aurora Sky: Vampire Hunter novella told from Noel Harper’s POV. Approximately 40,000 words.)

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18269815-stakeout

Purchase Book 1:

--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Aurora-Sky-Vampire-Nikki-Jefford-ebook/dp/B00AEGD5XY/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=

--Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/aurora-sky-nikki-jefford/1113946626?ean=2940044354777

Purchase Book 2:

--Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Northern-Bites-Aurora-Sky-Vampire-ebook/dp/B00E7G0210/ref=la_B00792AE5I_1_6?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1385958949&sr=1-6

--B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/northern-bites-nikki-jefford/1116282396?ean=2940148694861

AUTHOR BIO

Nikki Jefford is a third generation Alaskan who found paradise in the not-so-tropical San Juan Islands (Wash.) where she is once more neighbors with Canada in a town without a single traffic light. She loves fictional bad boys and heroines who kick butt.

When she's not reading, writing, working, or out on a nature walk, she's out riding her Suzuki DRZ400SM.

Author links:
http://www.nikkijefford.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5424286.Nikki_Jefford
https://www.facebook.com/authornikkijefford?ref=ts&fref=ts

https://twitter.com/NikkiJefford

Celebrate the holidays and Express Yourself Meme

This week I celebrate the fact that Christmas is almost here. Also I got another book from my giveaway wins in the mail. I won an e-copy of Switched by Cassie Mae. And I have a special announcement when it comes to The Sacrifice Series next Wednesday. Also I'm happy for two years of blogging and all the wonderful friends I've met along the way. Love you all. Oh and the birth of Jesus, Christmas Day.

Photo Credit: Kaelcarp @ Morguefile

List some thing (s) you look forward to this time of year.

Christmas Time is time to:

Celebrate what you accomplished.

Enjoy some Christmas Cake (not Fruit Cake!)

Be with family and friends

Enjoy holiday movies and specials

Gifts

Celebrate the birth of Jesus

Look forward to the new year

Happy Holidays Everybody!

Book Tour: Copied by S.M. Anderson gets the Spotlight

Today I'm taking part in the Book Tour for Copied by S.M. Anderson. This book is set to draw in young adult fans whether in their teens or adulthood. Now let's hit the spotlight!

Author: S. M. Anderson

Publisher: Curiosity Quills

Release Date: December 11

ISBN-13:
Genre: YA Science Fiction

Target Audience: 14 and up

Distributor: Ingram

Book Blurb:

Adopted off the black market, Alexander
Mitchell, has no idea his DNA is copyrighted and
property of military weapons giant Texacom Defense.
Nor that his DNA is being used to develop an army of clones. When the company
discovers he was not properly disposed of 17 years ago, they send an assassin copy,
BETA23, to terminate Xan and cover it up
After he narrowly escapes BETA23’s first attempt, Xan teams up with Lacey, a
genetically engineered genius he’s surprised to find common ground with— only
they’re awkward together. Half of the time she stares at Xan like the science project
he is and the other half…let’s just say Xan can’t keep his eyes off her lips.
When they manage to capture a company copy by luck and sheer stupidity on
Xan’s part, Lacey is determined to see the good in their prisoner to the point she
believes BETA23 can be persuaded to give them the intelligence they need to keep
the company forever off Xan’s back. Xan’s not sure if he can trust the darker version
of himself, not when it means gambling with the lives of his family and the possibility
of losing Lacey.

Author Biography

S. M. Anderson (Sarah Anderson) was born in
Lima, Peru. She has lived in seven different countries, on
five continents, and speaks a smattering of languages. As
a child and even young adult, writing and reading were
difficult for her, so difficult that she received extra help
outside the classroom and was diagnosed with a learning
disability. However, she always loved stories, especially
ethnic folktales from the countries she lived in. It was the
desire to create stories of her own that fueled her
determination to overcome the challenges that came with
writing. She has a BA in Art Education from BYU, with a
minor in Russian, and a love of power tools. She has a
growing family of three kids and currently lives in Springville, Utah.

Target Audience/Markets

Copied will find a home in the hearts of readers who enjoyed Divergent and the
TV show Heroes. The novel contains enough action to engross male readers with a
romantic subplot that will captivate the fairer sex. Although Copied’’s main target
audience is teenagers the core of the story deals with ethical dilemmas that will trigger
a crossover appeal to more mature readers.

To find out more:

Website: http://www.smandersonfiction.com/

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

Book Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rATMhz7ZMw

Cheersfest 2.0: Lee's Turn

Cheerfest 2.0 is here and hosted by a wonderful set of people. Today Arlee "Lee" Bird is the target oh I mean target of this online little celebration. Now let's get started.

My answer to the holy four questions.

1. Lee wanted to make friends through A-Z, not get roasted. Bummer.

2. More free time than the kind group who decided to hunt him for Cheerfest 2.0. Run Lee!

3. A post by Mr. Bird is meant to be read. You stalkers just stop hiding behind those bushes.

4. If audio only, Morgan Freeman. On film.... Alan Arkin. Hey it's a documentary not the Oscars. But with is cast...

Flash Fiction

A Juggler's Dream

A juggler in a brown coat answered a challenge. Find the bird in the dark room he was instructed. After an hour he came out empty handed.

"I win," he said.

"How?" the challenger demanded.

The juggler flipped him 'the bird'.

Tossing over the money, the challenger left cursing.

The Bonus Round

Caption: A modern photographic rendition of one of Picasso's cubism paintings. Still have no idea what it is even now.

Hope you had fun everyone. I did.

Goodbye Mandela, Creepy Hollow Makeover and Celebrate

Photo Credit: chelle

Let's first have a moment of silence for the loss of Nelson Mandela. He was a great man who gave everything in the name of freedom for all. He will be dearly missed but fondly remembered.

Creepy Hollow Makeover

Pardon me for being a little late to the party. Rachel Morgan's series Creepy Hollow has amazing covers for each volume. But that's not enough for this writer/book cover designer. Now the e-book version will receive new eye grabbing covers while the print version will remain with their beautiful original covers. See the new e-book covers below.

THE FAERIE GUARDIAN
Amazon | Barnes&Noble | iTunes
Protecting humans from dangerous magical creatures is all in a day’s work for a faerie training to be a guardian. Seventeen-year-old Violet Fairdale knows this better than anyone—she’s about to become the best guardian the Guild has seen in years. That is, until a cute human boy who can somehow see through her faerie glamour follows her into the fae realm. Now she’s broken Guild Law, a crime that could lead to her expulsion.

The last thing Vi wants to do is spend any more time with the boy who got her into this mess, but the Guild requires that she return Nate to his home and make him forget everything he’s discovered of the fae realm. Easy, right? Not when you factor in evil faeries, long-lost family members, and inconvenient feelings of the romantic kind. Vi is about to find herself tangled up in a dangerous plot—and it’ll take all her training to get out alive.

THE FAERIE PRINCE
Amazon | Barnes&Noble | iTunes

The magical world is a dangerous one...

THE FAERIE WAR

Amazon | Barnes&Noble | iTunes

The fate of the fae world is in her hands...

A little bit about Rachel ...
Rachel Morgan was born in South Africa where she spent a large portion of her childhood living in a fantasy land of her own making. After completing a degree in genetics, she decided science wasn’t for her—after all, they didn’t approve of made-up facts. These days she spends most of her time creating fictional worlds for young adults. When she isn't writing, she's reading (duh!), catching up on addictive TV series, and baking things that almost always include chocolate.

Celebrate the small things is a weekly meme hosted by Viklit to celebrate the good that happens during the week.

I am celebrating the giveaway win I got this week, the Alaskan goodies I got from Nikki Jefford, life, God and my Secret Project. While it will stay secret, I will share one thing. A song from the playlist. Have a wonderful weekend everyone.

IWSG: Secret Project

What is the Secret Project you ask? Well that's just it. I can't tell you and for this Insecure Writer's Support Group I will leave YOU scratching your heads and wondering. *Evil Laugh* But I will leave you with a clue. A word that once you hear it repeated here as something by me you'll know it's the secret project. Word: Fema. Not the organization. That is all.

Anyway my birthday was last Friday. I have added a few books to my collection including a hard cover. Nanowrimo wasn't a complete bust since I started Briar's Dilemma unlike last year when it was a bust for Bunowrimo. Congrats to all who won this year and those like me who actually got started and have a word count no matter where it is.

This fun monthly meme is hosted by Alex Cavanaugh and we are all delighted that we have somewhere to share our feelings as writers. Thanks Alex!