Book Review: The Glass Sphere Sneak Peek

I read the preview of The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano on the Epic Reads Website. Below is my review of the sample.

Title: The Glass Spare by Lauren DeStefano

Publication Date: October 24, 2017

Source: Epic Reads Website

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Book Depository.

Summary on Goodreads: 

A banished princess.
A deadly curse.
A kingdom at war.

Wil Heidle, the only daughter of the king of the world’s wealthiest nation, has grown up in the shadows. Kept hidden from the world in order to serve as a spy for her father—whose obsession with building his empire is causing a war—Wil wants nothing more than to explore the world beyond her kingdom, if only her father would give her the chance.

Until one night Wil is attacked, and she discovers a dangerous secret. Her touch turns people into gemstone. At first Wil is horrified—but as she tests its limits, she’s drawn more and more to the strange and volatile ability. When it leads to tragedy, Wil is forced to face the destructive power within her and finally leave her home to seek the truth and a cure.

But finding the key to her redemption puts her in the path of a cursed prince who has his own ideas for what to do with her power.

With a world on the brink of war and a power of ultimate destruction, can Wil find a way to help the kingdom that’s turned its back on her, or will she betray her past and her family forever? 
Book Review

The main character Wil was born after three previous attempts by her mother to have a girl. Yet from the start it was clear that she was different. The sneak peak gave readers from Prologue to Chapter Two to read for free. I got introduced to the world of The Glass Spare which isn't a happy go lucky one. As the youngest and a princess, Wil's often kept indoors and expected to be a lady. In truth she's anything but and sneaks out for one of her brothers to get ingredients for weapons he makes both for his own pleasure and at the order of the father. A wealthy king only desiring more power and places to rule. Even the poor are left to suffer as resources are more geared towards acquiring wealth than taking care of all the citizens.

This early Wil's secret power's not introduced but I got an idea of how complicated Wil's life is the desire to travel versus pleasing her family. Even one of her older brothers Owen had to return from traveling because he's to be married to create or strengthen an alliance. I think this story is definitely worth reading and I'd recommend it to current fans of Lauren and fantasy lovers alike.

But there was one problematic feature I didn't enjoy. There are some references to dark versus fair that I found troubling to offensive. I understand that dark can be used to represent darkness. But when you use dark eyes and features versus blue eyes and fair features to describe looks and family relationship from a good versus evil perspective. I think that can open a can of worms. I know fair hair and blue eyes have been used to typify innocence but it felt somewhat that dark references to people were being demonized. Writers need to be careful that these references don't implant hurtful thoughts in readers. I'm certain white as a ghost is not the same as a blonde white she-devil. It's all about the details and besides this blemish, I do want to read the book.

Thanks for stopping by.

Waiting on Wednesday: Children of Blood and Bone

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event spotlighting upcoming books we're excited about. Formerly hosted by Breaking the Spine until her site went quiet. The meme is still followed today by dedicated bloggers who have a need to share their anticipation of upcoming reads.

Well, I have to say I have a soft spot for this upcoming book. There has been a burst of diverse books hitting the publishing arena and I'm here for it. Tomi's a dear who I've had the honor to chat with on Twitter. She's so fun and honest which means that her book will tear through you as we writers/authors go for the jugular with our books. I mean....well the story matters most and who knows what can happen? Anyway take a look at the jaw-dropping cover and read on to see if you'll be adding this to your bookshelf?

Title: Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi

Release Date: March 6, 2018

Pre-Order: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Summary on Goodreads: Zélie Adebola remembers when the soil of Orïsha hummed with magic. Burners ignited flames, Tiders beckoned waves, and Zelie’s Reaper mother summoned forth souls. 

But everything changed the night magic disappeared. Under the orders of a ruthless king, maji were targeted and killed, leaving Zélie without a mother and her people without hope.

Now, Zélie has one chance to bring back magic and strike against the monarchy. With the help of a rogue princess, Zélie must outwit and outrun the crown prince, who is hell-bent on eradicating magic for good. 

Danger lurks in Orïsha, where snow leoponaires prowl and vengeful spirits wait in the waters. Yet the greatest danger may be Zélie herself as she struggles to control her powers—and her growing feelings for the enemy.

So I can't wait to get my hands on this book. How about you?

Black Panther Trailer Review

This morning I decided to post about Netflix. Then the Black Panther Trailer dropped and do I need to explain?

I first watched it with one of my favourite Youtubers, Grace Randolph. I often watch her reaction videos and it's clear she also enjoyed it.





Of course, I had to also watch the trailer for myself. No question, this new trailer is stellar folks. My superhero love and black pride are on overdrive.

Link until I can ger reaction up. Darn it!


So I went to check up on more reactions. Sadly most my Youtube go tos didn't have reactions up yet. Especially to the black entertainment YouTubers, shame on you. Five minutes after Thor: Ragnarok drops something, you're there. Black Panther's upcoming movie aint nothing new, stay on top of your shit. Thankfully another Youtuber of colour was ready to react and he even broke his umbrella running to the office. That's dedication! Now you can watch Akasan channel reaction.

(Reaction won't upload. Click highlighted sentence above until I can fix this error and update)


Black Panther Trailer Review

Perfection. I know that's a lot of praise but this trailer had everything. It started with those beautiful waterfalls we saw in the last trailer then the flying ships came and you got to see amazing technology and everything else fell into place. The actors are on point, the scenes are all engaging and rewatchable, stunning visuals to compete with any superhero or sci-fi movie out there. Even Grace Randolph said "Avatar, eat your heart out". Black Panther's played by a smart charismatic actor who fits the role like a glove. The villains aren't playing and when someone wants your crown and kingdom, being nice goes out with the bath water. If you enjoyed that Captain America: Winter War trailer scene when Black Panther popped up. This trailer flips that upside down and builds a whole never pyramid of amazing.

So in short new Black Panther Trailer is Lit. Watch it, rewatch it, share it and heaven sakes go see the movie February 2018. I love it as a superhero trailer and beyond excited to see a black superhero movie that looks ready to stand toe to toe with Avengers and other top superhero movies. Don't mess this up, Marvel! Epic trailers better equal the same movie. Though so far, I'm convinced it will. Thanks for stopping by and let me know what you think of the trailer.

Book Daddy Wanted

Who wouldn't want a little help buying up those books in your TBR? Enjoy the weekend.

Waiting on Wednesday: Batman: Nightwalker

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly event spotlighting upcoming books we're excited about. Formerly hosted by Breaking the Spine until her site went quiet. The meme is still followed today by dedicated bloggers who have a need to share their anticipation of upcoming reads.

There's no doubt that in many countries Halloween fever is in the air. Jamaica doesn't celebrate Halloween as heavily as others but there are festivities around the exact date or week of. I personally think it's great and hope to one day don a costume and go do some real fun. Until then let's look at a book with a character whose future will make every day seem like Halloween.

Title: Batman: Nightwalker by Marie Lu (DC Icons #2)

Release Date: January 2, 2018

Pre-Order: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, The Book Depository

Summary on Goodreads: Before he was Batman, he was Bruce Wayne. A reckless boy willing to break the rules for a girl who may be his worst enemy.

The Nightwalkers are terrorizing Gotham City, and Bruce Wayne is next on their list.

One by one, the city's elites are being executed as their mansions' security systems turn against them, trapping them like prey. Meanwhile, Bruce is turning eighteen and about to inherit his family's fortune, not to mention the keys to Wayne Enterprises and all the tech gadgetry his heart could ever desire. But after a run-in with the police, he's forced to do community service at Arkham Asylum, the infamous prison that holds the city's most brutal criminals.

Madeleine Wallace is a brilliant killer . . . and Bruce's only hope.

In Arkham, Bruce meets Madeleine, a brilliant girl with ties to the Nightwalkers. What is she hiding? And why will she speak only to Bruce? Madeleine is the mystery Bruce must unravel. But is he getting her to divulge her secrets, or is he feeding her the information she needs to bring Gotham City to its knees? Bruce will walk the dark line between trust and betrayal as the Nightwalkers circle closer.

So what do you think? Personally, I'm excited to see what YA authors do with these updated stories about popular DC heroes and villains. Catwoman's supposed to be Icon #3. Of course, my favourite hero is Batman so I'm here for Batman: Nightwalker. Wow me, Marie Lu. Thanks for stopping by and is there an upcoming book that you're excited about?

Getting Personal: Blog Revamp

Hello everyone, this post has been overdue. My blog has been going through changes and it's time I do a post explaining my plans for the future. So let's go.

1. Turning the blog into a review blog. This has already been underway. But thanks to life and health issues, I've slowed down on this. Hope to have things regularly by early 2018.

2. Making the blog more appropriate for teens. Since I plan to write young adult it would be nice to have more teens visiting my online sites.

3. Post more personal things on my Author site. I don't plan to overflow it with none author related content. But I will be moving Getting Personal over there instead. So yes this is also the last post on this blog. Ironic change, no?

4. Finding the spare change to pay for a full blog makeover. Not sure when I can do this but I've seen other blogs for teens get better viewing and more members with better backgrounds. Right now what I have is really drab and plain.

5. Less blogging. I know, but with my fatigue and working both freelance and self-publishing, something has to give.  This does not include being active on social media and writing my manuscripts to one day send to an agent. My time is limited and I have to prioritize what's important.

Well that's it for me today. Sorry about no post last Friday. Should be able to post this Wednesday and Friday without a problem. Fingers crossed and have a great day.

WIP Wednesdays #1 and IWSG: Thanks and Goodbye

I was inspired to join this by Katherine Locke and Kosoko Jackson posts on this subject. I think Katherine Locke came up with WIP Wednesdays (this version). Correct me if I'm wrong, saw that on Kosoko's blog. So I'll be sharing the latest on my WIP.

P.S.: I purchased Katherine Locke's book The Girl with the Red Balloon. It's waiting on my kindle.

Well I have been working on better streamlining my WIPs. Been jumping from different ones and need to buckle down. I plan to release my Dystpoian YA series The Sacrifice Series next July and also start sending my Princess Fantasy YA to agents in 2018. Going both the self-publishing and agent route for my potential traditional publishing journey in the future is a lot of work. So dancing around with my WIPs needs to stop.

What am I working On?

Right now I want to get the ideas and basic plotlines down for a Fantasy Fairytale Retelling Series. Yes I know that's all the rage right now with many authors. But each who broke through had a way of telling the stories that brought in readers. I think this series has that potential.I have mentioned it on my blog before. But back then I had planned to release it as a novella series. Now, however, I'd love to use it as a potential future series.

So I'm working on a fantasy series that will take various fairytales and tell them in a different light. Like the Mermaid being transsexual, Hansel and Gretel are cannibals, Peter Pan's a Death Dealer, Twelve Dancing Vampires and so on. I'd like each to be its own novel instead of just a compilation of stories. When I get this off the ground, I plan to write the books for young adult.

What makes this different?

Unlike most of my retelling ideas, this one is a series not a stand-alone.

How far into it are you?

It's in the idea stages. Especially since I decided to scrap the novella idea. I have to work from scratch to create enough story to fill a book around 70,000 to 80,000 words at least.

What's the Biggest Challenge?

Arranging everything. I don't plan to pantser through this one and that's a first for me.

What am I Proud of?

Finally finding my footing with this idea. I truly believe I'm creating this series as it was meant to be.

What's Next?

Outlining, setting everything up and then starting my first draft. Wish me luck! I'm doing the mermaid story first and I'm excited about everything. Even fantasizing about the potential cover one day. I'm in deep folks and loving it.

That's it for this segment. How did I do? Are you working on a WIP as well?

IWSG: Thanks and Goodbye

IWSG is hosted by Alex Cavanagh and his regular cast of lovely co-hosts.

Today is both a great and sad day. Like I said in the past I plan to revamp this blog. Next week Monday I'll go into more details in my upcoming Getting Personal post. But today one of these changes has come to fruition. I will no longer be taking part in the Insecure Writer's Support Group monthly posts. After this week whoever is in charge of the list is free to remove my blog as I will not be posting after this month. This was a long thought out decision and I hope you will understand.

When I started taking part I was greener in blogging compared to now. I made friends and learned from others through these monthly posts. But as times changed so have I and I think it's time to leave IWSG behind. My blog will be taking a different direction. I am grateful for all the great times I had creating posts and interacting with other bloggers. I wish everyone the best as I take this blog in a new direction.

Thanks for all the memories and goodbye IWSG. Take care everyone and I'll post again on Friday.

Monday MishMash: October 2017

Monday Mishmash is a weekly meme created by Kelly Hashway for sharing what's going on in your life and noggin. You just grab a button and post your business...I mean thoughts online. No biggie. Have fun!

1. I swear the flu is stalking me. Every time I seem over the hump, I soon get another version. The fatigue isn't helping. Pushing through but also really tired.

2. Mid-October I'll start working with Najla Qamber on the last two covers for The Sacrifice Series. I'm excited to see how it turns out. Loved the first three so far.

3. Working on aligning my WIPs to see which are best to work on right now and what to put down for later. Never easy.

4. Decided that the Fairytale are Stupid series I talked about a while back will not be a novella series. Instead, I want to make it into a book series with each story being a retelling of old Fairytales.

5. Work on my writing goals more. Freelancing (ghostwriting) is eating up a good amount of writing time. I need to better set up my personal writing time since I am an author. Need to get my own stuff done.

6. Spend some me time outside the house. Seriously, it's overdue.

7. Do a post on the blog revamp I'm planning.

Thank you for stopping by. See you on Wednesday. Getting Personal will be up next week.