Tuesday 28 February 2017

Book Review of The Hauntings of Cold Creek Hollow (Haunted Series Book 1) by Alexie Aaron



Book Title: The Hauntings of Cold Creek Hollow
Genre: Supernatural Horror
Pages: 443
Author: Alexie Aaron
Date Published: 6 January 2012

Synopsis:

Little Mia Cooper’s ability to see the dead made her an outcast in her hometown. Several years later, she has finally managed to blend in, but her hard-won peace is threatened by the arrival of a bumbling team of paranormal investigators. Mia is drawn in reluctantly as an advisor on what, at first, seems to be a fairly straightforward case, only to discover that the Hollow has much more in store for her. An ancient evil is rising in Cold Creek Hollow. What begins as a ghost hunt will become a fight for survival.

Review:


The Hauntings of Cold Creek HollowThe Hauntings of Cold Creek Hollow by Alexie Aaron
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Haunted Series. I really enjoyed it.

Mia Cooper is a likable character. She has been able to see ghosts since being a child. However, her ability has left her a bit of a pariah and loner. When a ghostly sighting leads to a group of paranormal investigators visiting Cold Creek Hollow, she finds herself involved in a race against a malevolent and ancient evil that threatens the residents.

I actually purchased this book when I first bought my Kindle way back in 2012. Unfortunately, due to my large reading list, I haven't been able to read this book until recently. I am kicking myself for not reading it sooner.

I started to read the book and quickly became intrigued. I found myself completely riveted by the story, though I did find some of the characters to be a little under developed. I must admit that I did like Deputy Whitney (Whit to his friends) Martin at first. However, he also can be a thoughtless and chauvinistic jerk and I wanted to slap him on more than one occasion. He and Mia have a history (though not romantic on his part even though Mia had a crush on him - they went to school together). Whit is married to Sherry, who is an aspiring artist who wants to show her work in the Museum of Modern Art. The paranormal investigators are an interesting bunch. They are: Burt Hicks and Mike Dupree, who are the leaders, then there are Amber (presenter), Beth (researcher) and Ted (camera/soundman). Rose Malloy is the town's real estate agent and has a penchant for gossip, which she uses for her own gain. However, I think my favourite character has to be Murphy. He has a sense of humour to match his razor sharp axe. He also happens to be a ghost and can only communicate through mime to Mia, or by using his axe to chop wood.

The story is told through the eyes of several of the characters. This gives the reader an opportunity to see different view points, I must admit that I enjoyed this aspect. This story has a slow-burning undercurrent of suspense to it that completely had me hooked. I wasn't sure where the author was going with this story at first, but as the history of the Hollow and horror of it was uncovered, I found myself feeling sorry for the ghostly inhabitants that were caught up in a vengeful evil. I also found myself turning the pages in a effort to find out what would happen next, as there are several twists and turns that I didn't see coming. I also enjoyed the romance aspect between Mia and Burt and thought they made a lovely couple and were well suited.

I read this book in less than twenty-four hours and, to say it's a four hundred and forty-three page book, that's how engrossing it was. There is mystery, danger, horror and happiness within the pages and it took me on an emotional roller coaster ride from beginning to end. I did think that the explanation the author gave for the vengeful spirit's evil was a little disappointing, and I couldn't feel any emotional attachment to any of the characters apart from Murphy; this made me feel sad. I felt that the ending was a little anti-climatic for me, even though it concluded satisfactorily. Nevertheless, I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series, Ghostly Attachments, when I have the chance.

Alexie Aaron has written a wonderful supernatural horror. I love her fast paced writing style. However, I found the flow a little jerky at times. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will not be my last (I hope).

Due to scenes of a sexual nature (though not explicit), as well as violence and horror, I do not recommend this book to younger readers or those of a nervous disposition. However, I highly recommend this book if you love supernatural or paranormal horror. - Lynn Worton

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About The Author:




Want more information and updates on new novels in progress? www.Alexieaaron.com

After traveling the world, Alexie Aaron, a Midwestern native, returned to her roots where she's been haunting for years. She now lives at the top of the mitt with her husband and family.

Her popular Haunted Series was born from her memories of fleeting shapes rushing around doorways, an heirloom chair that rocked itself, cold feelings of mysterious dread, and warm feelings from the traces of loved ones long gone.

Alexie also writes the Cin Fin-Lathen Mysteries. These mysteries set in England and south Florida combine action and intrigue with a liberal dose of humor.

Come and visit Alexie at www.Alexieaaron.com or Alexie Aaron on Facebook.

ALEXIE AARON's HAUNTED SERIES (in order)

1)The Hauntings of Cold Creek Hollow
2)Ghostly Attachments
3)Sand Trap
Novellas: Eternal Maze 3.1 ~ Homecoming 3.2
4)Darker than Dark
5)The Garden 
6)Puzzle 
7)Old Bones
8) Things that Go Bump in the Night 
9) Something Old
Novellas: Checking Out 9.1 ~ Ice and Steel 9.2)
10) The Middle House: Return to Cold Creek Hollow 
11) Renovation 
12) Mind Fray
13) The Siege
14) Nola 
15) Never Forget 
16) The Old House 
17) Restitution
18) A Rose by Any Other Name 
19) The Long Game 
20) Given Enough Rope

Cid Garrett P.I. Series
1) Cid 
2) coming soon High Court

ALEXIE AARON'S CIN FIN-LATHEN MYSTERIES (in order)

1) Decomposing 
2) Death by Saxophone 
3) Discord 
4) The Wages of Cin
5) Unforgivable Cin: An Opera in Three Acts
Author Links:

Monday 27 February 2017

Book Promo: Bones, Rebel Wayfarers MC #10 by #MariaLisadeMora @MJsBookBlognR

★☆★ ONE WEEK TO GO ★☆★

Bones, Rebel Wayfarers MC #10 by #MariaLisadeMora
Releasing March 6th



#PreOrder NOW!






Raised in a hellhole echoing with the sounds of conflict, Bones most profound childhood memory is of the day he died. Decades later, he has built an empire where he is king. His brothers have his back, and life is good. So good, he doesn’t realize what’s missing until he meets her. Ester seems to be the one woman capable of looking beyond his mask and seeing … him.


 






#RebelWayfarersMC #RWMC #LetsGetBoned #GetBoned #TeamBones



Cover Reveal: Turn Tables by Stacey Rourke @RourkeWrites @agarcia6510



Title: Turn Tables
Author: Stacey Rourke
Genre: Contemporary Romance, RomCom
Expected Release Date: Mar. 14th, 2017
Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR



Blurb: Between private jets, designer labels, and lavish resorts, Tandy Owens should be having the time of her life. Her celebrity author best friend is getting married and all of Hollywood’s elite have turned out for the event. Unfortunately, Tandy’s mood is far from celebratory.

For over a year her heart has been torn between two men: Matthew Cruz, the brilliant, well-educated entrepreneur who makes her feel like a queen, and Mateo, his womanizing musician alter ego, who is known for collecting platinum records, and the panties of his sexual conquests. Matthew assures her that Mateo’s antics are all a show. Even so, with her being the only one to witness his softer side, Tandy begins to wonder which persona is truly the act.

In the sizzling heat of Miami, Tandy reaches the breaking point with their secretive romance, and finds herself asking if a hidden love is truly worth fighting for?





RONE Award Winner for Best YA Paranormal Work of 2012 for Embrace, a Gryphon Series Novel
Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012
Turning Pages Magazine Winner for Best YA book of 2013 & Best Teen Book of 2013

Stacey Rourke is the author of the award winning YA Gryphon Series, the chillingly suspenseful Legends Saga, and the romantic comedy Adapted for Film. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant dogs. She loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction, and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head.
Visit her at www.staceyrourke.com
diaryofasemi-crazyauthor.blogspot.com
Facebook at www.facebook.com/staceyrourkeauthor
or on Twitter or instagram at Rourkewrites.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1OJcVNO


Buy Links:
Adapted for Film: http://amzn.to/2lUincj
Turn Tables (Pre-Order): http://amzn.to/2ldDMZO




 

Tuesday 21 February 2017

Blog Tour: Claimed by Sarah O'Rourke @SarahORourke99

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Claimed by Sarah O’Rourke – Blog Tour

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Instalove! Fire Chief Aiden James often fell in lust, but not in love. That was — until the beautiful new librarian Carolina Mayfair showed up in his small town. The sparks flew and set them both aflame for one magical night, and the resulting inferno changed both of their lives forever.

Caro Mayfair was passionate, committed, and not looking for love at all. She just wanted to use her newly-minted college degree at the small library in the mountain town of Paradise. Little did she know that she was about to meet the man that would set her world on fire!

Erotica, romantica, and all sorts of other stuff!

28K-word standalone novella; can be read as standalone or part of the Passion in Paradise series.

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Click to buy for 99 cents or read for free on KindleUnlimited!

Amazon.com

Amazon UK

Amazon Canada

Amazon Australia

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Aiden had known the second he laid his eyes on that spectacular hourglass figure of hers that he wanted her. Of course he had. A man would have to be dead not to want to spend time between those gorgeous thighs, worshiping at those fantastic breasts while he fucked into what he’d bet was the tightest pussy in creation. Yes, his cock had screamed ‘MINE!’ the moment his gaze settled on her fine little body. But the second she’d turned and he’d seen her exquisite face for the first time… yeah, he’d been done. He’d known that woman would hold him – heart, mind, body, and soul. There’d been no question at all. He was claiming sweet Carolina for his own.


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Reach out to Crazy One and Crazy Two!

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Sarah O’Rourke is actually TWO besties who live three states apart and write at all hours of the day and night! They’ve crazily nicknamed themselves Crazy One and Crazy Two. Born and raised in the southern United States, they are overly attached to their one-click accounts, can’t make it through the day without copious doses of caffeine, and spend way too much time on the phone with each other.

Between them, they have four children and twenty years of marriage…one to a retired super soldier and the other to egomaniac engineer. They hate empty chocolate wrappers and writer’s block, love to talk to readers…and oh, by the way, they write about strong, kick-ass women and hot alpha heroes!

Provided by Sarah O’Rourke Productions

Audio/Book Review of The Healer by Christoph Fischer



Book Title: The Healer
Genre: Medical Thriller
Pages: 198
Audiobook Length: 6 hrs and 48 mins
Author: Christoph Fischer
Date Published: 15 January 2015 (E-Book)
26 May 2016 (Audiobook)

Synopsis:

When advertising executive Erica Whittaker is diagnosed with terminal cancer, western medicine fails her. The only hope left for her to survive is controversial healer Arpan. She locates the man whose touch could heal her but finds he has retired from the limelight and refuses to treat her. Erica, consumed by stage four pancreatic cancer, is desperate and desperate people are no longer logical nor are they willing to take no for an answer. Arpan has retired for good reasons. casting more than the shadow of a doubt over his abilities. So begins a journey that will challenge them both as the past threatens to catch up with him as much as with her. Can he really heal her? Can she trust him with her life? And will they both achieve what they set out to do before running out of time?

Review:


The HealerThe Healer by Christoph Fischer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is an intriguing psychological/medical thriller. I really enjoyed it!

I received a complimentary gift copy of this book in audio format from the author with no expectation of a positive review. This is my honest opinion.

This audiobook is narrated by Georgina Tate. She has a clear reading voice. Unfortunately, I was not keen on her reading style. She read the story in a jerky fashion in my opinion, taking unnecessary breaths in the middle of a sentence where no comma should be, and her pacing was a little too slow for my taste. She also did not modulate her voice or change her tone often, which made some sections rather monotonous. She also didn't even attempt to give the characters different tones or accents. This, in itself is not necessarily a bad thing, as not many people can do accents. Nevertheless, it made me feel a little bored at times and I considered switching over to a different story. However, I persevered right until the end.

Erica Whittaker is an interesting character. She is a woman who has been diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer. After a course of chemo that leaves her feeling extremely ill, she turns in desperation to a faith healer called Arpan, who has retired to the wilds of Wales, in an attempt to cure it.

I found myself intrigued with the storyline, which is told through the eyes of Erica. I also found some of the dialogue a bit clunky and repetitive, especially in the beginning where Erica first meets Arpan and tries to convince him to heal her. Arpan is an interesting character. He has retired from the limelight as a healer after a healing went wrong and his client died, which created a media circus. He is extremely reluctant to heal Erica and it's not until later in the story that one discovers the reason why. He also has an apprentice called Anuge (sorry, not sure of spelling). What got me curious about this situation is that if he's not practicing healing, why did he have an apprentice? Anyway, as the story unfolded, the mystery and suspense surrounding Arpan's apparent retirement comes to light when a drug company comes calling. I must admit there are several twists to this story that I didn't see coming, though I did have suspicions about a few things that I deduced correctly when they were revealed. The ending, however, left me feeling with a blend of surprise and disgust at how an innocent person can have their life ruined by either a potentially deadly mistake or a deliberate scam. The author has left the ending a little vague so a reader can make their own conclusion on this point.

Christoph Fischer is a relatively new author to me in that I've only read some of his short stories in an anthology he contributed to. Nevertheless, I love his writing style and, if I had read this book rather than listened to it, I think I would have enjoyed it better flow-wise. I would definitely read more of his books in the future.

Although there are no scenes of a sexual nature, violence or profane language, I do not recommend this book to younger readers due to the dark subject matter. I do, however, highly recommend this book if you love psychological or medical thrillers. - Lynn Worton

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About The Author:



Christoph Fischer was born in Germany, near the Austrian border, as the son of a Sudeten-German father and a Bavarian mother. Not a full local in the eyes and ears of his peers he developed an ambiguous sense of belonging and home in Bavaria. He moved to Hamburg in pursuit of his studies and to lead a life of literary indulgence. After a few years he moved on to the UK where he now lives in a small town in West Wales. He and his partner have three Labradoodles to complete their family.

Christoph worked for the British Film Institute, in Libraries, Museums and for an airline. ‘
The Luck of The Weissensteiners’ was published in November 2012; 'Sebastian' in May 2013 and 'The Black Eagle Inn' in October 2013 - which completes his 'Three Nations Trilogy'. "Time to Let Go", his first contemporary work was published in May 2014, and “Conditions”, another contemporary novel, in October 2014. The sequel “Conditioned” was published in October 2015. His medical thriller "The Healer" was released in January 2015 and his second thriller “The Gamblers” in June 2015. He published two more historical novels “In Search of a Revolution” in March 2015 and “Ludwika” in December 2015.
His latest novel "The Body In The Snow" is his first cozy mystery.
He has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalisation.

Author Links:

Wednesday 15 February 2017

Book Review of The Survivors (A Jazz Nemesis novel Book 3) by L.M. Smith



Book Title: The Survivors (A Jazz Nemesis Novel Book 3)
Genre: YA Science Fiction / Dystopian
Pages: 537
Author: L.M. Smith
Date Published: 1 August 2015

Synopsis:

Abandoned by her lover.
Reunited with her father.
Ardently pursued by a man who has vowed to never leave her side.

From within the protective walls of Sanctuary, Jasmine and her friends find themselves numbered among a throng of refugees fleeing a world under constant assault from all sides. The horrors of The Maya Virus were just the beginning as nations emboldened by chaos succumb to the temptations of nuclear warfare, religious zealots employ drastic tactics against their rivals, and Mother Nature herself seems determined to destroy all that remains.

As governments crumble and factions unfold, the pressure is on for Jazz to take sides and declare her allegiance, but the rules are unclear and the lines may not be as cleanly drawn as some would have her believe. An ancient secret society disguised as a wealthy corporation creeps comfortably into a position of power; a struggling republic determined to maintain some semblance of normalcy clings to what little control it has left; a faithful crowd amasses to worship a newly emerged and powerful figurehead of myth and legend; an unlikely army forms in obscurity, it’s awesome power hidden from all who would seek to destroy it; and then there’s Damien, quite possibly Jasmine’s greatest temptation to date.

The fiercest war mankind has ever known is percolating on the horizon. What would you be willing to sacrifice to be counted among The Survivors?

Review:


The Survivors (A Jazz Nemesis novel Book 3)The Survivors by L.M. Smith
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is the third book in the Jazz Nemesis series. I absolutely LOVED it!

Jasmine Marshall (Jazz to her friends) is an intriguing character. I really liked her when I first met her in The Citizens. Thanks to the experiments done to her (and her friends) in the first book, she has the ability to feel emotions of those around her and has become an empath. Together with the others in her group: Piper (a vampire), Kaori (a teenager with power of telekinesis), Beck (a US Marine inhabited by an angel) and Gabriel (a feisty Scot with the ability to become invisible whom they met in book 2), Jazz finds herself taking shelter in Sanctuary, an underground bunker protecting refugees from the Maya Virus that is devastating the world. There she comes face to face with someone she never thought she would meet again, her father.

I have been wanting to read this book for some time. Unfortunately, due to my large reading list, it's taken me longer than planned to get to read it. I must admit that it's been a while since I read the second book, The Refugees, and some of the original excitement I had for this series has ebbed. However, this is not to say that my enjoyment of this book was diminished, only more tempered.

This is a fast paced, thrilling ride of rollercoaster proportions and has had my heart pounding with dread and excitement in equal measure. The story is so well written it felt like I was actually there, watching it all happen. I found myself turning the pages, just to find out what mysteries would be solved, only to have more questions pop up! This book is told through the eyes of Jazz and Beck. This gives the reader an insight into their thoughts and feelings. This book also has more of a religious aspect to it, what with the mention of Armageddon and Beck's angelic role in it. But, there is also a feeling of an alien invasion (like Independence Day or The Day The Earth Stood Still) with a mysterious artifact from outer space threatening the safety of the world. However, to avoid any spoilers, I'll not say much more. I will say that there are several twists to keep things interesting and a few secrets revealed, though more are still lurking unanswered in the pages. Nevertheless, the author has left me eager to find out what happens next. Although the book doesn't finish on a cliffhanger as such, it concludes in such a way that it sets it up for the next book, which I am now looking forward to reading as soon as possible.

L.M. Smith has written a fantastic psychological thriller that also crosses several other genres, especially paranormal fiction and dystopian fiction. I love her fast paced writing style, and the flow is wonderful. I have added this author to my favourites list, and will read any of her books in the future.

I highly recommend this book if you love psychological thrillers, paranormal fiction, YA dystopian fiction, horror or urban fantasy. - Lynn Worton

View all my reviews

Purchase Links:



               

About The Author:



L.M. Smith is both an avid reader and writer. Her favorite authors include Kim Harrison and Richard Adams. She began writing stories and poetry as a child and has always been fascinated by mythology, various global cultures, and the paranormal.

A self-proclaimed 'desert rat’, she lives near Las Vegas, Nevada with her soul mate, their three dogs, and one very sassy black cat. She is proud to be an alumna of the University of Phoenix and enjoys playing online video games, painting pottery, and binge-watching entire seasons of her favorite TV shows in one day with her sweetheart.

Thanks largely to the encouragement and vivacious faith of her wonderful fans, L.M. has finally allowed herself to hope that she may someday see Jasmine and all of her friends brought to life on the silver screen.

Author Links:

Sunday 12 February 2017

New Cover Reveal & Excerpt: Rarity from the Hollow (A Children's Story for Adults) by Robert Eggleton @roberteggleton1

Today, I am pleased to share with you a new cover for Rarity from the Hollow by Robert Eggleton, as well as an excerpt from the book. Please find them below.



Book Title: Rarity from the Hollow (A Children's Story for Adults)
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 284
Author: Robert Eggleton
Date Re-published: 5 December 2016


Blurb:

Lacy Dawn's father relives the Gulf War, her mother's teeth are rotting out, and her best friend is murdered by the meanest daddy on Earth. Life in the hollow is hard. She has one advantage -- an android was inserted into her life and is working with her to cure her parents. But, he wants something in exchange. It's up to her to save the Universe. Lacy Dawn doesn't mind saving the universe, but her family and friends come first.


Rarity from the Hollow is adult literary science fiction filled with tragedy, comedy and satire. 


Excerpt:

Excerpt from Chapter 10, “One Moment, Please”

Scene Prologue: In this scene, Lacy Dawn stands up to her abusive father for the first time. Dwayne is a disabled Gulf War Vet who suffers from PTSD, night terrors and anger outbursts. Her mother, Jenny, is downtrodden and weak-willed. Lacy Dawn has just returned home from the android’s spaceship. At this point, her powers were evident but not fully matured. She had been negotiating extraterrestrial assistance to cure her parents of their mental disorders, but rushed home after sensing an emergency there…:  

…Three minutes later, Lacy Dawn stood on the back porch. She was keen to hear a whisper. The yells could be heard half-way Roundabend. She peeked through the kitchen window.  Her mother was on the floor with her back propped against the gasoline can that hid her GED study guide.  Jenny’s nose bled. 
            “WHAT THE HELL ………GIVES YOU THE RIGHT ………………TO THINK ……….…………….that you can THROW AWAY …something that is MINE?” her father screamed.
            Jenny adjusted her position. So did Lacy Dawn to get a better view through the window.
            “Where’s my SWITCH?”  Dwayne left the kitchen. 
            Lacy Dawn felt for her knife. 
            I hope Mommy runs for it.
            Jenny moved the gasoline can to cover a corner of her study guide that stuck up. Dwayne had put the can in the kitchen two winters ago after he cut firewood.  At the time, snow on the path to the shed had been deep. Jenny didn't complain about the can in the kitchen because it turned into her best place to hide her GED book. It was convenient and the mice stayed away because of the smell. When her GED book was hid behind the refrigerator, it lost a corner to the nibbles. She repositioned her bra so that everything was contained.
            If it's okay with him, I'll take it right here with my arms over my faceGod, I wish I’d worn long pants today. If he finds that book he might kill me. Maybe that'd be better.  I can’t handle anymore anyway. Welfare would take Lacy Dawn and put her in a group home. She’d have friends and stuff to do and decent clothes. That’s more than she’s got now. Who am I kidding? I’ll never get my GED or learn to drive. I’d be better off dead. She'd be better off. I ain’t no kind of decent mom anyway
            Jenny pulled out her GED study guide. Lacy Dawn burst into the kitchen and, at the same time, Dwayne appeared in the opposite doorway from the living room. Lacy Dawn and Dwayne stood face to face.
            “She didn’t throw away those magazines, Dwayne. I burnt them all!” Lacy Dawn looked him in the eyes. 
            I’ve never called him Dwayne before.    
            “Well, here’s my switch, little girl, and you can kiss your white ass goodbye because it’s gonna be red in a minute.”
            “I told Grandma that you had pictures of naked little girls my age kissing old men like you.”
            “Well, your grandma’s dead and gone now and it don’t make no difference.”
            Dwayne grinned at Jenny and resumed eye contact with Lacy Dawn. Jenny did not move. The GED study guide was in the open. Lacy Dawn straightened her posture. 
            “Not that grandma -- the other one -- your mom. I tore out a page and showed her. She said the Devil must’ve made you have those pictures with naked girls way too young for you to look at. She told me to burn them to help save your soul before it was too late and you ended up in Hell.”
            Dwayne raised the switch to waist level. Lacy Dawn took a step forward. 
            “I was sick of them being in the trunk under my bed anyway. I did what Grandma told me to and now they're gone.”
            “That was my Playboy collection from high school. I bought them when I used to work at the Amoco station before I joined the Army.”
            Dwayne lowered the switch and leaned against the door frame. Jenny sat up straighter and slid her GED study guide back behind the gas can. Lacy Dawn maintained eye contact.    
            He's starting to lose it. Where’s my new butcher knife?
            Dwayne looked to the side and muttered something that she did not understand. He raised the switch and then lowered it.   
            “But, Mom knew I had them when I was in high school and never said nothing. Hell, those girls were older than me back then. I bet they’re all wrinkled now -- with tits pointing straight to the ground, false teeth, and fat asses.” 
            Dwayne muttered again. Lacy Dawn maintained eye contact. 
            I must have hit a nerve. He always mutters when he's thinking too hard.  
            “Anyway, you’re both still getting switched even if Mom told you to do it. But, I won’t make it too bad. She wouldn’t like it.”
            He paused.  The point of the switch lowered to the floor.
            Damn.  I can't think of a new name
            "Tammy, bammy, bo mammy…" Dwayne sang. (Dwayne named all of the switched that he used on Lacy Dawn and Jenny to discipline them.)
            “If you even touch me or Mommy with that thing, I’ll tell everybody about Tom’s garden. (Tom is a neighbor who grows marijuana.) I’ll tell Grandma, the mailman, my teacher after school starts, and the food stamp woman when she comes next week for our home visit. I’ll tell Tom that I’m gonna tell the men working on the road at the top of the hill. I’ll tell all your friends when they come by after the harvest. And, I’ll call that judge who put you in jail for a day for drunk driving if Grandpa will let me use the phone. I swear I’ll tell everybody.”
            “Oh shit," Dwayne said.
            I knew this day would come -- ever since she brought me those DARE to Keep Kids off Drugs stickers to cover up the rust holes on my truck….
            “Lacy Dawn, drugs are bad. I don’t take drugs and hope you never will either.”
            “Cut the crap, Dwayne. This ain't about drugs. The only thing this is about is if you even think about switching me or Mommy, that garden has had it -- period.”
            “But smoking pot is not the same as taking drugs,” he let go of the switch. Thirty seconds later, Lacy Dawn picked it up and hung it in its proper place on her parents’ bedroom wall.
            “I love you, Daddy,” she said on the way back to the kitchen.
            Dwayne went out the back door and walked to his pick-up. The truck door slammed. It started, gravel crushed, and the muffler rumbled. He floored it up the hollow road.
            Things will be forever different
            Lacy Dawn sat down on a kitchen chair, did her deep breathing exercise, smelled an underarm and said, "Yuck."
            Things will be forever the same unless DotCom can help me change them. (DotCom is the name of the android, a recurring pun in the story.)
            Jenny got off the floor, sat on the other chair, scooted it closer beside her daughter, put an arm around her, and kissed the side of Lacy Dawn's head.
            The muffler rumbled to nonexistence.
            “Asshole,” they screamed out the open kitchen window at the exact same time without cue.
            “He used to be a good man,” Jenny giggled and hugged…. (This phrase is an intergenerational familial saying that Lacy Dawn turned into a chant and used to magically elevate above the ground, and to travel back and forth between her home and the spaceship without getting her tennis shoes muddy.)                                                            

Excerpts of Two Book Reviews – Gold Medal Awards

Awesome Indies:
“…a hillbilly version of Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, only instead of the earth being destroyed to make way for a hyperspace bypass, Lacy Dawn must…The author has managed to do what I would have thought impossible; taken serious subjects like poverty, ignorance, abuse, and written about them with tongue-in-cheek humor without trivializing them…Eggleton sucks you into the Hollow, dunks you in the creek, rolls you in the mud, and splays you in the sun to dry off. Tucked between the folds of humor are some profound observations on human nature and modern society that you have to read to appreciate…it’s a funny book that most sci-fi fans will thoroughly enjoy.





Readers’ Favorite:

“…Full of cranky characters and crazy situations, Rarity From the Hollow sneaks up you and, before you know it, you are either laughing like crazy or crying in despair, but the one thing you won’t be is unmoved… Robert Eggleton is a brilliant writer whose work is better read on several levels. I appreciated this story on all of them.”




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About The Author:



I recently retired after 52 years of contributions into the U.S. Social Security fund so that I could write and promote my fiction. I’m a former mental health psychotherapist in West Virginia. But, after coming home drained from working with child abuse victims, I didn't have the energy left to begin its self-promotion. Author proceeds have been donated to a child abuse prevention program in my home state. http://www.childhswv.org/ A listing of services that are supported can be found here: http://mountainrhinestones.blogspot.com/2015/06/review-giveaway-rarity-from-hollow-by.html.  



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The Press: Dog Horn Publishing is a traditional small press located in Leeds. Adam Lowe is the owner. http://www.doghornpublishing.com/wordpress/books/rarity-from-the-hollow  The press also showcases other semi avant garde titles and publishes a popular magazine for the GLBTQ community (Vada).  

Friday 10 February 2017

Audio/Book Review of Fire Country (The Country Saga Book 1) by David Estes


Book Title: Fire Country (The Country Saga Book 1)
Genre: YA Dystopian
Pages: 402
Audiobook Length: 12 hrs and 7 mins
Author: David Estes
Date Published: 12 January 2014 (E-Book)
27 September 2016 (Audiobook)

Synopsis:

In a changed world where the sky bleeds red, winter is hotter than hell and full of sandstorms, and summer's even hotter with raging fires that roam the desert-like country, the Heaters manage to survive, barely.

Due to toxic air, life expectancies are so low the only way the tribe can survive is by forcing women to procreate when they turn sixteen and every three years thereafter. It is their duty as Bearers.

Fifteen-year-old Siena is a Youngling, soon to be a Bearer, when she starts hearing rumors of another tribe of all women, called the Wild Ones. They are known to kidnap Youngling girls before the Call, the ceremony in which Bearers are given a husband with whom to bear children with.

As the desert sands run out on her life's hourglass, Siena must uncover the truth about the Wild Ones while untangling the web of lies and deceit her father has masterfully spun.

Review:


Fire Country (The Country Saga, #1)Fire Country by David Estes
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Review 6*

I originally received a copy of this book in 2013 from the author in return for an honest review, which I duly posted. However, I am now editing my review to incorporate listening to it in audiobook format, which I purchased through Audible UK.

This audiobook is narrated by Khristine Hvam. I must admit that when I heard her narration I thought to myself, 'This doesn't sound like the Siena in my head as I pictured her.' However, as I listened to her speak, I realised that her voice is perfect for Siena's character. She brings a charm and warmth to the story. She also gives each character their own voice and accent, which brings them to life. Her diction is clear and precise and easy to listen to. I would definitely consider listening to more books narrated by her.

My original review:

OMG! This is a fantastically brutal dystopian novel. I LOVED IT!

Siena is a fantastic character! She is a young lady that I greatly admire. Her determination, independence and grit astounded me. As her sixteenth birthday looms, she has to make a decision that will change her life.

As I started reading this book, I was completely pulled in to a world that has been devastated by a disaster of biblical proportions. The Heaters are a tribe living in the most unforgiving conditions I have ever encountered in the pages of a book, but somehow, they manage to survive. Raging sandstorms, fires and unrelenting heat would sap the energy out of anyone, but these people have gained my respect with their ingenuity and sheer determination. I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat more than once, as the story unraveled. I also found myself on a rollercoaster of swinging emotions; from disbelief, anger, sadness, happiness, disgust, joy, a few other mixed ones and back again! However, it is their laws that I found myself railing against. The one where they have to force girls of sixteen to procreate for their survival. I can understand the need to survive as a tribe, but it's the way they go about it that made my stomach clench! I wanted to shout "perverts", but as they are fictional characters, they wouldn't hear me! However, there are some really likable characters that redeemed the tribe in my eyes. These are Siena's friends: Circ and Veena. Circ is one of her closest friends and a wonderful character. He is a Hunter and the same age as Siena. Veena is a year older than Siena, and has already had a baby. Her attempts to get her no-good Call (mate) to take care of the baby made me giggle! This book is peppered with a whole slew of tribal slang, but it reminded me of some words I could picture the Australians saying (no offence to the Australians, I love their slang!). There are also a fair few twists and turns in this book that kept me hooked from the first page to the last! I am now looking forward to reading the next book in the series!

David Estes has written a fantastic dystopian novel that has turned me into a huge fan! I love his writing style, which is fast paced and extremely fluid! His characters came alive, and the descriptions of the environs left me breathless! I am looking forward to reading more of his books in the future.

I highly recommend this book if you love YA or Dystopian genres. - Lynn Worton

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About The Author:



Get the David Estes Starter Library (FOUR books!) for FREE when you sign up for his mailing list: http://s.privy.com/65XyQ6g

David Estes has written more than 20 YA and Children's science fiction and fantasy books. He has a love of dancing and singing (but only when no one is looking or listening), is a mad-skilled ping-pong player, an obsessive Goodreads group member, and prefers writing at the swimming pool to writing at a table. He loves chatting with his readers, all of whom he considers to be his friends. David lives in Hawaii with his beautiful Aussie wife, Adele, his asthmatic cat, Bailey, and his rambunctious son, Beau.

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