Middle Grade Monday’s: Donna Galanti With Giveaway

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Welcome to this week’s Super Middle Grade Mondays Book Blitz
presented by Tantrum Books/Month9books!

Today, we get up close and personal with

Donna Galanti

author of Joshua and the Lightning Road
from Tantrum Books.

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

 

Donna Galanti

Donna Galanti attended an English school housed in a magical castle, where her wild imagination was held back only by her itchy uniform (bowler hat and tie included!). There she fell in love with the worlds of C.S. Lewis and Roald Dahl, and wrote her first fantasy about Dodo birds, wizards, and a flying ship. She’s lived in other exotic locations, including Hawaii where she served as a U.S. Navy photographer. She now lives with her family and two crazy cats in an old farmhouse, and dreams of returning one day to a castle. Donna is the author of the Joshua and The Lightning Road series (Month9Books) and blogs at Project Mayhem. Visit her at www.donnagalanti.com.

Praise for Joshua and The Lightning Road:
“Vividly imagined characters in a gripping action fantasy that never lets you go until the very last page.” —Jenny Nimmo, New York Times bestselling author of the Charlie Bone series

“Joshua and the Lightning Road is a heart-pounding thrill ride full of unexpected twists and turns from start to finish.”The Midwest Book Review

Watch the Joshua and The Lightning Road book trailer.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

Would You Rather Questions by Donna Galanti

 

Would you rather never be able to speak again or always have to say everything that is on your mind?
Never have to speak again! If others knew all my crazy thoughts, I might not have any friends or family left. Ha ha! At least I could still write. J

 

Would you rather be able to read or be able to read minds (but be illiterate)?
Read, absolutely! To read means to explore other worlds, create movies in your mind, find deeper meaning in life, experience self-awareness, and go through transformations. I would be afraid to read minds to see truly what people are thinking. I definitely do not want to know what goes on in many people’s heads (especially my son’s)! Besides, it’s more fun to imagine what is in other people’s heads and create character stories about them to entertain myself.

 

Would you rather be able to speak fluently every language in the world or be the best in the world at something of your choosing?
Be the best in the world at…playing the violin! I can challenge myself to learn new languages, but I’ve always dreamed of having musical talent – and I adore the violin. Writing and music go hand in hand for me and I want to play and inspire myself, and others.

 

Would you rather read only one book over and over for the rest of your life or read as many as you want but never remember what they’re about?

What a terrible dilemma! As many as I want. Even if I don’t remember them, at least I can experience new worlds through them in the moment.

 

Would you rather only the first page of a book or the last page?
Definitely the last page! I have a habit of flicking to the back and reading the last line of a book I pick up to possibly buy. If that last line pulls me in and connects to the first line then I am good to get it!

 

Would you rather read 5 pages per day or 5 books per week?

5 pages per day. I am a speed reader and if I were to read 5 books a week, I know I would skim them and not get the full experience each one. To read 5 pages a day I could immerse myself in the story, slowly, and reflect on it and its journey.

 

Would you rather read only one genre forever or never read the same genre more than once?
I would rather never read the same genre more than once. I lost my love of reading when I became an author and couldn’t figure out why. Then a friend made me aware that as an author I now needed to expand what I read. She was right! I had always read the same one or two genres and had simply gotten bored. Now I like to sink into books that challenge me in new ways, to read things I never would have before: non-fiction, science fiction, historical, horror, etc. In reading across genres it helps me expand my skills as an author and also brings a richness to my own writing.

 

Would you rather be invisible or be able to read minds?
Invisible! Then I could sneak around and grab private conversations of people to churn my brain with ideas for stories! (a spy but for educational purposes, of course).

 

Would you rather never use the internet again or never watch TV again?
That’s easy. TV. I am not much of a TV watcher – and could always catch up on my favorite shows on the internet through Netflix.

 

Would you rather have one wish granted today or three granted in 10 years?
Definitely three in ten years. My desires and needs may change across the years. Something I desire today, may not work out for tomorrow!

 

Would you rather know it all or have it all?
Have it all. If you have it all, that’s wonderful to not worry about material things and still explore the world to seek knowledge and meaning – and know it’s a vast, never ending tide of information. But if you know it all, what left is there to discover? Life would be very boring. There would be no challenges! No amazing discoveries! No transformations! It would be a life without curiosity and that would be a very sad life indeed.

 

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Stay away from the window, don’t go outside when it’s storming and whatever you do, do not touch the orb.

Twelve-year-old Joshua Cooper’s grandpa has always warned him about the dangers of lightning. But Joshua never put much stock in his grandpa’s rumblings as anything more than the ravings of an old man with a vast imagination. Then one night, when Joshua and his best friend are home alone during a frightful storm, Joshua learns his grandpa was right. A bolt of lightning strikes his house and whisks away his best friend—possibly forever.

To get him back, Joshua must travel the Lightning Road to a dark place that steals children for energy. But getting back home and saving his friend won’t be easy, as Joshua must face the terrifying Child Collector and fend off ferocious and unnatural beasts intent on destroying him.

In this world, Joshua possesses powers he never knew he had, and soon, Joshua’s mission becomes more than a search for his friend. He means to send all the stolen children home—and doing so becomes the battle of his life.

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Lifer Review and Giveaway

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Title: LIFER
Publication date: December 16, 2014
Publisher: Month9Books, LLC.
Author: Beck Nicholas
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Book Summary:

Asher is a Lifer, a slave aboard the spaceship Pelican. A member of the lowest rung of society, she must serve the ship’s Officials and Astronauts as punishment for her grandparents’ crimes back on Earth. The one thing that made life bearable was her illicit relationship with Samuai, a Fishie boy, but he died alongside her brother in a freak training accident.

Still grieving for the loss of her loved ones, Asher is summoned to the upper levels to wait on Lady, the head Official’s wife and Samuai’s mother. It is the perfect opportunity to gather intel for the Lifer’s brewing rebellion. There’s just one problem—the last girl who went to the upper levels never came back.

On the other side of the universe, an alien attack has left Earth in shambles and a group called The Company has taken control. Blank wakes up in a pond completely naked and with no memory, not even his real name. So when a hot girl named Megs invites him to a black-market gaming warehouse where winning means information, he doesn’t think twice about playing. But sometimes the past is better left buried.

As Asher and Blank’s worlds collide, the truth comes out—everyone has been lied to. Bourne Identity meets Under the Never Sky in this intergalactic tale of love and deception from debut novelist Beck Nicholas.

My Review:

Lifer is a very original story about a girl, a Lifer named Asher, that just lost her brother and boyfriend in a freak accident on board the ship called The Pelican, and is requested to serve The Lady which also happens to be Samuai’s mom, the boyfriend that died. The Lady requested her specifically to help her uncover what has happened to her son. Asher willing helps The Lady and does what she can to unlock the mystery surrounding the mysterious death of her brother Zed and boyfriend Samuai. As she uncovers more and more she begins to feel drawn to the mysterious brother Davyd.

The story also follows Blank, a nameless boy that can’t remember who he is that awakens in a pond on Earth. Earth is a very strange place after the Upheaval. The Company seeks out and kills the remaining refugees that refuse to side with them. Blank begins entering the gambling games to seek information about who he is. As he uncovers the truth he also begins to develop feelings for Megs whom helps him along the way. And as Asher and Blank draw closer and closer to the truth, their lives collide in a very surprising way.

I thoroughly enjoyed Lifer, it was refreshing to read something so different. I feel like the author really excels at world building. She paints an amazing picture of the life on The Pelican, and the world they left behind on Earth. I personally really enjoyed Asher’s story more. I feel like her story is intriguing and really takes off. Plus the mystery of what happened to her brother and boyfriend is an alluring plot. Blank on the other hand was less exciting. I didn’t feel drawn to his character like I was drawn to Asher. But his story is very interesting. It’s just there’s so much to love about Asher, that I really feel like her story shines. Plus her interactions with Davyd are pretty awesome and intense. There were a few things about Blank’s storyline that really irked me and I won’t say on here to refrain from spoilers. Let’s just say, if I could sit down and have a few words with him I so would! Not to say he isn’t a good person, because he is, but after that ending (which is pretty epic, intense, and awesome) I want to have a few choice words with him! Hopefully one of the other characters (maybe Davyd) will get the chance to sit him down and have a talking to him in book two! Because that boy needs to be put in his place!

Honestly the only thing I didn’t really enjoy about the novel was the love stories, aside from Asher and Davyd’s. Their story makes perfect sense, and I love their interactions with each other. Plus they have known each other their whole lives, and their build up with each other is spectacular. But Blank’s and Megs? I’m not entirely sold on it. And honestly (you would have to read the book to understand this) I felt as if  Blank’s love triangle took away from the story a little. Maybe it was because I was so angry with him!

I simply loved Davyd. He is secretive, and mysterious. His intentions are unknown, but I feel as if Davyd has a good heart and I cannot wait to find out more about him in book 2.  It would have been awesome to have some of Lifer in Davyd’s POV. He’s just so dark and mysterious. I want to know what he’s thinking!

Becky Nicholas has invented an amazing world and a truly gripping story about truth, friendship, love, and doing what’s right no matter the costs. Overall Lifer is a an inspiring and intriguing read. It definitely leaves you wanting more. I love the world Becky Nicholas has created, and I love Asher and Davyd. I can’t wait for their story to continue. Some questions are unanswered (purposefully) and I can’t wait to find out the answers to them in the sequel! Hopefully we’ll have a sequel soon so I can get those answers 🙂

Definitely be sure to check out Lifer! I highly recommend reading it!

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About the Author:

becky

I always wanted to write.  I’ve worked as a lab assistant, a pizza delivery driver and a high school teacher but I always pursued my first dream of creating stories. Now, I live with my family near Adelaide, halfway between the city and the sea, and am lucky to spend my days (and nights) writing young adult fiction.

Author Links:
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M9B Friday Reveal: Horror/Halloween– YA Edition with Giveaway

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Welcome to this week’s M9B Friday Reveal!

This week, we present to you the

Horror/Halloween – YA Edition

presented by Month9Books!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

 

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Armed with a passion for classic B-grade horror movies, a script co-written by his twin brother, and a wicked crush on his death-obsessed neighbor; hardcore horror fan Jason Nightshade must finish his student film.

But his plans are derailed when the children of suburban Silver Creek start disappearing – his twin brother among them. Battling a possessed video camera, a crazy zombie dog, a monstrous bully, and a frighteningly broken down family life, Jason embarks on a mission to find his lost brother so the two can write an ending for his story.

As any horror fan knows, saving the day won’t be easy, as Jason finds himself forced to face the real world where death isn’t just a splash of fake blood on a camera lens.

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Ryan grew up in Park City, Utah. His fiction has appeared in Quarterly West, Paper Darts, Vice, Monkeybicycle and [PANK]. He currently lives in San Diego where he acts as Creative Director for the nonprofit literary arts organization So Say We All. He’s the co-editor of the anthology Last Night on Earth and founder of the literary horror journal, Black Candies.

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Bianca St. Germain works at a Night House, a place where vampires like the aristocratic Jeremiah Archer, pay to feed on humans, and she doesn’t much care what others think of her. The money is good, and at least there, she’s safe. Bianca also doesn’t care that the Night House is killing her. All she cares about is: nauth, the highly addictive poison in vampire bites that brings a euphoria like no drug ever could.

But when Bianca meets James, a reclusive empath who feels everything she does, for the first time, she considers a life outside of the Night House and a someone worth living for. But Jeremiah has decided to keep Bianca for himself; he won’t allow her to walk away.

As she allows her feelings for James to grow, she struggles to contain nauth’s strong hold on her life. If they are to have a future, James must make her see what she’s worth, what she means to him, before Jeremiah and nauth claim her for good.

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Rachel Tafoya studied creative writing while at Solebury School and was published in their student run literary magazine, SLAM. She attended a writing program for teens at both Susquehanna University and Denison University, and the Experimental Writing for Teens class and Novels for Young Writers program, both run by NY Times bestselling author, Jonathan Maberry. Rachel is the daughter crime author Dennis Tafoya.

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A-Murder-of-Magpies-Cover

Winter in Black Orchard, Wisconsin, is long and dark, and sixteen-year-old Vayda Silver prays the snow will keep the truth and secrecy of the last two years buried. Hiding from the past with her father and twin brother, Vayda knows the rules: never return to the town of her mother’s murder, and never work a Mind Game where someone might see.

No one can know the toll emotions take on Vayda, how emotion becomes energy in her hands, or how she can’t control the destruction she causes. But it’s not long before her powers can no longer be contained. The truth is dangerously close to being exposed, placing Vayda and her family at risk.
Until someone quiets the chaos inside her.

Unwanted. That’s all Ward Ravenscroft has ever been. To cope, he numbs the pain of rejection by denying himself emotions of any kind. Yet Vayda stirs something in him. He can’t explain the hold she has on him–inspiring him with both hope and fear. He claims not to scare easily, except he doesn’t know what her powers can do. Yet.

Just as Vadya and Ward draw closer, she finds the past isn’t so easily buried. And when it follows the Silvers to Black Orchard, it has murder in mind.

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Sarah Bromley

Sarah Bromley lives near St. Louis with her husband, three children, and two dogs. She likes the quiet hours of morning when she can drink coffee in peace, stare into the woods behind her house, and wonder what monsters live there. When she’s not writing or wrangling small children, she can be found volunteering at a stable for disabled riders.

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The truck should have turned Libbi Piper into a Libbi Pancake—and it would have, too, if Aaron hadn’t shown up and saved her life. The problem? Aaron’s the local Grim Reaper . . . and he only saved Libbi’s life because he needs someone to take over his job. Now, Libbi has two days to choose between dying like she was supposed to, or living a lonely life as Death Incarnate. Talk about a rock and a hard place. And the choice goes from hard to sucktastic when her best friend shows up marked: condemned as a future murderer. Libbi could have an extra week to stop the murder and fix the mark . . . but only if she accepts Aaron’s job as Reaper, trapping herself in her crappy town forever, invisible and inaudible to everyone except the newly dead. But, if she refuses? Her best friend is headed straight for Hell.

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Elizabeth Holloway

Elizabeth Holloway is a writer of young adult fiction living in Southern Pennsylvania with her two teen children and their growing number of pets.

In addition to writing, she is a registered nurse, an avid reader, an out-of-practice artist, a karaoke singer, and music lover. She is still trying to decide what she wants to be when she grows up.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

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Sixteen-year-old Caitlyn Foster never believed in the legend of the Redeemers. That was before the trees started to whisper her name. Before a murder of crows attacked the town. Before she and her family came home to find a bloody handprint on their front door, marking one of them as a sacrifice. As Caitlyn’s friends are ripped from their homes, she knows it’s only a matter of time before the Redeemers come for her. Caitlyn has the power to stop the terror, but she’ll have to decide if she’s willing to sacrifice herself to save those she loves.

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O’Dell Hutchison

O’Dell was born in a small rural town in Idaho. There were no Redeemers living there (that he knows of). After attending college in the Pacific Northwest, he found his way to the Houston area. By day, he is a Business Systems Analyst and at night you can either find him sitting at home, dreaming of random super powers he wishes he had, or directing plays and musicals at various theaters around Houston.

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A-Whispered-Darkness-Cover

When Claire Mallory’s father leaves, her mom moves them to a new town and into a dilapidated Victorian house.

The old house creaks and whistles, and smells well — like it’s been abandoned for years. But as the nights grow longer and the shadows take on substance, Claire wonders if the strange sounds and occurrences might be more than the house showing its age.

Just as things start to pick up in Claire’s love life, her mother becomes possessed. In an attempt to save her mother and their new home, Claire enlists the help of two boys, each of whom is interested in Claire for different reasons. As she chooses one boy over the other, something dangerous is unleashed, and the spirits make their move.

They aren’t content to moan and scream inside Claire’s house, or even control her mom. They want a taste of freedom, and she’s their key to getting it. But is Claire strong enough to fight off the evil spirits, or will they claim her and her mom before it’s all over?

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Vanessa Barger was born in West Virginia, and through several moves ended up spending the majority of her life in Virginia Beach, Virginia. She is a graduate of George Mason University and Old Dominion University, and has degrees in Graphic Design, a minor in Medieval and Renaissance Literature, and a Masters in Technology Education. She has had articles published in Altered Arts Magazine, has had some artwork displayed in galleries in Ohio and online, and currently teaches engineering, practical physics, drafting and other technological things to high school students in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia. She is a member of the SCBWI (Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators) and the Virginia Writer’s Club. When not writing or teaching, she’s a bookaholic, movie fanatic, and loves to travel. She has one cat, who believes Vanessa lives only to open cat food cans, and can often be found baking when she should be editing.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

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Mark Stewart is one incident away from becoming a juvenile delinquent, and his parents have had enough. They ship Mark off to London, England, to stay with his eccentric aunt Agatha who is obsessed with all things Jack the Ripper. After a strange twist of luck, Mark is struck by lightning, and he wakes to find himself in 1888 Victorian London. His interest in a string of murders Scotland Yard has yet to solve make him a likely suspect. After all, why would a young boy like Mark know so much about the murders?

Could he be the ripper they’ve been searching for? Convinced the only way to get back home is to solve the murders, Mark dives headfirst into uncovering the truth. Mark’s only distraction comes in the form of the beautiful Genie Trembly, a girl who is totally out of his league and who may have already caught the attention of the infamous ripper. To save her, he’ll endanger both their lives, and risk being trapped in the past forever.

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Kit Forbes

Kit Forbes has been a lover of books, history, and all things paranormal for as long as she can remember. She lives in Western Pennsylvania with her youngest daughter and an assortment of cats who give new meaning to the world bizarre.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Pinterest

 

Predator-Cover

The hunt is on! Sixteen-year-old Bree Sunderland must inject herself with an untested version of her father’s gene therapy to become a werewolf in order to stop a corrupt group of mercenaries from creating a team of unstoppable lycanthrope soldiers.

When Bree went with her scientist father to Ireland, she thought it would be a vacation to study bog bodies. She never expected to fall in love with a mysterious young Irishman and certainly never expected to become the kind of monster her father said only existed in nightmares. Dr. Sunderland discovers that lycanthropy was not a supernatural curse but rather a genetic mutation. When they return home, her dad continues his research, but the military wants to turn that research into a bio weapons program and rogue soldiers want to steal the research to turn themselves into unstoppable killing machines.

Bree’s boyfriend Liam surprises her with a visit to the United States, but there are darker surprises in store for both of them. As evil forces hunt those she loves, Bree must become an even more dangerous hunter to save them all.

Bree will become the thing she hates, to protect those she loves!

‘Predator’ gives the werewolf legend a couple of new spins by introducing the Benandanti (an actual folkloric belief that certain families of Italy and Livonia were werewolves who fought against evil), as well as a modern scientific approach to mutation and the science of transgenics.

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Janice Gable Bashman

Janice Gable Bashman is the Bram Stoker nominated author of Wanted Undead or Alive and Predator. She is managing editor of the The Big Thrill (International Thriller Writers’ ezine). Janice lives with her family in the Philadelphia area, where she at work on her next novel. Visit her at janicegablebashman.com.

Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

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Seventeen-year-old Grace Ann Miller is no ordinary runaway…

After having been missing for weeks, Grace is found on the estate of international rock star Gavin Vault, half-dressed and yelling for help. Over the course of twenty-four hours Grace holds an entire police force captive with incredulous tales of angels, demons, and war; intent on saving Gavin from lockup and her family from worry over her safety.

Authorities believe that Grace is ill, suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, the victim of assault and a severely fractured mind. Undeterred, Grace reveals the secret existence of dark angels on earth, an ancient prophecy and a wretched curse steeped in Biblical myth. Grace’s claims set into motion an ages-old war, resulting in blood, death and the loss of everything that matters. But are these the delusions of an immensely sick girl, or could Grace’s story actually be true?

Praefatio is Grace’s account of weeks on the run, falling in love and losing everything but her faith. When it’s sister against brother, light versus darkness, corrupt police officers, eager doctors and accusing journalists, against one girl with nothing but her word as proof: who do you believe?

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Georgia McBride

Georgia loves a good story. Whether it’s writing her own, or publishing someone else’s, story is at the heart of everything Georgia does. Founder of Month9Books, YALITCHAT.ORG and the weekly #yalitchat on Twitter, Georgia spends most of her days writing, editing, or talking about books. That is, of course, when she is not blasting really loud music or reading. She lives in North Carolina with four dogs, a frog, a parrot, 2 kids, parents and a husband. PRAEFATIO is her first novel.

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Killshot Promo

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Killshot
by Aria Michaels
Publisher: CreateSpace Publishing
Publication date: 10/15/2014

Book Summary:

When 17 year old Liv Larson and her brother are sent to separate foster homes, she dedicates her every breath to getting him back. After months of solitude and anti-social behavior, her best friend Riley ropes her into a Rooftop Solar Flare Party. Despite the fascinating lights in the sky, Liv finds herself drawn, instead, to Zander- the boy with the crooked smile.

For a few hours, Liv’s troubles finally feel a bit less overwhelming—that is until what should have been a small flare erupts into a massive solar storm forcing them all to seek shelter in the school’s basement. Cut off from the rest of the world and with no signs of rescue, fear and paranoia set in and battle lines are drawn, dividing their ranks. What is left the group must embark on a perilous journey to save one of their own and find their families…but, something sinister awaits them in the shadows and it’s undeniably connected to Liv.

Can Liv keep her promise to reunite with her brother? What are she and her friends willing to do to survive? Will their bravery and determination be enough to save them all from a rogue government, a terrifying virus, and the things that go bump in the night…Or was Icarus, indeed, The Killshot?

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Book Excerpt:

People were rushing in all directions, tripping and stumbling over one another. Small groups huddled together, emerging from clouds of smoke, only to disappear just as quickly. Adults and children crouched low to the ground, dodging stray bullets and confused soldiers at every turn. They zigzagged and scattered like a handful of bouncy balls tossed onto the sidewalk.

I caught movement from the corner of my eye and stopped short. I threw my arms wide to catch Riley and we narrowly avoided colliding with the young woman that had cut across our path. The woman was barefoot and wore only a hospital gown. The severed tubing from a hastily disconnected I.V. dangled from her forearm and nearly every inch of her was covered in blood and soot.

A boy not much older than my little brother filled the woman’s arms. His blond hair was matted against his head, caked with blood and grime. His body was limp and pale, his face slack and unresponsive. The woman stared up at me. For a brief second, our eyes met. Behind their sage green depths I saw nothing but emptiness, like her soul had been ripped from her body.

“Ma’am, are you okay?” Riley asked.

“Gerald?” The woman’s eyes widened, looking over Riley’s shoulder.

“No ma’am,” Zander said, stepping out from behind her. “I’m sorry, but there is no one in our group by that name.”

“Have you seen my husband?” She screeched at us, the boy’s head lolling from side to side as she struggled under his weight. “This just won’t do. We are going to miss our flight. I have to find my husband. Gerald?”

“There’s no time,” Riley said. “Please, come with us. We can get you somewhere safe.”

“We need to move,” I yelled. I pointed toward where I hoped the maintenance shed awaited. “Come on, lady, this way.”

“We can’t leave without Gerald,” the woman said, backing away. “When Jeremy wakes up, he will want to see his father. I have to find him.”

“Ma’am, please?” Riley stepped toward the woman with tears in her eyes.

“Have you seen my husband?” the woman asked again, tears slicing a line through the blood on her face as she frantically looked about. “I had to find our son. Gerald…he said he would wait for me. Have you seen him?”

“Ry, we have to go,” I said, pulling her away from the desperate woman. “We can’t help her.”

“Gerald? Gerald, honey,” the woman yelled into the distance. “Gerald, I found him! I found Jeremy.”

She shifted the boys limp body in her arms again and stumbled off, disappearing back into the thick veil of smoke. As much as my heart ached for their suffering, my mind was focused on survival. There would be time later to grieve and processes the horrors around us. We had done all that we could to help those people. We had given them a fighting chance and for the time being, that would have to be enough.

My footsteps against the ground echoed in my ears as I ran forward. Guns discharged on all sides of us, as we raced across the parking lot. A large group of civilians had just dodged past us when I felt a bullet whizz over my head. A swarm of soldiers ran past us, firing into the smoke. I leaned forward, dragging Riley behind me and ran until my legs and lungs burned.

I didn’t stop until my hands slammed into the rough surface at the corner of the maintenance building. When we reached the shed, we shuffled across the cracked pavement, hacking and coughing as I led them to the rear side of the building and away from the gunfire and flames.

“Everyone okay?” I gasped. I finally released Riley’s hand and was relieved to see all three sets of eyes staring back at me.

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Killshot is also available in Audible.

Check out the free audio sample for a live-action, heart-stopping scene from the story that reviewers are calling,

“A non-stop dystopian thrill ride!”

About the Author:
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Aria Michaels is the author of the Best-Selling young adult dystopian novel Killshot (Icarus Series, Book One) as well as its companion novella, Before the Sky Fell. In addition to her career as an author, Aria Michaels is an avid reader, die-hard zombie fan and enthusiastic lover of bonfires and red wine. When she is not glued to her computer pouring out the voices in her head, Aria can be found playing in the dirt with her boys, painting, or binge-watching The Walking Dead with her husband. Don’t let her mild-mannered smile fool you…this woman has lofty ambitions that include complete global domination. She is determined to live in a world where every pair of yoga pants comes with a free book, an iced caramel macchiatto and a magic force-field that repels the sound of screaming children (of which she has six). In the meantime, Aria is hard at work on the next installment of the Icarus Series, reveling in her role as instigator of literary mayhem and stealth assassin of fictional characters. 

For more information about Aria Michaels and the Icarus Series, be sure to check out her website at http://www.ariamichaels.com 

“You are never more than one choice away from a different future.” –Aria Michaels

Author Links:
Website | Twitter | Facebook

 

 

Portia Book Blitz

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Portia by Christina Bauer
(Angelbound Offspring #2)
Published by: Ink Monster LLC
Publication date: October 27th 2015
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Book Summary

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Unlike her famous older brother Maxon, Princess Portia isn’t known for killing demons or attracting admirers. The reason why is simple: a spell was cast on Portia, and the magic has marked her to one day transform into a dreaded Void demon. To fight this horrible fate, Portia’s spent her life hiding in libraries and learning magic. But when the Void demons threaten to destroy all the after-realms—and the handsome dragon Emperor Tempest offers his help—then Portia suspects that her future holds more than just a demonic metamorphosis. Fate is calling the bookworm princess onto the battlefield, and it’s a fight against both deadly enemies and her heart’s desires.

May be read as a stand-alone.

 

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Buy Links

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Excerpt

Without thinking, I gesture to the man who’s standing right next to the boy, his arm held high in the air.

“How about your question, Sir?”

The guy rises. “Roy Cotter, Purgatory Enquirer.”

At these words, my heart sinks to my toes. This creep is one of those reporter­stalkers who follow me around looking for tabloid headlines. They always print the same stuff—how any second now, I’ll turn demonic, sprout six arms, and kill everyone in sight. How could I have missed him? He’s tall and bony and has a scorpion’s tail. Not easy to forget.

Roy pulls a small white notebook from his pocket. “What demon will you turn into, Princess?”

Gram leans into the microphone. “The Princess won’t be answering that question.”

Roy’s greasy face stretches into a grin. “Hiding something?”

Suddenly, I’m sick to death of concealing everything that I am. The guy wants an answer? He’ll get one.

I set my hand on Gram’s shoulder, guiding her away from the mic. “No, I’ve got it.” I scan the audience carefully before I answer. You could cut the air with a knife, the anticipation in here is so heavy.

“What demon will I turn into?” I ask. “The answer is, none. I’ve been studying magic so that never happens.” I gesture to my eye. “This is a spell. Spells can be broken.”

Roy rocks on his heels in delight. He’s got me on the defensive and he loves it. “Let me ask it another way, Princess. Most times, those marks are on your face signify a certain type of demon. You know, marking what you’ll turn into one day. Might be something harmless. Might not. None of us can read those marks on your face. Surely, with all your research, you’ve run across the answer to this question. Maybe you won’t turn into a demon, fine. But what are you Marked for?”

What a total set­up. If I tell the truth, I’ll be the laughingstock of the after­realms. If I lie, I look like an expert who doesn’t really know anything. No way am I answering.

“Come on,” says Roy. “What will you ‘not’ turn into one day?” He makes little quotation marks with his fingers when he says the word ‘not.’ A few muffled laughs sound from the crowd.

My torso tightens with frustration. I can’t believe this. I spend sleepless nights wondering how long I have left before I turn into a demon. I’ve worked all my life to break the spell that’s cursed me. I’m always the quiet one, the patient one, and the calm one. I never get angry. But my tragedy is somehow funny to my own so­called people? A new sensation boils through my bloodstream.

Rage. Suddenly, there’s only one thing I can do here.

Let loose on Roy.

“I’m Marked for the Void.”

All the oxygen seems to get sucked out of the room. Shocked faces stare at me from every direction.

 

About the Author

unnamed (1)Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English as well as Television, Radio, and Film Production. Her day job is in marketing for companies like Microsoft, Cisco, and Brainshark. Back in the go-go 90′s, she founded her own software start-up, Mindful Technologies. Christina believes that, upon close examination of Tolkien’s text, it’s entirely possible that the Balrog was wearing fuzzy bunny slippers.

 

Author Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway

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Book Blitz Organized By

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T4T: Call Me Grim and Predator with Giveaway

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Welcome to this week’s Two for Thursday Book Blitz #T4T
presented by Month9books/Tantrum Books!

Today, we will be showcasing two titles that may tickle your fancy,
and we’ll share what readers have to say about these titles!

You just might find your next read!

This week, #T4T presents to you:

Call Me Grim by Elizabeth Holloway and
Predator by Janice Gable Bashman

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

 

Call Me Grim Continue reading

The Sword of Summer Teaser

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The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1)

by Rick Riordan (Goodreads Author)

Book Synopsis(Goodreads):

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . .

Quote 1:

“Could you do a glamour and turn into something smaller?” I asked it. “Preferably not a chain, since it’s no longer the 1990s?”

The sword didn’t reply (duh), but I imagined it was humming at a more interrogative pitch, like, Such as what?

“I dunno. Something pocket-size and innocuous. A pen, maybe?”

The sword pulsed, almost like it was laughing. I imagined it saying, A pen sword. That is the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard.”
Rick Riordan, The Sword of Summer

Quote 2:

“Myths are simply stories about truths we’ve forgotten.”
Rick Riordan, The Sword of Summer

Quote 3:

“My name is Magnus Chase. I’m sixteen years old. This is the story of how my life went downhill after I got myself killed.”
Rick Riordan, The Sword of Summer

Quote 4:

“What kind of animal am I eating?’
Sam wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. ‘It’s named Saehrimnir.’
‘Okay, first of all, who names their dinner? I don’t want to know my dinner’s name. This potato–is this potato named Steve?’
She rolled her eyes. ‘No, stupid. That’s Phil. The bread is Steve.”
Rick Riordan, The Sword of Summer

The Keepsake Book Blitz

The Keepsake (The Empress Chronicles #2)
Release Date: October 1st 2015
 

Summary from Goodreads:

In this second Empress Chronicles book, Liz and Sisi continue their intertwined journey through time. On the heels of discovering a magical locket in the empress diary, Liz comes to understand its very special power: the wearer must speak the truth. Not only that, but it turns out that there are three lockets, each with their own magic and power.

Meanwhile, Sisi realizes that she’s communicating with a girl who lives 150 years in the future. A girl who knows what awaits her if she marries the emperor: lack of personal freedom and a legacy that will refer to her as the “reluctant empress.”

With the world’s future hanging in the balance, the two heroines must work together to thwart Lola, whose ambition to rule the Habsburg Empire will rewrite history, and lead to a terrifying new version of reality.

Book Excerpt: Continue reading

The Pledge Trilogy Book Blitz and Giveaway

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The Pledge Box Set Release Celebration
October 20th, 2015

ABOUT THE BOOK

THE PLEDGE TRILOGY BOX SET
Author: Kimberly Derting
Release Date: October 20th, 2015
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry

SYNOPSIS:
The complete Pledge trilogy, a dark and romantic blend of dystopia and fantasy, is now available in a collectible paperback boxed set.

In The Pledge, seventeen-year-old Charlaina lives in Ludania, a country stratified by a caste system divided by language and ruled by the cruel tyrant Queen Sabara. But Charlie has a secret skill, and as clashes escalate between the totalitarian monarch and the rebel forces, Charlie might be her country’s only chance for freedom. And though Charlie lays claim to the throne in The Essence, the influence of the evil Sabara does not disappear. Faced with the ultimate betrayal, Charlie must turn to an unexpected resource for help—and to an unexpected ally for love. Then when peace negotiations go awry in The Offering, it seems the only option to secure Ludanian freedom is for Charlie to sacrifice herself. But things aren’t always as they seem. Is Charlie walking into a trap?

Full of danger, intrigue, and blood-rushing romance, this gripping trilogy is sure to satisfy and makes an ideal gift.

Pledge trilogy

BOOK LINKS

Barnes and Noble / Amazon

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Kimberly is the author of the BODY FINDER series (HarperCollins), THE PLEDGE trilogy (Simon & Schuster), and THE TAKING trilogy (HarperTeen). She lives in the Pacific Northwest, the ideal place to write anything dark or creepy…a gloomy day can set the perfect mood. She lives with her husband and their three beautiful (and often mouthy) children who provide an endless source of inspiration.

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TWITTER | WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | PINTEREST | INSTAGRAM

Book Blast Organized by:

Me, My Shelf & I

GIVEAWAY

One Grand Prize Winner will get:
A Signed Box Set + $50.00 to the online book retailer of their choice
Must be 13 + To Enter | Ships in US Only

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