tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65583713094348334632024-03-14T08:25:25.169-07:00The Guide to Good BooksReviews for Readers Who Want Good Reads~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.comBlogger192125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-65187437583146302142023-07-17T11:33:00.003-07:002023-07-17T12:34:20.593-07:00Review of "The Forest of Hands and Teeth" by Carrie Ryan<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Title: </b>The Forest of Hands and Teeth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiB1lYQSWvDpKpOYyaELS4-Fl8KVu3IdAdH5ADZky7LYIozO6EQ4DRDxBaYgAr6opaeInFdZ8nPoWwXvzBPh19cu7y7wYZkp6Wth_Tw-3qZXfUzgKgLjGsXeXdcK5Lyteq2Jgle-ChPUG99GFgExJ5R8pKQY9V5Pl5F7sJMozK7pE9OzXW5Px2Mn0yP-lc" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="296" height="325" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiB1lYQSWvDpKpOYyaELS4-Fl8KVu3IdAdH5ADZky7LYIozO6EQ4DRDxBaYgAr6opaeInFdZ8nPoWwXvzBPh19cu7y7wYZkp6Wth_Tw-3qZXfUzgKgLjGsXeXdcK5Lyteq2Jgle-ChPUG99GFgExJ5R8pKQY9V5Pl5F7sJMozK7pE9OzXW5Px2Mn0yP-lc=w203-h325" width="203" /></a></div><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Author:</b> Carrie Ryan</span><br />
<span face="Georgia, &quot,"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Release date:</b> July 1, 2009</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Rating:</b>2.5/5</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Publisher: </b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Gollancz</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Book Summary:</b> </span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><blockquote><i>In Mary's world there are simple truths. The Sisterhood always knows best. The Guardians will protect and serve. The Unconsecrated will never relent. And you must always mind the fence that surrounds the village; the fence that protects the town from the Forest of Hands and Teeth. But, slowly, Mary’s truths are failing her. She’s learning things she never wanted to know about the Sisterhood and its secrets, and the Guardians and their power, and about the Unconsecrated and their relentlessness. When the fence is breached and her world is thrown into chaos, she must choose between her village and her future—between the one she loves and the one who loves her. And she must face the truth about the Forest of Hands and Teeth. Could there be life outside a world surrounded by so much death?</i></blockquote></span><br />
<span face="Georgia, &quot,"><b><span style="font-family: georgia;">Review: </span></b></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">To explain how disappointed I was about this novel is an understatement. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">This novel has been on my "To Read" shelf on Goodreads for YEARS. Now that I've finally had a chance to pick up rereading books, I decided to take this novel off the shelf and dive in. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">The summary of this book is captivating and was released during the height of the zombie-apocalypse craze in books and movies in the early 2000s. It's a shame that the summary of the novel was not done justice by the story itself. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>There may be some spoilers in this review. Please stop here if you'd like to read this book spoiler-free! </i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">The novel occurs in a post-apocalyptic future, where society is stuck behind fences, and the Unconsecrated roam the forests. This small slice of the world is run by The Sisters, who control all aspects of life, including where the villagers find clothing and shelter.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">We follow the main character, Mary, from a first-person present point of view. Mary has experienced immense tragedy, losing her father in the forest and struggling to ensure her mother doesn't suffer the same fate. Unfortunately, she shares more tragedy when her mother gets bitten by one of the Unconsecrated at the fence and chooses to live in the Forest of Hands and Teeth instead of being killed once she turns. Her brother abandons her to the Sisters and tells her that no one has spoken for her, even though she had been previously asked to the courtship event held by the village by one of her childhood friends.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Up until this point, I understand the character's motivations, her sadness, and her grief. I understand her want for another life outside the small village she's always lived in. So much tragedy and trauma has been experienced in just a few days. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I lose my sympathy for Mary when self-pity and selfishness don't disappear. Her constant need to see an ocean she had only ever heard about through stories from her mother, her insistent need to leave the village into the forest to find what's on the Outside. Nothing for Mary could ever satiate that. It would be one thing to start the exploration of the world outside of the fence--there wouldn't be a novel otherwise--but it's another thing to make that the only character facet for Mary. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">It endangers everyone immediately surrounding her, causing more death and destruction than was caused by the Unconsecrated and their breaching of the fences around her village.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Never once was the full gravity of the situation that she was in or the weight of the lives of the people around her was ever taken into account. The only thing on her mind was the ocean and the tall buildings. There were even multiple chapters where she was mourning the loss of the people she didn't know while simultaneously distancing herself from her brother and the people she did know -- the only people left alive after their village was plundered by Unconsecrated. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">The plotline was flat and one-dimensional. I read through it because I needed to see how it ended, and even the ending felt uneventful. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I will not be continuing the series.</span></div><div>
<img border="0" height="100" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/SignatureLineBlogNEWWHITE-1.gif" width="300" /></div>~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-27460089491294639542023-07-17T07:25:00.001-07:002023-07-17T07:29:01.808-07:00Review of "Mrs. Sherlock Holmes" by Brad Ricca<span style="font-family: georgia;"><span><b>Title:</b> Mrs. Sherlock Holmes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioR-zaETWKEYaMSq4Qnw4yWeKyoYQ0P8_aafQd3t2IWH8Se5mnVyVSCowGPFyAXIaZ4e0HcBa8920bsr83UW9E5nGPtfEuvIaGS00JF8to6UaZEf33im9eKY_jGuzDCSryse5J0r1tpa99zV5G1EGwgZnRgaKRiKUGSeM5PBwY0Kars1h5CCr3NC5XWis" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="825" height="326" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEioR-zaETWKEYaMSq4Qnw4yWeKyoYQ0P8_aafQd3t2IWH8Se5mnVyVSCowGPFyAXIaZ4e0HcBa8920bsr83UW9E5nGPtfEuvIaGS00JF8to6UaZEf33im9eKY_jGuzDCSryse5J0r1tpa99zV5G1EGwgZnRgaKRiKUGSeM5PBwY0Kars1h5CCr3NC5XWis=w179-h326" width="179" /></a></div><br /></span><br />
<span><b>Author: </b>Brad Ricca</span><br />
<span face="Georgia, &quot,"><b>Release date:</b> January 3, 2017</span><br />
<span><b>Rating: </b>3.5/5</span><br />
<span><b>Publisher: </b></span>St. Martin's Press<br />
<span><b>Book Summary:</b> </span></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div></div><blockquote><div><i>Mrs. Sherlock Holmes tells the incredible true life story of Mrs. Grace Humiston, the New York lawyer and detective who solved the famous cold case of Ruth Cruger, an 18-year-old girl who disappeared in 1917. Grace was an amazing lawyer and traveling detective during a time when no women were practicing these professions. She focused on solving cases no one else wanted and advocating for innocents. Grace became the first female U.S. District Attorney and made ground-breaking investigations into modern slavery.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>One of Grace's greatest accomplishments was solving the Cruger case after following a trail of corruption that lead from New York to Italy. Her work changed how the country viewed the problem of missing girls. But the victory came with a price when she learned all too well what happens when one woman upstages the entire NYPD.</i></div><div><i><br /></i></div><div><i>In the literary tradition of In Cold Blood and The Devil in the White City, Brad Ricca's Mrs. Sherlock Holmes is a true crime tale told in spine-tingling fashion. This story is about a woman whose work was so impressive that the papers gave her the nickname of fiction’s greatest sleuth. With important repercussions in the present about kidnapping, the role of the media, and the truth of crime stories, the great mystery of the book – and its haunting twist ending – is how one woman can become so famous only to disappear completely.</i></div></blockquote><p><i>Summary pulled from Goodreads.com</i> </p><div></div>
<span face="Georgia, &quot,"><b>Review:</b> </span>
<br />
<br /><i>Mrs. Sherlock Holmes </i>started off as a page-turner that eventually fizzled into a telling of history that didn't include the reason I picked up the book. I was hooked by how Ricca told this story as fiction, but something was lacking that kept me from finishing the book in its entirety. <br /><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Ricca was meticulous in how he told Ms. Grace Humiston's story, and I appreciated how he structured the information. First, it set the scene of the most pivotal case: Ruth Cruger's disappearance in New York in 1917. It provided the early drama and backstory needed once we returned to the case later on.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">It then set the stage for why we, the reader, are learning of <i>Mrs. Sherlock Holmes</i> herself, Mrs. Grace Humiston. He showed the reader her character through the types of cases she normally worked on prior to accepting the Ruth Cruger case. We learned that Grace was empathetic and cared for those that didn't have the means or the way to defend themselves. We also learned that she would go to great lengths to solve a case: including hiding in the trees to uncover the illegal work conditions of what was labeled a "white slave" operation. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">Finally, Grace herself on the case synthesizes all the information the reader has grown to know about her and the missing girl, Ruth, and the end to the cold case that had been captivating New York during this period.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I enjoyed how Grace's story was almost presented like a fictional novel, but like others who read <i>Mrs. Sherlock Holmes</i> didn't find the "Holmes" connection to be anything more than an interesting title. Through the story, Grace proved just how great of a detective she was, but it was more through her grit, perseverance, and unwillingness to take "no" for an answer rather than the deduction skills that we know through the Sherlock Holmes stories. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: georgia;">I admire Grace, not as a <i>Sherlock Holmes</i>-esque character, but as someone who followed her gut and intuition and allowed herself to stand out from the pack.</span></div><div><div><div><div>
<span style="font-family: georgia;"><img border="0" height="100" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/SignatureLineBlogNEWWHITE-1.gif" width="300" /></span></div></div></div></div></div>~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-62680759398922122562023-04-11T17:56:00.002-07:002023-07-17T12:52:42.321-07:00Review of "The War of Art" by Steven Pressfield<span style="font-family: times;"><span><b>Title:</b> The War of Art<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP-PSzMi85J4jEJwqEYzD-iOfimlPEG2FT5vJtwjt8gTvAQdId0H7JbtmIcBCkO2C-39aHMxHu55NVYemhc7NiLBspfynmpW3-GErkj0r5Yf3Ef_DqlFRVkkMK42mekQvPVVYTiopnji8n-iRABw6WkWOVEvLPizZHUkLMYETsXObtXvr0JSHqyGUd0C4" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="296" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhP-PSzMi85J4jEJwqEYzD-iOfimlPEG2FT5vJtwjt8gTvAQdId0H7JbtmIcBCkO2C-39aHMxHu55NVYemhc7NiLBspfynmpW3-GErkj0r5Yf3Ef_DqlFRVkkMK42mekQvPVVYTiopnji8n-iRABw6WkWOVEvLPizZHUkLMYETsXObtXvr0JSHqyGUd0C4=w211-h338" width="211" /></a></div></span>
<span><b>Author:</b> Steven Pressfield </span><br />
<span face="Georgia, &quot,"><b>Release date: </b>April 1, 2003</span><br />
<span><b>Rating:</b> 4/5</span><br />
<span><b>Publisher: </b>Warner Books</span><br />
<span><b>Book Summary:</b></span></span><div><span style="font-family: times;"><span> </span>
<blockquote>Internationally bestselling author of Last of the Amazons, Gates of Fire, and Tides of War, Steven Pressfield delivers a guide to inspire and support those who struggle to express their creativity. Pressfield believes that “resistance” is the greatest enemy, and he offers many unique and helpful ways to overcome it.</blockquote><br />
</span><span face="Georgia, &quot,"><b><span style="font-family: times;">Review:</span></b></span><br /><br /><div>Have you ever sat down with one of your best friends, and when you start your rant about your issues, they see right through you? <div><br /></div><div>I won't lie, that's exactly how I felt with Steven Pressfield's <i>The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles</i>.<b> </b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div>The foreword was written by Robert McKee, an author, and lecturer known for his <i>Story Seminar</i>. I remember resonating with the foreword and the candid nature that McKee wrote. In fact, after finishing the book, I returned to the foreword to reread it and found myself nodding with his analysis of Pressfield's work. McKee's synopsis and entry into the book were the perfect fit. </div><div><br /></div><div>Throughout <i>The War of Art</i>, I felt "seen" in more ways than one. Not only was Pressfield's description of Resistance the nail on the head, but it personified something that I had personally been experiencing for a long time. Not only had Resistance been whispering lies, but it had also successfully won, more than once, against the need to express my thoughts creatively in music and in writing. </div><div><br /></div><div>Through each chapter, I became more aware of the issues contributing to my writer's block. Was it the fact that I had no time, or was Resistance telling me there was no time to focus on my creative outlets? </div><div><br /></div><div>I would recommend this to any struggling creative who doesn't feel like there's a light at the end of the tunnel that is their creative block. </div><div><br /></div><div><br />
<img border="0" height="100" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/SignatureLineBlogNEWWHITE-1.gif" width="300" /></div></div></div>~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-49079551886118009532022-06-01T13:25:00.002-07:002022-06-01T13:25:20.383-07:00Welcome Back to the Guide<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Hello everyone!</span><div><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia;">It's been quite a long time since the last time I posted on this blog. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Welcome! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If you're new here, I am a book reviewer who writes under the penname M.A. Chase. I started this blog back in 2012 and left it behind in around 2014. I intend to bring this blog back to life; albeit, maybe not as active as it once was! </span><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia;">I look forward to meeting everyone. It's truly been a long time, and I can't wait to have the opportunity to do this. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia;">If you've reached out to me in the past, and I haven't responded, please contact me! It's going to be a rough start getting everything up and running again, so let me know how you've been and what's changed with you! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia;">The blog will be under construction over these next few weeks to get everything up to date including links, book cover images, and other broken areas that didn't age well. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia;">Thank you for everyone's continued support!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: Georgia;">M.A. Chase</span></div>~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-10797864602923615312015-07-23T11:27:00.001-07:002015-07-23T11:42:34.471-07:00The Parallax Groove Review<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1403202113l/22548532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1403202113l/22548532.jpg" width="250" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Title:<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"> </span></b><span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">The Parallax Groove</span> </span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Author:</b> Michael Loughrey </span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Release date:</b> May 13, 2014</span> </span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Rating:</b> <span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">4/5</span> </span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Publisher:</b> FeedA<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">Read.com</span> </span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Book Summary:</b></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><i><span id="freeText4156191703905262144">Slip inside The Parallax
Groove and revel in fiction free from the straightjacket of realism.
Previously published in noteworthy literary magazines, these fourteen
short stories are a mesmerizing extravaganza of phantasmagorical fables
in which the recognisably realistic is infused with the inexplicable and
the unexpected, and deconstructivism subverts the familiar order of
perception into exquiste disarray. Singular, surreal, intense,
illuminating, incandescent, jocular, offbeat, risque and satirical The
Parallax Groove is an exhilarating odyssey for freethinkers and
nonconformists who eschew the Disneyfication of literature.</span> </i> </span>
</blockquote>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Review:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b> </b></span> </span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>The Parallax Groove</i> is a collection of short stories written by Michael Loughrey. These stories had been published in other literary works previously, then joined together in an anthology all their own. As the book summary says, these short stories take a turns that you wouldn't expect. They bring reality and fantasy into a world all their own to create characters and plots that aren't normally seen in the writing world. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My favorite out of the whole anthology had to be <i>Off Road</i> which was the second short story. <i>Off Road</i> was about a man whose car wasn't working properly. The short story takes the reader through fantastical situations like Billy, the main character of this short story, having to walk on his hands because he was losing parts of his brain every time he used a toilet. While Billy's adventures get a little dark and a little twisted by the end, it's one of the most easy to follow short stories. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">My only problem with <i>The Parallax Groove</i> is that there never seemed to be any point in the stories. While I understand the misdirection and crazy surrealism was what set these short stories apart, it was almost distracting. A lot of the language was difficult to grasp and hard to follow. I found myself looking up a lot of the vocabulary being used through the short stories to make sure I understood what was being conveyed and what was being said. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Despite this, <i>The Parallax Groove</i> has short stories that are extremely well written and thought through. Each character has its own development no matter how crazy or twisted the situation seems. Descriptions, although at times a little superfluous, easily detailed exactly the landscape and the place in which these characters lived and battled. Each story had its own setting and its own rules in the way the physics of the world seem to run. It was truly creative, and I would recommend it with that statement at the forefront of the conversation. </span><br />
<img border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/SignatureLineBlogNEWWHITE-1.gif" height="100" width="300" />~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-45618193766500697892014-11-12T09:06:00.001-08:002014-11-12T09:21:29.495-08:00City of Secrets by Aoife Marie Sheridan <a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388343441l/20345574.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1388343441l/20345574.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Title: </b><i>City of Secrets</i> </span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Author:</b> Aoife Marie Sheridan </span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><b>Release date:</b> December 5th, 2013 </span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Rating: </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">4.5/5</span> </span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Publisher: </b>SynergEBooks </span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Book Summary:</b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><i><span id="freeTextContainer12345354251091837867">A war awaits her arrival,<br />A warrant for her arrest.<br />She must rise as a princess,<br />And Darkness shall fall.<br />But will their love survive this battle?<br />For Tristan and Sarajane?.<br /><br />Step back into Saskia.</span> </i> </span>
</blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><b>Review:</b> </span>
<br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">THERE MIGHT BE SPOILERS FROM <a href="http://machasebookreviews.blogspot.com/2014/07/eden-forest-by-aoife-marie-sheridan.html" target="_blank">BOOK 1</a></span></span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Once again we're thrown back into the world of Saskia, though the war has gotten fiercer and battles are being waged. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In the previous book, we find that Sarajane is wanted by a fallen angel named Lucien. Lucien wants to destroy the world and to do so he needs to rise, which is killing the </span>other three angels. Sarajane must defeat Lucien in order to save Saskia and the three angels.<br />
<br />
The main characters make their lovely appearances as well as Jessica (Sarajane's sister), Suraga, Carew, and little Mei.<br />
<br />
Tristan could be a little bit overbearing when it came to Sarajane. I understand that Sarajane can't fight well, but she's learning--especially when it comes to her magic. <br />
<br />
I have to say, in this installment of the Saskia Trilogy I really fell in love with Carew. If you have read the first book (which I recommend) then you'll know just how surprised I was. Although he can be cruel and cold, Carew is actually a very nice and caring person. He loves his sister Mei and will do anything to protect her. He does the same with Sarajane, helping and fighting with her throughout the book. I just--I love him.<br />
<br />
I was glad to meet Mirium's sister Verona. She was very strong, and didn't take anything from anyone. Haha. I really enjoyed her presence, and her power is one of the coolest I've seen in a while. It definitely differed from Mirirum's and that was awesome.<br />
<br />
Overall, it was a great book and I'm excited to see how the next installment turns out! (Maybe I'll get to see more of Carew!) <br />
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<img border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/SignatureLineBlogNEWWHITE-1.gif" height="100" width="300" />~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-52001241993954115642014-07-29T07:28:00.000-07:002014-07-29T07:29:08.665-07:00Welcome to Scribeville!<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">Hello fellow writers, bloggers, authors, etc.!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">Have you ever gone to a writing workshop, carrying a few pages of your manuscript to share and receive feedback? Has that ever gone sideways and in order to receive feedback means you'll have to read the portion of your manuscript to the workshop? I'm here to tell you that those public speaking fears are over! You can now <i>create</i> your <i>own</i> workshops and receive feedback and <b>whatever length</b> of manuscript you want.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">Are you still interested? </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">I'm talking about this new website called <a href="http://scribeville.com/" target="_blank">Scribeville</a>! It was created by Samuel Odunsi Jr., a fellow writer and author. Find the name familiar? <a href="http://machasebookreviews.blogspot.com/2013/02/champions-of-power-review.html" target="_blank">I reviewed one of his novels not too long ago!</a> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">So, what's the catch? <u>Absolutely nothing</u>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">"What?" you ask. "What do you mean there's no catch? Nothing??"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">Nothing. Scribeville is absolutely free. All you have to do is sign up and <b>BAM</b> a whole world of authors, writers, reviewers, and all sorts of other people in the writing community are right at your fingertips ready to give you feedback on whatever you want to be reviewed. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WicaBvyqjTs8vqQsuiaMDFn1ujIJ8DVK1JbJre_GDmSEbDhYhX9XuYg0VkEL1TXWXByv3cseq4cRNuSmTddnWIFIUPEJWqd7Ic0-h3iQeK4Qe9T1tfGFF_Xx9LgHfrWknnOlV9BtuKo/s1600/Scribeville+Logo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8WicaBvyqjTs8vqQsuiaMDFn1ujIJ8DVK1JbJre_GDmSEbDhYhX9XuYg0VkEL1TXWXByv3cseq4cRNuSmTddnWIFIUPEJWqd7Ic0-h3iQeK4Qe9T1tfGFF_Xx9LgHfrWknnOlV9BtuKo/s1600/Scribeville+Logo.PNG" height="197" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">In Scribeville you can create a Workshop that absolutely anyone can join. All you have to do is create a new workshop, set all the details, and upload whatever document you want to be given feedback on! </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">Comments can be made on your piece, discussions can be created <i>in your workshop</i>. These are separate discussions that can only be viewed by those already admitted in. </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">Don't want just <i>anyone</i> to join your Workshop? No problem! You can make it a Private Workshop. Only people you <i>want</i> to read your Workshop can be given the link. You can't even find it through the Workshop database. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">Do you want people to see it and still want to make it a VIP section? You can add the option to approve or disapprove the people who are applying to join the Workshop! It's that simple!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">On site tools make it easy for anyone to highlight, underline, scratch through, make a comment, circle, anything that you put on the page. And like I said before, this website is absolutely <b><i>free</i></b>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">So what are you waiting for fellow writers, authors, etc.? Get onto Scribeville and see for yourself!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">Here's the link to my own Workshop if you want to test the waters: <a href="https://www.scribeville.com/workshop/14" target="_blank">Click here</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">I hope to see all of you on there. <a href="https://www.scribeville.com/profile/machase" target="_blank">Add me as a friend</a> on there to open the online chat available on the website or <a href="http://machasebookreviews.blogspot.com/p/contact-me-d.html" target="_blank">send me an e-mail </a>if you have any questions whatsoever about the site that I didn't cover in this blogpost. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";">Talk to you soon!</span><br />
<br />
<img border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/SignatureLineBlogNEWWHITE-1.gif" height="100" width="300" />~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-53238538282173051492014-07-10T12:05:00.000-07:002014-07-10T12:05:14.929-07:00Eden Forest by Aoife Marie Sheridan<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392023835l/17087721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1392023835l/17087721.jpg" width="277" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Title:</b><i> Eden Forest</i></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Author:</b> Aoife Marie Sheridan</span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Release date: </b>November 6th, 2012</span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Rating: </b>4.5/5</span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Publisher:</b> Smashwords</span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Book Summary: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span id="freeText2916447413849547152">Sarajane Anderson is
your regular twenty-one year old with family, friends and a normal job.
She also happens to be the only person who can save Saskia, a parallel
world to earth. </span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i><span id="freeText2916447413849547152">When Sarajane is taken to Saskia, she could never have
imagined the reality of the world that she is stepping into- a world
where magical abilities are in everyone's possession. She must face a
father she never knew, a world that is beyond her belief, a guardian who
captures her heart; and a darkness that wants to take it. On her
journey, Sarajane discovers her magical abilities, and realizes too that
they come with a price. Sarajane is truly tested as her own loved ones
are put at risk- the ultimate question she is forced to ask herself is,
how do you choose who lives and who dies</span>?</i></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Review: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">I was really excited when I received the request to review this book. I love, love fantasy novels. They're my favorite to write and to read. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">When I first started the novel, I was very, very confused. I had no idea what was going on. It took me a little bit to get used to the fact that the character in the prologue, Marta, is 25 years old. I kept confusing her as someone older. I have no idea why, because it's quite obvious that she's not older based on events that happen through the prologue. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Believe it or not, Queen Bellona was one of my favorite characters. She is the villain in this novel, and her character was amazing. I love well written villains (those include Maleficent (<i>Sleeping Beauty</i>), Valentine (<i>The Mortal Instruments</i>), and others), because I hate them while loving them. And to be honest, she didn't even try to get mixed into the things she got mixed into. While she was already terrible and evil to begin with (stealing souls to keep herself young as well as trying to find a way to keep herself immortal), Lucian forces her to join his destruction plan. And to this she's absolutely helpless. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Kiar and Neve were also characters that became my favorites. They were witty and enjoyable. They made me smile and when times were tough, they were great at cheering things up.<b> ---SPOILERS--</b> It's been a while since I've cried after a character's death and Neve was about to be one of those characters that I cried for. To the end he protected Sarajane and never once questioned what he was doing for her. Kiar's pain was probably the worst to bare, however, because he was both blaming himself and Sarajane for what happened to Neve. <b>--SPOILERS END--</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Later on in the novel, we meet Mei a tiny adorable little girl that I fell in love with the minute she said hello to Sarajane. I won't reveal too much about Mei (I want you readers to get the full experience of her cuteness yourselves), but she reminded me of my little cousin. She was cute and tiny, and just all around adorable. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Eden Forest </i>as a whole was very well written. Aside from my confusion during the prologue, there were beautiful scenes, and realistic and well-rounded characters. Saskia was a beautifully built world with its own lore and creation stories. I felt like it was a place that I could visit and see with my own eyes. <b>--SLIGHT SPOILER?--</b> I do wonder: when Sarajane first escapes Tristan and Liber into the desert, does she feel as if a month has gone passed (one day on Saskia = one month on earth) when the day goes on, or does it just feel like one day? <b>--SPOILERS END--</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I look forward to seeing how Sarajane moves forward in the next installment of <i>The Saskia Trilogy</i>, and learning about how things are being handled back home since her entrance into Saskia. How is Josh faring? Has anyone else questioned her disappearance? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thank you Aoife Marie Sheridan for allowing me to read your novel! It was unexpected and different. I look forward to hearing more from you. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><img alt="M.A.Chase" border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/For%20HTML%20codes%20only/SignatureMACHASE.gif" /></span></div>
~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-86779416202606409032014-05-10T07:21:00.000-07:002014-05-10T07:21:00.271-07:00KIERA'S QUEST: PERCEPTIONS by Kristy Brown Review<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>I want to start of firstly by thanking Kristy Brown for allowing me to continue the Kiera's Quest series this far. </i></span></span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Title: </b>Perceptions </span> <br />
<a href="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1369302325l/17971755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1369302325l/17971755.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Author:</b> Kristy Brown</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><b>Release date: </b>May 24th, 2013</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Rating:</b> 5/5</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Publisher:</b> MuseItUp</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Book Summary: </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><span id="freeText5570494994366702648">The Witch Queen has sunk to a new level of evil.<br />
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Kiera is helplessly stuck in Zakk’s realm. With the vortex destroyed, she is desperate to find a way home. Her Uncle Tom, her friends and now the boy she loves, are in danger. Will Kiera find the strength and the self-belief she needs to save them?<br />
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On her lonely journey she meets new allies from peculiar races. The Prophecy is all falling into place. Will Kiera be able to forgive the people she trusted? Will she be able to save the world from her twisted nemesis? Will she finally believe that she is indeed the ‘chosen one’?</span> </span> </blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><b>Review: </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is the third installment of Kiera's Quest.</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: red;">CAUTION: THERE MAY BE SPOILERS</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">After the destruction of the vortex, Kiera is stuck in a foreign world knowing that he friends and family are in the danger of the Witch Queen. While there, she discovers things about herself and her parents, whom she never got to know. She teams up with all the races--human, Zantarian, Narekian, Hershen, and Capetorad--to get herself back home.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This installment has probably been my favorite so far in the series. During its course, it has shown other facets and layers that Kiera, Zakk, and the others have. It's shown their persistence, their bravery, and most of all the care they have for each other as well as others. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In <i>Perceptions,</i> we see more of the Witch Queen. She is one of those characters whose persistence has really shown in the novel. While she hates affection and love, she deals with the love that Kiera's friends have for her in order to attempt to destroy everything Kiera loves. In turn, she is torturing herself. If that's not persistence and ambition, I don't know what is. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">We also see more of what the Witch Queen is capable of. While in Kiera's body, her magic is limited. Even with that, the Witch Queen is still able to hold her form and use minor magic (though she later receives help from an unsuspected accomplice). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Kiera's new friends are an interesting bunch: </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The Capetorads are water creatures, who are able to manipulate water as long as they're hydrated. If in water, as long as they're in contact with some part of your body, you are able to use their gills to breathe. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The only Hershen we meet in the novel is Mason who is able to "rip" himself apart into multiple clones, creating an army made up of one person. He is swift and strong, as described in the novel. It interests me to know more about him and his people. Are they all able to multiply in the same fashion? (Also, I really really hope the Witch Queen doesn't get hold of him or I will cry.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">(THERE IS ALSO SOME JUICY STUFF THAT HAPPENS WITH JOE AND IT'S PRETTY DRAMATIC. I'M NOT SAYING ANYTHING MORE 'CAUSE YOU NEED TO READ IT TO TRULY SAY OH MY GOODNESS IN A LOUD VOICE.)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The only problem I had in the novel (this doesn't really affect the rating) is the constant insistence by every male in Kiera's life to keep her safe. At this point, (although, I don't recall Kiera receiving any lessons in battle or combat) I feel like Kiera has proven that she can protect herself. She's faced the Witch Queen (with the help of her friends, of course) multiple times. If she wasn't capable of making sure to keep herself alive, the novel wouldn't have continued thus far, because she would be dead. </span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">That said, I loved <i>Perceptions</i>. The overall idea of the novel was phenomenal. I can't wait to learn more about Kiera and Zakk's family and how she will be when she finally steps into her role as 'the chosen one.'</span><br />
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</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thanks again to Kristy Brown!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The next installment of Kiera's Quest is <i>Choices.</i> </span><br />
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<img alt="M.A.Chase" border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/For%20HTML%20codes%20only/SignatureMACHASE.gif" />~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-33295622512317769182014-05-02T10:00:00.000-07:002014-05-02T10:00:03.292-07:00Release Day Blitz | Seeress [Runes Series: #3] by Ednah Walters @EdnahWalters<div style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeSiBeFYMRMQ7poc_FXpde4F_mMsYYneoJZnWCggSU3Oxln8VEM5nZhwxCBg7Giw8L5hQw2UExNHQjPBdfr8VqdzFPn1YktmFmu5gLrZjIb6p1HHaIcA1gRLJcARKYfHrjcjo5GX6ySWGl/s1600/Seeress+Cover_Medium.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cJXbRVJYDmM/UsYF4cmU0OI/
AAAAAAAANOU/485huyV2Qpw/s1600/Seeress+Cover_Medium.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Book Title:</b> <i>Seeress </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Series:</b> A Runes Novel #3 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Author:</b> Ednah Walters </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Release Date:</b> April 28th 2014 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Genre:</b> YA Paranormal Romance </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Publisher:</b> Firetrail Publishing </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Presented by:</b> <a href="http://asyouwishtours.com/">As You Wish Tours</a></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19455949-seeress" target="_blank"><b><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3Ppmgw5P88/UsYPr2CmyKI/AAAAAAAANO8/
Pnw9NK6RVWY/s1600/Add+To+Goodreads_Black.jpg" /></b></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>I love Torin St. James... <br />I need his strength… <br />But someone from his past wants me dead. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Raine Cooper is certain of two things: her love for Torin St. James and her destiny to be a powerful seeress. But when she starts having premonitions, they are unclear and disturbing. Worse, they involve Torin. With her mother gone, her father dying, and her best friend in Hel, she is not sure who to talk to. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">But when the visions become more personal and she foresees her future with Torin threatened by someone from his past, Raine becomes desperate for answers. Just her luck two new students arrive at her school and they seem to have answers. When with them, her powers are enhanced and her visions become clear. There is only one problem: Torin forbids Raine to see the two girls. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Can their love survive without trust? </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Runes Series Books:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Runes-Book-One-Ednah-Walters-ebook/dp/B00CP4YKTG/ref=sr_1_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1398839691&sr=1-3" target="_blank">Runes (Book 1)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Immortals-Book-Runes-Ednah-Walters-ebook/dp/B00EBTGGCW/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1398839691&sr=1-4" target="_blank">Immortals (Book 2)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grimnirs-Clean-Version-Book-2-5-ebook/dp/B00JZ1KK0U/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1398839691&sr=1-2" target="_blank">Grimnirs (Book 2.5)</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seeress-Three-Runes-Ednah-Walters-ebook/dp/B00JZ1D4QC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1398839691&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Seeress (Book 3)</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <span style="font-size: large;">EXCERPT</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In-between classes, I cocked my ear to catch the song again. No such luck. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Lunch time, Torin was waiting outside my class, a group of girls hanging on his every word. One reached up and brushed his shirt. That was crossing the line. I stake my claim when I reached his side, sliding my hand into his. They took off. “Groupies?” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilcTmPxN6FVOcmJx7ci3oEW2YZRHGyLsE5pfJOQj2paezJsPqP0GgF17NChwoiFhRjsb5vvvc6Upxf8u2OS_Obdpzyf-UVNFBLGs4IFnnF78T92VUDizHJ23DZyk-2hdAuKBKsb4nvxo4j/s1600/Torin_RE_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZVg707x9JeQ/U2CeH7qi_nI/AAAAAAAAO2I/
4BwQvyC0Ans/s1600/Torin_RE_2.png" height="400" width="266" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He laughed. “No.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Next time Leanna Finch strokes your chest, I’ll break her fingers.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Who’s Leanna?” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I forgave him for not noticing. Girls were always pushing boundaries like damn predator checking for weaknesses. Someone needed to tell them Torin and I was tight. Fortified like Fort Knox. “Have you seen Ingrid?” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“No.” He stroked my cheek with his knuckles. “Are we eating here or at home? I can make us something.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I wanted to stay there and let him stroke me. His touch was intoxicating. But first things first. “Okay, but I need to ask Ingrid something first.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He went still. “About?” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Something.” I reached up and kissed him. “Go. I’m right behind you.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He didn’t look happy leaving me behind, which was sweet. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“I won’t take long,” I added. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He nodded. With a fingertip brush across my cheek, he disappeared into the men’s room to find a portal. I shook my head. Sometimes he could be so possessive. He hadn’t had a relationship in centuries and was learning to adjust to ours, which hadn’t exactly been smooth. What mattered was we loved it each other, knew it and cherished out time together. Whatever bumps laid ahead, and I was sure the Norns weren’t done with us, I was determined to never let them destroy what we had. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I turned the corner and saw Cora at the cafeteria entrance. Her lunch schedule depended on whether or not Echo was around. She waved. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Please tell me you’re eating here. Please. Echo will be gone most of today and evening,” Cora explained. “There was a fire at some nursing home in Seattle.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“I’m heading home, but you can join us. Torin already left to make something.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">She sighed melodramatically and looked around the cafeteria. “I don’t want to be a third wheel.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“You won’t be.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Nah. Go enjoy your man.” She waved and I turned to see three girls from the swim team, Kicker, Sonya and Tess. “I’ll join the girls and catch up on the latest gossip. See you tonight.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“You want to come and watch The Originals online? I missed last two episodes.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Her eyes widened. “Ohmigod, the poor, damaged, just-needs-to-be-loved Klaus. I have to get my Klaus fix every week. I’ve even gotten Echo to tolerate him. Okay, I’ll watch with you, so we can hate on some witches. I also want your opinion on something.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Okay.” Ingrid, her cheerleader friends, and their jock boyfriends walked in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cora beamed at me and gave me a quick hug. “You’re the best.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Everyone at Ingrid’s looked up questioningly when I stopped by their table. “What?” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Where’s Torin?” a girl asked. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Around. You know I can actually breathe without him. Ingrid.” I indicated outside with a nod and took off. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“What’s going on?” she asked, sounding a bit worried. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“I want to pick your brain.” Some of the students were hanging out on the deck. Others threw football in the grassy area along the building. It was still cold, but the sun was up and diehards were already wearing shorts. I found an area away from the others and faced her. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“You are beginning to worry me,” Ingrid said. “If this is about Andris—” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“No, this is about me. Do you remember I told you last night that I heard the woman sing during my </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">vision?” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">She nodded. “Varðlokur.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Varo-what?” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“The warding or spirit-summoning song. We sing it before the Seeress goes into a trance. What about it?” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“I thought I heard it this morning.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Her frown deepened. “Where?” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Here at school. What does that mean?” I saw a movement from the corner of my eyes and turned to look. It was Blaine. He waved. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“I don’t know. I guess whoever sang the song last night is a student here.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“But the Seeress was older. At least, she sounded older.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Uh, that’s because the Seeress never does the singing. Someone else does. You sure it wasn’t the same voice?” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I nodded. Someone working with a Seeress was here at my school. “Is Blaine waiting for you?” He was talking to friends but he kept looking in our direction. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ingrid waved to him. “No. Do you want me to point her out when I recognize her?” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“You can do that?” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">She shrugged. “Oh, yes. It’s like, uh, having a witch radar. Why do you think Maliina hated you from the moment she saw you?” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Uh, because Andris was being a total douche?” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">She laughed. “That came second. My sister was a powerful Seidr witch, but in you, she saw something else. Something she’d never seen before and she was jealous. Maliina always wanted to be important and, uh, revered. Back at home, they did, but it wasn’t enough. Then she met Andris and he turned her. But he took her away from home and her adoring fans. She stopped being important and she didn’t like it. That’s why she joined the Norns. She was very ambitious.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">It didn’t excuse what she’d done, but it made sense. “So what did she see in me?” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ingrid shrugged. “A more powerful witch, I guess. I’m not as strong as Maliina, but I should be able to spot the witch here at school. I’ll let you know when I do.” </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Thanks.” I really liked this new Ingrid. She stopped by the group with Blaine, said something to him and disappeared inside the building. Blaine followed her. I went to the nearest restroom and headed home to Torin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElGMK0WQTLZcuGgyYXi4coTFwx86Oi4GTKAWG_5ZsPGYRE14hlT1a20xIVy6kKhHGSVh99SxTBOvJQr9G5F_Ow7-P_kUXnI_8-J-wuGI2aZkque0SBDMeibF9G8qmO9sWYxUJKxwblI3N/s1600/Ednah+Walters+SP.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2KTVeQZfsY/
UsYGDRNaF1I/AAAAAAAANOc/klPK1CMQkM0/s1600/Ednah+Walters+SP.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>ABOUT THE AUTHOR </b></span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">EDNAH WALTERS grew up reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and dreaming of one daywriting her own stories. She is a stay-at-home mother of five humans and two American short-hair cats (one of which has ADHD) and a husband. When she is not writing, she’s at the gym doing Zumba or doing things with her family, reading, traveling or online chatting with fans. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ednah is the author of The Guardian Legacy series, a YA fantasy series about children of the fallen angels, who fight demons and protect mankind. AWAKENED, the prequel was released by Pill Hill Press in September 2010 with rave reviews. BETRAYED, book one in the series was released by her new publisher Spencer Hill Press in June 2012 and HUNTED, the third installment, was released March 2013. She’s working on the next book in the series, FORGOTTEN. Visit her at <a href="http://www.ednahwalters.com/">www.ednahwalters.com</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ednah also writes YA paranormal romance. RUNES is the first book in her new series. IMMORTALS is book 2. She just released book 3, GRIMNIRS December 2013. Read more about this series and the world she's created here <a href="http://www.runestheseries.com/">www.runestheseries.com</a>.</span></div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Under the pseudonym E. B. Walters, Ednah writes contemporary romance. SLOW BURN, the first contemporary romance with suspense, was released in April 2011. It is the first book in the Fitzgerald family series. Since then she has published five more books in this series. She's presently working on book seven. You can visit her online at or <a href="http://www.ebwalters.com/">www.ebwalters.com</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>AUTHOR LINKS </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEdnahwalters?ref=hl">Facebook</a></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/yaednah_walters">Twitter</a></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.runestheseries.com/">Website</a></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ednah-Walters/e/B0042H1GB4/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Amazon <br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b><i>SEERESS </i>[RUNES SERIES: #3] </b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/19455949-seeress" target="_blank">Goodreads</a></span></div>
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~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-46459613967223932752014-02-21T01:00:00.000-08:002014-02-21T01:00:06.326-08:00Islands of the Heart by David Stringer Review <a href="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1345480643l/15825211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1345480643l/15825211.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Title:</b> <i>Islands of the Heart</i></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Author:</b> David Stringer</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><b>Release date:</b> July 27, 2012</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Rating:</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"> 4.5/5</span></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Publisher:</b>Publicious Self-Publishing </span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Book Summary:</b></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><i>What is it like to be a woman so exquisitely beautiful that no one ever really sees her face . . . only the dark emotions it arouses? What is it like to be a man of such physical presence he fears no one? Are these blessings or a curse? Could a woman love such a man? And when his world begins to fall apart, can their love survive the re-ignited violence of his past? Can a man forgive himself for an act that is unspeakable? Can you? Or are their limits to your forgiveness?</i>Islands of the Heart<i> is the story of a tough ex-soldier, Wolf, who has always handled life's problems with his fists. Wolf finds himself drawn into a series of events where that tactic no longer works. Things are mad worse when he cuts a violent swathe through New Zealand and Samoa, desperate to hide secrets from his past.</i>Islands<i> is also the story of the women in his life who love and fear for Wolf, who are damaged by him yet will not close their hearts; who in the end are part of his salvation. </i>Islands <i>is ultimately however a story of the power of forgiveness--of the fact that we still need to forgive those who have wronged us, or forever live lives stunted by the poison of our hatred. </i></span></blockquote>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><b>Review:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I have a warning to those reading this review: this is not for those who don't like foul language or anything kind of <i>mature, </i>I guess. There is a lot of that. Including multiple droppings of the F-bomb. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>There may be spoilers.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i>Islands of the Heart </i>is an intricately laced story following the lives of characters who have all affected each other's lives in some way. Each of these characters is trying to find something about themselves and each of these characters finds that the old methods of dealing with problems aren't appropriate anymore--things have changed and so have they. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">David Stringer does an amazing job interweaving the stories of all his characters throughout the chapters. They changes of point of view are appropriately made and they always reveal so much about the character it's focused on without giving away too much at a time. Each section reveals a new layer of his characters, further complicating each personality. His descriptions were beautiful and his dialogue was witty and real. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span> <br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border: 2px solid #666; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">" 'America Sneezes and we all get the flu ' " (page 100).</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">One of the issues that I had while reading this book is the fact that I don't know much about Samoa, Australia, or New Zealand, or about Samoan, Australian, or Maori culture. It was sort of distracting because sometimes it was very difficult to follow the history that they were discussing or the things that they were saying. I also don't know about much in politics. If the characters were affected in anyway because of politics, I wouldn't understand why. There was also some language scattered throughout the book. For example, the question and answer given by Pepe and Steven on page 202:</span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="background-color: #f2f2f2; border: 2px solid #666; padding: 10px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">'O a mai?' </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">'Ua leilei. . .' </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Since I don't speak the language, I have no idea if that's a greeting or just a simple question and answer.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">However, aside from that, Stringer brings to life wonderful characters through description and action. It's like I'm watching a movie in my head: They feel so real to me. Their backgrounds are well thought out and the actions they take based on their backgrounds are right on point. The best part is that I can really see when their mindset is starting to change. Honestly speaking, they're a wonderful bunch of characters--they're broken in some degree or another--and I love them all equally. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As mentioned above, his description is equally wonderful. When he flashes back to Wolf's army days, I feel like I'm there--in the action. My heart broke for Tania, and I felt calm when descriptions of scenery arose. His descriptions make me want to see the mountains and forest he described in person (and it's something that I've added to my bucket list). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm glad to have had the opportunity to read Stringer's novel. It was different from what I've read in a while; it had a different sentence structure, and different way of describing. The difference was much needed and very wonderful. If you like this kind of contemporary literature, then you'll love this novel. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Thank you David for giving me this opportunity!<br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
</span> <img alt="M.A.Chase" border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/For%20HTML%20codes%20only/SignatureMACHASE.gif" />~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-2891064267117652342013-12-08T00:00:00.000-08:002013-12-08T10:51:03.590-08:00Here's a Book Highlight: Grimnirs by Ednah Walters<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <o:OfficeDocumentSettings> <o:AllowPNG/> </o:OfficeDocumentSettings> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> If you think that Ednah Walters's name sounds familiar, you must have seen my review for <a href="http://machasebookreviews.blogspot.com/2010/09/awakened.html" target="_blank">AWAKENED</a>! Check it out if you haven't!</span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Book Title:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b><i>Grimnirs</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Series: </b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A Runes Novel</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Author:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>Ednah Walters</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Release Date:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>December 2<sup>nd</sup>
2013</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Genre:<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></b>YA Paranormal Romance
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Publisher:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Firetrail
Publishing</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Presented by:</b> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><a href="http://asyouwishtours.com/">As You
Wish Tours</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Banner Made by:</b><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Julia Hendrix</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_iF1e5aysMLokz0Tb2Q_FR7NErw7oyyoMS84JskPdHNvbMl8MTcJgescljIByD1dru0kDBkg3EFpcEnYpfcmEgDAbQaeKz32l8Et3PLn0-Xez4AGkLOs7B7_9udGGJrmen3MUFl46nk/s1600/Grimnirs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin_iF1e5aysMLokz0Tb2Q_FR7NErw7oyyoMS84JskPdHNvbMl8MTcJgescljIByD1dru0kDBkg3EFpcEnYpfcmEgDAbQaeKz32l8Et3PLn0-Xez4AGkLOs7B7_9udGGJrmen3MUFl46nk/s400/Grimnirs.jpg" width="266" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: red;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><b><span style="color: #0000ee;">BOOK BLURB</span></b></u></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>One lost love.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>One lost best
friend. </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>One hot soul reaper.</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Straight out of the psyche ward, Cora just wants her life to
be normal. She doesn’t want to see souls or the reapers collecting them. The
love of her life, the guy she’s loved from a distance for years, has moved away
without saying goodbye. So yes, she’s nursing a serious heartbreak. It’s no
wonder love is the last thing on her mind when Echo storms into her life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The chemistry between them is mind-blowing. The connection
defies logic. It doesn’t help that Echo is the poster boy for everything she
hates in a guy—hot, beautiful, and cocky. A general pain-in-the-butt. Being
around him makes her feel more alive than she’s ever felt before. But more
important, the souls leave her alone when he is around.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Echo is perfect for her. Echo might even be her soul-mate.
There is only one problem. Echo is a freaking soul reaper. A Grimnir. The very
beings she wants out of her life. Maybe normal is overrated because Cora wants
it all. Answers. Love. A life. You see, once you fall for a Grimnir, your life
will never be the same again. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">CLICK THE "READ MORE" FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT GRIMNIRS AND EDNAH WALTERS!</span></div>
<br />
<a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><u><b>EXCERPT:</b></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Now see what you made me do.” I eased off the brake. Ahead,
Dad’s truck was nowhere in sight.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Sorry about that,” Echo said, but he didn’t sound or look
it. He reached out and lifted the hair on my right shoulder.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I swatted at his hand. “Stop that.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“Can’t help it.” He planted a kiss on my neck. The car
swayed as I momentarily lost control.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“I’m serious. Quit messing with me, Echo.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“You smell amazing.” He trailed kisses up my neck to my ear
and inhaled.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The sensations that invaded my body were downright
frightening. Not even Eirik had ever made me feel like this. If I could forget
Echo was a lunatic and I was losing my mind, I would have enjoyed the
sensation.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I reached up and tried to push his head away, but it was
like moving a boulder. Worse, my hand sunk into his hair. It was silky, and for
one brief moment, I wanted to run my fingers through it, maybe hold his head in
place and savor the moment.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">He bit my ear. I squealed and, once again, lost control of
the car. “Dang it, Echo. We could get into an accident.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“But we self-heal.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I self-healed, too? Nice. No, not nice. I refused to start
buying into his crazy assumptions. “I could hurt someone.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">“There’re just Mortals. If it’s their time to go, it’s their
time to go. No force of nature can stop that. No, that’s not true. Norns could.
You look breathtaking this morning. Love that shade of red on you. Very vampy.
What is it you once told me? Red gives you the extra oomph when you are having
a shitty day.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The only person who knew that was Raine. “Who told you
that?”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">AUTHOR BIO</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">EDNAH WALTERS grew up reading Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and dreaming of one day writing her own stories. She is a stay-at-home mother of five humans and two American short-hair cats (one of which has ADHD) and a husband. When she is not writing, she’s at the gym doing Zumba or doing things with her family, reading, traveling or online chatting with fans.</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6TOvi4DeSZO_1L-81v8K0dValJdEtTNj2-N5UVpY2GINHs_1PoZgIxSVZmxOy3-QRo2lQs5a9dKE6DOOfvoknyaOI3AXYDQcIf7YjGjR2LDCDJeeKKEsDass7OX8JIrYnH7xUuftM-E/s1600/ECHO4_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6TOvi4DeSZO_1L-81v8K0dValJdEtTNj2-N5UVpY2GINHs_1PoZgIxSVZmxOy3-QRo2lQs5a9dKE6DOOfvoknyaOI3AXYDQcIf7YjGjR2LDCDJeeKKEsDass7OX8JIrYnH7xUuftM-E/s400/ECHO4_1.jpg" width="281" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ednah is the author of The Guardian Legacy series, a YA fantasy series about children of the fallen angels, who fight demons and protect mankind. AWAKENED, the prequel was released by Pill Hill Press in September 2010 with rave reviews. BETRAYED, book one in the series was released by her new publisher Spencer Hill Press in June 2012 and HUNTED, the third installment, will be released April 2013. She’s working on the next book in the series, FORGOTTEN. Visit her at <a href="http://www.ednahwalters.com/">www.ednahwalters.com</a></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Ednah also writes YA paranormal romance. RUNES is the first book in her new series. IMMORTALS is book 2. She is presently working on book 3, GRIMNIRS (Release date TBA). Read more about this series and the world she's created here <a href="http://www.runestheseries.com/">www.runestheseries.com</a></span> </div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Under the pseudonym E. B. Walters, Ednah writes contemporary romance. SLOW BURN, the first contemporary romance with suspense, was released in April 2011. It is the first book in the Fitzgerald family series. Since then she has published four more books in this series. She's presently working on book six. You can visit her online at or <a href="http://www.ebwalters.com/">www.ebwalters.com</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">AUTHOR LINKS</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AuthorEdnahwalters?ref=hl">Facebook</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/ednahwalters" target="_blank"><u>Twitter</u></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.runestheseries.com/">Website</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ednah-Walters/e/B0042H1GB4/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1">Amazon Author</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4188120.Ednah_Walters">Goodreads</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.barnesandnoble.com/c/ednah-walters">B&N Author</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/authorednah">Smashwords</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grimnirs-Runes-Ednah-Walters-ebook/dp/B00H15YMJW/ref=la_B00821G2ZQ_1_15_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386029505&sr=1-15">Amazon
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grimnirs-Runes-Ednah-Walters/dp/0983429790/ref=la_B00821G2ZQ_1_2_title_0_main?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1386029488&sr=1-2">Amazon
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</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18339548-grimnirs">Goodreads</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <img alt="M.A.Chase" border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/For%20HTML%20codes%20only/SignatureMACHASE.gif" /></span>~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-45556478098922961202013-11-09T07:09:00.001-08:002013-11-09T07:09:51.173-08:00Currently Reading / NaNoWriMo<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Hello, readers! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">I'm going to update you on some things!</span><br />
<a href="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1345480643l/15825211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1345480643l/15825211.jpg" width="130" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<h4>
What I'm currently reading</h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Right now I'm reading <em>Islands of the Heart </em>by David Stringer and, I've gotta say, so far so good! Although, if you're not into cursing and the dropping of the F-bomb a lot, then you may not like it. (It's really good though.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<h4>
NaNoWriMo</h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">So, that's failing pretty epically. (As you can tell from my word count on the right.) I think I have to write 3000 a day to catch up now? I don't even know. I didn't write any words yesterday. Oh well. I'll try my best and see where that takes me. Maybe next year, right? :P</span><br />
<img alt="M.A.Chase" border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/For%20HTML%20codes%20only/SignatureMACHASE.gif" />~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-30075091258377899312013-11-01T05:30:00.000-07:002013-11-01T19:52:46.334-07:00Book of the Week: Tyger, Tyger/ NaNoWriMo<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This is a short post today, as I have quick somethings to mention to you! </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">This week <i>Tyger, Tyger </i>by Kersten Hamilton is Apple's book of the week! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://mail.aol.com/38135-111/aol-6/en-us/mail/get-attachment.aspx?uid=30921820&folder=NewMail&partId=6" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" id="85155430-0856-4e3d-a476-9563c243c231" name="600x280_2.png" src="http://mail.aol.com/38135-111/aol-6/en-us/mail/get-attachment.aspx?uid=30921820&folder=NewMail&partId=6" width="600" /></a></div>
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">What does this mean? </span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">For this week you can download <i>Tyger, Tyger</i> for <i>free</i>. Just click <a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/tyger-tyger/id427571024?mt=11" target="_blank">this link </a>and you'll be taken to the page! If you haven't seen it, I have a review of <i>Tyger, Tyger. </i>It's my favorite book, and I highly recommend you read the Goblin Wars Trilogy!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">NaNoWriMo</span></h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">In NaNoWriMo news, I have my word count on the right side of my blog! I figured that if I made it public to everyone who reads my blog, I would be more encouraged to try to finish it this year. It also helps that I have a technology class this year. It gives me a whole hour (in the case of this Monday <i>two</i> hours) to write for NaNoWriMo. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">I'm working on a Mystery/Suspense story. It's something I've never written before. I hope that I could deliver something decent. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you want to add me as a writing buddy, find "Roxaslover14" and send me an invite! I'll add anyone back!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> <img alt="M.A.Chase" border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/For%20HTML%20codes%20only/SignatureMACHASE.gif" /></span>~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-1279941624875387222013-10-03T06:00:00.000-07:002013-10-03T06:00:10.425-07:00KIERA'S QUEST: SACRIFICES by Kristy Brown Review<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1344349203l/15796325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1344349203l/15796325.jpg" width="266" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Title: </b></span> <em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Kiera's Quest: Sacrifices</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><strong>Author: </strong>Kristy Brown</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><strong>Release date: </strong>August 3rd, 2012</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><strong>Rating: </strong>5/5</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><strong>Publisher: </strong>MuseItUp</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Book Summary: </b></span></div>
<blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span id="freeText8164462341065932411"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After almost beating the villainous Witch Queen, Kiera’s triumph is tainted with sadness for the loss of Joe and Daz.<br />
<br />
When the handsome Prince Zakk asks Kiera to re-enter his world in order to save her friend, she does not hesitate.<br />
<br />
On their perilous journey Kiera realizes that she is there to save many lives. As she comes face to face with her evil nemesis once again, Kiera comes closer to finding out the truth to why she has been chosen.<br />
<br />
Will she succeed? Will this be the end to Kiera’s quest?</span></span> </div>
</blockquote>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><b>Review:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">As the second installment of the book series <em>Kiera's Quest</em>, <em>Sacrifices</em> dealt with the continuation of Kiera's journey after the horrible events that ended <a href="http://machasebookreviews.blogspot.com/2013/08/kieras-quest-awakenings-by-kristy-brown.html" target="_blank">the first book</a>. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span> </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Back on Earth, Kiera is listed as a missing person along with her friends Daz and Joe; Maddy was left alone to carry the burden of her friends' "disappearances." What made the situation worse is the fact that she knows where Kiera is and why she left and she knows what happened to her boyfriend Daz and Joe. She's forced to keep it secret. Kiera, on the other hand, struggles with Prince Zakk to defeat the Witch Queen and indirectly looking for Joe and Daz.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In this installment of <em>Kiera's Quest</em>, we finally get to see Zakk in action and not as a plastic Ken doll. He was brave and very noble (duh, he's a prince). He always made sure that everyone was safe and didn't leave anyone behind. For his introduction as a walking and moving character, he hit it hard and I really liked him. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm not going to spoil anything, but Terrance the dog was probably my favorite character as I was reading. He's so awesome and comes to the rescue at the perfect moments. Read the book, and you'll understand why Terrance is definitely the Character of the Week. (Is that even a thing?)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Again, I could really feel myself as Kiera. She was brave and yet she had her moments of fear and distress. I think the one thing I don't like about Kiera is that she can rely on the ring a little <em>too</em> much sometimes. She does take care of business when it's necessary with the ring or without it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">The Witch Queen strikes again! Wow, she's a pretty awesome villainess and the way Kiera and the others describe her kind of send chills down my back. The things she does to people just for the fun of it; the things she does just to gain her power back. It's really magnificent. In my scale of villains, so far she's up there with Maleficent, Valentine, and Voldemort. (Maleficent is still my favorite though. She did all that stuff because she <em>wasn't invited to the birthday party</em>.)</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Anyway, there is also a twist that no one expects, though both got me mad and yet I was kind of happy with it. (Unlike <a href="http://machasebookreviews.blogspot.com/2013/09/things-in-ditches-by-jimmy-olsen-review.html" target="_blank">THINGS IN DITCHES</a> which just made me mad.) We also meet some new characters: Alex, Mouse, Jamie and others. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would love to continue following Kiera on her journey and her battles against the Witch Queen.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">A big thanks to <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5290332.Kristy_Brown" target="_blank">Kristy Brown</a> for giving me the opportunity to read the second installment!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><b> </b></span> <img alt="M.A.Chase" border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/For%20HTML%20codes%20only/SignatureMACHASE.gif" /></div>
~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-76852981420090869602013-09-25T08:00:00.000-07:002013-09-26T05:50:32.484-07:00THINGS IN DITCHES by Jimmy Olsen Review<a href="http://www.booksrevisited.com/booksrev/images/items/23598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://www.booksrevisited.com/booksrev/images/items/23598.JPG" width="262" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia;"><b>Title: </b><i>Things in </i><i>Ditches</i></span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><b>Author: </b>Jimmy Olsen</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><b>Release date: </b>December 28, 2000</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><b>Rating: </b>5/5</span> <br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>Publisher: </b>North Star Press</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>B</b></span><span style="font-family: Georgia, ";"><b>ook Summary: </b></span><br />
<blockquote>
<span id="freeText14615086361999977166"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A murder mystery novel. The story of Phillip "Dutch" Cleland, a man with a hidden past and a future about to explode in his face. A seemingly average man whose love for two women drives him to such extremes that deception, even murder and suicide are not longer unthinkable. </span></span> <span id="freeText14615086361999977166"><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> When a lovely corpse is discovered near Dutch's home town, the nearby ditches begin to yield a harvest of secrets, none of them comforting for Dutch. Soon he is forced to flee for his life, before his past and the police slip a noose around his neck. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <i>Things In Ditches</i> is peopled with small town characters that are so humorous and eccentric, their oddball antics enliven every paragraph and page. A reader can't help but be reeled in by the strange citizens of Willow River, until soon discovering they're really not so different from all of us and Dutch's story is the oldest story on earth; good and evil, betrayal and laughter. And finally, the power of love and friendship, forging one man's determination to overcome all odds, even death.</span></span> </blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><b>Review: </b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><b>Warning! There are some spoilers! </b></span><br />
<blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Marlene came in carrying a candle. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"Ah, Lady Macbeth!" he sighed with great drama. "Whyfore did he kill her now after all these leagues?"</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">"League is a distance, dope, not a time," she said pouring hot candle wax into a puddle beside him."</span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Chapter 15, page 159.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><i>Things in Ditches </i>is written in third person past and follows the life of Dutch Cleland, the Butcher of Willow River. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Dutch Cleland is a lying, cheating, sneaky rat, and above everything else, the murderer of his mistress, Vicky Murdock, whom he loved with all his heart. Was it that love that ultimately got her killed? </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">In a small town like Willow River, stealing is unheard of and murder, even less. Cleland, unable to commit suicide, runs off into hiding, leaving Jean to face the music of his murder of which he detailed in a little note left in the kitchen. But on his way to pick up some food from his butcher shop, he's held up and things for him start getting much, much worse. Whatever Dutch thought he could save of his future was thrown down the drain.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Like most small towns, people start to talk. Gossip circles suddenly have something to talk about and the only name in the mix is Dutch's. He grows into the star of Willow River and news coverage on the little town explodes. What the newscasters don't know, however, is that the body is suddenly missing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">It becomes a race to who can find Dutch first: Len Davis, the lawyer, Carroll Johnson and Murdock, Vicky's husbands, Sherriff Mattson, the Sherriff of the county, or Charlie, the police chief of Willow River. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Who will find him first? Will Dutch ever go back to the home he loved so much?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Jimmy Olsen brings the world of Willow River to life with beautifully crafted sentences and very real dialogue. I felt like I was experiencing what was going on. I was completely lost in this book and would gasp out loud in the middle of class. I had never read a murder mystery before this one, but now I think I may start picking some up. It was humorous, dark, and wonderful. I found myself unable to put it down. Each character was very well-rounded. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I think my favorite characters may have been Jean. I say Jean, because she was a very strong female character. She didn't let things get to her and she certainly didn't let Dutch destroy her. Jean fought against Murdock and Carroll and although she was shaken up, she didn't let it bring her down. She is an extremely powerful character, that I enjoyed very, very much. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I promise I'm not going to spoil anything, but the ending really made me frustrated and mad. I saw part of it coming, because he does have foreshadowing to it, but I did not see the huge twist that he left behind. I complained to probably every one, and I think that's probably a good thing. I didn't see part of it coming. Then I read the epilogue and I think that made me angrier both because I saw it was coming, and because I didn't see it coming. I really felt involved in this book.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I've even recommended it to my AP Literature teacher!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Thank you, Jimmy Olsen, for sending me a copy of this book!</span><br />
<img alt="M.A.Chase" border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/For%20HTML%20codes%20only/SignatureMACHASE.gif" />~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-43965584846465555672013-09-19T05:40:00.000-07:002013-09-29T07:37:10.303-07:00IN THE BETWEEN Giveaway!<a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1361036392l/17378422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1361036392l/17378422.jpg" width="208" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If you're a regular visitor to my blog, you'll know about the book <i><a href="http://machasebookreviews.blogspot.com/2013/06/in-between-by-may-sinclair-phd-review.html">In the Between</a></i> by May Sinclair, PhD. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Now you can <i>own</i> in the between! </span><br />
<h4>
How?</h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Enter the contest!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Contest starts on 9/20/13 and ends on 10/11/13</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<h4>
What do you win?</h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">A copy of<i> In The Between </i>signed by May Sinclair, PhD!</span><br />
<h4>
What do you need to do?</h4>
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Follow <i><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FVucYzCfDH9yqCEop-kiXyEh9q3hJ1F5YTqId9WvM6g/viewform">this</a></i> link to the form, o</span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">r click the <<more>> button below to fill it out on here:</more></span><br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<iframe frameborder="0" height="329" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FVucYzCfDH9yqCEop-kiXyEh9q3hJ1F5YTqId9WvM6g/viewform?embedded=true" width="500">Loading...</iframe><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">You can ga</span>in up to ten points (one being the filling out of the form, nine being extra). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Good luck!</span><br />
<img alt="M.A.Chase" border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/For%20HTML%20codes%20only/SignatureMACHASE.gif" />~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-50501331658971062492013-08-24T09:30:00.000-07:002013-08-28T15:48:29.637-07:00May Sinclair, PhD Interview!<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<![endif]--><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> Here's an
interview with May Sinclair, PhD! View my review of her book <i>In the Between</i></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><i></i>
<a href="http://machasebookreviews.blogspot.com/2013/06/in-between-by-may-sinclair-phd-review.html">here.</a>
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">______________</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Q. What
inspired you to write a novel on reincarnation?</span></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361036392l/17378422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" id="irc_mi" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361036392l/17378422.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I’ve been attracted to the concept of
reincarnation for a long as I can remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Especially, after I read The Tibetan Book of the Dead, where the concept
of getting to choose our parents is described.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It was all quite intriguing.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Then
when I was invited to join a writers’ group and they were all writing fiction,
I decided to put aside the non-fiction book I was then working on for a while
to write a metaphysical fantasy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of
course, I also used prior research from other books I’d written, and my
personal experiences, along with my imagination, to develop the story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Q. What made
you decide on those specific places and time periods?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Conversations with various people
over the years suggested some places and periods of time that fit into the
overall story.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My husband and I used to
sit in our kitchen enjoying ourselves as we made up past-life stories about the
two of us and people we know. </span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
My real sister, just like my sister in the book, believed she was buried alive
in Egypt and she told me that was why she was claustrophobic.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>One of my dearest friends told me she felt
she lived in Greece and could picture herself looking out from a set of wide
steps to view a columned Greek temple. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Q. How did
you come up with the character of Starry and her traits?</span></div>
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A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now that is both psychological and
metaphysical.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Psychologically, I, like
most people, hear voices in my head that tell me what I “should” do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Things like: hurry up, you can’t have fun
until the work is done, you won’t succeed unless you to this or that.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Those voices come from the pieces of me that
I developed throughout my life to cope with it.</span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
The core of metaphysics indicates there is more to us than our five
senses: hearing, speaking, seeing, smelling, and touching, while many religions
and philosophies teach that a soul is placed within a physical body to learn—to
increase consciousness. </span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
The Starry character is a creation from those parts of my concept of soul that
is both a goad to cope and to evolve consciousness.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She is a blend of instincts that are often
automatic and self-protective along with the sense there is something greater than
can be comprehended with only five senses alone.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Starry is joyous.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She knows life is infinite and if one choice
doesn’t turn out well, there are many more opportunities to choose from again
and again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, Starry’s character
flaw is that she’s not using the emotional element in the best way to feel
compassion and to cooperate with her physical aspect to grow more easily.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her detachment is necessary yet stressful for
evolution of the complete soul. </span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.7pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Q. Who do
you think you were in a prior life?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br />
A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At one point my life, I experimented
with Past-life regression.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Of course,
all of it could be from my imagination, but I saw myself during one of the
regressions with other young women in the Ambassador’s wing of the palace of
Versailles.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I used that as a basis for
the parts of the book that took place in Spain, England, France, and the
Netherlands.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In another of those
regressions I saw myself in a harem where a man (my real husband in this life)
was mutilated for some misdeed that could have been attributed to me.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That was a terrible experience and I remember
telling my husband after I came out of the trace state that it wasn’t my
fault.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He looked at me as though I was
nuts and then we laughed about it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Q.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How much research did it take to write as
true to the time periods as possible?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">A.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The amount of time was lessened because I was
able to use my prior research about the sacred marriage rites from Mesopotamia,
the medical practices used to produce a son in ancient Greece, and how the throne
mysticism of the Kabalah affected temple worship in Jerusalem from another
non-fiction book I wrote many years ago: Infamous Eve, A History. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 13.7pt; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">The second book
in this series, The Beginning Begins, continues the progression of the soul
(two souls rather than one), but it also weaves into the story the mystery
surrounding the scrolls that were hidden, along with the Urim and Thummim that
were said to be used to get answers to questions from God—by Salome Alexandra
in Jerusalem—in this book.<br />
______________</span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />Thanks
to May Sinclair for answering all my questions! The link to my review of her
book is posted above. It's an amazing book and it's an interesting concept so
please go check it out!</span></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: black;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: black; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; mso-font-kerning: 0pt;"> </span><img alt="M.A.Chase" border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/For%20HTML%20codes%20only/SignatureMACHASE.gif" /></span></span>~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-53222101887413105922013-08-14T06:30:00.000-07:002013-08-14T11:52:48.360-07:00Kiera's Quest: Awakenings by Kristy Brown REVIEW<a href="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1327913367l/12937815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1327913367l/12937815.jpg" width="265" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Title: </b><i>Awakenings</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Author: </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><b></b>Kristy Brown</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Release date: </b>October 19th, 2011</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Rating: </b>4.5/5</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Publisher: </b>MuseItUp</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><b>Book Summary: </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><b> </b></span></span><br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><i><span id="freeText4123794074937968470">Meet Kiera, a pretty, intelligent, and talented girl, brought up by her uncle, and abandoned by her parents. Life is as normal as she believes it to be, apart from the deep ache inside her, telling her she’s different. For years, Kiera had dreams where she ventures into a different reality. She’s not alone; a presence is always there, keeping her safe, yet she feels vulnerable, and hunted.<br />Zakk, Prince of Zantar, is under the Witch Queen’s spell as she tries to take over his world.He crosses paths with Kiera, and their fates are entwined.<br />As their journey unravels, she learns that she is not the only one affected by this prince. Who is on her side? Will she find out why she has been chosen? How can someone so young, defeatsuch evil? Will she find the strength to save the ones closest to her? Will this be Kiera’s only Quest?</span></i><b> </b></span></span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><b>Review:</b></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">Thanks to Kristy Brown's event on her Facebook page I was able to request, read, and now review Awakenings the first book in her, as of right now, trilogy. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you like evil witches, </span>princes, quests, and magic then this is the book for you. I promise.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">I read the book's synopsis and I immediately wanted to snatch it up, curl up on my couch, and read. And once I started, I couldn't stop. I literally read the whole book in one day and when it ended I wanted more of Kiera and Zakk. Brown's imagery was vivid and flowed so beautifully. </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">Personification brought the scenes to life: "Zakk knew his only response would be that of his own echoes chasing each other round the stone cave walls."</span></span> And that was only in Chapter One. I read this in one day because I didn't even realize how many pages I had read until I was done. I was so immersed in Kiera's world and her thought process.</span></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">However, the reason why I didn't give it a 5 is because I felt that certain things happened too quickly. I can't think of the exact scene when I thought that, but I felt things were kind of sped up. I also have to take into consideration that the time span of the novel was a few days, though I still felt certain things should have taken their time. For example, traveling across the gorge full of spikes. Also, certain lines felt a little cliché. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">Brown's character's were really, really great, though. I could really relate to Kiera. The way she was handling her situation and getting paranoid with the people around her was probably how I would have been. Saving a prince's life and an entire world was on her shoulders and it was her fault if everything was destroyed. She had also come to like the prince that she was trying to help and she wouldn't have been happy with herself if she didn't succeed. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">The Witch Queen was a really cool character. Honestly, I wouldn't want to run into her in a dark alley. She knew what she wanted and when she wanted it. It wasn't her fault that her henchman Googe couldn't deliver. (Also, as a side note, I read Googe as Google the first time and I had to re-read it cause I was so confused. Though, it was really funny.) The things she did to Zakk (most of which were just revealed) <i>in the first Chapter</i> in order to rise to the throne was completely insane and wonderful. She was powerful and yet she was vulnerable which is probably why I liked her so much. I hated her so much I loved her!</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">Joe is probably the most adorable thing ever. I have a friend named Joe and for some reason both his personality and the personality of the Joe in the book really <i>fit.</i> I don't know. Haha. I guess it really made my connection with Joe a little stronger, because he was so similar to my friend in real life, which is a very good thing. Her character was well rounded and exhibited qualities and quirks and personality traits that are seen in normal humans. Joe jumped off the page for me. He was lovestruck and faithful, but he also had his dorky qualities which were super duper adorable.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">I fell in love with Daz at the end, and since that was the case, you'll have to read <i>Kiera's Quest: Awakenings</i>. You'll also have to read it to find out why the ending <i>killed me</i>. (Trust me. You won't be disappointed reading this book.) </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">I would definitely love to pick up the remaining book sometime in the near future. Thank you again Kristy Brown and I hope to hear more from you soon!</span></span><br />
<img alt="M.A.Chase" border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/For%20HTML%20codes%20only/SignatureMACHASE.gif" />~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-71013678598811294812013-08-02T11:38:00.000-07:002013-08-02T11:38:30.416-07:00City of Bones Cast Q&A and Meet and Greet!<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">On Wednesday (July 31) I was able to meet Jamie Campbell Bower, Lily Collins, and Kevin </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jhGTvOSe-DLmlbXqgc8wTto5hgt9uC4Leh8lPQQHIb9Wmdp_5CfkpvTODW4FjHrlrhFLhVZFMHBmdsjqgN_JJqpgDOL2MU7lREogIQ-1Ws8_KflAIep2KyHszzD44ncSokcPd8KRlTg/s1600/IMG_3893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7jhGTvOSe-DLmlbXqgc8wTto5hgt9uC4Leh8lPQQHIb9Wmdp_5CfkpvTODW4FjHrlrhFLhVZFMHBmdsjqgN_JJqpgDOL2MU7lREogIQ-1Ws8_KflAIep2KyHszzD44ncSokcPd8KRlTg/s320/IMG_3893.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Zegers from the City of Bones cast. They were the most down to earth actors ever. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">During the signing, Kevin Zegers, Lily Collins and Jamie Campbell Bower greeted everyone with big smiles and were so happy to see us. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Jamie Campbell Bower: "Thanks for waiting to see us. It's great to meet you." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Lily Collins: "It's lovely to meet you." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Kevin Zegers: "Hey, sweetie. How are you?"</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">They gave fans hand fives and honestly, treated them like if they were friends. I don't know why that shocks me, but it does. To me, it made them feel more like people I could relate to and not just stars that I see on the big screen. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">During the Q&A it was so much better; all three of them were completely shocked with how many people came out to see them and were standing in the heat just to hear them ask questions. They stood up and started taking pictures on their phones with the sheer volume of people that were standing there. Jamie even said that the fact that so many people were out there made him "super happy." </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">They revealed many things about themselves and their characters: </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnYjbqBPXwJVCLjyW092XSUAQUtAHSJRYohpMVnufVD7NASM-ZSEm0tOqNkIuTrLnhCCI4RNki2YI792AhEpbvarwI68sOOlRjixtVuiPm5Zjh7yTxEx6ZGmfSIOcXpwlf9dhtihi3AA/s1600/IMG_3908.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilnYjbqBPXwJVCLjyW092XSUAQUtAHSJRYohpMVnufVD7NASM-ZSEm0tOqNkIuTrLnhCCI4RNki2YI792AhEpbvarwI68sOOlRjixtVuiPm5Zjh7yTxEx6ZGmfSIOcXpwlf9dhtihi3AA/s320/IMG_3908.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Lily revealed that she read the books and wanted to be Clary; that when she heard it was being turned into a movie got on her email and emailed all sorts of people. She also revealed that she is very close to her mother and was happy to portray that closeness on screen. She said that when she watched the final screening of City of Bones that it was hard to tell when she was acting and when she was having fun because she enjoyed being there and working on the set so much. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Jamie cracked jokes the whole time during the Q&A about Justin Bieber being a poser and how he would really mess up lines during filming. He also revealed that his favorite part about being Jace was Jace's vulnerability. Jamie also revealed that at the end of ever movie, he keeps a momento from the movie; in this case, he had (and was wearing) the Morgenstern ring which he showed the audience (who, again, cheered wildly). </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Kevin laughed along with Jamie and Lily and revealed that if he had to choose something other than being a Shadowhunter, he would want to be a warlock (which was followed by loud cheering from the audience). He also revealed that his favorite character other than Alec was Simon (although the audience was hoping to hear Magnus in that answer). </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUClCilE8CBtwk71aOOc96VLmtiVF6HfrdcG__n4ijHgSLnB38F47JJq1ur0IXFR482f3xk8sDRCV6q_WpySlpmPJ7hoyow2nwgAdrAoOJQO5QKlNbwml-vHn1lx8IgrF2IIlOMXzKoLE/s1600/IMG_3931.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUClCilE8CBtwk71aOOc96VLmtiVF6HfrdcG__n4ijHgSLnB38F47JJq1ur0IXFR482f3xk8sDRCV6q_WpySlpmPJ7hoyow2nwgAdrAoOJQO5QKlNbwml-vHn1lx8IgrF2IIlOMXzKoLE/s320/IMG_3931.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">They were having as much fun as we were. None of them expected a whole audience to go wild over the word "greenhouse" or over their answers and stories. I don't know, I guess it shocked me that they were as happy to see all of us as we were to see them. Seeing them really made me excited about <i>The City of Bones</i> and it also made me excited for the next one (which they frequently mentioned during the Q&A.)</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">If they do end up reading this, I just want to thank them for taking their time to come out to meet fans and say hello. It was absolutely brilliant. </span> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"> <img alt="M.A.Chase" border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/For%20HTML%20codes%20only/SignatureMACHASE.gif" /></span>~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-59340607276957087512013-07-19T06:00:00.000-07:002013-07-19T06:00:06.011-07:00Book to Movie: City of Bones and Catching Fire<br />
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<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">Seeing all this new information coming in about the <i>City of Bones </i>and <i>Catching Fire</i> movies is kind of exciting. Where do I even start? </span></span><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">For
those of you that have read books and have watched the movies come to
life in front of you like if the books had come to life and were
talking, you'd know what I'm feeling; those characters and their stories
have become a part of you and you wonder how you've managed to live
with out them. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">First off, it feels like<i> </i>I've been waiting a <i>life time</i> for the <i>Catching Fire</i> movie to come out. I mean, I read the <i>Hunger Games</i> trilogy when I was in seventh and eight grade (6 <i>years</i> ago). I mean. Wow. I remember begging my mom to take me to the book store after school to buy the final installment (which I got at a discounted rate at the time cause it was the first rate, lol. Go past me!). </span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<br />
<a href="http://hungergamesdwtc.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Catching-Fire-Katniss-and-Peeta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" id="irc_mi" src="http://hungergamesdwtc.net/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Catching-Fire-Katniss-and-Peeta.jpg" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">Anyway, seeing these stories on a movie screen, playing right in front of you, is just an amazing feeling. <i>Especially</i> when it's done right, which thankfully the director of the <i>Hunger Games</i> got it pretty well. It's also pretty phenomenal when you see stills like these coming out. I mean, just look at them! I have to thank the casting director of the <i>Hunger Games </i>and <i>Catching Fire.</i> I'll be honest, when I saw Jennifer Lawrence was playing Katniss the first time around, I was kind of iffy about it. I didn't know what to think, but when I saw the first movie trailer, and the teasers I knew that no one else could play Katniss like Jennifer Lawrence. That goes the same for Josh Hutcherson as Peeta and Liam Hemsworth as Gale. Of course, this casting only hypes me up for <i>Catching Fire. </i></span></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">The full cast was finally revealed recently and I'm so happy. The people that they've chosen couldn't be any better.</span></span> For me, it's still a question of how this movie will be laid out. Will it be like the last where Caesar Flickerman is hosting it like we're watching the actual games again? How will they present the violence in this second installment (which in my opinion the second book is definitely a lot bloodier)? I've seen stills of them in the actual arena, them during the reaping, in the training room with the other tributes, but there's not much else. Unfortunately, we won't know these answers until November 22, but I'm still ecstatic to find out!</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><br /></span></span>
<a href="http://24.media.tumblr.com/c7d4110379c86c446df21d70913a9327/tumblr_mnsigqCmJG1qcxtyeo1_500.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="419" id="irc_mi" src="http://24.media.tumblr.com/c7d4110379c86c446df21d70913a9327/tumblr_mnsigqCmJG1qcxtyeo1_500.png" style="margin-top: 0px;" width="338" /></a><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">I joined the <i>City of Bones </i>fandom a lot later than most. I didn't pick the books up until my Sophomore year, which was almost two years ago. But when I did, I fell in love. Where do I even start with these books? I fell in love with Jace, Clary, and Simon and I tangled myself in their problems, and issues, and worries, and fears. I was hoping Shadowhunters really do walk the Earth protecting us from the demons that are trying to destroy. Again, the casting didn't start settling in until I saw the first trailer. I guess it's just me and having to see the actors in play that makes the casting really set in. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">I fell in love with Jamie Campbell Bower as Jace in--what?--two seconds? Though, I'm pretty sure the fandom was dead set with Alex Pettyfer playing the role of Jace. (I mean seriously, there were pictures comparing him to the cover all over the Internet. <a href="http://media.tumblr.com/tumblr_ld8ox9bo7A1qaovtu.jpg" target="_blank">You think I'm joking?</a>) Lily Collins took the whole length of the trailer to convince me that she was the one to play Clary. I'm not sure why, but she was and I love her just the same. From what I've seen so far, I can tell that this movie is going to be well done. Of course that doesn't mean anything, as we saw from the Book to Movie rendition of <i>Beautiful Creatures</i>. *rubs temples* (If you need to, refer to my <a href="http://machasebookreviews.blogspot.com/2013/02/beautiful-creatures-movie-follow-up.html" target="_blank">Beautiful Creatures MOVIE Follow-Up</a> post.) I do really have high hopes for this movie though. However, we haven't had a previous movie to judge if this one is going to be good or not like we have for <i>Catching Fire.</i> I'm just putting my trust the director will see that things go well. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">We'll have to wait until August 23, which isn't that far, let me tell you. I can't wait to see Jace, Clary, Alec, Isabelle, Magnus, and Simon in action for the first time! </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;">Trailers:</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><i>Catching Fire:</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><i>City of Bones</i></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><b> </b></span><img alt="M.A.Chase" border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/For%20HTML%20codes%20only/SignatureMACHASE.gif" /></span>~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-48695104092162665882013-06-21T18:55:00.000-07:002013-06-25T05:17:45.863-07:00Here's A Book Highlight!<br>
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Age of the Aura, Phase I: Champions of Power (SYNOPSIS)<br>
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Genre: Science Fiction (Space Opera)<br>
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The Blessed Galaxy has no other name. After being gifted with the Auras—five great powerhouses of celestial creation—the title was a suitable fit. For millennia, the governing bodies have ruled their respective reaches of the Galaxy while harnessing the might of the Auras. But now they face the threat of a calamity, from an unlikely source, that could shake the lives of all.<br>
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Lowen Sars, a devout man of science, decides to take on the burden of saving the Galaxy’s people once he learns of the calamity. But he soon realizes that the role of a hero was a calling not meant for him, even with his sudden promotion. In his process of self-discovery, Lowen begins the fateful saga of not only the Blessed Galaxy, but also the kingdom in possession of the corrupt Aura.<br>
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Read more behind the story! http://ageoftheaura.com/universe/<br>
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by <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6880008.Samuel_Odunsi_Jr_" style="text-decoration: none;">Samuel Odunsi Jr.</a><br>
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Giveaway ends July 24, 2013.<br>
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<img alt="M.A.Chase" border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/For%20HTML%20codes%20only/SignatureMACHASE.gif">~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-88977876183140770462013-06-09T14:10:00.000-07:002013-06-09T14:10:10.817-07:00IN THE BETWEEN by May Sinclair, PhD REVIEW<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Title: </strong><em>In the Between</em></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><a href="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361036392l/17378422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1361036392l/17378422.jpg" /></a></em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <strong>Author: </strong>May Sinclair, PhD</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> <span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><b>Release date: </b></span>Feb. 13, 2013 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><strong>Rating: </strong>4.5/5 </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Publisher: </b>Createspace </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Book Summary: </b></span><br />
<span id="freeText13883108332985786282"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></em></span><br />
<span id="freeText13883108332985786282"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></em></span><blockquote>
<span id="freeText13883108332985786282"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>In the Between is a metaphysical fantasy about a woman who dies and travels through the Bardo. The book opens with an explanation of the term: she is going from one life to the next. The Bardo comes from the Tibetan Book of the Dead, loosely translated as: The In Between. And according to that book, souls travel through it for 49 days, during which time they are encouraged to accept any one of numerous heavens being offered. </em></span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote>
<span id="freeText13883108332985786282" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em>There are 49 chapters in the book because according to the Tibetan Book of the Dead souls travel for seven weeks through the in between.</em></span> </blockquote>
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<span id="freeText13883108332985786282"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, unless there is some karma left over from another past life. But our soul, in the story, is not Buddhist, she is from the West. And being the kind of woman she has become through all the countless lives—she believes she has lived—she developed her own ideas about living and what happens at death. </span></em></span> </blockquote>
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<span id="freeText13883108332985786282"><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Based on her ideas she has about the Bardo she gets to re-live some of her past lives to help with the evolution of her soul. But, before any of that happens—right from the start—when she first arrives at the Bardo, she is surprised to discover something odd about her soul that is confusing. She learns there are two parts to her soul—the animal and the spiritual. The two aspects disagree about what the soul is supposed to accomplish and the book spells out the differences through lively dialogue between them.<br /><br /><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">After coming to some harmony, our soul agrees to re-live her past lives that took place in Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, Jerusalem, Istanbul, Spain, Brussels, France, England, the U.S., and India. After each experience the two aspects of our soul review what happened—why she made choices causing karma that must be balanced in her future—and the two parts of our soul begin to grow together.</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">She learns everything is much more complicated than she ever thought, including all of her relationships whether they seemed, good or not so good. She also finds out how it is that thinking people develop their personal ideas about God, the universe, energy, but most importantly why souls are on planet earth—at all.</span></em><br /><br /><em><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> The book allows for all of us to ask ourselves: What if it is true? What if we don’t go to Heaven…or Hell when we die? What if karma does exist? What if we do reincarnate into another life to try to learn about our past mistakes and get to balance out misdeeds?</span></em></span></em></span></blockquote>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><b>Review:</b></span><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span></strong><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">When May Sinclair e-mailed me to read this book, I was extremely excited. This is the first time that I have ever seen an author tackle a book about reincarnation. Reincarnation has always fascinated me, so it was an automatic yes when I saw what this book was about. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">It's not very often that the first few pages of a book are the main character's death (<em>The Lovely Bones</em> is one of these, I think), so it reeled me in right from the get go. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sinclair's dialogue and description really stood out from me as I turned the pages. They were vivid and detailed, yet they remained simple and not overbearing. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Starry, our main character's soul self, leads her through her past lives in all sorts of times and places and teaches her lessons that will later be imprinted on her soul and taken to the next life. Starry was probably my favorite character in the whole book, because she was lively and her emotions changed dramatically. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">However, it was difficult to differentiate which "I" or "me" belonged to our main character's animal self, or to the current self she is replaying in the reliving of the life. While I was reading, it did get rather confusing as to who did what during the life. Another thing I noticed was the typo regarding either a word that wasn't supposed to be in italics (I think I only saw this once) or the quotations around dialogue were forgotten, or doubled, or misplaced. It's not so much of a problem, though I did notice them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Sinclair, how long did it take you to research for your novel? Everything was so accurate down to the drinks and the dances and everything! It was a wonderful reading experience. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I highly recommend this book to anyone who would like to read something different and out of the ordinary for once! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, &quot,;"><b> </b></span> <img alt="M.A.Chase" border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/For%20HTML%20codes%20only/SignatureMACHASE.gif" />~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-44987070172392759122013-05-24T13:00:00.003-07:002013-05-24T13:01:12.469-07:00Free Book This Weekend!<div style="text-align: center;">
Double award-winning YA novel 'You Can't Shatter Me' is FREE from the 29th to the 31st of May 2013. (Pacific Standard Time)<br />
This book on empowering ways to handle bullying has been hailed as a must-read for teens, parents & educators</div>
<a href="http://publishersearch.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/shatter42med.jpg"><img alt="Shatter4+2med" class="aligncenter" height="300" src="http://publishersearch.files.wordpress.com/2012/06/shatter42med.jpg?w=196" width="196" /></a><br />
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This heart-warming magical realism story has received an <a href="http://awesomeindies.net/seal-of-approval/" target="_blank">AIA Seal of Excellence </a>and a <a href="http://www.bragmedallion.com/medallion-honorees/2013/you-cant-shatter-me" target="_blank">B.R.A.G.Medallion</a><sup><a href="http://www.bragmedallion.com/medallion-honorees/2013/you-cant-shatter-me" target="_blank">TM</a></sup> for outstanding independent fiction. It offers real solutions for handling bullying that will inspire and empower teens and adults alike.<br />
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When superhero wanna-be, Carly, stands up to a bully, he turns on her, forcing her to battle cutting words, flying hooks, a doubt dragon and a suffocating closet. Her karate-trained boyfriend, Dylan’s desire to stop the harassment sets off a struggle to control his inner caveman. Meanwhile, Carly searches for inner strength and a peaceful solution. Will she find it before Dylan resorts to violence?<br />
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<b style="line-height: 1.7;">WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT <i>YOU CAN’T SHATTER ME</i></b><br />
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<i> </i>‘I was awed . . . Tahlia Newland’s fiction is some of the best YA on the market . . . in Newland’s deft hands, this novel is an absorbing, educational read, that both satisfies and gives hope to adults and younger readers alike.’ Blibliotica Book Reviews.<br />
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<span style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.7;">‘An entertaining and uplifting read.’ Linda Gillard, best selling author of ‘A House of Silence’.</span><br />
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‘This is a story about understanding, kindness and compassion, uniquely told with surreal fantasy elements, and is both entertaining and thought-provoking.’ Kevin Berry, author .’<br />
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‘This is a book that all young adults should read. It is also a great book for parents and educators who may need a fresh look into teen struggles and bullying . . . Tahlia does a brilliant job making an otherwise tedious topic fun and relatable for readers . . . You are left feeling complete and some what light.’ Little Hyats Book Reviews.<br />
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<b>About the Author</b><br />
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Award winning author Tahlia Newland writes contemporary fantasy and magical realism with a metaphysical twist. She also mentors authors and provides Digital Reading Seminars in High Schools. When not reading, writing or reviewing you may find her being an extremely casual high school teacher or making decorative masks.<br />
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Tahlia is a bone-fide expatriate of the performing arts, with over 20 years experience in scripting and performing in Visual Theatre and Theatre in Education. She has studied philosophy & meditation for many years, lives in an Australian rain forest and loves cats, but she doesn’t have one because they eat native birds.<br />
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Connect with Tahlia.<br />
<a href="http://tahlianewland.com/">Weblog<br />
</a><a href="http://happyhonkers.wordpress.com/">Ripples in Water Blog<br />
</a><a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Tahlia-Newland-author/188047104605893">Facebook<br />
</a><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://twitter.com/#!/TahliaNewland">Twitter<br />
</a></span><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5283573.Tahlia_Newland">Goodreads Author page</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.7;">The promotion is available from </span><b style="line-height: 1.7;">approximately</b><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.7;"> 12:00 AM Pacific Standard Time on May the 29th to </span><b style="line-height: 1.7;">approximately</b><span style="color: #444444; line-height: 1.7;"> 11:59 PM Pacific Standard Time on May the 31st.</span><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/You-Cant-Shatter-Me-ebook/dp/B008DME8PA" target="_blank">Kindle US<br />
</a><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008DME8PA" target="_blank">Kindle UK</a><br />
<a href="http://authl.it/an?d" target="_blank">Other Kindle stores</a><br />
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<b>Don't forget to share the news and</b><b> support the author by leaving a review. </b><br />
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<img alt="M.A.Chase" border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/For%20HTML%20codes%20only/SignatureMACHASE.gif" />~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6558371309434833463.post-2032738927052175682013-02-19T11:13:00.000-08:002013-02-19T11:14:25.766-08:00Beautiful Creatures MOVIE Follow-Up<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Why Richard LaGravense?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I was expecting so much from this movie. It was a very good book. I hadn't read something like it in a long time and I liked to read something fresh. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">But why?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Why did you have to get sucked into the turmoil that was Percy Jackson?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I was really looking forward to watching it. Did you have book burnings on the set instead of actually reading the book? Honestly. Characters were missing, Larkin was supposed to be so much more important, Sarafine was supposed to <em>leave Mrs. Lincoln's body</em>. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">That leads me to the casting of the movie. I'm sorry, but Alden Ehrenreich does not look like a high school Junior. He looks like a college graduate. Even my brother leaned over and said, "He's a Junior?" Lena was casted all right, but I wish she would have done more with her character! There was so much that Lena Duchannes could have been and that wasn't shown in the movie. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Emmy Rossum was the only one who was close to her character, Ridley, and they <em>still</em> messed her up. How do you replace lollipops with strawberries? Are we trying to advocate eating right in movies now? <em>Why?</em> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">They didn't even cast Ethan's dad and later on in the book he's important to why Lena gets into the whole deal with her mom at Greenbrier. <em>Whywhywhy? </em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I just can't express how disappointed I was in this movie. Important parts, and characters were missing. . . Amma was <em>not</em> the bookkeeper in the Caster library/ the regular library. What happened to the Caster library only being opened on certain days at certain times? What happened to the scenes shown by Genevive's locket? What happened to the whole relationship between Link and Ridley? Why did Ethan forget about Lena? That <em>never happens in the book!</em> What happened to Ethan and Lena finding the locket together? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">If you've read the book, avoid the movie. Please. Save yourself the heartbreak of watching it crash and burn. If you haven't read the book, pick it up and see for yourself that it actually is a great story. </span><br />
<img alt="M.A.Chase" border="0" src="http://i218.photobucket.com/albums/cc188/Nicole2501/For%20HTML%20codes%20only/SignatureMACHASE.gif" />~M.A.CHASEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01765183072168148090noreply@blogger.com0