Worlds Collide by S.M. McEachern Book Blitz + GIVEAWAY

Hey guys! Thanks for stopping by and checking out my book blitz post an a book that sounds right up my alley! Check it out!

Worlds Collide by S.M. McEachern 
(Sunset Rising #2)
Publication date: March 3rd 2014
Genres: Dystopia, Young Adult

In a desperate attempt to escape execution, Sunny O’Donnell and Jack Kenner find a way out of the Pit and into a world still believed to be toxic with radiation. Under the brilliant sun for the first time in their lives, they not only discover that the earth has healed from nuclear war, but there are people outside the Dome.

In Worlds Collide, the second book of the Sunset Rising trilogy, Sunny and Jack must continue a life of subterfuge in order to stay alive and find a way to free the Pit. But in their attempt to save the urchins, they uncover the horrifying truth about President Holt and the evil he could unleash on the world.

S.M. McEachern 

S.M. McEachern was born in Nova Scotia, Canada. She attended Dalhousie University in the 1990s where she earned an Honours Degree in International Development Studies. She worked in the field of International Development for several years, specializing in ocean development.

"Sunset Rising" is S.M. McEachern's first novel. She says the idea for the story first came to her in the 1990s when she researched a Bio-Dome experiment in Arizona for an academic paper. The thought that the world might one day need a Bio-Dome to escape a global catastrophe set her imagination into overdrive. And the ethics behind such an idea formed the backdrop for Sunset Rising.

Her goal in writing the novel is to entertain the reader with an interesting plot and colourful characters.

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Book Purchase Links:

Sunset Rising:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Sunset-Rising-S-M-McEachern-ebook/dp/B009G3ZIO0

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/sunset-rising/id898986078?mt=11 

Barnes and Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sunset-rising-sm-mceachern/1113845787

Kobo:  http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/sunset-rising-1

Worlds Collide:

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Worlds-Collide-Sunset-Rising-Book-ebook/dp/B00ISE8BRE

iBooks:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/worlds-collide-sunset-rising/id898986821?mt=11

Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/worlds-collide-sm-mceachern/1119952432

Kobo:  http://store.kobobooks.com/en-CA/ebook/worlds-collide-sunset-rising-book-two

Author Interview:

S.M. McEachern (“Sunset Rising” series)

Xpresso Book Blitz for “Worlds Collide” (Book 2)

2014 has been a big year for your writing career. Can you tell us a bit about that?

Yes, it has been big a year for me. For one thing, I published the second book of the “Sunset Rising” series, entitled “Worlds Collide”, last March. I was happily surprised when it rocketed up the Amazon ranking chart and maintained a spot in the top ten Amazon action and adventure romance bestseller list for months. That in turn attracted new hybrid-publisher Vook to ask me about acquiring the Sunset Rising series. After a few phone calls, many emails, and a lot of deliberation, I signed with Vook. I’m very happy I did. 

I’m also working on the third book of my series, tentatively titled “New World Order”, which I plan to release in January 2015.

In the past, you’ve blogged about enjoying being an indie author, but you signed with Vook?

I have to admit, I do like having control over my books. When I want to do a promotion, or put the books on sale, or give the books away if I want to, I don’t have to ask permission from a publisher. I can just do it. So yes, when Vook first approached me I was hesitant to sign with them. However, Vook is a different kind of publisher; they are a “hybrid publisher.” They provide an enhanced publishing platform with ongoing marketing support via proprietary software that tracks ebook sales so authors can make better and more informed marketing decisions, and authors retain all copyrights and control over their books.

I officially joined them in July and I have received so much more than they promised. Vook is a dynamic, enthusiastic team of individuals that have partnered with me to bring my series to readers through all ebook retailers at affordable prices. Good for authors and good for readers! And as a company, they’re growing and constantly investing in themselves and their authors. For instance, they recently acquired their first publishing imprint, Byliner. I’m really excited to be a part of Vook, because I truly believe they are the future of publishing.

Your third book of the “Sunset Rising” series, tentatively titled “New World Order”, will be released in January?

That’s the plan. I’m madly writing everyday and no longer take weekends off! Not that I mind. Writing a book is like reading a good book; I don’t want to put it down. And this third book has a LOT going on. It’s definitely the most action-packed of the series, with minor characters from the first two books sharing Sunny’s spotlight. 

You do a lot of world-building in the series. What’s your process for creating a post apocalyptic world?

In a nutshell, research and imagination. I love research because not only does it give me a good, solid foundation to begin my stories, but it also ignites my imagination.  It’s kind of like taking what is and projecting what can or could be. So I read a lot of non-fiction articles and I also reach out to experts, most of whom have been really happy to help me. Dr. Bergren of the National Institute of Nanotechnology and Chris Kratt of the Wild Kratts have been two super helpful resources. I’ll be doing an interview with Chris this weekend, talking about what a post apocalyptic creature world might look like, and will have it up on my blog by September 18^th if you’re interested in checking it out. 

Is your third book the last one of the “Sunset Rising” series?

The series was named for the heroine, Sunset O’Donnell (Sunny), and the first three books are told from her point of view (spoiler alert: there’s another person sharing the story in book 3!). But as I said above, I’ve gone to great lengths to create a new world. I can definitely see more books told from other characters points of view as they reinvent their civilization and explore a post nuclear earth. And with recruiters, scorchlanders, and northerners out there, who knows what they’ll find…

Note from author:

Thank you so much for inviting me to your blog and giving me the opportunity to talk about all the exciting things happening with the “Sunset Rising” series. For anyone who hasn’t read the series, the first book “Sunset Rising” is on sale everywhere for just 99 cents from September 16-24, 2014. I also have seven satellite stories (short stories based on the series) posted on my blog you can check out here:  http://smmceachern.com/category/satellite-stories/ The first six stories were written in between books one and two; the seventh story is more recent and picks up between books two and three. I always love to hear from readers, so if you do check out the series, please feel free to get in touch and let me know what you think!

Cheers – Susan (aka S.M. McEachern)

Giveaway

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Alright guys, thanks so much for stopping by! Special thanks to the author and the amazing team at XPresso Book Tours for allowing me to participate! Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan

Conviction (The Sophisticates #2) by Christine Manzari Review

Hey readers! Thanks for coming by! I have another review for you guys today! The sequel to Deviation, a novel I reviewed earlier this week! An awesome read you won't want to miss! Before we get to my thoughts, here's a bit about the book and the author!

The Others are out there. Somewhere. And the Program wants the Deviant Dozen to find them.

As a member of the Dozen, Cleo is still learning to master her deviation and she’s not having much luck. With the ability to cause explosions with just a thought, losing control always results in fiery disaster, making Cleo feel like a monster. She vows to ignore the urge to use her deviation and reclaim her humanity. But when terrible things start to happen at the Academy and Cleo is blamed for actions and events she doesn’t remember, she fears that the monster is taking over and she is becoming the dangerous weapon the Program created her to be.

The one bright spot in Cleo’s life is Ozzy, the cocky Sophisticate with perfect aim who makes her heart race. But it seems whenever things start to heat up between them, Ozzy is sent away on another secret mission, and Cleo is left alone to ponder their relationship and deal with the aftermath of the accusations made against her.

As the evidence against Cleo becomes more compelling and her closest friends turn against her, she finds her own conviction waning as she wonders if she really is as innocent as she wants to believe. And Cleo isn’t the only one struggling. Ozzy has always defined himself by his perfect aim and superior deviant skills, but after failed missions and bad choices, he realizes he can no longer trust his skills—or himself.

Caught in a storm of shocking allegations and harsh punishments, will Cleo’s conviction finally break her?

Christine Manzari

The first thing Christine does when she's getting ready to read a book is to crack the spine in at least five places. She wholeheartedly believes there is no place as comfy as the pages of a well-worn book. She's addicted to buying books, reading books, and writing books. Books, books, books. She also has a weakness for adventure, inappropriate humor, and coke (the caffeine-laden bubbly kind). Christine is from Forest Hill, Maryland where she lives with her husband, three kids, and her library of ugly spine books.  

Facebook | Twitter | Website | Goodreads 

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My Thoughts 

So a few days ago, I posted my thoughts on Deviation and gave it a 5 star review. I loved it. Now I only go up to 5 stars on this blog, but gosh... I feel like I need another star to tell you guys how much I loved Conviction! Woah, it was THAT awesome. 

This book was about 150 pages shorter than Deviation, so I read it in just a few hours, a few awesome hours! While some complained that book one was too long, I think book two was too short. There was way more story to be told! Ahh! In my review for book one I was upset that it ended with a cliffhanger. Conviction more than makes up for that with enough action to pack BOTH books! It was great. And we weren't left with a huge cliffhanger ending again!

Christine Manzari really knocked it out of the park with her sophomore novel, seriously. I will go ahead and say that this is another YA read, but it is MUCH more mature than the first novel. There is one scene in particular that definitely crossed over into NA territory. It was well written and was a huge plot twist, but it was slightly uncomfortable to read in an NA book about 17 year olds. Nothing to stop anyone from reading though, I just wanted to point that out in my recommendation here. 

Like I just stated, this book was a little more mature. I liked it because we really got to witness firsthand the way these characters are growing. They have moved on from insecure children and have become stronger, more emotional, well rounded and all around kick-ass. This character evolution came with some amazing quotes, especially ones about our main characters Cleo and Ozzy. I particularly enjoyed this line from Cleo:"Outside I was like Persephone, dealing with death and destruction in an indiscriminate fiery hell, but inside... inside I was screaming for release and unable to fight or escape what I had become. I was trapped inside the beast." 

The plot line was for this one was very rewarding. For those of us who wanted that little extra scene in book one, we were pleasantly rewarded! The new characters and the tension thick enough to slice butter, it was awesome. I really, really enjoyed this read! The setting was pretty cool as well, we actually got to see some "outside of the school" settings this time around in futuristic Baltimore and DC, it was awesome! 

I am so anxious to read more about a few of the characters. The biggest fault with having such a huge cast of characters is that each character doesn't really get his or her own time to shine. Cassie's re-introduction took even more of the spotlight away, which I loved, but I am hoping to read more about the other Deviants in book three! I am anxiously awaiting for it! 

All-in-all, like Deviation, I am granting Conviction a well-deserved 5-star review. A sophomore outing from a debut author with a bright future ahead of her! I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Mrs. Manzari! Conviction was near perfect and have me everything I was hoping for and more. Seriously worth the read if it sounds up your alley, at all! 
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Where can you get your copy?

Alright readers, that's all I have for you on the subject of Conviction by Christine Manzari. Huge shout out to the author for supplying me with a copy in exchange for an honest review. I encourage all fans to shoot Mrs. Christine a message, she's a super awesome lady! :) Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan  

Shadow Fire by Kimber Leigh Wheaton Blog Tour + Giveaway

Hey everyone! A little late, but better than never, WELCOME ONE AND ALL to my tour stop on the Shadow Fire blog tour! Here today I have all kinds of goodies along with my review! Thanks for stopping by! Before we get to my thoughts, let's learn a little more about the book and the author!

Shadow Fire by Kimber Leigh Wheaton 
(The Light Chronicles #1)
Publication date: February 24th 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult

Ashlyn – a free-spirited teenager whose peaceful life is shattered when the village elders honor her with a perilous quest to recover a stolen relic.

Zane – a jaded mercenary, torn by his undeniable desire for Ashlyn and the dark secret that could make her hate him forever.

Delistaire – a malevolent sorcerer driven by an insatiable lust for power.
All three are bound together by an ancient relic supposedly infused with the power of a Goddess.

Shadow Fire – adventure, passion, secrets, and betrayal

As Ashlyn and Zane race to stay one step ahead of the evil lurking in the shadows, their passions are ignited and their bond strengthens. But will they find the relic before Delistaire? Or has their entire quest been orchestrated from the very beginning by a madman in pursuit of ultimate power?

Kimber Leigh Wheaton

Kimber Leigh Wheaton is a YA/NA author with a soft spot for sweet romance and is a member of Romance Writers of America.

She is married to her soul mate, has a teenage son, and shares her home with three dogs and four cats. No, she doesn’t live on a farm, she just loves animals. Her house is filled with dragons, though she does lament that they are the porcelain, non-flying variety.

Kimber Leigh is addicted to romance, videogames, superheroes, villains, and chocolate—not necessarily in that order. (If she has to choose, she’ll take a chocolate covered superhero!)

Her debut novel, Shadow Fire, is the first book in the Light Chronicles series. Watch for book two, Stolen Moon, a standalone sequel, coming August 2014.

 

Find Kimber Leigh Wheaton

FACEBOOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS

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My Thoughts:

Okay. Here's the deal, I love a good fantasy novel. Can't get enough of them, but sometimes, sometimes I just can't do the "high" fantasy thing. Something about everyone wielding magic, dragons, etc just all has that "too much of a video game feel for me" and I have a hard time enjoying it. When I started reading Shadow Fire, I wasn't sure what to expect. Well, I have deemed it a "high fantasy", but it was unlike ANYTHING I have ever read before!

When I first read the synopsis, I really didn't understand what I was reading. The characters sounded intriguing, but what of the storyline? I took the plunge and came out in a way better place, Shadow Fire was awesome!

This book was an easy read that is suitable for mature-YA readers. It is a YA, but there are a few scenes of strong sexual tension, but nothing that YA readers aren't already used to reading! The only negative thing I have to say on that front is that I got a really strange vibe off of one of the characters and thought this book was going to take a turn for the NA real quick. I guess my mind is just in the gutter though.

One of the things I really liked about this story is honestly, how believable it is. I mean, obviously the magic is fantastical, and the creatures (magic wolves, demigods, a griffin, etc), but the storyline was actually pretty cool. It wasn't so farfetched, like other high fantasies I have read, that I wasn't able to keep my full attention devoted to the story. Like I said before, this was a relatively easy read that clocked in just short of 275 pages on my Nook, I tackled it in just a handful of hours. Honestly, I couldn't put it down at times. I usually never find myself saying this about books of this nature, but I really wanted more.

Our novel spends a whole lot of time building up to the action with an elegantly written story. The setting and scenes are painted for us so vividly, it's as though Kimber Leign Wheaton was writing from a booth of the Zodian Inn restaurant. THAT is always a true talent in writing style. I got so pumped for the action and kept waiting and waiting and then, it just "happened". There really wasn't a big show of it, which wasn't great, but my thinking is that it was probably just me that felt this way because I had such a fun time reading the preceding 250 pages! I was really expecting a bigger "bang" in the end. After the climax of the novel, the story really wraps itself up and ends very neatly. I liked that about it, but then again, I really would have liked to read more from these characters. Especially our villain. It would have been interesting to know a little more of his backstory aside from just his "evil-ness".

The characters in this novel were awesome. Ashlyn, Zane, Shadow, and my favorite, Freya the Griffin all come together to tell an amazing story! It's action packed, emotional, and seriously a heart warming tale! I enjoyed every minute of it! I am a HUGE Zelda fan, I'm not sure this means much to many of my readers, but this story seriously read like the plot of a Zelda game and I thought that was awesome. The perfect blend of humor, action, emotion, fantasy, and reality!

All-in-all I am granting Shadow Fire by Mrs. Kimber Leigh Wheaton a well deserved 4-star review! I was very impressed by the this debut novel and cannot wait to check out the rest in this series! According to the synopsis, each story in the series will be a standalone so you can read them in any order! I'll be sure to post my thoughts on book two soon! 

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Where can you get your copy?

 

GIVEAWAY

This time up for grabs is a $25 Amazon Gift Card? Who couldn't use that? Enter the Rafflecopter below, you know the drill!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Alright readers, that's all I have for you on the topic of Shadow Fire by Kimber Leigh Wheaton! Thanks so much to the author and the amazing team at Xpresso Book Tours for allowing me to participate! Until next time, Happy Reading! 

-Ethan

Waiting on Wednesday {6}

Hey everyone and welcome to my weekly Waiting on Wednesday meme post! This is just a once a week deal where each Wednesday I post about one book I am looking forward to reading and then link it up to the host blog, Breaking the Spine, where I can be connected to over 200 other readers and bloggers who are looking for a new read! My friend Kim from kimberlyfayereads participates in this meme each week and it has always looked like a great time. Below you will find the book cover, synopsis, Goodreads link and my reasons for waiting on this read! Enjoy!

This week's WOW is...  Fragile Reign by Stacey O'Neale

Fragile Reign (Mortal Enchantment #2) 

Release Date: November 18, 2014
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Elementals 

It’s been a week since all hell broke loose…

Rumors of King Taron’s weakened powers have left the air court vulnerable. Kalin is desperate to awaken her akasha powers, except she doesn’t know how. Tension within the court is at an all-time high. Pressure is mounting for her to ascend to the throne, but a halfling has never ruled over any court. To solidify her position, the council has advised her to marry Sebastian—a high ranking air elemental she’s never met and her betrothed.

Will Kalin sacrifice her relationship with Rowan to strengthen her court?

Rowan and Marcus return to a fire court in turmoil. Liana’s death has fueled the fire elementals’ distrust against the air and woodland courts. The unbalanced elements have set off natural disasters all over the mortal world. Rowan takes the throne to restore balance, promising to unite the fire court. But not all elementals are happy with his leadership. Many are secretly loyal to Valac, which means Rowan needs to find allies for his cause.

Can Rowan unify the court of fire before the elements destroy the world?

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Why am I waiting?

If you are asking "why" I am waiting for this read, then you must be new to One Guy's Guide to Good Reads! Which is great, HELLO NEW READERS! Around these parts, we are huge Stacey O'Neale fans. She has very quickly turned into one of my favorite authors. This series. Mortal Enchantment, has quickly become one of my favorite reads of 2014. Action, crippling emotion, an awesome plot, and enough tension to slice through a can of frozen vegetables, Mortal Enchantment has it all! I am SO pumped to read book two in the series. If you are new to this series, click here to see what all I have posted on the topic of this amazing series! If you haven't read the first novel or the novella, please check them out, you will not be disappointed. Stacey O'Neale is going to be a household name before too long guys, I see a bright future ahead of this amazing author! :)

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What are YOU waiting on this week?

Check out this week's host post at Breaking the Spine by clicking here!

 

Thanks for stopping by, Happy Reading! 

 

-Ethan