Saturday, November 22, 2014

The Future Without Hope (The World Without End #3) by Nazarea Andrews Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway


Hey readers! Happy Saturday and welcome to my stop on the blog tour for The Future Without Hope by Nazarea Andrews. Anyone who follows this blog knows just how important this series is to me, it's one of my favorites! Today's stop will feature a review as well as an awesome giveaway. Before we get to that, here's a bit about the book and our author:

The Future Without Hope by Nazarea Andrews


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23208476-the-future-without-hope

Separated from Finn, captive of the Order, Nurrin has no hope left. But she has survived twenty years of zombies--and she has the unshakable faith that Finn will find her.

But Finn is a long way away. The Order's influence runs deeper than was ever suspected, and politics are shifting--and zombies may not be the most dangerous thing she's facing.

Finn always thought the war stripped him of all he had to lose. But with Nurrin missing and doors closing in his face, he realizes there is always more for the world to take--and he will drag the remains of civilization down with him before he gives up on the only promise that matters.



Coming November 20th, 2014

Nazarea Andrews 



Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog. She is the author of Girl Lost, Edge of the Falls, and The University of Branton Series. 
Series sales graphic 

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My Thoughts:

Anyone who hangs around here often knows that prior to a few months ago, I was one of the biggest anti-zombie people you had ever met. I love paranormal, but anytime I heard zombies were involved, I politely declined. Okay, maybe not so politely. Regardless.... I was not a zom fan. A few months ago I was picked to be part of the blog tour for the second installment in this series and was pretty excited since the ratings were so high. I had absolutely zero idea what I was getting in to. I had no idea my literary life was about to be changed completely! Thanks to N and this zom series I have connected with so many amazing authors and so many great reads, but this series will always hold a special place in my heart. So what did I think? It was amazing. Duh.

So I will go right out and say that this novel was vastly different than it's two predecessors. There isn't as much buildup and the action was not as intense. What did this novel have that the others lacked? Emotion. Good God. This novel had me on such a roller coaster of feels I can't even begin to describe them. One minute you are cheering for Ren and her plight and the next you want to break down alongside her and give her the hug she desperately needs. Ren goes through a lot... a lot in this book. So much that at some points it was hard to process it all. I had to close my eyes and say a book prayer for her on more than one occasion. Seriously, that girl is one brave lady.

So it's got emotions, some actions, but what else? What does this store bring to the table? While the zom presence was not as important in this novel, we get to see the other side of this post-apocalyptic dystopia, the crumbling of society. Sure we caught glimpses of it in the other novels, but this is the first time we really see just how influential the government, or lack thereof, is in our story. We see their forms of resistance and their hesitations in doing what is best to help the people of the havens. I have to say that after reading this, Nazarea chose a perfect title, "The Future Without Hope" is extremely fitting. Is there hope for Ren, Finn, and the gang? Is there ever to be a light at the end of this tunnel? One can only hope, I know I sure do!

One thing I really liked about this novel was that we got a few glimpses into life pre-zoms. I have been begging N for some stories about the outbreak and about what life was like prior to it. While we still didn't quite get a whole story out of it, we definitely get to see a bit more of an insight into the life of the survivors. Also, we finally get to learn more about the War in the East that has been talked about for two books now, so that was awesome. Finn is such a complex character who I hate one minute and love the next, I was glad to see that N really went out of her way to give us more of a reason to be on Team Finn. Especially after some spoiler-y plot twists that happen!

Caleb plays a huge role in this story as well which was awesome! Especially considering book two was all about finding him. While his story eventually led to more feels, I really like how his storyline plays out in this novel. Caleb plays a huge role in Ren's story, so it was great to see him have some time in the spotlight. I just can't help but think how far this series has come in just three books! Incredible!

I highlighted 19 amazing quotes from this novel and always try to share my favorites with you guys. Rather than share that many, I think I will just share my favorite. It's a little long, but it's a great example of some of the amazing emotions that Nazarea throws into Future:

"Finn once said that hope is what killed us. Hope is what made up get up and keep trying when logic said we were dead. And hope being crushed is what would kill us in the end.

I didn't understand that, when he said it. It's a stupid f*ckin emotion. Zombies kill. Emotions just make you weak.

I didn't get it, because I was just a stupid f*ckin haven girl.

I get it now."

Did you catch some of those feels? I know I did. In the end, Nazarea really outdid herself with this novel. I do not have any complaints about this read. It was perfect for this series. N has mentioned that she has ideas for a couple more books and isn't exactly sure when this series will be ending, but I know in her talented hands, we can all rest assured that it will be an incredible ending, when it comes! Speaking of endings, HUGE CLIFFHANGER! Anyone familiar with this series knows N has used them before, but this time MAN IT'S A BIG ONE! Ahh!

All-in-all, I am granting Nazarea Andrew's The Future Without Hope was well deserved 5-star review. This near perfect read was unique, chilling, and heartfelt in true Nazarea form. This novel was an absolute pleasure to read and I cannot wait for more!
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GIVEAWAY

GET YOUR COPY NOW!

The Future Without Hope (Book 3)

Catch up on the series!

 The World Without a Future (Book 1) 

 The Horde Without End (Book 2) 


I am so pumped for everyone to get their hands on this incredible third installment of one of my favorite series! Anyone who read this will be itching for more, trust me. As always, a huge thanks to the team at InkSlinger PR and to our author, and my dear friend, Mrs. Nazarea Andrews for allowing me to participate! ! Until next time, Happy Reading! 

-Ethan

Darkness Unbound by Zoe Forward Blog Tour: Excerpt + Giveaway


Hey everyone! Happy Saturday and welcome to my tour stop on the blog tour for Darkness Unbound by Zoe Forward! My stop on the tour today will feature an exclusive excerpt and an awesome giveaway! Before we get to all that fun, let's learn a bit about the book and our author:



Covert op partners Astrid Scarre and Kane Langford click on a level that defies logic. Astrid wants to say yes to the sexy Kane. But the guy who stole her heart and then shattered her soul twelve years ago shows up. Seeing the Dragon magus, Zannis, again ignites a wild physical attraction, but doesn’t eliminate her simmering hatred. Astrid is torn between her physical need for Zannis and her emotional connection to Kane.

Kane will never turn his back on Astrid, even when she gets inducted into the Scimitar magi, an organization he knows well and respects. His gorgeous ex-spy partner might push him away at every turn, but that’s too bad. He’s exactly the man she needs to protect her life and her heart. All he has to do is convince her that when something feels this right, you don’t let it go.





Zoe Forward
Zoe Forward is a hopeless romantic who can't decide between paranormal and urban fantasy romance. So she writes both. In addition to being a mom to one rambunctious kindergartener and wife to a conservation ecologist who plans to save all the big cats on the planet, she’s a small animal veterinarian caring for all the small furries, although there is the occasional hermit crab.

When she’s not typing at her laptop, she’s tying on a karate belt for her son or cleaning up the newest pet mess from the menagerie that occupies her house. She’s madly in love with her globe trotting husband of ten years and happiest when he returns to their home base in North Carolina.


Excerpt 

“Astrid...” He tried again. Yet his face moved toward hers until their lips met. His thigh pushed between her legs, pressing tight right where she wanted him to be. He tilted her face back and dragged his lips along the line of her jaw. “We shouldn’t...”
Just get in the shower with me, she instructed him in his mind.
He tilted his head to meet her gaze, appraising her offer. Something dark passed over his expression. “We would fall right into the gods’ plans.”
She leaned forward and teased his nipple with her tongue. “They are gods. We are not. Let’s face it, they’re going to win.” She glanced upward and thought to him, Don’t you want me?

“I always want you. Never doubt that.”
Talk about getting straight to the point, huh?

Giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Alright readers, that is all I have for you on the topic of Darkness Unbound by Zoe Forward! Thank you all so much for stopping by. Sound like the read for you? If so, be sure to check out the buy link above and enter that awesome giveaway! Special thanks to the team at InkSlinger PR for allowing me to participate. Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan 

Friday, November 21, 2014

Coral & Bone by Tiffany Duane Book Blitz + Giveaway


Hey everyone! Happy Friday and welcome to my stop on the Coral & Bone by Tiffany Duane book blitz! Today's post will feature the book info and buy links, some great graphics, an excerpt, and an awesome giveaway! Before we get to that, let's learn a bit about the book and our author:

Coral & Bone by Tiffany Daune
Publication date: July 7th 2014
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult



Halen knows the sparks igniting under her fingertips are dangerous. She has spent her entire life trying to quell the tingly feelings that make her destroy things, but now that she is back in Rockaway Beach, where she watched her father drown, the flames have become impossible to tame.

Halen is trying to hold on, but when she is thrust into a mysterious new world, the underwater realm of Elosia, she unravels the secrets of her past and can’t help but ignite. As she explores Elosia, she realizes her life has been a lie. And when those who have deceived her come to her for help, Halen must choose—walk away or unleash the magick that could destroy them all.





Tiffany Duane
I write stories about magick, love and dark creatures lurking in the shadows. When I'm not lost in Edit Land you can find me reading a book from my towering TBR pile or at the movie theater nibbling licorice. I don't have a lucky number, but my favorite time is 11:11. I completely believe that the fortunes found inside cookies will come true and that you must be careful when wishing on stars. I live on an island, so if you want to visit you'll need a boat, and if you want to survive the passage, be sure to bring candy for the mermaids.





EXCERPT

"See who you are," the mermaid whispered.
Halen's eyes clouded over and when the smoke cleared she found herself standing in an open field. She was dressed in a cotton dress which fell around her ankles. Soft grass tickled her toes. She took a step forward and a flower sprung from the ground beside her. She leaned down to pick the red poppy. As she took another step a flower sprang up from between the blades of grass. Halen smiled. She walked a little farther and with each step a new poppy sprouted and bloomed. She ran faster and the field blossomed under her feet, and when she waved her hand, the entire valley filled with red poppies. She inhaled their sweet scent and when she exhaled, the birds glided in the breeze of her breath through an endless blue sky.
Halen laughed when the wind caught her skirt and swept the fabric up over her head, but when she pushed it down, dark clouds rolled overhead. She took one step forward and the grass beneath her feet sizzled to a crisp. Taking another step, the poppies burst into flames. The fire licked the hem of her skirt and she gathered it up over her knees. Scanning the field, she spotted a boulder; if she could make it there, remove her feet from the ground, she could save the rest of the field.
She ran in long strides, and with each step, she scorched the ground with her fiery feet. Suddenly, she tripped. Her hands touched down and the ground combusted with a brilliant light. The fire raced through the field, spreading to the trees. The flames reached up, lassoing the birds from the sky, dragging them to the ground. Halen crawled to the rock and hoisted herself up. She stared out to the barren land. "No, no. What have I done?" She clawed the air and the clouds rumbled with thunder. The fire burned hotter and hotter under her flesh. The only way to extinguish the flames was to release them. Tilting her head back, she opened her mouth wide and screamed. What birds had not been burned turned now to black beasts swirling in the torrid sky.


GIVEAWAY

Alright guys, that is all I have for you on the topic of Coral & Bone by Tiffany Duane. How awesome does this look? Pretty darn! I can't wait to pick up my copy of this read while it's FREE! Yes you heard that! Head to the Amazon link above and pick up your copy at no charge until November 22, 2014! You don't want to miss that! Also, before you get on out of here, be sure to enter the giveaway above, it's a great one as well. Special thanks to our author and the incredible team at XPresso Book Tours for allowing me to participate! Until next time, Happy Reading!


-Ethan

Melt by Selene Castrovilla Blog Tour: Interview + Giveaway

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MELT is a brutal love story set against the metaphorical backdrop of The Wizard of Oz (not a retelling). When sixteen year old Dorothy moves to the small town of Highland Park, she meets, and falls for Joey – a “bad boy” who tells no one about the catastrophic domestic violence he witnesses at home. Can these two lovers survive peer pressure, Joey’s reputation, and his alcoholism?

Told in dual first person, Joey's words are scattered on the page - reflecting his broken state. Dorothy is the voice of reason - until something so shattering happens that she, too, may lose her grip. Can their love endure, or will it melt away?

MELT is based on true events. It is both a chilling tale of abuse, and a timeless romance. It will hit you like a punch in the face, and also seep through the cracks in your soul.



Selene Castrovilla
Selene Castrovilla is an award-winning teen and children’s author who believes that through all trends, humanity remains at the core of literature. She is the author of Saved By the Music and The Girl Next Door, teen novels originally published by WestSide Books and now available digitally through ASD Publishing. Her third children’s book with Calkins Creek Books, Revolutionary Friends, was released in April 2013. She is also a contributing author to UncommonYA. Selene holds an MFA in creative writing from New School University and a BA in English from New York University. She lives on Long Island with her two sons. Visit her website www.SeleneCastrovilla.com for book excerpts and more information!

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

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Interview with Selene Castrovilla

1. Being a HUGE fan of all things Oz, this story really stood out to me. The original novel by L. Frank Baum has spawned many adaptations, yet you've chose to write MELT in a way that sets Oz as a metaphorical backdrop to the story. Of all things, I have to ask, why Oz? 

It really wasn’t a choice. At least consciously. I will share first that I have always been struck by the themes in Oz and how they relate to humanity. The search for home, for acceptance, for love. Being a stranger in a strange land. Trying to overcome what seem like insurmountable obstacles. These are problems most souls dwell on. Mine certainly does.

I have referred to Oz in smaller ways in my previously published novels. Even in those instances, I didn’t plan on inserting those lines. They just came out, seemingly on their own. That’s how much I identify with those themes.

A few weeks before I knew that I was going to write MELT, a voice in my head told me to buy The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. I always listen to that voice! So I bought the book, but got busy and stuck it on a table in my living room. I figured I’d get to it, but didn’t know when.

I take boxing lessons, and got close with my trainer, Joe. He told more than once, “My dad used to beat my mom.” That was sad, but a little too vague to be inspiring. Then one day he looked me in the eyes and said, “My dad used to come home every day and shove a gun down my mom’s throat.” That was a specific image that stuck in my head. He also told me about becoming a teen alcoholic, and how violent he was while drunk. He was tagged a “bad” kid – but no one ever bothered to find out what was going on inside. Finally, he told me about the one girl who believed in him, and loved him.

One night he said to me, “You’re gonna write my story. I just know it.”

I went home, and the voice told me to open The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. The page I turned to was the scene in which Dorothy and her friends return to the Emerald City. The Guardian of the Gate is shocked to see them, saying:

“But I thought you had gone to visit the Wicked Witch of the West.”

“We did visit her,” said the Scarecrow.

“And she let you go again?” asked the man, in wonder.

“She could not help it, for she is melted,” explained the Scarecrow.


She is melted. That line resounded with me. I wrote it three times a piece of junk mail. Then I wrote, “Melt.” And I knew that was the title of my book. I started writing Joe’s story – it just came pouring out – with quotes from The Wizard of Oz interspersed. The first section is called “No place like home,” and we witness the father abusing the mother in front of Joey and his brothers. In “Munchkinland,” the second part, Joey meets good-girl Dorothy in Dunkin’ Donuts. This unlikely couple heads down the metaphorical Yellow Brick Road looking for a way to beat the odds and be together. But what’s waiting for them ahead?

Writing this story was simultaneously terrifying and calming. I was scared for Joey and Dorothy, but I knew that I was doing what I was meant to do. I was setting out on my own Yellow Brick Road.

I hope that answers your question, because it’s the best I can do. I don’t understand the entire process myself, but I trusted it and still do. I know this was meant to be.

2. Romance isn't always easy and fun. MELT is described as a "both a chilling tale of abuse, and a timeless romance". What do you believe that MELT will add to the YA genre? What, in your opinion, makes MELT unique?

Well, I don’t know every book in the YA genre, but I think that any book that “tells the truth” in its own unique way adds something to the mix. The most unique thing about MELT is the uniqueness of Joey, his situation, and his subsequent outlook on life. As I’ve revealed, these things really happened. How many other kids are witnessing a form of domestic violence, and how are they being shaped by their environment? This isn’t the first book about abuse, but I think the combination of love story and abuse hasn’t been used much. And I think having two points of view adds to the richness of the story – we learn Dorothy’s truth as well. You see, there is no “ultimate truth.” Each of us lives by and is bound to our own. I think dual truths also makes MELT unique, and adds something to the YA genre. But it’s all up to the reader to decide.

3. From childrens historical books to YA romance reads, your scope of writing really is unique. As a history buff I am so excited to be working with a fellow history nerd. With such diversity between your genres, how do you find balance?

I don’t! LOL. Well, the stories are all about humanity. I try to explore people and their motivations. Why do they hurt each other? My history books all take the human approach. In By the Sword, George Washington loses at the Battle of Long Island, but instead of surrendering he tries – and succeeds – to save his remaining men in an amazing overnight escape from Brooklyn! And Benjamin Tallmadge – an untried soldier horrified by having to hurt another human being – risks his life by returning to save his horse! A feel good story in the midst of a war, with a dual happy ending. Wow.

And my next book will explore Benedict Arnold’s betrayal of George Washington – a man who loved him like a son. Arnold is a real life Darth Vader!

So you see, the same principles of writing apply to both genres for me. Tell a riveting story, and concentrate on the people.

Practically speaking, the writing process is very different for the two genres.

I spend about three years researching each history book, consulting every primary source and visiting places when possible. I can’t run all over the page willy-nilly. I have to stick with the facts, and mold them into a compelling story. I sometimes get a headache when writing my history books, and I think it’s from the stress of confinement.

Writing my novels, my mind runs free and wild. It’s my heart that aches, from what I my characters must endure – and because I don’t have the answers for the questions I raise.

As far as finding balance, I try to be working on one of each at all times. When I get temporarily burned out on one, I switch to the other. It’s like working out with weights, and then doing cardio.

4. You have recently announced that MELT will have a sequel. Can you give us some insight to what's next in the story? Do you plan on setting it to the backdrop of any other famous literary works? More Oz perhaps?

I know the path the story will be taking, but I’m not comfortable revealing it because I’m not yet steady on my feet – and there’s always the chance that it will take a different turn. I will say that I’m excited, and there’s a different focal point in the story which came as a surprise to me. You will learn what happens immediately after MELT ends – but there’s a lot more, and the more is what really interests me. When I finished writing MELT I thought I’d said enough – that I’d resolved the dilemma in the story, and any loose ends could be surmised. I like readers to have an active role too – and I figured they could decide for themselves how things played out after that. Through feedback I have learned that readers want more – that they want to continue their journey with these characters. At first I was apprehensive. What now? But then the universe presented me with everything I need – just like last time. My frustration comes from not having enough time to work on it right now. I will carve the hours for it soon!

As far as a backdrop – nothing has come to me yet. Maybe it won’t at all. We’ll have to wait and see.

5.Do you have any words of advice for anybody interested in taking their own journey down the publishing path?

Write the best manuscript you can, and then share it with a writing group. Fellow writers you can trust, who work in a similar genre. (The group can be on-line of you can’t find anyone in person.) Don’t submit too soon – you don’t get a second chance with an editor or an agent!

Read books you love and study the passages to see how the writers seduced you. Good books are the best teachers!

Of course, writing classes are awesome if you can afford them. If not, Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird is amazing. It’s the best book on writing I know. Stephen King’s On Writing is wonderful, too – and fascinating.

When you’re ready to submit, go to writing conferences. I met my first editor at one!

Enjoy the journey – it’s your own personal trip down The Yellow Brick Road!

6. Random fact about yourself?

I love coffee. I used to love Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, but either their blend or brewing method changed – or I did. It tastes weak to me now. So sad. I grind my own, and drink it with coconut creamer.

I love to write on my deck, over-looking the water. There’s no place like home!

I have several cats, some of whom don’t get along. They’re all rescues in one way or another – I’m a sucker! I have one living in my bedroom and one in my office – while my fifteen year old son has one living in his room. We also have two outside cats that my son often lets sleep in his room as well. Then I have one who comes and goes – basically using me for food and water.

I love quotes, and have them all over my house. (I also post a quote a day on my Facebook page.)

My home has been rebuilt from Sandy, and the rooms are different shades of lavender and purple – my favorite color!

I love flan. If I had to choose one thing to eat for the rest of my life, that would be it.

I am a Howard Stern super fan.

I like quirky things, like rubber ducks in funny outfits.

I once met Jerry Maren – now the last surviving Munchkin. This was a chance encounter!



Thanks for having me on your blog, Ethan! I want to apologize for the error in my book which you privately pointed out to me: I combined “The Lullaby League” and “The Lollipop Guild” into the erroneous “Lullaby League.” It turns out I’ve been singing the song wrong for years. Very sorry! I will correct it in future editions.

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GIVEAWAY
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Alright readers, that's all I have for you on the topic of MELT by Selene Castrovilla. I have read this book and plan on posting my review here in the coming weeks! I cannot wait to share my thoughts with you all! Be on the look out for that! If this sounds like the read for you, be sure to get yourself a copy and be sure to enter the giveaway before you mosey on out of here! HUGE thanks to the Selene Castrovilla for the interview and to the awesome team at Jen Halligan PR for allowing me to participate in this blog tour. Until next time, Happy Reading!


-Ethan

Thursday, November 20, 2014

Afterworld Seriez by Karice Bolton Blog Tour: Excerpt + Giveaway


Hey everyone and welcome to my stop on the blog tour for the Afterworld Seriez by Karica Bolton! I am super excited to have you stop by today! My post today will feature an excerpt and an awesome giveaway! Before we get to all of that, let's take a minute to learn a bit about the books and our author:

Afterworld Seriez by Karice Bolton
Genres: New Adult, Post-Apocalyptic


Scientists are the new rock stars. The infection has been contained for nearly three months, and the world is celebrating. But humans are still dying. Rebekah Taylor has seen it firsthand. Her husband was killed right in front of her by the very creatures that humans were told they no longer had to fear.

Rebekah is determined to find out who is responsible for the death of her husband and the obvious cover-up. Fueled with revenge, she begins to find answers that lead to one frightening conclusion. The apocalypse might be over, but the battles are just beginning.







The outbreak might be over, but the nightmare is just beginning...

Rebekah vows to expose the truth behind the RecruitZ that are killing the innocents. These creatures must be stopped, but so should the people controlling them. When Rebekah uncovers who is behind the uprisings, her own life becomes in danger.

Rebekah knows that she is not alone in this fight but vengeance alone won't help her and the others to victory. It is up to her to uncover the truth for the public before the world is turned over to an elite few.

Regardless of what may happen to her, she knows it's a race against time to destroy these creatures and the monsters controlling them before there is no one left worth saving.






Karice Bolton
Karice received an MFA in Creative Writing from the U of W. She has written fifteen novels and has several exciting projects in the works. Karice lives with her husband and two English Bulldogs in rainy Washington.


EXCERPT

I gripped the console as I watched the twitches and spasms of the zombies’ movements closing in on us. They were everywhere…the grass, the sidewalk, the driveway. There was no mistaking the rotting, grey flesh that exposed the muscle and bone of the undead. They were something I’d run from countless times, but this time we had nowhere to run. The undead had us trapped. They would rip us to shreds in an instant.
“I think some of ‘em are new,” I said, turning my attention back to Gavin.
There were some clean-looking zombies staggering toward us, their flesh mostly intact. That made no sense. The outbreak had been contained for months. There should be no freshly infected roaming around. Everyone had been vaccinated. The only stragglers evading capture had been around awhile, so their bodies were beat up badly by the time they were caught. Not these.
“Let’s hope not,” he murmured, not bothering to look out the window to confirm nor deny my suspicions.
“We can’t run. They’d totally get us before we got away,” I said, hoping he’d correct me, tell me that we had a chance.
He didn’t.
He slammed his fist into the steering wheel and looked over at me. When the outbreak happened, we never looked back. We were always on the move, running from the disease that took our families and friends. That was the key to survival. Never stay in one place. Always stay on the move. Now we had nowhere to move. I glanced over at Gavin and saw the fear in his eyes. Even with everything we’d encountered, his eyes had never held this amount of terror.
“Babe, whatever happens…”
“Knock it off,” I said.
“We have nothing to fight them with, and a horde this size needs a distraction.”

“Don’t you dare,” I hissed, shaking my head. The fear was pulsing through me at an unstoppable rate. “We didn’t live through the outbreak to die now.” 

GIVEAWAY
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Alright readers, that's all I have for you on the topic of the Afterworld SerieZ by Karice Bolton. I am actually in the middle of reading this series and will have reviews for these in the coming weeks so be on the look out for those! Special shout out and thanks to the awesome team at XPresso Book Tours for allowing me to participate! Until next time, Happy Reading!


-Ethan

The Future Without Hope by Nazarea Andrews Release Day Launch

TFWH RDL 

 Today we have the release day launch of The Future Without Hope by Nazarea Andrews. I am so excited about this sexy zombie romance. Nazarea is sharing an exclusive excerpt and a awesome giveaway. Be sure to enter and check out all the book details!!

The Future Without Hope by Nazarea Andrews


https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23208476-the-future-without-hope

Separated from Finn, captive of the Order, Nurrin has no hope left. But she has survived twenty years of zombies--and she has the unshakable faith that Finn will find her.

But Finn is a long way away. The Order's influence runs deeper than was ever suspected, and politics are shifting--and zombies may not be the most dangerous thing she's facing.

Finn always thought the war stripped him of all he had to lose. But with Nurrin missing and doors closing in his face, he realizes there is always more for the world to take--and he will drag the remains of civilization down with him before he gives up on the only promise that matters.



Coming November 20th, 2014

Nazarea Andrews 



Nazarea Andrews is an avid reader and tends to write the stories she wants to read. She loves chocolate and coffee almost as much as she loves books, but not quite as much as she loves her kids. She lives in south Georgia with her husband, daughters, and overgrown dog. She is the author of Girl Lost, Edge of the Falls, and The University of Branton Series. 
Series sales graphic 

Exclusive Excerpt:

I go to the Underground. It’s deserted this early, but I know some of the acolytes will be there, and a few priests. It’s a gamble, but it’s what I have.

I could go to Omar. It would take very little to reach out to the High Priest, and I know him—he might be loyal to the Order, but he’ll do whatever he can to destabilize the Red Priestess. Even helping me steal back a sacrifice.

But that would mean trusting him. And I’m not ready for that. Not yet.

So I go to the vice clubs.

The doors are locked. I bang once, and wait impatiently until two acolytes pry open the door. “The clubs are closed until sunset,” the one in green robes lisps.

“I’m not here for the vice clubs,” I say. “I need to see the High Priest of the Haven.”

They exchange a quick look, and then the Red shakes her head. She’s familiar—the same acolyte who attended me when I fought. The sweet hospitality in her eyes from the previous night is gone now, replaced with a cool reserve that borders on hostility. She isn’t a woman impressed right now. She’s a fledgling priestess protecting the Order. And that makes me smile, slow and amused.

“He isn’t here.”

“Tell him that Finn O’Malley needs to see him. He has two hours to meet me at the house on the edge of the wall and return what he took from me. If I don’t have her by then, I will start killing his priests—and I won’t stop until every member of the Order in 1 is dead.” I pause, and stare at them. Their eyes are wide, fear mixing with anger and shock.



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The Future Without Hope (Book 3)

Catch up on the series!

 The World Without a Future (Book 1) 

 The Horde Without End (Book 2) 


I gotta tell you guys that I actually read this ARC a few weeks ago and I absolutely LOVED this story. I am so pumped for everyone to get their hands on this incredible third installment of one of my favorite series! Anyone who read this will be itching for more, trust me. As always, a huge thanks to the team at InkSlinger PR and to our author, and my dear friend, Mrs. Nazarea Andrews for allowing me to participate! HAPPY BOOK BIRTHDAY N! Until next time, Happy Reading! 

-Ethan

Wednesday, November 19, 2014

Distorted by Anthony S. Buoni and Alisha Costanzo Blog Tour: Guest Post + Giveaway


Hey readers and welcome to my stop on the blog tour for Distorted, a fantasy anthology edited by Anthony S. Buoni and Alisha Costanzo! Today's stop will include a guest post by one of the authors and a giveaway! Before we get to all that, check out some info about the book and our authors:


Fantasy Anothology
Date Published: November 7, 2014




Tantalizingly bloody tales featuring human pitted against beast and gods, with the true majesty and horrors of the afterlife, with love and death and desire...

Eight writers modernize ancient mythologies in DISTORTED, proving that not every story has been told.


About the editors:

Anthony S. Buoni

Having relocated from Northwest Florida's lonesome roads and haunted swamps, Anthony S. Buoni now prowls the gas lamp lit streets of New Orleans, playing moonlight hide and seek in the Crescent City's above ground cemeteries. Anthony is the author of Conversation Party, Bad Apple Bolero, as well as the editor to the Between There anthologies. His stories and articles have been featured in North Florida Noir and Waterfront Living. When not prowling, Anthony keeps it scary, writing dark fiction, editing, and watching horror movies. In his spare time, he DJs, plays music, and conjures other worldly creatures with tarot cards and dreams.

Alisha Costanzo

Alisha Costanzo is from a Syracuse suburb. She earned her MFA in creative writing from the University of Central Oklahoma, where she currently teaches English. She’s the author of BLOOD PHOENIX: REBIRTH and BLOOD PHOENIX: CLAIMED, and co-editor of DISTORTED. LOVING RED, a Broken World novel, is undergoing serious edits for its 2015 release. In the meantime, she will continue to corrupt young minds, rant about the government, and daydream about her all around nasty creatures.


Website: http://transmundanepress.weebly.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TransmundanePress?ref=bookmarks
Twitter: @TransmundnePres @AlishaCostanzo

GUEST POST

Apotheosis literally popped into my head one day while I was in the shower. I’m not normally one to actually get my ideas past the brainstorming sessions. mostly because I don’t have the patience for applying the details to paper. The compulsion I felt with this idea, however, was strong enough for me to take the time to write it out.
            A large part of my drive to write this story revolved around two factors that I hold to be true in the world around me, and the universe at large: namely, a cyclic nature and natural paradox. Cyclic nature is represented in Apotheosis by the cycle between the characters, and the flow from fiction to truth as each character’s life is revealed. Dom writes fiction about Tessa, who sculpts the fictitious Tristan, who dreams of the long dead Aurelia. There is a bit more to it than that, but in the interest of anticipation and avoiding spoilers, I’ll leave it at that. Natural cycles are found all around us: the food chain, the change in seasons, the change between night and day, the spinning of the planets and solar systems. I could wax rhetoric about cycles all day long, but I’m sure you’d be bored to tears before my next paragraph, so I’ll move on. I felt the need to express my fascination with cycles and symbiotic relationships through the connection of creator and created. That’s how the story wound up with fiction and fact being married. This leads me to my next drive.
            The second pressing urge to write Apotheosis is founded, for me, in natural paradox. Many of the examples I could give are the same as those for cyclic nature. Night and day, winter and summer, etc. But I find so much truth in paradox. You can’t appreciate beauty if nothing is ugly. All sunshine makes a desert. Life without death is meaningless. These form the cornerstones upon which my story is built. I chose to symbolize paradox not just among the characters themselves, but through historical and geographical fact and the fiction. Dom and his wife, Tessa and Olivia, Tristan and Drustan, Aurelia and the twins are all fictional characters of my own design. The layout of Manhattan, however, along with Treasure Island in Austin (my favorite bar), the MacDougall clan and their castle, the Vercovicium, Hadrian’s wall, the last Roman emperor and his family, the desertion of the Wall by the Roman Legion, all of these are fact and as accurate as I could make them to suit the story. I absolutely love fictional with strong roots in fact because it makes the story far richer than when the places, dates, and people are all creations of the writer and his or her imagination. My hope was to bring that richness to my readers, and hey, y’all just might learn something. Happy reading!

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Alright readers, that's all I have for you on the subject of Distorted! What do you guys think? Sound like the anthology for you? I don't know about you  guys but I do LOVE that cover! I am a sucker for fantasy, so I cannot wait to devour this read! And that guest post sounded awesome! I can't wait to finish reading this one and share my thoughts! Special shout out to all the authors and the team at MyReadingAddiction for allowing me to participate! Until next time, Happy Reading!

-Ethan