Vampire's Warden

Author: S. J. Wright
Series: Undead in Brown County
Publisher: S. J. Wright
Publication Date: February 16,2011
How Recieved: For Review
Rate:5
 
Summay: (as quoted from Smashwords)I couldn't seem to contain the inferno burning inside me, being that close to him. Even knowing the danger he posed and the gruesome scenes that must have been caused by him, I still felt a burning inside me every time I heard his voice or felt his hot gaze on me. 

But I was the Warden. He was one of the damned. We were destined to be at odds. Enemies. 

Sarah Brightman, having just lost her father to cancer, is stunned to discover that the mother she thought was dead is actually still alive. She also finds out that the legacy her father left her is a lot more than just an Inn on the outskirts of Nashville, Indiana. She has a frightening new responsibility.

My Thoughts:
This is one of the best vampire books I've read in a long time. A beautifully crafted novel, The Vampire's Warden is a splendid,fun, adventurous tale. Sarah is a very relatable heroine, and yet she is able to have her own strong personality. The novel starts with her learning that that her mother is still alive, and that vampires are real. On top of that, Sarah finds out that she is tied to the vampire's in an unbreakable way. The story is action packed from the very beginning and ends with a major cliffhanger that will have you fiending for the next installment. The Vampire's Warden is a very enjoyable read, and I would reccomend it to anyone looking for an original, fun, and exciting new vampire story.
5/5

Guest post and Giveaway for the book Vampire's Warden

Blood-Sucker Fiction Continues to Draw Fans

Back in 1973, a writer by the name of Anne Rice began writing the story of three vampires. They were each as different as the colors of a rainbow. There was the brooding Louis, the deceptively adorable Claudia, and the charismatic, powerful Lestat. Anne Rice wove a story of love, loss, revenge, and renewal. It was published in 1976.

In 1994, it was released on the big screen starring Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, and Kirsten Dunst. That one book propelled Anne Rice into stardom. Originally published in 1976, it was the beginning of a long series that inspired a whole generation to consider the idea that perhaps there was more to the fable of the vampire than just coffins, garlic and stakes in the heart.

L.J. Smith released a trilogy of vampire books in 1991 called “The Vampire Diaries”, now a TV show on the CW network that has millions of fans. The enormously successful Charlaine Harris first introduced us to Sookie Stackhouse in 2001. Her series, when completed, will consist of thirteen books. More than enough material for a Showtime TV series. True Blood is a hit with viewers as well.

In 2005, Stephenie Meyer released Twilight, which became an enormous success around the world with YA readers and adults alike. The Twilight series was adapted into movie form. We are all eagerly awaiting the final chapters in the Twilight movie saga.

So what comes next for vampire fans? Could we see yet another super hit evolve from one humble book’s beginnings? It’s always possible, but some claim that the market has been flooded with vampire fiction and that there are no truly unique ideas out there anymore. I disagree.

The paranormal fiction market is huge right now. I believe it will continue this way for years to come. Thank you to Anne, L.J., Charlaine and Stephenie for opening up this world to us. Thank you for bringing us stories that have sparked our imaginations and pushed us to start tapping away at 

our own keyboards while we imagine our own unique super-hunky vampire heroes.

To win a copy of the book below fill out this FORM!

Title: The Vampire’s Warden

Author: S.J. Wright

ISBN: ISBN-13: 978-1460989883 (CreateSpace-Assigned) 
ISBN-10: 1460989880 

Page count: 186

Genre: Paranormal thriller/paranormal romance

Price: $0.99

Author Bio: S.J. Wright is a stay-at-home married Mom with two boys, an overworked husband and a very devoted Jack Russell terrier named Shelby.

Blurb:

It was a flash in the moonlight, a blur of motion like I’d never witnessed before. No human had the capacity to move like that. When I found myself face-to-face with him there in the meadow, I knew without a doubt that the journal was authentic. I knew that my grandfather hadn’t been crazy at all. 
Because a foot away from me stood a vampire.
Sarah Brightman reads her grandfather's journal in stunned disbelief. What was once her grandfather's responsibility has passed to her father and now to her. She has become the Warden. Her life will never be the same.
This is part one of a three-part series. It is 31,880 words long.

How long did it take to write the book?

Three months.

What inspired you to write the book?

I’m a huge fan of the paranormal genre—mainly YA books, but I wanted to go a little older with my own characters. I’ve been a vampire fiction fan for many years. I first read “Interview with the Vampire” back in 1994, and I’ve been hooked on the genre ever since.

Where can we go to buy your book?

The ebook version of The Vampire’s Warden is available on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004NNVKAO, Barnes & Noble at http://search.barnesandnoble.com/The-Vampires-Warden/SJ-Wright/e/2940012222695 and Smashwords at https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/42724. The paperback version of the book is available at https://www.createspace.com/3577460.

Any other links or info you'd like to share?The Vampire’s Warden blog can be found at http://vampireswarden.blogspot.com/.

Excerpt from book:

I was in the meadow. Panic pushed through me in waves and my heart began beating savagely inside my chest. No. Not here. I turned blindly to make my way back towards the main house. That’s when I heard the voice.

“Ah, Sarah.”

The voice echoed around me, unfamiliar and oddly seductive. The voice of a man. It was endlessly alluring, smooth and sent little hot shocks up my spine. But I could feel the dangerous undertones, the hint of deception as my brain tried to process the way my body was reacting.

“Who’s there?” I called cautiously, glancing around. Fear congealed in my gut, rendering my legs and arms powerless. Whoever was calling me seemed to know me on a deeper level than I thought possible. It terrified me. There was a complete and deadening silence in the surrounding trees. A nothingness that brought the fear to a heart-stopping crescendo.

I waited and my gaze found the boulders in the dim moonlight. I was reminded of the last vision I’d had when I’d touched Alex. The woman in the meadow, waiting expectantly. But there had been no fear in her such as I felt now. Only anticipation. What had she been waiting for? Who? Why hadn’t she been afraid?

It was then that I saw a figure step out from behind one of the boulders. His movements were fluid and graceful as a jungle cat. He paused for a moment and then leaned back against one of the boulders, crossing his arms. I couldn’t make out his features in the darkness, only the carefree stance and powerful build. Even without the validation of physically seeing his eyes, I felt them on me just as I felt the ground beneath my feet and the ragged breaths coming in and out of my chest.

Then he spoke.

“At last.” There was a breath of a sigh and I thought I saw his lips curve upward in an ironic smile, “My dearest Sarah.” Again, that same melodic voice captured my attention completely.

The Summer of the Goose

Author: Wayne J Street, Jr.
How Recieved: Review
For: Children

Rate:5

Summary:
When Billy D and Grandpa are asked to babysit the neighbor's goose for the day, trouble is bound to ensue. After all, the prize winning tomatoes are at stake! But through all their misadventures, Billy D and Grandpa learn lessons about tolerance, patience, friendship, and loving their neighbors, all during the Summer of the Goose.


Review:
I appreciate very much being sent this book. And It was very cute! My only question is why Billy D? Why not just Billy? The book will go to my amazing cousin lexie. I know she will love it till the world ends. As this is a child's book and even I liked it and will probably never for get it I give it a 5/5. http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=978-1-61663-853-5

Eagleton Coven Tour - Character Guest Post

Jenny Talks about Amaretto Flame

What the HE...Um...what the heck? I am pretty sure they said there was supposed to be Mexican hat dancing here, which is the only reason I came. Well, since I'm here anyway, want to hear a story? You don't know me, but my name's Jenny and I play a huge, starring, super-mega...like, Rose in the Titanic role in Sammie Spencer's Amaretto Flame. Let me tell ya. Okay. The role isn't quite that big. It's more like the role of the girl in the Titanic who had the little children and put them to bed as the thing started to rip...whatever. ANYWAY.

The story is about my friend, Olivia. One day she just showed up out of the BLUE, y'all. Being the natural leader that I am (and also thinking about how we were one cocktail waitress short and I was tired of re-filling drinks for like...seven days a WEEK), I got her a job where I work. Now, I'm still not too sure exactly what happened, but Jackson was our resident man who...um...ladies man, okay. But it was totes obvious that Jackson had a thing for Olivia. This wasn't cool for Paula (this bartender who looks like she stepped out of the pages of a magazine but once you get to know her, you're pretty sure she's just plaster covered over rotten snakes and probably spiders) who was in LOVE with Jackson.

She tried so hard to smack Olivia down, but Olivia was all like, "Nu-huh fool...you better back it up." And then she brought out the super-mega kung-fu and spilled a drink on Paula. It was CLASSIC. Then suddenly, Olivia and Jackson like...disappeared. I've heard rumors that Olivia was being hunted and Jackson was probably off trying to save her. Every time I think of that, I picture Jackson stepping in a room all Fabio-style and being like, "Hands off the lady, punk." HILARIOUS.

One more thing - you will NEVER believe this. Once this super-creepy old guy came in hitting on me...and I mean serious creepy old guy stuff. Olivia stalked right up to him and was all, "I'll handle this," and she kicked the guy in the knee. I'm pretty sure it broke, or at least hurt really bad. It was quite possibly THE coolest thing I've ever seen...except for maybe that time I saw that guy go streaking at the Staves football game.

Look, the truth is, I drink a lot of amaretto and pineapples and I'm not really sure what I'm supposed to be talking about here. You just basically need to read Amaretto Flame and you'll find out exactly what happened. Until then, if there's gonna be no Mexican hat dancing here, I'm out! =D 

Please visit the other stops along the tour. If you comment on EVERY stop, you'll be entered to win a big ending prize!

May 1 - Tattooed Books - Character Guest Post *BLOG TOUR KICKOFF*  
May 2 - YABound  - Character Interview with Everett
May 3 - Ramblings of a Teenage Bookworm - Character Guest Post + Character Interview
May 4 - I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read - Review and Character Interview
May 5 - Jagged Edge - Guest Post and Giveaway
May 6 - Diary of a Bookworm - Review and Giveaway
May 7 - Dark Readers - Review and Giveaway
May 8 - Kayleigh M. Books - Review + (To Be Determined)
May 9 - Wicked Awesome Books - Review
May 10 - Aine's Realm - Review
May 11 - Izzie Vandero - Character Interview
May 12 - A Life Bound by Books - Character Guest Post
May 13 - Pagan Culture - Fiction Journeying and Giveaway
May 14 - I Heart YA Books - Blog Tour Wrap Up!

Zombies v. Unicorns

Author: Black vs. Larbalestier
Series:---
Publisher: McElderry Books
Publication Date: September 21, 2010How Recieved: Purchased
Rate:5
 
Summary:  Justine Larbalestier says that Zombies are our own walking deaths. Funny ,grim, and terrifying they cannot be escaped. Unicorns are sparkly and pastel and fart rainbows. 
Holly Black says that Unicorns are healers, arbiters of justice, and, occasionally, majestic man- killers. Zombies drool and shed and probably carry diseases.
Some of today's finest writers have chosen their side, creating dazzling stories about both creatures. So read on, and decide for yourself: Are you Team Zombie or Team Unicorn?
 
My Thoughts: 
Zombies vs. Unicorns is one of the best anthologies I've read in awhile. Both teams have some of the best writers in young adult fiction. Team Unicorn, led by Holly Black, consists of Kathleen Duey, Meg Cabot, Garth Nix, Naomi Novik, Margo Lanagan, and Diana Peterfreund. Team Zombie, led by Justine Larbalestier,consists of Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, Alaya Dawn Johnson, Maureen Johnson, Scott Westerfeld, and Carrie Ryan. After reading this book, I have found that my Unicorn faith has been tested greatly, and I can honestly say that I don't know which team to choose!!! The great thing about anthologies is that there are stories for every mood, ranging from gory and bloody to romantic and funny. This is a must have for every zombie or unicorn fan.
5/5 

Interview and giveaway with Leah Clifford

To win book just fill out this FORM!
US Only

Welcome to Jagged Edge!

Leah, would you like to tell us a little about yourself?

Official bio: Leah Clifford currently lives in Ohio with her (mostly) blind cat and her roommates. In her spare time she loves to travel and has been known to drive over two hours to get kickass quesadillas. So far for jobs she's sold corn at a roadside stand, been a pizza delivery girl, a camp counselor, an extreme cave tour guide, a flight attendant, a waitress (x3), a grocery store clerk and a writer. Out of all of them, writing has been the most fun. She's pretty sure she's gonna stick with it. 

I'm also a huge fan of canned green beans. 

A Touch Mortal is your first book.

How excited were you when you first received a publish copy?

I can actually SHOW you! This is the vlog of me getting my ARCs! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jq0ZD4XuwBI One of the cool things about being a vlogger (I'm Thursday on the YA Rebels) is having footage of these moments.   

What authors influenced you as a writer?

Growing up, I read a lot of Stephen King, Ann Rice and Dean Koontz, so they were huge influences for sure.  I read constantly as a kid.  Anything with a paranormal slant to it wound up in my TBR pile.  

What is your favorite Quote? 

"It's the silence between the notes that makes the music" which is a Zen proverb and to me is a beautiful way of saying show, don't tell, which is writer rule number one!

What is one book everyone should read?

This is kind of an odd answer but any of the PostSecret books.  If you're not familiar with PostSecret, it's an art project where people send in anonymous postcards with their secrets on them.  Those little glimpses into someone else's life always get my mind going. 

  

What is the one thing that every writer needs to have or do?

I think everyone's different.  For me, I need music. I can't write without it.  As much as I love coffee and candy, it's the music that brings me into a scene.

Are your books different to your personal favorite books by other authors?

I think everything you come into contact with influences you in some way, but the goal is to interpret it differently and put your own spin on it.

What lead you to writing in this genre?

I didn't really set out to write in any specific genre.  A Touch Mortal actually started as a short story I wrote for a college class.

  

How long does it normally take you to write a book?

Anywhere from 4-8 months or so. But in there are a lot of false starts and shifts and backtracks.  On average I write about 2,000 words a day.   

What book do you wish to see come out as a movie?

I'm SO SO excited for The Hunger Games movie, but there are a ton of great YA books being brought to the big screen in the next few years!   

What happened while writing one of your books that you did not expect?

I was over halfway finished with A Touch Mortal when I was struck with horrible writer's block. I just could not figure out what my characters were up to, and something wasn't working.  Originally Az wasn't even supposed to show up until the second book, but he just popped up, and once I gave in and let him have his say the rest of the book just spilled out!

Do you read the review when they are good and/or bad?

At first I did, but not so much anymore. I love talking about things, parts readers liked and didn't like and why, but it's very taboo for writers to comment on reviews. I find when I read reviews I have all kinds of questions and not being able to talk about them bums me out.

Moujnir asked:

Where did you get the idea for A Touch Mortal?

 The book started as a short story I had to write for a college class.  The prompt was to write something based on an overheard line.  The original line was "Skin and concrete do...not..mix." and that short story is now part of Chapter 21. When I first wrote it, I spent a long time wondering who these characters were, and how they had gotten so jaded that they could watch someone jump off a building and think nothing of it.

What are you writing next?

 Next comes book 2 (the title is still under wraps!) in the trilogy, which I'm editing now! I'm VERY excited!  It's much more...psychological I think would be a good word, than the first one, but I think it's even more twisted. I kind of love it.

In the land of winter

Author: Margaret Sarah Bechtel 
Series: ---
Publication Date: May 07 2010
How Recieved: For review
Rate: 5+


Summary:
Kate wants to forget her past.
Lex wants to begin his future.

The strangers meet on an ill-fated flight to Scotland, their lives and secrets collide when the plane crashes into the North Sea.

Only known survivors Kate and Lex are stranded on an island with an old lighthouse they are forced to use for shelter.

Lex is desperate to get them both rescued.
Kate is desperate to stop him.


Review:
In the land of winter was beyond my expectaions. It was amazing! Some parts in the begnning were a tad confusing. But you get over it when you go through a read it at the end its just. I dont have word for it is just amazing! I am completley and uderly in love with this book! When I was reading it, it was like watching a movie. It flowed so easliy. There was pain and shock. But there was love and passion. Great family aspect. I think many people will enjoy this book. It was also a quick read and impossible to put down. Definatly a book I could read over and over and still be shocked and amazed. I think if i read it again i could find little details i had missed before. as soon as my mother saw the book the first thing that popped out of her mouth was whats a beautiful cover! Its a must read so go to createspace today! 5/5