Last day to link reviews!!

For LRC Challenge-- the more reviews, the more chances to win!!

Review: The Haunted by Jessica Verday

The Haunted by Jessica Verday

An impossible truth. An impossible love.

After a summer spent reclaiming her sanity and trying to forget the boy she fell in love with—the boy who must not exist, cannot exist, because she knows that he is dead—Abbey returns to Sleepy Hollow, ready to leave the ghosts of her past behind. She throws herself into her schoolwork, her perfume-making, and her friendship with Ben, her cute and funny lab partner, who just might be her ticket to getting over Caspian once and for all.

But Abbey can never get over Caspian, and Caspian has no choice but to return to her side, for Caspian is a Shade, and Abbey is his destiny. They are tied not only to each other, but also to the town of Sleepy Hollow, and to the famous legend that binds their fates—a legend whose dark truths they are only beginning to guess....

Published in US: Aug 2010

  I enjoyed The Hollow even more than the first one! Abbey came even more alive, and I discovered so much more about her. She faces so many decisions, difficulties and trials, I ache for her. It is hard to put myself in her place, because I have no idea how I would react.
  Caspian is even more vulnerable and awesome in this one. We find out more about him and it only makes him even more desirable to me. Even though the mystery element is still there, some of my questions are answered and that doesn't detract.
   There is lots of conflict in this one and more of the bad guys are emerging. I still have lots of questions, and I am aching for the next books. We still have the character driven literaryness, but there is so much going on. The subplots are woven in really well.
    I've enjoyed this series, and recommend it.

Review: The DUFF by LRC Featured Author Kody Keplinger

 
Thank you Kody for participating in LRC!
If you review The DUFF this month, you will get extra entries for the giveaway. Make sure you are signed up! Loving the Reviews Challenge and Huge Giveaway!

The Duff by Kody Keplinger

"Seventeen-year-old Bianca Piper is cynical and loyal, and she doesn't think she's the prettiest of her friends by a long shot. She's also way too smart to fall for the charms of man-slut and slimy school hottie Wesley Rush. In fact, Bianca hates him. And when he nicknames her "Duffy," she throws her Coke in his face.

But things aren't so great at home right now. Desperate for a distraction, Bianca ends up kissing Wesley. And likes it. Eager for escape, she throws herself into a closeted enemies-with-benefits relationship with Wesley. Until it all goes horribly awry. It turns out that Wesley isn't such a bad listener, and his life is pretty screwed up, too. Suddenly Bianca realizes with absolute horror that she's falling for the guy she thought she hated more than anyone."

Book picture and link go to The Book Depository and teaser from Goodreads
Publication: Sept 7th 2010 (standalone)
Rec'd ARC copy from Goodreads Book Swap

**My rating:5/5**

*My review*

     I relate to this book so much as I am sure that many if not all girls can. It deals with being the designated ugly fat friend, and I know that I often feel out of place, not right in my own skin, wonder why people hang out with me, and think that my looks are inferior to my friends.
    Bianca's character could pretty much be me, pessimistic, sarcastic but funny in that dry quirky way, loyal, insecure, smart, too trusting at times, not trusting enough others. It was a breeze to be in her head, and to understand her feelings and reactions. Her family life is going through a rough patch and she is looking for an escape- and finds it in the jerk- hot jerk nonetheless- Wesley. But what happens if she develops feelings that she feels will never be returned? (I have been there too)
    Slightly spoilerish:This book should only be for older teens, (highlight if you want to read) because she does use sex as an escape. It is not overly explicit, but there are sexual situations, and even though B realizes what she is doing is wrong and inappropriate- and makes the decision in the end to slow things down, it still happens. There is also some curse words- it does not distract from the story, but also disclaimer. There is also an instance of domestic violence but it is not a continued thing and the involved party gets help. This looks at some of the gritty parts of being a teenager, but does not glorify it, and explores reasons, reactions, emotions, guilt, etc.
    Her friends are amazing, and I have a few like that-- who will tell me like it is, who know my moods, and who are there. They are the best kind! There is also a love triangle, one of course is the bad-boy, bad a**, womanizer with the soft side and the hidden fears and insecurities- Wesley. The other is a perfect gentlemen, but a nerd-Toby. (Not judging- my hubby is a nerd, but Wesley (types) makes me melt in ways Toby can't begin to... but can't say any more without spoiling).
    And to think that I almost dismissed this book without even reading the synopsis because I thought it was about or written by Hilary Duff. Yes, you can laugh and point now :)
    On a more serious note, some of the revelations that B comes to made me almost shiver. It conveys a rough image to start, but she realizes some fundamental truths, and she has an important message to get across. I really enjoyed this one!

IMMB 44

IMMB is designed to promote blogger interaction and put new books on the radar. It is started by The Story Siren.

Do you review books? If so this month you can get prizes for doing so, details below. I am co-hosting,  I would love it if you sign up!

   

Plan B From Netgalley. Review coming soon

Simon, Charnan

Falling Under From Different Area Codes Tour Review coming soon

Hayes, Gwen

Wither (Chemical Garden, #1) Currently reading

DeStefano, Lauren

What about you- what did you get? What do you think of my books?

LRC Featured Author Michelle Gregory's Eldala

Eldala ~ Published in 2007.

Kieran’s blood boils every time he hears about the abuse handed down by Teleria’s nobility. But years of hiding in his father’s smithy have taught him to avoid trouble. Content with being a blacksmith, the only disruptions in his well-ordered life are his disturbing dreams. It isn’t until his twentieth birthday, when he receives a mysterious letter and sword from King Arathor – the man who claims to be his real father – that he wonders if his dreams have become reality. If he believes Arathor, he will have a chance to end a twenty-year curse over Teleria, and free the people from King Rahnak’s oppression. But it could also mean giving up his quest to find the mysterious woman with whom he shares an intimate heart connection.

For reviews, character pictures, and chapter samples, please visit her Eldala blog.

Black Heart (sequel to Eldala), currently in the 3rd draft stage. For the prologue and teasers, you can follow this link: Black Heart. 

Michelle's sites

Website – www.michelledgregory.com

Blog – www.michellegregory.blogspot.com

Eldala’s blog – www.eldala.blogspot.com

Eldala is available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon –

Also at Smashwords in multiple digital formats - http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/32570

And on Nook - 

Thank you Michelle for agreeing to participate and offering Eldala for giveaway.
If you review Eldala this month, you will get extra entries for the giveaway. Make sure you are signed up! Loving the Reviews Challenge and Huge Giveaway!

LRC Featured Author interview with Michelle Gregory (Eldala)

Thank you Michelle for agreeing to participate and offering Eldala for giveaway.
If you review Eldala this month, you will get extra entries for the giveaway. Make sure you are signed up! Loving the Reviews Challenge and Huge Giveaway!

About Michelle (from her site)

"My name is Michelle Gregory. I am a wife, mom, homemaker, reader, homeschooler, and writer. Five years ago, I found out I loved to write. I ignored the desire until I couldn't stand it anymore. The words started to pour out of me like an Arizona flashflood during monsoon season. They've been gushing ever since."

And here is our interview:

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

A blacksmith finds out he’s a king. 

--How did you get the idea for the story?

I tried to put the things I love about stories into my story—mystery, fantasy, a villain to defeat, allegory, someone who discovers they’re more than they thought they were, true love—and to make it a story my then pre-teen boys would enjoy. When it didn’t go the way I wanted, I asked for their help and it morphed into Eldala. They came up with character names, place names, and plot ideas. My oldest son even drew a map of Teleria for me.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

Kieran and Jessa would be my first choices, but I also like a secondary character named Sahbél. He mentors Kieran along the way. I want nothing to do with Ciara and Rahnak (the two villains). I don’t like their daughter much either.  

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I’m addicted to romance novels – inspirational, historical, and sometimes contemporary. It’s too hard to pick a favorite book, so I’ll pick favorite authors—Mary Connealy, Teresa Medeiros, and Kaki Warner.

I make time to read. It’s a great vacation for my brain when I’m drafting and can’t get a scene to work. I can read all day and forget to eat. 

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

The Magician’s Nephew by C. S. Lewis. I’d love to be there to see Aslan sing Narnia into being. 

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your book’s playlist-" songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

When I was first drafting Eldala, I listened to the soundtracks from Last of the Mohicans, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, Open Range, Last Samurai, and Eragon. When I had to write a grieving scene, I listened to music from Sapphira’s “death” scene from Eragon and the Beast’s death scene in Beauty and the Beast. A song/scene from Last Samurai inspired a scene between Kieran and Jessa.  

Now I find that I can’t listen to music when I write, but I still use songs to inspire a mood or a certain scene. I’m finding scenes and music from the newest Robin Hood movie to be very inspiring as I write my sequel.

--Can you give us any teasers from the sequel? Is there a  publication date?

All I can say is that Teleria is in danger. Kieran and Jessa’s daughter, and Jessa’s mother Tiana, will both play a part. For more teasers, I’ve posted excerpts from the second draft on my blog: Black Heart teasers 

Link - http://michellegregory.blogspot.com/search/label/Black%20Heart

I’m currently at the beginning of my third draft and I’d hoped to have it published this year, but circumstances keep getting in the way, so now I have no idea when it will be out.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

The ability to function on fewer hours of sleep, and the ability to split myself into several parts so I could do housework, home school, spend time with my kids, and write.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

I read, blog, and spend way too much time on Facebook.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

Don’t give up on your dreams because you never know where they’ll take you. When I started this journey to write one novel for myself and my family five years ago, I had no idea I would meet so many incredible people or have an impact on their lives. Thank you for allowing me to reach a few more with Kieran and Jessa’s story of courage and sacrifice.  

Michelle's sites

Website – www.michelledgregory.com

Blog – www.michellegregory.blogspot.com

Eldala’s blog – www.eldala.blogspot.com

Eldala is available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon –

Also at Smashwords in multiple digital formats - http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/32570

And on Nook - 

LRC Featured Author Denise Jaden Review of Losing Faith

 

Losing Faith by Denise Jaden


Thank you Denise for agreeing to participate and offering Losing Faith for giveaway.
If you review Losing Faith this month, you will get extra entries for the giveaway. Make sure you are signed up! Loving the Reviews Challenge and Huge Giveaway!

A terrible secret. A terrible fate. When Brie's sister, Faith, dies suddenly, Brie's world falls apart. As she goes through the bizarre and devastating process of mourning the sister she never understood and barely even liked, everything in her life seems to spiral farther and farther off course. Her parents are a mess, her friends don’t know how to treat her, and her perfect boyfriend suddenly seems anything but. As Brie settles into her new normal, she encounters more questions than closure: Certain facts about the way Faith died just don't line up. Brie soon uncovers a dark and twisted secret about Faith’s final night...a secret that puts her own life in danger.

Published Sept 2010
Standalone novel
Source: Won from Pure Imagination 
Link goes to and Image and teaser from Goodreads.com





*My Review*


    Losing Faith is an emotional book with a spoonful of mystery. The characters are likeable and well written, the plot moves along nicely. It kept me interested and I didn't want to put the book down.


   Though Losing Faith deals with religion, it never came across to me as preachy. It could have been a real life situation, and I think that Brie examined things and gave fair weight where it was due. Dealing with a cult, of course there is a pinch of truth and then taken to extremes along with a lot of lies. So, yes, we see these things in the book, but there are also examples of good christians.


   Losing a sister and a daughter has to be heartwrenching and we get an inside look through Brie and her parents. Jaden really conveys different ways of handling grief and I can almost feel their pain along with them.


   Though I felt I knew where the book was going and what the answers were going to be, it was a wonderful ride to with Brie to find the answers. I was right for most things, but there were still things that surprised me.


   My favorite characters in the story are actually Tessa, an 'outcast' who befriends Brie and shows her what being a friend really means-- also what getting into trouble means, but that is part of the fun. My other is Alys, the love interest. He is awkward but loyal, and caring. Minor spoiler- highlight to read- Their kiss was HOT!!! Just the right amount of detail. I love that it wasn't picture perfect, but they still FELT. 


    I would love to hear what you think of the story and/or my review. 

LRC Featured Author interview with Denise Jaden (Losing Faith)

 

Losing Faith by Denise Jaden
My review here

Thank you Denise for agreeing to participate and offering Losing Faith for giveaway.
If you review Losing Faith this month, you will get extra entries for the giveaway. Make sure you are signed up! Loving the Reviews Challenge and Huge Giveaway!


Bio from her site:

"I am, or have been, everything from a professional Polynesian
dancer and fitness competitor to a mushroom farmer and
church secretary. Most of my time now is spent homeschooling
or playing with our seven year old son or in front of my
computer writing."

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

Losing Faith is a story about secrets, and wishing you had paid more attention.

--How did you get the idea for the story?

The idea stemmed from my own teen years. I lost a close friend when I was sixteen. I’ve also  attended a variety of churches over the years and saw people’s ways of dealing with tragedy from the perspective of different faith-walks. I’ve always thought there was a lot to explore on this topic. 

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

I’d love to have dinner with Tessa. She’s a really fun character and constantly surprises me. I’m currently writing a companion novel to Losing Faith in Tessa’s point of view.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I read every day, whether I have time or not. LOL. I have enormous list of favorite books, but the ones I can think of offhand are these: WINTERGIRLS by Laurie Halse Anderson, THE SKY IS EVERYWHERE by Jandy Nelson, FLASH BURNOUT by L.K Madigan, and HARMONIC FEEDBACK by Tara Kelly.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?

My second novel will be released from Simon Pulse/ Simon & Schuster in summer, 2012. It’s called APPETITE FOR BEAUTY, but you’ll have to wait on more details on that one, as it is ever-evolving at this point.

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

I don’t mean to be difficult, but honestly, I really love my life. I don’t think I’d want another person’s life, even fictional. But if I had to choose…I’d probably pick something in a small town. Maybe CATALYST by Laurie Halse Anderson.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

I don’t NEED anything to write except my laptop. But I love having a cup of green tea and some carrot sticks nearby. As for music, I’m a silent writer. Having music on while I write does not work for me, and even the idea of matching up songs with my books has always been a difficult process. I’ve had some help with this in the past.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

I’d love to be able to go somewhere else in the world in any single moment, just by snapping my fingers or something. That would be a blast! I’ve always wanted to see the whole world, but at this rate, I’m not doing very well with that goal.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

I love traveling. I’m also a professional Polynesian dancer/teacher. I homeschool my son and love hanging out with my family. There are tons of other things I’d like to try, but there never seems to be enough time in a day!

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

If you’ve decided to give my book a try: THANK YOU!!! And I truly hope you enjoy it! With so many amazing new books on the market, I’m really thankful for anyone who’s willing to give my book a chance.

LRC Featured Author Lori Pescatore Review Human Blend

IF you review Human Blend, you will get two extra entires in the prize pack. Don't know what LRC is? Learn more and sign up here.

Marion, Virginia seemed like a nice place to live a normal life, but she is not a normal girl. Laney has special abilities that keep her looking over her shoulder as she makes her escape from the men who had kidnapped her. A young doctor's interest is piqued when he witnesses her mysteriously curing a young child's illness. He befriends her due to his growing fascination with uncovering the true nature of her abilities, but not without harboring secrets of his own. Laney's budding relationship with a local boy puts both of them in danger when the men she was hiding from find her. All of their lives will change forever as ancient secrets become unearthed

Published in US: June 2010
1st in trilogy
Source: from author for honest review


*My Review*


     I am drawn into Human Blend right away with the mystery of why Lanie (going by Julie) had to create a new identity and hide. We quickly find out her abilities- with numbers and to heal, and I am even more entranced.
    The romantic interest, Austin, is introduced early, and it is really fun to watch them dating and falling for each other. He does sweet romantic gestures and I can tell Julie cares about him because she worries about his safety. I really like Doctor Elsworth- he reminds me of Carlisle. He is very protective, introspective and wants to take care of and heal  people. 
    This should be for mature teens and those who can handle some dark themes.
    I was in suspense with every person she came in contact with, being suspicious of them right along with her. Pescatore has a winner with Human Blend, and she has a unique twist to the paranormal genre.

LRC Featured Author: Interview with Lori Pescatore (Human Blend)

IF you review Human Blend, you will get two extra entires in the prize pack. Don't know what LRC is? Learn more and sign up here.

Human Blend by Lori Pescatore




Thank you Lori for your time, and for donating a prize to the prize pool!

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

Girl with special abilities on the run. A doctor's interest is piqued when he sees her curing a child. Girl meets local boy. Bad men find her.

--How did you get the idea for the story?

The idea of a girl with unique abilities on the run came first, and then once she is introduced the story just flows from there. I do not plan too much out in the first book of a series. I let the characters dictate what is going to happen. Now for books 2 and 3 of the series I have an idea of what is going to happen.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

I would like to have dinner with Marcus, he is a flirt and had a voracious appetite. He can be a jerk but I’d like to try and change that. Marcus is a character introduced later in the book.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I like the usual paranormal/fantasy genre favorites like the Twilight Saga, The House of Night series by PC Cast and some great new authors like Krisi Kelsey, Melanie Nowak, T. Lynn Tolles and Karen Fuller. I wish I had more time to read

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

I would not pick any of the books I like. I love the paranormal fantasy novels but only like reading them not living them.  

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your book’s playlist-" songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

I don’t need music to write. I usually write before I go to sleep at night. I handwrite everything then type it up later. It seems to flow better for me. When I am typing it, I sometimes tweak a scene or two and music is playing then. I listened to Taylor Swift a lot typing up Human Blend.

--Can you give us any teasers from the sequel? Is there a publication date?

Book 2 in the series is set to be released in April, it was originally going to be February but I have had to push that back. Book 2 will actually begin as a prequel to book one giving you some background on the paranormal creatures introduced in the book and then picks up where book 1 left off. 

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

I like my characters healing ability. To be able to heal people of their pain and suffering would be an amazing gift. 

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

Reading and listening to music rank high on my list. I enjoy watching Japanese anime with my son.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

If you are looking for a unique kind of Paranormal/Fantasy/Sci-Fi/Romance novel, give Human Blend a try. Thanks to all my readers and I will get book out as soon as I can. Thank you for this interview. 

LRC Featured Author Maria Snyder at Sniffly Kitty

Go Check out Sniffly Kitty's Blog to read more about Maria Snyder!

Remember if you review any of Ms Syder's books in February, you get extra entries into the giveaway. Make sure you are signed up and linking all your reviews!


Loving the Reviews Challenge and Huge Giveaway!

LRC Featured Author Maria Snyder Review Spy Glass

Remember if you review any of Ms Syder's books in February, you get extra entries into the giveaway. Make sure you are signed up and linking all your reviews!

Loving the Reviews Challenge and Huge Giveaway!

Spy Glass by Maria Snyder
3rd in the Glass Series
Release date: Sept 1 2010

Link goes to and description from Goodreads.com

"An undercover mission leads to danger, adventure and an impossible choice. After siphoning her own blood magic in the showdown at Hubal, Opal Cowan has lost her powers. She can no longer create glass magic. More, she's immune to the effects of magic. Opal is now an outsider looking in, spying through the glass on those with the powers she once had, powers that make a difference in the world. Until spying through the glass becomes her new power. Suddenly, the beautiful pieces she makes flash in the presence of magic. And then she discovers that someone has stolen some of her blood - and that finding it might let her regain her powers. Or know it could be they are lost forever."

**My Rating: 5/5**

*My Short but Sweet Review**
Maria did it again!!!! I was taken in from page 1! Opal is a beautiful main character and she is learning and growing even more in this final installment. We get to see a lot of Valek in this one too, which makes me happy. Kade and Devlin are both great love interests and she writes them so well, along with Opal's feelings that I can't chose a side!

This book will not disappoint! 

I would love to know what you think, and read and comment on your review if you have written one 

Your chance to read Random Acts of Senseless Kindness FREE and ask Mr. Parke (author) questions

Random Acts of Senseless Kindness, Free eBook


Things start to spiral out of control for Gomez when he tries to win back his ex-girlfriend during a very strange New Year's Eve party.

Clinical studies have shown that reading the "Random Acts of Senseless Kindness" eBook is not only likely to make you more attractive to the opposite sex, it will also elevate your random luck by about 9.5%**
So, that's a nice bonus right there.

(**These statements have not been evaluated by anyone of consequence!)

You can find the eBook here

Bio:
Graham Parke is responsible for a number of technical publications and has recently patented a self-folding map. He has been described as both a humanitarian and a pathological liar. Convincing evidence to support either allegation has yet to be produced. No Hope for Gomez! is his fiction debut:

Boy meets girl.
Boy stalks girl.
Girl already has a stalker.
Boy becomes her stalker-stalker.


Random Acts of Senseless Kindness, Excerpt:
Blog entry: Arrived at the store late, found a homeless guy sleeping in the doorway. Hicks was already inside but gave no indication he’d noticed. I nudged the homeless guy and asked, “How are you doing down there, fellow? You okay?”

The homeless guy grumbled something in his sleep.

“It’s getting pretty cold,” I said. “Don’t you want to come inside?”

“Inside?” He coughed and opened his eyes.

I pointed out the store, not convinced he’d actually noticed where he’d crashed the night before. “This is my antiques store,” I told him. “We’ve got the heating on inside, shame to waste it on just two people. And it looks like it might start to snow soon.”

The homeless guy gave me a suspicious look. “You want me to come inside? With you?”

“Sure, if you’d like.”

“Is that because you think that if I come inside with you, I’ll let you <i>touch</i> me?”

“What? No!”

“Okay, because I can tell you right now, that’s not gonna happen.”

“Well, I suppose it is good to get those kinds of things clear beforehand. But no, I was just thinking you might enjoy the warmth, maybe a cup of cocoa.”

“A cup of cocoa you say…” He scratched his stubble. “And you’ll be charging me for this cup of cocoa?”

“No, the cocoa is free.”

“I see. So, are you operating under the assumption that if I come inside with you, and I drink your free cocoa, that I will touch
“What? No!”

“Okay, because I can tell you right now, that’s not gonna happen either. Just because a guy is down on his luck, that doesn’t mean he goes around touching people in exchange for cups of cocoa.”

“I understand completely. And thanks again for pointing that out. But no, my friend and I noticed that you were sleeping in our doorway and, well, we’d like to invite you inside.”

The homeless guy turned and peered through the window in the door. He made eye-contact with Hicks, who panicked and went looking for his broom. “That your friend?”

I followed his gaze. “Yeah, that’s Hicks. He’s a bit peculiar, but he’s okay.”

“I see.” The homeless guy pulled on his collar. “And this friend of yours, will he be drinking cocoa also?”

“I suppose. I’m not entirely sure, but it seems likely.”

“I see.” The homeless guy considered this. “So,” he said, after a long moment, “will this friend of yours be expecting me to touch?

“No! There is no touching involved in any of this!”

“Okay, calm down,” the homeless guy said. “There’s no need to get all homophobic!”

“I wasn’t!”

“You sounded homophobic to me.”

“Me? You’re the one who can’t stop talking about touching people!”

I noticed people stopping in the street to stare at us. This made me very uncomfortable.

Download Free eBook here

LRC Featured Author: Jacquelyn Wheeler Review Rising Shadow

Rising Shadow by Jacquelyn Wheeler

IF you review Rising Shadow or Merger by Jacquelyn, you will get two extra entires in the prize pack. Don't know what LRC is? Learn more and sign up here.

1st in the Soterians series

Link goes to and teaser from Goodreads.com

" Ashlyn Woods just transferred to one of the most beautiful campuses on the west coast, where she can't wait to start her life over as a normal college student. But her plans take an unexpected turn when she discovers that she is a Soterian: a person who develops amazing powers when the balance of good and evil shifts too far in evil's favor. Soon she and the other Soterians are studying martial arts and learning to use their powers to prevent California from being plunged into chaos. But they quickly discover that they're up against a much more dangerous enemy than they anticipated. And when Ashlyn meets  Kai, a devastatingly gorgeous guitar player, she realizes she must sacrifice more than she ever imagined."

**My rating: 4 of 5 stars**

*My review*

This is an exciting story with an easy to relate to heroine. Ashlyn has mistakes in her past with no so great boyfriends and moves to a new college, she finds a great guy and a best friend and realizes she has powers to help the balance of good and evil. She still struggles with self esteem a lot and they are doubts that I know I could relate to.

The story itself is well written and well paced. She builds up the supporting characters well, and they all serve a purpose.

I couldn't give full stars because it was a little too political for me-- not in the aspect that she tried to sell her views, but politics was a driving force in this novel.

I would recommend it, and I am anxious to read the next one!

I would love to hear what you think and if you have written a review, feel free to link it and I will read and comment on yours!

LRC Featured Author: Jacquelyn Wheeler Character Interview

IF you review Rising Shadow or Merger by Jacquelyn, you will get two extra entires in the prize pack. Don't know what LRC is? Learn more and sign up here.

Rising Shadow by Jacquelyn Wheeler

Ashlyn Woods has just transferred to one of the most beautiful campuses on the west coast, where she can't wait to start her life over as a normal college student. But her plans take an unexpected turn when she discovers that she is a Soterian: a person who develops special powers when the balance of good and evil shifts too far in evil's favor. 

Soon she and the other Soterians are studying martial arts and learning to use their powers to prevent California from being plunged into chaos. But they quickly discover that they're up against a much more dangerous enemy than they anticipated. 

And when Ashlyn meets Kai, a devastatingly gorgeous guitar player, she realizes she must sacrifice more than she ever imagined.

I have Ashlyn, the main character from Rising Shadow here to answer some questions. Thanks for coming Ashlyn, and thank you Jacquelyn for writing such an awesome MC.

-You go through a big personality overhaul in ‘Rising Shadow,’ what advice do you have for anyone who is not happy with the track their life is on?

Honestly, it’s so important to know that you can change your life at any time. It’s never too late. I was in such a crappy place, seemingly stuck with the most dismal future imaginable. And that all changed, not because I became a Soterian, but because I took control of the things I could and started making better choices. But first you have to be honest with yourself about what you’re doing to keep yourself on that bad track. I still don’t know what I’m going to do with my life, but I’m starting to trust myself that I’ll make good choices, and that’s huge.

-Flying was always a dream of yours; you biked and ran to get that feeling. As a Soterian, your power enables that to become a reality. How do you feel that your powers wax and wane with the amount of evil?

It’s really weird. My Scout powers—flying, sharp vision and hearing, becoming invisible—are not really affected by the evil around me. It’s my Alchemist powers that wax and wane, because they rely on a mix of good and evil. I’m not so upset when they fade, really, but the times my flying has given out on me has totally sucked. I’m trying to prepare myself for the fact that someday I won’t be able to fly anymore, but it’s going to be really, really hard to give it up.

-You are involved with so many things, classes, a (hot and sweet) boyfriend, the Soterians which also comes with following political interests, as well as friends and family. How do you maintain balance?

Oof, it’s not easy. I feel like no matter what I do I’m never doing a good enough job at any of it. I just try to keep my priorities straight, which means sadly I can’t spend every waking and non-waking moment with Kai. As much as I love being a Soterian, I would give anything sometimes to just have a normal life with him. Hopefully that’ll happen someday.

-What is your biggest weakness and how are you working to overcome it? What is Kai’s?

Ha, which one do I choose? LOL I think it has be my teensy tiny problem with self-esteem, but I really am working hard at getting over it. I mean, I know Kai feels the same way about me that I do, but it scares the hell out of me that someone else has control of my heart like that, you know? So whenever I hear those voices in my head whispering stuff like he’s cheating on me or whatever, I am trying to step back and realize that it’s just fear talking, it’s not real. Kai’s biggest weakness…hmm, still figuring that out. He’s so perfect, but I am a bit worried that he’s not very good with money.  

-What is it like learning about your powers and learning to work as a team?

That part has been amazing. I never was much into team sports (even if you’re on a triathlon team, tri is pretty much a solo sport), but it’s been totally cool learning how to do all this stuff. And I have to say, as much as the Soterian powers are incredible, learning martial arts has been just as cool in its own way, and you don’t need special powers to learn that.

-You and Kai got close really quickly (and I don’t blame you) but how did you determine it is a healthy relationship?

There was just never any question. I can’t explain it, but it’s like we just know each other. We both have some baggage from our past relationships (obviously), and we’re going to have to work through that. But the love we have for each other is so insanely deep that I know we can work through anything. From what I can tell, all relationships take a lot of work, and as long as both people are willing to do the hard work, it’s going to be healthy. Being soulmates doesn’t make things easier. It just means that I feel more certain that we’ll actually make it through the hard times.  

-How differently do you think your life would have been without Rebecca and Candace as roommates? What if you were paired with say, Kelly?

Oh God, don't even say that! If Kelly had been my roommate, I think I'd be locked up by now for homicide. Aside from Kai, Rebecca is the best person to have ever come into my life. I don't know what I'd do without her. And Rebecca and I were pretty spun when we first got to UCSB, so we're incredibly grateful to Candace for showing us the ropes. It would have been so much harder if we hadn't had such a cool roommie to welcome us! 
  

Thank you again Ashlyn!