BOOK REVIEW

THE BROKEN DESTINY #1 by Carlyle Labuschagne

THE BROKEN SERIES

BOOK BLURB

www.carlylelabuschagne.com

All my life, I had searched for something, something I thought I ought to be. I felt like I was living someone else’s life, waiting for the awakening of my own. I felt like an empty shell burning for life. That was, until the day I lay dying in the prince’s chambers. I could no longer feel the pain from the tear in my gut. The only sensation left was a hollowed-out feeling that I had made a huge mistake in assuming that taking my own life, would have stopped the ancestors’ spirit from raging out. I had given up. I didn’t want to see myself killing the ones I loved. I was the Chosen one, but I threw it all away for what I thought would save a life. Could you end a life to save a life? I did, and I have regretted it ever since. I realized then that things like me are not meant to exist. What had been missing my whole life? It was I. To find myself, I had to lose myself in the worst possible way. The consequences of my actions became the legend of The Broken.

REVIEW

ARC RECEIVED FROM AUTHOR
TO BE RELEASED IN 2012

Before I start my review, I have to say that this was one of the toughest I have ever written - for what I thought were good reasons. You see, I had already decided that I wasn't going to review The Broken Destiny. I met Carlyle on Twitter and to make a long story short, I've removed a whole chunk of it, we met personally a few weeks after for a big old fat chat – over coffee, of course. We clicked, talk daily and Bob’s your uncle. This book is very dear to me for reasons I won't go into here. This was precisely why I had reservations. I did not want to be thought of as being biased, that my review would not be honest, that I was doing a friend a favour, so forth and so on. Believe me when I say this, Carlyle is a friend, but she’s also more than that. She is one talented story teller as far as I am concerned. I started reading TBD before I had even met her as she was kind enough to send me an ARC. The reason for my ‘mind change’ has to do with Carlyle. When I told her that I wasn’t going to review TBD for reasons I mentioned above, she was quite adamant that I am entitled to my own opinion, no matter the outcome. She’s absolutely right. I am nothing if not honest, so I will forge ahead and share my thoughts. This review is quite lengthy so bear with me. I only touched on a few things (you'd never say!) as I don’t want to spoil it for any reader.

Firstly, I have never really been a huge sci-fi fan. Furthermore, I wasn’t even sure what genre Dystopian was. I swear. I had to look it up on Wikipedia and I’m not ashamed to admit it. The Broken Destiny is a YA, dystopian, sci-fi story; the first of four books.

This is the story of protagonist, Ava, a 16 year old girl who has searched her entire existence for something she thought she should be. She is a Chosen, a third generation who are referred to as the broken. Years after Earth had apparently been destroyed; Ava resides on a planet called Poseidon. Not only is this planet inhabited by humans, but it’s home to a variety of races/species. Two that are prominently featured in TBD are Zulus and Minoans. One of them is the good, the other the bad and in-between you have some dark and ugly. Ava survives an attack with the help of her friend Maya and a good looking boy by the name of Enoch, who just happens to be Maya’s brother – or is he? She believes him to be her Knight in shining armor and at first is besotted with him. She’s taken to their Minoan village where she’s treated. Slowly but surely, she starts discovering more about her life thus far including half-truths, lies, and motives behind not only her attack, but the consequences concerning her destiny.

Residents on Poseidon are ruled by the Council – something Ava abhors as rules and regulations are restrictions she could very well do without. Ava has never been one to adhere to ‘rules’ and along with her best friend, Sam, get up to a fair amount of mischief and tend to get into trouble on more than a few occasions. Ava is introduced to Maya’s mother, Arriana (who is blind, but all-seeing), and her sister Anaya; both very wise and ancient Minoans who are powerful in their own right. Arriana and Anaya are instrumental in helping Ava come to terms with who or what she is, but there is someone who can further explain to Ava the intricacies regarding her broken destiny. This someone is Kronan, a warlock with more insight into what really happened on and to Earth, how the broken came about, why she’s the Chosen and why she will go through the Change. Ava learns that she isn’t just an average human. She’s more of a super-human – one who's been genetically enhanced to survive the harshest conditions possible. Still, she’s more than this; she is the prophecy and her soul a weapon. Further attacks take place, shedding yet more light on who is after Ava, and why.

Throughout this story, you will meet many wonderful and engaging characters. One of them is Troy, a ‘main’ secondary character and someone who is important in Ava’s life. The boys: Tatos, Willard, Robert and Dave, whom I found to be very interesting, funny, mischievous, but serious when the situation calls for it. They are after all warriors. You will come to understand (and maybe sympathise) how Ava feels about school and dormitory life. She is a complicated person, but despite what she’s gone through, is going through and has yet to go through, it’s no wonder she feels her world has been turned upside down when on top of the fate she's been dealt, she still has to deal with teenage issues! All the elements that Carlyle has managed to bring to this story are quite amazing. You name it, she’s incorporated it; genetic enhancements, technological advancements, potions, spells, voodoo, dark magic, warlocks, spirits, witches and wizards. Not enough? This is only the first book and in essence, an introduction. It kicks this series off with a monumental and resounding bang! As if she hasn't provided you with enough to keep your mind reeling, she serves up an ending that's a cliff hanger of note. This said, it’s a complete story in reference as to who Ava is and why, including how every character is connected and their purpose. You will be satisfied with what you need to know - for now.

For someone who isn’t (or wasn’t) a keen sci-fi fanatic, I am completely and utterly impressed. She’s managed not only to win me over, but has converted me to such an extent, I am a huge fan. Simply, I am a believer, I loved this book and I most certainly can’t wait for book two; Evanescent.

Carlyle Labuschagne not only writes beautifully, she has proven that she’s an author to be reckoned with; she has shown me that she is more than capable of creating a whole new world; has completely captured my heart with her imagination; weaves a story I want to keep reading; engages me in such a way that I become one not only with the story - but one with it’s characters, and has magically uprooted me from my comfortable existence to the gorgeous planet she’s created – Poseidon.

In short, The Broken Destiny is an exciting, thrilling, imaginative, compelling and impressive debut by Carlyle Labuschagne. –An author to watch out for.

To each his own, but as far as I’m concerned, it deserves a 5 star rating.

– “You cannot know what light is

if you have not experienced darkness.

How could you know what happiness feels like

if you know not what it means to be sad?

Right does not exist without wrong

Hate exists because there is love.

You are either driven by fear or love.

To love is not to fear.

It is to be godly.” 
'The Broken Destiny'

RATING: 5 STARS

GUEST POST - DANNIE C. HILL

Please welcome author, Dannie Hill to my blog today. Not only has Dannie published three books, with a thriller on the way, he is also one of the nicest people I have met. We've exchanged a couple of emails, lots of tweets, not forgetting all the wonderful comments Dannie always leaves on my blog. He has an amazing ability to make everyone feel like they're on top of the world. You will always find yourself smiling or laughing out loud.

Thank you, Dannie, for your guest post, your time and the pleasure of knowing you.

Left: Dannie on a mountain ledge: gorgeous. Middle: Dannie & wife Julee. Right: Dannie & Sam the cat.

READERS ARE IMPORTANT

Not long ago my friend Sandra asked if I would like to do a guest post for her blog. How could I say no to a beautiful lady living in South Africa? I love Sandra’s book reviews because they are honest and come from a reader I’ve learned to trust.

I’m an American writer, but for the past nine years I’ve been living in Thailand with my wonderful wife. We have a small farm in this magical land and I also write a blog of true stories about living in Thailand. I have three published books and a new one, Death’s Door, coming out soon. Now, I could go on talking about myself, but Sandra’s website is dedicated to some people I truly love—women… I mean readers. It’s true; I do love women for their intelligence, their wit, their beauty and their smell—like flowers in early Spring.

But the life’s blood of a novelist are the readers, male and female. We work, sometimes slave and many times agonize over a manuscript, trying hard to keep the one person in mind that will make a difference in our lives—the reader!

It’s not about the money—really! Oh, of course, who wouldn’t want to be rich and famous? Me for one. The rich I could probably handle, but not the fame. There’s just not enough room in my little cave for too many people. And if I were rich, I would be on my sailboat far out at sea—writing.

As with many long and short story writers I know; we write to stay sane, content and happy, or to just spend a few hours outside of ourselves. Readers give us the joy of life! We writers spend hours and hours going over and over our manuscripts, and then hire editors to make it better and find the errors we can’t see with our writer’s eye. And, there’s the book cover to worry over so we can attract the illusive reader. Not to trap them, but to nurture them with words and give praise to them. Without you, as a writer I would die!

Readers don’t realize the power they have over us. A word of praise, a review, an email or even a Tweet sends me to what my wife calls “The smiling room”. Some readers even offer a critique of what I do and I must tell you from the standpoint of a writer—I love it when someone—who actually reads my book—offers to give me an honest opinion of what they thought and how I might improve as a writer.

Without writers this world would be a dull, colorless place, but the real truth is that without readers this world would soon die.

As a writer, all I do is for you. I want to lift you, frighten you, fill you with love, make you think, but most of all;  I want to touch you deep inside with words that will stay with you for days and may even draw you back to read again. I bow to the ones who rule my existence as a writer and I offer you all love.

I again want to thank Sandra for letting me visit with her readers. I’ve met people from all over the world through social medias, it’s so exciting for a southern country boy to mingle with the finest people in the world. I put Sandra right at the top of friends I enjoy so much!

Blog : http://danniehill.wordpress.com

Publishing site : http://smallmountainpub.com
Twitter : http://twitter.com/#!/danniec_hill

All books are available in paperback and Ebook form. 

Dannie Hill's Books

Links to Amazon for Dannie's Ebooks:

IN SEARCH OF A SOUL, A sea adventure with a real and touchable hero.

http://www.amazon.com/In-Search-Soul-ebook/dp/B0048ELAJY/

TYLER HILL'S DECISION, A Young Adult book about a boy lost in the mountains and the life decisions he makes. http://www.amazon.com/Tyler-Hills-Decision-ebook/dp/B003UNLJYU/

OUTER WORLD PRAIRIE, A Fantasy about a people fighting for their existence and way of life as they battle an old foe. http://www.amazon.com/Outer-World-Prairie-ebook/dp/B00730JZ06

Coming soon: DEATH'S DOOR, A Thriller. A world of conspiracy and terror where two New Jersey cops go after those that would destroy both the worlds they have come to love. Humor, suspense, action, romance. The ones we hate aren't always the ones we should fear.

BOOK PROMO

URCHIN KING by Katharina Gerlach

BOOK BLURB

YA Historical Fantasy

For fourteen years, street-urchin Paul's miserable existence has kept him safe from an ancient law that sentences all second-born twins to death. When he learns he is the younger twin of the mentally handicapped Crown Prince who's in danger of being killed for his disability, he agrees to play the role of the miraculously healed royal heir. Paul struggles to learn how to act like a born ruler, but finds that his greatest skill, getting by unnoticed, is now his greatest liability. He knows if he is discovered, he will be executed like all second-born twins.

BOOK LINKS

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/93763

http://www.amazon.com/Urchin-King-ebook/dp/B005SCR7TC

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/urchin-king-katharina-gerlach/1106779537

AMADI, THE PHOENIX, THE SPHINX, AND THE DIJNN 

BOOK BLURB

YA Fantasy

Thief-in-training Amadi has to steal the phoenix, befriend a sphinx, and rescue a djinn to fight a power-hungry sorcerer before she learns that women are not inferior to men.

Amadi realizes how much she hates being a girl when her half-sister is unwillingly engaged to an elderly gold-smith. She manages to become apprenticed to a thief where she lives as a boy more often than not. But when her Helping Hand is murdered, her oath of revenge lands her smack dab in the path of an assassin hired to kill her and a jackal-headed god with the same purpose. Now, her only defense is the threadbare tunic of a young man and her training as a thief.

BOOK LINKS

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/157407
http://www.amazon.com/Amadi-Phoenix-Sphinx-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B007ZBNUQS

AUTHOR BIO

Katharina Gerlach was born in Germany in 1968. She and her three younger brothers grew up in the middle of a forest in the heart of the Luneburgian Heather. After romping through the forest with imagination as her guide, the tomboy learned to read and disappeared into magical adventures, past times or eerie fairytale woods.

She didn’t stop at reading. During her training as a landscape gardener, she wrote her first novel. She likes to write Fantasy, Science Fiction and Historical Novels for all age groups. At present, she is writing at her next project in a small house near Hildesheim, Germany, where she lives with her husband, three children and a dog.

AUTHOR LINKS

http://www.katharinagerlach.com/
http://katharina-gerlach.blogspot.com/
https://twitter.com/#!/CatGerlach (@CatGerlach)
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Katharina-Gerlach/254167877944493

BOOK PROMO

SELL THE PIG by Tottie Limejuice

BOOK BLURB

What happens when dementia, depressed dipsomania and downright dottiness decide to uproot from the UK and move to France together.

AUTHOR BIO

Tottie Limejuice is the pen name of Lesley Tither, a former journalist turned freelance copywriter, now living in the Auvergne region of France.

BOOK LINKS

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Sell-the-Pig-ebook/dp/B007AU6NZY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1336245583&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007AU6NZY

BOOK BLOG

http://tottiesbookblog.blogspot.fr/

CONNECT WITH THE AUTHOR

http://www.facebook.com/tottie.limejuice

https://twitter.com/#!/tottielimejuice

http://tithercopywriting.com/

BOOK PROMO

RUBY LAKE by Sherrill Willis

BOOK BLURB

Sydney Myers has been through several failed relationships in the past year, in addition to several other trauma's, and is now giving up on finding her knight in dented armor. When her boss sends her to Ruby Lake, a small, rural town in northern Wisconsin, the last thing she was looking for was love at first sight, not to mention a place in the world where she finally fits. Add in her city-savvy best friend, a jealous ex-girlfriend, a famous father, and a coffee shop full of off-the wall characters, and it becomes more challenging for Sydney to manage than a spinning plate competition.

When disaster strikes close to home, Sydney is left with the unbearable choice of her family, or the life she has always dreamed of. Come with Sydney on her journey and laugh, cry and rediscover why some choices are not really choices at all, they are simply fate.

REVIEWS

5.0 out of 5 stars What a great book, April 21, 2012
By Book Lover "CYN" (Virginia)

This review is from: Ruby Lake (Kindle Edition)

Sydney Myers may be my favorite character. She is a woman who speaks her mind. She doesn't mince words and is not going to let anyone walk over her. When she is sent to Ruby Lake for her job, she finds people who love her and people who hate her. She puts them all in their place and then goes back home leaving a boyfriend who eventually follows her. It was a great book. I would recommend it to all romance lovers.

AUTHOR BIO

I started reading when I was 3 and my parents encouraged me to start writing soon after. I wrote my first poem at age 5 (about a tree I believe) and this has been my passion for my entire life. Writing is what keeps me sane, and hopefully, connects me to others. I've always felt we are all connected, whether through experiences, blood or community. With my writing, my ultimate hope is to transcend barriers and reach out to those I might otherwise never meet.

I'm always writing in my head, and there are days I don't get a word done on the manuscript, and other days it just flows like a winding river, picking up it's own pace as I keep writing. No matter what your passion is - do it. Don't listen to the critics, the naysayers - believe in yourself despite what others say you can't do. Truly, the best revenge isn't just living well, sometimes it's also being able to smile triumphantly at those who tried to hold you back.

Amazon US link: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0054YF89A

Create Space Link for print version: https://www.createspace.com/3833205

BOOK PROMO

DOLL HOUSE by Anya Allyn

BOOK BLURB

Doll House is a Young Adult Paranormal Mystery.

Cassie ventures into the depths of the forests to search for the remains of a friend who vanished there on a hiking trip. She discovers the horrific truth behind her friend's disappearance.

For fifteen year old Cassie Claiborne, there's only one good thing about moving from steamy Miami, Florida to the wild inland forests of Australia--the even wilder Ethan McAllister. 

But Ethan already has a girlfriend--Aisha Damaj--the girl with a hundred different moods a minute.

When Aisha goes missing on a hiking trip in the local mountains--presumed dead--the whole town points a finger at Ethan.

Cassie defends Ethan fiercely--and she's just about the only friend he has left. But is Cassie letting her feelings for Ethan cloud her judgment? Or does something dark lurk out there in the forests? Aisha isn't the first girl to vanish there in recent years.

There's only one way for Cassie to find out--go head to the forests.

AUTHOR BIO

Anya Allyn lives near the beach, north of Sydney, Australia. Doll House is her first completed novel, although she's been tinkering for quite a while!

As a reader, she enjoys almost all genres of books, with a soft spot for Children's and Young Adult, due to those ages being a time of new experiences and wonder.

Website: http://dollhousetrilogy.com/

Amazon kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Doll-House-ebook/dp/B007PLAVH4/ref=la_B007PQ17YA_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1336112529&sr=1-1

Amazon paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Doll-House-Anya-Allyn/dp/1475034725/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1336122740&sr=1-3

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13565822-doll-house

BOOK PROMO

THE VISION by Cynthia Meyers-Hanson

BOOK BLURB

Once upon a time, Helen was born legally blind and unable to find a bench let alone navigate life. And yet, she’d tell you, “I’m no Helen Keller! At just about the same age that that girl lost her vision and hearing, my eyes started enjoying sight. However, it’s NOT like the movies depict! You don’t just wake up from ‘landmark eye surgery’ and see clearly.”

Compounding the girl's personal struggles, her dad suffers bipolar disorder wreaking havoc on her family life? What is ‘THE VISION’ that sustains her? Do her thoughts keep her sane, or is this lady lost in her own imagination? Can she break the dysfunctional chains? Complicating every issue in her life, Helen’s physical disabilities slow her learning and chances at a good education. With all these strikes against her, will the girl ever succeed in life? See how the girl gains sight and insight!

Here’s a twist! What if I told you the author is the main character in this ‘tattle tale’ and can shed light on how it feels to gain vision and cope with other facets of life; how would that knowledge change your desire to read this book? This story is classified as a novel because of the poetic license in use during storytelling. Therefore, this family saga arrives as a fictional narrative. Meanwhile, any resemblance to relatives, friends, or anyone’s life shared with or without the writer is purely a coincidence because the characters are derived from true life events but not necessarily genuine individuals.

AUTHOR BIO

My favorite question during book interviews is: How did you get started writing? The short answer is that in 1991 my mother died. Some people dream of being authors; my writing began as what could be described as a nightmare! HOWEVER- as she died, mom experienced what would be called a Christian Near Death Experience (NDE) or miracle. My witness became Mom’s on the Roof and I can’t Get Her Down. After that, I have co-authored or compiled other Divine and inspirational tales; they range from faith healing to other Near Death journeys. Then, due to my life changing trip, I had to overcome a partial shoulder replacement, which hindered my left arm. With one hand, I wrote three books including My ArmOr (My Life), which is about my acceptance of God’s plan for my life. To date, my Christian books total seven. Meanwhile, I have ghostwritten three novels including The Vision, which is based on a true story of overcoming blindness, bipolar dysfunction, and living ‘The Golden Rule.’ Also, I’ve produced four picture books for as well as with children. Finally, I wrote one historical, YA Novelette as well. I use my real name, Cynthia Meyers-Hanson on non-fictions as well as the children’s literature; my pen name, Sydney S. Song is reserved for my fibs or novels. You can find out more about my writing on my author webpage, which is at http://mchanson714.weebly.com/

Other contact information follows.

E-MAIL @ mchanson714@yahoo.com
TWITTER @ www.twitter.com/mchanson714
FB @ www.facebook.com/meyershanson
Blog @ http://mchanson714.blogspot.com
I’m on Goodreads.com as well.

My book Links are below.

AMAZON paperback and Kindle direct link to “The Vision” http://www.amazon.com/The-Vision-Sydney-S-Song/dp/1463541058/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1336049169&sr=8-12

Kindle generic link to all my books at AMAZON http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=mchanson714

eBook SMASHWORDS direct link to “The Vision” http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54608 ; the book is, also, available thru distributors of SMASHWORDS ebooks.

eBook SMASHWORDS generic link to all my books http://www.smashwords.com/books/search?query=mchanson714; these books are also available thru distributors of SMASHWORDS ebooks

BOOK PROMO

LORD OF THE DANCE by Joolz Darling

BOOK BLURB

This book started off as my counselling journal, to say I’ve had a very colourful life would be a slight understatement!

I’ve lived in thirty-four houses, a women's refuge, (on a few occasions) I’ve had a list of jobs as long as my arm none of which I could ever manage to keep, as I'm hopeless at conforming and doing as I'm told! I have run my own successful businesses. Some legitimate others not so! I’ve had my fair share of disastrous relationships with men and women. Also had as many laughs as tears.

My Nan used to say ‘Life is what you make it my girl. What you put out there will come back!’ ‘Out there Nan, where is out there?’

As you read our story remember you can be a victim or a survivor.
The choice is always yours...

As for me I’m a survivor.
There isn’t anything in my life past or present I would change.

I suppose my learning curve has been more of a learning swerve!
Thankfully it brought me to where I am now.

At the moment I’m working in community social care.

It’s a job that I truly love I’m giving something back.

I feel safe now and I hope I’ve stopped running.

I have my family and the best friends here in Wales I could wish for.
I also work as a Healer.

Clairvoyant readings, aura art, Reiki Healing. Hypnotherapy. Psychotherapy. Indian head massage. Spiritual Healing Tarot, crystals, palms and tea leaves.

Sounds ideal? It is.

I write when I can, walk my dog Saffie on some of the most beautiful stunning beaches in the U.K.

So I guess what I’m saying is this book is about hope.

AUTHOR BIO

I live and work in South Wales, I'm a nurse, but write whenever and where ever I can. I'm married, have three grown up children and a grand-daughter that I adore.

The book started out as my counselling journal and is the first of three. It's my story of growing up in the north of England with an abusive alcoholic father.

I hope it's a self help too, as our story has a very positive outcome.

Link to Amazon UK:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dance-memoir-myself-Wendy-ebook/dp/B007VQDYKO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1335928333&sr=1-1

BOOK PROMO

STATE OF GRACE by John R. Phythyon

BOOK BLURB

Wolf Dasher’s mission is simple: find out who murdered his friend and colleague in Urland’s Shadow Service while she was on assignment in the elf nation of Alfar. But Wolf soon learns that, in the magical land of elves, nothing is easy. The once-lush country is now decaying, torn apart by a religious schism that spawned a civil war and daily acts of terrorism. A simple murder investigation leads Wolf into an intricate web of assassination, betrayal, and zealotry. He’ll need all of his skill and Shadow magic to defeat a psychotic killer, a bloodthirsty general, and an arrogant ambassador with visions of grandeur. Failure means a devastating act of terrorism that will kill thousands of elves, topple Alfar’s government, and change the balance of power in the world forever.

State of Grace is the first book in a series of fantasy-thriller mash-up novels that blends magic, super spies, and politics in an electrifying brew of action and adventure. From the chilling opening scene to the pulse-pounding conclusion State of Grace takes the best elements of an espionage thriller and a court intrigue and weaves them into a world that is both familiar and fantastic.

AUTHOR BIO

John R. Phythyon, Jr. wishes he'd been bitten by a radioactive spider, so he could have lots of thrilling super-adventures. In the absence of that miracle, he contents himself with writing about such people. He is an author, playwright, and award-winning game designer. His commentary has been heard on Kansas Public Radio; his comedic play, Isabelle, has been commercially produced; and he won Origins Awards for his work on Celtic Age from Avalanche Press, Gamemastering Secrets from Grey Ghost Press, and Sailor Moon Collectible Card Game from Dart Flipcards.

He lives in Lawrence KS with his girlfriend, her kids and dog, and his cat. He is currently working on the next book in the Wolf Dasher series and desperately wishing the Cincinnati Bengals would win a Super Bowl some time soon.

Links:

Amazon: http://amzn.to/w2I79T

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/vYOgK0

Smashwords: http://bit.ly/uPf3CL

BOOK PROMO

APART FROM LOVE by Uvi Poznansky

BOOK BLURB

Written with passionate conviction, this story is being told by two of its characters: Ben, a twenty-seven year old student, and Anita, a plain-spoken, spunky, uneducated redhead, freshly married to Lenny, his aging father. Behind his back, Ben and Anita find themselves increasingly drawn to each other. They take turns using an old tape recorder to express their most intimate thoughts, not realizing at first that their voices are being captured by him. 

Meanwhile, Lenny is trying to keep a secret from both of them: his ex-wife, Ben's mother, a talented pianist, has been stricken with early-onset alzheimers. Taking care of her gradually weighs him down. What emerges in these characters is a struggle, a desperate, daring struggle to find a path out of conflicts, out of isolation, from guilt to forgiveness. 

AUTHOR BIO

Uvi earned her B. A. in Architecture and Town Planning from the Technion in Haifa, Israel, and practiced with an innovative Architectural firm. She received a Fellowship grant and a Teaching Assistantship from the Architecture department at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. There, she earned her M.A. in Architecture. Then, taking a sharp turn in her education, she earned her M.S. degree in Computer Science from the University of Michigan. During the years she spent in advancing her career—first as an architect, and later as a software engineer, software team leader, software manager and a software consultant (with an emphasis on user interface for medical instruments devices)—she wrote and painted constantly. Her versatile body of work can be see online at uviart.com. It includes poetry in English and Hebrew, short stories, bronze and ceramic sculptures, oil and watercolor paintings, charcoal, pen and pencil drawings, and mixed media. Uvi has published a poetry book and two children books, Jess and Wiggle and Now I Am Paper. Apart From Love is her debut novel.

Book Links:
The book Apart From Love with a Look Inside option:
http://www.amazon.com/Apart-Love-Uvi-Poznansky/dp/0984993207

Rave reviews:
http://www.amazon.com/Apart-From-Love-Uvi-Poznansky/product-reviews/0984993207/

Author Links:
My author page on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Uvi-Poznansky/e/B006WW4ZFG/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1

To see my sculptures, paintings and watercolors, and to read a sample of my poems and stories, here is my website:
http://uviart.com/

To read my blog:
http://uviart.blogspot.com/

BOOK PROMO

FAIRY TAIL by Andres P Weston

BOOK BLURB 

For the third year running, a ritualistic serial killer has struck again in the week leading up to Halloween, leaving a gruesome and bloody trail in his wake.

It's the same every year. One murder every day, until his quotient of seven has been reached. Butchery doesn't begin to describe what happens to those who he gets his hands on. Then the killer vanishes - only to return twelve months later as merciless as ever.

When he does resurface, he appears to strike randomly and at will. It cannot be established exactly how the killer selects his victims, or why. As such, the detective leading the case is no closer to discovering the identity of the ruthless predator than he was when the slayings began.

It's only when the detective gets an unexpected break that things get interesting…

AUTHOR BIO

Andrew P Weston was born in the city of Birmingham, UK and grew up in the towns of Bearwood and Edgbaston, eventually attending Holly Lodge Grammar School for Boy's where he was School Captain and Head Boy.

He was an active sportsperson for the school and a variety of rugby, martial art, swimming and athletics teams throughout the city.

On graduation in 1977 he joined the Royal Marines and served in a number of roles both in the UK and abroad.

In 1985 he joined the Devon & Cornwall Constabulary, serving as a police officer in a variety of uniformed and plain clothed departments until his retirement in 2008.

Over those years, he wrote and illustrated a selection of private books for his children regarding the life of a tiny kitten, called, “The Adventures of Willy Whiskers”, gained further qualifications in Law and Religious Studies, was an active member of Mensa and continued to be an active sportsperson, providing lessons free of charge to local communities.

An unfortunate accident received on duty meant Andrew had to retire early from the police force, but after moving to the sunny Greek island of Kos to speed up his recuperation, he was at last able to devote time to the “Guardian Concept” he had developed over his years in the military and police.

When not writing, Andrew enjoys Greek dancing and language lessons, being told what to do by his wife, Annette, and hunting shadows in the dark. He has not managed to catch any yet, but is sure he came close on 2 occasions.

Andrew is now contracted to Ruby Lioness Press for two books.

“Guardian Angels” is the first of those books and is due for release August 2012. It is the introductory book to the “Guardian Series”, a sci-fi/fantasy epic set in the near future.

The second book, however, is now his debut work. “Fairy Tail”, an erotic thriller with an unusual twist, is a short story Andrew completed as an experiment to broaden his experience and is now available to read.

Amazon UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fairy-Tail-ebook/dp/B007TVY5N6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1335790670&sr=8-1

Amazon US
http://www.amazon.com/Fairy-Tail-ebook/dp/B007TVY5N6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1335790776&sr=1-1

Website
http://www.andrewpweston.com

Blog
http://andrewpweston.blogspot.com/

BOOK PROMO

FLOODWATER ZOMBIES by Sean Thomas Fisher

BOOK BLURB

In these tough financial times, even funeral homes have to find ways to make cuts. However, when bodies are dumped so coffins can be “repurposed”, someone has to pay the price. Rory thought losing his job and moving back in with his parents in Minot, North Dakota was his biggest problem, but a camping trip with old friends quickly proves him wrong. In a gut wrenching twist, he’s left fighting alongside his ex-girlfriend against hordes of the living dead and praying the rain will finally end.

FLOODWATER ZOMBIES is 80,000 words and brings a new breed to the genre while keeping in step with both Romero and 28 Days Later zombies.

Contains bloody violence and strong language.

AUTHOR BIO

Sean Thomas Fisher was born and raised in the eerie town of Des Moines, Iowa and is the author of the gripping novel - COLD FAITH AND ZOMBIES. His other books include the novel - FLOODWATER ZOMBIES, the ghost novella - COLD SUMMER NIGHTS, and two short stories - FIRST ZOMBIE and SECOND ZOMBIE.

Amazon 

http://amzn.to/Hskdnq

Barnes & Noble

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/floodwater-zombies-sean-thomas-fisher/1110059816?ean=2940014122283

Like Sean's Facebook page for future release dates, end of the world forecasts, and safe-house locations at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sean-Thomas-Fisher-Author/285848344775603

If you are reading this, you are the resistance...

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sean-Thomas-Fisher/285848344775603

https://twitter.com/#!/fishbandit1

BOOK PROMO

THE FIRST BOOK OF THE ALIENBUTT SAGA: THE WAR OF THE COFFEE BEAN by Glenn Scrimshaw

BOOK BLURB

Humanity entered space, and thanks to coffee (the most addictive drug the universe has ever seen) soon own most of it. Only the Ick Empire and the last of the Alienbutts can stop the evil Coffee Houses' plan to dominate space.

A totally new kind of hero, he eats junk food, drinks whiskey and has toxic bad wind. Add a dodgy dress sense that does nothing to hide his fat arse and you have Piestoff Alienbutt, the ex-taxi driver who finds himself placed in the centre of events as galactic war breaks out.

AUTHOR BIO

I was born and brought up just outside Barnsley, South Yorkshire where I lived for about 20 years or so before moving up North. Spending 3 years or thereabouts living in Sunderland, I then packed up my belongings into a bright yellow mini Metro, and moved to the Midlands. I now live in exile in Derbyshire with my long suffering wife and children.

Never growing up dreaming of writing yet finding myself with a book is baffling and just goes to show that you never know what fate is going to throw at you next. I started writing as a good friend suggested I should try it, and somehow ended up with a story. This was mainly due to the writing technique of sitting in front of the computer with a bottle of whiskey.

My book is on Amazon.com

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007R6ELDM/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_VnlFpb0123MZM

and

Amazon Uk 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007R6ELDM/ref=cm_sw_r_fa_dp_xNbGpb0JT249R

I have an author page on FB 

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Glenn-Scrimshaw/188876677867600

and a

Goodreads page

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5768613.Glenn_Scrimshaw

BOOK REVIEW

BEG FOR MERCY #1 by Jami Alden

http://www.jamialden.com/

(Book description from Amazon)

Megan Flynn thought she was falling in love. Cole Williams wasn't just handsome and passionate, he was one of the good guys. Or so she thought, until he arrested her brother-the only family she has left-for a murder she knows he couldn't have possibly committed. Now, with her heart broken and her brother's life hanging in the balance, Megan will risk everything to prove his innocence. Even if that means throwing herself into the path of a sadistic killer with a hauntingly familiar MO.

REVIEW

I’ve never read a book by Jami Alden, needless to say that I am very impressed. I loved it. The only thing that was frustrating, and it had nothing to do with the book, was the fact that it’s been so crazy lately in our household, in a good way, that reading time has been limited. Glad I have finally managed to complete it.

What I loved about this book is the fact that it propelled me head first into the story right from the beginning, it was in your face (well, in mine) from the get go. 

Megan Flynn could very well be on her own path to destruction, but hell if that’s going to stop her from doing everything within her power to save her brother, Sean, from execution – by lethal injection. Sean has been in jail for the past three years, after being convicted of a heinous crime. He was charged with the rape and murder of Evangeline Gordon. Unfortunately for Sean, he can’t remember much, if anything, about that particular evening and the odds are highly stacked against him. On this very evening, before Megan’s world was turned upside down, she was on the verge of taking her relationship with Cole Williams a step further and in the right direction, until his phone rang. Overhearing Cole mention her brother’s address and thinking that he’d either been hurt or something far worse had happened to him, Megan manages to make her way to his house where she witnesses Sean’s arrest, carried out by none other than Cole himself. It broke Megan’s heart that Cole fully believed Sean was responsible for the crime, beyond a shadow of a doubt; proof speaks louder than words and Cole is always a cop first.

During and after the three years that Sean has been incarcerated, Megan is still adamant that he isn't guilty – she knows deep down in her heart and with every fibre of her being, that he’s just not capable; there isn't a malicious bone in his body. Megan continues the hunt for clues, hashing and re-hashing Sean’s case files, going back and forth questioning the same people all over again. All this to no avail as nobody really has any new information to share, although it seems it’s more a case of not wanting to share what they really do know. Who is hiding what, and who is blackmailing whom?

It was inevitable that Cole and Megan meet again. Feelings which had lain dormant where both are concerned, come raging back. This time around, however, Cole – although he still believes Sean is guilty – decides to help Megan with her investigation at the risk of throwing his career away. Someone needs to watch her back as she’s come close to being killed herself. She’s convinced that the recent killings involving a few high priced girls, were carried out by the same perp, known only as the Slasher. Two of Sean’s army buddies re-enter Megan’s life, both with issues. One trying really hard to get into her good graces among other things, and the other one warns Megan against a certain 'something or someone'. What is ultimately uncovered leads to deception and horror beyond what any of them could have imagined.

Honestly, this book was filled with the awesome ‘get back together’ romance between the two main characters (Cole & Megan), including suspense, lies, and a descriptive rape scene or two. Scenes that may and probably will offend and shock, but not anything I haven’t read before. There are other scenes, not too many though, that are also horrific. The whole cast of characters were interesting including a ‘smart mouthed’ 14 year old girl by the name of Devany. She’s a gutsy little thing, someone I felt for and liked a heck of a lot because of what she’s been through and what she managed to achieve. Jack is yet another character that I came to like and is hopefully present in the next book, too. Another important character was Krista Slater, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney – the very same one who was instrumental in putting Sean behind bars. Going on how this book ended, I believe I haven’t seen the last of her. Now, the conclusion this book ended with regarding Sean’s case was awesome, but this is by no means the end of the villains who were involved with, controlled to a degree, and operated behind the scenes where ‘The Slasher’ was concerned. More evil awaits in book two and I can’t wait to read it.

Yet another book that got me all riled up over practically every single issue. Great stuff.

Book #2: Hide from Evil, and book #3: Run from Fear. I hope they continue to be as engaging as book #1 in this Trilogy.

RATING: 4 1/2 STARS

BOOK PROMO

THE GOOD SOLDIER by Jason Bilbrey

BOOK BLURB

Angus Dunn has returned from the Iraq War only to find his home in the Quad Cities has changed. It is darker, more dangerous. Or perhaps it is himself who has changed. Regardless, he is no longer content to sit by. A chance meeting with an old friend starts a series of events from which there is no turning back. Using his training, and secret abilities of which he's spoken to no one, he soon finds himself living the double life of a vigilante. And facing new enemies the likes of which he's never dreamed. Meet Angus Dunn. Meet Vanguard. Meet...the Good Soldier

AUTHOR BIO

C.J. Bilbrey has lived in the Quad Cities, Rock Island IL specifically, since 1999. He has worked with the homeless population there for the last decade, which inspired and provided the backdrop for his series Operation:Vanguard. Previously, he worked in a metallurgy lab for a gold mine, sold cars, and worked as a landscaper. He has also worked as a freelance illustrator with dreams of working in comics.

Amazon (first book) 

http://www.amazon.com/Good-Soldier-C-J-Bilbrey/dp/1456573012/ref=sr_1_14?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1323357665&sr=1-14

The Good Soldier FB page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/184753794906660/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/CJBilbrey

All those interested can find out about The Good Soldier, as well as the second novel in the series, Berserker on:

http://www.amazon.com/Berserker-Operation-Vanguard-ebook/dp/B007OMHFWS/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1335909782&sr=1-2 as well as progress on the third book in the series!

GUEST POST : GLENN STARKEY

I welcome one of my favourite authors and someone I highly admire to my blog today. Glenn has kindly put together this incredible eye opener of a guest post, albeit one that shocked me. You will see why, once you've read it yourself. The way I see it, is that it's all well and good that libraries have rules and so on, but they should also have the decency, prior to accepting an author's hard work not to mention the cost they have incurred, to lay out said rules/policies before smilingly accepting these 'free' books. To add insult to injury, they then either misplace them or whatever said library (not all libraries) happened to do with the books. I personally think it's disgusting and absolutely degrading. Especially when Glenn's novels, as far as I am concerned - and yes I have read them all, rate far and above others I have read, paid a pretty penny for, were published by 'big names' and given a seal of approval by a 'big name' review house. This in no way makes them brilliant novels! Sad. Ultimately, it's their loss. What are your thoughts?

~ Glenn, I can't thank you enough, but thank you. 

GLENN STARKEY

    Glenn Starkey is a Vietnam veteran, former Marine Corps Sergeant, Texas law enforcement officer, retired as a security manager of a major global corporation, was a security consultant, lectures on a variety of subjects, and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Security Management.  His travels and experiences, in addition to a love of history, are the foundations of his novels.
    Starkey lives with his family and a 93 pound Labradoodle in Alvin, Texas.  He welcomes and encourages readers to write to him with their reviews or writing discussions.

Author BIO

'MY LIBRARY WON THE BATTLE, BUT LOST THE WAR...'

I’m honored my dear friend, Sandra, asked me to write a guest article for her site. When first asked, I wondered what could possibly be written worthy of discussion. I wanted subject matter people will read, comment upon, and weigh its pros and cons for days. The answer presented itself in timely fashion.

    On April 23, I posted an article on my site about a situation I had with my local library (see “Another Gut-Punch to Indie Authors.”) Without recounting the entire story, the short version is this: As a strong supporter of education, last December I donated a brand new, signed copy of each of my three published novels to my local library here in Alvin, Texas. While attending a meeting at the library in March, I inquired about my books. They were not listed in the library system. 

    In April, I received a letter from my county, Brazoria, library system advising me the books were either lost or discarded, possibly sold in a recent library sale of unwanted books. To add further insult to injury, the librarian wrote reasons my books were not acceptable to their library system.

    First, I was self-published. Second, the books are not reviewed by a recognized review source. Third, I would have to pay a $10 per book processing fee while traditionally published books do not require this fee. And she politely closed by wishing me success and thanking me for my support of the library system.

Needless to say, an entire spectrum of thoughts rushed through me upon receiving the librarian’s letter. I wrote my blog and received numerous comments, many of which were sympathetic to my plight. But there were other comments presenting valuable views which warrant consideration by all indie authors. Having said this, I want to break some of the issues down for everyone to think about.

    Okay, if my county library system has such high standards and strict rules concerning the acceptance of self-published works, the library assistants should have advised me first rather than simply take all three of my books.  After all, those books cost me money. I should be able to make an informed decision about their donation one way or the other.

Indie books are believed to be unacceptable because they are not reviewed by a recognized review source?  Then who or what is a recognized review source? The New York Times? The Nobel Peace Prize Literature Committee?  To me this reeks of prejudice and bias on the part of the library system. They are determining what the public should or should not read.

    Folks, I will take a review from Sandra Valente any day over some source that probably scanned a couple of pages and is coerced by big publishing houses to give favorable reviews. When I first asked if Sandra would review my novel, “The Cobra and Scarab: A Novel of Ancient Egypt,” she politely informed me she wasn’t a fan of historical fiction but would read it because she liked Egypt.  I had to WIN her over with my writing—and was fortunate to have accomplished that feat.

    For me to donate three of my self-published novels, their costs paid for by me, then to be told I should pay a $10 per book library processing fee to have them considered for acceptance, is insulting, frustrating, and disappointing. Especially, coming from my local public library.

    So, what does this incident display overall, other than my local branch library’s prejudice and bias against self-published books? The underlying core of the problem is “quality writing.”

Traditional publishing houses or “big houses” as they are known, used the derogatory term “vanity publishing” to indicate writers who published books that were “not good enough” to be published by the big houses and lacked quality. Eventually, the term “self-published” rather than “vanity” came into usage, and like “indie filmmakers,” the “indie” transferred to self-published authors. When the big houses want to combat the rising tide of indie books, they use “vanity” in derogatory fashion. I prefer to be known as an indie author. Makes more sense considering I am independently published. (By the way, I’ve had agents and been the traditional route with publishers.)

    But quality writing is a key factor, distinguished in the past by making it through the trials of agents and reviews by the big houses. This gauntlet of merciless butchers rightfully weeded out many of the poorly written books which lacked depth of story, and so forth. Please note though that many good novels fell to the way side because of “in-house” politics with the traditional publishing houses and agents. Yes, politics plays as much a part in publishing house business as it does getting a bill passed in the U. S. Congress. Publishing is a business. The business is to make money—and with every business comes in-house politics. (I retired from a major global oil corporation and lived with this problem an entire career.)

Independent authors found they could write as they wished, bypass all the checks and balances of editing and review, pay a fee for printing and send their books out into the world. Take a hundred indie books at random, read them and you will honestly state to yourself that far less than half have quality in some form or another. Not every indie book is good.  Not every indie book is bad. But the primary problem lies with quality control; no system is in place to prevent poorly written works from entering the public world—and creating prejudice against all other indie books.

    It will take time, a long time, to lift the stigma placed upon indie authors. Yet it can be done. Doing so requires every author to push themselves, challenge themselves to write their best, edit to the maximum degree, and obtain sound, truthful feedback about their projects’ worth before releasing them to the world. E-books are a fantastic new avenue for the literary world, but partially to blame for this problem. Anyone can write pages of junk overnight and have it published by the next day. Again, the bad writings tainted the good ones.

    Let me pause for a moment and state one fact for the record: I am not saying everything I write is the best thing since sliced bread. I am FAR harder on myself, my writings, than anyone else ever could be. Regardless of what I write (which it takes me a year and a half minimum to complete a novel), I never feel it is quite good enough. What I am saying though is that the stigma can be overcome. It simply requires dedication and hard work on an author’s part.

    I love to write. I love the writing world. I’ve met so many great people (authors, reviewers, readers) since first beginning this journey. I’ve found 99% of the authors I’ve met and know are always willing to help another author succeed. When contacted by aspiring authors, I freely assist them however possible. I only turn away those persons who indicate they are not serious.

    Before closing, I want to state not all libraries refuse to accept indie author books. Many readers of my blog commented on their local libraries being quite happy to accept books. Some authors even wrote of giving talks at their libraries. It is just my misfortune to have a public library system which does not. My library may have won the indie battle, but in the end, they lost the war.
    I encourage everyone with aspirations of being an author to do so. But when you write, give your best, write with passion, and edit without mercy.

Glenn Starkey
AUTHOR

Solomon’s Men

The Cobra and Scarab: A Novel of Ancient Egypt

Year of the Ram (not yet available on Kindle)

Amazon Moon (novel in progress)

Connect with Glenn:

http://GlennStarkey.net

http://www.Facebook.com/GlennStarkeyAuthor

http://www.Twitter.com/GStarkeyBooks

https://www.Amazon.com/author/glennstarkey

BOOK PROMO

FRIENDS WITH WORDS by Gemma Bennet

BOOK BLURB

Mia is a talented songwriter who always speaks her mind. Preston is a debate team champion who never backs down from an argument. When their best friends start dating, Mia and Preston join forces to break up the relationship. But in the midst of their scheming, they might just discover more in common than their common goal of sabotage.

AUTHOR BIO

Gemma Bennett is an improv artist, book addict, and the rumored lovechild of Sasha Fierce and Spiderman. She's also the pseudonym of a YA writer with a day job. Gemma enjoys long walks on the beach, Criminal Minds marathons, & waiting for her X-Men powers to kick in. She writes novellettes for young adults (and adults who are cool enough to enjoy YA fiction), featuring People of Color in non-stereotypical ways.

Does that mean she only writes books for minorities?

Not at all!

Her story casts are like TV's Grey's Anatomy, with awesome characters of all different colors and backgrounds who aren't defined by what they look like, and who anyone can relate to. Check out Gemma's writing, reviews, advice, and other shenanigans at: www.gemmawritesnights.blogspot.com