Wednesday, August 9, 2017

Seeker by Arwen Elys Dayton

I'm going to be honest. The author's name is what pulled me to this book. It is a beautiful, whimsical name. It screams fantasy to me, which I feed off of. Give me magic, give me elves or fairies, give me deep dark haunting forests and I will thrive. 

This book though---not that. *sigh*

Small spoilers ahead.
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3.5 stars.

I will definitely continue the series only because there are so many unanswered questions. There was so much going on in this book that I had a hard time attaching any emotion to the characters. I don't really hate the ones I am supposed to hate and I don't really love the ones I am supposed to love.

Unless I missed the explanation, I still don't really understand what the point of a Seeker is. What is their purpose? Hence the reason why I will continue reading the series. I did listen to this on audio-book so- perhaps, my children were screaming during the explanation. 


As far as John is concerned, I am at a loss of what he is trying to accomplish other than revenge. He wants to be different and stop all the killing among Seekers, yet he is okay with killing 'for the greater good.' It is too weak of a trope for me to fall for it. 

Quinn is interesting but only during the second half of the book. The first half, she is being raised and trained to a honorable warrior only to find out she is a pawn in her father's corrupt enterprise. But she does nothing about it...seems a bit too contrived for me. It almost seems like the author wants you to believe she was/is a victim of abuse and therefore can be forgiven for her part in the murders. That is not a train I can get on. Quinn is painted as a strong-don't mess with me-fighter, but in the end she is just a little puppet-girl scared of her daddy. Basically the only characters who aren't running away from their problems in this book are the bad guys, or the perceived bad guys. *shrug* We will see where this series takes me. Perhaps it will be one where the second book is way better.

Tuesday, February 9, 2016

Rebel Belle by Rachel Hawkins

This one surprised me. It wasn't at all what I expected. 




I am not sure what I would classify it as other than an urban fantasy. 
It was a quick, easy read which is what I was looking for. I needed something I could finish in a couple of days and I did finish it.

The build up was quick, The action started within the first couple chapters and I loved that. 
It was well written and flowed easily enough. 

Harper is your typical over-achiever. You know the one from high school that was involved with everything. Perfect scores, perfect boyfriend.
Oh yeah..... homecoming queen.

Well her life is about to spin out of control.

On the night of the Homecoming dance, Harper takes a 'quick' (not really) to the restroom to freshen up her lip gloss. While there, the janitor busts in, locking the door behind him. Creepy right?
Gets worse. The janitor is mortally wounded and when Harper examines his injury closer she discovers a lot more. The janitor isn't the fat bald man she always thought.

Just before he dies, he takes her face into his hands and breathes into her mouth....ewww!

Except it wasn't a kiss, but a transfer of power.

This book was funny, enjoyable and and just plain entertaining.
I am playing with the idea of adding this book to my collection, purely for my daughter. I think it might be something she will enjoy later on.


Thursday, January 21, 2016

Passenger by Alexandra Bracken




This was a splurge/risk, and what I mean by that is, I bought it before I read it. And if you know me....I have horrible luck with buying books. It is like grabbing a shirt off the rack without trying it on. I get home and I feel like a twelve year old again because the bust is too large.

I can't tell you how many times I have bought books only to have the writing style be cringe worthy, or there were too many f-words in it for my taste (again, I am so sorry book club. So sorry). Or my favorite (not)....that one book that opened with a sex scene. Yeah -I haven't been able to top that one yet.

But I bought this one, frankly because I have very little patience for my library to get it. Not to mention having to wait behind like thirty holds. So I bought it and I loved it.

It took a while though. Normally I give a book 100 pages. This one had me interested at the beginning but it didn't hook me until around page 140.

But it hooked me like a fish blissfully unaware their death was upon them. And yes this book crushed me towards the end, And then it put a band-aid over my gaping wound and then...... and then......... I was met with the 'Acknowledgements'.  Dun..Dun...Dun

What? No, Where is the rest of it? I need the rest of it. Please?

This is why I rarely read series until they are all available. Because. I. Just. Can't. Deal. With the not knowing.

That being said I will try to get through the painful memories this book inflicted. 

Minor spoilers ahead.

Etta is a prodigy. She plays the violin and on the cusp of her debut, she is snatched through a passage. A passage to another time. Turns out she is a Traveler. A member of one of four families that travel through time, but she never knew.

When she makes it through the passage, after a wee bit of traveling sickness, she meets Nicolas. A "legal" pirate on a ship that is currently sailing in the 1700's. Boom! I'm sold. Pirates are a favorite. Time travel...yes please. The American Revelation......the cherry on top. But no it doesn't stop there.

They are sent on a hunt for an item that travelers have died trying to find. An item that would give the possessor power over the Traveling families. And the kicker.....the beautiful sphere that is this book.....Etta's mother is the one that has hidden it.

Yup, Finally a book I am proud to have owned pre-reading.



Prologue













Buy







Good late and slow afternoon everyone!!! No really, this afternoon is moving like my three kids at 7am trying to catch the bus. "Get your backpack. No, your backpack. What are you doing- don't take off your coat. Put your backpack on, with your coat."

Anyway......

I wanted to celebrate a little bit (actually a lot bit, but you know, technicalities) over the release of my new fantasy novel The Keeper's Light.

Ladies, gentlemen and minions of all kinds....I give you The Prologue to The Keeper's Light. Enjoy.



Prologue



They had to move quickly. Smoke and ash were already falling outside their dusted window, but there was no rushing Aldric’s wife, Everlyn. She treaded the fur rug near the fireplace, stopping occasionally to strangle the mantle. Her pains had increased with her movements, which was progress, just not at the speed they needed.

Aldric’s heart ached watching his wife hold her blossomed belly over her dressing gown. The joy he should be experiencing was replaced with unease. Palms damp, he clenched his fists seeing another pain take his wife.

     “Aldric!” she cried, biting her already tender lip.         

“I am here love.” He cloaked her in his arms within two steps. She cinched the lapels of his overcoat, her white knuckles fought against another arduous strain.

“How much time do we have?” Her teeth chattered.

“Not much. Come lie down, let the physician look at you,” he whispered mildly in her ear.

Having her settled, the physician fastened his fingers around her wrist and palmed her swollen abdomen. Aldric returned to his outlook, watching his land burn in a tempest of hatred. The pulse in his heart raged with heat as the danger drew nearer and he knew his wife could feel it too. Their sacred rite was coming to an end. The joy he desperately wanted to feel for his growing family was marred by a definitive end the birth would bring.

The move of the generations old boundary, only a year prior, made it vulnerable to strikes and tears from the darkness infesting their lands. Everlyn’s condition prevented them from strengthening the growing shreds and so, the invasion became fixed.

Their hope, thin as it may be, was in the baby. Once delivered, the power that seared through his wife would be drawn back into protecting her wholly, no longer divided in strength for the baby's sake. If Everlyn could regain her power in its entirety, they could draw the boundary closer, making it stronger before the transfer would need to occur.

“It is time,” the physician drawled, drawing a blanket over his wife’s knees.

“The baby is coming?” Aldric’s voice pitched openly.

“The crowning has begun.”

“Banco!” Aldric shouted for his dearest friend, who was just outside the door.

Expectantly, the door swung open. “Aye my Lord, I am here,” Banco’s gruff voice boomed.

“Send for the Ravuune brothers and Maxwell and his son, quickly,” he instructed.

“I will your majesty.” He was gone before the door clicked home.

“Darling...” Aldric walked over to his wife’s shaking form and gripped her hand.

“I know Aldric, I am ready,” she sobbed.

“I love you, so mu—.” His voice caught but he forced himself to finish. “I am sorry I could not provide you with safety. I need you to know how much having you by my side has helped me stand through all of this.” He wiped his eyes aggressively, battling the emotion that threatened.

“I know my love, I would not change my choices at all, and I would be by your side even if these events were known. You are my choice. Every day you are my choice. I love you Aldric.” She spoke clearly and Aldric loved her more for it.

A pain struck and she gripped his hand tightly, her fingernails burrowing into his skin. He positioned himself to support her weight while the labor took her energy. He breathed steadily in her ear, reminding her to calm her own breaths. In deeply, out slowly.

“The baby is coming,” she cried over the destruction stirring outside.

The howls and yells of the darkened ones at their outer doors drowned out the strong new cries of their daughter, Elizabeth.

The moment tarnished.



***

Everlyn kissed her daughter softly, who slept peacefully in her arms. She felt her strength and power rage again, fully through her veins. She knew the Light was ready— it appeared to be calling for the change. But she couldn’t let go of her child quite yet, brushing soft kisses against her new, sweet skin. One more moment, one more kiss.

A knock sounded at their door and her husband answered it reluctantly, knowing the time had come. Three men and a young boy entered. The boy’s eyes widened in awe and Everlyn tried to smother a sob. She imagined her daughter's face with the same look of wonder and the loss of never seeing it became unbearable. She let the sobs take her, wetting the top of the baby’s head with her tears.

“Cedric, Maurice, Eldon, thank you for being here.” Everlyn watched with blurred vision as her husband greeted their guests, their dear friends.

Aldric took the boy by the shoulders. “Nicolas, I know you are young, but I have a charge for you that no other can do.”

Gently, Everlyn wiped her tears and adjusted her baby allowing young Nicolas to see her face. He smiled up at her and instinctively lifted his hand to touch her cheek. His shoulders lowered, letting go a subtle sigh.

“Protect her Nicolas. Watch over her, take her hand when needed and help her climb. Be by her side and lift her up. Never leave her. Can you do that?” Everlyn watched Nicolas straighten at her husband’s words.

“Yes, your highness, I will do that,” the sweet boy said with conviction.

“Good—good. Thank you.” Everlyn leaned into her husband's form as he composed himself, both trembling. “Eldon, you will help him?” her husband continued.

“I will, unwavering, your highness.” Lord Eldon Maxwell bent to his knee.

A reverent silence descended the room and Everlyn knew the time had come. She knew Aldric would not take her baby from her, and so with as much courage she could call upon, she lifted her little one towards Cedric and Maurice Ravuune. Maurice hesitated, but she nodded encouragingly. Gently, Maurice wrapped his large, solid arms around the small form, cradling her head in the crook of his elbow. The tenderness surprised Everlyn slightly, her breath catching.

 Maurice was the Captain of the Guard and was known for his rough and harsh demeanor. He was deadly but loyal, and combined with his scholar brother, she and Aldric knew they both would provide the structure and security their Elizabeth would need to fight the waiting war.

“Maurice, Cedric, we ask that you raise our daughter. Lord Maxwell has a ship waiting to take you away from this island. Please raise her far from here. Love her as your own.” Everlyn’s voice faltered and she allowed her husband to continue. Her throat ached against the sob resting there, wanting freedom.

“She will carry the Light so you must make sure Kaleb never finds her. Not until it is time. She has many battles ahead. Please give her a peaceful childhood, but prepare her as well as you can for her purpose.” Everlyn clenched his hand as he spoke. The Light coursed through them, scorching their skin in embracing warmth.

“She will carry the Light of Wills in its entirety?” Cedric blanched.

She and her husband had spoken of the precedent the transfer would set. It had never been done, always transferring into two souls, two hearts. But they felt with the purity of their child's heart, she would be able to carry it on her own for some time. Cedric would consider it risky, but he would know what to look for to keep her safe. He would know if the weight ever became too heavy for their Elizabeth.

“Her heart is pure, the Light will accept her. We also know it will be harder for Kaleb to find her. He does not know of her existence. When we are gone he will look for two souls the Light would have transferred to, not one. It is our only option. Do you accept this charge Lord Ravuune?”

Maurice did not hesitate as he bounced his newly acquired bundle. “With every fiber of my being I will protect this lass here.”

Everlyn smiled at the sight of such a large, broad man caring for her joy. “Thank you Maurice,” she whispered, her voice lost.

“I will do everything in my power to take care of the princess— everything your majesties.” Cedric bowed his head. When he rose again, Everlyn caught the glistening behind his spectacles.

They knew what was coming and the chaos taking place outside of their walls could not penetrate the reverence that encircled them. Pulling her husband’s hand, she allowed him to help her to her feet. The refined stonework floor felt weak under her emotion. Emotions that begged for one more moment, one more kiss.

With the strength they had left, they let the Light of Wills take over their forms. It coursed through their veins making their skin take on a delicate glow. The boundary outside their home sprang to life, feasting on the power that now surged through them. With one thought, they directed the boundary's movements. It left them even more vulnerable without it, but with its newly acquired strength, it would allow there to be a safe place for their child to return to Beldom—someday.

It wasn’t enough, but it was all they had left to give her.

With their last deed done as keepers, they took hold of their child once more. Lightning erupted around them and in a blink of brightness, The Light of Wills left their hearts and found home in their newborn, their joy— their peace.

Aldric kissed their daughter one last time before their company took her and escaped the impending invasion through the servants’ entrance. Everlyn watched, tearfully and weak before she fell to her knees. Aldric knelt before her and took her face in his hands.

With urgency he kissed her –parting her lips gently. She returned the kiss with all the love she had. She knew and he knew it would be their last in this life.

And it was.


Thursday, December 17, 2015

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas



I love this author.... I know I know, Sarah J. Maas has been around for awhile and A Court of Thorns and Roses is not her debut novel. But it was for me.

This book is so well written with a wonderful retelling of Beauty and the Beast, it has just made me so happy. Although I would not consider it YA.

She doesn't just describe the setting she makes you feel the setting. Sarah Maas has the skill that allows all of your senses to activate. Your smell, your taste, the shiver down your spine are all participating in this experience.

****Small Spoiler****
Now the story-the plot itself..... it was enjoyable. It was well thought out and the character development is strong and it leaves you hanging for sure. It doesn't start out with a love triangle, which hooked me because as many f you know I am so over that trope.
But by the end of the book, you're wondering.......really really wondering what if....oh man.....is she......do I like him more.......what is she thinking.......who is he?? Complete with a deep throat growl that makes your husband look at you like you are such a geek.

(Note to Hubby: After 10 years honey, I'm pretty sure my geek traits shouldn't surprise you).

I want this book on my shelf, but I will resist the urge book buying gives me until the series is complete.
I will resist
I will resist
I will resist......

Not to mention the Book cover is stunning.


Thursday, December 3, 2015

The Keeper's Light; Legend of The Keepers Vol. 1







It's coming. I am so happy and nervous and excited and really just feeling that it is about freaking time.
I have been slaving over this book, hiding away in libraries, closets and under bed covers. I have been rejected more times than I can count. I have had bites, with requested changes made, only to be rejected again.

I am taking the bulls by the horn people!! I am taking charge of my dreams!! And no one will stop me.

I would like to introduce the release date for my first novel.    

             The Keeper's Light
             The Legends of The Keepers Vol. 1

                January 26th 2016

The ability to choose is a powerful thing. With every choice made The Light of Wills grows more radiant, protecting the sanctity of choice. Elizabeth's parents had been The Keepers of that power. They were the protectors of individual will, until a clandestine enemy discovered a way to corrupt it. Her parents bestowed The Light of Wills, a weight heavier than the world, into her newborn heart years ago. With a fight ahead, facing an already victorious foe, Elizabeth must learn of her heritage. Against unprecedented tempests, she must learn what it means to be a Keeper.



Kindle edition is now available for pre-order

Sunday, October 4, 2015

The Book of Mormon


book of mormon  scripture: Bookofmormon, Living Room, Book Of Mormon




This is not a book I found in Young Adult section of the library. It is a book that has been with me, by my bed side, in my backpack, and now on my phone for years and years.

This weekend is the semi-annual general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-Day Saints and so I have felt impressed to express my deepest love for my Heavenly Father and my Savior Jesus Christ. I can not do it without the Book of Mormon.

Many people do not understand what the Book of Mormon is. So many feel that it is an impostor to the Holy Bible. It is not. They compliment each other. They are both the Word of God. They both come from His prophets.

The best way I know how to explain is this.

God is truly and literally our Heavenly FATHER. We are His literal sons and daughters.

In times of old, His children were scattered across the earth. The Holy Bible tells us of His children in Jerusalem and the surrounding regions. It tells of the prophets of old and the trials they faced. It tells of Christ's redeeming love. It tells us to repent and turn to Christ. The Holy Bible tells us that Jesus Christ is the only way to return to our Father's presence in Heaven.

The Book of Mormon tells us the same. Only the setting is different. It tells of God's children on the American Continent. You see, God, our Heavenly Father loves All of his children. He needed a way to teach and show all His children about His Son, Jesus Christ. To teach us all about His Atonement.

And so He called Prophets, and missionaries and disciples to bring forth the gospel on the American continents, just as He did in the Bible. And why wouldn't He? We are all his children, the Holy Bible teaches us that. Would He not want the same salvation for us all?

In the Holy Bible, in the book of John Chapter 10 verses 14-16 Jesus Christ's speaks saying,

14 I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep and am known of mine.
15 As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep.
16 And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.

Other sheep? Not of this fold? Them also He must bring?

In the Book of Mormon, 3 Nephi chapter 9 verses 1-20 (and I will summarize because of length)

1 And it came to pass that there was a voice heard among all the inhabitants of the earth, upon all the face of this land saying.

(The voice tells of many great destruction in the land, and then the voice says)

12 And many great destructions have I caused to come upon this land, and upon this people, because of their wickedness and abominations.
13 O all ye that are spared because ye were more righteous than they, will ye not now return unto me, and repent of your sins, and be converted, that I may heal you?
14 Yea, verily I say unto you, if ye will come unto me ye shall have eternal life. Behold, mine arm of mercy is extended towards you, and whosoever will come, him will I receive; and blessed are those who come unto me.
15 Behold, I am Jesus Christ the Son of God. I created the heavens and the earth, and all things that in them are. I was with the Father from the beginning. I am in the Father, and the Father in me; and in me hath the Father glorified his name.


Jesus Christ came and visited His sheep on the Americas. He has offered His Atonement to all men. No matter their region or setting or background, because He loves us all. He has taken upon the sins of the world. The sins of entire world from the beginning of time to the very last person who will be born on the earth. He has felt and experienced your pain. Our Savior Jesus Christ has bled from every pore. He has experienced your grief, your depression, your inadequacies, your guilt. He has experienced your love and your joys and your wonder. He is the way. The Bible and the Book of Mormon are witnesses to that truth.


Nehpi 25:26

And we talk of Christ, we rejoice in Christ, we preach of Christ, we prophesy of Christ, and we write according to our prophecies, that our children may know to what source they may look for a remission of their sins.

Dear friends, I feel so strongly to tell you about the Book of Mormon. The words are true. The message is Truth. Never has a book done more for the Children of God. I promise you, if you desire the truth, the Book of Mormon will open your heart to a love so pure it will burn deep in your bones.
I know, somehow through the Holy Ghost, I know the Book of Mormon to be the word of God. The joy and peace it brings me is unmeasurable.

I welcome any questions you may have. I only ask you to respect my faith. It is in the very fiber of my being as I am sure your beliefs are.