Book reviews, author interviews, and more! Contact me at kellysmithreviews (at) gmail (dot) com for more information! I also write books as USA Today bestselling author Lily Luchesi.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Thursday, June 16, 2016
BOOK REVIEW: "A Mirror Among Shattered Glass" by Romarin Dimetri
Unable to contain the deadly nature of her family secret and powers, nine-teen year old Romarin Demetri hails from California, U.S.A, to unearth her heritage as a descendant of serial-killer, Countess Bathory, the woman that lent Dracula his legend, and cursed Romarin with an appetite for blood.
Unenthusiastic about relocating to her birth city of London, a charming paranormal investigator with claim to the throne could change her mind, as he leads her to the only living and distant relative she has: a raven-haired recluse named Talia, who has taken refuge in an old castle in the heart of the city, and doesn’t seem to have a heart of her own. After a rough introduction to the lethal, inappropriate, and enchantingly sarcastic people she calls her housemates, perhaps the other misfits will be her first true friends; However, as much as these people are like her, they still have hidden vendettas, a taste for revenge, and will struggle between what is just, and what will settle their psychological upheaval. There is only one way for Romarin to become part of the Supernatural London Underground: Can she be the one who challenges them to put down their ghosts and demons and make their world together?
I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Hello, paranormal fantasy, my old friend! Every so often in a reviewer's life they receive a book they get so excited about it restores their faith in their favorite genre. A Mirror Among Shattered Glass is one of those books.
Featuring a cast of unforgettable characters and gorgeous yet seedy London locales, when you open this book you're immediately transported to Romarin's world of death, danger, and blood. Romarin is a great main character. She isn't weak, nor is she overdone. She's a character whom you could imagine being real, and I loved getting inside her head.
Her "housemates" are all darkly delightful, and made my vampire-loving heart go all aflutter. They reminded me of the books I read about ten years ago, before Twilight and romance overtook the paranormal genre. Books like Kate Cary's Bloodline series and Darren Shan's Cirque Du Freak series.
I couldn't put it down, and I can guarantee than any vampire lovers who pick it up won't be able to either. Bring on book two!
5/5 (can I give it a six?)--perfection!
COVER REVEAL: "Under A Brass Moon" Anthology
UNDER A BRASS MOON
A Steampunk and Science Fiction Anthology
This anthology includes twenty-seven short stories intended to enchant and consume. Enjoy the works of Jordan Elizabeth, G. Miki Hayden, Benjamin Sperduto, D. J. Butler, Christine Baker, Lorna MacDonald Czarnota, Jessica Gunn, Lorna Marie Larson, Quinn Southwick, James Wymore, Terri Karsten, W. K. Pomeroy, Ashley Pasco, Jeremy Mortis, Grant Eagar, Amberle Husbands, Nick Lofthouse, and S.A. Larsen.
We are thrilled to present this dazzling cover by Eugene Teplitsky.
Many of the short stories are continuations from GEARS OF BRASS. The anthology is now on sale for 99 cents!
Help us celebrate the cover reveal with the chance to win a $30 Amazon gift card.
All winners will be notified after verification of entry at the end of this promotion. Prizes have been supplied by and the responsibility of delivery are solely that of the author and/or their representatives. Blogs are not liable for non-delivery on the part of the author. No purchase necessary.
Friday, June 10, 2016
BOOK REVIEW: "Ice (An Elfhame Novel)" by H.G. Lynch
Emily has a hard home life and wishes for escape. Her wish comes true in the most unexpected way when she meets Oscar, a gorgeous guy who seems to have feelings for her. But Oscar has a secret: he's a Prince of a Faery court. Having run away from his world and into the human one, there are royal guards looking for him...and they'll use any means to get him home, even kidnapping Emily.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I like to think of Lynch's genre as "modern-day fairy tale", because my two favorite books from her follow the fae folk: Ice and Cursed Rebel. While she writes dystopian and paranormal well, I really feel I can fall deeply into her fairy tales, like Alice down the rabbit hole.
The story is what we call a slow burn. Things progress at a steady pace. Some may prefer quicker action, but I love getting a full account of the characters and their backstories. Emily is a strong, very hurting character that many teens can relate to. She's sympathetic, strong, and a very likable little rebel.
Oscar is mysterious and seems very kind, a fae prince and a prince in real life as well. It's an immediate liking for him as well once you start the story.
There is mystery, romance, and a lot of brilliant magic that makes me wish that Tim Burton would make a film of the book.
5/5--Excellent!
Purchase Ice via Amazon!
SPOTLIGHT + GUEST POST: "The Black Sheep" by Ashley Terrell
Description:
The city lights blind your amazement.
The sound of the traffic challenges you to be alive. Families ask bystanders to
make magic and capture the moment with photographs. Newly engaged couples seal
their union by kissing under shooting stars while loving by crossing their
hearts.
But if your heart was under arrest, wouldn't you want to embrace something to feel like others?
Go insider the world of one courageous sheep as she discovers that her heart was under attack by darkness. As she travels on a spiritual journey to understanding her purpose, overcoming the undertones of low confidence, self-acceptance, and the importance of inspiration, she rose against the odds with forgiveness and strengthening her faith.
But if your heart was under arrest, wouldn't you want to embrace something to feel like others?
Go insider the world of one courageous sheep as she discovers that her heart was under attack by darkness. As she travels on a spiritual journey to understanding her purpose, overcoming the undertones of low confidence, self-acceptance, and the importance of inspiration, she rose against the odds with forgiveness and strengthening her faith.
Excerpt:
Your past does
not define your future.
In the dark, we
do not have shadows.
In the light,
we do.
Even me.
Even you.
Even sheep.
It is time out
for hiding the scars and pain.
It is time out
for disguising when we need help.
It is time to
stand up and embrace yourself.
Regardless of
violence.
Regardless of
opinions.
Regardless of
loneliness.
Regardless of
beauty.
You are who you
are.
Your future is
what you want it to be.
You have a
shadow. You have an identity.
Even black
sheep have shadows.
God’s sheep are
only black because society locks us in a room with the light off.
What’s going to
make you determined
to turn the
light on?
Here is my story.
GUEST POST
GUEST POST
The Inspiration Behind The Black Sheep Shadow
By Ashley Terrell, Author of The Black Sheep Shadow
The ideal meaning of inspiration can have many definitions. Whether it is a pin for Pinterest or a post for Instagram, we try to relate it to our lives. But does it relate to our reality or our persuasive potential?
As the media crowd airwaves with the potent details of current events, correctional surgery and fashion sales, the potential of who “we could” be is being unsympathetically sold to millions. Many assume no one bright originates from dark places as the “2’s” and “3’s” are primped by hair and makeup to soak in the glam of [potentially] being the season’s newest star. Meanwhile, women [living in reality] are battling with depression, life’s decisions and insecurities - silently.
I wanted my writing to be purposeful. I wanted to break barriers. I wanted to influence awareness, prevention and testimony. I wanted to impact the younger generation and empower older generations. I wanted to write material readers of all ages were able to gain strength, explore their courage, empower their inner soldier and share their testimony. We endure many battles regarding our full dynamic. Consequently, our willingness to reach happiness is paused. I envisioned readers using The Black Sheep Shadow to cultivate a platform to heighten awareness, support, encourage and motivate.
My inspiration behind The Black Sheep Shadow stemmed from determination to endure trenches, valleys and storms to define my purpose. Every stumble and road block made me stronger. My strength inspired me to express my [compressed] emotions. Infused with ambition and my outspoken nature, I was inspired to write my story in light of overcoming and wanting to bring awareness to millions of people that have been silenced by life’s negativity.
The hardships and pain infused in The Black Sheep Shadow were a humble sacrifice to aspire others to conquer their uncertainties and claim their happiness. To feel alive everyday, you must be able to feel as it is a part of the process. Wouldn’t get be great to know you can feel everything without your heart under arrest?
Bio:
Monday, June 6, 2016
COVER REVEAL: "Blue Moon" by Lisa Kessler
Blurb: She’s his muse, his mate, and she’s completely off-limits.
He’s a jerk, a recluse, and her newest assignment.
Until he broke her heart, Vivianna Lopez loved Logan Reynolds.
Five years later, she’s an aspiring music journalist and he’s the camera-shy lead singer of Logan and the Howlers.
Armed with a backstage pass, Vivi’s back in her hometown of Reno, nestled in the shadows of the Sierra Nevada mountains. She must score an interview with Logan to land her dream job - otherwise it’s back to Boston, with no scoop and no job. It’s just business–at least that’s what she keeps telling herself.
Logan still loves Vivi, his soul mate, but there’s something even she doesn’t know about him: He turns into a werewolf every full moon and a secret organization is hunting down his Pack.
Vivi may not have Logan’s senses, but she can sniff out that he’s hiding something. He knows it’s only a matter of time before the truth about him - and his Pack - is revealed.
And then he really will lose her.
Book Links
Amazon:
B&N:
iTunes:
Kobo:
Entangled:
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/30260130-blue-moon
Author Bio:
Lisa Kessler is an award winning author of dark paranormal fiction. Her debut novel, Night Walker, won a San Diego Book Award for Best Published Fantasy-Sci-fi-Horror as well as the Romance Through the Ages Award for Best Paranormal and Best First Book.
Her short stories have been published in print anthologies and magazines, and her vampire story, Immortal Beloved, was a finalist for a Bram Stoker award.
When she's not writing, Lisa is a professional vocalist, performing with the San Diego Opera as well as other musical theater companies in San Diego.
Author Links:
Website: http://Lisa-Kessler.com
Twitter: http://twitter.com/LdyDisney
Facebook: http://facebook.com/LisaKesslerWriter
Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/LisaKessler
Newsletter: http://goo.gl/Rxg5fR
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