#Giveaway for Destruction (The December People #1) by Sharon Bayliss ~ Excerpt

Destruction (The December People #1)

By Sharon Bayliss

Genre: Contemporary Fantasy

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Date of Publication: 4/14/14

ISBN 978-1-62007-498-5 ebook

ISBN 978-1-62007-499-2 paperback

ISBN 978-1-62007-500-5 hardcover

ASIN: Not yet assigned

Number of pages: 249

Word Count: 79,444

Cover Artist: Michelle Johnson

Book Description:

David Vandergraff wants to be a good man. He goes to church every Sunday, keeps his lawn trim and green, and loves his wife and kids more than anything. Unfortunately, being a dark wizard isn't a choice.

Eleven years ago, David's secret second family went missing. When his two lost children are finally found, he learns they suffered years of unthinkable abuse. Ready to make things right, David brings the kids home even though it could mean losing the wife he can’t imagine living without.

Keeping his life together becomes harder when the new children claim to be dark wizards. David believes they use this fantasy to cope with their trauma. Until, David's wife admits a secret of her own—she is a dark wizard too, as is David, and all of their children. 

Now, David must parent two hurting children from a dark world he doesn’t understand and keep his family from falling apart. All while dealing with the realization that everyone he loves, including himself, may be evil.

Book Trailer: http://animoto.com/play/xvVcJSOr0M8Gt0VKhjI0cA

Available at 

 Amazon   BN   Kobo

Signed copies available at Julie’s Book Spot

 I didn't know what to expect when I decided to read this book. I needed to take time to get used to being inside a cheating mans head. Not somewhere I wanted to be. We did have some jumping around with different people perspectives , though its all written from the 3rd person i guess its called, its not first person.

I had trouble connecting to David, the main male character , its hard to relate to a man who had a whole other family, cheater! Anyway, we do find there could have been a bit f a good reason for his long affair that provided 2 more children, and then he has his kids at home with his wife.

The whole dark wizards was a new twist for me. I liked that part, and overall liked the story.  I didn't get into as deep as I do some stories, probably because of David and not being in the first person view. Felt more like i was looking in, not involved as much.

I do recommend this for sure, its a unique story and think many people will like a dark wizard type book in the modern world, its around the adults, (40's) and there is no sex or anything, very clean, its not a romance for sure (which if fine with me)

I give it 4 out of 5 stars.

I received a copy of this book from the author for my honest review.

Cover review: Love it, its so well done, it just pops out in 3D and I love that. I don't see how it relates very much to the story, but still think its a very attractive cover. Its what had me take a look to see what it was about.

This review is also posted at Goodreads and Amazon

About the Author:

Sharon Bayliss is the author of The December People Series and The Charge. When she’s not writing, she enjoys living happily-ever-after with her husband and two young sons. She can be found eating Tex-Mex on patios, wearing flip-flops, and playing in the mud (which she calls gardening).

She only practices magic in emergencies.

Authors Links

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads Page

Giveaway

5 paperback copies of Destruction (open to US, UK, and Canada)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

David and his family plus Samantha stood in a circle around a small pile of unlit firewood in the backyard. They stood arranged by age: David, Amanda, Jude, Patrick, Xavier, Samantha, Emmy, Evangeline, and then of course, David again, all twice as thick with jackets and scarves. The air felt hard with cold, a determined cold that seeped through all of David's layers. They held candles—but no matches—in their gloved hands. The family had gone through the house turning off lights. All of the lights. They even turned off the red lights glowing on electronics. They had unplugged the entire house. However, David could see easily. An orange haze of light peeked up from the trees. Millions of lights lit up the world all around them. Darkness didn't exist in the middle of Houston.

As soon as they had managed to arrange themselves into a circle, the kids got quiet without David or Amanda instructing them to. Wizards standing in a circle felt significant to David. When they got in that position, they snapped into place. The air became denser around him and he was rooted to the spot, as if with extra gravity. But he didn't feel confined. He felt powerful. He plugged into an energy source he didn't even know existed. His fingers had an itchy, tingly feeling. He knew he could do magic.

The paper in Amanda's hand crinkled loudly as she held it close to her face. She had done her research, which David found endearing and impressive. She had talked to Samantha and Evangeline and some of the witches Penelope's mom knew, and had created a ritual designed specifically for them, as the matriarch of the family should. The matriarch of the family always directed group spell casting, because she understood her family's magic, the purpose of each family member, and knew how to keep them in balance—a tall order, since Amanda didn't know much about some of the newest members of her family and knew even less about magic. But, David had never known Amanda to say she couldn't do anything, so why start now?

Amanda owning this task shocked the kids, but not David. He knew her better than anyone did. Thus, he knew her mind and the rest of her often disagreed. Her left brain dug her feet into the ground and wouldn't budge. That part of her would say things such as, "We're not practicing magic," and "We're divorced," until kingdom come. She would say it. She'd believe it. And she'd do the opposite, because occasionally the parts of her not governed by her left brain would break free. David may not be able to sway the left-brain side of her, but he could influence her other side, and he thought that maybe he had actually convinced her of something, for once.

And, part of Amanda had really wanted to be convinced, because wizards stayed wizards, no matter how many years they'd been indoctrinated otherwise. They listened to forces that had nothing to do with logic or reason, making them stupid, reckless, destructive, and exciting. And they liked to play with fire. Literally and figuratively.

"How I am supposed to read this in the dark?" Amanda asked. "How do people do this?"

"You're supposed to have it memorized," Evangeline said.

"Your eyesight is terrible," David said. "Let me see it."

She thrust the paper out of his reach. "Back off."

"Why don't you just let Evangeline or Samantha speak?" David said. "I'm sure they have some stuff memorized."

"No," Amanda said. "It's supposed to be me. My words." Amanda let out a shivery sigh. "I'm sorry. I know I'm not supposed to do this." She took her phone out of her pocket and turned it on. She illuminated her paper with the dim blue light.

"First we honor the darkness,

For in darkness, our eyes are not distracted by the flash and flare of Mundane sights

So, only in darkness can we truly see.

In the silence of the deepest night, our ears are not assaulted by Mundane sounds

So, only in darkness can we truly hear.

In darkness, we are unable to see danger and are rendered vulnerable

So, only in darkness can we truly feel.

We do not believe that light exists in spite of darkness. We believe that light exists because of it.

Darkness is the only fertile ground for light. It is the only garden where light can be sown.

So, now we experience the darkness. Use this time in the dark and quiet to use your deeper senses. Experience what you are called to experience. The answers wait for you in the darkness. Do not deny them."

And then, she fell silent.

David couldn't hear the cars on the highway anymore. He couldn't hear the music playing down the street. He could hear only the breathing of the others in the circle. And the sky…the orange haze disappeared and the sky reminded David of the one over Big Bend. Millions of stars set against a perfect pitch black. The moon cast a crisp, blue light on the scene. With her words, or perhaps with some other magic deeper than words, she had called the darkness. David pictured it as a bubble around them.

The quiet didn't feel as awkward as David would have expected. No one giggled or even coughed or sighed. His lungs felt larger. He could breathe. This darkness didn't feel frightening. In fact, David couldn't remember ever feeling so safe. The darkness was the foundation that everything else was built on. The garden where the universe grew. The simplest, most basic thing in existence. And it was spectacular.

He supposed that was the answer that waited for him. That darkness in itself was not evil. Darkness was peace. Potential. Home.

I think we can all agree that J.K. Rowling is a Gryffindor. It's pretty obvious by the way she wrote the Harry Potter series. Every important hero was a Gryffindor. Every important villain was a Slytherin. And, the poor Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs were mostly unimportant side characters. That is SO how a Gryffindor sees the world.

In the United States, instead of Hogwarts houses, wizards are commonly classified by the four seasons, as in The December People. The Gryffindors are called summer wizards, which is apt because they believe they are the sun and the world revolves around them. The Slytherins are called winter wizards.

The winter wizards in The December People constantly struggle against dark wizard prejudices, like those perpetrated in the Harry Potter series. You can see this clearly in one scene in the last book, where students are choosing whether to flee or stay and defend the castle. According to Rowling, lots of Gryffindors stay, a few Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, and a BIG FAT ZERO Slytherins. I ask you...really? Really? Out of all those Slytherins, not a single one of them thought, "Hey you know, Voldemort is kind of bad guy. Maybe I don't want him to kill me and everyone I love." This is where Rowling really gets it wrong. Although dark wizards are prone to varying degrees of evil, they are definitely not cowards. Opposed to running from battle, they are often the ones at the front lines, the ones least afraid of darkness, pain, and death. And, they would never stand idly by while someone threatened them or people they loved. Like mama bears protecting their cubs, they will maul your face off if you get too close to their babies.

At least, in the last book, she also shows a little more Slytherin complexity than she had in the previous books. Most importantly, we learn the truth about Snape...one of my favorite characters anywhere, ever. We learn that far from a coward, he is probably the bravest character in the series. He is also capable of loving deeply and being fiercely loyal. We also see Narcissa Malfoy betray Voldemort in order to find and protect her son. I still think it was too little, too late, but I'm glad Rowling finally showed another side of darker wizards.

So, if you happen to be of the Slytherin persuasion (and a grown-up...The December People series is not for kids) there is a story for you. Check out my recently released novel, Destruction.

This is a photo of me and my wand. Can you guess which Harry Potter character owned this wand before me? 

Hidden (Dragonlands #1) by Megg Jensen ~ 5 Star Review ~ Excerpt

Hidden (Dragonlands #1)

by Megg Jensen

Published December 20th 2013

ISBN13 9781939201164

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The mystery enshrouding Hutton’s Bridge is as impenetrable as the fog that descended at its borders eighty years ago. Each year, three villagers enter the mist searching for answers. No one ever returns.

Then a dragon falls from the sky to the town square, dead—the first glimpse of an outside world that has become nothing more than a fairy tale to Hutton’s Bridge. Except to Tressa.

Tressa grew up with Granna’s stories of the days before the fog fell. When Granna dies, leaving Tressa without any family, Tressa ventures into the fog herself, vowing to unravel the foul magic holding Hutton’s Bridge captive. 

What she discovers beyond the fog endangers the lives of everyone she loves.

This book sure had me hooked on the first chapter. It was intense, and very interesting. An exciting fantasy world for sure. It’s brutal too, and had bits that to me were a bit scary. It sounded scary when describing the fog and how the village is surrounded by it, and that no one would come back alive from the fog. It’s completely blinding and there are creatures in it. Deadly ones. So, this had reminded me of a Stephen King movie I watched many years ago, called the Mist. That movie was very creepy and scary, and this book reminded me of that in the beginning, the part with the fog.

I really liked the main character, Tressa, she was such a strong girl. She had strength that was stronger than many men.

I really enjoyed the twist that got thrown at us, ones we did not see coming at all. I do not want to give anything away. So will keep this short.

I will say that the cover doesn’t do this great book justice. Just too plain for me I guess. If I would not have read about the book at the tour site I would never had looked twice as the cover didn’t catch my eye.

I highly recommend this book to fantasy lovers, or anyone who enjoys a captivating story.

5 out of 5 stars.

I was provided this book from the author for my honest review.

This review is also at Goodreads and Amazon.

Buy Link

Amazon 

Prologue

Sophia woke to the sharp piercing cry of an infant. She pulled the rough blanket over her ears, hiding from the noise. Its screams cut through the otherwise silent air.

“Is someone going to take care of that baby?” Sophia asked from under the covers. She peeked out. Her parents weren’t in their bed. It didn’t even look like it had been slept in.

Sophia inched the covers down and sat up. “Momma?” She hadn’t used that word since she was a little girl. At thirteen, she was nearly a grownup. The only answer came from the crying baby.

She tossed off her covers, slipped into her shoes, and laid a housecoat over her shoulders. She pulled the door open, stepping out into the damp morning chill. A heavy cloud of fog hung in the air, thinner in spots than others, but Sophia couldn’t see to the edge of the village to her left. She hadn’t ever seen a fog that dense.

The people of Hutton’s Bridge were strangely quiet. By this time of morning, adults were always up and about their jobs. Some preparing for a long day of blacksmithing or hawking their wares to the travellers who came from far and wide to buy their honey. Hutton’s Bridge had the reputation for the sweetest honey, and it was rumored their honey had healed many an affliction. Even the royal family in The Sands claimed it saved the king during a particularly bad bout of stomach distress.

Yet this morning, no one was about. Sophia’s slow gait picked up. Something prodded inside, whispering that none of this was right. She pinched her arm, to reassure herself she wasn’t trapped within a dream.

The crying grew louder. It had to be the Connell baby, born just a month ago. Her mother was always so attentive, but today it seemed all of the adults were busy with something else. Maybe they were in the meeting hall?

Sophia knocked on the door to the Connell cottage, sure now that the crying definitely was their baby girl, Kimma. The door swung open silently and Sophia crept into the dark cottage. She glanced to the bed the Connells shared, but just like her cottage, the sheets were unwrinkled. Not slept in.

The baby squirmed in its blanket; the swaddling had come loose. Sophia hurried over to the infant, lying on the floor. Who left their babies on the floor? Her hands cupped under the baby’s armpits, the tips of her fingertips holding the bobbling head steady.

“Shh,” she cooed in Kimma’s tiny ear. “It’s okay.” Sophia rocked back and forth on her heels, hoping to calm the baby and herself. With each passing moment, fear and panic rose inside her like bile after eating a bad mushroom.

Sophia crept out of the cottage, holding Kimma tightly to her chest. “Where is everyone?”

Kimma cooed in response, her crying over now that she was being held.

Slowly, doors to cottages opened all down the street. A head here, a pair of eyes there. Small hands grasping the wooden frames. Tiny slippered feet shuffling out of doorways.

Not one adult in sight.

Another door opened wide. Sophia smiled in spite of the situation. It was Tomas, the boy she’d recently developed a crush on. “Where are your parents?” he asked Sophia pointedly.

“I don’t know. I heard Kimma crying and went to find her. Her parents aren’t here either. It looks like none of the beds have been slept in.” She stroked Kimma’s little tuft of black hair.

“It’s the same in my cottage. Where are they?” Tomas turned around, yelling over his shoulder, “Michael, Scott, come out here and run through the village. See if you can figure out where they are.” He turned back to Sophia. “Take Kimma back to your cottage and wait, just in case there’s something sinister going on here. I don’t want you getting hurt.”

Sophia nodded, fear streaking through her blood like ice on a cold winter’s night. She tried not to bounce too much, she’d heard a baby could die if shaken too hard, as she ran back to her cottage. Closing the door behind her, she finally took a deep breath.

“It’s going to be okay,” she said to Kimma, even though she knew she was really talking to herself.

Sophia waited.

Outside her cottage, children cried, calling for their mothers. Some begging for their fathers. Their calls went unanswered.

Finally a knock came on her door. “Sophia?”

“Come in, Tomas.”

The door swung open and closed behind him just as fast. His chest rose and fell, his breathing erratic.

“What is it? Did you find them?”

Tomas shook his head.

It was then she noticed what was in his trembling hands. Flesh. Blood.

A hand.

She held the baby tighter and backed away from Tomas. “What is that?”

“Joseph’s hand. He ran into the fog and a moment later, this flew back through.” Tears streamed down Tomas’ cheeks, over his blubbering lips, and onto his nightshirt.

Sophia had never seen him cry. He had always been the bravest boy she knew.

“And the adults?” she asked.

He shook his head. “They’re all gone. We’re alone.”

White Witch (The Coven Book 1) By Trish Milburn Book Review

White Witch by Trish Milburn
My rating: 5 of 5 stars



No On Quits The Family And Lives To Tell About It. That’s the motto “Jax” Pherson’s family goes by. All she wants is to have a normal life, so Jax escapes to a small town in North Carolina where she meets some great friends and a guy that has some kind of pull on her. She has planned to leave ever since her father and the coven killed her mother for wanting to leave. They are evil, like a mob with superpowers. Not a good combination. She finds her family and coven has lied to the younger generations for a long time. She has to keep herself from using her power, so she does not attract the coven to her. It’s like sending up a bat signal for them to follow. (As Jax said in the book)

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked this book. I am picking up the 2nd one Bane as soon as I write this review. I know I will be itching to get the 3rd Magick coming out September 9 2012. This book is fresh and fun with some danger and adventure mixed in with all that cool magic. What’s not to love? We have some magic, romance, and friendship, and an evil coven out to find them.

The writing is brilliant, Trish really did a great job weaving this story, we get to like the characters a lot, and care what happens with them.

I only would have one small complaint. That is that it felt too fast, like stuff happened to quick, like a span of a week total. I sort of get that she is making these two lead characters not be the traditional love connection, but more of a supernatural one, or fated one. Like soul mates maybe. They seemed to fall in love way too quickly, but like I said there could be more to that than we know, as this is a series, so it could be building up to something more, or more reasons behind the sudden love connection. I was a bit skeptical about the sudden feelings of “love” between Egan and Toni, but other than that, it was a great read.

Here is a quote from the meeting between Jax and Keller:
Kindle location 284

‘Awareness arcs between us like fingers of lightning. He has to feel it, too. That kind of power can’t just be one way. Right? The thought nearly stops me. Despite my previous dismissal of the idea, could he be more than a hunter? Have I been wrong in what I’ve always believed about how bloodstones work? Could Keller have some sort of supernatural power, too? My heart skips a beat, almost hoping he isn’t completely human. But that’s crazy. As a rule, supernatural hunters aren’t themselves supernatural.’

This new Coven series is a really good one. I suggest you give it a shot, really. I read many books, and would hate to see you pass this chance up because of a few reviews that are just hater’s, and people who never gave it a chance and didn’t even finish. I was sucked in from the first part of the book. And like I said, the whole love connection between Jax and Keller, I think there is more going on there, than we know.

I gave this a 5/5 but if I could have done 4 1/2 stars I would have to been fair. Only for the rushed feeling of some of it. Still, overall very good start to a good series. Review for Bane, the 2nd book will be up soon.

Note: I received this book from NetGalley for my honest review. I did not get paid in anyway, just able to read the book.

View all my reviews

Industrial Magic by Kelly Armstrong (Women of The Otherworld 4) Review

Industrial Magic by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 5 of 5 stars




"Industrial magic" is the fourth book in Kelley Armstrong's "Women of the Otherworld" series, and you are highly likely to enjoy it a lot, specially if you read the others before. "Bitten", "Stolen" and "Dime store magic" Which introduce you to a world where magic and the supernatural are just part of everyday life. "Industrial magic" just takes you further into it...this series has demons, deities, vampires, werewolves, witches, sorcerers, shaman, druids, necromancers, clairvoyants, and much more. The supernatural world lies just under the surface of the known world and definitely has a nasty bite. With "Industrial Magic", we are once again treated to a delightful adventure that will suck you in and not let go until the end . (Summary from book and Amazon)

I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure I would, as Paige was not my favorite character, but she really grew on me in "Dime Store Magic", and continued to grow on me in this one, and i love how the werewolves get involved in this book as well.
It was fast paced and action packed. A great addition to the "Women of the Otherworld" series. If you like the paranormal, and action, with some romance, then this series is for you, including this book.
I enjoyed the relationship with Paige and Lucas, its very touching, and believable. He is very sweet and considerate, a perfect match for Paige.



View all my reviews

Dime Store Magic by Kelly Armstrong (Women of the Otherworld 3) Review

Dime Store Magic by Kelley Armstrong
My rating: 5 of 5 stars




From one of today’s most original writers comes the mesmerizing tale of an exceptional young woman caught up in an otherworldly realm where some will stop at nothing to get what they want.

Paige Winterbourne was always either too young or too rebellious to succeed her mother as leader of one of the world’s most powerful elite organizations—the American Coven of Witches. Now that she is twenty-three and her mother is dead, the Elders can no longer deny her. But even Paige’s wildest antics can’t hold a candle to those of her new charge—an orphan who is all too willing to use her budding powers for evil...and evil is all too willing to claim her. For this girl is being pursued by a dark faction of the supernatural underworld. They are a vicious group who will do anything to woo the young, malleable, and extremely powerful neophyte, including commit murder—and frame Paige for the crime. It’s an initiation into adulthood, womanhood, and the brutal side of magic that Paige will have to do everything within her power to make sure they both survive.(summary from Amazon)

Kelley Armstrong's "Dime Store Magic" is the third novel in the "Women of the Otherworld" series.
I was so in love with the original werewolf novels, and their heroine Elena Michaels and Clay, that I had my doubts about whether or not I would enjoy this new book starring, not lycanthropes, but witches. But, I quickly became absorbed in the story, and Kelly Armstrong's writing is, as always, excellent and filled with her dark humor. I could not put it down. I was surprised that I loved this book, as I was not really a fan of Paige, but we never got much from her in previous books. Savannah also grew on me, I was not sure how much I liked her either. The new characters introduces were interesting, and I love the love interest that gets introduced in this book.
I wont mention who, as I do not want to mention any spoilers.

Kelly did a great job yet again with this book.
I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

View all my reviews

Memoirs Of A Gothic Soul by Rebekah Armusik Book Review

Memoirs of a Gothic Soul by Rebekah Armusik
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Nadija Fey is weeks away from graduating college and is eager to escape small-city life. She feels suffocated by her eccentric Slovak family, an abusive ex-boyfriend, and a drug-addicted childhood friend. To her, life seems empty, lonely, and stale. The only consolation she has is a dream to move to Prague and start a new life.

Despite her grandmother’s warnings and the pleas of friends and family to stay, she embarks on her journey to find herself, but to her dismay, Prague seems to harbor more pain and suffering than she anticipated. She is forced to accept a life she never would have chosen for herself—a life her grandmother fought desperately to shield her from.

Nadija quickly finds herself caught in a celestial world struggling to maintain its delicate balance—a balance contingent upon her acceptance of her destiny. And though she finds the love she has always desired, it comes with an awful price—her life.

In the first of her epic thirteen-book series, author Rebekah Armusik captivates the reader with rich language and colorful characters. In Memoirs of a Gothic Soul, Armusik successfully redefines the Gothic novel and resurrects the sensuality, mystique, and allure of the classic vampire with an unexpected twist. (summary from Amazon)

My Review:

This book really had me hooked. From the very beginning, I went nuts, wanting the name of Diji’s soul mate, that was predicted early one. We get a short section that takes place 50 or more years in the past from now. One of the Guardians (Olga) has visions of the future, and she has a vision of one of her descendent meeting and falling in love with her soul mate, a true soul mate, and what scares her at that time, is she knows this man who will be the one to capture Dijis heart. BUT it drove me nuts, as she has a conversation with this man, who she never calls by name, just refers to him as My Grace. She is determined to set him on the right path to being a good man, not down the path he was currently heading.

She shared the vision with him, in his head, so he saw her. And was shocked and overjoyed that this women existed; he has been painting her for awhile. He can see no one but her, but he has no idea how to find her. Well, he then is informed he has to wait, as she was not yet born. This is all in the first few chapters of the book, so not much spoilery, as its read right away. It drove me nuts not knowing his name. Below is a section for you to read:

Here is a quote from Lady Olga (had the vision) and who she called My Grace about the vision, of his soul mate:
From Olga’s point of view:
(Kindle location 133 of 6791)
(Quote start)

“Do you dream of a woman?” I ask bluntly. He laughs wickedly. “I dream of many women.” I look at him sternly. “Stop playing games with me. I know you dream of a particular woman,” I allege with fury. He once again becomes serious. “Yes. If you must know, I have dreamt of a particular woman for many years.”

I look up at the paintings as I sip my drink.”That woman-is she the woman you dream of?” I ask, staring at her face.

He recoils at my words. “How could you know that?”

“I saw her with you today. You were holding hands in my vision.” I again look at her face in the beautiful portrait; I would know her eyes anywhere.

“You know her?” He asks as he jumps out of the chair. “Yes-yes, I do.” I answer quietly.

“Where is she? Where can I find her?” He is frantic as he paces back and forth in front of me. “You will have to wait, darling-she has not come to us yet.”

He stops and looks at the paintings and then at me.”Why are you tormenting me? Where is she? I need to see her!” he says as his voice rises with an accusatory tone.

It is at this moment I realize I am correct. She belongs to him, and there is nothing I can do. This certainty makes me ill, and I can actually feel the vomit burn my throat. I am never wrong, but there is always hope-the hope may be reading the future incorrectly, that I am misguided.

He screams as he stands over me ”Where is she?” He is obsessed with her, and again another fracture in my heart forms. “Why won’t you answer me, god-dammit?” I wince at his blasphemy.

“She is not yet born!” I finally bellow in frustration. He stares back in shock. “What?”

“She is not on this earth yet. You will have to wait half a century to see her,” I quietly explain. He looks at me in disbelief. I can feel his heart break; He misses her, though she does not yet exist. (Quote End)

We now go forward to Diji’s (Nadjia Amayla Fey, is her name, Diji is nickname, its in her POV from now on) life as she is 23, (and yes she is the girl in the paintings and Olga’s vision, glossy black hair, beautiful big, deep blue eyes, very pretty) but she has lots of heartaches, a very abusive boyfriend, or rather ex-boyfriend, and she can’t shake him. He stalks her, and ends up hurting her and almost killing her. She has one gorgeous best friend, names Crash, he sounds so yummy, but Diji is the wrong sex for his tastes, so then I know it’s not him, then she has this other guy friend, Patrick, seems super cool, good-looking, protective, but was not sure if this was the guy in HER dreams, see, she has been dreaming of her soul mate as well. So I am reading along, trying to figure who the soul mate is, until we finally find out. I will not say, as to not spoil it for you. It was a brilliant way to put the suspense in the story for us.

I really love this book, it’s written so beautifully, I can really connect with Diji, she really has a strong will, and am proud of her decision to leave home to do research in Prague, the best thing she could have done. She wants to do research on stories her grand-mother always told her of, of beautiful people, who do not age, and are immortal. She believes her grand-ma is crazy, but got an idea to go back to her roots, and research the legends, for possibly writing a book, about vampires, as that is what she thinks of when she hears that description. I will tell you here, it’s not exactly what you think. The new take on vampirism in this book is unique and pretty interesting to me. I really enjoyed that.

She goes to Prague to stay with a cousin Milla, and meets some interesting people. She meets up with her contact, who claims he is a vampire, Andrei, and is shocked to find out that he is more than what she thought. She also has a connection to people’s energy; she is more than a mere human herself, which is fascinating to discover more about her.

When she finally sees HIM it gets really interesting (meaning her soul mate) Here is a quote of his description (No name) (Kindle Location 2001 of 6791)

“He stood tall. I squinted and estimated…at least a little over six feet. He had a medium build and wore a black fitted suit with a cornflower blue French cuff dress shirt. He wore no tie, so the shirt was unbuttoned in a relaxed fashion. My heart skipped a beat as I became lost in his splendor. His skin was flawless. His face was strong, and every feature was perfect. I stood enraptured as I watched him run his fingers through his thick black hair. He was walking sex, and I fixated on his every move.” (he has ice blue eyes too, just was not in this particular section)

Of course Nadjia finds trouble yet again. Another guy she meets at her cousin Milla’s named Adak, it’s a bad soul, she feels ill around him, and the energy he puts off literally makes her sick. He is a character to keep an eye on, seems Nadjia finds trouble wherever she goes.

She meets some more of her cousins, Mischa, Athena, Katya, and Antoniya. She is feeling more at home in this strange country. Then she discovers the truth, and things get very interesting at this point.

The ending is a huge cliffhanger, and I am glad I have the next 2 books already waiting to be read.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys the paranormal and great love story on top of it. No silly love triangles in this book. I see it as more for adults, not young teens. It does have a few gruesome parts, 17 and up should be ok. Not scary, just a little violence, domestic violence situations in a few parts.

This book is a very good start to what I think will be an amazing series. Its starts with plenty of background, and descriptions, and really gives us a good picture in our heads of what is playing out. It’s a great foundation for the following books. I can’t wait to start them.

Mariposa is book 2 of The Gothic Memoirs series and Lucifer Rising book 3 of The Gothic Memoirs series Check them out to. I will have reviews of them when I finish them as well.
Rebekah Armusik Is amazing!

I will post my reviews for the next 2 books as I finish them.



          

Short Story Daire Meets Ever By Alyson Noel

DAIRE MEETS EVER

a short story by Alyson Noël

When she’s not crossing and uncrossing her legs, fussing with her cuticles, and/or riffling through her bag, Jennika tries to engage me in a conversation I’d rather not have. A wad of gum smacking between her back teeth when she says, “Reminds me of Vegas.”

I survey the place. Taking in walls glossed with pale green paint—the color of cucumber meat—the color of calm—along with worn linoleum grey tiled floors left to bubble in the places where they’re not already torn. Her assessment so far off the mark, so opposite the seedy glitz and glam of Vegas, I don’t even respond.

I just close my eyes and slide toward the edge of the curved plastic seat that’s attached to both the floor and the wall. Everything in this place is bolted to something. It’s an attempt to keep the crazies from hurling the furniture at the white-coated doctors prowling the halls.

This is the house of crazy. A place to contain the insane. “Doesn’t it remind you of Vegas?” Jennika’s tone grows louder, more insistent.

More than anything, my mom hates to be ignored, especially by me. So I throw her a bone, decide to play along.

“You mean because of all the slot machines? Or is it the ridiculously long line for the all-you-can-eat prime rib buffet?” I prop an eye open, watching as her eyes roll in their sockets, her brow shooting well past her platinum blond bangs with the chunky pink stripe. Then I close my eyes again, try to focus on something more pleasant, try to conjure the beautiful boy from my dreams. But the drugs they’ve been feeding me, only serve to keep him at bay.

“I meant the absence of windows. And, if you’ll notice, there’s not one single clock—not anywhere!” She shakes her head and scowls, annoyed with the decor as much as the predicament I’ve sunk us both into.

“What’d you expect? Ocean views and whirlpools? It’s a mental ward, Jennika.” My voice sounds listless and bored—as though I can barely drum up the energy to participate. “Best not to keep track of how many days they lock you away.”

Jennika sighs, and leans toward me. Her fingers fussing at my long dark hair, arranging it around my shoulders as though it’ll make some kind of difference to anyone other than her. “It’s not a mental ward, Daire—it’s . . .”

I slant my gaze toward hers, waiting to see where her hunt for the perfect euphemism will end.

“It’s a hospital.” She huffs. “A renowned research center. Nothing more, nothing less. Besides, it’s not like you haven’t been here before.”

When she starts to dig through the contents of her purse, searching for some blush to brighten my cheeks, I know it’s time to flee.

In “The World According to Jennika” there’s nothing a good make-over can’t cure. As one of Hollywood’s most sought-after make-up artists, she’s seen first hand the kind of magick a little spackle and glitter can work. But no amount of fluffing and shading is going to change the fact that this place is, indeed, a mental ward—and that we’re here because of my recent diagnosis as crazy.

I push off, eager to leave Jennika in her happy place of denial. Eager to get as far from her and these “mental health experts” as I possibly can.

“Where you going?” she asks, her voice rising and anxious. Calling after my retreating back when she adds, “Don’t go to far—the doctor will call for you soon . . .” I flee down the hall in search of an exit. Needing to fill my lungs with fresh air.

Needing to remember a time when my life consisted of something more than a never-ending series of mind-altering drugs and mental evaluations.

Needing to get far away from here.

I pick up the pace. Following the lighted signs with green arrows, I round the next corner, and plow smack into a girl so beautiful, so radiant and luminous, I can’t help but wonder if she’s one of the glowing people who stalk me.

If so, it’s just a matter of time before the place floods with crows. And once that happens, they’ll be shoving me into a straight jacket and a padded white room where I’ll live out my life.

“You okay?” The girl places a hand on each of my shoulders in an attempt to steady me. “I’m so sorry—I wasn’t even looking, and . . .”

She tilts her head in a way that allows a stream of golden blond hair to spill down her side as her bright blue eyes narrow on mine. And though I try to pull away, try to tell her I’m perfectly fine, I’m far too startled by the jolt of her touch to do either one of those things.

It’s like her fingers are streaming with electricity that wraps all around me.

She grips my shoulders tighter and lowers her voice to a whisper. “Don’t let them tell you you’re crazy,” she says, glancing all around, as though afraid of being overheard. “Don’t let them tell you the glowing people don’t exist, because they do. The crows too. It’s all real, you’re not imagining any of it.”

I jerk back as though I’ve been shocked. Yanking free of her grip as my mind reels with questions.

Who the heck is she? And how could she possibly know about the visions? Has she read my case file? Is she some crazy escapee impersonating a staff member?

She smiles, standing steadily before me as she says, “I’m none of those things. My name’s Ever. Ever Bloom. I’m psychic, telepathic, but as far as I know I’m not crazy. Nor am I a patient impersonating a staff member. And though I’m probably the only person willing to believe you—trust me when I say, you won’t always feel so alone. There are plenty of us who realize the world isn’t anything like we’ve been trained to believe.”

“What are you doing here?” I ask, well aware how I just skipped over her more outrageous claims, only to focus on the benign.

“I’m taking part in a study on NDEs.” Fielding my blank look when she adds, “People who have had a near death experience.”

“You died?” My gaze flies down the length of her, thinking she is surely the strangest girl I’ve ever met, and yet there’s something about her that’s so calming, I have no desire to flee.

“More than once.” She lifts her shoulders, her eyes glinting with mischief when she says, “As will you.”

I shift from foot to foot, not really knowing how to respond.

“Listen,” she says, checking her watch and glancing toward the door just behind her. “All you need to know is that you’re not crazy. Not by a long shot. So please don’t believe them. Listen to your heart, it’ll never steer you wrong.”

I nod, sensing the truth behind her words.

“I wish we had more time to talk but—” She turns, smiling as the absolute personification of Tall, Dark, and Handsome pushes through the door and stands right beside her. “We’re late,” she says.

“That’s what happens when you won’t let me manifest a parking space.” He hands her an unopened bottle of water, grinning in a way so heart-melting, I have to force myself to look away.

Remembering too late how she claims to read minds, and the knowing smile she gives me, pretty much proves she just caught me mentally ogling her boyfriend.

“This is Damen. Damen Auguste,” she says, leaning against him and fitting into his side so easily, they’re like puzzle pieces—book ends—made to be together.

“I’m Daire,” I say, realizing I hadn’t gotten around to introducing myself earlier.

“Looks like your mom’s looking for you.” Damen gestures at a point just beyond my shoulder, where, sure enough, Jennika waits with a scowl on her face and a hand on each hip.

“Here.” Ever places her bottle of water into my hand. “Tell her you went to get something to drink. Don’t let her know you were about to run away. It’ll only make her mad, and that’s the last thing you need. Besides, you’re ready to face them now, right?”

I start to return the water, but it’s only a second later when a new one just appears in her hand. And I’m so busy blinking and gaping, I almost miss it when she says, “Remember what I told you: Believe what you see—what you know in your heart to be true—and discard everything else they try to tell you.”

I nod, taking one last look at Ever and Damen, hoping I can carry some of their optimism and magick with me wherever I go. About to make for Jennika now calling to me from her end of the hall, when Ever says, “You’re headed for great things, Daire Santos. You just have to believe in yourself.”

I stop, shoot her a quizzical look. About to tell her that my last name is Lyons, not Santos, when she smiles and nods and urges me on.

I hurry toward Jennika, allowing her to wrap an arm around me and lead me away as I cling to Ever’s assurance that the glowing people are real. The crows too. And the fact that I’m the only one who can see them doesn’t mean I’m insane, but rather that I’m headed for something extraordinary.

I can only hope that it’s true.

The End.



This story is free, you can even download a kindle versian at Amazon, link is in the pic above story. Be sure to check out Alyson's new series, which starts with Fated, the main character is Daire, who is in this short story with Ever. Hope you enjoyed it.

Everlasting: The Immortals Book 6 by Alyson Noël - Book Review

Everlasting by Alyson Noel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Their epic love story has captured the hearts of millions and enchanted readers across the world. In this beautiful finale, their journey draws to a spectacular conclusion—where all will be revealed.

Their darkest enemies now defeated, Damen and Ever are free to embark upon their final quest—to free Damen from the poison lingering in his body. If they can just find the antidote, they’ll finally be able to feel each other’s touch—and experience the passionate night they’ve been longing for. But their fight to be together will lead them into the most formidable terrain yet…into the dark heart of Summerland. (sumary from Book and Amazon)


I have to say I really did enjoy this book,I have been a long time reader of Alyson's, and was sad to see this series end. And it did end nicely. I have enjoyed the whole series throughout its duration. All loose ends were tied. All questions, were answered, it had a lovely end to it.

The first chapter has a very strong beginning, the reader sees Ever and Damen struggling in Summerland to find answers. What I like about this is the pacing and the plot line. The pacing was perfect. It was awesome how we got to go back to certain points in their history and re-connect with the present. It answers a whole lot of questions that I have always wondered, plus then some. It gave us a much broader history on Ever and Damen's relationship. It was really nice being able to experience those past lives with them.

It really grabbed my attention to see these past lives, i mean, the ones we get to experience in this book are like OMG moments, we get some glimpses of them in the other books, but nothing like what we get to experience in this book.

The characters really became developed in this book, not stalled out like they seemed to be in previous books, they really grew in this one. I was pleased to see that. I was able to really connect with them.

If you haven't pick up this series you most definitely should! Not only will you fall in love with it, but it will give you an everlasting read worth reading. Am I happy with the way it ended? Yes. I think Alyson, did a great job on clearing everything she needed to clear up in order to finish the series. Way to go Alyson. Nice work.

Now Alyson has a new series out, and she has also put out a free short story, called Daire Meets Ever. Its free at Amazon in Kindle. It was so nice reading that scene where the new character in Fated meets Ever. So this has me hoping that maybe Alyson will have Ever and Damen pay the characters in the New Soul Seekers series (Fated is the first) a visit from time to time. That would be amazing.

Free on Kindle
                          

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