Title: Howl at the Moon ( A Liarus Detective Novel #1) Author: L.A. Starkey Publisher: Patchwork Press Publication Date: February 23, 2015 Genre: Middle Grade, Mystery GoodReads Amazon Blurb: Eighth graders, Ben, Jake, and Leah need cash, and mowing lawns in the winter just isn’t cutting it. Their need for cash births the Liarus (Liars R Us) Detective Agency! Their first client is Old Lady Smitz, who is said to have murdered her three sons and husband. She’s missing a family heirloom, but it’s not just any old trinket, it’s the crest of Lykoi. There are only two rules: No girls are allowed and never seal a deal with the witch doctor. Disregarding danger, these three discover that money is usually more trouble than it’s worth! About the Author: L.A. Starkey is the author of the Soul Keeper Series, a supernatural young adult series, and The Liarus Detective Series, a supernatural middle grade series. She is a CPA by trade, a church planter and entrepreneur at heart; however, writing and reading are passions she just can’t help but indulge in. With more ideas than one person should be allowed, she is blessed to have a muse that doesn’t seem to take a vacation and more energy that one might consider healthy. She writes under the following pen names: Kate Thomas (NA/Adult Paranormal); Isabella James (Sci-fi/Fantasy); and Lauren Elizabeth (Adult Contemporary Romance). Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads
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Since the release of Patchwork Press's first anthology (The Lost Locket of Lahari), we've been talking about the next anthology and how great it's going to be. We've been pretty tight-lipped on the details, only revealing small facts like the theme -- CONSTELLATIONS! -- and the genre -- YOUNG ADULT SCIENCE FICTION! -- but everything else? A mystery. But no longer! Today, we are revealing the title, the authors involved, the constellations the stories are inspired by, and the mythology behind each star cluster. We'll begin with the title reveal. Drumroll please... Polaris Awakening is the title of the newest Patchwork Press anthology! Each of the seven stories in the anthology take place aboard the space station of Polaris. The station of Polaris is the brightest star in the galaxy, with it's shining technology and renowned space academy. But not everything on Polaris is perfect -- there's a tilt of balance in social classes, and those below are beginning to awaken to the injustice of their leaders. A rebellion is thrumming through the ship, and the characters of each story all play a part in the ripple of discontent. There are seven stories contributing to the anthology. And our authors (in order of appearance) are: Kellie Sheridan, Erin Latimer, Erica Crouch, Janna Jennings, Hannah Davies, Terra Harmony, and Meghan Jashinsky. Kellie Sheridan's story will not only open the anthology, but it will be peppered throughout the anthology, interspersed between the other pieces. Kellie's story doesn't focus on one particular constellation or origin myth, but rather she is writing as the embodiment of Zeus (you know, Mr. Lightning Bolt, the Big Guy in the Sky). Zeus is personified as the supercomputer operating Polaris, and he's more aware than you'd expect, which could lead to some danger for our characters... After Kellie Sheridan's introduction, we have our first full story from Erin Latimer. Erin's story centers around the constellation Ophiuchus. The constellation represents the god Apollo struggling with the huge snake that guards the Oracle of Delphi. After Apollo slew the snake, he was ordered by Zeus to host the Pythian Games as a form of penance. Next up is Erica Crouch with her story based on the constellation Lyra. In the original myth, Orpheus -- a musician with almost supernatural talent -- falls in love with Eurydice. But their love is doomed, and Eurydice dies, stolen away to the Underworld by Hades. When Hades hears Orpheus's mournful music, he strikes a bargain: Orpheus will be returned his love if he continues playing his music. Eurydice will follow him from the Underworld, but if Orpheus doesn't trust Hades and turns around to check that Eurydice is still with him, he will lose her forever. The deal is made, and Orpheus plays his lyre, but when he walks over pine needles and can no longer hear Eurydice's footsteps, he turns around and Eurydice fades away, gone forever. Following Erica's piece is Janna Jennings's story of the constellation Gemini. The Gemini twins, Castor and Pollux, were both born from Leda, the Queen of Sparta. Their sister is Helen of Troy and there are several myths about them, including sailing with Jason and the Argonauts to find the golden fleece and fighting in the Trojan War to bring their sister Helen home. Castor is a renowned horseman, and Pollux is a great boxer. Then we have Hannah Davies's story, inspired by the constellation Scorpio. Scorpio has a few different mythologies to chose from, but the one Hannah chose was a story about Orion and Artemis. Orion boasted that he was the greatest hunter in all the land and could kill any animal. Artemis -- Goddess of hunting and also protector of beasts -- sent a scorpion after Orion to defeat him. The scorpion stung Orion's ankle, killing him. Zeus was impressed by the scorpion, so he made a constellation for it. In the sky, the scorpion is at the opposite side of the horizon to Orion to keep them apart. Terra Harmony's story follows next, and she was inspired by the constellation Virgo. Persephone, beautiful daughter of Zeus and Demeter, is tricked by Hades who carries her off to the underworld to be his wife. Her mother was so upset by this, she completely neglected her duties as goddess of agriculture, and famine spread over the entire world. The solution was for Persephone should be with her mother for half the year, and go to the underworld with Hades for the other half of the year. When Persephone is gone, agriculture essentially dies until she returns again six months later. And finally, to close the anthology we have a story from Meghan Jashinsky, based on the constellation Taurus. From the Mesopotamian Epic of Gilgamesh, the goddess Ishtar sends Taurus to kill Gilgamesh because he spurned her. In the sky, this is why the constellation Taurus seems to be facing off with Orion (who is representative of Gilgamesh). Patchwork Press's Polaris Awakening is going to be a whirlwind of a read! With so many spectacular myths interpreted into the science fiction world by an array of talented authors -- all with strong, unique voices -- we're readying for an epic read. You can expect the cover reveal in March, and trust us, you won't want to miss it! Here's the link to the cover reveal signup. Sign up here! The cover reveal will be MARCH 13th. The release day is scheduled for April 28th, one day before Patchwork Press's second birthday! So let us know... WHAT CONSTELLATION ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO READ?Tweet us @Patchwork_Press! Title: Greta and the Glass kingdom ( Mylena Chronicles #2) Author: Chloe Jacobs Publisher: Entangled Teen Publication Date: February 9th, 2015 Genre: YA, Fantasy, Romance Blurb: Once upon a dark time… Greta the human bounty hunter never quite fit into the shadowed, icy world of Mylena. Yet she's managed to defeat the demon Agramon and win the love of the darkly intense Goblin King, Isaac. Now Isaac wants her to rule by his side—a human queen. And the very announcement is enough to incite rebellion… To make matters worse, defeating Agramon left Greta tainted with a dark magick. Its unclean power threatens to destroy her and everything she loves. With the Goblin King's life and the very peace of Mylena at stake, Greta must find a cure and fast. Her only hope lies with the strange, elusive faeries in the Glass Kingdom…if she can get there before the evil within her destroys everything. An Interview with the Characters of Greta and the Glass Kingdom Hi friends! Today I was asked to bring Greta, Isaac, Siona, and Wyatt with me for this visit. That’s a little harder than you might think, especially when it means having to deal with one stubborn human, one arrogant goblin king, one incommunicative bounty hunter, and another wise-ass human. But I got them here, so let’s get this done with. I don’t know how long I can stay in control of this circus. Greta: *snort* It won’t be a circus until the moons are full, author lady. Isaac: *turns to Greta with a raised brow* Are you suggesting that the curse Mylena suffers from is akin to a group of freaks whose purpose is to amuse you? Greta: *grins* You mean it’s not? Wyatt: Uh, should you be so cheeky with him? Siona: *huff* You obviously haven’t spent much time with the two of them. Wyatt: *glares* Thank goodness for small favors. Chloe (ie. Me, the author): *worried already* Ahem. Why don’t we focus on the interview questions I’ve been asked to ask you all, okay? Isaac: *crossing arms* I am not here for the entertainment of the masses. Wyatt: Sure you are, big guy. Just like the rest of us. Why else did you think you were here? Isaac: *knowing grin* Greta: He was bribed. That’s why he’s here. Wyatt: Bribed with what? *shaking head* Nevermind, I don’t really want to know, do I? Chloe: Please, let’s get back on topic. The blog host is going to kick us all out before I’ve even asked the first of her questions! Siona: *throws warning glance at the others* Danem author, we will behave. What is the question you wish to ask? Chloe: *looks down at crumpled sheet of paper* Whose fault was it that Greta and the Glass Kingdom took SO long to be released after the first book? *squirms* Uh, maybe we should skip that one… Greta: *laughs* Are you getting some flack, author lady? Chloe: Um…well… Isaac: I will take responsibility for this. Greta: Nope. It’s my fault. Wyatt: Actually… Siona: It’s MY fault. Chloe: Oh stop, all of you. Of course, it’s my own fault. Siona: But you had trouble because we weren’t…cooperating. Greta: *jaw set* I’m not sorry about that. I never wanted this story to be told in the first place. Wyatt: That’s because it’s a story about you, and you hate being the center of attention. Greta: What I hate is people getting in the way of my work. How am I supposed to do my job with-- Chloe: *exasperation* How about we just move onto the next question? Book 1 was about Greta’s romance with the goblin king, and their efforts to defeat the demon, Agramon. Can you tell us a little bit about Book 2? *pause* Maybe I should just answer this? Wyatt: You think just because you wrote it, you know it best? We lived it. I think we’re just as qualified. Chloe: Oh sure. Go ahead. Who wants to field this one? Isaac: *silence* Greta: *silence* Siona: *silence* Wyatt: *silence* Chloe: Oh, come on. *turns to Wyatt* You just said-- Wyatt: I said we were qualified, not that we wanted to do it. *sigh* Okay, I guess the second book is more about the Wyatt character. He’s got to rescue Greta and save everyone from-- Isaac: *chuckle* The second book is about the goblin king. It explores his moral journey to do right by his people, and make Mylena a better place for all to-- Siona: Excuse me, but if weren’t for Siona, there wouldn’t be a second book. It’s because of her challenges, her divided loyalties, her sacrifices that-- Greta: Oh for goodness sake, they don’t call it Greta and the Glass Kindom for NO reason. Book 2 is about Greta’s battle with her…uh…inner demons, and her various failures. Chloe: *patting Greta’s hand* Don’t be so hard on yourself. Isaac: *Fierce scowl* She hasn’t had much choice. As the author, that’s your fault, is it not? You are the one who tore her from the human world as a child. *Leans forward, fist clenched on table* You are the one who forced her to learn to kill, who almost got her killed by a demon, who almost lost her to a portal of darkness, who subjected her to an environment of hate. And that wasn’t enough. You continue the torture in your second book, and now I hear that there will also be a third. *growls* I should-- Greta: Damn it, Isaac. You can’t kill the author. She’s only doing her job. Isaac: You’re too soft-hearted. I can do exactly what I like. Am I not the goblin king? Greta: Hey! I take exception to that. I am not soft-hearted. I’m a freaking kickass bounty hunter. Wyatt: You are kind of soft-hearted. Siona: *nods* Greta: I’ve got a sword and I know how to use it! Chloe: *claps hands nervously* That went well, didn’t it? *cough* Is it time to go home yet? Thank you for inviting us. My apologies if it wasn’t what you expected. Unfortunately, these characters have a way of taking control. Something I ought to know very well by now. Enter the awesome Giveaway: About the Author: Chloe Jacobs is a native of nowhere and everywhere, having jumped around to practically every Province of Canada before finally settling in Ontario where she has now been living for a respectable number of years. Her husband and son are the two best people in the entire world, but they also make her wish she'd at least gotten a female cat. No such luck. And although the day job keeps her busy, she carves out as much time as possible to write. Bringing new characters to life and finding out what makes them tick and how badly she can make them suffer is one of her greatest pleasures, almost better than chocolate and fuzzy pink bunny slippers. Title: Incite ( Ignite #2) Author: Erica Crouch Publisher: Patchwork Press Publication Date: February 17, 2015 Genre: Paranormal, YA Format: e ARC My Rating: 5/5 ( A) Goodreads Amazon B&N Apple iBooks Kobo Blurb: Earth is in ruins, and the war of Heaven and Hell has spilled over into the mortal world. In the frozen wasteland of the apocalypse, Azael and his band of cohorts search for Pen and Michael with orders to kill. Little does he know that his sister has incited a rebel army of her own. Angels and demons alike stand side by side, ready and willing to fight for a future they didn’t realize they could have. Change doesn't come easy, though. Pen is wary of joining New Genesis's revolution, but when Azael shows his hand and Pen learns all that he holds over them, she chooses to fight back, no matter the risk. She only has to survive, one hour at a time. Read My Review Here Haven't heard of the series? Start with Ignite and Entice ! Enter the Giveaway ! a Rafflecopter giveaway About the Author: Erica Crouch is a young adult and new adult author from Baltimore, Maryland. She has a strange blended aesthetic of cute and spooky, and her books reflect her ever changing mood. (You may find romance, you may find gore--sometimes both in the same book, but probably not at the same time. Probably.) Erica is the cofounder of Patchwork Press, an author-powered publisher of middle grade, young adult, and new adult titles. She is the head of editorial services and design, with nearly fifty projects to her name. Find a complete list of Erica’s books atericacrouch.com. Title: The Core ( Equilibrium #1 ) Author: Kate Thomas Publisher: Patchwork Press Publication Date : February 12, 2015 Genre: New Adult, Paranormal, Romance Format: ebook Synopsis: There’s something strange about David, something that goes beyond the way he makes Ellie feel. He’s wealthy, poised, and a complete enigma. With nothing to lose but her heart, Ellie goes in search of the truth—a search that leads her down an eye-opening path that reveals secrets about the world she thought she knew. The world’s order is held in careful balance, the essence of good and evil tilting the scale. When the fabric of reality is stripped away, Ellie is forced to make a decision to follow the path David’s constructed before her or simply walk away. The Core is missing and someone must step up and stand between the light and darkness, holding each back and maintaining equilibrium. Enter the Giveaway! Join Kate's mailing List About the Author: Kate Thomas, is the author of the upcoming Equilibrium Series, a five-book supernatural new adult series, with plans for a few more series in 2015. She is a CPA by trade, a church planter and entrepreneur at heart; however, writing and reading are passions she just can't help but indulge in. With more ideas than one person should be allowed, she is blessed to have a muse that doesn't seem to take a vacation and more energy that one might consider healthy. She writes under the following pen names: L.A. Starkey - Young Adult & Middle Grade Paranormal Isabella James - Sci-fi/Fantasy Lauren Elizabeth - Adult Contemporary Romance
Title: Incite
Author: Erica Crouch Publisher: Patchwork Press Publication Date: February 17, 2015 Genre: Paranormal, YA Format: e ARC My Rating: 5/5 ( A) Blurb: Earth is in ruins, and the war of Heaven and Hell has spilled over into the mortal world. In the frozen wasteland of the apocalypse, Azael and his band of cohorts search for Pen and Michael with orders to kill. Little does he know that his sister has incited a rebel army of her own. Angels and demons alike stand side by side, ready and willing to fight for a future they didn’t realize they could have. Change doesn't come easy, though. Pen is wary of joining New Genesis's revolution, but when Azael shows his hand and Pen learns all that he holds over them, she chooses to fight back, no matter the risk. She only has to survive, one hour at a time. My Review: I received an e Arc copy of Incite from Netgalley via Patchwork Press in exchange with an honest review. I am also reviewing it as a part of the Incite Blog Tour. Incite begins with a prologue from Azael's POV that opens a portal to his mind where I witnessed some emotions I thought he had already buried. This book was written from both POV of Pen and Azaeal, which is really interesting. The reader gets to learn more about both characters. More about what they are becoming, and not what they were. The imagery was very impressive; I shuddered every time the author described a torture scene . It was like I was standing there, next to the victim. New characters are added to the story; each of them add a little of something unique to the story.I definitely want Kala to be my Guardian Angel . I love the way she is always bubbly even if the world is crumbling down. I am also interested in knowing more about Eli because I am sure that he has a great history/back story. Like the first book, Ignite, Incite is filled with amazing quotes from plays and poetry .These include the works of Shakespeare and Robert Frost. We also get more action and fighting scenes. The element of darkness is explored in ways that will leave you terrified, breathless,and amazed all at once. i found myself writing down many quotes from Incite because not only is the story thrilling, but also the writing is absolutely beautiful. This is one of the books that tortures you because it is really good, but now you have to wait longer than anyone to read the next book. You know, since this is an ARC and the book is not released yet. I don't know what is driving me mad more, the cliffhanger or the epilogue !!!! I really enjoyed reading Incite , and I can't wait to read the final book in this epic series. I give it 5/5 stars and an A according to my own rating scale. Read an Excerpt! From Chapter 4 | Azael I enjoy destruction. I like the sound of glass shattering, of paper tearing apart and fabric ripping at its seams. I savor the groan of bending metal and the snap of splintered wood. The smell of ashes and smoke and blood and sweat soothes me, so when I get back to my extravagant room, I destroy everything. The thick, four-poster bed sitting in the middle of the room clothed in heavy, gold-and-red drapery is the first to go. I claw at the sheets and scatter them across the floor in ribbons, pull apart the intricate headboard with my fingernails until the wood is soaked black with my blood. The gold spindles that extend to the ceiling are pliable under my angry hands, and I twist them into a knot so sharp that I cut my forearm. Then I toss the mattress across the room and kick up the chairs that bookend a small side table. My blood spills across the room as I continue my path of destruction. I barely feel the piercing burn of the shrapnel from the wooden wardrobe in my abdomen through my rage, hardly notice the small shards of glass that stick into my leg from the cart of drinks I requested be delivered earlier this morning. I crave mayhem and terror and devastation, but I can’t gather enough composure to inflict it on anyone but myself. A tall mirror sits wide and proud on the floor next to the washroom. I throw my fist into the glossy reflection with a snarl and watch as the fissures spiral out from my bleeding hand. I’m shattered in the reflection, both one being and dozens of smaller, angry images. There’s a large gash across my forehead that dribbles black blood over half of my face, wetting my hair down to stick to my scraped cheeks. My eyes are furious and feral, deep purple and black swallowing up the whites of my eyes. I pull my hand back from the mirror and flex my fingers, lavishing in the agony of my broken knuckles before they begin to heal. The loud thud of my bedroom door closing grabs my attention, and when I look up, Lilith is reflected in miniature all around me. She stays standing by the door, wearing a grin and a short, white dress in silk so smooth that it looks like liquid. “What a mess you’ve made,” she says, curling her lips around every word. “Leave me alone, Lilith.” Don't miss out on this awesome giveaway !
About the Author:
Erica Crouch is a young adult and new adult author from Baltimore, Maryland. She has a strange blended aesthetic of cute and spooky, and her books reflect her ever changing mood. (You may find romance, you may find gore--sometimes both in the same book, but probably not at the same time. Probably.) Erica is the cofounder of Patchwork Press, an author-powered publisher of middle grade, young adult, and new adult titles. She is the head of editorial services and design, with nearly fifty projects to her name. Find a complete list of Erica’s books at ericacrouch.com. Title: The Last Order Author: Angela M Caldwell Publisher: Rocket Circus Press Publication Date: February 3rd , 2015 Genre: YA, Fantasy Format: e-ARC My rating: 4/5 (B-) Blurb: Lana forms a secret order of women knights to fulfill her father’s final request: find the queen who was thought to be dead and return her to the throne. Lana Crewe is a strong, fiercely driven seventeen year old living in a village ruled by fear. With their king and queen both dead, strife and division have taken hold. Ruthlessly attacked by an Order called Talons, Lana’s father is fatally stabbed. Before he dies, he imparts upon Lana a directive to save the statue of Saint Peter, and tells her that the queen yet lives. Now it is up to Lana to unravel the mystery of Saint Peter and bring an end to all of the war by finding the queen. A medieval tale of hope and mystery, The Last Order takes upper teenage angst and spins it on its head. You’ll be gripping this book as hard as it will be gripping you. My Review : It has been a while since I have read a stand alone Fantasy book, and Angela's The Last Order did not disappoint ! The story itself is absolutely thrilling and I was hooked from the very first few pages. Although I was able to guess what was the ending of the story,I never expected it to happen it that way. This is one of those books in which it is not about how the story ends, but more of how to reach the end. I think the dialogue is something that could have been written better. It was more show than tell. There were many scenes and parts ,especially between Lana and Silas, that could have been more elaborated. Both of the world building and the character building were done exquisitely. You become entrapped in another era , and join these characters on a journey filled with danger , mystery,trust, hate,and love. I really enjoyed reading The Last Order and I am looking forward to read more books by Angela! I give this 4/5 stars and a B- according to my own rating scale. Click on the image to enter a giveaway on the author's website. Awakening Release Date: 04/07/15 Entangled Teen Summary from Goodreads: A thrilling, futuristic sci-fi novel set in a unique and thought-provoking world, from author Shannon Duffy. Desiree Six (because she was born on a Friday) believes in everything the Protectorate stands for. She likes the safety and security of having her entire life planned outâher career, her mate, even the date of her death. She doesn't even think to question when Darien, her childhood friend and neighbor, is convicted of murdering his parents. They had seemed like such a loving family. But if he was convicted, then he must have done it. Then Darien shows up in her room late one night. He has escaped from the Terrorscapeâa nightmare machine used to punish all Noncompliantsâand needs Desiree's help. What he tells her rocks her world to its core and makes her doubt everything she's ever been told. With this new information, will Desiree and Darien be able to escape the Protectorate before it's too late? Pre-Order Links: |
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