Title: One Chance Night ( Make a Change #1)
Author: Eliza Boyd Publisher: Patchwork Press Publication Date: May 15h , 2015 Genre: Contemporary , New Adult Format: eARC My Rating: 4/5 stars Blurb: On the surface, Chelsea Greer has it all: A loving husband. A nice house. A good job. In reality, she works hard to maintain the illusion that is her life. She's also missing the most important thing: Love. One night could change her life. One night could give her the strength to rediscover what's important. In one night, she could find love when she most needs it and least expects it. All Chelsea has to do is follow her heart after One Chance Night. My Review : I received an eARC of One Chance night from Patchwork Press via NetGalley, in exchange with my honest review . This is not just about romance; it is about getting a second chance and learning how to make the best out of it. The character building was on point! I was able to feel Chelsea's distress, Brett's charming charisma, and Wesley's jerkiness . I can rant all day on why I love Brett, and hate Wesley. Did I mention that is under 200 pages ?? Imagine how ( not so long )it took me to feel all of this ; well because Eliza is a brilliant writer. The way story was told kind of reminded me of Poison Study by Maria.V. Snyder. Not because of the plot, but because of the storytelling . You have a lot things happening to the main character, but you have no idea why her marriage sucks. You get bits of information along the way, until Boom ! The dramatic reason finally is revealed. The revelation happens much earlier than in Poison Study, but you get what I mean. The story was really interesting at the beginning, then it kind of dropped a bit , but then it returned to its "really interesting" level by the end . I did not know that this was a part of a series until I finished the book. I know, it is written on the cover .:D But the ending is not a cliffhanger for Chelsea's story. However, it is an interesting cliffhanger for the series as a whole. I already want to read the second book : Two Pink Lines! I give One Chance Night 4/5 stars. Eliza's Pinterest is filled with quotes that are related to her book, country music lyrics that were mentioned in the novel, and Character casting suggestions !
About the Author:
Eliza Boyd is a contemporary women’s fiction and romance author. Also an avid reader, she writes novels, short stories, poetry, and whatever else strikes her fancy. Born and raised in Northern Illinois, she now lives in sunny Arizona with her husband and her plethora of animals. When she’s not reading, writing, or working, she can be found walking around her neighborhood (for exercise, not for stalking), taking photos of her pets, or catching up on her favorite shows. Catching up really means binge-watching
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Title: Infinite ( Ignite #3 )
Author: Erica Crouch Publisher: Patchwork Press Publication Date : June 16th, 2015 Genre: Paranormal, YA, Angels and Demons My Rating: 4.5/5 stars Blurb : There are infinite ways to die, and the fates are calling for blood. After evading Azael since her betrayal, it’s finally time for Pen to stop running and face her desperate brother. But she won’t have to challenge him alone: the rebel army of New Genesis is ready to stand strong and fight to secure the future they believe in. As Azael spirals deeper and deeper into darkness, and Pen grapples with her new leadership role, a familiar name rises to power whose decisions have the potential to rewrite everyone’s future. Dangerous secrets, silent traitors, and unraveling fates means that time is running out. There’s no telling who will survive the final battle. In this thrilling conclusion to the Ignite series, Pen and Azael return to finish what they started over a millennia ago.
My Review :
I received an eARC of Infinite from Patchwork Press via Net Galley in exchange with my honest review. My love for this book is INFINITE ! I can't stop myself from being mind blow by this book. I mean, 3 POV ( Lilith, Azael, and Pen) of the most interesting characters are shared in Infinite, and I can't even decided whom's I like the best ! From dark minds, thirst for power, to seeking out hope to be just alive and cherish happy moments, the final book in the series will turn your world upside down. I learned more about many of the characters' pasts, which is one of the things that interested me the most ! specially Lilith's past. I am thrilled that Erica add her voice to the story. Lilith is a Pleochroism, her thoughts and strength can be compared to the black diamond. The conversation between Azael and Pen reminded of the song Hurricane by 30STM ! Jared Leto world be the perfect actor to play Azael ! The description is phenomenal. When I read the details, I was able to form vivid images in my mind that made love, pity,and loath the characters at the same time ! I also found myself disliking a character that I liked ; well done Erica . Sometimes, I felt like some descriptions were a bit repetitive, so I had to skim a little bit. Honestly, I still have about 20% of the book still unread, thanks to my reading slump! This means that I will be updating my review, once I get to the Epic ending of this amazing series. I give Infinite 4.5/5 stars. Ana is a hypocrite with good intentions.
Here is Erica's Playlist for Infinite :
1. Fuel to Fire, by Agnes Obel 2. Biting Down, by Lorde 3. Take Me to Church, by Hozier 4. Alibi, by Banks 5. Torn Apart, by Bastille and GRADES 6. Medicine, by Daughter 7. Infinity, by The xx 8. Hope In The Air, by Laura Marling 9. BTSK, by MS MR 10. In the Embers, by Sleeping At Last
Haven't Heard About the Series :O ?? Start with Ignite and Incite !
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 indie publishing collective that produces middle grade, young adult, and new adult titles in all genres — and Weapenry — a resource for writers. She is the head of editorial services and design, with over fifty projects to her name. Website • Blog • Twitter • Facebook • Goodreads Title: Engage ( Ignite 2.5) Author: Erica Crouch Publisher: Patchwork Press Publication Date : May 5th, 2015 Genre: Paranormal, YA, Angels and Demons My Rating: 5/5 stars Blurb: Kalaziel is a terrible guardian angel: her temper’s shorter than she is, she swears, she’s missing a wing, and she sees no problem with letting man make their own choices—no matter how questionable. That’s what free will is all about, right? Her overseers disagree. After she mishandles an assignment, Heaven strips Kala of her title and throws her back into training, hoping to reinforce the covenant of vows she swore to uphold as a guardian. But the angels’ motives aren’t as pure as they appear: they want to eradicate any opinions that conflict with Heaven’s code. With a mass cleansing on the horizon, Kala discovers she is not alone in her insubordination; there are other angels who are restless with the stasis of Heaven and ready for change. Progress doesn’t come easily, though, especially when it means uniting ancient enemies to fight for a common cause. Engage is a novella that prequels Kala and Ana’s story in Incite. My Review: I received an eARC of Engage from Parchwork Press via NetGalley in exchange with an honest review. I absolutely loved Klaziel's story ; everything starting from character building to her actions in the book are amazing . I disagree with the fact she is a terrible angel ! How she reacted to a man's choice shows great wisdom. Obviously her Overseers disagree, and this where the story begins. The story focuses on how Kala and Ana met, which I believe was something that all of the Ignite series fans were highly anticipating, and Erica didn't disappoint ! My favorite part was when the angels were falling. Erica was able to depict such a tragic yet beautiful scenery that I kept on replaying in my mind over and over again. I was able to fill a lot of of time gaps, since Engage happens during between both the first book and the first half of the second book. This was really interesting because I got to connect all the pieces of the Ignite puzzle while reading Engage . The book ends with most perfect epilogue that kept me wishing Infinite (Ignite #3) was out already. I really enjoyed reading Engage and gave it 5/5 stars. Haven't Heard About the Series :O ?? Start with Ignite and Incite !
Polaris Awakening by Kellie Sheridan, Erin Latimer, Erica Crouch, Janna Jennings, Terra Harmony, Hannah Davies, Meghan Jashinsky Series: Polaris Anthology #1 Published by Patchwork Press on May 26, 2015 Genres: Science Fiction, Young Adult Goodreads Synopsis: ZEUS PROTOCOL 000101: REBOOT, SCAN. DANGER DETECTED. THREAT LEVEL: UNKNOWN. RECOMMENDED ACTION: INCREASE MILITARY PRESENCE. There’s trouble brewing on Polaris. Under the watchful eye of the space station’s supercomputer, Zeus, the lower classes are awakening to the corruption of their wealthy, privileged, and protected leaders. When the quiet voices of protest get louder and alliances form, change dawns on the horizon. But the small acts of resistance won’t be enough to subvert the system for long. Zeus is alert to the growing threat level, and he will do whatever’s necessary—including purging the lower levels of Polaris—to preserve stability for all. Inspired by the mythology of the constellations hung around Polaris, the seven stories in Polaris Awakening reimagine the classic characters in a futuristic world where alien creatures are commonplace, combat arenas are used for entertaining foreign dignitaries, slaves and soldiers stand side by side, and music orchestrates a revolution. And their first acts of defiance are just the beginning. Polaris will never be the same. ZEUS PROTOCOL 000099: ENGAGE THREAT.We are so, so excited to finally share with you the cover for the upcoming Patchwork Press anthology, Polaris Awakening! There are some amazing authors who have been working tirelessly on this project: Kellie Sheridan, Erin Latimer, Erica Crouch, Janna Jennings, Terra Harmony, Hannah Davies, and Meghan Jashinsky. The Polaris Anthology series is a young adult science fiction that retells some classic mythological stories about constellations in new and exciting ways! In the first installment, you are introduced to the space station of Polaris and the interesting characters aboard. You’ll see action, adventure, romance, and more. Let us know what you think of the cover, and be sure to add the anthology — which comes out May 26th— on GoodReads! If you are interested in signing up for the blitz, click here. To participate in the blog tour, click here. Title: The Taking ( The Painted Maidens #3 ) Author: Terra Harmony Publisher: Patchwork Press Publication Date: February 27, 2015 Genre: YA, Paranormal,Fantasy Purchase Links: Amazon, iTunes, Kobo, Smashwords. Blurb: Eighteen-year-old Serena reigns as queen of both the Undine of The Deep and the wolves of The Dry. The alliance between her maidens and the werewolves is shaky when all at once the basic necessities of food and shelter are taken away and both their worlds fall apart. After decades of war, the two societies must work together to face what lies ahead. A promised land is theirs for the taking, but first, they must survive each other. About the Author: Terra is author of the eco-fantasy novels in the Akasha Series, 'Water', 'Air', 'Fire' and 'Earth', as well as the Painted Maidens Trilogy. Terra was born and raised in Colorado but has since lived in California, Texas, Utah, North Carolina, and Virginia. Terra has served a 5½ year enlistment in the Marine Corp, has earned her bachelor's and master's degree and presently runs the language services division of a small business. Terra currently lives in a suburb of Washington, DC with her husband of sixteen years and three children. 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 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: 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: Ignite Author: Erica Crouch Publisher: Patchwork Press Publication Date: June 11th 2013 Genre: YA, Paranormal,Romance,Angels and Demons Format: e-ARC My rating: 4/5 (B+) Blurb: Penemuel (Pen) fell from grace over a millennium ago, yet there are still times she questions her decision to follow her twin brother, Azael, to Hell. Now that the archangel Michael has returned, threatening Lucifer’s vie for the throne, she begins questioning everything she has always believed. As Hell prepares for war - spreading a demonic virus and pilfering innocent souls to build an army - the lines separating the worlds blur. Fates erase and the future is left unwritten. Azael is determined that he and his sister will continue to serve as demons together, but for the first time in her life, Pen is not ruled by destiny. She has the freedom of choice. With choice comes sacrifice, and Pen must decide which side she’s willing to risk everything fighting for: the light, or the dark. My Review: I received an e ARC of Ignite from Patchwork Press via Net Galley in exchange with an honest review. I went into this knowing nothing but that it revolved around Angels and Demons''Paranormal". I also heard nothing but good things about it, and watched the author's vlogs and decided that this book must be awesome. And I was right, I enjoyed reading Ignite and here is why! The writing is, and I am in no way exaggerating this,is magical ! It is just so beautiful, that I plan on getting back to it and rereading in a much slower pace to take in and enjoy the writing more! I am adding Erica Crouch to my list of Authors with Beautiful writing Style,which includes Lauren Oliver,Tahereh Mafi, and A.G Howard! However, there were times were the descriptions were a bit long and the story was a bit slow.During these descriptions, a concept was repeated a lot. Sometimes it slowed the story,and other times it was what made the story great. Each character had his/her own little flavor to add to this story. No one is the same, and every character affects and is effected by another one. What I really liked about it is that nothing was rushed. There was not a second where I thought a character's thought were all over the place. In other words, the character building was pretty much well done! Ignite is more about getting to know the background stories of everyone, and in my opinion, settling the accounts within each character to what they believe and how should they proceed in life. The Romance here is just spectacular and I can't wait to see what happens next. I would also love to add that by the end of this book, I was craving more than ever to go back to high school for that 1 hour of literature everyday! Erica's writing seems to be inspired by brilliant authors such as Edgar Allan Poe and Robert Frost, two of my favorite writers ever! I give Ignite 4/5 stars and a B+ according to my own rating scale ! |
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