Title: DayBlack ( Vol: 1) Author: Keef Cross Publisher: Rosarium Publishing Publication Date: August 21st 2015 Genre: Sequential Art, Comic, Paranormal Format: e-ARC My Rating: 5/5 Links: Goodreads . Amazon Blurb: Beneath the polluted clouds of DayBlack, Georgia, exists a murderer. After hundreds of years of killing to survive, he no longer wants to simply exist . . . he wants to live. DayBlack is the story of Merce, a former slave who was bitten by a vampire in the cotton fields. Four hundred years later, he works as a tattoo artist in the small town of DayBlack. The town has a sky so dense with pollution that the sun is nowhere to be seen, allowing Merce to move about freely, night or day. Even darker than the clouds are the dreams he’s been having that are causing him to fall asleep at the most awkward times (even while he’s tattooing someone). As he struggles to decipher his dreams, someone from his past returns with plans for him—plans that will threaten his new way of life and turn him back into the cold-hearted killer he once was My Review: DayBlack is officially the best comic that I have read in 2016!! (so far!) From the illustrations, to the plot, to the diversity, this Comic bares it all. The author, Keef Cross is a tattoo artist, and he doesn't shy away from displaying his creative tats with the readers. They are stunning ! I really loved the fact that the main character is a POC. In short, an exquisite , weird, diverse, and intriguing read. I highly recommend reading this book . It contains some mature content, so it is not for everyone. About the Author: I make art, it's truly an escape. An escape from stereotypes and expectations put on "black art" and it's creators. It seems like most people are comfortable seeing black people portrayed walking to church, playing a jazz horn, braiding hair on the porch and things of that nature. There isn't anything wrong with that, but that's not all we are, and that's not all we do. Similar toblack cinema and radio, audiences have gotten used to and even anticipate these redundant one sided offerings of black life. Growing up being influenced by Ralph Bakshi, Vaugn Bode', Wendy Pini, and Robert Crumb to name a few, really shaped my visual aesthetic, and tone of my paintings, but even more so, my approach to creating my comic book, "DayBlack". I found that those underground comics of the 70's always had one foot in sexual raunchiness and drugs, and another foot in social commentary, a combination that fascinated me as a kid. Who knew that in those adult comics I hid from my mother, I would find my individual voice and style. I'm all about pushing progressiveimages and ideas about my people to the forefront whenever I get the chance. TV, radio, and film won't do it, but I feel like art is the last medium that has been corrupted the least, and with the help of other like minded artists who aren't afraid to challenge these notions of what black art is and can be , we can help change the way the world sees us, and the way we see ourselves, one gallery at a time.
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I'm thrilled to be taking part in Brenda Drake's Release Day Launch (hosted by Jen Halligan PR) for THIEF OF LIES (Library Jumpers #1)! Check out the book and excerpt below, and be sure to enter the amazing giveaways!
Thief of Lies (Library Jumpers #1) by Brenda DrakePublisher: Entangled Teen Publication Date: January 5, 2016
Gia Kearns would rather fight with boys than kiss them. That is, until Arik, a leather-clad hottie in the Boston Athenaeum suddenly disappears. While examining the book of world libraries he abandoned, Gia unwittingly speaks the key that sucks her and her friends into a photograph and transports them into a Paris library, where Arik and his Sentinels—magical knights charged with protecting humans from the creatures traveling across the gateway books—rescue them from a demonic hound. Jumping into some of the world’s most beautiful libraries would be a dream come true for Gia, if she weren’t busy resisting her heart or dodging an exiled wizard seeking revenge on both the Mystik and human worlds. Add a French flirt obsessed with Arik and a fling with a young wizard, and Gia must choose between her heart and her head, between Arik’s world and her own, before both are destroyed. Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Excerpt from THIEF OF LIESWe stepped into the Children’s Library and stopped in the center of the room. A massive light fixture designed to resemble the solar system dominated the ceiling. The hushed rumble of two male voices came from one of the reading nooks. I crossed the room, paused at the built-in aquarium, and inspected the fish. Afton halted beside me. “This is great,” I whispered, not wanting to disturb whoever was in there with us. “Fish and books. What’s not to love?” Spotting a sign referencing classic books, I searched the shelves for my all-time favorite novel. The male voices stopped and there was movement on the other side of the bookcase. I paused to listen, and when the voices started up again, I continued my hunt. Warmth rushed over me when I found The Secret Garden. With its aged green cover, it was the same edition I remembered reading as a young girl. The illustrations inside were beautiful, and I just had to show them to Afton. Coming around the corner of the case, a little too fast for being in a library, I bumped into a guy dressed in leather biker gear. My book and notebook fell and slapped against the floor. “Oh, I’m so sorry—” I lost all train of thought at the sight of him. He was gorgeous with tousled brown hair and dark eyes. Tall. He flashed me a crooked smile, a hint of dimples forming in his cheeks, before bending over and picking up my forgotten book. He held the book out to me. “Mistress Mary, quite contrary, how does your garden grow?” He’d quoted a verse from The Secret Garden with a sexy accent that tickled my ears. I stood there like an idiot, my heart pounding hard against my chest, unable to think of a response. The fact that he had read the book and could recite a line from it stunned me. And impressed me. Say something. Anything. “Good read there,” he said when it was obvious I wasn’t going to speak. He winked and nodded to a guy behind him before ambling off. When he reached the end of the row, he paused and glanced back at me, flashing me another killer smile, and then he disappeared around the bookcase. Tingles rose in my stomach. He looked back at me. The guy following his Royal Hotness gave me a final appraisal before departing. His stringy blond hair hung over his large forehead. It looked like he hadn’t washed it in weeks, and there was probably an acne breeding ground under it. He grinned, and I broke eye contact with him, making for the nearest window. Oh God, you’re so lame, Gia. You could have finished the quote or anything less tragic than not speaking at all. The response I would have said played in my head. With silver bells, and cockleshells, and marigolds all in a row. Why? Why hadn’t I said that? About the AuthorWebsite | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram
Brenda Drake grew up the youngest of three children, an Air Force brat, and the continual new kid at school. Her fondest memories growing up are of her eccentric, Irish grandmother’s animated tales, which gave her a strong love for storytelling. So it was only fitting that she would choose to write stories with a bend toward the fantastical. When she’s not writing or hanging out with her family, she haunts libraries, bookstores, and coffee shops, or reads someplace quiet and not at all exotic (much to her disappointment).
Giveaways!a Rafflecopter giveawayFollow Entangled Teen's THIEF OF LIES Blog Tour for more chances to win the prizes below!a Rafflecopter giveaway
Title: The YA Prophecy of Shadows ( Elementals #1)
Author: Michelle Madow Publisher: Self-Published Publication Date: January 26 , 2016 Genre: YA, Paranormal, Fantasy, Mythology Pre-order: Amazon | Barnes and Noble | iBooks
Blurb:
When Nicole Cassidy moves from sunny Georgia to gloomy New England, the last thing she expects is to learn that her homeroom is a cover for a secret coven of witches. Even more surprisingly … she’s apparently a witch herself. Despite doubts about her newfound abilities, Nicole is welcomed into this ancient circle of witches and is bedazzled by their powers—and, to her dismay, by Blake—the school’s notorious bad-boy. Girls who get close to Blake wind up hurt. His girlfriend Danielle will do anything to keep them away, even if she must resort to using dark magic. But the chemistry between Blake and Nicole is undeniable, and despite wanting to protect Nicole from Danielle’s wrath, he finds it impossible to keep his distance. When the Olympian Comet shoots through the sky for the first time in three thousand years, Nicole, Blake, Danielle, and two others in their homeroom are gifted with mysterious powers. But the comet has another effect—it opens the portal to the prison world that has contained the Titans for centuries. After an ancient monster escapes and attacks Nicole and Blake, it’s up to them and the others to follow the clues from a cryptic prophecy so that they can save their town … and possibly the world. Enter the giveaway:
About the author:
Michelle Madow grew up in Baltimore, graduated Rollins College in Orlando, and now lives in Boca Raton, Florida. She wrote her first book in her junior year of college, and has been writing novels since. Some of her favorite things are: reading, pizza, traveling, shopping, time travel, Broadway musicals, and spending time with friends and family. Michelle has toured across America to promote her books and to encourage high school students to embrace reading and writing. Someday, she hopes to travel the world for a year on a cruise ship. To chat with Michelle and other fans about her books, join Michelle Madow's Street Team on Facebook! Connect with Michelle: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads Title: Seriously Wicked ( The Seriously #1) Author: Tina Connolly Publisher: Tor Teen Publication Date: May 5th, 2015 Genre: YA, Fantasy, Paranormal Format: e ARC My Rating: 4/5 stars Blurb: The only thing worse than being a witch is living with one. Camellia’s adopted mother wants Cam to grow up to be just like her. Problem is, Mom’s a seriously wicked witch. Cam’s used to stopping the witch’s crazy schemes for world domination. But when the witch summons a demon, he gets loose—and into Devon, the cute new boy at school. Now Cam’s suddenly got bigger problems than passing Algebra. Her friends are getting zombiefied. Their dragon is tired of hiding in the RV garage. For being a shy boy-band boy, Devon is sure kissing a bunch of girls. And a phoenix hidden in the school is going to explode on the night of the Halloween Dance. To stop the demon before he destroys Devon’s soul, Cam might have to try a spell of her own. But if she’s willing to work spells like the witch...will that mean she’s wicked too? My Review: I received a review copy of Seriously Wicked from Teen Tor via Net Galley, in exchange with an honest review . You will be taken on a journey filled with magic and wicked Witches ; you will absolutely enjoy it . Tina's creativity is endless ! From her weird spell components , to the description of demons, this author will leave you amazed ! This is a story where the girl saves the day, and her crush ! #Finally My only problem was that the story seemed to be aimed for a more juvenile readers. In other words, it felt more like a MG , rather than a YA, with characters in their mid Teens . This is not such a negative thing at all ! I just was prepared fora more YAish feel. I did not realize that this is a part of the series until the end, which made me excited to read more of this series.I can't wait to see what Tina has to show us with her outstanding imagination. I give Seriously Wicked 4/5 stars.
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: 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: 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 ! Title: Catch Me When I Fall ( Dreamcatcher #1) Author: Vicki Leigh Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press Publication Date: October 23, 2014 Format: e ARC Genre: YA, Paranormal, Fantasy My rating: 3/5 stars ( C+) Blurb: Recruited at his death to be a Protector of the Night, seventeen-year-old Daniel Graham has spent two-hundred years fighting Nightmares and guarding humans from the clawed, red-eyed creatures that feed off people’s fears. Each night, he risks his eternal life, having given up his chance at an afterlife when he chose to become a Protector. That doesn’t stop a burnt-out Daniel from risking daring maneuvers during each battle. He’s become one of the best, but he wants nothing more than to stop. Then he’s given an assignment to watch over sixteen-year-old Kayla Bartlett, a clinically depressed patient in a psychiatric ward. Nightmares love a human with a tortured past. Yet, when they take a deep interest in her, appearing in unprecedented numbers, the job becomes more dangerous than any Daniel’s ever experienced. My Review: I received an e ARC copy of Catch me When I fall from Curiosity Quills Press via NetGalley in exchange with an honest Review . This book is a perfect read for The Mortal Instruments fans. You will be blown away with the world building and the fighting scenes. The concept of there are people who weave dreams and fight away nightmares got me all hooked up on the story. There were times were I got a bit confused. How could Kayla, who have gone through certain devastating events in the past have these frequent bursts of bravery and trust? I started the book with great interest, fell a bit uncertain if I am going to like or not, then ended up liking it again. Overall, I really recommend this to all of Cassandra Clare readers; you will love it. I personally can't wait for book 2 in this amazing series. I give it 3/5 stars and a C+ according to my own rating scale. |
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