Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Tell Me Something Tuesday #32


It is that time of week again! You guessed it -Tell Me Something Tuesday; a weekly meme hosted by the fabulous author of the Heven and Hell series, Cambria Hebert. If you would like to participate, visit her blog and grab next week's question and add your link. This week's question:

How do you feel about negative book reviews? Writing them and reading them… 

This is a very apropos subject for today given all that has been going on in social media in the last week or so. I am very new to the whole blogging thing; my blog just turned two months! I had no idea how much drama is associated that is attached to the blog scene. I have heard authors blacklisting bloggers because a review wasn’t written after a free review copy was sent; authors arguing with reviewers because they don’t like what was said, and I have to say I’m a little freaked out. I don’t like writing negative reviews for this very reason.

When I read the first book I did not like, I was really conflicted with what to do. Do I write the review at all or should I just tell the author I didn’t like it and forgo the review altogether? Then I worried what they would say if I did write the review? Would they be angry? And the drama went on in my head. I eventually wrote the review and tried to be as polite as possible while still giving my honest opinion. The author was very gracious about the review and that also made me feel that I did my job as a blogger.

However, not just last night I saw an author post a review on her Facebook page that she did not agree with – even though the reviewer gave her four stars. She then went on to ask her followers to review the review. To my relief, most people just said “to each their own” but, the fact remained that an extremely well written review was being scrutinized because it wasn’t a ‘glowing’ review. I thought that the review gave a fair assessment of what she read. She backed up all her opinions with reasoning and gave examples and never once blasted the author or the book.

That isn’t the first instance of bad author behavior I have seen either. On Amazon there are plenty of authors that have argued with reviewers in the comment section. Most of the authors that I have seen doing this have been Indie authors and a few of them do it so much they have lost readers. I’m not sure if it is just how things are evolving with the self-publishing world, but I have never seen a traditionally published author do the same - or at least not under their real name...

Negative reviews are a way of life. Not every person thinks the same or enjoys the same subjects, genres, or content. Some of my favorite books have been blasted by reviewers: Twilight, House of Night, and Harry Potter. Sometimes I even take offense at what people say about my beloved books, but I hold my tongue and know that they have a right to their opinion. But what I can’t stand is when people are downright rude and mean when they write a review. I think that a low rated book review can be written constructively and not to cut-down all the work the author put into his/her baby. Even if there is grammar or editing issues, someone took the time and effort to put their work out into the world and I respect that tremendously – I may not like it, but I will give it a fair shake. Beth Revis, author of the Across the Universe series wrote about the issue of negative reviews and how she deals with them. You can read her thoughts and insights here.

Now, I have to say that if I could not finish a book or get into it for any reason I will not write a review. I don’t think it is fair to review a book that I did not read. I will let the author know and tell them why I feel that way and thank them for their time, but I will not go on to Amazon and the like and review there. I don’t think it is fair to readers or authors. Readers want to see a review of the book, not half a book or less.

The Breakdown: When writing a review constructive criticism is the key, and know that not everyone will agree with what you have to say.

What do you have to say on this subject? 

Friday, July 27, 2012

Review: The Doorknob Society

The Doorknob Society
The Doorknob Society Saga #1
By M.J. Fletcher
Published: February 9, 2012
Available Formats: eBook ~290 pages

Synopsis: 
Chloe Masters’s world changed in a heartbeat - and all she did was touch a doorknob. When she was young Chloe’s mother vanished. Wracked by feelings of abandonment and anger she lost herself traveling with her father's magic act, where illusions were part of her everyday life. Yet everything changes when they are pursued by a mysterious man in black out to kill her father. Touching a doorknob activates abilities she never knew she had and she finds herself thrust into a world of ancient societies and secrets.
When her father disappears it is a race against time to find answers before she loses what is left of her family. Now Chloe must choose who to trust, the man who will do anything for her or the one she can’t stop thinking about.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, #4)

Cover:
The cover reveals tiny pieces of information. I love the glowing doorknob and the lion key hole. I like that we get to see a version of Chloe in her hoodies. What I really thought was great was the reference to only doorknobs and doors. The rest of what we read about is a surprise and I loved that!

My Thoughts:
The Doorknob Society has the makings to be a fantastic book. There are  hot boys, good friends, magic,  and a world very reminiscent to my beloved Harry Potter. It wasn't a copy of HP, don't worry, but there were similarities. Chloe is the daughter of a magician and they are for unknown reasons are detained in Paris. Chloe, being who she is, decides to get their passports back. While trying to not get caught in the act she turns a doorknob from one room and ends up back in her hotel room miles away from where she was just seconds ago. Great start to the book, I was instantly intrigued. What happened? Was it magic? I was hooked and had to keep reading.

Come to find out, Chloe is part of a secret society, one that she had no idea existed until now. Her father, the one person she could trust kept so much from her. She still doesn’t even know why her mother left. I was expecting more information to be given throughout the story, but it was never enough. I think that if a few extra chapters were added to give more backstory and flesh out the characters I would have felt more. As it was, the book is a whirlwind of battles, escapes, fights, and very little dialogue.

There are five distinct variations in the societies and each group can do very specific things. The Skeleton Key Guild, my favorite, can use keys to get anywhere and their keys are their power conduit – just like a wand would be. All five organizations are as follows: The Doorknob Society, The Honorable and Venerable Order of Detective Inspectors, The Impossible Engineers, The Mapmaker’s Union, and The Skeleton Key Guild. There were originally seven groups, but nothing is learned about them.

Chloe doesn’t know where she belongs and is undeclared so she must attend the super-secret school Paladin Academy where she will learn the in which society she belongs. Her father is from the DS and she could be too, but there are other factors that Chloe doesn’t know about and she is on a mission to find out everything she can, especially when her father goes missing. She and her friends band together to help figure out the mystery and find an artifact that some in the society are willing to kill for.

I really liked the fact that Chloe wasn’t perfect. She knew she was broken and made sure that those who wanted to be around her knew it. Very insightful for a teenager, but that is about the most depth we get. On the other hand, I didn’t get into her and Slade. I liked James so much more because the chemistry was there, not a sudden need to be attached but genuine interest – a spark. James also had a past, something readers could relate to and sympathize with. I also enjoyed reading about the crew they assembled. No one was quite sure of one another and there was some genuine dislike in the group, but they worked together.

All in all, the story was interesting and kept my attention. The biggest issue I had is with the general copyediting. The grammar was lacking, but the punctuation was atrocious. There were so many question marks at the end of sentences that were not needed. I had to go back and reread to make sure it wasn’t a question so much that it interrupted the flow. Run-on sentences were a problem too, but didn’t distract as badly as the question marks did. I also did not like that the story seemed rushed throughout the entire book. I didn’t feel like adequate information was provided to the readers for the basic “Why” and “How” and “What” questions. I still have questions now and will be reading the second book, The Impossible Engineers, to find the answers.

Favorite Quote: "I envied that surety, that ability to know your place in the universe."


★ ★ ★ ★ 

 
FTC Advisory: I was given a copy of this book from an ARR program from Goodreads for an honest review. No backroom deals or whispered promises were made.

Where to Buy:

Stalk the Author:

Book Trailer:


Wednesday, July 25, 2012

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Blood Forever


"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week's book that I am eagerly anticipating is...

Blood Forever
(Blood Coven #8)
by Mari Mancusi
Expected Publication Date: Septermber 4, 2012
Published by Penguin Group (USA) Incorporated 

After making a deal with the devil, Rayne and Sunny have been given the chance to go back in time—preventing that fateful night when Sunny was bitten by Magnus from ever happening. But Sunny finds she doesn’t want to live without Magnus by her side and Rayne secretly wishes that
vampire Jareth was back in her arms.


To reclaim their lives, Sunny and Rayne team up to figure out a way to change history for the better. But if the twins can’t get the boys on their side, history may spiral out of control—destroying not only the Blood Coven, but quite possibly the entire human race...

Finally a book that is releasing soon! I am a huge fan of the Blood Coven novels. I remember when there were only three books and no idea if anymore were going to be published. Yeah for the vampire phenomenon! I even have the first three books in the old covers - I love Rayne in her Goth cheerleading uniform! Sunny and Rayne remind me so much of my sister and myself. I am definitely the darker of the two and my sister is a blond surfer - go figure. 

What are you waiting on this week?

Stephanie Nelson's Anniversary Giveaway!!


 Breathe In BooKs is excited and honored to be sharing in the One Year Anniversary of Craved by Stephanie Nelson!!


From Stephanie:
July 25th marks one year since I published Craved – Book 1 in the Gwen Sparks Series. It’s been an amazing rollercoaster and has forever changed my life. I’ve met some fantastic people, learned a lot and most importantly, found something I want to do with the rest of my life—write.

The support of my readers, friends and family has been amazing to say the least. To show my appreciation, I’ve put together one heck of a giveaway. Because of you guys, Craved reached #1 on Amazon’s bestseller’s list and #5 on Barnes & Noble’s bestseller’s list. Thank you guys for making my first year of being publish something I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Check out what you could win below!


8 Signed Paperbacks


13 Ebooks



$100 Amazon Gift Card

$20 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
Plus swag (postcards, boomarks, magnets, mousepads from multiple authors!)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Tell Me Something Tuesday #31


It is that time of week again! You guessed it -Tell Me Something Tuesday; a weekly meme hosted by the fabulous author of the Heven and Hell series, Cambria Hebert. If you would like to participate, visit her blog and grab next week's question and add your link. This week's question:

Would you rather be go about your normal day naked or fall asleep for a year? 
Would you rather be gossiped about or never talked about at all? 
Would you rather be born with an elephant trunk or a giraffe neck?


Question 1: Naked or asleep for a year. Hmmm, I don't think either is ideal, but if I had to choose I would sleep. Then I could be like Sleeping Beauty and have my Prince Charming come and kiss me awake. And then I would live happily ever after -even with one year taken away, but sacrifices must be made for happiness! That would be awesome - all the cool princesses are doing it! On the other hand, if I was at home all day, I could do the naked thing. Maybe.

Question 2: I was fodder for gossip-mongers when I was in high school - as are most people in some form - and it was not fun. So with this question I would happily be a nobody and never spoken rather than being gossiped about. If I could ensure that all the gossip would be good gossip that would be great, but it never is. I guess it would also matter what was being said. There are always haters that are jealous, but there are also those people who are truly malicious in their comments and rumors and I want no part of that.
Question 3: Elephant trunk vs. Giraffe Neck? If you are a fan of America's Next Top Model then you know nothing is worse than the No Neck Monster! I would rather be extra tall, especially since I am so short already. Elephants are cute and all, but I have allergies; just think of all the nasal spray I would have to use!

Some silly questions this week! What would your answers be?

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Review: At First Touch

At First Touch
by Mattie Dunman
Publication Date: May 28, 2012
Formats Available: eBook ~182 pages

Synopsis:
Liz Hannigan has been on the run since she was twelve years old.
Her mother is dead. Her father has lost his job. And thanks to an experimental procedure, Liz is now able to ‘download’ the contents of every brain around her with a simple touch. Forced to hide from both the federal government and a darkling group of morally deficient scientists known as the Coalition determined to exploit her abilities, she moves with her father to the bucolic coal town of Pound, West Virginia.
But the hunt for Liz and her abilities hasn’t ended, and her hopes for peace are shattered when she inadvertently downloads the enigmatic Carey Drake, whose unusual good looks and charm conceal a secret as shocking as her own. Stunned by the knowledge that she has found someone else who has extraordinary abilities, Liz finds herself drawn to Carey, discovering a deep attraction, and dares to hope for the first time she might find love.
But when an agent of the Coalition begins stalking her, Liz must find a way to work with the government agency she most mistrusts as she strives to build a longed-for normal life and take down the agent who has tracked her down. Caught up in a struggle to save herself and those she loves, the girl who sees all is blind to true danger until it is too late.
At First Touch

Cover: The cover is very simple; two hands reaching towards one another. Nothing with a "wow" factor, but as you read the book, you will find out just how meaningful this simple gesture can be.

My Thoughts:
Liz Hannigan isn’t like other teenagers. She can “download” people; their past, present, and their every thought and desire. Once she touches them she has the ability to open their “file” at any time. She wasn’t always a human computer though. She was in a coma for a year after being in an accident that killed her mother. The doctors weren’t sure she would ever wake up, so they tried an experimental procedure on her; one that worked too well. Now she is on the run from the people that created the ability, a group called the Coalition, and the FBI.

Liz is a strong and smart girl who just wants a normal life, but knows that one might never be in store. The relationship with her dad isn’t quite normal, but that is what makes it more believable because their lives are not normal. They are constantly on the run and looking out for danger and neither one can make any meaningful connections; they only have each other.

Carey, the overall good-guy is exactly what you would expect from someone with a hero complex. I like his propensity towards truth and doing what is right. I also like that he has to learn and grow right along with Liz – in order to be in her life – that what is seeming “right” isn’t always as black and white as he thinks. Preston gave me the creeps from the beginning. I don’t like guys that are clingy from the get go. And he just was too much and has a few screws loose.

At First Touch really hits home from a teenager’s perspective. What girl doesn’t want friends, a boyfriend, to go to a dance? Plus, the fact that Liz is different – has to dress different – doesn’t make for an easy high school experience. So now that she has best friend V.J. – something she never thought she would have – she wants to hang on to the life she has built.

I loved this book. Mattie Dunman has created interesting characters, both good and bad, and kept the pace quick and exciting. The writing was witty, thought provoking and stimulating. I would recommend to anyone who likes Paranormal, Sci-Fi, and Action and Adventure. If you like Buffy and the Avengers, you will definitely love At First Touch! I cannot wait to see more from Ms. Dunman! 

Favorite Quote: "I had known the ugliest parts of people's minds for so long it was sometimes hard to remember that real kindness still existed."

★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 

FTC Advisory: I was given a copy of this book from the author for an honest review. No backroom deals or whispered promises were made.

Where to Buy:
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Friday, July 20, 2012

Cover Reveal: Hereafter + Giveaway!


Hereafter 
by Terri Bruce

Synopsis:
Why let a little thing like death get in the way of a good time?

Thirty-six year old Irene Dunphy didn't plan on dying any time soon, but that’s exactly what happens when she makes the mistake of getting behind the wheel after a night bar-hopping with friends. She finds herself stranded on Earth as a ghost, where the food has no taste, the alcohol doesn’t get you drunk, and the sex...well, let’s just say “don’t bother.” To make matters worse, the only person who can see her—courtesy of a book he found in his school library—is a fourteen-year-old boy genius obsessed with the afterlife.

This sounds suspiciously like hell to Irene, so she prepares to strike out for the Great Beyond. The only problem is that, while this side has exorcism, ghost repellents, and soul devouring demons, the other side has three-headed hell hounds, final judgment, and eternal torment. If only there was a third option…

Excerpt from Hereafter:
A boy appeared in her path. She veered around him and then skidded to a halt. Something about him made her stop. She turned around to look at him and realized he was staring at her, his face a mask of astonishment, his mouth hanging open.
“Hey kid, watch where you’re going!” she said, more surprised than annoyed.
He was maybe fourteen and nearly as tall as her, at that “beanpole” stage, as her grandmother had called it—the tall and scrawny look of one growing too fast. What little of his face visible under a curtain of straw-colored hair was pointed and sharp—cheekbones, chin, and nose. His hair, cut in an asymmetrical bob that left it longer in the front than the back, was parted on the side and hung in his face, concealing his left eye. Somehow, the way one washed-out hazel eye was visible and the other hidden reminded her of Pete, the dog from the Little Rascals.
She realized he hadn’t moved a muscle and was still staring at her gape-mouthed.
“Did you hear me?” she asked.
He gave a little shake of his head, as if he was doing a double take. The motion caused the curtain of hair hanging over his eyes to sway. “Yeeesss,” he said in a slow, cautious, drawn-out way.
“Why are you staring at me?”
“Well, it’s just, because…you know. You’re…” He trailed off.
Irene narrowed her eyes. “I’m what?”
The boy turned beet red and took a step back, giving a hard gulp that made Irene fear he had swallowed his tongue. “Well…dead,” he stuttered.



About the Author:

Terri Bruce has been making up adventure stories for as long as she can remember and won her first writing award when she was twelve. Like Anne Shirley, she prefers to make people cry rather than laugh, but is happy if she can do either. She produces fantasy and adventure stories from a haunted house in New England where she lives with her husband and three cats.





Contact Details:
Email: tbruce@terribruce.net
Website/Blog: www.terribruce.net
Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/user/show/8244272-terri-bruce
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Terri-Bruce-Fan-Page/325830544139030
Twitter: @_TerriBruce

**********Giveaway**********
Giveaway $10 Amazon gift card and 2 swag packs (3giveaways total)

 













a Rafflecopter giveaway



Wednesday, July 18, 2012

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Timekeeper


"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week's book that I am eagerly anticipating is...


Timekeeper
(Timeless #2)
by Alexandra Monir
Expected Publication Date: January 8, 2013
Published by Delacorte Books

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, #4)


When Philip Walker appears as a new student in Michele Windsor's high school class, she is floored. He is the love she thought she lost forever when they said goodbye during her time travels last century. Overjoyed that they can resume the relationship they had a lifetime ago, Michele eagerly approaches him and discovers the unthinkable: he doesn't remember her. In fact, he doesn't seem to remember anything about the Philip Walker of 1910.

Michele then finds her father's journals, which tell stories of his time-traveling past. As she digs deeper, she learns about his entanglement with a mysterious and powerful organization called the Time Society and his dealings with a vengeful Windsor ancestor. Michele soon finds herself at the center of a rift over 120 years in the making, one whose resolution will have life-or-death consequences.

Alexandra Monir's Timekeeper combines breathtaking romance with a tale of complex magic in a sequel that will have every reader believing in the transcendent power of love.


I picked up the first book Timeless at the library on a whim and I am so glad I did! Time travel, mystery, romance and beautiful music galore! The author also recorded the songs from the first book that she wrote and composed herself. I can't wait to see what happens next to Michelle and Philip. I only hope that if there is to be a third book it does not take as long as it did for number two to come out!


What are you waiting on this week? 

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Tell Me Something Tuesday #30


It is that time of week again! You guessed it -Tell Me Something Tuesday; a weekly meme hosted by the fabulous author of the Heven and Hell series, Cambria Hebert. If you would like to participate, visit her blog and grab next week's question and add your link. This week's question:

What do you think of the whole Indie vs. Traditional Publishing? Do you as a reader (and blogger!) look at the publisher name before you choose to buy or read a book?

First, what is Indie publishing? Is it anything that hasn't been published by the "big six"? Is it Self published? When I think of Indie books, I think of anything that is not carried in Barnes and Noble. So, for this post, that includes smaller publishing houses and Self published books. Until last year when I got my Nook, I was in the dark when it came to Indie publishing. I knew that there were some people that printed their own books, but I had no idea how big it had become. I was like a kid in a candy store when I got on the computer and found so many books and a lot of them for free!

It wasn't until I started to read the books that I had bought that I realized that they weren't quite what I expected. Some of them had great stories and had potential to become something great - just not as they were. My grammar is not perfect, but if I were to put something out to publish and expect payment for I would make sure it was perfect. This is not so for many Indie authors - namely the Self published ones. So now I mostly look at the editor's name. I know of some great editors and if I see their names I know the book is safe to buy.

Traditional publishing is not perfect either. I had a very popular book that I have marked up with tons of grammar and continuity errors. In one scene the girl's hair is black and the next it is auburn. Um, what? I have a first edition so I have no idea if it was fixed in later printings, but it goes to show that no one above human error. However, there is a general standard that Traditional publishers use for both editing and plot so their isn't much in the way of deviation. But authors have to relinquish control to the publisher to get the "marketable" titles on the shelves.

As a blogger I look at publishers more to promote the books I review rather than to judge if I want to read it or not. I work with a few small publishing houses reviewing books and have found that even though their budgets are not as big for marketing, their books are equally matched. I have even found some really great Self published books. I think there are great stories to be told and not everyone will get the chance to tell them if they wait for a Traditional publisher.

The Breakdown: I will give any book a chance and quality is the most important thing to me, not by whom the book is published. 

What do you think? Does the publisher matter to you? 

Thursday, July 12, 2012

Cover Reveal: Traitor by Megan Curd

Traitor (Bridger #2) by Megan Curd

Cover Art by Mooney Designs
Traitor (Bridger, #2)
 Purchase on Amazon

Book description:
Ashlyn never believed in fairy tales until she was in one.

They say ignorance is bliss, but not when you're on a centuries old hit list...and there's a traitor in your midst.

Ashlyn must decide what's most important: trusting the allies she has, or siding with those she thought were enemies. Ashlyn knows old friends can turn on her, and unlikely allies may be the best chance she has to piece her family back together. No matter what her choice, she could lose someone she loves.

And when you don't know who to trust, believe one thing: You can never trust a faerie.


Megan Curd On
Website   Twitter   Facebook

Cover Reveal organized by AToMR Tours
A Tale of Many Reviews

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

"Waiting On" Wednesday: Crimson Frost


"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week's book that I am eagerly anticipating is...

Crimson Frost
(Mythos Academy #4)
by Jennifer Estep
Expected Publication Date: December 24, 2012
Published by Kensington
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Harry Potter, #4)

For a moment, a face flashed before my eyes — the most hideous face I’d ever seen. No matter how hard I tried to forget what had happened, I saw him everywhere I went. It was Loki — the evil god that I’d helped set free against my will.

I should have known that my first official date with Logan Quinn was destined to end in disaster. If we’d gotten into a swordfight, or been ambushed by Reapers, I’d have been more prepared. But getting arrested mid-sip at the local coffee hangout? I didn’t see that one coming. I’ve been accused of purposely helping the Reapers free Loki from his prison — and the person leading the charge against me is Linus Quinn, Logan’s dad. The worst part is that pretty much everyone at Mythos Academy thinks I’m guilty. If I’m going to get out of this mess alive, I’ll have to do it myself …


I just finished Dark Frost yesterday and I cannot wait to get my hands on Crimson Frost, the next book in the series! I love all the Mythos Academy books; they are exciting and dark and have all the teen angsty drama that I love. Throw in some mythical beings and magic powers and you have a fantastic combination. I have had to brush up on my myth history to remember who the gods/goddessess are and from what pantheon. Fun and educational! 

What book are you "waiting on" this week? Have you read the Mythos Academy novels?

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

Tell Me Something Tuesday #29


It is that time of week again! You guessed it -Tell Me Something Tuesday; a weekly meme hosted by the fabulous author of the Heven and Hell series, Cambria Hebert. If you would like to participate, visit her blog and grab next week's question and add your link. This week's question:

What do you think Ebooks should be priced at? How much is too much and what is fair?

They should all be free! Just kidding. Kinda. Overall, an Ebook should never be more than the Hardcover or Paperback formats. It takes more money to print the books so a digital book should be cheaper. For me it also depends on a few other things, but as a rule I will not pay more than $9.99 for any Ebook no matter what. I stalk Amazon and Barnes & Noble to see what Ebooks are on sale. In fact, just tonight I found a book that has been on my wish list for weeks marked down from $3.99 to $0.00!! Score!

Another thing that matters is whether the book is traditionally published or Indie. The most I have paid for an Indie book was $4.99 and that was for Feyland: The Dark Realm by Anthea Sharp. I think it was worth every penny and then some because not only was it an awesome story, but the editing was flawless. And there's the clincher: some Indie books are a disaster and I can't even finish the first chapter because I can't get past the grammar issues. However, unless you read all the reviews - if there are any - you never know what you are going to get, so I won't pay more than $0.99 for the first book in a series. If I like it I will buy the rest which are usually under $5.00 each.

As for traditionally published books in Ebook format, I am even more strict. There are only three books on my Nook and Kindle that I paid full price for and they are all from the same series and only because the series moved to hardcover. I will never pay full price for a new author's book unless I have read it first and love it; that is what the library is for. I love the Daily Deals on both B&N and Amazon because you can find some really popular books cheap! However, I like to have a real book in my hands whenever possible and if the Ebook is priced similarly to the print version I will buy the print. Other people, like my mom, buy all books via their eReaders. They don't care how much they are, but not all people have that luxury, certainly not myself. I give myself a 'book allowance' so I won't spend too much. So for people like me who are on a budget or only have a gift card, the price of a book matters.

The Breakdown: No more than $9.99 for any Ebook, though I am more comfortable around $4.99 or less.

**Please buy your books or get them from the library - do not download them illegally. Piracy is a big problem and if we want our favorite authors to keep writing we have to pay them!**

What to you think? How much are you willing to pay for an Ebook?  

Monday, July 9, 2012

The Grave Artist Tour: Giveaway & Author Guest Post

The Grave Artist
by Paula Lynn Johnson
ASIN : B007JZT5A0

Blurb
16-year-old Clare can't stop drawing the bizarre, winged skulls she calls "Sammies". Her psychiatrist assumes the compulsive drawings are just expressions of Clare's grief over her father abandoning her. But then Clare discovers that her Sammies are exact matches for the Death's Head on the grave of Samantha Forsythe, a teen who reportedly fell to her death over two centuries ago.
Before long, Clare's drawings morph into cryptic writings that urge her to uncover the truth behind Samantha's death. Together with Neil -- the friend she might be falling for -- Clare scours the local history for clues. She finds that, although Samantha was engaged to a wealthy landowner, there were whispered rumors of her involvement with a younger, biracial man.
Soon, Clare is haunted by disturbing dream images -- a mysterious eye, a broken chain -- that point to someone Samantha called her "Dearest". But who is Dearest? And why does Samantha need Clare to find him so badly?
Isolated and carrying hidden scars of her own, Clare fears her obsession with Samantha will threaten her sanity and safety. But it seems she has no choice in the matter . . .

The Grave Artist is a compelling paranormal murder mystery and a poignant story about loss and what it means thrive in a less-than-perfect reality.

Excerpt
The sale ends, and Gollum and I grab some late fast food. Afterwards, I head back home to a dark house. Lauren and Mom are asleep. I climb the stairs and go straight to bed, too tired to wash up. I’m out almost as soon as I hit the pillow.
And then, the strangest of dreams.

Flashes of naked limbs and scattered leaves.  A world painted brown and gray.
It’s a forest in winter, and I’m running through it.
Thick trees block my path.  Spiny branches tear at my clothes.   I’m crying – choking sobs that hardly let me catch my breath. But still, I run, my breath frosting the air.
I round a bend and stumble against a mound of moss-covered rocks. They’re stacked like a totem – a stone god with a blank face. I push against them, propelling myself forward.
I’m gasping, now.  Something thorny strafes my ankle.  A shrieking bird flies above.
And then I break through the woods, cross a narrow pathway, and stop short.
My toes curl tight over the edge of a precipice.  I rear forward, then back, regaining my balance.  A swooping in my stomach as I register the void below, a dark cavity. My pulse beats in my ears, behind my eyes.
Hoof beats. At first, I can’t distinguish them from my pounding heart. But then they grow louder, more deliberate.
 I turn and look. A rider approaches from the woods, on horseback. He has no face, just a vague smear of features. But I can make out the broad span of his shoulders, the width of his hands clutching the reigns.  I can sense his strength.
Panic floods me.
The rider draws closer and dismounts.  For a horrible moment, he stands frozen. Then he paces towards me, slow and menacing.
Terrified, I shuffle backwards, towards the edge. My lungs slow, filtering just enough air for me to remain conscious. Not nearly enough to scream.
The rider is upon me now.  The wind catches his cloak and unfurls it behind him in a deadly fantail.  I cower down, spinal cord humming, sensing the drop.  Above me, he’s become all darkness – a gathering storm cloud.
A terrible crack, like a bone snapping in two.  Then staggering pain in my head.
I’m hurtling through the void, spinning and spinning . . .

And then I’m awake, clawing at my throat with my fingernails.
It only lasts a few seconds, until I realize who and where I am. But when my hands calm, I feel something warm clotting on my skin. Dazed, I go to the bathroom and find angry scratches swelling around my neck, circling it like a choker.  With my finger, I wipe a bead of blood from my throat and stare at it, horrified.
Oh, my God, it wasn’t just a random dream.  The popping sound my skull made as it fractured.  That terrible, endless fall.  I know who I was, where I was.  And how it felt to die.
My body goes limp with fear.  I stumble forward and clutch the sink for balance.  And then the urge floods me, washing away all thoughts except one.
Draw, O coward.
I clean the one scratch, the bloody one, wincing at the soap’s sting. Then I return to my room.  In the dark, my neck throbs and gives off heat. I turn on my desk lamp and sit, rummaging for a pencil and sheet of paper. Then mechanically, I sketch an almond shape, not much bigger than my thumb. I shade in a dark center, flecked with light, with thick strokes around the rim.  It’s only as I’m adding a series of fine lines to the outer edge that I realize what I’ve drawn.
It’s an eye.  And the way it seems to stare right through me scares the living hell out of me.
Suddenly, all energy drains from me.  I’ve never felt heavier, more leaden.  I turn the sketch face-down, then tumble into bed, exhausted.
The next morning, I blink awake. Groggily, I take in the Kandinsky poster I’ve pinned to the far wall of my room, the abstract pattern on my comforter. It’s like there’s a wet towel jammed inside my skull.  As I lift my head from my pillow, I feel an ache in the crease of my neck.  I touch my fingertips to the spot and trace a rough line of torn skin. Now I remember.
I force myself out of bed.  My gut cinches up when I see the sheet of paper lying flat on my desk top.  My hand trembling, I pick it up by the corner and flip it over.
 The eye freezes me.  Its gaze is still penetrating, unnerving.  But plaintive, too, like it’s asking for help.  Asking me for help.
I stand there, stupefied, almost levitating with panic.  Get a grip, Clare.  Somehow you’ve got to deal with this.  Then I reach across my desk for my cell and dial Gollum.
It’s four rings before he picks up.  “Yeah?” he says, sleepily.  I glance down at my cell for the time: great, I woke the guy before eight.
“Gollum, it’s me.  Can you meet me at the diner this morning?”
A pause.  “I think so,” he says, more awake now.  “Why? What’s up?”
“I – I made another drawing last night, and I don’t know what to do.  I think you should see it in person.”
“So something’s messing with you again” he says, more a statement than a question.
“Not just something,” I say.  “Samantha.”

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Author Bio: Paula Lynn Johnson loves a good ghost story. She's a former English major and attorney living in central New Jersey with her husband, kids, cat, dog, and killer rabbit. She adores them all, even the killer rabbit. Paula also loves a good laugh! You can read her short, humorous pieces on sites like The Big Jewel and Errant Parent, or on her blog, Twaddle Like a Duck. When she's not writing, Paula sells antiques and art out of Lambertville, NJ. You can visit her online at Tiny's Lambertville.

***Guest Post by Paula Lynn Johnson***
Points of Inspiration: Portrait Miniatures

The Grave Artist is a paranormal thriller, with my protagonist seeming to channel an 18th-Century dead girl.  In researching the book, I came across a lot of portrait miniatures from the 1700s and early 1800s, and couldn’t help falling in love with them.  I was so captivated, I even included a pair of portrait miniatures as a plot point in the book.

Miniatures were tiny paintings on ivory, the antique version of the photos you keep in your wallet.  Some are painted rather crudely, giving the portrait a kind of naïve charm.  But some are breathtaking in their skill. 

As for the portrait subjects?  Well, there’s lots of dour old gentlemen, for sure.  But occasionally you come across a young man or woman who, even by modern standards, is unquestionably “hot”. 

Here’s a couple of my favorites.  They look very Pride and Prejudice, don’t they?




















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