Author: mel

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Talisman of El by Alecia Stone

WHAT IF YOUR WHOLE LIFE WAS A LIE?

One Planet. Two Worlds.

Population: Human … 7 billion.

Others … unknown.

When 14-year-old Charlie Blake wakes up sweating and gasping for air in the middle of the night, he knows it is happening again. This time he witnesses a brutal murder. He’s afraid to tell anyone. No one would believe him … because it was a dream. Just like the one he had four years ago – the day before his dad died.

Charlie doesn’t know why this is happening. He would give anything to have an ordinary life. The problem: he doesn’t belong in the world he knows as home.

He belongs with the others.

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***EXTRA GIVEAWAY – Visit the Giveaway Site to Win Talisman of El – EXTRA GIVEAWAY***

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 Gimme 10 – Mini-Interview

Please answer each question in 10 words or less – that’s what makes it tough but fun! 🙂

Where do you find your inspiration? From the voices inside my head. They won’t shut up.

What is your favourite aspect of Talisman Of El? Learning about the people of Arcadia.

Who is your favourite character from Talisman Of El and why? Charlie. He defines humanity in all its perfection and flaws.

What are you working on now? The sequel to Talisman Of El.

What do you love most about writing? Exploring new realities and stepping into someone else’s shoes.

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About the Author

Alecia Stone loves all things supernatural. The scarier the better. She started writing her debut novel, Talisman Of El, in 2008. Alecia’s young adult fantasy novel features a wonderful blend of magic, mythology, and adventure. She holds a degree in Film and TV from Brunel University in London. Alecia currently lives in England, UK with her family.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Amazon: http://amzn.to/ysZXcD

Barnes and Noble: http://bit.ly/vu3dTc

Book Depository: http://bit.ly/uX2cNZ

iBookstore: http://bit.ly/y3f356

Author website: http://www.aleciastone.com

Talisman Of El website: http://www.talismanofel.com

Goodreads Page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5227478.Alecia_Stone

Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/AleciaStoneFan

Twitter: twitter.com/Alecia_Stone

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Fall for You by Cecilia Gray

The last thing that the girls at the elite Jane Austen Academy need is hot guys to flirt with. Please. They need to stay focused on something that lasts much longer: an acceptance letter from an Ivy.

But over the summer the school has been sold, and like it or not, the guys are coming. And it’s about to turn the Academy—and the lives of its students—totally upside down… 

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To say Lizzie and Dante are polar opposites is the understatement of the century. He’s a snooty Exeter transfer with more money than Google. She’s a driven study-a-holic barely keeping up with tuition. It’s obvious that Dante thinks he’s way too good for Lizzie. And Lizzie knows Dante is a snob with a gift for pushing her buttons.

But things are changing fast this year at the Academy. And when Lizzie’s quest to stop those changes blows up in her face, taking her oldest friendship with it, she has nowhere else to turn but to Dante, with his killer blue eyes, his crazy-sexy smile, and his secrets… Secrets Lizzie can’t seem to leave alone, no matter how hard she tries…

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 Gimme 10 – Mini-Interview

Please answer each question in 10 words or less – that’s what makes it tough but fun! 🙂

Where do you find your inspiration? In my own teen angst – and Jane Austen!

What is your favourite aspect of FALL FOR YOU? The dynamics – fights and friendships – between the girls.

Who is your favourite character from FALL FOR YOU and why? Emma. She’s as fabulous as I wish I had been.

What are you working on now? The series trailer – the production team and actors are amazing!

What do you love about most about writing? Escape!

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About the Author: Cecilia Gray lives in Oakland where she reads, writes and breaks for food. She also pens her biographies in the third person. Like this. As if to trick you into thinking someone else wrote it because she is important. Alas, this is not the case.

Cecilia has been praised for “instilling a warmth and weight into her characters” (Romancing The Book Reviews) and her books have been praised for being “well-written, original, realistic and witty” (Quills & Zebras Reviews).

Several of her titles – including A Delightful Arrangement (The Gentlemen Next Door #1) and An Illicit Engagement (The Gentlemen Next Door #2) – have spent, in her view, a shocking amount of time on bestseller lists for romance, historical romance and regency romance in the US, UK, Italy and Spain.

She’s rather enamored of being contacted by readers and hopes you’ll oblige.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

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After Eden by Katherine Pine

Devi knows she shouldn’t trust the new employee at her favorite used bookstore. Sure, he’s funny, smart and hands down the sexiest guy she’s ever met, but something dark lurks behind his unassuming smile and sinful green eyes.

Still, a girl can’t always afford to be picky. When an angel abducts your twin brother it should come as no surprise that the one person who can help you get him back is a demon–and only if you’re willing to pay his price.

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 Gimme 10 – Mini-Interview

Please answer each question in 10 words or less – that’s what makes it tough but fun! 🙂

Where do you find your inspiration? Caffeine.

What is your favourite aspect of AFTER EDEN? The mythology. The pancakes. The gender-bending.

Who is your favourite character from AFTER EDEN and why? Princess. She’s a cat and I’m a crazy cat lady.

What are you working on now? Fallen Angels #3 and a secret project!

What do you love about most about writing? The moment I finish a book

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As a special bonus to our event here is a FREE download coupon for AFTER EDEN from Smashwords:

Promotional price: $0.00
Coupon Code: PM33A
Expires: May 23, 2012

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About the Author: Katherine Pine is addicted to shoujo manga and black tea. Though she’s only in her mid-twenties, she lives in a retirement community in the Pacific Northwest. (Alright, so maybe it isn’t officially a retirement community, but the age of the average person is about 62. As a result Katherine has grown accustomed to epic bingo battles and losing terribly at Bridge.) When she’s not writing she knits, tries to convince slugs that her compost pile is much tastier than her vegetable garden, and gets bossed around by her cats.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Website: http://katherinepine.com

Twitter: @KatherinePine

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/KatherinePineAuthor

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B004WX1BNG

Amazon US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004WX1BNG

Amazon DE: https://www.amazon.de/dp/B004WX1BNG

Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/tOvGy8

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54896


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The Fall by David L Dawson

In a post apocalyptic world ravaged by the gods Ben Casper lives in a crumbling shopping mall called The Glass Palace with his family. He’s just come back from a rites of passage into the brutal outside world that officially makes him an adult. Now he must get married and be trained to take over from his father as Mayor. Except he sees things differently now; he falls in love and makes a friend in a member of the Felum, a vicious human/cat hybrid tribe. He doesn’t want responsibility. Only he might have it thrust upon him when he becomes embroiled in a conspiracy to kill the gods; a plot that could lead everyone he loves into mortal danger…

This is the first volume of The God Slayers Trilogy.

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 Gimme 10 – Mini-Interview

Please answer each question in 10 words or less – that’s what makes it tough but fun! 🙂

Where do you find your inspiration? Crazy dreams – your subconscious knows best

What is your favourite aspect of The Fall? The crumbling mall where the main character lives

Who is your favourite character from The Fall and why? Ben – he’s like me but braver.

What are you working on now? The Fall’s sequel and a dystopian vampire novel.

What do you love about most about writing? The freedom to do anything and go anywhere.

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About the Author: My name is David L Dawson.  I’m 32 and I come from Sheffield, England.  I’ve been a writer for most of my life and will continue to do so until the end.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

http://www.amazon.com/Fall-Gods-Slayers-Trilogy-ebook/dp/B00734OB42/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333150104&sr=8-1

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Mark of the Princess by B.C. Morin

The feisty and determined faerie Princess Alannah is many things, but she never thought she would be the key to her people’s destruction.

Kidnapped for a power she does not yet possess, Alannah finds herself in the clutches of the most malevolent sorcerer of her time. Maligo. Alannah escapes her prison with help from the handsome and stalwart warrior faerie, Brennus. Now she must cross mountains and forests fraught with rogue faeries, vicious Fae-hating trolls, dangerous shape-shifters, and more to reach the only ones that can help her control her incoming powers. The Elder Faeries.

With Brennus by her side, Alannah is determined to reach the Elder Faeries and save her people. Maligo is just as determined she never makes it that far.

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 Gimme 10 – Mini-Interview

Please answer each question in 10 words or less – that’s what makes it tough but fun!

Where do you find your inspiration? Anywhere and everywhere but I get really inspired with music. 

What is your favourite aspect of Mark of the Princess? It talks story but doesn’t give it away.

Who is your favourite character from Mark of the Princess and why? Brennus. He is very complicated.

What are you working on now? Book 2 of The Kingdom Chronicles. 

What do you love about most about writing? The smiles it puts on faces when they read it. 

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About the Author: B.C. Morin is a long time avid reader and writer. She began by writing poetry while in middle school and progressed to short stories in High School. Mark of the Princess is her debut novel.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

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Just Finished…Shadowland

Shadowland is a well-written, action-packed adventure story, set during the period of unrest in Britain that gave rise to the legends of King Arthur. Although I’d not read any fiction from this setting previously, it is happily familiar from film and history lessons; the writing style is very absorbing and you quickly find yourself wrapped up in the story.

At the heart of Shadowland is a buddy/road-trip tale of two young friends, who travel far from their homes and previous lives after their village is attacked and their families massacred. The relationship between them is really nicely drawn: dialogue is modern and accessible enough to read easily, whilst not detracting from the historical setting of the book. Action scenes are exciting, well-written and have some good comedic points for realism. The mystery surrounding the vicious attack on their village draws the story onwards throughout the novel.

Overall Shadowland is an accessible, entertaining and absorbing read, with great character relationships in an interesting setting. It works well as a YA because of the youthful protagonists, but I also think will appeal to a wider audience as well. 4* from Aside from Writing. 

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Book Synopsis: Shadowland is a story of Arthurian legend, however, rather than another story of Arthur and his knights, it tells the story of the years prior to Arthur’s birth.

An old storyteller entertains his listeners with a tale he claims is from his youth, a time when the Romans are leaving Britain and the Saxons are invading.

It is a dark and dangerous time for the tribes of Britain. Two boys, driven from their village join the efforts of their people to unite the tribes and drive the invaders from their shores.

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EVENT EXTRA*** 50% Discount this week for Shadowland at Smashwords: enter the code GN72D 

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Want to buy the book? 

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A review of Zed by Stephen Herfst to compliment today’s feature

mel's avatarMel Cusick-Jones

I first came across this book when the author came on board for the Indie Author Month on Aside From Writing and I loved the cover 🙂 It fits perfectly with the book / blurb and really made me want to read it. And so I have…

The Blurb

The story revolves around a teenage girl’s promise to save Zed from the human hordes.

Zed is not your typical zombie. He is cursed with the affliction of thought … although he tries to make the best of a bad situation. The goals for his unrest are simple: to improve his stride, to taste a lightly-seared pork loin once again and avoid Activists at all costs.

His life was predictable, controlled and good until chaos crashed the party. In just one day his world is destroyed and his ability to survive is tested. Would he be able to get through this…

View original post 495 more words

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The Cimaruta by Lady Ellen

Persephane Pendrake Chronicles – Book One: The Cimaruta

After an incident at school incenses her to the point of allowing one of her little ‘abilities’ to slip out and be observed, Persephane’s life becomes a cascade of weird events. A fairy pleads for her help and a large bear tells her that her destiny is about to start unfolding, beginning with her first experience with the Time-Linx!

It’s after this that she and her familiar Benson (a VERY cheeky dragonfly) meet Thaddeus, a wizard and his sidekick P-C (a ‘not so brave’ dragon). These four get the shock of their lives, when it’s revealed that their actual destiny together includes a dark, dangerous and on the surface – nearly impossible task.

They must stop the cold and evil Melanthios from collecting nine magical objects and becoming the “All Powerful One” which would allow her and her demonic minions to rule our planet in darkness and Black Magic.

Remember…you could win a copy of The Cimaruta in the event giveaway, so make sure you’ve entered to win! Follow us on Facebook / Twitter and get vocal on the Indie Author Event comments to earn yourself additional entry points 🙂 

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 Gimme 10 – Mini-Interview

Please answer each question in 10 words or less – that’s what makes it tough but fun! 🙂

Where do you find your inspiration? Reading myths and legends give me ‘seeds’ to work with.

What is your favourite aspect of The Persephane Pendrake Chronicles? They are limitless, occurring in a host of magical realms.

Who is your favourite character from The Persephane Pendrake Chronicles and why? Benson, definitely. He’s irreverent and reflects my personality the most.

What are you working on now? Book Two – The Cauldron of Ceridwen

What do you love about most about writing? The world is mine to develop and evolve – it flows…

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About the Author

It says on the back of the first book of The Persephane Pendrake Chronicles: “About Lady Ellen – Weaving and scribing of the eight remaining tomes continues in Lady Ellen’s remote witch’s hut…on her tiny piece of Ontario’s Cambrian Shield” …and indeed that’s where the series began. After more than three decades as an alternative health care practitioner, I finally managed to start devoting some serious time to my secret love–fantasy fiction. I’ve always loved fantasy, magic and mythical kingdoms.  We home-schooled our kids and lived on a 100 acre farm..which had about twenty-five acres in forest. We’d make up stories and adventures..lots of fairies, witches, wizards, etc. Now, all these years later, I’ve started on my nine-book, three trilogy magical series…The Persephane Pendrake Chronicles and have just re-published the first book “The Persephane Pendrake Chronicles-One-The Cimaruta.

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Website: http://www.lady-ellen.com

Blog: http://ladyellen9.blogspot.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/PersephanePendrake/8956033698

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/LadyEllen

Ordering: http://www.lady-ellen.com/order.html

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Hope’s Daughter by Mel Cusick-Jones

Life should be simple for Cassie.

For the small population of Earth survivors who live on the Space Station Hope everything they do is planned and scheduled, down to the cyclical food menus, their roles in the station, even how many children they have.

Despite rigid controls directing her life, Cassie feels more out of synch than ever and worries she won’t find a place for herself within the station community. Perhaps that’s because she’s hearing things inside her head that can’t possibly be real. Or maybe it’s the regular elopements of her peers, heading off to a romantic future in the Married Quarter of the space station, whilst she’s never even been attracted to a boy – no matter how hard her best friend Ami pushes them at her. Then there are the odd questions her work placement partner Balik keeps raising. His questions are just as troubling for her as his distracting smiles and eyes that seem to see inside her.

As Cassie draws closer to Balik she finds that everything else in her life begins to shift. He tells her things that call into question the system they live within. She can’t believe he is right, but at the same time she finds it hard to deny the sincerity of his ideas. Could there be a connection between Cassie’s problems and Balik’s questions? The truth will drag them both to a terrifying and deadly conclusion beyond anything they could have imagined.

Remember…you could win a copy of Hope’s Daughter in the main event giveaway, so make sure you’ve entered to win! Follow us on Facebook / Twitter and get vocal on the Indie Author Event comments to earn yourself additional entry points 🙂 

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***EXTRA GIVEAWAY – Visit the Giveaway Site to Win Hope’s Daughter – EXTRA GIVEAWAY***5  copies to be won***EXTRA GIVEAWAY***

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 Gimme 10 – Mini-Interview

Please answer each question in 10 words or less – that’s what makes it tough but fun! 🙂

Where do you find your inspiration? All types of people, books, life, films, family and love.

What is your favourite aspect of Hope’s Daughter? The complimentary relationship between Cassie and Balik – love conquers all…

Who is your favourite character from Hope’s Daughter and why? Cassie, because it is her story, her world, her life.

What are you working on now? Rainbow Maker’s Tale, which is Balik’s story and Outlanders.

What do you love about most about writing? Solving character’s problems – the freedom to go wherever you want

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About the Author

After graduating from The University of Sheffield with an English Literature Masters in 2003, Melanie has been writing fiction – time permitting – ever since.

The Ambrosia Sequence (started in 2008) and The Elementals (begun in 2004) are both ongoing, extended projects each containing several novels, aimed primarily at young adults and hover somewhere in the middle of sci-fi, futuristic and fantasy genres. Hope’s Daughter, released in December 2011, is her debut novel and the first of The Ambrosia Sequence, with the sequel – Outlanders – due in 2012.

When she’s not writing Melanie enjoys the wet weather of the north of England with her dogs or disappearing into a book for a few hours (no surprise there then). Unfortunately, all too often the ‘day job’ gets in the way of the nicer things in life!

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Want to know more? Check out the links!

Find the author:

Website – http://cusick-jones.com

Blog – http://melcj.wordpress.com and Aside from Writing!

Facebook – Hope’s Daughter and Mel Cusick-Jones

Twitter @melabupa

 

Buy the book:

You Tube Book Trailer: http://youtu.be/kLuf6DKg8I8

Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Apple iBooks   Barnes and Noble

Also available at: Kobo, Sony Reader, Copia, Ebook Pie, Baker & Taylor

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Just Finished…Shades of Grey by Michael Cargill

To accompany today’s feature on author Michael Cargill, here’s our review of his fantastic short story collection Shades of Grey – make sure you’re entered in the massive event giveaway for your chance to win this and over thirty other books by our featured authors!

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I’ve not read a short story collection for a long while so, as it turns out Shades of Grey, was a perfect choice – because it is fantastic!

I read quite a lot and I have to say that it has been a long time since I found myself so ‘transported’ by a book – to the point that the descriptions and world built in the story feel so alive and real that I feel I could turn my head and actually see what the character is looking at – but that was a regular sensation when I was reading this.

So…what about the stories themselves?

Shades of Grey – Thrust into the tortured mind of an intelligence officer undergoing interrogation the story propels you through this flawed character’s disturbing life and memories in a interesting stream of consciousness style. I liked the erratic jumps through time, which felt right for the character and situation he’s in. The frequent f*%$ language also fitted with the situation. It’s a bit of a roller-coaster ride and reminded me a little of books I’ve read in this genre (Ian Flemming, Robert Ludlum). What is done particularly well is the dissection of the main character’s mind – it felt very realistic and vivid.

There and Back Again – Where Shades of Grey takes you deep inside someone’s mind, There and Back Again takes you into the world of war. Although you again get inside the minds of the main characters, for me it was the landscape and horrors of being a normal human being walking through a world torn apart by war that stood out. The difficulties of trying to get your mind to reconcile the brutality of what you see and do with your rational mind are nicely drawn out and explored in this short story.

Down the Rabbit Hole – I actually think this was my favourite of the three stories – there’s a slightly King-ish vibe to the story: the uneasiness of normal life being pushed slightly out of kilter – and I loved Tom! The depiction of a child’s acceptance of the unusual, the painful and interesting was perfectly delivered and I really wanted to step into this story – aside from the fact it creeped me out! – and put my arm around Tom to keep him safe.

My Overall Thoughts: The writing style is great – I liked the immediacy, the vivid reality created in the minds of the characters we meet in these short stories. Each is quite different in the content of the story and the perspective it’s written from, but at the same time there is a clear voice of the author.

One of the things Michael Cargill does very well is crawl into the ‘heads’ of the characters, places and objects he depicts: whether it’s the convoluted inner workings of a tortured, disturbed intelligence officer; the war-torn landscape of WWII France; or the playtime friend of a lonely little boy; his ability to bring the various aspects of a story to life was spot-on for me and I would heartily recommend this collection to people who like a rollicking good read – you’ll race through the stories and enjoy every minute.

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This review was originally posted at Mel Cusick-Jones’ author blog on 26th April 2012.