Review: Sea of Stars (Kricket #2) by Amy A. Bartol

20977124Author: Amy A. Bartol
Publisher: 47North
Publication Date: March 31st 2015 
Source: ebook (given by Netgalley)
Rate:



Summary:

Eighteen-year-old Kricket Hollowell was looking for her place in the world when she discovered that the universe was bigger—and more dangerous—than she had ever dreamed. Now, whisked across space to the planet Ethar, Kricket learns that her genetic ability to see the future makes her a sought-after commodity…and the catalyst for war between her star-crossed parents’ clans. According to Alameedan prophecy, one house will rise to power and the other will be completely wiped out, and Kricket’s precognition is believed to be the weapon that will tip the scales.
A target of both the Rafe and the Alameeda houses, Kricket finds protection—and a home—in the arms of Trey, her Etharian bodyguard-turned-boyfriend. But her visions of what’s to come disturb her deeply, especially since she must discover whether the gift of foresight will allow her to rewrite the future, or if her fate is as immovable as the stars... - Goodreads

10 Beautiful Book Covers That Will Have You Running To The Bookstore

One of the things that get me, as a reader, are book covers. They are the representation of the story and sometimes they tell you what you're getting with the book. As the main visual aspect of the book they have the ability to slay you and make you want to buy the book or turn your head and move on.
I'm not tell you to judge a book by it's cover but when you're in a place with many books you end up feeling more attracted to the ones with the most beautiful covers.
I have compiled a list of ten book covers that I find beautiful and they're not in any particular order. Enjoy!

1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (Illustrated by Hugh Thomson)
This peacock feathery style has much to do with Jane Eyre. I can't tell if the designs are gold or white but they're surely beautiful! 

2. The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon
I don't know anything about this book but this cover intrigues me and makes me want to check it out! The starry night sky with a lonely path seem pretty common, even tough they are exquisite, but what really strikes me is the lonely baby crib. Why is it there? What does it mean?

3. Until I Die by Amy Plum
I love this cover! The main character strolling through a the streets of Paris in what seems to be a division of night and day. If you have read the book then you know what simbolism might be behind this amazing cover but if you haven't then I advise you to read this series, the first book is called "Die For Me" (for my review click here).

4. Cruel Beauty by Rosamund Hodge
This cover strikes me as being kind of a puzzle. The mix between the rose petals and the descending stairs is quite exquisit and beautiful, if you really think about it, and the little detail of a girl running down the stairs intrigues me!

5. Across The Universe by Beth Revis
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This is one of the most beautiful covers I've ever seen! The galaxy and two lovers, I don't know what this book is about but I think it's going to be awesome! (currently on my TBR for two years)

6. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
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In this cover is not only the art that I find fascinating but also the title. Obsviously I think that this book talks about a circus, but what kind of circus and how is it like? With this amazing cover art, if I had the money I would buy it immediatly!

7. The American Heiress by Daisy Goodwin
The American Heiress
The classic ambiance that surrounds the girl that, to me, looks like a bride is awesome. This window actually remminds me of a window I saw at the Palace of Versailles ( France). Maybe they're related? Maybe the girl is going to marry someone?

8. The Bird With The Broken Wing by D. L. Richardson
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This is one of the covers I find beautiful but I don't know why, it simply appeals to me. Maybe it helps that it has a wintery feel to it.

9. Ten Thousand Skies Above You by Claudia Gray
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Do I really need to say what's amazing about this book cover? The multiple settings, the different colors, the minuntious detail and the great quality of the artwork on this cover. Here you have it!

10. Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
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Watercolors and a wing thar has incorporated castle towers?! Sign me up for it!

Did you find any of these covers beautiful?

Here you have one spooky quizz in honor of Halloween!

Review: A Thousand Nights by E. K. Johnston



Author: E. K. Johnston
21524446Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Publication Date: October 6th 2015
Source: ebook (given by Netgalley)
Rate:




Summary:

Lo-Melkhiin killed three hundred girls before he came to her village, looking for a wife. When she sees the dust cloud on the horizon, she knows he has arrived. She knows he will want the loveliest girl: her sister. She vows she will not let her be next.
And so she is taken in her sister's place, and she believes death will soon follow. Lo-Melkhiin's court is a dangerous palace filled with pretty things: intricate statues with wretched eyes, exquisite threads to weave the most beautiful garments. She sees everything as if for the last time. But the first sun rises and sets, and she is not dead. Night after night, Lo-Melkhiin comes to her and listens to the stories she tells, and day after day she is awoken by the sunrise. Exploring the palace, she begins to unlock years of fear that have tormented and silenced a kingdom. Lo-Melkhiin was not always a cruel ruler. Something went wrong.
Far away, in their village, her sister is mourning. Through her pain, she calls upon the desert winds, conjuring a subtle unseen magic, and something besides death stirs the air.
Back at the palace, the words she speaks to Lo-Melkhiin every night are given a strange life of their own. Little things, at first: a dress from home, a vision of her sister. With each tale she spins, her power grows. Soon she dreams of bigger, more terrible magic: power enough to save a king, if she can put an end to the rule of a monster.

Review: Esther by Rebecca Kanner


Author: Rebecca Kanner
Publisher: Howard Books
Publication Date: 3rd November 2015
Source: ebook (given by Netgalley)
Rate:



Summary:
From the award-winning author of Sinners and the Sea comes a breathtaking new look into the timeless tale of Queen Esther.
A glittering Persian king has a vast empire that reaches farther than where the sun meets the horizon. He is bathed in riches and commands a frightening military force. He possesses power beyond any other mortal man and rules his kingdom as a god. Anything he desires, he has. Any woman he wants, he possesses. Thousands of them. Young virgins from all across his many lands.
A Jewish girl is ripped from her hut by the king’s brutish warriors and forced to march across blistering, scorched earth to the capitol city. Trapped for months in the splendid cage of the king’s palace, she must avoid the ire of the king’s concubines and eunuchs all while preparing for her one night with the king. Soon the fated night arrives, and she does everything in her power to captivate the king and become his queen.
But wearing the crown brings with it a new set of dangers. When a ruthless man plies the king’s ear with whispers of genocide, it is up to the young queen to prevent the extermination of the Jews. She must find the strength within to violate the king’s law, risk her life, and save her people.
This is a story of finding hidden depths of courage within one’s self. Of risking it all to stand up for what is right.
This is the story of Queen Esther. (from Netgalley)

Shadowhunters (TV Series) | Take a first look ate the series!

Hi guys! I know this post isn't exactly book related but since it's a long awaited book to tv adaptation I decided to post this anyways.
So, as you may already know, Cassandra Clare's "The Mortal Instruments" series is being adapted to a TV series that's coming out in 2016.
If you are a shadowhunter in your heart then you'll cerntainly want to check out the videos bellow!
Enjoy!



10 Reading Nooks That Will Make You Swoon

Do you ever feel like you need a little corner just for you and your books? Here are some amazing reading nooks that I've found across the interweb and they are utterly amazing!
Inspire yourself to create your own little corner where you can just burie yourself in books and no one botters you!

1. Rainbow Shelves and Sofas
Source: http://reading-nooks.tumblr.com/

2. Antique and Fluffy Corner With Floating Shelves
Source: http://reading-nooks.tumblr.com/

3. Tent, Sofas and Bookshelves
sofa reading nook
Source:http://bookriot.com/2013/11/13/10-terrific-reading-nooks/

4. Little Rustic Corner 
Source: http://rifflebooks.tumblr.com/
5. White and Clean
Source: http://booksandimagination-blog.tumblr.com/

6. Attic Vibes
Source: http://weird-bacterial-infection.tumblr.com/post/130808500112

7. Classic Library with Awesome Stained Glass Windows and Woody Walls
Source: http://dyingofcute.tumblr.com/

8. Why have a closet when you can have a bookshelf with and incorporated seat?
Source: http://sellthezoo.tumblr.com/post/3701663409/via-sellthezoo

9. Parisian Balcony Style a.k.a. Reading with  a view
Source: http://housingpornography.tumblr.com/post/62354269837

10. Confy Little Nook on the Floor
Source: http://stars-and-candlelight.tumblr.com/post/112991422746
I hope you liked all the little nooks I found and that you were inspired by them!

Book Blitz | Teaser: Deadly Secrets (The Secret Societies Collection, #2) by Kat Nichols


Author: Kat Nichols
Publication date: August 18th 2015
Genres: Paranormal, Young Adult

Synopsis:
Sophia Morganthal is in over her head. Her struggles with trying to run a corporation and lead her coven cause havoc in Sophia’s personal life — mostly with her boyfriend, Connor.
Amidst the chaos, a neighboring coven is attacked, pushing Sophia to assume her place on the local council. On the brink of a supernatural war, Sophia must take action as some of the coven leaders seem to have their own agenda.
Running out of options, Sophia seeks help from the last group the council wants to involve. Will the risk be worth the reward or will she lose everything she fought so hard to attain?

The Author:
Kat Nichols was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago. The youngest of four children, she'd been known to play for hours with only a cardboard box for entertainment. Her imaginary friends had friends... and family... and even little cities to play in. As she grew older, she began to put some of these stories down on paper, rather than keeping them in her head.
Writing a novel had always been a dream for her, perhaps an item on her bucket list, but it wasn't until she joined a writing group with other aspiring writers that she finally got to work.When not writing, Kat is reading or driving her son to and from practices and wishing she was reading.It depends on the day.
Kat still lives in the suburbs of Chicago with her wonderful husband, their hilarious son and their sometimes adorable and sometimes annoying cat.
To learn more about the author, please go to www.katnichols.com.

Teaser:
By the fifth day, I caved. Digging through my jewelry box, I found the card that Thomas, the Elder, had stuffed in my hand the day after the attack. After I met with the Elders to explain what had happened the previous day, he’d slipped me the card on his way out, with a whispered request to tell no one. I wasn’t sure what his intentions were, but I’d held onto that card ever since. Dog-eared and faded, I’d taken it out every night since the meeting, trying to decide whether to call or not. I always put it back. Why did it have to be a secret? Maybe this step was just too big. The Elders scared me. Their power over the witches in the United States was absolute and I’d seen the result of absolute power first-hand—on a smaller scale anyway. I just got away from one power hungry person, I didn’t need three more. And yet, I needed help and I couldn’t train myself. Resolved, I stalked over to the nightstand where my cell phone lay, and before I could change my mind, dialed the number on the card.
It rang once, twice, then three times before going to voicemail. His calm voice stated, “This is Thomas. Leave a message.”
I froze at the sound of his voice, staring at the phone in my hand like a ticking bomb. The message beeped loudly, shocking me out of my stupor. Shaking myself, I punched the end call button and dropped the phone on my bed, hands shaking. I didn’t know what happened. Within seconds, the phone began to ring, vibrating in a slow crawl over my bedspread. An unknown number was flashing on the screen. I reached out, my hand moving at a snail’s pace toward the phone, stopping an inch away as if it were a snake coiled and ready to strike. Blowing out a huge breath, I picked up the phone, my heart in my throat.

Lost Princess (Kingdom of Cymmera #2) by Dani-Lyn Alexander



Author: Dani-Lyn Alexander
24975595
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Publication Date: October 13th 2015
Source: ebook (NetGalley)
Rate:





Summary:
Ryleigh Donnovan’s life changed forever the day she met Jackson Maynard, a Death Dealer, and followed him home to the kingdom of Cymmera. Now she is trying to care for her sister while saving a realm she knows nothing about…
Jackson has reluctantly accepted the throne of Cymmera, in place of his father. But his world is in turmoil, the kingdom under constant threat of attack. Worse still, Jackson suspects there is a traitor among his court. A powerful prophet has suggested a way to protect the realm, but that solution may drive Jackson and Ryleigh apart forever…
When a magic relic goes missing, Ryleigh has no choice but to journey in search of it. When Jackson discovers Ryleigh is missing, he must make a choice that will either claim their destiny, or bring an end to the only home he’s ever known.- Goodreads

Book Blitz | Author Interview | Giveaway: Don’t Make Me Beautiful by Elle Casey


Author: Elle Casey
Publication date: September 9th 2013
Genres: New Adult, Romance, Suspense

Synopsis:
**This story was inspired by true events. If you liked the movie “Sleeping With the Enemy”, then you might like this story too. CONTENT WARNING: Violence, foul language, and adult situations. Not meant for younger readers.**

A ROMANTIC SUSPENSE NOVEL. No one knew a woman lived there or that she even existed. A monster, living in darkness…
At twenty-two, Nicole doesn’t even look human anymore. The beast made sure of that. So she hides. A monster, consigned to a life of fear and solitude. This is all she deserves, she is quite sure of that.
And then one day out of the blue, the autographed baseball caught by Brian Jensen at the latest Marlins game enters her prison and manages to turn her world completely upside down.
Temptation comes in the form of pity at first, and then perhaps something more. Does she dare to believe the things she’s told, that this is not the life she was meant to live? That being a monster is not her forever-fate? And will she be willing to risk everything, to reach out and accept the helping hands around her and share her deepest, darkest secrets? She knows only too well that hands can hurt. Finding out whether they can also heal is a risky proposition, especially when the beast is still out there. Looking for her.

The Author:
Elle Casey is a prolific, NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling American writer who lives in Southern France with her husband, three kids, and several furry friends. She writes in several genres and publishes an average of one full-length novel per month.


Interview:


When did you first start writing fully developed, complete stories? 2012, with my first novel Wrecked.

Which of your books are you most proud of and why? I’m proud of every single one! They all take a piece of me to put together and they all pull from my life or my history in one way or another. I don’t have any favorites.

Where does your inspiration come from? Life. My past. My future. Things I see on the street or dream about. Sometimes weird stories on Yahoo.com too.
Best and worst thing about being an author (and why). Best: having readers tell me they love my work and it’s changed their lives in a good way; Worst: having people spend a whole lot of time and energy discussing why and how much I suck at writing.

Best and worst thing about interacting with fans on social media. Best: finding out how they took my characters into their minds and felt their emotions and lived with them through their struggles on the page. Worst: Facebook limits who I can interact with, forcing me to pay a lot of money if I want my fans to actually see my posts. I hate that.

First 10 books on your TBR list: My TBR list is not that long. I pretty much only read what my book club has on order for the month or non-fiction on topics that interest me like horses (I’m seriously horse-mad). There are two reasons for this: 1, I don’t have any time to read for pleasure because I write a novel pretty much every month, and 2. I worry that other people’s work will bleed into mine, and I like to remain original!

Most played songs on your ipod? Right now, cello music because it helps block out noise while I write. I can’t listen to anything with words when I write, otherwise I start singing and then can’t write anything at all (except lyrics.) But I have very eclectic taste in music. I don’t listen to much jazz or blues, but lots of rock, pop, country, celtic, and instrumental stuff.

Can you tell us a little bit about yourself? I’m a 46-year-old former lawyer, former veteran of the USAF, former stock broker, former restaurant owner, former CEO, turned writer. I have 1 husband (second one’s a charm), 3 kids, 2 dogs, and 2 horses (I’m angling for a third, though). I’m American, but I live in southern France. I moved here in 2010 for a one-year adventure and never left. I own a small winery that produces kickass red wine (syrah and grenache grapes), and I like to travel both to the US and here in Europe. I also enjoy camping, but I do it with my tiny caravan so I can sleep on a real bed. I love to ride my horse, and I take lessons several times a week; I only started two years ago, so I have a lot to learn and a great fear of dying. I dream of riding across France on horseback someday, and I’m sure I’ll eventually do it. I’ve been married for 12 years to the nicest, most considerate and patient man in the entire world. I kissed a lot of frogs before I found my prince, but he was worth the wait. He taught me that real romance and real love exists and that all us girls deserve to have it. I support women in business and independent women who want to make their lives better through hard work and dedication to good causes. I’m a sucker for baby animal videos or dog or cat videos, so if I’m on my computer and not writing, I’m probably watching those on my Facebook feed. My kids say I’m mean and funny, and my dogs sleep at my feet every night. My favorite fairground snack is cotton candy, and I have a terrible sweet tooth when the fair is not in session. My favorite cookie is the pecan sandie. (Is this enough? Or TMI?  I could go on…)

How did you choose the genre you write in? I write in every single genre that interests me as a reader, so right now that includes romance, paranormal, fantasy, science fiction, action/adventure, thriller, suspense … I might even try mystery one of these days (I’ve been binging on Castle re-runs).

When writing a book, what is your favorite part of the creative process(outline, plot, character names, editing, etc)? I don’t outline, so I can’t speak about that. Character names I just pull out of a hat or off my Facebook page (lots of my readers’ names are in my books), so that’s fun, but it only lasts a moment. I suppose the plot is the best. Since I don’t know the plot ahead of time, I enjoy watching it unfold under my fingers. Editing? Bleck. Who likes editing?

How did you get your start in writing? By just trying it. You never know until you try if you’ll be good at anything, so you might as well try, right? 

Name a favourite book boyfriend (not one of your own). I could never find a book boyfriend I really loved, which is why I wrote the ones I did in my books. They’re different than the average book boyfriend, I think. I guess the guy I’ve found sexiest in the last 15 years has been Robert Pattinson as Edward Cullen, but not because he was a very good boyfriend to Bella. I was also quite partial to Eric Northman, even though he was a murderous a-hole most of the time.  Handsome vampires are sexy, so I guess that’s as close as I get to a book boyfriend that’s not one I’ve written (because Mack of Shine Not Burn is the best book boyfriend ever! ha ha!)

If you could spend a month with any of your favorite book boyfriends, which one would it be and why? I’d hang out with Mack from Shine Not Burn because he’s sexy, intelligent, he rides a horse, he’s confident, he knows how to treat a lady, and he comes from an awesome family.

If you could collaborate with any well-known author, who would it be and why? Nora Roberts. I’m a fan from waaaay back. I like how she mixes it up genre-wise, writes a lot, and really respects her readers. I respect her a ton, so if she agreed to write with me, I’d consider that a huuuuge compliment.

Where do you do most of your writing? In my bed with my laptop in my lap.

How long does a typical writing project take you, from idea conception to publication? 3-4 weeks.

What piece of advice would you give to aspiring authors? Write. Don’t just dream about writing, or talk about wanting to write, or read about writing, or do practice exercises designed to help you learn how to write. Just write. And then keep doing that. You can’t have a career as a writer if you can’t finish writing a book. Then, once you’ve done that, edit over and over until it’s the best you can do. Then ask for feedback from trusted, gentle sources. If you have problems with your writing, read a book or two on writing and edit again. You’ll never be a good writer if you don’t WRITE. Also, if you don’t read a lot, you should probably read at least 50 books in your preferred genre before you even start to write in it, because you have to know what readers of that genre will be looking for. Reader expectations must be met always and exceeded whenever possible.

What is the biggest influence/interest that brought you to this genre? I write in many genres, but I’ve been a reader of romance since I was 8. Yes, I was reading Harlequin romances when I was 8!! My parents didn’t care; as long as I was reading something, they were happy. And my grandmother was a frequent visitor and she always had stacks of those things around. Sexy, sexy! (to an 8-year-old, anyway)

When reading a book, what genre do you find most interesting/intriguing? Right now, science fiction. But my tastes change almost with the seasons. I’ve read a little of everything. My first love after romance was fantasy.
20. Have you always wanted to write or did it come to you "later in life"? I always thought I would try to write a book, but I wouldn’t call it a burning passion at all until I actually tried it. Now it’s an all-consuming, burning passion and addiction.

What books/authors have most influenced your life? Probably the most influential books were the ones I read as a child, that fed my imagination. Madeleine L’Engle was a biggie. The Narnia Chronicles. The Dragonlance series. Stuff like that. Anything that involved kids or independent loners surviving or having adventures without parental guidance. My most favorite all time book as a kid was The Boxcar Children, the first book in the series.

How do you develop your plots and characters? I come up with either the plot first or the main character (usually but not always a female). If it’s the plot, then I try to imagine what character would be involved in such a thing. If it’s a character, I look at their personality and wonder what they’ll get up to, what is driving them toward what thing, and set up a first scene. Then I just kind of sit back and watch a movie in my head of that scene and that character and let them guide me.

You are quite prolific, how do you maintain such a punishing schedule? Do you have issues with procrastination? I set up word count goals for each day that I’ll write. I don’t stop until I reach that required number of words. At least, I try not to. Sometimes life gets in the way. I am a HUGE procrastinator, so having that and a calendar with a strict publishing deadline is the only way I can get anything done. I am a harsh taskmaster, but I remind myself daily that it’s my readers who pay my bills, so I have to do whatever it takes to make them happy. I’m not perfect; I miss deadlines or get sick and can’t write until my sinuses clear, but when that happens, I try really really hard to work double time and make up for it.


What's the strangest question you've ever been asked about your books? I’ve had people ask me why I don’t make all my books free. I guess they don’t realize it’s how I make my living.


A message from Elle about Don’t Make Me Beautiful: A really long time ago, I read an article in a newspaper or a magazine (I haven’t been able to locate the original) about a woman who was so badly beaten over a long period of time, she couldn’t leave her house. I thought about that woman a lot over the years and about what her thoughts might have been, her fears, her reality … and this book was my attempt to both exorcise those thoughts from my brain and also shed some light on a subject —domestic violence— that I feel should never be left in darkness. (October is Domestic Violence Awareness month.)

Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review: Reluctant Prince (Kingdom of Cymmera #1) by Dani-Lyn Alexander



Author: Dani-Lyn Alexander
23263567
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Publication Date: 3rd November 2014
Source: ebook (purchased)
Rate:





Summary:
Seventeen year old Ryleigh Donnovan is certain her life is cursed. Nothing ever goes smoothly, and her first job interview is no exception. An earthquake rocks the building, sending Ryleigh on a frantic search for her younger sister, a search which lands her in the hospital. Terrified they'll push her for answers she can't afford to give, Ryleigh flees with a mysterious stranger.
Jackson Maynard is about to be ordained as a Death Dealer, a warrior for the Kingdom of Cymmera, but first he must pass one more test. When he fails to acquire the human girl the prophet has chosen, he's forced to stand trial for treason. Banished from his realm, he seeks out the girl from the vision, Ryleigh Donnovan, and together they embark on a journey to save his dying kingdom. - Goodreads

Book Blitz | Excerpt | Giveaway: Time Warper: Fated (A Sage Hannigan Novel, #1) by Peggy Martinez

Author: Peggy Martinez
Publisher: Clean Teen Publishing
Publication date: October 6th 2015
Genres: Paranormal Romance, Young Adult

Synopsis:
Eighteen-year-old Sage Hannigan wants to get back to her own time, preferably one that hasn’t been destroyed by an underworld plot brewing in Edwardian-era South Carolina. How hard can it be?
All she has to do is:
1. Learn to use newly acquired warping skills to bend time to her will.
2. Take out a few rogue vampires.
3. Join an ancient secret society.
4. Figure out who is putting the time stream in jeopardy.
5. Find and maim whoever invented the corset.
Sage never asked to be chosen by the Druid Priestess, Amerach, to become a Warper, and she never asked to have the future hanging on her shoulders or to warp a hundred years into the past. She certainly never asked to meet Dr. Aldwin Blake, who would make her question her desire to get back to her own time. But if she fails her mission, people will die, history will change, and the present she wishes to return to will be no more.

Excerpt:
«Today I woke up a hundred years younger. That’s a hard thing to accomplish since I’m only eighteen years old. I’d like to think that if I fudge up and accidently come across one of my ancestors I won’t somehow screw up the time stream and… then what? Would I ever be born? Would I wake up one day in this century and just cease to exist? Sheesh… that would probably top my worst-days-ever list.
I should probably back up and begin my story from yesterday… or would it still be considered yesterday when my yesterday takes place a hundred years from now?
See? So confusing!

So let me start over from the beginning, from the day I woke up a normal teenager and went to bed a… time warper. »

The Author:
Peggy Martinez is a full time Author who has over a dozen published works, including the Time Warper Series, the State of Decay Trilogy, the Contradiction Series, the Reapers Grimm Series, her middle grade Super Zero Series, and various novellas and serials.
When not writing, Peggy can be found homeschooling her teen son and four daughters. You may also find her packaging hundreds of boxes for her monthly box subscription business she founded just for readers! (Lit-Cube) She could also be spotted reading, making soap, dabbling in aromatherapy, watching gangster movies, prepping for the zombie apocalypse, or downing insane amounts of Twizzlers and Kazoozles. Oh yeah... and day dreaming about owning a small homestead or taking a dream vacation to Greece, Scotland, & Ireland. She could totally be doing that. 
Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway



Book Blitz|Author Interview|Giveaway: Dreamwielder (The Dreamwielder Chronicles, #1) by Garrett Calcaterra

Author: Garrett Calcaterra
Publisher: Diversion Books
Publication date: September 29th 2015
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult


In a world shrouded by soot and smoke, young Makarria has literally been forbidden to dream.
Legend has foretold the demise of Emperor Thedric Guderian at the hands of a sorceress with royal blood, and the Emperor has made it his legacy to stamp out all magic from the Sargothian Empire in favor of primitive coal fired smelters and steam powered machines. When Guderian’s minions discover a Dreamwielder on a seaside farmstead, a chain of events forces Guderian’s new threat—the young Makarria—to flee from her home and embark upon an epic journey where her path intertwines with that of Princess Taera, her headstrong brother, Prince Caile, and the northman Siegbjorn, who captains a night-flying airship.
Dogging their every step is the part-wolf, part-raven sorcerer, Wulfram, and Emperor Guderian himself, a man who has the ability to stint magic and a vision to create a world where the laws of nature are beholden to men and machines. Only by learning to control the power she wields can Makarria save her newfound companions and stop the Emperor from irreversibly exterminating both the magic in humans and their bond with nature.

DREAMWIELDER will be available in eBook and print editions on SEPTEMBER 29, 2015.

The World Map:

Interview: Inside The Dreamwielder Chronicles with Author Garrett Calcaterra

So Garrett, Makarria and Caile meet up in this first book and start to bond—how much can you divulge about Makarria and Caile’s relationship in the next book? Do they end up together?
Ha! Nice try. No spoilers here. I will say this, though. They are much closer in Book 2, and the plot is, in part, directly tied in to their budding relationship. Just remember, new relationships are always hard. Compound that with the fact that Makarria and Caile have some new, very powerful, adversaries, and you don’t exactly have a great formula for a normal relationship.

It sounds like Book 2, Souldrifter, is going to have just as much drama and action as the first book.
It’s actually even more action packed. I worked really hard to make sure Souldrifter was better than Dreamwielder in every way, so the plot is full of action and twists, there are great new characters, and Makarria and Caile continue to grow as individuals.

How many more books do you have planned for the series?
Just one more book after Souldrifter, to round it out as a trilogy. That’s the plan, at least. Who knows? I’m just now starting Book 3, so things could change.

How long did it take you to come up with the world of the Five Kingdoms? And did you draw the map in the books yourself?
That’s a good question. I’m not entirely certain how long it took me to come up with the world. All said and done, I spent a good six months outlining Dreamwielder, developing my characters, and figuring out the world—which included coming up with the history and mythology of the Five Kingdoms and, yes, drawing the map myself. I’m not a horribly good artist, but if I take my time, I can put together a decent map.

Your novella, The Knight’s Dog, has blown up on Wattpad and frequently gets compared to George R.R. Martin’s A Game of Thrones. For readers who haven’t read your work before, would you say that The Dreamwielder Chronicles fall into the same vein?
Well, I hate comparing myself to other authors, particularly authors I admire, like Martin! How about this? Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire is definitely an influence of mine. It’s more apparent in The Knight’s Dog, but I imagine you can see the influence in the Dreamwielder novels, too. Since the series is aimed toward a YA audience, it doesn’t have quite as much, uh, “adult content,” but that’s not to say it’s not dark and complex.

Okay, last question. What made you decide to have a young female protagonist? And who would play Makarria in a movie?

Hey, that’s two questions! Ha! Okay, the second question first. I think Sarah Hyland would do a great job as Makarria in a movie. Or maybe Hailee Steinfeld. As for the first question, it’s pretty simple. My mom literally dreamt up Makarria! The opening scene in Dreamwielder is based on the dream she had. Once she told me about it, I saw all the potential in Makarria as a character and the world she inhabited, and I just had to write the novel.

The Author:

Garrett Calcaterra is author of the epic fantasy novel DREAMWIELDER, available from Diversion Books. In addition, he is author of the horror collection UMBRAL VISIONS, and co-author of the mosaic fantasy novel THE ROADS TO BALDAIRN MOTTE. His humor titles include CODE BROWN and A GOOD BREW IS HARD TO FIND. When not writing, Garrett enjoys hiking with his two dogs and quaffing good beer. Learn more at www.garrettcalcaterra.com

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