Review: The Selection

Posted on August 13, 2015 by Pam

Image from Goodreads

For thirty-five girls, the Selection is the chance of a lifetime. The opportunity to escape the life laid out for them since birth. To be swept up in a world of glittering gowns and priceless jewels. To live in a palace and compete for the heart of gorgeous Prince Maxon.

But for America Singer, being Selected is a nightmare. It means turning her back on her secret love with Aspen, who is a caste below her. Leaving her home to enter a fierce competition for a crown she doesn’t want. Living in a palace that is constantly threatened by violent rebel attacks.

Then America meets Prince Maxon. Gradually, she starts to question all the plans she’s made for herself—and realizes that the life she’s always dreamed of may not compare to a future she never imagined.

(Blurb from Goodreads)

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Ok, I’m going to be honest with you here. I’ve been seeing this series everywhere on Instagram. Yes, I totally bought the book based on the cover. But look at it! Beautiful.

I’m glad I did buy it though, I was not disappointed. America is a great character, only a teenager but strong enough not to be pulled down by the competition of the other girls around her. She’s so relatable too. America’s family is a Five aka lower middle class. She does the competition to help her family with no intention of falling for the prince. Honestly, I didn’t even really like Prince Maxon at first either. He just didn’t seem confidant enough. He did grow on me though.

The ending doesn’t leave you feeling satisfied though, but don’t worry, the next few books are already out. In fact, I have book 2 waiting for me to read. So if you’re looking for a new Young Adult dystopian/post apocalyptic read, check out The Selection. Let me know what you think.

My Rating: 4 1/2 stars

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New Release: Dragon’s Future

Posted on August 10, 2015 by Pam

Every child of Woolpren dreams of becoming one, but only a few are chosen. Now, ten-year-old twin brother and sister, Ruskya and Duskya, have been selected to join an elite group of riders: dragon riders. Full of awe and excitement, the twins leave their mother, and their home, to train for their new lives.

Fifteen years later, dragons are becoming extinct and riders are rare. One day, Ruskya is at the general store in town when a man announces that he is recruiting new dragon riders. Ruskya goes undercover, and discovers that there is another colony of riders with their own agenda—a quest to find a mysterious plant that could restore the dragon population, or destroy it. When a battle erupts between the two colonies, it’s up to Ruskya and his friends to fight for their dragons’ future, and their lives.

Follow Ruskya’s quest as he finds courage and friendship in this exciting middle grade fantasy series by new author Kandi J Wyatt.

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About the Author

Kandi J Wyatt is a wife, mother of five, teacher, artist, and author. In her free time, she enjoys writing fantasy stories and Christmas programs, and drawing with graphite and colored pencils. Portraits are her specialty. Kandi also enjoys photography, thanks to her photographer husband who has let her join his journey as both his model and apprentice, and she occasionally serves as his assistant when he needs a “light stand with feet.” To learn more visit:

Blog: https://kandijwyatt.wordpress.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Kandi-Wyatt-author/647179792053374

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kandijwyatt

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/kandiwyatt3/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/kandijwyatt/

Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+KandiWyatt

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13817774.Kandi_J_Wyatt

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Kandi-J.-Wyatt/e/B00ZTC4T10/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

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***Disclaimer: I am the book manager for this book and do receive profit from each book sold.***

Review: The Illusions of Eventide

Posted on August 5, 2015 by Pam

Image from Goodreads

Nicolas Deschanel was betrayed by the only two people who matter to him. Their disloyalty stung and an overwhelming sense of loss lingers. Nicolas has lived the high life professing to not have a care in the world, and now this illusion is calling his bluff.

Determined to take control of an existence now devoid of purpose, he sojourns to his family’s holiday home on the Gulf of Mexico. Resolved more than depressed, he plans to privately say goodbye to a world which no longer needs him. Of questionable fortune, he finds a woman, Mercy, sitting alone on the shore at eventide. Nicolas is conflicted between an obligation to help, and annoyance at her intrusion.

Mercy has many layers of secrets. Deepest of all, she cannot tell this Child of Man she is thousands of years old and very powerful. In her presence, Nicolas’ own dormant powers begin to surface, triggering a sequence of events that cause both of their lives to spiral further out of control. When old friends from both sides come to help, together they all learn a painful truth: new life can only begin once you’ve set free what means the most.

(Blurb from Goodreads)

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I have a soft spot for any story with fantasy so when Ms. Cradit asked me to review her book I said yes, and was excited to. I was enthralled with the story from page one.

The point of view does shift to a few different characters, and I do normally prefer reading from one character’s point of view so a bit of a mystery remains. But that’s just a matter of preference and I still did really enjoy the book.

I like how Nicholas, who’s a man’s man, is taken aback when Mercy appears and can’t seem to say no to helping her. I also enjoyed when the secondary characters came into play. They made the story that much more enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a new paranormal/fantasy read, give The Illusions of Eventide a try. You won’t be disappointed.

My Rating: 4 stars

***I received this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review.***

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Review: Death Wish

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Pam

Image from Goodreads

IN SEARCH OF THE MEANING OF DEATH, SHE’LL FIND THE MEANING OF LIFE.

The Ceruleans: mere mortals infused with power over life and death. Five books; one question: If the might of the heavens were in your hands, would you be sinner or saint?

Seventeen-year-old Scarlett Blake is haunted by death. Her estranged sister has made the ultimate dramatic exit. Running away from school, joining a surfing fraternity, partying hard: that sounds like Sienna. Butsuicide? It makes no sense.

Following in her sister’s footsteps, Scarlett comes to the isolated cove of Twycombe, Devon, with grand plans to uncover the truth. Alone. But she hasn’t reckoned on meeting two boys who are determined to help her. Luke: the blue-eyed surfer who’ll see the real Scarlett, who’ll challenge her, who’ll save her. And Jude: the elusive drifter with a knack for turning up whenever Scarlett’s in need.

As Scarlett’s quest for the truth unravels, so too does her grip on reality as she’s always known it. Because there’s something strange going on in this little cove. A dead magpie circles the skies. A dead deer watches from the undergrowth. Hands glow with light. Warmth. Power.

What transpires is a summer of discovery. Of what it means to conquer fear. To fall in love. To choose life. To choose death.

To believe the impossible.

(Blurb from Goodreads)

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Death Wish is book 1 in the Ceruleans Series, and what a great start it was! Ms. Tayte does a fantastic job with her debut novel. You immediately get lost in the story. The characters have depth, and nothing is predictable. How refreshing for a book! I hate when I can figure out the whole story of a novel without even trying, but that wasn’t the case at all in this book. In fact, I still don’t quite understand everything that’s going on, lol, but that’s okay. I’m assuming it will get cleared up as the story progresses.

I think after reading a ton of books, especially young adult paranormal romance ones, I feel as though, how could this author make it different, make it more interesting and not the exact same thing, same scenario as sooo many other YA books out there. But somehow, Ms. Tayte does make her story unique and unlike all the rest, and thank goodness for that.

One of my favorite parts was when Scarlett starts mentioning all the Guinness World Record statistics off to Luke. It made me laugh. Plus, my husband has a Guinness World Record too, so I’m probably a little biased. 😉 It was a funny part though.

So if you’re looking to get lost in a great book this summer, check out Death Wish by Megan Tayte.

My Rating: 4 stars