My Book Tour presents...an INTERVIEW with MONSTERLAND Author Michael Okon!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're joining a My Book Tour promotion already in progress starring the forthcoming release from author Michael Okon.  It's a spooky, creepy, monster filled read aimed at the Young Adult genre fanset (and older) that's a perfect fit for our current season of reading...not that you need an excuse to read a story brimming with vampires, zombies, werewolves, and....GASP....humans!

(~AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!~)

I had the pleasure of reading it in a prior version, so today I'm skipping the review (though you can read THAT one here) to bring you a spotlight AND something more.  First, the spotlight!  Keep your hands and arms inside the car, unless you want them to be someone else's snack...

Monsterland

by

Michael Okon

ASIN: B0751F3B3S

Worldfire Press

About the book...

Welcome to Monsterland—the scariest place on Earth.

Wyatt Baldwin's senior year is not going well. His parents divorce, then his dad mysteriously dies. He’s not exactly comfortable with his new stepfather, Carter White, either. An ongoing debate with his best friends Melvin and Howard Drucker over which monster is superior has gotten stale. He’d much rather spend his days with beautiful and popular Jade. However, she’s dating the brash high-school quarterback Nolan, and Wyatt thinks he doesn’t stand a chance. 

But everything changes when Wyatt and his friends are invited to attend the grand opening of Monsterland, a groundbreaking theme park where guests can interact with vampires in Vampire Village, be chased by werewolves on the River Run, and walk among the dead in Zombieville.

With real werewolves, vampires and zombies as the main attractions, what could possibly go wrong?

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Sounds good, right?

Well, it totally was...hence why when the opportunity came to shine a spotlight on this title once again, I couldn't pass it up.  So, now we're on to that aforementioned "something more"...which actually works out to be an AUTHOR INTERVIEW!  No worries, we kept it short, sweet-ish, and bursting with MONSTER goodness.

Ready?  Set?

Please welcome author Michael Okon!

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INTERVIEW:  Author Michael Okon

I read Monsterland and likened it to a paranormal version of Jurassic Park. (Nice job!) Truth time... If you had to choose one area to live in within Monsterland, where would it be and why?

Thank you! Werewolf River Run all day!  I modeled the entire River Run after my favorite rides – Pirates of the Caribbean, Splash Mountain and Jurassic Park River Adventure. Those are my happy places.

Let's flip that coin now... which would you avoid at all costs and why?

Zombieville. There’s just something creepy about living on a perfect suburban street in the middle of a zombie apocalypse.

Which character do you most identify with in your novel?

Truly, all three boys (Wyatt, Melvin, and Howard Drucker) are different reflections of me. However, Wyatt is certainly the teen I can easily identify with. Facing your fears and maturity were two things I needed to learn when I was younger.

Top three paranormal creatures and why you love/loathe them. Ready... Go!

1. The Glob: It’s a relentless blob, and cannot be stopped by bullets or fire. See Monsterland 2
2. Mummies: They are stronger than werewolves. See Monsterland 2
3. Ghosts: Can violate your inner soul. Again, see Monsterland 2
   

Describe Monsterland in TEN WORDS or less...

Werewolves versus vampires versus zombies in a monster theme park.

Michael Okon is a bestselling author and screenwriter. His newly revised book, Monsterland, is scheduled for release on October 15. Michael invites readers to connect with him on his website.  

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About the author...

Michael Okon is a lifelong movie buff, a music playlist aficionado, and a sucker for self-help books. He lives on the North Shore of Long Island with his wife and children.

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Special thanks to Susan at My Book Tour for the chance to bring this tour to you as well as to author Michael Okon for the great interview.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, THIS TOUR, or those on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is set to release October 13, 2017 (as of this post), so pre-order your copy today or mark your calendar!  Don't miss the other GREAT STOPS on this tour for more bookish fun, all of which can be found on the main tour page along with a nifty GIVEAWAY!

Until next time, remember...if it looks good, READ IT!

BLOG TOUR: Monsterland by Michael Phillip Cash - Review + GIVEAWAY!

Hi guys and gals!

Welcome back to another week here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place were the reading never stops nor does the sharing, thus making YOUR "to read" lists as BIG or bigger than mine.  You're welcome.

Today, we're playing host to a blog tour currently roaming the blogosphere courtesy of The Children's Book Review.  It stars a monstrous Young Adult story you'll want to get your hands, paws, or fangs on STAT!  I like to sum it up as being similar to Jurassic Park just with your worst paranormal nightmares, but I digress.  Sometimes less is more and sometimes more is simply more. Let's get to the MORE, shall we?  Today's guest and book of choice is...

Monsterland

by

Michael Phillip Cash

9781517180676

CreateSpace Independent Publishing

About the book...

Welcome to Monsterland – the scariest place on Earth. All guests can interact with real vampires in Vampire Village, be chased by an actual werewolf on the River Run, and walk among the dead in Zombieville. Wyatt Baldwin, a high school student and life-long movie buff is staring bleakly at a future of flipping burgers. Due to a fortuitous circumstance, Wyatt and his friends are invited to the star-studded opening of Monsterland. In a theme park full of real vampires, werewolves and zombies, what could possibly go wrong?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

You know that scene in Jurassic Park where they're making a big deal out of all the authentic touches and security measures and John Hammond goes "...spared no expense."   Or how about when Robert Muldoon, the game warden, shared that scene with Dr. Sattler when the raptors were hunting them down.  She's all, "We can make it if we run. ...and he's all, "No....we can't."  Remember how well all THAT turned out?  Now envision it with the dinosaurs replaced with a selection of the most popular paranormal creatures out there; namely vampires, werewolves, and zombies.  Add it all together with a "savior" that seems too good to be true (and probably is), and you've got this campy romp through a YA adventure you won't soon forget.

I really had a lot of fun with this story.  Truth be told, the moment I set eyes on the cover, I knew I had to get between the pages.  I mean come on, that's good stuff right there!  The GIANT foreboding wall that makes you wonder, is it to keep things IN or OUT.  The gothic castle spires peeking over the fencing.  The glass dome encasing...what exactly?  It all leads you to the very place that Wyatt and his friends long to be; the front gates of "Monsterland" for opening day.  Can you imagine?  Being one of the first to experience this wondrous new attraction with not only your friends and family (well, parts of it anyway...there's a pun in there too, but you'll have to read it to understand ^-^) but the entire world?  Oh, that's right.  You don't know that part yet.  Well, you see, it seems as though the man behind it all has orchestrated a world wide affair with similar parks opening on the same day across the globe.  What could be better?  What could go wrong?  What could go just as intended without anyone having caught on before it's too late?

*dun dun dunnnn*

Overall, a fun read to wile away an afternoon and a perfect fit for Young Adult fans looking for a break from the holiday title inundation this time of year.  The characters are likable and those that aren't are certainly memorable.  The take on how the creatures came into existence was unique as was the reason for the parks opening in the first place (think humanitarian efforts in lieu of simply a theme park).  There's enough story to enchant the mind, scare tactics to up the ante, and by book's end, you'll finally have the answer to that age old debate still fought by paranormal fans round the world.  If a vampire, werewolf, and zombie were pitted against one another, who would come out on top?  Who indeed...

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About the author...

Michael Phillip Cash is an award-winning screenwriter and novelist. He’s written eleven books including the best-selling Brood X, Stillwell, The Flip, The After House, The Hanging Tree, Witches Protection Program, Pokergeist, and Battle for Darracia series. Michael resides on the North Shore of Long Island. He writes full-time with his screaming monsters in the background.

Website   |   Facebook   |   Twitter

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Special thanks to Bianca at The Children's Book Review for the review copy as well as the chance to bring this tour to you.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, or those tours on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via CreateSpace Independent Publishing, so click on over to Amazon to pick up your copy today!

FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A ZOMBIE, VAMPIRE, OR WEREWOLF PRIZE PACK INCLUDING A SIGNED COPY OF THE BOOK, AMAZON GC, AND MORE, CLICK HERE AND FILL OUT THE RAFFLECOPTER FORM ASAP!

ENDS 12/16/15!

Until next time...happy reading!



BLOG TOUR: Magic Within by Sara Fitzgerald

HI there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to be any day of the week that you’re looking to add some bookish fun because really, a day without reading is like a day without air; am I right?

Today, we’re shining the review spotlight on a title that falls somewhere between Children’s Fiction and Young Adult (more on that later).  It deals with magic, paranormal critters, growing up in general, and all with a good storyline that delivers positive messages to boot.  Ready to join the adventure already in progress because trust me, the precarious position these kids find themselves in right from the start is enough to put you on edge.  Today’s ebook of choice is…

Magic Within

By

Sara Fitzgerald

978-1-77155-071-0

Champagne Books

About the book…

Nancy, a purple-haired witch, has never fit in with the kids in town. She has always felt something was deeply wrong with her. When Josh, her best friend, is attacked by a werewolf, Nancy seeks a potion to save him from the werewolf curse within him. But Josh’s fate--werewolf or human--is his to decide, when the potion is injected during his transition at the full of the moon.

Nancy, too, must make a choice. Her mother, her best friend, and a steadfast young man all see the magic within her. Can she finally accept who she is and give love a chance?

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The promo material I received on this particular title suggests its placement in the Young Adult genre, perhaps with a Romance, Coming-of-Age, or Paranormal moniker.  While I don’t necessarily disagree as it does in fact contain a dash and splash of each of those, I’d say the writing itself, the story line in general tends to a younger audience…perhaps tweens or those just advancing from Children’s Fiction to YA.  The viewpoints it shares are from a younger perspective, much more innocent with feelings running just on surface level despite the BIGNESS of it all.  It’s not a flaw, just an observation and something to note so that readers don’t go in expecting one thing and come face-to-face with another.  Now, on with the show….

The story focuses on Nancy and Josh, building outwards and upwards from there.  Initially the duo that could be more than friends is simply seeking the final ingredient to save their town from those that would have it become eternal night (aka vampires).  However their search and find mission turns into a missing person case when Josh tangles with the wrong wolf, emphasis on the “were”.  That’s right.  Vampires, werewolves, witches….they’re all here but in a perfectly mundane (not boring but tame) and suitable forum for kiddos. Refreshing, right?  Right.  Anywho…things get tense as days pass and Josh can not be found.  No one could survive the mauling he took and the wilderness all by their lonesome…right?  Hmm...Nancy begs to differ and you know what, this little purple haired witchy wonder just might be on to something….

Alrighty, so, as previously mentioned I was expecting a slightly older story, HOWEVER when all was said and done, I was not disappointed.  Nancy is a lovable character (love the hair no matter what color she chooses… ^_^) whom I think many will identify with…the whole knowing you’re different but wanting to be accepted battlefield, which she manages rather well.  The to-love-or-not-to-love angle doesn’t get too deep and yet it still keeps you guessing which way the cards will fall.  Will Nancy end up with Nick?  Will Josh go for Sandy?  Wait a second…what about the Josh and Nancy connection?  Ah, young love….  *ahem*  Anyway, moving forward…the story line is interesting for certain as are the possibilities for change that it introduces to this classic paranormal character.  Is there a chance that they can become human again?  Would they even choose it?  *dun dun dunnn*  By story’s end the loose ends were tied up and all was well that ended well…though I won’t tell who, what, or how because that would spoil the surprise. 

This is a short read coming in at around 120 pages, so if you’re looking to add a bookish break to your day and it captured your interest, well,…you know what to do.  ^_^  My only wish for this story would be that perhaps the author consider taking it further, going more in depth; then I think it truly would belong to the Young Adult genre it sought company in.  Recommended read for those already mentioned above, no need to rehash; I know you hung on every word.

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About the author….

Sara lives with her husband and seven-year-old daughter in Salt Lake City.  She loves romance, intrigue, writing and exploring the city with her family. Her two favorite parts of the day are reading bedtime stories with her daughter and hanging out with her husband.

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Special thanks to author Sara Fitzgerald for the ebook edition for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as her future endeavors, be sure to stop by her official site.  This title was released earlier this year via Champagne Books, so seek thee out a copy at your favorite brick-and-mortar store or online retailer.  Oh and if you’re a fan of book trailers, stop over on the Tube of You (that’s YouTube, just being silly…  :P) for a glimpse of the one created for this title. 

Until next time…happy reading!

Hallowed Circle by Linda Robertson

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers...the place to be come rain or shine because the weather is ALWAYS perfect for great reading.  Unlike what Mother Nature is providing outside MY door today... *-*

Yeah, suffice it to say that in the realm of forecasting, my local weather calls for rain, rain, rain, and perhaps a little more rain.  Seriously, it's raining ridiculously hard outside!  I wouldn't mind it as much if say I was staying home today but alas, I have BOTH jobs today and if it keeps up at the level it is, I might need an ark to get to the second one.  Or maybe Seph would lend me her broom and a spell to keep the rain out off of me and our of my vision. *ponders*  

Who is Seph?  Oh, that's right!  I didn't introduce today's title yet now did I?  Silly me.  ^_^  For those of you that stop by the site somewhat regularly, you may remember my first venture into the Paranormal/Fantasy genre (well, on the adult side of things at least) last month, well book two in that same said series is ready for your consumption, if you're game that is.  Well, are you?  *raises eyebrow*  For a refresher on book one, click HERE; to dive straight into the series, keep on reading for today's book of choice is...

Hallowed Circle

by 

Linda Robertson

About the book...

And you think beauty pageants are scary? 
Persephone Alcmedi has been persuaded to compete for the position of High Priestess of the Cleveland, Ohio, coven -- now that the former priestess, Vivian Diamond, has strangely gone missing. Unfortunately, there are a few small problems with the idea. Not only does Seph know rather more about Vivian's disappearance than the other witches realize, but the epic struggle she's just survived has left her with some highly unusual powers -- ones that could be dangerous to reveal. Despite her reluctance, she agrees to participate, if only to prevent snooty Hunter Hopewell, an obnoxious but talented witch, from ending up in the winner's circle. Can Seph hide her secrets -- including her connection to the master vampire-wizard Menessos -- from the terrifyingly wise judges? Plus, there's her rock 'n' roll werewolf boyfriend, Johnny, and some angry fairies to deal with.... 
Once the competition begins, a finalist turns up dead. It looks as if one of the contestants is willing to do anything -- including murder -- to win. Suddenly Seph has even more on her plate than she thought: from solving a murder to working out what her new powers really are...and exactly why they're creating so much havoc in her love life.

Oh Seph.  What will we do with you...that you haven't already done to yourself.
Talk about self-deprecating, this is one girl who's, pardon the cliche, "got it going on" and yet refuses to see any of the situations, skills, or potential love interests (*ahem* ^_^) as a GOOD thing.  I get it.  She's responsible.  She wants to always be in control.  She has more to think about than herself especially now that she's guardian to her deceased friend's child (Beverley, cool kid!), her Nana is her new housemate (funny as all get out and takes nothing from no one...love her!), the waeres she kennels on full moons are getting feisty (especially one...*ahem*), the vampire of all vampires has marked her (the extent of what that means exactly is still to be explored) and her connection with Johnny has made it into the realm of "needs defining"...again (and boy does it get defined...*-*).  So yeah, I can see finding out that you're up for the position of High Priestess (or shall I say being manipulated with good intentions into competing for the role) would be an untimely shocker, but seriously...if anyone can handle it, it's Seph and that's just what she does. *cues Taking Care of Business  music*

It's just another day in the paranormal neighborhood for this cast of characters but with this competition things are getting rather sticky.  Seph's secret, you know...how's she's the Lustrata and all...is so close to the surface, she can taste it but she's not so certain now is the best time for it to bust loose.  After all, it could show her for better or worse in the upcoming competition.  I mean if she wins, woo-hoo!  She'll have shown her strength and instantly garnered a supportive following...right?  Hmm.  Problem is...she doesn't WANT to win; the role is simply to much to balance with EVERYTHING else going on right now.  So...if she's outed AND loses, whose gonna put their support in her then?  It's enough to make your head spin so I certainly can't blame her feeling emotionally overloaded and making a few rash decisions here and there (even some involving a certain leather clad, rocker waere boy that has more than a few steamy glances for her...*ahem*).  In the end, things will work out...one way or another.

We welcome back the (mostly) friendly faces from book one and say hello to a few new acquaintances that seem to be ready to stick around for the long haul.  From witches to ghosts, vampires to waeres, faeries to who knows what, it's a paranormal party where nearly everyone is represented...just don't expect any wishes granted, killer spooked out parties (though there is a party that is pretty "killer"), sparkly meadow scenes or woodland strolls.  These guys and gals mean business; some for better and some for worse.  Seph has her hands full trying to stave on the unwanted attentions (or are they?) of both vampire and waere while trying to set an example for her newest charge and satisfy the needs of family...namely one Nana who wields her tongue as sharply as any stick and can wound with her words just as easily.  It's a tough life, but someone has to live it and it might as well be one that has a backbone strong enough (though she can't see it yet) to withstand the pressure.  Speaking of pressure...

The competition she enters for the High Priestess position?  Mega crazy!  I mean, testing skills and archaic riddles to be solved aside, when death comes knocking at their door, that doesn't even stop them!  Talk about "the show must go on" (oh, wait...that's actually pretty punny...hehe.  Sorry, you'll get it when you read it.  ^_^).  The show of power is pretty darn cool though and her fellow contestants are VERY interesting.  Pay close attention...just sayin'.  You've got to love a story that can throw you through the loops of happy, sad, mad and flabbergasted as fast you can utter your choice phrase of frustration but add in laughter and now you've got something even more to write about.  There are plenty of surprising scenes for one reason or another but one that tickled me so much that I burst out laughing (in public...yep) happened early on around page 14.  What can I say?  It's just so absurd, it's funny!

In conclusion, am I still enjoying myself?  You bet!  Good thing too seeing as I plan on seeing the series through to the end, or at least the current end (six books...learn it, know it, check it out!).  The characters are many but memorable.  The story line interesting and forward marching.  Add in the family notes, romantic interludes and a fab female lead as quick with a snark as she is with a spell (or roundhouse kick), and you've got a recipe for success...and don't feel bad in the least if you feel like saying the whole "double double toil and trouble" line about now, I sorta led you right into it.  ^_^  Quick note, this is a recommended series for older teens or even adult readers; though magic, mystery, and danger prevail there are definite moments of steaminess and then some.  Suffice to say, it's not for younger eyes.

Review copy received courtesy of Melissa at Pocket Books, a division of Simon & Schuster.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, be sure to stop by their site, like them on Facebook or follow along on Twitter.  As previously mentioned, this is BOOK TWO of a current SIX BOOK series; the sixth of which was JUST released last month and is entitled, Shattered Circle...you know, just in case you're already up to speed on the series and would like to jump ahead.  If you are, congrats...but hey, keep the spoilers to yourself!  ^_^

Until next time...happy reading!

A BLOG TOUR to Howl About: Welcome Back to WOLF SPRINGS...

Why hello there readers!

Welcome back to another day another post here at the place to satisfy your bookish desires….Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers. Today we have part two of the tour to howl about featuring that Young Adult literature writing author duo, Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie! They know their stuff and if you don’t believe me, you can check out their guest post seen here last week that explains how that capture that YA magic we know and love. Speaking of which, today’s post is my review of their latest release and trust me when I say, you don’t want to miss it. Without further adieu, today’s book of choice and blog tour guest is….

Wolf Springs Chronicles, Book 1:

Unleashed

By

Nancy Holder and Debbie Viguie

From the author's site....

Katelyn McBride’s life changed in an instant when her mother died. Uprooted from her California home, Katelyn was shipped to the middle of nowhere, Arkansas, to her only living relative, her grandfather. And now she has to start over in Wolf Springs, a tiny village in the Ozark Mountains. Like any small town, Wolf Springs has secrets. But the secrets hidden here are more sinister than Katelyn could ever imagine. It’s a town with a history that reaches back centuries, spans continents, and conceals terrifying truths. And Katelyn McBride is about to change everything.



Broken families, ageless grudges, forced alliances, and love that blooms in the darkest night—welcome to Wolf Springs.

There’s something that I noticed whilst reading this one and I think I knew it for quite a while, but it just came to the forefront of my mind this time around. One of the things unique about their writing is how the story is carried. The majority of it is held firmly aloft by the actual dialogue in the story. Now that may not seem like a truly surprising feat, but really….think about it. In today’s Young Adult genre, things generally go one of two ways; either the author creates a world so fantastical it’s hard to believe, or they step into a future version of our own world with realistic enhancements. These authors stay firmly planted in the present and let the story build out of the characters alone….with much success. After all, there’s no need for extensive world building when you have all you need right here and let’s not forget that it makes it all the more real when you can identify with what the characters are seeing, going through, or where they’re at. Anywho, I believe I made my point…moving on….

Characters! Oh those crazy beautiful character…no really! Most are pretty faces, but there’s a lot more there too. Let’s see, hottie number 1: Trick; the Romanian-esque speaking, cowboy boot wearing, smoking in a oh-my-let-me-just-gaze-at-you-a-minute-longer sorta way. He’s definitely hiding something which is a no-no if you’re going to get anywhere with the girl of interest, but despite the reputation he has, acts the gentleman…for the most part (hey, even Prince Charming was a jerk sometimes I’m sure). Hottie number 2: Justin; the equally sculpted, relative of her newbie best friend Cordelia, with eyes that could penetrate your soul, and enough magnetism to draw the Earth’s core. He’s got that bad boy thing going for him and is hiding something just as much as the other “man” in question….but with heat like that, he’s hard to resist despite any wrong doings. Ah yes, so many guys…so big a decision to make….which leads me to our main character, Katelyn.

Katelyn has been through heck and high water with losing her Dad a while back and now, the death of her Mom. Now, let’s say we ship her off to Arkansas away from everything else she knew and loved to live with a Grandfather she’s barely ever seen and expect her to be peachy-keen. Umm, yeah….not so much. She DOES her best considering the circumstances…..she even comes to like her knew home to a certain degree, if only she could stop being attacked by woodland creatures, and gain a little freedom because really does she need to be home before dark EVERY night? Let’s just say that her Grandfather has good reasons for what he asks (though I’m curious if he will ever verbatim say why)…reasons she finds out in good time on her own and through means she’ll possibly live to forget (not possibly forget….possibly live as in may not…you’ll have to read it to find out). Thankfully she has her new bestie Cordelia to help her out, right? Not exactly. It seems she’s hiding things too and they aren’t exactly what you might think either.

Now as mentioned with the two hotties previously, there is obviously a romance angle to the story. The best way I can describe it without giving too much away is this….it totally fit the song “Love Me, Love Me” by Big Time Rush (whose recent CD happens to be in my car…I totally blame my coworker for introducing me to it). There’s energy, indecision, desire and passion all palpable straight off the page…and yet still demure enough to be a teen friendly read, albeit mid to older teens and beyond. *le sigh*

In short, there are many hidden truths to uncover in the small town of Wolf Springs. Some you may anticipate, some you may guess….others will take you by surprise as they turn up the heat but rest assured, this series is getting off on the right foot and I for one CAN’T WAIT to see what happens next. So much to learn still and so many decisions to be made.

Special thanks to Lauren at Random House Children’s Books for the review copy and the chance to participate in this tour. (THANKS!) For more information on this title as well as their complete catalog, feel free to visit them online, or follow along on Twitter. For more information on the blog tour, be sure to check out the author’s sites (1 and 2) and of course, follow them on Twitter (1 and 2). They truly rock and are so considerate of their readers, you won’t be sorry.

Until next time…happy reading!

Wereling, Book 2: Dark Moon by Steve Feasey, Review + Giveaway!

Happy Monday everyone!

Okay, so no one REALLY thinks it's all that happy.  I mean the weekend is over and work or school is pretty much the norm for most this week but cheer up!  There's plenty of good reading ahead to keep you well entertained during your free time.  In fact, several of the "plenty" are releasing tomorrow (seriously, check the right hand side bar....there's multitude of books coming out) but one of those releases is being featured here TODAY.  Excited now?  *fist pump*

The book featured today is the second in a trilogy of YA paranormal books featuring one werewolf (among other creatures) by the name of Trey Laporte.  Despite my love of keeping you in suspense as long as possible, I'll sidestep that tactic in order to share the sheer bookish magic found within this one.  Ready?  Today's book of choice is...

Wereling, Book 2:

Dark Moon

by

Steve Feasey

**Okay so if you haven't read the first one, this one is bound to have a spoiler or two...just be warned.**


Trey Laporte has spent most of his life hoping to have the one thing that many of us take for granted....a family. Now that he has one, no matter how unorthodox it may be, he plans on keeping it. Unfortunately, there are outside forces that have other ideas...much darker and fouler than the blackest night. Lucien Charron, his new mentor and guardian of sorts, is in grave danger. He may not be a member of the living breathing human race, but his undead status is rapidly changing to just plain dead thanks to the evil mastermind Caliban, his brother. Sibling rivalry be darned, he's out to end Lucien's life and turn the world into his playground (we're talking doom and gloom, not a theme park)...that is unless Trey can stop him. A big task for one person, even one werewolf type person...good thing he has a few friends on his side, namely Alexa (Lucien's daughter), Tom (Lucien's strong man), and Charles (a mage of extraordinary power). Will it be enough to stop the coming darkness or has the light of day finally met its match?

With depth, intrigue, and characters you love to hate and those you love to love (okay, you know what I mean...)....it's the formula for a successful page turner every time and one that author Steve Feasey seems to have a great grasp on. I love how the story was built in such a way that you WANT to follow it around each twist and turn, over each obstacle and through each triumph. The author's ability to lead you in one direction totally anticipating the next move only to have the story shift ever so slightly so that the possibilities you saw never come to pass and yet you are not disappointed by the change...fantastic.

We see Lucien disabled to the brink of death, yet still a source of strength for those that surround him. Trey has now accepted his heritage and utilizes his strengths (along with a few newly acquired ones) to help achieve the groups goal. Alexa faces a past better forgotten and a potential reunion that could change everything for better or worse. Tom...well, he's Tom and he is nothing is not cavalier in his attempts to keep everyone safe while toting along his weapon of choice of the moment. All your favorites are back and then some....but the then some consists of some unlikely heroes as well as new foes that are bit too much to describe right here. ~shudders~

Now don't be fooled....it's not all sunshine and rainbows, though I don't think the title, cover, or summary lead you to believe it is. There are battle scenes, a bit of descriptive gore (not too much, but enough), and darker magical creatures (think netherworld demons, not unicorns) in this chapter of Trey's story...I mean come on, he is a werewolf with a vampire mentor for crying out loud. It just lends the story an appeal to both female and males readers.

The only thing I can say I wasn't a fan of...the cover. Call me what you like (okay, not really...I have feelings too!), but a cover can capture my attention for good or for not. To be honest, had I not read the first one and been dying to see what happened next....I might have by passed it on the shelf, same goes for the first one. (A big mistake...let me tell you!) My ARC of the first one had this plain yet intriguing cover...black with silver white writing for the title, a classic moon with a cloud drifting by image and some haunting words from the story. Now THAT was a cover...or at least one that in my opinion may appeal to a broader audience. The actual final copy covers seem to cater more perhaps to the male reader (fellas, feel free to weigh in here)....but girls, don't dismay! The story is a great one and certainly not lacking in strong female leads.

Overall, a fantastic read from start to finish. The chapters are short and sweet catering to any avid readers need to finish "just one more" before calling it a night. You'll laugh (definitely). You'll cry (maybe...a little at least). You'll gasp in awe and fear of just what's been unleashed or where things are going next (for certain). If you haven't read the first book, I'd highly recommend it so you have the background regarding all the events taking place and the future taking shape. One final note...there's a little "Which Nether-Creature Are You?" quiz at books end...according to my score I'm borderline between the Werewolf and Vampire...go figure. ^_^

Recommended for fans of the YA genre with a paranormal persuasion....but with story enough to carry the demons, creatures, and magic along. ARC for review courtesy of Ksenia at Feiwel and Friends. (THANKS!) This book is scheduled to be released (as of this post) on 02/01/11. For more information on this title as well as the publisher's full catalog, feel free to visit their websites (1 and 2), check out the blog, or follow along on Twitter. Want to know more about the authors comings and goings? Check him out online both at his website and on Twitter.

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Now...for the other half of what you've been waiting for...the GIVEAWAY!  Thanks to the Ksenia over at Feiwel and Friends I have the pleasure of giving you a chance to win not only one book, but two.  That's right!  You have the chance to win a copy of both Wereling AND a galley of Wereling, Book 2:  Dark Moon!  Entries will be accepted starting RIGHT NOW and run through midnight CST Friday, February 18th, 2011...just in time for the full moon (hehe).

Here's all the details...

The prizes...

 

One winner will receive....

(1) finished copy of Wereling

AND

(1) galley copy of Wereling, Book 2:  Dark Moon

by Steve Feasey

 

How to enter...

Fill out THIS FORM.

 

Looking for bonus entries?

No worries!  There's several options listed on the form but here is one to get you started.  It's sort of a play off the quiz at books end, but without the benefit of a scoring system.  If you could be a paranormal creature, which one would you be and why?  We're talking werewolves, vampires, faeries, ghosts, etc...take your pick, share your thoughts in the comments below and score an extra entry (but remember you still have to fill out the form)!

The rules...

*Open to US/Canada mailing addresses only!  No P. O. Boxes please.

* Entries will be accepted from Monday, January 29th, 2011 through Friday, February 18th, 2011 at midnight CST.  The entries will be tallied and entered into the random.org randomizer, after which a random number will be picked by their number generator.  (This way all the entries are mixed up nicely.)

* All entries must be submitted using the form accessible through this post.  You MUST include your email address in order to be counted as well as contacted should you be chosen as the winner!

*The winner will be announced and contacted via email by Monday, February 21st, 2011 and will have 48 hours to respond with their mailing address.  Should they fail to respond in the given time frame, a new winner will be chosen.  If you choose to include your full name and mailing address in your contest entry, no worries....the time frame issue is erased.

*Winner's name and address will be forwarded to Ksenia at Feiwel and Friends for prize send out only and then discarded.

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There you have it.

So what are you waiting for?

Go, go, GO!

Until next time...good luck everyone...and happy reading!