Thursday, June 30, 2016

Welcome to Sortilege Falls by Libby Heily

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're celebrating the end of June with a special shout out to a Young Adult title that you'll want to make a part of your summer reading...STAT!  It really packs a stylish punch even as it strikes a nonchalant pose, while reminding us that truly, it's not what's on the outside so much as what's on the INSIDE that counts.  Ladies and gents, prepare to let your true colors shine through as we indulge in today's book of choice...


"Welcome to Sortilege Falls" by Libby Heily

A Grape Merriweather Novel, Book 1
by
Libby Heily
9781680462708

About the book...
Sixteen-year-old Grape Merriweather would never have agreed to move to Sortilege Falls had she known that a group of teen models ruled the town. Their beauty is only outshone by their cruelty. Grape knows something isn’t right about the models. They are too perfect, too beautiful, and not at all natural, but even she isn’t immune to their allure. Mandy, the only “nice” model, befriends Grape.

That’s when the trouble truly begins.

Mandy's friendship places Grape smack in the middle of a mystery that has the entire town on edge. One by one, the models fall ill from an incurable disease. Grape quickly realizes that their parents are hiding a secret, even as they watch their children die. To save her friend, Grape will have to find the truth—even if it means putting herself in danger.



Print:  LULU
Ebook:  AMAZON  |  SMASHWORDS  |  NOOK



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It's a book that will capture the targeted audience for all the obvious reasons, while snaring the attention of those outside that age range because it really is just that good.  The wholesome messages entwined with fantastical circumstances really get your imagination rolling and I mean really, how can you ignore a book with a character named GRAPE MERRIWEATHER?  Seriously...

Story wise, Grape is the typical new girl in a new town.  She's trying to get settled in, find her place, and battle all the normal teen trials coming her way...including a new school.  Yeah, for anyone that has been the "new kid" more than a few times, you know exactly how that whole experience goes.  The teacher calls your name (usually butchering it somehow despite the fact that it's so easy your kid brother could say it as his first word!), forces you to stand in front of the class and introduce yourself while sharing a small version of your life story.  If you overshare, they'll think you're uncool, but if you under-impress, you're just as stuck.  Good times....*grumbles*....but Grape doesn't have to worry about that at all.  In fact, it's pretty much the exact opposite this time around.  She's a new face but one among the masses because in Sortilege Falls, if you're not one of the models, you're a Normal and you might as well fade into the background.  How do you like them apples?

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The thing is Grape's new home has an unusual amount of beautific people for such a small locale.  It borders on the edge of being odd but completely falls over that cliff into insane when you see the reactions their very presence creates among the Normals.  I'm talking zombie apocalypse effect where the Normals are the mindless drones and the Models are the brain buffet.  It's unsettling the degree to which they affect those around them.  It's almost like the power they seem to hold is otherworldly...hmm.  Perhaps we've stumbled upon something...okay, well WE have but the one who REALLY steps in it is Grape's brother, Brad.  What's that?  You didn't know anything a Brad?  Hehehe...that's what I meant by "this book is so good".  It pulls a fast one on you here and there.  While you're focus is drawn one direction, something is creeping out of the shadows and about to take control of the whole situation...for better OR worse.

For the sake of the story retaining it's wonder and surprise, I will draw by recollections to an end, but suffice it to say if you enjoy a good Young Adult read filled with characters to love, loath, and pity even when not invited to, this one is definitely for you.  I for one can't wait to see what might be in store for those in Sortilege Falls in book two....





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About the author...

Libby Heily

Libby Heily began writing after spending years as an obsessive reader. Nothing was safe from her eyes – she tore through books, magazines, cereal boxes, and shampoo bottles with equal enthusiasm. Libby's written plays, screenplays, flash fiction, short stories, and novels. When not spending time in made up places with invisible friends, she enjoys running, hiking and performing improv in Raleigh, NC.


SITE  |  BLOG  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK


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Fire and Ice Young Adult and New Adult Books

Special thanks to the author herself for the copy for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, or the publisher, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now via Fire & Ice, a young adult imprint of Melange Books, LLC, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.  

Until next time...happy reading!



Wednesday, June 29, 2016

READING OUTSIDE THE BOX: Heroes Haven by Mario Simone

Hi there!
Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're reviewing outside the box, or rather the genres that I tend to stay within.  It's not intentional (the staying I mean...the post today certainly is), but you know as a fellow reader, sometimes you gravitate towards certain types of books, storylines, or characters.  Graphic Novels are fewer and farther between for me on my list of favorites, but when this one came along being toted as a "poetry meets painting" situation, I was curious.  After reading the synopsis, I was hooked.  Upon finishing the work...well, we're getting to that.  Without further ado, today's book of choice is...


Heroes Haven Front Cover

by
Mario Simone

About the book...
Mario Simone presents Heroes Haven, the Graphic Novel – introducing us to his world of chaos and an epic power struggle between good and evil. A new adventure unfolds as warring nations battle for global domination, the fight soon becomes apocalyptic and closer to end world destruction. A DNA strand is discovered which can awaken a “super hero potential” in humans. This discovery leads the US government to finance a top secret facility called “Heroes Haven” where genius biotech scientists are working to create and test a new drug nicknamed “V-1” that will awaken and stabilize this superhero DNA Code. V-1 begins to bear fruit and an epic battle begins to covet and reign over the one drug that can lead to a new world order.



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Here's the thing...
...I'm a fan of Picture Books.
...I dabble in Sci-fi and Fantasy reads.
...I'm not afraid of darker story lines.
...I'm afraid this book and I were just not meant to be.
Allow me to explain...

There's no denying the graphics are pretty hardcore and by that I mean well drawn, intense, highly illustrative, and befitting the story from stem to stern.  For me though, that just wasn't enough.  I think if it was an actual novel, I could have REALLY gotten into it.  I mean, I wanted to know more about the "split flames" that went off in such very different directions.  I wanted to explore Venus' childhood more as well as her parent's relationship.  I wanted to discover the ins and outs of V-1 and why it had AMAZING effects in some test subjects and others were forever ruined.  Though the story panels do well in moving us forward, albeit in a stuttered pattern from time to time, it just didn't do enough for me.  I felt cheated out of all it could have been and was left with more questions than answers...and I'm not simply referring to the cliffhanger-esque ending.


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So, if you're a fan of Graphic Novels from the start, I would highly recommend you taking this baby from the wish list and putting it on your "to read" shelf.  If you're not into the genre and I mean with BOTH feet, proceed with caution...the story has potential but I don't think it would make a good jumping in point for newbies or those just passing through.





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About the author/illustrator...

mario-leather-3

Mario Simone began his writing career on an extensive worldwide expedition where he hiked through Thailand, Bali, Lombok and the Gigli Islands. He lived in mystical villages hidden deep within mountains and learned the ancient arts of communication and storytelling.
He then hiked the Himalayas through India and Italy, where he slept in dilapidated Churches and wrote poetry in attics where famous artists like Michelangelo sculpted. He landed in Spain and then sealed his fate by running with the bulls in Pamplona, vowing that if he can survive this, making movies should be a walk through the park.


SITE  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK



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Smith Publicity


Special thanks to Rachel at Smith Publicity, Inc for the ebook for review.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, the author, the publisher, or those promotions on the horizon, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now in both print and ebook formats, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing. 

Until next time...happy reading!


Tuesday, June 28, 2016

The return of...Taste Testing Tuesdays!

Hi guys and gals!
Welcome back to the site that aims to please the bookish side of you, Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today, we're indulging in a meme type post that I haven't had the pleasure of featuring for a few months.  What can I say?  So many books, so little time...but it's also what led to today's share.  Currently, I'm reading two books that I'm rather enjoying thus far, and I couldn't wait to share a peek between the pages.  They both herald from the Contemporary Romance genre and both do indeed have at least a sequel if not a series of titles planned to follow.  So, if you'll allow me to introduce today's tasty book teasers...



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To Have and to Hold
by
Lauren Layne

Seth leaned forward and held her gaze.  "A man you were in love with - a man you were planning to marry - was lying to you.  For years.  Using you in the worst way possible, pretending to be something he wasn't.  And deny it all you want, but he hurt you."
-- pg 159

Gee Seth...way to hit the nail on the head.
Ouch.
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Linny's Sweet Dream List
by
Susan Schild

Linny shook her head as she waved.  Her husband was a pirate, Puck, and King of the Good Ole Boys Who'd Done Well.  He was a rascal, but he practically shimmered with his delight in light.
-- pg 8


Sounds like an interesting mix of a man...too bad I have a glimpse of what happens next to turn this from reality to a fond remembrance.




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So, my fair readers...what are YOU reading this week?
Feel free to share a tease from your own reads-in-progress in the comments below!

Until next time...happy reading!