Tallent & Lowery: 13 by Amy Lignor

HI guys!

Welcome back to the place that knows the true value of the printed page and appreciates that you do as well....Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Happy Monday everyone!  Here's hoping your weekends were highly enjoyable, utterly entertaining, and filled with so much fun and good spirits that you're bursting at the seams with joy...well, not literally bursting because THAT would be painful.  *-*  My weekend...well, it was work filled with several shades of stressy but we did manage to have an impromptu movie night last night courtesy of Redbox.  Rented Beautiful Creatures and all in all, it was good; of course, it simply added another series to my reading wish list too....hehe.  Cie la vie, books definitely make the world go round...and people fo round the world like in today's selection.

Today, we are featuring a title I read last month and fully intended on sharing but alas, I ran out of days!  *darn life getting in the way and all that*  Never fear, good reading waits for ANY man, woman, and/or child but once you read about this one, it may not be waiting around on your "to read" list for long.  Exciting times ahead...and bookish ones too!  Ready to read all about it?  Here we go!  Today's book of choice is...

Tallent & Lowery, Book 1:

13

by

Amy Lignor

About the book....

In 1902, in a dark room on the fifth floor of Carnegie Hall, thirteen people came together to continue a tradition that had been set in stone thousands of years before. In 2012, Leah Tallent is Head of Research at the New York Public Library. Stoic and stable, brilliant and cynical, she has forever enjoyed her existence among the book stacks. But even with her unparalleled intellect, there was no way to know that on the historic steps between America's famous lions, she would become involved with a crazy man on a fanatical quest. Gareth Lowery has spent his life searching for the ultimate artifact that he is certain exists. His life's pursuit has been to retrieve twelve keys hidden by men whose job it was to protect the single biggest secret ever kept. To find the keys he must enlist the help of an unwilling guide who, unfortunately, knows much more than he bargained for. From the first page to the last word, this fantastic duo become immersed in a whirlwind treasure hunt with historical and passionate repercussions. From the strange and eerie Winchester House to the blustery darkness of Loch Ness, Gareth and Leah will quickly learn that the theory of duality is correct: For every bad there is a good and, for Heaven, there most assuredly exists...Hell.

If the author's name sounds familiar, you are quite correct.  I've featured her a time or two before with her Young Adult series, The Angel Chronicles (check out my review of book one here).  This time around, she delves into the land of adult fiction feet first and let you tell you....it was definitely worth the wait!

Leah Tallent is living the life, well the life many of of bookish folks would endeavor to lead anyway.  With her head in the books and stacks of the New York Public Library, she starts every day greeting Patience and Fortitude and every night with a city landmark in her rear view.  *sigh*  The particular day that we meet Leah, she's been graced with guiding a group of bright young minds around her beloved sanctuary....except that they're more the mouthy-stick-gum-behind-the-statues-ear-and-pay-attention-to-no-one variety.  *grr* Thank goodness they're chaperon, Mr. Gareth Lowery is there is assist.  *ahem*  Let's just say he is certainly swoon-worthy but I ADORE how Ms. Lignor wrote Leah's character AND her reactions.  While Gareth pours on the charm, Leah sees right through him...perhaps even more so than they BOTH might think and for reasons yet to be uncovered.  So builds the mystery as to why these two forces seemingly set on destroying each other by nature, must work together to solve a riddle that's as old as the world itself...to reveal the very gates of Heaven....or Hell.  *dun dun dunnnnn*

Do they reach their goal?  Mum's the word on that subject.  Do they entertain, delight, butt heads and raise a general ruckus worth following page after page?  You betcha!  It reminded me of the movie series The Librarian (starring Noah Wyle...if you haven't seen them, you should...you REALLY should!) only with an even more balance as the lead is shared by both Tallent and Lowery.  No one is more important than the other.  Each holds the fate of the world in their hands and each can make the choice whether it sees another day or crumbles like dust in the wind.  The ties ins to real life events and places makes it that much more tangible and the creepy aspect of some locales visited, even more alluring (can definitely see some road trips planned after reading this book).  I mean if I was in New York right now, I would be investigating that locked door that leads to....well, somewhere pretty darn awesome and hopefully still after Lowery got done with it.  *-*  Moving forward...

While the story is believable with touches of reality, fantasy, and the spiritual world on all its levels, the characters were just as central to everything meshing into one big "happy" read.  From our leads who should not be locked in a roomful of fireworks to say the least (*ahem*) to the supporting cast whom you've yet to meet, they each have a role to play and play it well they do.  Perhaps the second biggest player after our duo would be Donovan.  ~shudders~  Okay, let's just say that he may be dashing to some but to others (*raises hand*) he's just plain creepy.  Aside from his tendency to pop up without anyone noticing his arrival, not like he's a small man either, he just gives off a bad vibe.  Sorry, Gareth.  I don't care how much he means to you and your sister, the very air he breathes smells sinister even through the pages.  *shakes head* Speaking of sisters, we only meet Gareth's in passing, but the impression is memorable.  I'm curious if we get to know her more in future books...well, if she MAKES it that it.  *gulp*

As the story is balanced, so must my review be; though the drawbacks are VERY limited..no, really.  There was really only ONE thing that left a mark for me to mention and it was, the cover.  I know direction in that area is such an objective thing but for me, had I not been approached by the author or recognized the name in passing from previous reads, it honestly would not have captured my attention.  For me, it looks too abstract, too Sci-fi/Fantasy and sadly, though we try not to judge by the cover, I would have had to...thank goodness THAT didn't happen!  I would have missed out on SUCH a good time!  So, word to the wise....don't let the cover fool you; the story within is definitely worth cracking the spine.

In conclusion, a fascinating read of Fiction lead by a duo so different from each other and yet so perfect (sorta) that takes us around the globe and back again on the adventure of a lifetime.  Friends will be made (some closer than others), secrets revealed (big, dark, evil ones!) and atrocities relived (history fans, here's your meat and potatoes!), leading us to the ultimate test of judgement and the discovery of what really matters in the end.  It's an edge of your seat adventure filled with bookish fun that any treasurer of the written word can get behind and should most definitely be on your wish list. Recommended for older teen readers and beyond.

Review copy courtesy of author Amy Lignor.  (THANKS!)   For more information on this title as well as her other works and works-in-progress, be sure to friend her on  Facebook or follow her Twitter feed.  To discover more about the Tallent & Lowery Adventures, stop by the series site or check out the book trailer.  This book is available now via Suspense Publishing so be on the look out for it on a bookstore shelf near you or seek thee out your favorite online retailer.  Good news for fans of this duo, they're BAAAAAACCKKK!!  That's right!  Book 2 hit shelves just last month so you might want to add The Sapphire Storm to your wish list, I know I will be....along with book 3, The Hero's Companion (coming soon) AND book 4, The Charlatan's Crown (currently in the works)!  Ah yes, much good reading ahead by friends....can't wait!


Until next time...happy reading!

A Heavenly Celebration: A Privilege by Amy Lignor - Giveaway!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the site that aims to please the reader in you...Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

You've stopped by at the PERFECT time if ever there was one because today we are celebrating a BOOK BIRTHDAY you'll have to read to believe.  It's the third book in a Young Adult trilogy that we've grown to love over the past year or so and from what I understand, the conclusion is stunning.  Interested?  I thought you might be.  Grab your confetti bag and put on your party hat, it's time to join Tribute Books Blog Tours and say hello to author Amy Lignor's latest release... 

A Privilege:
The Angel Chronicles, Book 3

The beloved Angel/Warrior team face pure evil in their final climactic story!

The first time they were sent down, Irish lives were led. Emily, the angel, ended up embedded in murder and lost in the realm of true love. While Matthew, the warrior, took over a life that left blood on his hands and anger in his soul.

With their second coming, Emily found herself facing an oncoming war that brought her to the shores of America. While Matthew tried desperately to unveil the evil character of a young man who was intent on locking his partner in a ‘gilded’ cage.

Now...Emily and Matthew find that their lives are all their own. Yet, all the memories, hatred, longing and regret have come hand-in-hand with this newfound freedom.

In small town U.S.A., Matthew finds himself loving his new life. From his military school existence to a new, ‘odd’ friend who’s arrived in town, Matthew’s looking forward to graduation and heading off into a brilliant future with Emily by his side.

Emily wants nothing more than to hide. Although doing her best to fit in, she lives a life on the edge, wondering when her past love will reappear to either forgive or seek revenge on the angel who let him down. Battling the shadows that seem to be breaking her soul in two, Emily soon discovers that her small, quiet town has a secret that’s beyond dangerous...

As she and Matthew join forces to help a ‘haunted’ victim, they open the door on a mystery neither of them can believe. A true villain has returned from the past, and not even their heavenly family will be able to save them. This time they’re on their own, as they face a fight that could lead them straight to Hell…and end the angel/warrior team forever.

Kindle * Nook * iBookstore
Smashwords * Google * PDF

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Without a word, Matthew reached out, took Emily by the hand and pulled her down beside him. He looked into her eyes and smiled. “I knew my Emily was still in there.”

Out of the blue, the room became incredibly hot, as if Gabriel had entered in order to give a lesson to his favorite students. “What?”

“That spark.” He pulled Emily’s face closer before she could push herself away. “You’ve been acting all this time like you’re just here to sit and wait it out until you’re lucky enough to go Home. But you’re still in there, Emily. You still have all that energy and belief in there and you want to do something. That’s the partner I know.”

Shaking her head, Emily listened to her own breathing intensify as she stared at his full lips and wondered why she felt so completely and utterly strange...vulnerable even. “I want to help this girl. This is a job, maybe my only job down here. She saw a ghost and she wants me to help her out, that’s all.”

“And you will.” Matthew captured Emily’s lips, and she could no longer feel the breath in her lungs. Completely different than the one kiss they’d shared up above so long ago, this one was far more demanding, as if Matthew was a young man determined to kiss his human love for the very first time.

Sitting back, Emily practically jumped off the bed.

“I’m sorry,” she heard him whisper behind her. “I guess I was just excited to see you again.”

Not trusting her voice, she remained silent.

“We have jobs, but we also have a life to live. Our own lives this time around. Maybe you should think about adding that into your angelic plans.” Matthew continued softly, “Jason isn’t here, Emily.”

The name being said out loud sent a chill down Emily’s spine. It reminded her of the vow she’d made a long time ago—a vow that an angel couldn’t break.

She cleared her throat. “It doesn’t matter if he’s here. We were sent to do a job, and maybe helping this little girl prove her story is what I need to begin.”

Standing up, Matthew looked as if he was a man who wanted nothing more than to turn back the clock and erase the name he’d spoken aloud. He walked to the open window. “Well, I hope the job goes well. Good luck with it.”

“Matthew,” Emily took a step toward him. “Don’t leave like this.”

He nodded at the book on the bed. “You have your mission, Emily...your job. Ghosts, goblins, lost souls—knock yourself out.” He took a deep breath. “I wonder when you’re going to figure out that the living souls around you would like some of your attention as well.”

Closing her eyes, Emily shed silent tears as she heard his feet hit the ground beneath her window. A friend, a partner, the one who actually listened, was now just an angry young man racing back to The Armory—a place where warriors reigned.

Emily sighed. She’d done it again. No matter how hard she tried to be good, her mouth always got her into trouble. She needed Matthew to understand. She’d made a promise to a young man a long time ago; a promise that was supposed to last for eternity. How was she to know at the time that their eternity would include death by her hand? Had the second time around broken their vow? Emily had no idea. But whatever happened she could not and would not offer Matthew her heart if payment was still due for her past sins. Above all, Matthew was the last person who deserved to be punished for her mistakes.

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Author Amy Lignor

Amy Lignor began her career at Grey House Publishing in northwest Connecticut where she was the Editor-in-Chief of numerous educational and business directories.

Now she is a published author of several works of fiction. The Billy the Kid historical The Heart of a Legend; the thriller, Mind Made; and the adventure novel, Tallent & Lowery 13.

She is also the owner of The Write Companion, a company that offers help and support to writers through a full range of editorial services from proofreading and copyediting to ghostwriting and research. As the daughter of a research librarian, she is also an active book reviewer.

Currently, she lives with her daughter, mother and a rambunctious German Shepherd named Reuben, in the beautiful state of New Mexico.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads

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Books 1 and 2 are now 99 cents on Kindle!

   




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Special thanks to Nicole at Tribute Books for the chance to bring this exciting celebration to all of you!  (THANKS!)  For more information on this tour as well as those forthcoming, be sure to stop by their Facebook page or follow along on Twitter.  To read all about the Angel Chronicles world as well as keep abreast of what's new on the author's horizons, be sure to visit Amy Lignor online via the options mentioned above.

Until next time...GOOD LUCK...and happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: Gilded Wings by Amy Lignor - Guest Post + Contest!

Hi there!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers, the place to be when you're ready to ROCK...with a great book that is!

Today, we play host to yet another tour (what can I say, I'm a sucker for a promotion ESPECIALLY when a great title happens to be front and center!) via Tribute Books Blog Tours (Hi, Nicole!) featuring a Young Adult title that just so happens to be the second book in a series you NEED to know.  Trust me...NEED is an appropriate word choice here because if book one is any indicator, this one should be fantastic!  Seeing as how this is another multi-part post, I won't let my mouth, or rather fingers, fun away with me...too much.  ^_^

Now I don't know about you, but when meeting a series for the first time, I prefer to go in chronological order, as in let’s meet book one and then ease right into book two.  Seeing as how I was lucky enough to read and review book one on a prior blog tour with these fine folks, it’ll be a refresher for those that visit frequently; consider it a brief interlude to connect points A to B.  Sound like a plan?  I thought you might agree.  Without further ado, let us meet/re-greet the first installment from author Amy Lignor…

The Angel Chronicles, Book 1:

Until Next Time

How does a girl choose between the one who steals her heart and the one who owns her soul?
Matt and Emily were created for a specific job. Raised and trained as the ultimate angel/warrior team, they are sent down to save, defend, judge and forgive, depending on the 'life' they've been assigned. What they don't realize is that the power of human emotions, such as love, anger, passion and fear can take over even the best of souls, causing them to make mistakes and follow paths that lead to confusion and heartache.
When the reason for their training is finally revealed, the angel/warrior team find themselves thrust into a world they know nothing about. Matt takes over the life of Daniel, a young man with a great deal of baggage. Emily becomes Liz, a girl living in a remote village who relies on nothing more than her own strength to survive. A violent storm erupts one night, and framed in the window of Liz's establishment is a frightening face. Let in by the soul of a Good Samaritan, the two visitors bring with them a past full of secrets that could literally change an angel's path and a warrior's plans.
From murder to redemption, this angel/warrior team must find a way to keep the faith they have in each other in a world that's ripping them apart.

KINDLE   |   NOOK   |   iBookstore   |   Smashwords   |   PDF

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Too cool, right?

For another peek behind the pages, check out my review.

Now, on with today’s show…it’s time to introduce book two!

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The Angel Chronicles, Book 2:

Gilded Wings

The Beloved Angel-Warrior Team from Until Next Time Returns!
When Matt and Emily are sent on their second mission they have no idea how truly dark human nature can become...
Emily never wanted to face humans again. With the heartache that went on down below, she’s still trying to figure out how to save souls that don’t deserve saving. The only one she wants to see again is Jason - the young man she fell in love with who became the soulmate she simply can’t forget...
Matt was trained to protect and defend the souls down below. Longing to feel the heartfelt emotions that come from being human, Matt wants nothing more than to have just one life - one chance - to live and love the girl of his dreams...
The powerful team find themselves in a brand new century, living in the Gilded Age of New York City. Emily takes over the body of Anya, a young Russian girl who arrives on Ellis Island after a hideous tragedy. There she meets up with a strangely familiar young man by the name of Drew Parrish, who helps Anya survive in an unknown world of luxury, snobbery and…obsession.
What Anya’s inner angel doesn’t know is that the soul she loves is also back. This time around Jason goes by the name of Max Carrow. Once a quiet and kind boy, he’s now part of the ‘Four Hundred Club,’ and wants nothing more than to be among the most admired as he climbs the shaky ladder of society’s elite.

As two worlds merge, Emily and Matt struggle under the weight of their “Gilded Wings.” Not only will they have to figure out who they should fight to save, but they must also face a romantic choice that could destroy them both.

KINDLE   |   NOOK   |   iBookstore   |   Smashwords   |   PDF

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Are you excited yet?

You should be!

The synopsis alone makes it sound like a fabulous book though I have yet to read it myself, but you can best believe it is on my wish list.  Need a little more to make up your mind?  No problem!  We’ve got you covered.  Part two of our multi-part post is now ready for your reading please.  It’s the READ ALONG portion so not only do you get a sample from the book, if you’ve been following the tour, you’ll be getting even more entrenched in the plot as it thickens (remember, stir not shake!  ^_^). 

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READ ALONG

 THE ANGEL CHRONICLES:  GILDED WINGS

Drew looked down at the floor. “There is no lady of the house anymore. She passed away.”

“Oh, I’m sorry.”

“During the birth of her second child.”

Gregori spoke excitedly, “Is he my age?”

“As a matter of fact he just turned ten. His name is Myles. That means soldier.” Drew winked.

“Wow.” Gregori beamed. “He’s a soldier and I’m a sheriff.”

Anya laughed. “Well, a girl can’t ask for more protection than that, now can I?”

Pulling the shawl from her shoulders, Anya tied it around her head to keep the bitter winds away from her damp hair. She took her young charge by the hand, as Drew led them out of the building.

The wind slammed her in the face when they exited the double doors and walked toward the waiting ferry. The sky was darker; twilight had fallen during their stay on Ellis Island.

Anya and Gregori were speechless as the boat made its way across the harbor. Anya’s breath caught in her throat as she took in the big buildings; beams of light seemed to be streaming from hundreds of windows in the distance. A strange, white light—unlike the amber glow of candles or lanterns, illuminated the panes of glass.

As she took a deep breath, Anya tried to ease the nerves she suddenly felt with the new boy, new job and the mesmerizing young man by her side. She readied herself to become a part of the well-lit landscape that seemed to welcome her with open arms.

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Ooh…so it sounds like the duo is just making their way into the New World.  Should be an adjustment from what they were accustomed to but I’d imagine if anyone could handle it, it’s these two.  (Though from the synopsis, I am worried about their love connection!)  What do YOU think, fair readers?

Thoughts, questions, comments…I’m all ears.

While you’re contemplating what you want to share, allow me to bring you a little something more to chew on.  That’s right, the multi-part post continues with a guest post courtesy of author Amy Lignor!  What topic did she choose?  Oh, it’s a surprise…but all will be revealed in three…two…one…ACTION!  (Ha!  Pun TOTALLY intended!)

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GUEST POST:  Author Amy Lignor

The Angel/Warrior Team On Screen!

Every writer will tell you that they’ve always had that dream in the back of their minds that one day their characters - the ones they love who’ve lived in their mind for a good, long time - would be up on the big screen charming viewers across the globe.

JK Rowling had that dream come true (as she should have) and literally cast the ‘only’ actors that could possibly play her much beloved characters. But when I step away from those wizards and witches and think about my angel/warrior team, I know that the actors will have to have that certain something in order to bring the pages to life.

This writer had the face in mind long ago; his name was Matthew Perry, yet he - like this writer, unfortunately - has aged a bit too far to be the warrior. Our character, Matthew, needs that kind, sweet face but also the charm that will pull at a female’s heartstrings. His eyes need to be as blue as Potter’s, but filled with a sense of knowledge that no young man that age would have.

In the world as it stands right now, Landon Liboiron (Degrassi: The Next Generation) is what I picture the warrior would be. Strong, determined, yet with an intensity and kindness in those bright baby blues that seem to say there’s something behind these eyes that you just wouldn’t believe.

When it comes to Matthew’s partner, we need that girl with the auburn hair (although, she can dye it if need be). She needs to have the more tortured look, seeing as that she’s the one who has to suffer a great deal at the hands of fate - and her own choices.

She must also play perfectly against her partner - have the love and friendship for him, but also be able to fight a battle with him that may or may not tear them apart for good (this is all in Gilded Wings, by the way). So for this role inside my head, I must now wish that Emma Stone was a bit younger - perhaps by about four years. Not only does she have the hair color, but she’s already proven to be a huge talent. So what happens when we need someone younger? Well…we can go two different routes here. One: We can do the JK Rowling move and audition and pick almost unknowns for the leads; or, we can have the fans vote for who THEY want to see. (I would pick the latter - which means it’s all up to YOU as to who Emily and Matthew would be as their lives unfold before your eyes.

So choose well, guys. I look forward to having that dream come true and I look forward to any suggestions you have! So put your thinking caps on!

What remains the same? Kiefer Sutherland has to be one of the ‘big guys.’ I mean, come on, wouldn’t YOU listen to a saint or archangel that had the voice of Jack Bauer?  I know I would!

Until Next Time, Everybody,

Amy

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Hmm.  Good question…who WOULD you want to see in these roles?  Personally, I’m at a loss, though I the suggestions the author gave us were lovely.  Even with the younger/older factor, they could still totally work!  I’d LOVE to see this series up on the big screen!  So much room for play with everything that transpires, it’d be a massive amount of fun.  *fingers crossed*

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About the author

Amy Lignor began her career at Grey House Publishing in northwest Connecticut where she was the Editor-in-Chief of numerous educational and business directories.

Now she is a published author of several works of fiction. The Billy the Kid historical The Heart of a Legend; the thriller, Mind Made; and the adventure novel, Tallent & Lowery 13.

She is also the owner of The Write Companion, a company that offers help and support to writers through a full range of editorial services from proofreading and copyediting to ghostwriting and research. As the daughter of a research librarian, she is also an active book reviewer.

Currently, she lives with her daughter, mother and a rambunctious German Shepherd named Reuben, in the beautiful state of New Mexico.

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Sounds like this author has her plate full but what a lovely plate it is!  Supporting fellow writers, family, friends and ooh...Reuben sounds like a doll!  (Love German Shepherds!)  To learn more about author Amy Lignor, she can be found on GoodReads, her website, blog, Facebook and Twitter.  To discover more about the world of The Angel Chronicles, be sure to stop by the official website or like it on Facebook.  If you’re following the tour, be sure to check out all the fun on Twitter by following the #GildedWings hashtag….and to catch up on the READ ALONG, be sure to visit the sites participating, conveniently listed below…

Special thanks to the author for the guest post and Nicole at Tribute Books Blog Tours for the chance to bring all of this to you.  (THANKS ladies!)  For more information on Tribute Books including their catalog of growing wonders, be sure to check them out online, on Facebook and of course, on Twitter!  Now, for the final part of the multi-part post….whew, that was a mouthful! 

IT’S CONTEST TIME!

Up for grabs are a slew of prizes ranging from ebooks to T-shirts to posters…multiple winners, open to US residents only and it all comes to an end January 31^st, 2013.  So get your entries in now via the Rafflecopter form below…and don’t forget to SPREAD THE WORD!

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Until next time…GOOD LUCK….and happy reading!