BLOG TOUR: My Tethered Soul by Dorothy Dreyer + GIVEAWAY!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers…the place to be when you’re in the mood for something delightful…of the bookish variety.

Today, we’re playing host to a Chapter by Chapter blog tour starring a newish release from Month9Books.  It’s book two in a Young Adult series from none other than author Dorothy Dreyer.  (Hi Dorothy! ~waves~)  If you haven’t sampled her work before, I highly suggest you do…especially if you like magic, danger, family, love, and a healthy dose of the unknown.  Yes, there’s all of this and more just waiting for you discover between the pages, or in my case the epages this go round.  Ready to make friends with a new MUST READ series for your list?  Please welcome today’s blog tour guest and book of choice….

My Tethered Soul

(Reaper’s Rite, Book 2)

By

Dorothy Dreyer

Month9Books

About the book….

It’s been months since Zadie faced her sister’s Reaper, months during which she’s been under her mentor’s magical protection. But now that she’s turning seventeen, that protection is about to run out.

When dark forces lure Zadie to wander at night, she’s manipulated into committing unspeakable acts. With her friends and family at risk, Zadie must try to use her powers to break free from the Reaper’s grasp, or surrender to the Reaper’s Rite, which can only lead to death.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo | Chapters Indigo! | TBD | iBooks

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First things first, let’s answer a question wondered in regards to any series you come upon midstream…YES, you can read it by itself, but NO it won’t make as much sense initially.  Even if you’ve read the first already, if it was any length of time ago, I’d recommend a reread, otherwise it takes a bit to get back into the world.  (*raises hand*)  It’s not that it’s anything other than fantastic, there are just so many unique things going on in the story that for the connections to fit easily, it’s best to just follow the series in sequence.  Now, moving forward…

The story, oh the story…or maybe I should say the CHARACTERS.

This is very much a character driven book despite the fact that there is a plot line being followed, deaths to avoid, Reapers to escape, ecetera.  It’s the PEOPLE that really make it shine.  From Zadie and her sister Mara, our leading ladies of light and magic, one of which is being controlled by a Reaper…possibly…or just sleepwalking… *whistles* I’ll never tell…..to the fellows (let’s see that ‘s Chase and Gavin for Zadie and Hunter for Mara…oh and of course Paxton for Naomi, can’t forget our non-magical yet amazing friend!) not only competing for the girls’ attention but leaving their magical marks on the story as well (Alchemists, Cations and witches, oh my!).  From Lilura the amazing, (okay, I added that moniker as cranky and cantankerous fits her a bit better but in the knowledge and heart department, she’s tops)….to Helene the gifted (she can speak to those in the great beyond…and likes to meow…. *-*), Mr. and Mrs. Poulter plus their three children (a witch family with definitely different dispositions and opinions, hoorah!) to those that live in shadow and thrive on fear (the Reapers…. ~shudder~).  Everyone is someone worthy of note and they all work together to move the story along. Now, speaking of story…

We pretty much pick up where we left off.  Mara is back, Zadie is expanding her Vila knowledge with Lilura, Gavin is still in the picture but so is Chase, and Naomi is her awesome self.  We’ve a newcomer to town by the name of Hunter.  Brother to Chase, he’s the one that’s…more full of himself.  *ahem* Don’t get me wrong, there’s more than the exterior he presents but you have to get by the attitude first.  Good luck Mara!  Anywho, just when things seem too normal, powers return to those that were thought to have lost them, a Reaper begins running amuck for no foreseeable reason, illness strikes someone much harder than it seems, and a long lost relative may be making a return.  Let us not forget all the death and danger our group will have to dodge while they are trying to sort things out…and sorted they must be, otherwise more than one life will end, and the tally in this one is already growing uncomfortably large.

So, in conclusion, it’s a great addition to the Reaper’s Rite series that is sure to satisfy those that are fans already accounted for while continuing to add to the fold.  Come on in guys and gals, it’s QUITE the rush.  Recommended for Young Adult fans of all ages.

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About the author....

Dorothy Dreyer has always believed in magic. She loves reading, writing, movies, and spending time with her family and friends. Half-American and half-Filipino, Dorothy lives in Germany with her husband and two children.

 Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Special thanks to MaryAnn at Chapter by Chapter and the folks at Month9Books for making this tour possible as well as for the review copy.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title, be sure to check out the official tour page listing all the great stops along its virtual journey through the end of the month, including {Bookraptured} yesterday and Nayu’s Reading Corner tomorrow!  To discover more from fantabulous author Dorothy Dreyer, Month9Books, or Chapter by Chapter, feel free to click through the links provided above.  This title is available now, so be on the lookout for it on a bookstore shelf or virtual retailer of your choosing.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time…happy reading!

BLOG TOUR: My Sister's Reaper by Dorothy Dreyer + Giveaway!

Hi guys!

Welcome back to the site that aims to bring you the best in bookish delights every day of the week...Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers.

Today is an extra special day indeed as I get to play host to a blog tour via Month9Books starring none other than newly minted author Dorothy Dreyer! Don't know the name? Well, some of you might have met her at BEA this year, and others might have seen previous stops on this tour...as for me I was introduced my another bloggy friend to her and her work a few years ago.  That's right! I featured a review of that unpublished work right here on my site way back when and even then, she was something to read.  So needless to say when I heard she reached published status with a NEW story...I had to be a part of the celebration!  Without further ado, please join me in welcoming a fab friend, writer extraordinaire and today's ebook of choice...  

MY SISTER'S REAPER

by

Dorothy Dreyer

About the book...

There’s bragging, there’s trying to impress a boy, and then there’s Sixteen-year-old Zadie. Zadie’s first mistake was telling the boy she’s crushing on that she could bring her dead sister back to life. Her second mistake? Actually doing it! When Zadie accidentally messes with the Reaper’s Rite that should have claimed her sister Mara, things go horribly wrong (you think?). Mara isn’t the same anymore—Zadie isn’t even sure she’s completely human, and to top it off, a Reaper is determined to collect Mara’s soul no matter what. Now Zadie must figure out how to defeat her sister’s Reaper, intent on claiming both girls, or let Mara die … this time for good.

A story of imagination, wonders and a whole lotta shake-worthy situations, this one will leave you bookishly satisfied yet thirsty for more....much like a Reaper only with less insidious intentions. ^-^

Zadie is a joy to get to know and though the questions and guilt she's dealing with are weighty, she takes 'em like a champ.  I mean, it's hard enough being sixteen without having a sister in a coma that ended up there under mysterious circumstances, and powers that may-or-may-not exist to perhaps-in-some-small-way put everything back together again.  I'd like to see YOU deal with that short of pressure with simply a smile and a nod. Uh-huh. That's what I thought. Anywho...like I said, a joy tp get to know and despite all that's been thrown at her recently, still a girl with a good head on her shoulders. Now, about that magic...

It's real, yes, but the why, how, and use of it is a unique mix up of heritage, magically speaking, that I've yet to see.  Shan't spoil it for you, but it leads to some unusual family tree discoveries for all involved parties. I really like how the author managed to get into all of that without getting TOO heavy on the history.   She opens the door, invites us inside but doesn't go all "Hotel California" like some do.  You know what I mean, those reads where you practically need an added guide just to keep track of the lineage and what not. More power to those that prefer that style but I'll take my reads light on the "four score" and heavy on the story.  Moving forward...

What a story indeed! As stated, magic abounds in many forms both good and not-so-good and while that would certainly keep things interesting enough, the characters truly give it that extra dose of charm.  Madie, Zadie's sister, is a force to be reckoned with ...even if her hand isn't always her own (dun dun dunnn). You can tell underneath it all she's a peach, but it's getting past all that that takes true courage. Why? You'll see. *-* Moving forward, we have Naomi, a best friend certainly worth her BF title; Gavin, the crush that could be something more; Emily who, well she doesn't REALLY play in the same circles but she definitely has a somewhat star role in the story. ..while it lasts. *ahem* On the unexpected friendly list, we would be remiss to forget about the Black's...Lilhura and Chase. It's a great reminder to not judge a book by its cover, nor a person entirely by your first impression of them...the rest you'll have to uncover on your own.

Author Dorothy Dreyer

In conclusion, a fantastic read from ecover to ecover from a talented writer that knows how to place you in the action, envelop you in the story and make you a part of the family so that their triumphs are yours...as well as their tragedies.  If you like your reads on the Middle Grade/Young Adult side of things with magic, mystery, danger and a chance at romance...this is definitely one to have on your MUST READ list.

Ebook for review courtesy of Brooke at Month9Books.  (THANKS!)  For more information on this title as well as their full catalog, be sure to stop by their official site, like them on Facebook, Pin them on Pinterest, or follow along on Twitter!  To discover more about the author behind the work, catch Dorothy Dreyer online at her site, her blog We Do Write ( a fab site if I do say so myself), on Facebook and over on Twitter.  This being a blog tour and all, there is more fun where that came from!  Be sure to catch Ms. Dreyer as she stops over at my good friend Nayuleska's site, Nayu's Reading Corner, tomorrow!


Now, how would you like a chance to WIN?  I thought you might.  Thanks to the folks at Month9Books, now's your chance!  Up for grabs....signed copy of MY SISTER'S REAPER, nail polish, journal, MSR keychain, and candy! How's that for a great combination?  To enter....check out the rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Until next time...happy reading!

Diamond in the Rough: The Second Circle: Guardian by Dorothy Dreyer

Welcome back to another post here at Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers! I don’t know about your neck of the woods, but it’s FREEZING down here! I think it actually warmed up to 40 degrees yesterday, but it went right back down to the teens overnight….yeah, so much for the "sunshine state". (Okay, well in all fairness, there is SUN; it just doesn’t feel very "shiny" at this time.) I mean I love the cold weather, but this is REALLY cold. Cie la vie….I’ll just grab another shirt to throw on to stay warm. (Let’s see that makes 3 shirts on now? Any more and I may look like the Stay-Puff Marshmallow wo-Man!) Enough about the weather though, I must tell you about my latest book!

OMG! Sorry…I’m not usually prone to outbursts of the oh-my-goodness nature, but I just finished reading a currently unpublished work by a very promising author-to-be (totally my opinion, but if you just read the story I did, you’d absolutely agree!)! How did I make this connection? Simple! One of my first Twitter and book blogging friends, that would be Bella over at A Bibliophile's Bookshelf (HI and THANKS!), had our virtual paths cross and the rest as they say is history! Before I delve too far into the story itself, allow me to introduce the working title (ahem….working as in if a publisher or agent is reading this and has any questions, feel free to contact the author…ahem) (sorry, shameless plug…purely acting on my own volition). Today’s book (to-be) of choice is….

The Second Circle:

Guardian

By

Dorothy Dreyer

Let me set the stage for you….Emma Livingston’s life has been anything but a bed of roses. Her mother died when she was very young, her father is at work most of the time, her younger sister Megan simply will not listen to her, and her grandmother is estranged from the family; so, you see, although not as hard as some, a plenty hard life by most standards. One day (seemingly) out of the blue, Emma receives a letter welcoming her to the prestigious Ruthershire Educational Academy in England. Apparently, her well-to-do grandmother had paid entirely for her studies there out of the kindness of her heart…a fact that she finds rather hard to swallow since they’ve had virtually no communication since her mother’s passing. No matter….being such a fantastic chance at a great education, it simply can’t be missed.

Upon arriving at her new home away from home, things seem to go along rather smoothly….her roommate Amanda is a blast and definitely aids in giving her a proper introduction to life on the other side of the pond, Wendy, Nicholas, and Kyle round out their merry little group quite nicely. Then we have the potential love interests. Andrew, who presents himself as a proper gentleman, but makes his intentions known of wanting to be more than just friends. Handsome and forth-coming, what girl wouldn't want someone like that to fawn over her? (Anyone not raising their hand in agreement? Nope..didn't think so.) Alas, despite his advances, someone else has captured her attention as well. Now entering stage right.....Kieran. Let's just say that is handsome was a contest they would be on a slightly level playing field.....BUT, add piercingly gorgeous eyes, a knack for always being there when needed and those lovely little butterflies in your stomach.....yes, Kieran would win hands down.

Unfortunately for Emma, he seems to have a girlfriend.....but whether the obvious or merely a friend that happens to be a girl is a bit more of a mystery. Unable to unravel this riddle, much time is spent with the former suitor. So, everything seems great, right? Boyfriend potential, good friends, and so-so grades in class, she should be A-ok.....(well now, then we wouldn't have much left for a story now would we...)....not so lucky. Strange dreams have been plagueing Emma and now some of those dreams seem to be playing out in reality. A mysterious jewel heist, shady meetings with strange unknowns, accidents and run-ins with things that can't quite be explained......and how exactly does Andrew or Kieran always end up by her side? This is only the beginning as stranger things are about to unfold. Her past as she now knows it will be torn assunder and her future as uncertain as she might have been about it will take a very unexpected turn. Will Emma survive the school year ahead? If so, at what cost and by who's hand? (Yes indeed...I am stopping right here with the "reveals" as to tell more would give away to much of the adventure and I want YOU to get a chance to discover the rest on your own!)

First off, let me say that I LOVED this book-to-be! A perfect addition to the YA fiction category....which definitely has me hoping this book is granted the chance to shine on a book store shelf near you very soon! Now, on to my further analysis...

The cast of characters will keep you guessing. I promise, up until a certain point in the book, I was totally convinced I knew who the "good guy" was and who the "bad guy" was, then POW! Your mind is blown by a stunning revelation, causing you to reconsider the events you previously interpreted. Settling back in on your journey, the rug is pulled out several more times as you are kept on your toes constantly trying to reveal once and for all who is who. (Trust me; it’s a GOOD thing in this case.) All is revealed in the end, as well as a small introduction to the next installment in the series. (YES! There is a second book planned …although the story line may or may not be what you are thinking right now.)

The story itself combines the elements of modern day times with a magical realm. It is described in such a way as to make you wish you could see the prismatic fields of flowers and nature godesses. Although you wouldn't want to meet up with Lizatora (let's just say it in one word....EVIL), she is given a rather interesting back story to support the way her character is presently and you may find yourself sympathizing with her plight (...to a point....after that, back to the one word description of EVIL....).  If you want to discuss the emotional aspect, the gambit is certain run with this one!  From fear of the unknown (magical world and someone's out to get you...hello, scary enough!) to discovering true inner strength (always good to find just when you need it) to romance (*SIGH*...to my fellow female readers, you'll be wanting to switch places with Emma more than once here), no feeling is left unexplored.  You'll want to keep the tissues handy for the sad parts and the pom poms at the ready for the celebrations.

As this is an unpublished work (currently), I can’t say "go out and pick up your copy today", but I would definitely be on the lookout for it to hit the shelves running at a future (hopefully near future) date. In the mean time, she is active in the online community….guess where? (Oh, come on….you know this….) Yep, Twitter! I believe she may also have a Facebook page as well, but as I am not on that particular site, I’ll leave the looking-up for all of you (consider it a bookish research project for all of my readers on that site).

Special thanks once again, to Bella for helping this great book-to-be cross my path! (You can also check out Bella's review of this great book at her site!) A big thank you as well to the author, Dorothy Dreyer, herself for both the eBook for review, the chance to read her fantastical work, and for taking the time to visit my little site!

Until next time….happy reading!

**UPDATE:  02/04/10 - This just in from the author herself....the series name has been changed!  Book 1 is now called Sparks of Light.  To check out more information on this title and more, see her updated site!**