Sneak Peek: House of Falling Embers by Krystal Jane Ruin with Giveaway

House of Falling Embers

by Krystal Jane Ruin

Paranormal/Retelling 

The Narcissistic Rose

October 1^st, 2018 

Hosted by: Lady Amber's Reviews & PR

Once upon a time there was a witch. She was a kind witch, but that didn’t matter. The people were afraid, and fear often turns to hatred.

When Artemis was thirteen, her best friend Aris was swallowed by the crumbling house they found in the woods. Like a coward, she abandoned him to the horror within.

She moved away. She tried to forget. But when she finds herself back in her old neighborhood after college, the ghosts—and her guilt—are waiting. A charred figure stalks her dreams, and someone, or something, haunts her from the trees.

Going back into the woods might be the only way to save her sanity.

Because nine years later, the house is still there. Still waiting. Still restless.

I read this one and LOVED it!!! 

If you'd like to see my review, just head over to Kidbits here!

Krystal Jane is the author of supernatural and paranormal fiction, living in the Tennessee Valley with a collection of swords and daggers. When she's not hoarding stuffed pandas, hourglasses, and Hello Kitty replicas, she can be found drinking chai tea or blogging about books, writing, and random things at KrystalSquared.net.

Author Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2OV3bYc

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/krystaljaneruin/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/planetkrystal

Web: www.krystalsquared.net

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16465460.Krystal_Jane_Ruin

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/krystalsquared/

Buy Links:

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2OXW7Kp

Apple: https://itunes.apple.com/book/id1429647583

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/house-of-falling-embers-krystal-jane-ruin/1129324286

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/en/ebook/house-of-falling-embers

Fenton leads back against the bar, looking every inch the rich playboy. A woman I vaguely recognize as being a country music artist comes up to plants kisses on Fenton’s cheeks.

“Thank you so much for coming.” She bats her lashes at him and doesn’t spare me a glance. She uses her wine glass to gesture to the artwork and tables set up at the front of the room. “The silent auction is over there with all the usual fun stuff. When you have a minute, find me outside. I want to introduce you to someone.” She drifts away, the heavy scent of a flowery perfume trailing behind.

“So, I take it your boyfriend was okay with you going out tonight.” His eyes are fixated on something, or someone, outside by the pool. 

I’m not entirely sure why, but both his voice and what he said infuriate me. “I don’t need his permission.”

“You didn’t tell him.”

My fingers tighten around my glass. “I told him.” Not that it’s any of his business.

“Cute house you guys have. Off in the country like that. Surrounded by all those trees.” He shifts so his body is angled my way. “Isn’t that close to where that Asano kid grew up?” He’s still not looking at me when he says this, so he probably doesn’t see me nearly choke on my drink.

“What?” My voice wavers.

“You were friends with him, right?” He shifts his eyes to my face. “How are you holding up?”

It feels like the floor just dropped from under me. I clutch the cold trim of the bar for support. A thick mass of unshed tears fills my throat, and I have to mentally talk myself off a panic cliff.

When I don’t say anything, he continues. “The wellbeing of my employees is important to me.” His eyes trail over the dance floor before stopping back on my face. “I care.”

I lean away from him and drain the rest of my drink.

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Cover Reveal: House of Falling Embers by Krystal Jane Ruin

House of Falling Embers 

by Krystal Jane Ruin 

Paranormal, Retelling

COMING...

OCTOBER 5th, 2018!!!

Once upon a time there was a witch. She was a kind witch, but that didn’t matter. The people were afraid, and fear often turns to hatred.
When Artemis was thirteen, her best friend Aris was swallowed by the crumbling house they found in the woods. Like a coward, she abandoned him to the horror within.
She moved away. She tried to forget. But when she finds herself back in her old neighborhood after college, the ghosts—and her guilt—are waiting. A charred figure stalks her dreams, and someone, or something, haunts her from the trees.
Going back into the woods might be the only way to save her sanity.
Because nine years later, the house is still there. Still waiting. Still restless.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo / Google Play

And here she is...

Krystal is the author of supernatural and paranormal fiction, living in the Tennessee Valley with a collection of swords and daggers. When she's not hoarding stuffed pandas, hourglasses, and Hello Kitty replicas, she can be found in a YouTube hole or blogging about books, writing, and random things at KrystalSquared.net. 

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

Happy Book Birthday, Book of Peril by Melissa McShane!

THE BOOK OF PERIL

The Last Oracle, Book Two

by Melissa McShane

Curiosity Quills Press

Paranormal, Fantasy

As the custodian of the oracular bookstore Abernathy’s, Helena has faced any number of challenges in learning her new role. But when the store begins giving out false prophecies, Helena comes up against her greatest challenge yet: how can she fix Abernathy’s when she doesn’t truly know how it works?

Armed only with a few special talents and her desire to protect her magical charge, and with the assistance of her best friend Viv, her reluctant assistant Judy, and the enigmatic and handsome Malcolm Campbell, Helena must navigate the treacherous depths of the magical world, where secret enemies lurk behind illusions capable of fooling even the most powerful of magical entities. Helena is the only one who can see past those illusions, but will her abilities prove strong enough to save the oracle? 

Note: Although this is classified as an adult read, the main character comes across young enough for the upper end of the Young Adult audience to connect with. Except for several violence scenes (which don't run into the category of over gory or surpass the average YA level by any means), there isn't anything inappropriate for the YA audience.

MY TIDBITS

Magic, mystery and a bit of chaos mix to make an entertaining read, which hooks until the very last page.

Helena has established her place as the custodian of the book store. She still has some things to figure out, but she's getting there. Or so she thought. More and more often, the oracle is leading her to the wrong books—something that should never happen. And it's getting worse. If Helena doesn't figure out what's going on and how to solve the problem, not only will her position become obsolete but the entire magical world could fall askew.

I read the first book in this series and highly recommend starting with it before hitting Book of Peril, since the background information is essential to understand what is going on in this book. 

I loved this one as much as the first. Helena has grown a little more self-assured, and she's just as likable as before. Her concern for others as well as her desire to protect the oracle makes her simply wonderful. Not everything always works out...she is a bit stumbly...but it makes her that much more endearing.

While the plot in this one at times seems to ring a familiarity with the first book, it does take unexpected turns and ends up with a fresh and surprising turn. Her run-ins with magic come at a different level and some angles hit at a more personal level for Helena, giving the reader a better insight into her and her past. There's a wonderful play of magic against normality, which allows the entire fantasy aspect to settle in easily.

I love the book store feel to this series—one can almost smell the dust on older books and feel the spines beneath the fingers. Wrapping it all up into a magical bubble with a hard to solve mystery, a very likable main character and a dash of romance which barely hits with a breeze along the side creates an easy to read book, which draws into the pages. It's a light read yet still holds tension, and simply allows the reader to escape into another world.

I can't wait to see what Helena goes up against next.

Coming Soon: The One Apart by Justin Avery with Giveaway

The One Apart

 by Justine Avery

 Sci-fi & Fantasy / Paranormal

Justine Avery

568 pages

Tour dates: Nov 20 to Dec 8, 2017

Content Rating: PG-13 (acceptable for YA audiences)

COMING. . .

DECEMBER 4th, 2017!!!

Only one obstacle stands in his way of enjoying a normal life.
He remembers—every life he's lived before.

Tres is about to be born... with the biggest burden any has ever had to bear. He is beginning again—as an ageless adult trapped in an infant body.

He and his teenage mother face life filled with extraordinary challenges as they strive to protect, nurture, and hide how truly different he is. But Tres alone must solve the greatest mystery of all: who is he? The answer is linked to the one question he's too afraid to ask: why am I?

In his quest, Tres discovers that all is considerably more interconnected and dynamic than he could ever imagine—and fraught with far more danger. He cannot hide from the unseen threat stalking him since his birth.

Life as he knows it—as all know it—is in peril. And Tres is the only one aware.

Amazon

Add to Goodreads

And here she is. . .

Justine Avery is an award-winning author of stories large and small for all. Born in the American Midwest and raised all over the world, she is inherently an explorer, duly fascinated by everything around her and excitedly noting the stories that abound all around. As an avid reader of all genres, she weaves her own stories among them all. She has a predilection for writing speculative fiction and story twists and surprises she can’t even predict herself.

Avery has either lived in or explored all 50 states of the union, over 36 countries, and all but one continent; she lost count after moving 30-sometimes before the age of 20. She’s intentionally jumped out of airplanes and off the highest bungee jump in New Zealand, scuba dived unintentionally with sharks, designed websites, intranets, and technical manuals, bartered with indigenous Panamanians, welded automobile frames, observed at the Bujinkan Hombu Dojo in Noba, Japan, and masterminded prosperous internet businesses—to name a few adventures. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree that life has never required, and at age 28, she sold everything she owned and quit corporate life—and her final “job”—to freelance and travel the world as she always dreamed of. And she’s never looked back.

Aside from her native English, Avery speaks a bit of Japanese and a bit more Spanish, her accent is an ever-evolving mixture of Midwestern American with notes of the Deep South and indiscriminate British vocabulary and rhythm, and she says “eh”—like the Kiwis, not the Canadians. She currently lives near Los Angeles with her husband, British film director Devon Avery, and their three adopted children: Becks, Sam, and Lia. She writes from wherever her curiosity takes her.

Avery loves to connect with fellow readers and creatives, explorers and imaginers, and cordially invites you to say “hello”—or konnichiwa.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Dec 16

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Mom's Morning! Sneak Peek: Night of the Hunter by Susan Harris with Giveaway

Night of the Hunter 

by Susan Harris

The Ever Chace Chronicles, #4

Crimson Tree Publishing

Paranormal, Romance

COMING. . .

November 13th 2017!!!

Caitlyn Hardi is on a mission. . .a suicide mission. Driven by the pain of the past, she sets out to confront the monster deep in the Catacombs of Paris—the one who took everything from her. Caitlyn doesn’t care if she survives Paris. Her only concern is that the vampire who made her does not take another family from her. If dying means keeping everyone she loves safe—especially Donnie—then Caitlyn can accept that…as long as she can take her maker to Hell with her.

Donnie O’Carroll began to live the moment Caitlyn made him a vampire. Caitlyn gave him a family, a purpose, and he’ll be damned if he’s going to allow the darkness to overwhelm the woman he loves. He will fight to the end to prove to Caitlyn that love can conquer all—even if he has to die to do it.
Sacrifice, a supernatural assassin, and immortal love are on a cosmic collision course in this powerful fourth installment of the Ever Chace Chronicles.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

Previous books in the series:

Grab book 1 – Skin and Bones – for FREE!

SNEAK PEEK

“Oh, my dear, what have those vampires done?”
Kenzie spun round and laid eyes on the most beautiful man she had ever seen. A tumble of dark hair caressed his shoulders. When he stepped into the light, it was a rich brown, almost with an undertone of red beneath the dark. His eyes were of the same reddish-brown tint, with an expression that sent warnings of danger throughout Kenzie’s entire body. He was imposing, standing in the doorway, a leather duster coat dipping into the blood-soaked carpet that made Kenzie want to tell him to lift it up so it wouldn’t get damaged.
“Who are you?” she asked as the stranger’s full lips curved into a small smile.
“Someone who can help you exact revenge on those who slaughtered your family.”
Kenzie lurched forward. “You know who killed them? Tell me!”
The stranger stepped forward and cupped her cheek in his hand. Kenzie flinched, the coldness of his touch unexpected.
“You are not ready yet, Kenzie Blake. But you could be. Would you leave all you know, all you could have been, in order to seek vengeance on those who did this to little Kaleb?”
His questions had Kenzie’s heart pounding in her chest. “What killed them?”
The stranger ran his thumb over a streak of blood on her face and brought it to his lips. “Evil vampires killed your family. Those who do not abide by the rules of the council. I hunt those who do not follow the rules and slay them.”
As he licked the blood from his finger, Kenzie saw a flash of fang and stumbled back.
“You’re a vampire.”
“I am. But you have nothing to fear from me, Kenzie. I only wish to help you rid yourself of the pain this will cause. I can train you to be what I am, a slayer of the evil vampires. And when you are ready, we will track down the monsters who did all of this and kill them.”
Something told her to run. Instinct screamed inside her mind. But as Kenzie glanced back at the body of her little brother, anger and hatred seeped into her marrow, and Kenzie Blake ceased to exist, replaced by a bringer of death and vengeance.
The handsome man held out a hand, which she took, the sound of sirens wailing from outside as Kenzie left her old life behind. They slipped out the back door and hurried away from the estate.
“What’s your name?” Kenzie asked the man who offered her vengeance.
He gave her a cunning grin, one of great smugness.
“My name is not important. But you, dear Kenzie, you can call me Father. Many do.” He leaned in and pressed his lips to hers before pulling away. “I have waited a lifetime to find you, Kenzie Blake. And they will not see you coming.”
He pulled her into an alleyway as police cars whizzed by. “But first things first.”
Kenzie shrank back against the wall in horror as the man snarled, his fangs elongating and ripping into his wrist. Kenzie knew she had made a mistake, and there would be no going back now. Quick as lightning, he clasped the back of her head and shoved her lips against his wound. His other hand wrapped wound her neck and worked her throat so she had little choice but to swallow, her eyes wide in fear.
Stepping back, her new acquaintance stared at her as if he were waiting for her to react. Fire erupted in the pit of her stomach and Kenzie screamed as the pain intensified until she buckled under the weight of it. The last thing Kenzie remembered before she sank into the pitch black was cool lips on her forehead as the stranger murmured another woman’s name—a name that would haunt her for years to come.
Caitlyn.

And here she is. . .

 

Susan Harris is a writer from Cork in Ireland.
An avid reader, she quickly grew to love books in the supernatural/fantasy and Dystopian genre. She writes books for young adults and adults alike.
When she is not writing or reading, she loves music, oriental cultures, tattoos, creepy snow globes, DC shoes, stationary, anything Disney, Marvel movies, psychology and far too many TV shows. If she wasn't a writer, she would love to be a FBI profiler or a PA for Dave Grohl or Jared Leto.

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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Mom and Dad's Day with a Review: Esteemed Vampire Cat by Tyrolin Puxty

Today, it's Mom and Dad's day here on Bookworm for Kids, which means that I've pulled out a book, which is not really intended for the younger readers, but for the parents instead. Yep, even parents need their reads. This one, however, is appropriate for the YA audience. (there are some bloody-ish scenes but portrayed in a light way and definitely nothing more than many YA books hold).

ESTEEMED VAMPIRE CAT

Colt Harper, Book One

by Tyrolin Puxty

Curiosity Quills Press

Paranormal/Urban Fantasy

170 pages

Colt Harper hates it when you pat a cat the wrong way, or when you upload their faux pas to YouTube. In fact, he'll probably kill you for it. 

As a self-proclaimed master vampire cat, Colt never imagined he'd be sent to community service at a revolting community theater. And for what? Killing humans who don't buy the expensive brand of cat food? Talk about unfair. 

Still, working with a nervous werewolf and a monster addicted to tickling wasn't on his to-do list.

What's worse, is he's falling for a human. Sure, she has green eyes. Sure, she fosters stray cats. But she's still a disgusting human. 

So why is he risking his own life to save her from the chasers?

MY TIDBITS

Over the top characters, a ridiculous plot and, at the center of it all, an arrogant cat with tons of wit and brains—a fantastically, hilarious read!

Colt Harper is one of a kind, mostly because his kind is nearly extinct. As the last surviving vampire cat, it's Colt's inborn duty to kill all humans which have ever offended, hurt or hated a cat. Unfortunately, killing humans is no longer allowed—a habit Colt really can't break—placing him in community service. Again. That this community service turns out to involve a whole lot more, and he's soon running to save his and his new found friends' (in the broadest sense of the term) lives.

Tyrolin Puxty has a treasure chest of an imagination and lets it flow freely. The characters are all gems, each harboring very distinct attitudes and quirks, and each as funny as can be. Colt Harper is as complex as a ancient cat should be, and doesn't even understand himself at times. But he's clever, he's witty, and he manages to force himself to handle anything thrown his way—even disgusting humans. His attempt to maintain a high level of esteem always runs up against road blocks, and it's a sheer delight to watch out he manages to slink his way around through them and even come out on top. Usually.

The monsters go past the well-versed range and hit upon less known ones, which kill people through tickling or force them into nightmare states. There's even the chance that a monster be turned into a pair of red running legs—something to be avoided at all costs. It's not a calm tale, but bloody and filled with death. There's action, skin-of-the-teeth escapes and exciting fight scenes. Don't forget the mystery and plenty of very unexpected twists and turns, and it all gets thrown together with a huge amount of spicy wit and fun. In other words, it's not the usual paranormal read and takes serious with an edge of quirky oddness. And that's exactly what makes it such an amazing read.

Summed up, this is for all those paranormal (especially vampire cat) fans who are ready to plunge into something completely different and new.

Sale: Push & Pull by Emily Cyr

Title: Push & Pull

Emily Cyr

Paranormal

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR





 Book one in The Vampire Favors Series:      

                                                                       

Never make a deal with a vampire. It always comes back to bite you; or so Addison Fitzpatrick has learned. In true Addison-fashion, she'd angered a drug dealer; she may have "forgotten" to pay him. Just when it was time to pay the piper, she was offered a way out by an unlikely being. Cannon Blackwood, master of vampires, made her an offer she couldn't refuse. Now, Addison owes Cannon three favors.   

                                                                                                                                              

Seven years after that fateful meeting, just as Addison's life is getting back on track, Cannon calls in one of the favors she owes him. There is a new drug that threatens the very existence of the vampire race and Cannon needs Addison, along with his brother Lachlan, who happens to be a professional thief, to steal it and destroy any evidence of it.    

                                     

Not only is the future of the vampires on the line, but with both Cannon and Lachlan vying for her attention, her heart is as well. Addison has difficult choices to make and dangerous favors to repay if she wants to see the light of another day.

Emily Cyr is a stay-at-home mom turned writer. She holds a degree in middle grades education with certification in English and social science. She has always had a love of all things paranormal and fantasy, but it wasn’t until Emily’s husband said the words, “Why not?” that she considered putting her thoughts and ideas into the book, The Lightning Prophecy. This trilogy was just the start for Emily. It seemed to open a creative door that had been locked.

Emily has always been an avid reader. Through reading came her love of writing. The more she read, the more she knew she wanted to create her own world. Many of her first works were fan fiction.

Emily and her family currently reside in Cibolo, Texas. She has an incredibly supportive husband who is also an officer in the United States Air Force. They have three sons, ages 6, 4, and 1. Somehow, even with the demands of being a parent to two little boys, she finds time to escape to her fantasies and write them down.

Author Links:

Web: www.EmilyCyr.com

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2rqU9to

Twitter: https://twitter.com/EmilyCyrAuthor

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyCyrAuthor/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/9856471.Emily_Cyr

Instagram: emilycyrauthor

Buy Links:

Push & Pull: http://amzn.to/2wJYScx

Give & Take: http://amzn.to/2wghjTn

Happy Book Birthday, No Rest For The Wicked by Krystal Jane Ruin with Giveaway

NO REST FOR THE WICKED

by Krystal Jane Ruin

 Paranormal
(appropriate for YA)

271 pages

Since her release from the psychiatric facility and into the smothering guardianship of her aunt, twenty-one-year-old psychic Tatum Torabi has been sneaking away to hock curses and plagues in the underground, a black market known for illegal and supernatural wares.

Tatum’s unique abilities catch the attention of a hella-creepy trash peddler who offers her a job tracking down people who owe his boss “a favor.” She couldn’t be less interested, but when she refuses, the company forces her compliance by threatening the lives of the only family she has left.

Because tracking barely scratches the surface of what they really want from her. There’s a reason Tatum is so good at making curses, and they want her to use those skills for a much darker purpose.

Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Goodreads – iBookstore – IndieBound – Kobo

EXCERPT

The coffee can is almost empty. I swear there was more in here an hour ago. In fact…my eyes scan the darkened cabinet. There were three canisters of coffee in here an hour ago. Now there is only this one, and it’s missing seven-eighths of the contents it had last time. A groan emits from my throat. “Freaking Kalin.”

“What?”

I shake my head and dump what’s left into the coffee maker. “No one trusts me in this house.”

Emmerick pulls the lid off the lasagna and starts eating it cold, dipping his fork right into the container. “I trust you.”

“Shut up.”

He smiles. “I’m going to let that slide because you’re cranky.”

I rest my elbows on the counter and drop my head into my hands as I wait for the pitiful amount of coffee to drop into the pot.

“Wanna play blackjack?”

When I lift my head, Emmerick is holding up a pack of playing cards.

“You just carry playing cards around with you?”

“Maybe.” His grin widens.

I look over his pocket-less lounge pants and tank top. “How?”

Without answering, he flips on the overhead light and sets up on one side of the island. I reluctantly drag my heavy feet to the other side. He shovels cold food into his mouth with one hand and divvies out cards with the other.

“So, tell me,” he says, peeking at his facedown card, “why aren’t you sleeping?”

I peek at mine. Queen of Spades. On top I have an ace of clubs. My face brightens into a smile before I can stop it. “What makes you think I’m not sleeping?”

The coffee maker starts to steam, and he gives it a pointed glance.

“Oh that? I always wake up in the middle of the night to drink a pot of coffee. It helps me sleep.” I meet his gaze and smile. “It’s why I look so great all the time.”

Laughter escapes his lips. “I was wondering what your secret was.” He flips his cards over. Ten of diamonds to go with his nine of hearts. “Hold.”

I flip my queen over. “I win.”

And here she is. . .

Krystal Jane is the author of supernatural and paranormal fiction, living in the Tennessee Valley with a collection of swords and daggers. When she's not hoarding stuffed pandas, hourglasses, and Hello Kitty replicas, she can be found drinking chai tea, knee deep in Sudoku, in a YouTube hole, or blogging about books, writing, and random things at KrystalSquared.net.

http://krystaljaneruin.net/about-the-author/

http://krystalsquared.net/no-rest-for-the-wicked/

GIVEAWAY!!!

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Warren High: An Elephant Never Forgets by J.C. Roberts

Warren High: An Elephant Never Forgets

 (Warren High #1)

by J. C. Roberts

Middle Grade Supernatural Mystery

Release Date: 7 March, 2017

ages 8+

Something strange has come to Warren High…

Warren High’s Paranormal Investigation Club has something of a reputation. No one knows more about the supernatural than its sole member, a freshman prairie dog known as Ned Gunnison. While he typically enjoys the solitude his club provides, he finds it shattered by a strange request from the mysterious rabbit, Laura.

While he’s been told that he’s seeking a friendly ghost, Ned can’t help but notice that students have started becoming injured with no explanation. What’s more Laura seems to know things that she shouldn’t be able to know. As the attacks become increasingly violent, Ned must find a way to stop the angry spirit or he may just become its next target.

A thrilling supernatural mystery for children between late elementary to early high school. If your child enjoys Goosebumps, they'll love Warren High! Perfect for the adventurous child who loves a good mystery.

You can find Warren High: An Elephant Never Forgets on Goodreads

You can buy Warren High: An Elephant Never Forgets here:
- Amazon
- Amazon Paperback


Note from the author. . .

Writing An Elephant Never Forgets was a tremendously fun journey. I remember when I first started writing the book, I wanted to give a glimpse into the struggles that can come from someone who has Autism, specifically Asperger's Syndrome. While Ned is never officially diagnosed within the book, and typically such a condition isn't caused by external stimuli, his behaviors are very indicative of someone who does suffer from ASD. The goal of the book is of course to be entertaining, but I really hope that if parents read this with their child who has Asperger's it may give them a better understanding into the way their minds work.

My inspiration for the story (as well as two of the characters), however, comes from a pair of paranormal investigators by the names of Ed and Lorraine Warren. They have had thousands of cases in which they've helped people with their problems, some of which have been even made into movies (such as Annabelle, The Conjuring, and The Amityville Horror). Now there are many people who do not believe in such things as ghosts or demons or such paranormal things, but one thing that sticks out about the Warrens is that when they did their investigations they would never charge their clients. While Ed Warren has passed away, Lorraine Warren still lives in Monroe, Connecticut where she runs The Warrens' Occult Museum with her son-in-law. Being a firm believer in the paranormal myself, it only increases the impressive nature of the Warrens' illustrious reputation, and I hope that this book does the spirit of their work justice.

The most common question I'd get while sharing the rough copies of the book was "Why animals?" I've always found animals to be fascinating, not just as creatures, mind you, but as personalities. Every animal is different, obviously, even within its species, but common traits begin to form that allows them to be used as a 'mask' for a character. By using these animal 'masks' it gives you a glance into a character's personality before they even utter a word. In some cases, it may even give a glimpse into the character's insecurities.

For example, Ned, being a prairie dog, is of a species of animal that is typically very social in nature. This says something about his personality. Particularly that perhaps it isn't the way he would be had certain events not changed his behavior. Maybe it's even a representation of the dreams he has for his future.

My absolute favorite example though is Ashley. Ashley is a Black-Footed Cat which is a very odd breed of wildcat. These cats are small, around half the size of the average house cat. Even still, they survive hunting prey that's much larger than them. Some have even been known to take down antelope. In addition, they are one of the most aggressive and territorial wildcats in the world. This is a perfect animal for Ashley as it shows off her drive for 'survival' within her school life. She's a star athlete, a socialite, and cares greatly about her appearance, but when you peel back her layers, you find that inside is this terrifying mentality of doing whatever it takes to get what she wants. If she can't overcome an opponent with her strength or agility, she'll use her cunning to tear them down to size instead.

Finally, I hope that you sincerely enjoy my work. It is the culmination of nearly two years of blood, sweat, and tears. My greatest dream is to inspire other people to find what they wish to do with their lives and to chase their dreams. So if I had to give a message to my readers, it'd be this. Listen for your call-to-arms. Everyone's is different, and everyone struggles to hear it at first. If you don't know what you want in life now, that's okay. Even still, don't ever stop moving. Seek new experiences and find opportunities to find friends and do good deeds in the world. Kindness can change someone's life forever, and cruelty must never be allowed to surpass your kindness.

Thank you all for your support, I wish you the best of luck in life and literature.

Sincerely,
J. C. Roberts



And here she is. . .

J. C. Roberts is a young author who was born and raised in Houston, Texas. From childhood, he's always been fascinated by old legends, mythology, and folklore and wished to seek out their origins. For a short while, he was a teacher at a private school for children with social struggles called Focus Academy, where he primarily taught English and Mathematics.

He has a pet prairie dog named Stormy, and enjoys practicing archery. When he's with friends, his favorite thing to do is play board games (his favorite being Betrayal at the House on the Hill) and he has a deep love for puzzles and mysteries, especially logic puzzles. His favorite author is Annette Curtis Klause, and he always loves corresponding with his readers. You can email him at JCRobertsFanMail @ gmail.com with any questions or comments you may have.

You can find and contact J. C. Roberts here:
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Review: Marker of Hope by Nely Cab

MARKER OF HOPE

The Creatura Series, Book Three

by Nely Cab

Clean Teen Publishing

YA/NA Paranormal

300 pages

Who will save her from herself?
Upon her return from Greece with three new friends and a broken heart, Isis' hunger for human flesh is stronger than ever. She's a miserable mess after losing David following her betrayal. Her mutation into Creatura is all but over when she receives the surprise of her life, compelling her to seek out David's family. Only, they've broken all ties with her, and she doesn't know how to reach them.
Turpis, the demonic beings that attacked Isis in Greece, have tracked her whereabouts. Now, in order to fend for her life, Isis must join forces with deities she doesn't trust.
Is Isis truly the Marker of Hope as she's believed to be, or will she lose the battle to her starving inner beast and demons, obliterating humankind from existence? Find out in the epic finale of the best-selling CREATURA SERIES.

MY TIDBITS

First, I did not read the first two books in this series, but still, didn't find it hard to grab foot into the Creatura world. Of course, there's quite a bit of information concerning the plot and characters missing, but it's not difficult to reconstruct and fall into the story. Still, to get the whole experience, it would be better to start with book one.

This is a mixture of myth, demons and magic which sets in a very modern day world with characters, which feel as if they come from the 'every day' despite their powers. 

Isis, the main character, is trying to find foothold after breaking up with the love of her life, David. But her pregnancy and recognition of who she really is, only cause her world to flip upside down. She not only has to figure out how to handle her private life but finds herself at the brink of a war with gods and demons.

I liked Isis from the very first page. She's level-headed, down to earth but still, unsure. Her decisions and feelings hit home, making her have the feel of a best friend. She takes things in stride and even when she loses her temper, tries her best to remain planted. She's a true heroine to cheer for as all sorts of troubles on different levels hit her.

This isn't the fastest paced novel, although it does move along steadily. The personal and emotional tension between the characters remains at center stage until the action hits more toward the end of the story. There are moments of imminent danger, but usually the true darkness lurks in the background as a constant reminder of what Isis might be up against. Isis is on a journey of self-discovery, and this is done masterfully.

The plot itself is layered, allowing unexpected twists, turns and intrigue, although it never really becomes overly complex. The ending wasn't as tense or complete as I like (but then, I am an action girl), but it pulls in the ends and ends the story nicely.

Summed up, this is an entertaining read which does have a kick-butt heroine, hot guys and tons of wars and creatures, but still centers around the character's personal development and does a lovely job with emotional depth.