Happy Book Birthday, The Woodlands Series Box Set by Lauren Nicolle Taylor with Giveaway!

The Woodlands Series Box Set 

by Lauren Nicolle Taylor

 Clean Teen Publishing

 August 7th 2017

YA Dystopian, Romance

Do you dare enter the Woodlands?
As the last livable spot on Earth, it’s the only home Rosa and Joseph have ever known. But now they need to escape, or Rosa will be trapped forever in a horrific government program. A dystopian page-turner with over 750 five-star ratings on Goodreads. The Woodlands Series is perfect for fans of The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, The Divergent Series by Veronica Roth, and The Jewel Series by Amy Ewing. Readers can purchase this boxed set at a significant discount over the cost to purchase each novel individually. This is a complete series boxed set. 

The Woodlands is an Award-Winning Finalist in the “Fiction: Young Adult” category of the USA Best Book Awards, as well as a Semifinalist in The Kindle Book Awards by the Kindle Book Review. 

“Lauren Taylor’s writing is powerfully descriptive; she is a master of words and similes.” – Author Erica Kiefer
“It seems so rare these days to find a dystopian with an original vein in it. The Woodlands Succeeds.” -Author Pauline Creeden
“I went into this story with my own ideas, but they were obliterated by what I found instead. I was so happy to be wrong because this story touched my heart deeply in a way that I never expected.” – Reviewer Amber Douglas Mcallister
“This book was fantastic! Spectacular! It had everything I look for in a book: Action, Adventure, and even romance!” – Reviewer Jocelyn Sanchez

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks / Kobo

SNEAK PEEK

The helicopters were stationed at the rim of Ring One, just inside the low, sandy-colored wall that surrounded the center podium. They were waiting, crouching like black angels ready to lift us from this place, this hell, into an unknown world. A Guardian in black uniform with gold trim walked to the front of the choppers and signaled for us to come forward. Another one threw the bags in the cargo hold as he read from his list. Three girls and eight boys. Joseph’s name was not on the list. I felt a flood of relief that was washed away by panic. I was barely holding myself together as it was, seeing him was liable to make me fall to pieces. But he was supposed to be here.
Paulo’s hand was on my back, pushing me towards the helicopter like I was an uncooperative apple on the conveyor belt. I was trying so hard to muster up some courage. Today I was leaving the only home I had ever known. I would never see my mother again. I felt the anxiety rising, the crushing pain of the separation I was about to suffer. Suddenly the grey-washed town didn’t look so horrible. It was home after all, I guess. I told myself it was fear that was making me feel this way. It didn’t help.
My mother, who had been quietly following us around like a dazed puppy, pulled me to her in a tight embrace. She whispered, “Sorry,” in my ear before stepping back, fists clenched, showing the appropriate restraint. Some other mothers were crying and holding their children as the Guardian wrenched them away and led them onto the aircraft.
My mother’s face was my own, the way she moved mirrored my own movements and mannerisms, but that’s where the similarities ended. Although raised by this woman, I was nothing like her. For the first time, I saw things from her perspective. Getting into trouble all the time, never showing Paulo anything other than contempt. I must have been such a frustration to her.
They called my name. Paulo put his hands firmly on my shoulders, holding me in my place. His intense stare was impossible to look away from. “Don’t shame your family,” he spat at me. And with that, he made it easy to leave. I could feel the blades starting to move, my hair whipping around my face. I stripped away the fear and anxiety, leaving a girl that was fierce, empowered by his hatred.
“Don’t worry, Paulo, I’ll stir it up, make a little noise!” I shouted through the wind. The Guardian that let me sign up was watching me, probably regretting his decision. My mother was standing rigidly, her handmade skirt billowing as the air churned around her, her hand outstretched, pleading. I could see it in her eyes—please Rosa, don’t cause more trouble. She couldn’t stop me, no one ever could. Paulo was already walking away, his back to me. Behind my mother stood a man, one blue eye, one brown, smiling. He lifted his hand to wave. I raised my hand, confused. The chopper lurched awkwardly and I was knocked back into the cargo hold.
“Sit down!” the Guardian snapped at me. I quickly found a spot and strapped myself in. The others were staring at me, eyes wide. The Guardian tapped the pilot on the shoulder. “Wait, there’s one more.”
He bounded in, bag in hand, and casually threw it on the pile and scanned the seats. There was plenty of room on the other side but he squeezed his bulky form between me and the boy I was sitting next to.
Suddenly we were in the air. When the Guardian wasn’t looking, Joseph slipped his hand over mine. Warmth calmed the agitation I felt, like pouring gold over lead, glowing. We stayed that way the entire ride. Eyes forward. Impossibly trying to anticipate what may lie ahead.

And here she is. . .

 

Lauren Nicolle Taylor lives in the lush Adelaide Hills. The daughter of a Malaysian nuclear physicist and an Australian scientist, she was expected to follow a science career path, attending Adelaide University and completing a Health Science degree with Honours in obstetrics and gynaecology.
She then worked in health research for a short time before having her first child. Due to their extensive health issues, Lauren spent her twenties as a full-time mother/carer to her three children. When her family life settled down, she turned to writing.
She is a 2014 Kindle Book Awards Semi-finalist and a USA Best Book Awards Finalist. 

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Review: City of Miracles by Robert Jackson Bennett

It's Mommy & Daddy Evening here on Bookworm for Kids! The book I'm present today is the last in a series, THE DIVINE CITIES. The last? Well, yes. That's the one I got my hands on, but if the rest of the series is anything like this book (and I'm assuming it is), this is a must-read series. CITY OF MIRACLES is a fantasy set in an urban world and is for the adult audience. Mostly due to violence and theme.

CITY OF MIRACLES

The Divine Cities, #3

by Robert Jackson Bennett

Broadway Books

Fantasy

451 pages

Revenge. It's something Sigrud je Harkvaldsson is very, very good at. Maybe the only thing. 

So when he learns that his oldest friend and ally, former Prime Minister Shara Komayd, has been assassinated, he knows exactly what to do and that no mortal force can stop him from meting out the suffering Shara's killers deserve. 

Yet as Sigrud pursues his quarry with his customary terrifying efficiency, he begins to fear that this battle is an unwinnable one. Because discovering the truth behind Shara's death will require him to take up arms in a secret, decades-long war, face down an angry young god, and unravel the last mysteries of Bulikov, the city of miracles itself. And perhaps most daunting of all finally face the truth about his own cursed existence.

MY TIDBITS

This has action, revenge, mystery, suspense and even a few punches at the heart. In other words, it's a read that lingers long after the story's end.

Sigrud has been waiting for ten years, hiding until he gets word from his dearest friend, Shara Komayd. But news first comes when Shara is assassinated--something which seems impossible to Sigrud. Determined to revenge Shara's death, Sigrud travels where she was last seen, only to discover that it wasn't a simple assassination. Shara was secretly involved with a secret war, which has everything to do with Sigurd and Shara's own past. Sigrud no longer only needs revenge, he needs to defeat, rectify and save so much more.

This is the final book in The Divine Cities series. I did not read the first two books before grabbing up this one, but this didn't prove to be a problem. There is enough of a time break between the books and enough background information sprinkled in to dive right into the world and feel at home. Still, after reading this one, I would highly recommend hitting the rest of the series because this is definitely an amazing read, and I imagine the first two books are as well.

Gentle is not the word for this author's world. Life is reaching a state of equilibrium, on the surface, but the countries have been scarred from early battles with the Divine (something akin to gods). The people's fear and doubt hangs like a thick, constant fog no matter which character is introduced.

Sigurd, the main character, is as brutal, calculated, skilled and cold as they come. He kills without a flinch and has a past full of blood. But he's not evil. It's clear that whatever horrible things he's done, it's been in strife for a greater good, and it's this guilt and hope which make him likable. The reader is submerged in his thoughts and character, and it's easy to connect with him and cheer for him the whole way through. And he needs it because this book puts Sigurd on the limits in so many ways.

This book is fast paced and hits one edge-of-the-seat situation after the next. There are tons of secrets, dark ones, which aren't easy to guess or figure out, and all layers run deep. Bad and good mix masterfully, letting even the darkest evil have its glimpses which might earn some sort of sympathy. The fight scenes are well laid out and draw in without confusion, leaving the reader holding their breath. Even the ending, which comes full circle, leaves with the perfect ring of possibilities and what-ifs, insuring that it won't be forgotten soon.

Fans of fantasy, battle, fights with gods, and good versus evil will want to grab this one and dive into an amazing world.

I received this copy from Blogging for Books and loved every page.

And here he is. . .

ROBERT JACKSON BENNETT was born in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, but grew up in Katy, Texas. He attended the University of Texas at Austin and, like a lot of its alumni, was unable to leave the charms of the city. He resides there currently with his wife and children.


http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/177470/robert-jackson-bennett/

Sneak Peek: Sink by M.E. Rhines with Giveaway

SINK

by M.E. Rhines

Mermaid Royalty #1

July 31st 2017

YA Fantasy

Obedience has always been a matter of survival for sixteen-year-old mermaid princess Pauline. Her mother is the tyrannical Queen Calypso, who rules the kingdom of Atargatis with an iron trident. To utter one word against her would mean banishment—or worse—so Pauline bites her tongue and minds her manners. But on the eve of her sister’s merling-shower, all of that is about to change. Confronted with the truth about what happens to the human men who are betrothed to the mermaids of Atargatis, Pauline realizes she can stay silent no more.
Determined to end the queen’s dark tradition, Pauline goes along on a search for shipwreck survivors, secretly planning to free them. But things get complicated when she finds herself inexplicably drawn to one of the men. Before she realizes what’s happening, she has kissed him—and a kiss from a mermaid is not without consequences. Now Pauline will have to risk everything if she is to save the young man and thwart the queen’s dark plans…

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SNEAK PEEK

My eyes widened, my heart hammering against my rib cage. A fear I didn’t understand tugged at my tailfin, like an anchor had been tied to its end. I sank against the wall of our pirated vessel and watched the chaos as it unfolded in slow motion.
Gene laughed at something my sister said just before it hit him. His smile fell in an instant as soon as the sudden deadening feeling pummeled into his chest. He dropped the plate and held out his hand. From my experience with Beaked Sea Snake, he was seeing double the fingers.
A fogginess washed over his eyes. He reached out for Fawna for just a second before his arms fell to his sides, limp and useless. Then, his human legs gave out from under him. A loud crack sounded as his knees made impact with the hard floor of the ship.
When he finally fell backward, my sister stood over his paralyzed body with a shameless, cruel smirk that gave me the chills. My mother, hovering well above me, nodded her approval with a warm, glowing pride showing on her face.
I looked around, expecting to see the same shocked expression I wore among my clan. But not one jaw was dropped. Every one of them watched with tense, excited eyes. They looked like bloodthirsty demons from where I was sitting.
“Mother,” I whispered. “What’s going on?”
She didn’t hear me.
“My Queen,” someone shouted from below. “What are your orders?”
Mother took in a long, powerful breath and shouted, “Air him out.”
I gasped, disbelief shuddering through me. “Mother,” I screamed. “Mother, you can’t!”
My protests were drowned out by the unified battle cry that erupted from every member of our clan. Angelique dropped her guitar, dashing for Gene with two other mermaids close behind.
I rushed for him, but Mother grabbed my arm with bruising fingers.
“Let me go,” I demanded.
Even through the screeching cheers below, I could hear Mother’s teeth grinding. “Don’t make a scene.”
I stilled, having every intention to stay put and comply, as usual. But then, I caught a glimpse of Gene’s face. While his muscles were tight and immobile, his eyes were filled with a conscious terror. They pleaded with me from across the ship, begging me to save him.
Before I could stop myself, I twisted my arm out of Mother’s grasp and swam to him, hoping to talk some sense into my sister before she did something terrible.
It was no use. I couldn’t reach them. They had too much of a head start. All I could do was watch as they snatched the helpless human and dragged his lifeless body up, up, and up until…
Bubbles sprayed all around them as they held Gene’s head and neck above water, but kept their own gills safely submerged. Even if he had working legs to thrash and fight with, he would be outmatched. Our tails treaded water in a way a human’s boney appendages couldn’t come close to.
He was in our world, by no choice of his own. We brought him down here against his will, and now that he was a part of it, my mother was sending him back home to die.
The gills would not disappear. They would only struggle for a short while before giving up to the heat of the land above. Gene’s chest moved in and out, in faster but shallower spurts.
I kicked my tail harder. Just as he came into my reach, he took one final gulp of air from his own world, and the movement stopped.
Mother had killed him.

And here she is. . .

 

ME Rhines a southwest Florida native currently living in North Port with her two beautiful children and a third, much larger child whom she affectionately calls husband.
She writes young adult paranormal romance to feed her belief that fairy tales are real and
nonsense is necessary.
She also writes adult romances under her edgier alter-ego, Mary Bernsen. 

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

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Sneak Peek: Pretty Wicked by Kelly Charron with Giveaway

Pretty Wicked

by Kelly Charron

YA Killer Thriller

The daughter of a local police detective, 15-year-old Ryann has spent most of her life studying how to pull off the most gruesome murders her small Colorado town has ever seen.

But killing is only part of it. Ryann enjoys being the reason the cops are frenzied. The one who makes the neighbors lock their doors and windows on a hot summer’s day. The one everyone fears but no one suspects. 

Carving out her own murderous legacy proves harder than she predicted. Mistakes start adding up. And with the police getting closer, and her own father becoming suspicious, Ryann has to prove once and for all that she’s smarter than anyone else—or she’ll pay the ultimate price. 

Mature YA. *Some graphic content

“This creepy novel places you inside the mind of a twisted teen killer, which is even more unsettling because of how familiar and normal she seems. Be prepared to leave the lights on and look at the people around you in a whole new way.” 

-Eileen Cook | Author of WITH MALICE

"Pretty Wicked is fresh, thrilling, and deeply haunting. I've never read anything like it! The story escalates from page one and will leave your pulse pounding as you wonder just how far Ryann will go. 5/5 stars."

-Tiana Warner | Author of Ice Massacre & Ice Crypt

Goodreads * Amazon

SNEAK PEEK

Olivia and I had almost reached the dimmest,

most secluded part of the alleyway. As we

walked, I scanned the area for anyone who might

later identify me or remember the two of us. So far

we were alone. Not many people strolled the back

alleys at night, which was exactly why I’d chosen

this particular backdrop on a surveillance trip a few

weeks before. Huge trees shielded us from the light

of the few street lamps. Long wooden fences

separated the houses from us by a good twenty feet.

We were sheltered.

“Are we there yet? This is taking too long. I’m

going to get caught.” Olivia peered down the lane.

“Maybe we should go back?”

Her whining pleased me. Mostly because in a

matter of minutes I’d never have to hear it again. No

one would. I was doing people a service. I smiled,

tilting my head empathetically. “It’s just two more

blocks. I told you, the alley is a shortcut. Just think,

it’ll be worth the wait when you taste it.” I patted

her gently on the back, shooing her forward, the

edges of my mouth turned up at the corners.

Like a good little lamb, Olivia plodded on. I was

definitely the shepherd this time. If only my dad

could’ve seen me.

“It’s really dark, Ryann,” she said with a quiver,

still walking a few feet ahead.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of. Only a little

farther.”

Quietly, I fished in my pocket for my nitrile

gloves. I wasn’t stupid. I’d taken them out of my

father’s office weeks before. They were a bit big, but

they’d do the job. Slipping them on, I reached into

the side pocket of my bag, where I’d stowed it.

The long, shiny blade captivated me. I must have

held it hundreds of times. I’d practiced on an old

pillow, a variety of melons, a water balloon, and

even a grassy field—driving the blade into various

surfaces to experience the thrusting pressure

running through my hands and up my arms. To feel

the pull and, finally, release of the blade as it left

whatever item I’d chosen. But nothing would come

close to the satisfaction of doing it for real.

A few more steps and we would be at my

preplanned spot. I took a few deep breaths, noting

the smell of freshly cut grass as I attempted to shake

the nerves bustling inside me.

Stupid first-time jitters.

This wasn’t the time to second-guess myself.

I’m not your average killer. It’s not like I’m

depraved or anything. I’ve never killed or tortured

an animal. I help the occasional old person cross the

street or carry their bags from the grocery store to

their car. Selecting a kill isn’t frivolous but a means

to an end. I have to do it––it’s like the urge is

encoded somewhere inside me—so I chose wisely.

Being with Olivia was different. It was

something just for me. It wasn’t connected to the rest

of the world I’d built—to my family, my friends, or

the Ryann they knew. I tried to be the girl they all

wanted, but no matter how hard I struggled to play

my part, I was never quite good enough. Always

compared to Bri. Always coming up short.

Well, I was about to prove them wrong. I’d

worked for this moment, and I’d chosen wisely. It

wasn’t like little Livy was innocent simply because

she was a kid.

Everyone is guilty of something.

Olivia was still in front of me, shadowed by the

dark, without the slightest clue about what was

going to happen next. A giddy feeling

enveloped me.

I felt for the blade in my pocket and stroked the

edge with my index finger.

But then something happened that I hadn’t

anticipated. A rush of anxiety flooded through my

blood.

I wasn’t sure if I could do it.

At least not that way, and I had no idea why. I’d

dreamed about it for so long, but my hand could not

free the knife from my pocket. My heart raced; sweat

dripped down my face. It wasn’t like she was the

first. I hadn’t hesitated with Veronica.

Olivia was practically skipping in front of me

when everything stilled. I couldn’t leave without

doing it. What would that say about me and

everything I’d worked so hard for? I couldn’t be a

failure. I could do this—the very thing no one else I

knew could ever even dream of doing. Small

shudders tingled up and down my arms and legs.

My eyes traced every inch of the alleyway

around us. I had to do something. I couldn’t have

lived with myself if she’d walked away. Not after

everything.

I spotted a small stack of bricks next to a row of

garbage bins. My stomach released the twisted knot

it had been housing. Yes. It was the perfect way to

end her.

I ran over, crouched, and picked up a brick. The

red clay was heavy, with small grooves that bit into

my gloved fingertips.

Olivia turned around and stalked toward me.

“What are you doing over there?”

Straightening, I set my eyes on her. “Thought I

saw something, but it was nothing.” I kept the brick

behind my back and closed the gap between us, my

breathing hastening with each step closer.

Kelly Charron is the author of YA and adult horror, psychological thrillers and urban fantasy novels. All with gritty, murderous inclinations and some moderate amounts of humor. She spends far too much time consuming true crime television (and chocolate) while trying to decide if yes, it was the husband, with the wrench, in the library. She lives with her husband and cat, Moo Moo, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Amazon * Goodreads

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Review: Thomas Troll's Travels by Nicolas Starling

THOMAS TROLL'S TRAVELS

by Nicolas Starling

Clink Street Publishing

Children's Fantasy

ages 6 and up

74 pages

Thomas the Troll comes from Norway. Like most Trolls he is mischievous, naughty and full of adventure.

One day, he has to leave Norway because the troll elders are going to punish him for being so cheeky.

Thomas decides to live in England and has had all kinds of adventures on the way there.

He meets elves, gnomes and brings Ticklefish with him; Ticklefish are great fun and nearly as naughty as Trolls.

Thomas meets pirates a friendly ghost and even thinks he's sees the queen!

Some people think Trolls are a fairy tale. I don't. Do you?

AmazonUK 

MY TIDBITS

Thomas Troll packs a hard shell with a soft inside, and tons of giggles along the way.

Thomas Troll has gotten himself into a bit of trouble. The elders aren't pleased with him and plan to punish him for his cheeky attitude. He'll have none of that and decides to head off for England, but he'll have tons of adventures along the way.

This is perfect as a bedtime story. It's a tale which can pull nicely over several nights and has enough snark, imagination and quirk to make both parents and kids giggle and snort. I'd first recommend it as a read alone to ages eight and up, since some of the writing and vocabulary might be a bit tough on the slightly younger audience. It's a different sort of tale, one kids will know how to enjoy. The travels and adventures are not subtle but let the fantasy flow in abundance.

That said, Thomas is quite the troll. Although he comes across rough, he's got a super soft core which makes him hard not to like. His attitude will have kids laughing, although it's definitely on the cheeky side. The other characters make this a fun fantasy with cute twists and turns.

The only thing missing are the illustrations. They would have added a nice facet and brought the story more life. 

Still, Thomas Troll is a lovely character, making this an enjoyable read.

And here he is. . .

Living in Scarborough, North Yorkshire, retired Butcher Nicolas Starling has always enjoyed entertaining people both young and old with his vivid imagination.