February 2018 - A Life Through Books

Monday, February 26, 2018

Blog Tour Book Review

Virtual Book Tour: One Night in Havana by @rowlandkathleen #giveaway #review #erotica

Virtual Book Tour: One Night in Havana by @rowlandkathleen #giveaway #review #erotica
5:32 AM1 Comments


Erotic Romance, Suspense
Date Published: January 31, 2018
Publisher: Tirgearr Publishing

photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png


A desperate competition and sizzling attraction leads to dangerous desire.

New York Marine biologist Veronica “Roni” Keane is attending the Havana Bay Conference in Cuba. Tomorrow only one grant will be awarded which will provide the winner with professional recognition, resources for a project, and living expenses for two years. She hopes to continue her deceased father’s work, but smooth operator, Carlos Montoya, has won many grants in the past.

Carlos, a freelancer for the Havana Port Authority, works to help protect Havana’s reputation as a bastion of safety. As international travelers flock to the island, attracted by its 1950’s time-warp and colonial architecture, the drug business is running rampant, particularly on Roni’s cruise ship. Something’s not right, and when her scuba tanks are tampered with, Carlos brings in the military police to investigate. For her safety, he keeps her close, but he craves her body.

Their attraction leads to a fun night with a bit of kink. But Roni finds herself in more trouble than she bargained for when the criminals blame her for alerting the military police and come looking for her. Can Roni trust Carlos to protect her? Will she stay in Havana if Carlos wins the coveted grant, or kiss her lover goodbye?


Review

I really liked Roni's story and how she was put into certain situations but overcame. She was a great strong female lead. 

Carlos, wow, he are hot hot hot! I loved how dominant he was. That really came through the pages for me. 

I liked the addition of suspense to this novel. It really gave the novel an entire other level. 

I liked the way this book was a quick read and really kept me flipping the pages to the very end. 

About the Author

Book Buyers Best finalist Kathleen Rowland is devoted to giving her readers fast-paced, high-stakes suspense with an erotic love story sure to melt their hearts.  Her latest release is One Night in Havana, #34 in the City Nights series.

Kathleen also has a steamy romantic suspense series with Tirgearr Publishing, Deadly Alliance is followed by Unholy Alliance. Keep an icy drink handy while reading these sizzling stories.

Kathleen used to write computer programs but now writes novels.   She grew up in Iowa where she caught lightning bugs, ran barefoot, and raced her sailboat on Lake Okoboji.  Now she wears flip-flops and sails with her husband, Gerry, on Newport Harbor but wishes there were lightning bugs in California.

Kathleen exists happily with her witty CPA husband, Gerry, in their 70’s poolside retreat in Southern California where she adores time spent with visiting grandchildren, dogs, one bunny, and noisy neighbors.  While proud of their five children who’ve flown the coop, she appreciates the luxury of time to write.



Contact Links

Website  
Twitter  



Purchase Links

iBooks  



RABT Book Tours & PR
Read more »
Reading Time:
Posted by at 1 comment:
Labels: , , , ,

Friday, February 23, 2018

Blog Tour Giveaway

Virtual Book Tour: Stolen Kiss #authorinterview #interview with @KTjebbenAuthor #romanticsuspense #giveaway

Virtual Book Tour: Stolen Kiss #authorinterview #interview with @KTjebbenAuthor #romanticsuspense #giveaway
12:00 AM 3 Comments


Psychological Romantic/Suspense
Date Published: December 2017


photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png

A sociopath is on the hunt…

Bret Silva’s handsome face is plastered all over town on placards praising his success. But neither his eyes nor his friendly smile betray the dark beast that lurks within. A beast that requires sacrifices. But one mistake endangers Bret’s survival.

When the men from Savage Security discover a damning photo, they realize that someone has mastered the art of the perfect murder. As their hunt begins, Cole Savage must reconcile his desire for justice with the burning ache in his heart for Julia Romero. Enlisting her help as a realtor, they work together to find a new home for Savage Security while the hunt for the killer continues. As the men discover more victims, they piece together the clues and realize that one of their own may be in the sights of a ruthless killer.



Interview


What is the hardest part of writing your books?

Finding uninterrupted time in our house is a challenge. During the school year, I write while my girls are at school. But during the summer, while I type away at our dining room table, my girls frequently ask me questions and want me to take them places. I love being with them, and realize how precious my time with them is, so my writing pace is much slower in the summer. 



What songs are most played on your Ipod?
I love to use my iHeartRADIO app. When I first started using the app, one of my daughters was fixated on Taylor Swift. Now, according to iHeartRADIO, I am a country music fan. I’ve become a fan of Florida Georgia Line, and I haven’t heard an Ed Sheeran song that I didn’t love.

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
I am fortunate to have two beta readers. Thank you to Carol and Beth for their honest opinions and insights.

What book are you reading now?
I LOVE my Kindle app on my phone. If my eyes aren’t glued to the tiny screen, then I have my ear buds in and I’m listening to a book. I’m currently listening to Tangled Up by Erin Nicholas.

How did you start your writing career?
I’ve always thought it would be cool to write a book. In college, (while studying elementary education) in my literacy courses, I’d peruse the picture books and nonfiction children’s books and dream about writing my own book. At the time, it seemed impossible, but as the internet expanded and companies like Amazon grew, the dream started to take shape and become a reality. When my twin daughters went to kindergarten, I set aside time each day to write. Surprisingly, the story that unfolded in my head was not for elementary students, but it was better suited for young adults who enjoy supernatural thrillers. When I finished the first series, The Scintillate Series, I transitioned to adult romantic suspense and began The Savage Security Series, which now has four books, and the fifth is on its way.



Tell us about your next release.
I am working on the rough draft for the fifth book in the Savage Security Series. Grace’s Kiss focuses on Ryan Mark’s relationship with Grace Berry. Ryan is everything Grace has avoided in her dating life. He’s wild, cocky, and has an air of danger that takes her breath away. But as much as she’s attracted to him, she’s also intimidated by the sexy confidence that oozes from him. After a bumpy start, she realizes that she has more in common with the buff alpha than she ever expected.




About the Author


Karen Tjebben lives in central North Carolina with her wonderful husband, twin daughters, and two hamsters. When her girls left for kindergarten, Karen discovered that she needed to fill her days with something, and that was the beginning of her writing career. She loves to create worlds filled with unique characters that she hopes will delight and raise goose bumps on her readers. In her free time, she enjoys traveling with her husband and seeing the world through her daughters' eyes.



Contact Links

Tumbler  



Purchase Links

Amazon   




RABT Book Tours & PR
Read more »
Reading Time:
Posted by at 3 comments:
Labels: , , ,

Thursday, February 22, 2018

Blog Tour Book Review

Virtual Book Tour: Like a Dream by @shina_j1 check out my #review of the YA novel

Virtual Book Tour: Like a Dream by @shina_j1 check out my #review of the YA novel
8:58 AM1 Comments


YA Romance
Date Published: June 14, 2015
Publisher: Writer’s Tree Publishing

photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png


After losing both of her parents through a horrible fight, fifteen-year-old Amelia Waters gets trapped into staying with her mysterious aunt Leona and two cousins. It is then where they completely dominate her life and force her to move away from her home in Stillwater, Oklahoma to Columbia, Missouri. This usually upbeat and witty teenager is now suicidal and depressed as she’s forced into their world of hatred. If she tries to flee or escape she has been reassured that her beloved grandparents will be killed immediately. The moment she settles into her petrifying reality, Amelia becomes bombarded with nightmares about the past that reveals a terrible crime. With her back against the wall and no way out, Amelia gains a few unexpected allies that help her overcome her worst enemy—her aunt Leona. They give her the strength she needs to fight and take back the life that was stolen from her. But what Amelia didn’t plan on was to fall in love with Aaron—a mesmerizing boy from her dreams. Every nerve in her body gravitates to him as they fall deeper in love. But slowly Amelia begins to realize that nothing was ever just a coincidence and there is something far greater and dangerous in store for her.



Review

I liked that the Author managed to take aspects of YA that every reader loves and combine them with new ideas so as to not make us feel like we are reading the same book. 

This is the start of a series and you can really tell that from the ending. I hoped we would get a little bit more of a happy for now, more to come feel then just an ending. 

I loved the emotions that the author was able to evoke in the reader. 

Ultimately I really enjoyed this story! It was a fast paced and action packed read. 


About the Author

SHINA JAMES is a freelance writer, and poet from the great state of Texas. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and Writers’ League of Texas. When she’s not writing or reading life-changing novels, she loves traveling, listening to music, and spending time with her husband and two kids.


Contact Links

Blog 


Purchase Links



RABT Book Tours & PR
Read more »
Reading Time:
Posted by at 1 comment:
Labels: , ,

Wednesday, February 21, 2018

Blog Tour Book Review

Virtual Book Tour: Megan's Munchkins by @pamelacfoland read my #review #middlegrade

Virtual Book Tour: Megan's Munchkins by @pamelacfoland read my #review #middlegrade
7:18 AM1 Comments


Middle Grade Fiction
Date Published: September 12, 2017
Publisher: Sonny’s Legacy Publishing

photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png


Not everything hidden in the closet is scary, even if it’s furry and has sharp claws! Every teenager’s dream come true and every parent’s worst nightmare, Megan’s Munchkins is a short and sweet tale about a middle-school girl finding, quite by accident, the pet she had always wanted. Plus three more! It’s almost Spring break and adventurous thirteen-year-old Megan Thompson finds four tiny day-old kittens in the park and makes a decision on the spot that will turn her life upside-down. What does a young girl do who has been told by her parents over and over again that she may not have a pet? In Megan’s mind, there is no question. She must save these motherless newborns, even if it means keeping them a secret from her mom and dad. The next five weeks are an exhausting blur of vet visits, endless cycles of feeding schedules, household chores, homework and sneaking around, but Megan has never been happier in her whole life. The kittens grow quickly and begin to venture out into the world beyond the closet. Megan knows it is only a matter of time before she must tell her parents about her secret. Fate steps in and her secret is discovered. What will happen to her precious babies now?
Review

I love that this novel was fun and quick. 

 Its about something kids this age reading it can relate to. Who hasn't wanted a pet when their parent said no!? I like that it also shows the responsibility that comes with that. 

 But its not only about that. There is plenty of humor and excitement along the way. 

 This is just a fast and feel good read for middle graders. Solid Plot and Fabulous Writing. 

About the Author


Pamela Foland grew up in Plano, Texas. Her love of animals started at a very young age. As a child, she was constantly bringing home stray dogs, and injured birds. She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Business in 2005. As an adult, her love of animals has only grown stronger. Pamela has worked in numerous pet hotels as a dog trainer and is certified to teach pet first aid and CPR. All her experience with pets culminated four years ago when Pamela found and raised an abandoned litter of day-old kittens. Not able to part with any of these now-grown babies, Pamela enjoys going home to her ‘little munchkins’ every night. This experience gave Pamela the inspiration for her series debut, Megan’s Munchkins. Pamela will always have a special affinity with Megan, because of their shared experiences. There are few experiences in life more compelling than saving the life of another being.



Contact Links

Twitter  



Purchase Link




RABT Book Tours & PR
Read more »
Reading Time:
Posted by at 1 comment:
Labels: , , ,
Blog Tour Interview

Virtual Book Tour with an Author #interview Supremacy's Shadow by @TEricBakutis

Virtual Book Tour with an Author #interview Supremacy's Shadow by @TEricBakutis
6:14 AM1 Comments


Science Fiction / Thriller
Date Published: February 9, 2018
Publisher: SF Productions

photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png


For Hayden Cross, a military investigator in the far future, whether his wife faked her death is the question that is probably going to get him killed. Having lost the only job that kept him sane, he has few resources and fewer leads. Oh, and a sadistic crime lord really wants to kill him.

As he fights through an underworld of fanatical rebels, callous bounty hunters, and corrupt cops, each step takes him closer to the truth about his wife’s fate and the oppressive government he once loyally served. On the way he may even liberate a planet and stop a war ... but only if he betrays everyone he loves.


Interview


What is the hardest part of writing your books?
At the moment, it’s finding time! I’ve always been a relatively fast writer, but I now have a three-year-old and a lot of demands on my time, which means I really have to plan to get anything done. Supremacy’s Shadow (my sci-fi thriller) and Loose Circuit (my free cyberpunk police procedural) were the last big projects I completed before the little one, and I’ve since fallen behind on new work. My trick is to essentially not sleep, doing writing after my little one is in bed. That’s the plan as I power though my next book.


What songs are most played on your Ipod?
I actually listen to a legion of existing MP3s with Winamp (don’t judge) or music mixes on Youtube. Game and movie soundtracks are in constant rotation, but certain soundtracks get more play than others. About 50% of Loose Circuit was written while listening to the Ergo Proxy soundtrack, for example, while a lot of Supremacy’s Shadow was written listening to things as varied as the soundtrack from Psycho-Pass, Youtube “Epic Music” mixes from various artists, and even a bunch of Christopher Franke’s stuff from Babylon 5. While writing, I’m almost always listening to something.

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?
I’m fortunate to have no less than two writing groups (one that meets every two weeks and critiques smaller pieces, and one that meets every few months and can critique whole novels). I’m also blessed to know a small network of authors with a huge amount of talent, and comments and advice from these folks always improves my work dramatically from the first draft. Supremacy’s Shadow has been through eight drafts and had at least forty people critique it over three years, so it’s a fairly polished book!

What book are you reading now?
I just finished reading Anthony Ryan’s The Waking Fire for the Fantasy-Hive’s monthly book reviews (I also write a column for them titled “Life in the Metaverse”, where I talk about craziness in virtual reality) and I’m currently reading an ARC of A. Z. Anthony’s upcoming book Servant of Rage, which is great. Reading is another thing I have to carve out time for, but it’s worth it to help out friends and keep my knowledge of genre fresh.


How did you start your writing career?
I’ve been writing since I was little, but my first “break out hit” was a 70,000 word Final Fantasy VII fanfic I wrote in college called Forgotten Messiah. It was basically just a massive response to my frustration at how open-ended Final Fantasy VII’s ending was, so I ended up writing a sequel that wrapped up loose ends. The book took off on a site called RPGamer.net, and by the time it ended, 400 people had personally e-mailed me to tell me how much they enjoyed it. That inspired me to really try to make it as an author (writing my own, original stuff) and led me to buckle down on my first book, the adventure fantasy Glyphbinder. Supremacy’s Shadow now gives me four books, officially, though I’ve yet to match those 400 personal e-mails for that first fanfic.


Tell us about your next release.
I’m currently writing a sequel to Supremacy’s Shadow titled Supremacy’s Bounty (you’ll notice a theme there) which is set in the same universe, but with different characters. I’m incredibly impressed with Marvel’s approach to its cinematic universe, and I want to do basically the same thing with my scifi thrillers – write several standalone books in a shared universe, each with its own awesome characters, and eventually have those characters start crossing over with each other and appearing in each other’s books.


The central character in Supremacy’s Bounty is Freyja (a bounty hunter mentioned in passing in the first book) and her partner/love interest, Jinx, as they end up embroiled in an interplanetary conspiracy involving human trafficking and illegal research. Naturally, I’m carrying forward my “grimsnark” approach, so there’s plenty of sarcasm involved. Also, explosions.

About the Author


T. Eric Bakutis is an author and game designer based in Maryland. He is happily married and shares his house with a vicious, predatory cat and a sad-faced, cowardly dog. He’s been working as a professional videogame developer for over eight years. His first fantasy trilogy, Tales of the Five Provinces, is now complete, and his first science fiction novel, Supremacy’s Shadow, is due in February 2018.

In his spare time, Eric hikes with his lovely wife, little girl, and crazy dog, spends time in VRChat exploring the metaverse, and participates in local events like the Baltimore Science Fiction Society Critique Circle. His first novel, Glyphbinder, was a finalist for the 2014 Compton Crook Award, and his short fiction has appeared in several magazines and anthologies.

You can read his free cyberpunk police procedural, Loose Circuit, at www.loosecircuit.com


Contact Links

Twitter  


Purchase Link




RABT Book Tours & PR
Read more »
Reading Time:
Posted by at 1 comment:
Labels: , , ,

Tuesday, February 20, 2018

Blog Tour Book Review

Virtual Book Tour: Megan's Pet Sitting Adventure by @pamelacfoland #review

Virtual Book Tour: Megan's Pet Sitting Adventure by @pamelacfoland #review
4:44 PM0 Comments


Middle Grade Fiction
Date Published: November 14, 2017
Publisher: Sonny’s Legacy Publishing

photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png


Bringing up four kittens is expensive, and if Megan can't come up with an idea fast, her parents will give her precious babies away. She thought pet sitting would be a fun, easy job. Getting to be around more animals - what could go wrong? Megan gets her first job watching Mrs. Driscoll's pets for the weekend. She is responsible for the enthusiastic lab named Max, a talkative African parrot named Taffy, and a finicky Burmese cat named Holly. Each pet comes with its own quirky personality, but Megan plans to look after them like her own. She enlists the help of her best friend Jill, but Jill's mind isn't focused on the pets. Is Megan in over her head? Her neighbor's pets are certainly testing Megan's pet care knowledge. She is thrown one curveball after another as she works to keep the three pets safe and happy. How will Megan fare? Will she earn the Driscoll's praise or get scolded for giving poor pet care? Find out in this exciting story of Megan's Pet Sitting Adventure!

Review

 This is a fun cast of characters and a journey that will keep younger minds thoroughly entertained. Pamela Foland has managed to create a wonderfully vivid novel for younger readers that can also keep adults interested as well. 

Kids will love reading about this world and the characters. There are other installments so they can go back and visit these characters again. 


About the Author


Pamela Foland grew up in Plano, Texas. Her love of animals started at a very young age. As a child, she was constantly bringing home stray dogs, and injured birds. She graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Business in 2005. As an adult, her love of animals has only grown stronger. Pamela has worked in numerous pet hotels as a dog trainer and is certified to teach pet first aid and CPR. All her experience with pets culminated four years ago when Pamela found and raised an abandoned litter of day-old kittens. Not able to part with any of these now-grown babies, Pamela enjoys going home to her ‘little munchkins’ every night. This experience gave Pamela the inspiration for her series debut, Megan’s Munchkins. Pamela will always have a special affinity with Megan, because of their shared experiences. There are few experiences in life more compelling than saving the life of another being.



Contact Links




Purchase Link

 
RABT Book Tours & PR
Read more »
Reading Time:
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,
Blog Tour Book Review

Virtual Book Tour: Monstrous Ties by @shina_j1 #review

Virtual Book Tour: Monstrous Ties by @shina_j1 #review
4:41 PM0 Comments


YA Romance
Date Published: October 4, 2016
Publisher: Writer’s Tree Publishing

photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png


Amelia Waters has accepted her destiny and is determined to find Aaron no matter what it takes. As she treks forward on her quest, she embarks on a gloomy, foul-smelling creation that is very similar to a dream she once had. The moment she sets foot to ground, she runs for her life as horrific creatures pour out of every dark shadow. With her life in grave danger, Amelia finds it difficult to stay hopeful on finding Aaron, until an ever-changing ally opens her eyes and helps her see that there is more to the creation than she thinks. Amelia makes it her mission to destroy the creation along with its creator. But her ever ready task comes with a colossal cost she’s not ready for.


 Review

 What a Neat Cover!  I have read the previous book in the series and this one does not disappoint. Everything I loved from the first was back! Wonderfully developed characters that are compelling and real help to create a world and people I cared about as a reader. This one stepped up the action a bit. I liked how detailed Shina James was with this. I like it when scenes like that feel real. For a third book in a series, I was surprised at how fresh and how many surprises there were in this story. What a wonderful job of keeping the reader invested in the series and its characters! 

About the Author

SHINA JAMES is a freelance writer, and poet from the great state of Texas. She is a member of Romance Writers of America and Writers’ League of Texas. When she’s not writing or reading life-changing novels, she loves traveling, listening to music, and spending time with her husband and two kids.



Contact Links

Website  
Twitter  



Purchase Links

Kobo  
  

RABT Book Tours & PR
Read more »
Reading Time:
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Blog Tour Fantasy

Virtual Book Tour: Insatiable Darkness by @LM_Preston #giveaway

Virtual Book Tour: Insatiable Darkness by @LM_Preston #giveaway
10:09 AM1 Comments




Urban Fantasy, YA, Romance, Novella
Date Published: March 2nd, 2018
Publisher: Phenomenal One Press

photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png


EmVee didn’t know what to think about this new town her father’s passion for boxing lured them. It was an unlikely location for her to pursue her dream of going semi-pro. Just when she started getting used to the school with gorgeous jocks and strange cheerleaders, the depth of the danger her father’s choices dangled them in front of became clear. EmVee hoped Silas and Kayson will be able to help her uncover the mystery identity of the person who is threatening her family. The question is, will she survive to expose the mystery.

[Prequel, Vigilant Series, Caged Fire Book 1: Coming Fall 2018]




Contact Links

Website  
Blog   



Purchase Links

amazon   
Kobo   



a Rafflecopter giveaway

RABT Book Tours & PR
Read more »
Reading Time:
Posted by at 1 comment:
Labels: , , , ,
Excerpt Horror

Book Blitz: Nadia's Heart Part Two by @SirTwoSays #excerpt

Book Blitz: Nadia's Heart Part Two by @SirTwoSays #excerpt
12:00 AM0 Comments



YA Fantasy, Horror
Date Published: 11/11/2017

photo add-to-goodreads-button_zpsc7b3c634.png


In Nadia's Heart, Part One, amnesiac Nadia knew that something was wrong, so she went in search of her missing heart. What she encountered has only brought more questions: about her origins and her ties to the people of the Land of Silence. She learned that her heart was indeed removed, and that her memory was erased by an evil Voice. But why?

Now Nadia and her glowing-eyed companion, Georgeonus, must help recover the stolen hearts of the children of the Land of Silence. In Part Two, they will do battle against the evil Voice and travel to frightening places. They receive help from a powerful Witch and Wizard, and Nadia gets her heart back—but it's not at all what she expected. Can they rescue the stolen children's hearts in time?



Excerpts


From Chapter VII: The Nether Regions:

“Mabel,” said Nadia, “how did you get down here? Did Georgeonus and Holofernes make it? Are they okay?”

Mabel smiled patiently, helping Nadia to step away from the table.

“Oh, I suspect they’re fine now” was her reply.

“But—”

“Come,” she said, turning. She pulled her wand from her pocket, pointed it at the cloth, and the wrap sewed itself into pants and a belted tunic.

“But—”

“We cannot linger here,” Mabel warned, turning to walk briskly.

Nadia caught up to her. “Aren’t we in the canyon?”

“No, Nadia.”

“Then where are we?”

“We are in the Otherworld. We mustn’t linger!”

Nadia did not press the matter, but followed Mabel closely, striving to keep up. She had the feeling that they were neither in the underworld nor in a canyon. She remembered the ice castle constructed by the Voice. It seemed so long ago now. In that castle, when her thoughts perceived that perhaps it was not there at all, it would come into and out of view, disappearing before her. It was the same with this canyon. This time, she perceived her own illusion. When it faded, all she could see was light.

“Take my hand, Nadia!” said Mabel urgently, in a tone which alarmed her, and in a moment Nadia’s hand found Mabel’s, which clutched hers back. Mabel’s other hand came around Nadia’s waist and drew her close, and suddenly they were being sucked through some type of funnel. It was not comfortable; it felt dangerous, and there was great pressure all around penetrating Nadia’s cells.



From Chapter IV: The Silver Witch:

They remembered that her visit had been preceded by a magick dust.

The dust came from above, the air tingled, and miniscule, silver particles glistened as they fell. It was musical, and as they breathed, they smelled fresh air like new spring, and they felt an excitement of imminent magick. She appeared suddenly, and at first no one knew where she had come from or how; she was just there on the road. She came as naturally as if she had approached them from the road. But as the magick dust settled, they realized—remembered—that the Silver Witch had dropped out of the sky.

As she stood there smiling at them, they remembered that they had looked up at the sky at a circling dot which descended. As it approached, it formed the shape of a square, floating quilt. The Witch was soon revealed to be sitting on top in black garb and hat, her silvery skin thick and rubbery. With both hands placed on diagonal corners of the quilt, she jumped off and shook the fabric out like clean laundry and parachuted down to them, the tennis sneakers on her feet ready for the road. Softly she landed, snapping the quilt upward and folding it once, twice, three times, and again and again until it was a small square deposited into one of her pockets.



From Chapter III: Fighting Back:

They headed for the road, away from the castle tumbling toward them, hoping the mountain itself would hold until they could get to the bottom. But what awaited them at the bottom was a sheet of ice, and it too could crack and send them down into the frigid deep.

She had never driven a sleigh nor a team of dogs before. The pure instinct of survival now taught her. As they rounded the rough road, more slippery now as they gathered speed, their path looked grim. Giant chunks of the castle came descending down, hitting the mountain’s jagged sides and causing avalanches of huge falling debris. The children screamed, and Nadia wanted to do the same and take refuge closer in toward the mountain, but there was nothing that would shelter them. She kept focused on the dogs in front of her, thinking only of getting to the bottom. Cascading from above came another rock, and the children held onto the sleighs, terrified. Nadia tried to turn the sleigh toward the mountain to avoid it. They swerved dangerously around the edge of the road.

Something also descended from the sky. It was a black figure, but Nadia could not even think about another potential threat as the second sleigh bore down upon them, rushing behind her. They swerved back to a straight course, barely missing the rolling boulder which crashed onto the road.



About the Author


Wendy Altshuler is a writer-producer who explores myth in new media. She writes fantasy novels and creates works in stop motion animation.  Her credits include award-winning screenwriting and WGA-accredited representation. With a degree in psychology and a Master of Arts from Columbia University, Altshuler documented the work of international choreographers and wrote and produced regional programming. Her short plays have been performed at Boston Playwrights' Theatre, at regional schools and most recently, Puppet Showplace Theatre. Altshuler's young adult book series has been hailed as "emotionally moving, uplifting and wholesome," and "spirited and haunting. . .with much symbolism and beauty."



Contact Links



Purchase Link



RABT Book Tours & PR

Read more »
Reading Time:
Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , ,