Posts Tagged YA Fantasy
Blog Tour Stop! The Sara Chronicles by Laura Hughes
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews, YA Fiction on March 28, 2015
The Sara Chronicles
Publisher: Tate Publishing
Publication Date: December 18, 2012
Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy
Book Series: Book 1 of 6
Formats: Paperback, Kindle, iBook
Print Length: 136 pages
Paperback Price: $9.98
Kindle Price: $6.99
iBook Price: $9.99
Blurb
Imagine yourself in a place where not only your wildest, most imaginative dreams but also your worst nightmares are a living, breathing reality. One second, you’re a helpless, victimized child, and the next you can control ocean currents, produce rainstorms, and freeze lakes. Would you use your powers for good? Or would you give in to the part of yourself that wants revenge and control over those who caused you pain?
This is exactly what a young girl named Sara had to decide when she was rescued from her horrible foster parents, the Finklesteins, and taken by her new guardian, Rianna, to a realm where magic has no limits and neither do Sara’s powers. Before Sara can decide, she meets three new friends: Thomas and James, two orphaned boys her age with similar abilities, and Olie, a powerful man who helps to guide the three of them on their quest to keep this magical universe in balance.
With Olie and Rianna’s help, the children’s circle of three creates a strong bond that fights against the evil forces of the realm. When they meet Braccus, a most evil being who wants to disrupt the magical world the children have come to treasure, Sara, Thomas, and James know they have a dangerous road ahead of them. But they’re not alone; they soon meet another circle of three orphaned children with miraculous powers: Alice, Franklin, and Finola, and together the two circles of three create a force that will challenge even Bracus. But will these children be able to band together and save the world as they know it? Or will Bracus have his way and tear them asunder?
Find out in Laura Hughes’ fast-paced and adventurous story, “The Sara Chronicles: The Beginning – Book One.”
Book Links
Review
What a magical debut!
I simply adored this creatively crafted novel! Sara’s journey begins in a miserable world in which she is helpless and alone, but she finds strength from within. A sweet heroine, deserving of the great power she possesses, is always a wonderful example for our young ladies. Of course, the boys are an excellent addition to story as well. Each new character is introduced smoothly, allowing an even flow, and the story never lacks adventure. Once I began reading this book, I couldn’t put it down! Exciting, fun, and captivating!
Appropriately written for ages eleven and beyond!
About This Literary Chef
Author Laura Hughes
Registered nurse by day – author by night – I am an enthusiastic teller of tales. Most of my time off from my day job is spent running, working out, and thinking of new stories to tell. I love writing so much that I have written six complete books in five years with the seventh halfway finished. Notebook after notebook is filled with ideas for my characters and tales I want to start. Each book is like a movie playing in my head that I am just dying to share with others.
Author Links
Blog Tour
March 22, 2015: Random Things In Action-http://www.haraiah.blogspot.com
March 23, 2015: Young Adult Reviews by Liz Winn – http://www.villagebookreviewya.blogspot.com
March 24, 2015: Read For Your Future – http://www.readforyourfuture.blogspot.com
March 25, 2015: I Read Indie – http://www.twimom101bookblog.blogspot.com
March 26, 2015: Becky’s Barmy Book Blog – http://www.beckysbarmybookblog.blogspot.com
March 27, 2015: Books Galore – http://www.japourney.blogspot.ca
March 28, 2015: Word to Dreams – http://www.wordtodreams.blogspot.com
&
The Literary Melting Pot – http://www.theliterarymeltingpot.com
RELEASE DAY BLITZ! FORSAKEN by Kristen Day
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News, Reviews, YA Fiction on September 22, 2014
Once you’ve been touched by darkness, it never leaves you…
Abandoned by her parents as an infant; seventeen year old Hannah spent her childhood wading through countless foster families until being adopted by the Whitmans three years ago. Unfortunately, Atlanta’s high society wasn’t quite ready for Hannah…or the strange events that plague her
Chilling visions of murder, unexplained hallucinations, and a dark, mysterious guy who haunts her nightmares all culminate to set in motion a journey of self-discovery that will challenge everything she’s ever believed; not to mention her sanity.
Sent to live at The House of Lorelei on Bald Head Island, NC for ‘kids like her’, Hannah quickly realizes things are not what they seem. Her fellow ‘disturbed’ teens are actually the descendants of mythical Sea Gods and Goddesses. And so is she.
But when Finn, the ghost from her dreams, appears in the flesh; her nightmares become reality and her dark visions begin coming true. Inexplicably drawn to him, she can’t deny the dangerous hold he has on her heart. The deadly secrets he harbors will ultimately test her courage and push the boundaries of her love.
She must decide if she is ready to embrace the ancient legend she is prophesized to be a part of. The fate of all the descendants will forever depend upon it.
LINKS..NOW 99¢
REVIEW
This is definitely a cliffhanger!
I was completely immersed in this novel, as the writing is superb and the story line is enchanting. The adventure is exciting, setting is almost tangible, due to the descriptive writing, and the romance is appropriate for YA readers. I admire the creativity involved, and I have no doubt that lovers of this genre will be captivated.
Complete with crazy friends, a mysterious hottie, and an extraordinary paranormal world, this novel is a wonderful debut for the YA crowd! I can’t wait to read the next installment!
**I received a copy of this delectable debut in exchange for an honest review**
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF
I am a southern belle at heart with a crazy streak that desperately tries to escape at every opportunity. I love all things nostalgic, rustic, and quirky. I’ve been told I see the world through rose-colored glasses, but I prefer to think of them as kaleidoscope glasses – swirling and morphing reality into something I can digest (who hasn’t pretended those pasty lima beans were really kiwi strawberry jelly beans?).
When I’m not writing I’m making jewelry, painting, drinking sweet tea, watching the discovery channel, or going on random adventures in the mountains of North Carolina with my amazing husband.
REVIEW! FIREBOLT by ADRIENNE WOODS
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews, YA Fiction on August 14, 2014
Dragons. Right. Teenage girls don’t believe in fairy tales, and sixteen-year old Elena Watkins was no different.
Until the night a fairy tale killed her father.
Now Elena’s in a new world, and a new school. The cutest guy around may be an evil dragon, a Prince wants Elena’s heart, and a long dead sorcerer may be waking up to kill her. Oh. And the only way Elena’s going to graduate is on the back of a dragon of her own.
Teenage girls don’t believe in fairy tales. Now it’s time for Elena to believe – in herself.
REVIEW
Woods’ has conjured up a new and exciting world for the tweens, and the young-at-heart to enjoy!
Beginning with a tragic start, I was immersed in the story of Elena the orphan. As Elena is thrust into a phantasmal world of Dragonians, she becomes acquainted with an unusual cast of characters that add humor and romance. Young and fearless always leads to an adventure, and this little group of misfits delivers! Complete with quirky teachers, a magical school, and a fearsome villain, this was an enjoyable read.
This is an excellent YA read that immediately grabs your attention! Elena’s choices are typical for a teenage heroine, but it wasn’t a nuisance. There are a few swearwords and “making out” scenes, for those that monitor their child’s exposure, but not in excess. My recommended age restriction is 12 & up. If you’re a fan of the Harry Potter & Percy Jackson series, this could be for you!
BOOK TRAILER
ABOUT THIS LITERARY CHEF
Adrienne Woods is born and raised in South Africa, where she still resides on the East side of Johannesburg with her husband and two little girls. She’s been writing for the past four years and in her free time she likes to review books of new and upcoming authors.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY:
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COMING SOON!! FORBIDDEN FOREST (THE DRAGON HOLDER) by Wilson Feliz
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Book News on July 19, 2014
REVIEW & GIVEAWAY..SMORGASBORD by Jagjiwan Sohal
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews, YA Fiction on July 11, 2014
Title: Smorgasbord
Author: Jagjiwan Sohal
Genre: Middle-Grade/Young Adult Comedy Horror
Length: 170 pages
Release Date: March 2014
ISBN-13: 978-0615971919
Imprint: Mythos Press
SYNOPSIS:
When Anna Lopez’s zombie attack video goes viral, no one could believe that the high school cheerleader had taken a bite out of the undead monster – and liked it! Now nothing will ever be the same for supernatural beings…because humans have discovered they taste freakin’ DELICIOUS!
And when a zombie boy gets in the crosshairs of a gang of hungry-human hunters, Julie, a young vampire loner, jumps in for the rescue. But now Julie’s got more than she bargained because taking care of a rambunctious undead creature who only knows one word (“brains”) is NOT easy. And when Julie and her zombie pal stumble upon on a crazed soccer mom, they find themselves on the run from a trigger-happy family who want nothing more than to grill them up for a neighborhood barbecue bash!
Ceecee’s son: a rising 7th grader’s review
My thoughts:
I’ve always liked fantasy books, and they haven’t always been as action-packed as this was. This was one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. What I liked the most was the concept. It was both great and funny that Julie and brains were trying to not get eaten by the humans, same goes with the other monsters. I am going to tell my friends about this book!
CeeCee’s Review
Reading & Discussing this creatively adventurous novel with my sub-teen was a blast!
There are several characters that make this book amazingly unique, but our main focus is on Julie, a teen vampire, and a zombie- child whose only vocabulary is “brains”. While these two run for their lives, they’re lucky enough to encounter more paranormal creatures with the same problem: they’re the newest culinary fad. Unfortunately, there’s a psychotic woman leading a group of hunters that makes ted nugent look like mr. rogers. Throw in a zombie rancher, his spokeswoman, and a reporter scorned, and you have one heck of an adventure!
For the record, I’m not a zombie fan, but I truly enjoyed this book! This author is brilliant! I highly recommend picking this one up!
As a parent, I must warn that there is some descriptive violence involved here. Although my son & I had a wonderful time reading this, I wouldn’t recommend this novel for children below the 6th grade.
we’re GIVing away 10 copies!
AUTHOR INFORMATION & LINKS
Born and raised near Toronto, Canada, Jagjiwan Sohal works in the Canadian film and TV industry as an up-and-coming screenwriter and producer. His short stories have been published by The Horror Zine, Scribal Tales and Hello Horror. Smorgasbord is his first novel.
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
RELEASE DAY BLITZ & GIVEAWAY! ORENDA by RUTH SILVER
Posted by The Literary Melting Pot in Reviews, YA Fiction on April 27, 2014
ORENDA by Ruth Silver
a Young Adult Fantasy Adventure series
published by Patchwork Press
Join forces with a parallel universe.
Dark forces, magical creatures, and the world Lil thought she knew collide when a dream transports her to the strange world of Orenda. Stunned and terrified, Lil comes face to face with her doppelganger, Willow, who possesses the ability to travel between the two worlds. Everything Lil knows logically says that Orenda can’t exist, but a small clue may be proof that it was more than an ordinary dream. With the threat of her younger sister in danger, Lil crosses dimensions but it may cost her even more than she bargained for.
A sword wielding girl, the eternal suit, and a parallel universe come together in this action-packed Young Adult fantasy adventure that will keep readers of all ages turning the pages. Orenda is the first novel in the Orenda series.
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Signed Copy
Excerpt:
Lil stood firm, sword-in-hand, staring at the beast as it flew directly at her. “How do I kill it?” She raised the sword above her head with two hands.
Hudson glanced at her. “With what we taught you. The dragon is no different than a man.”
“It has wings and is flying at me. I’d say it’s different!”
REVIEW
This is an excellent YA fantasy with a little twist of Greek Mythology squeezed in!
The characters are wonderfully written, and quite the cast! Although this is just the introduction, you get to know important facts about each person, or creature, involved. There’s a hint of romance, and a great deal of heartbreak involved. These kids seemed somewhat naive, but brave, and I was impressed with the compassion they showed each other. Lil and Bray were exposed to different sides of Orenda during their stay, with Bray’s being the worst, but Willow and her gang helped them every step of the way.
The background on Orenda is a little hazy, but the author gives enough to satisfy for now. I expect the gaps will be filled throughout the series, but I have to admit that I’m completely satisfied with this book. The writing style is intelligent, easy to follow, and fast paced. Each twist was unexpected and brilliantly placed, which made the story more addictive!
After dealing with a demon sorceress, the darkest version of Tinkerbell I’ve ever heard of, and a few mental bombshells, I am anxiously awaiting the author’s next move!
GIVEAWAY
About the Author:
Ruth Silver is the best-selling author of ABERRANT, a young adult dystopian adventure series published by Patchwork Press and Lazy Day Publishing, in 2013. Silver attended Northern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Communication in the spring of 2005. While in college, she spent much of her free time writing with friends she met online and penning her first novel, Deuces are Wild, which she self-published in 2004. Her favorite class was Creative Writing senior year where she often handed in assignments longer than the professor required, because she loved to write and always wanted to finish her stories. Her love of writing led her on an adventure in 2007 to Melbourne, Australia. Silver enjoys reading, photography, traveling and most of all writing. She loves dystopian and fantasy young adult stories. Ruth has been actively writing since she was a teenager. Upcoming works include Royal Reaper, a young adult series about grim reapers, due for release June 3rd, 2014. She currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois.
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