Weigh In Wednesday - Review: Grasping At Eternity by Karen Hooper

FIVE Stars to Grasping At Eternity by Karen Amanda Hooper

O.M.G. Yes, this book is THAT good. When I first saw this book cover, I loved it. When I read Tangled Tides, I could not wait to read another book written by Karen Hooper. When I first got this book, I was torn between waiting to read it (because I just KNEW it would be awesome) and reading it (because I just KNEW it would be awesome). Then when I started reading it, I read as slow as possible. I read every word. I wanted to cherish every chapter. I kept stopping while I was reading because I didn't want it to end. But I went right back to reading because I HAD to know what was going to happen. I stayed up all night reading it because it was so so so good.

A book about love, soulmates, death, war (within self and an actual war of sorts that's going on), and remembering. It's about so much more than that, but I'm at a loss for what all to say. If you've ever read any of my reviews then you know, I really hate to spoil a book and I REALLY hate to spoil an AWESOME book. I know there are people who will review this book and tell you more. You will read that the MC is Maryah, a seventeen year old girl who's thrown into a situation that's hard to handle. You'll probably read about reincarnation and possibly even Elements. There will even be people who talk about Nathaniel and traverse. Maybe even astral travel.

The point is, yes I know that other places are going to say more about the book. That's fine, I'm not one to do that. I'm not even going to pretend to put spoilers because I just can't spoil any part of this book. The supernatural aspects are far from the 'typical,' The writing is good, the concept unique, and the plot fantastic.

This book is now my number one favorite of any book I've read in at least the past three or more years. I don't even know which awesome aspect made it number one, probably all of them put together. This book is fantastically fabulously awesome and you should go read it if you haven't. GREAT JOB Karen Hooper, can't wait for more books to come. :)

Happy Reading Everyone :)

Something Sunday

With my crazy week and the fact that I'm still trying to rest and get better, I haven't put a lot of thought into what I wanted to recommend this Sunday. So, what else do I do when I can't think of something to write (well, besides my random thoughts)? Yep, I boast about something! Some of these books will be ones I've already talked about, but I just really think people need to check 'em out...because they're AWESOME! :D

Become by Ali Cross (I've done a TAG! with her. You can find it here)
Bound by C.K. Bryant (I reviewed the book here if you want to see my review first)
Tangled Tides by Karen Amanda Hooper (I have a TAG! coming up with her next month, make sure to keep an eye out ;)
Thoughtless by Jacqueline Gardner (Did a TAG! with her here)
CassaStar by Alex J Cavanaugh
CassaFire by Alex J Cavanaugh
Ashfall by Mike Mullin (There's a TAG! coming up next month with him as well) (I also reviewed this book here)
Zombie Whisperer by Caterina Torres (There is already a TAG! on her-she was my first :)
The Sister Queens by Sophie Perinot (This is a Historical Fiction, but it has received GREAT reviews)

I've linked each book to their site on Amazon.com, but that is not the only place they're available. So if you don't have a Kindle, make sure you look elsewhere-you will find the books I promise. :)

Unfortunately I can't think of anymore right now. BUT you should definitely check out ALL of these books, they're fantastically fabulously awesome!!

I want to take a second to mention a couple things:

I'm signed up for Alex's...

Four firsts-movie, song/band, book, person. Go check it out - you can sign up here.

Also I wanted to say hello and thanks to my new followers. I know some people are taking a complete break from blogs on Sundays. BUT if any of you read this, I really appreciate you following me :)

One last announcement, and I will try to announce this at another time...Next month I am planning my first giveaway. I've never had one and am not sure what all exactly I'm going to giveaway (though I have a few things in mind) or even what sort of rules I'm going to set. I just wanted to get it out there that very soon I will have a contest, so stay tuned ;)

And that's all.

Happy Sunday :)

Something Sunday

Since I had the amazing Jean Oram on my blog this past Thursday, I thought I would give her KidsPlay site a shout out.

It's All Kids Play is a place where you can go to find fun activities and parenting tips. Jean offers tons of fun stuff to keep your little ones occupied. She also gives things that will help keep you occupied with them. She also tweets tips and fun activities @KidsPlay. I don't have much else to say except if you have kids, grandkids, niece(s)/nephew(s), or know some who has any of them--GO CHECK IT OUT!

I've found tons of stuff to do with my little ones and I know you will find something fun to do.

So, one more time: It's All Kids Play go check it out.


Happy Sunday :)

Something Sunday

This Sunday is for the writers. I decided since I'm always talking about Agent Query Connect, I should give the site its own post.

For anyone who doesn't know, AQC is a forum full of writers. There are topics for queries, synopses, publishing, writing/editing advice, agent info, marketing, etc. Really, the list goes on and on. The amount of knowledge you can gain (and provide) on AQC is so vast.

You can ask questions, post your query and synopsis for critique, or a want-ad for a critique partner. That's not all...There's a topic to post your Twitter name so you can gain followers, plus a topic for your blog address, one for your Facebook and even one for your Goodreads. Had a bad writing day? There's a topic for that. Did your book finally get picked up by an agent? Boast about it at AQC-there's a topic for that. Feeling a little bored and need a break from writing? Check out the Game Room. Need some motivation to meet your 2k words a day goal? There's a topic for that.

Are you just a writer looking for other writers to share your journey with? Go to AQC! It's a fantastic place, full of wonderful writers (some are even published and have some pretty darn good books out). The best part, other than the great things you can learn, is that this forum is full of REAL people who are there to share in the experience with you. People who are willing to help you. People who have the same questions you have. And people who you can help.

I found some great reads from being a member of AQC. I gained a critique partner and a critique group because of this site. More important? I gained friends who are writers that are there with me, and that I can be there for as well. I would be lost had I never joined Agent Query Connect. In fact, I would probably have sunk into a depression brought on by the overwhelming challenges of being a writer. This site gave me a community of writers that have made me a better writer.

Agent Query Connect is a wonderful forum and I highly recommend it to anyone who is a writer, or anyone who thinks they want to be one. Go check it out. You can explore the topics without even being a member. So you get a chance to see if it's the right fit for you.

(If you sign up (or just want to find me) I'm K McClelland on there.)

Are you a member? Leave your name in the comments if you want :)  Not a member? Why? Is there a particular reason, or did you just not know about the site? If you didn't know, are you going to join now that you do?

Review: Bound by C.K. Bryant

Five Stars (and hats off) to Bound by C.K. Bryant.

This is another book I won from the awesome NiNoCon. I won the ebook and read it in one day. It was THAT good. Nothing I had to do got in the way of my reading this book. I read it throughout the day and by the time I went to bed, it was over. Which was the saddest part-it was over. The sequel isn't even out yet...I'm so sad.

C.K. did an excellent job with this book. Kira's adventure will keep you intrigued from start to finish. There is not a dull moment in this one. I read every single word from start to finish, no skimming this one. It was one of THE BEST books I've read in a long time. I hate to sound this way, but I was happily surprised by how well written this story is.

This is usually where my spoilers would come in, but I hate to spoil it for anyone. Okay, okay, I'll do it...

IF YOU WANT SPOILERS, CLICK THE READ MORE BUTTON NOW

The Sister Queens By Sophie Perinot

This is my second post for today, and like the first, it's not a poem. I apologize to any of my readers who enjoy my poems every Tuesday and Friday, but I wanted to promote a couple books today.

Especially this one....

Sophie Perinot is a Historical Fiction author. She can be found on Agent Query Connect under the name LitGal and on Twitter @Lit_Gal. She is also a contributor on From The Write Angle, a site you should check out if you haven't yet. Today is the day her debut novel hits the shelves...

The Sister Queens

"Like most sisters, Marguerite and Eleanor were rivals. They were also queens."

Although I am not a historical fiction type of gal, I can't wait to read this book. The blurb had me interested from the first time I read it and I've been looking forward to the release ever since. I added The Sister Queens to my TBR and I recommend you to as well. Even those of you who are not Historical Fiction fans, I would give this one a shot, I believe it would change your mind. 

Please go here for more information about The Sister Queens and links to where you can purchase it.

Shield the Heart by T.K. Richardson

If you like YA books with lots of twists and turns you may enjoy my new book Shield the Heart. When you mix one girl with a special gift, one ancient Russian prophecy, danger, and a dash of romance you end up with Shield the Heart!  

I hope you'll check it out. The book is available in paperback and as an ebook.

One Gift, One Prophecy, One Choice

Shield the Heart

(Note: This book is part of a series. Book #1 Return the Heart. Book #2 Shield the Heart.)

What if the battle was in your heart?

Lilly's gift of reading the heart seemed like a curse, but when she discovered her gift was linked to an old, Russian prophecy it changed everything. What she never questioned, though, was her own heart.

When the prophecy pulls Lilly back to Russia and demands to be fulfilled she is torn between love and loyalty. She must make the most difficult decision of her life and choose between the two. But Lilly's decision is farther reaching than even she is willing to acknowledge. It stretches from East to West - from the past to the future.

Lilly discovers there's more to the old prophecy than she realized and enemy forces are bent on stopping it from unfolding.

One thing is certain - there will be casualties. And sparing those closest to her may be impossible. While Seth attempts to shield Lilly from the truth, Nikolai reveals secrets that could change everything.

As Lilly falls into the arms of Russia she must decide: will love or loyalty reign? And can she live with the consequences? Two sides compete for Lilly's heart and she must find the answers she needs before her enemies find her.

Shield the Heart, by T.K. Richardson, is the riveting second book in the series and takes Lilly deeper into Russia's mysterious past... and her future.

(**This post was part of a contest to win a Kindle Fire.  If you'd like to enter for a chance to win visit the site to find out how!)

Review: Ashfall by Mike Mullin

Five Stars to Mike Mullin's Ashfall.

I won this book from NiNoCon (and yes, I am a Ninja). I was so surprised that I won. Once the shock of winning wore off, I was anxious to get the book and start reading. My schedule tends to be crazy, and it was hard to find time to read at first. As I got further into the book though, I read more and more.

This was a great story, that kept my interest the whole way through. From the beginning I connected with Alex and by the end I was ready for book two. A post apocalyptic type of novel, with enough twists and turns to keep me on my feet. Just when I thought I knew what was happening, or going to happen-something happened to prove me wrong.


NOW IT'S TIME FOR MY SPOILERS. STOP HERE IF YOU HAVEN'T READ THE STORY.

Something Sunday

Well, here's my first something Sunday. I love to talk about things I like. Books, blogs, websites, and more. Today I'm going to give a shout out to The Write Angle Blog. Their Twitter page is @WriteAngleBlog and you can email them: fromthewriteangle[at]gmail[dot]com.

I love this blog, I frequent it, follow it, tweet and retweet about it. The people on there are awesome, and so are their tips and what not. Everything about that blog is great. Every writer should follow it, talk about it, read it, etc.

Contributors:

R.S. Mellette. You can find him on Twitter @RSMellette
Calista Taylor: She tweets @calistataylor and she blogs at A Steampunk Reverie.
Mindy McGinnis (AKA BBC or Big Black Cat): She meows @bigblackcat97.
R.C. Lewis: Find her on Twitter @RC_Lewis.
Jemi Fraser: She's on Twitter @jemifraser.
Matt Sinclair: Find him @Elephantguy68.
Darke Conteur: She tweets @Darke_Conteur.
Lucy Marsden: I don't have a blog or website for her, but she does tweet @LucyMarsden.
Robert Lewis: He tweets @robertklewis and he can be found over at Criminal Element too.
Pete Morin: On Tiwtter @petermorin.
J. Lea Lopez: She's also on Twitter @JLeaLopez.
Sophie Perinot: Find her on Twitter @Lit_Gal.
Brenda Carre: Twitter @brenda_carre. (I have her links although she hasn't been active on her website or Twitter in a while. You could still check her out though)
Jean Oram: Jean is the newest member to the blog. And she definitely knows how to keep busy. She's on Twitter @jeanoram for witerly things and @KidsPlay for kids stuff. She also has a site for her Kids Play stuff: It's All Kids Play.

Whew, that's a lot of names/links up there. Please check out all those wonderful people. They are truly fabulous. Don't forget to visit the Write Angle Blog PLUS each of the contributors blogs/sites/twitters or whatever. Many of those names up there also have books out, &/or books coming out very soon. Make sure you keep an eye out for their books.

Their writing his great, their tips are useful/helpful, they are nice people who take the time to write the tips they put up on the blog-so be nice and take the time to check 'em out. I know, I know, I just keep saying the same things, but really-I love their blog! I can't say it enough: Go, Go, GO It'll be worth your time. Because even if you don't need their writing expertise, you can still find plenty of useful things at their individual blogs. BUT Check out the Write Angle Blog and their individual blogs-don't leave one out because you think it doesn't pertain to you.

Okay, I'm done. CLICK THE LINKS NOW! I wasn't yelling, not really. It's more I'm just very enthusiastic about things that are worthy. :D

Happy Sunday! :)

Every Little Bit Counts

I recently decided I would post reviews of books I read. This is a new thing for me. I've reviewed books on places such as Amazon and Borders (when they were still around :(  However, I thought it would be a good addition to my blog, something else for my readers. Especially since my readers, read. *GASP* I know right, odd concept, a reader, reading. BUT it does happen. Huh, who woulda thunk it...

So, I posted my first book review for my blog. First up was Calista Taylor's Viridis. (IDK if I really did it "right" but it gives you a bit to help you decide if you think you may want to read it-which you should read it.) (If you haven't read my review, and would like to: Here's the link :) This was only my first review of many more to come. There will be more and I will also recommend books as well....

The other day, I began following @Drunk_on_Books who sent me a DM telling me he is looking forward to any book recommendations I have for him. I thought, huh, recommendations, okay, I could do that. I love to read, and I love to spread the word about books. Then I thought, wait, what if I recommend a book that he thinks it total crap and doesn't want anymore recommendations from me? So I was on the fence. I sucked my worries up though and gave him my recommendation for Viridis and also one for Edge of Hyperspace by Scott Seldon.

Now, I only have 9 followers on my blog. BUT I have 157 followers on Twitter and I have two different Facebook accounts and different friends on each. Point being I am not a complete nobody, and therefore I am perfectly capable of spreading the word about someones book(s). And I love spreading the word.

Every review, every recommendation, every mention brings your book to a readers attention. Even if you think the person talking about your book is just a little silent fish in a sea of much bigger fish with much bigger prescnece. Don't knock someone who is willing to talk about your book(s)...Every little bit counts.