Friday, December 19, 2014

The Heroes of the Himalayas by Lars Guignard with Giveaway

BOOK SALE: You can grab a copy of Book 1, "Ghost Leopard" for 99 cents from Amazon between December 18 and 24, 2014. PURCHASE NOW!

Zoe and Zak Collage

About the Books

Move over Percy Jackson. Find out what everybody is talking about!
Have you ever gotten hopelessly lost in a strange land? Talked to an elephant? Ridden a magic carpet? Been jailed by an angry parrot? And discovered that you have the power to change the world?
Zoe & Zak hadn’t either. But that was before their lives were turned upside down by a mysterious creature called the Ghost Leopard. Now, they find themselves attending a strange school high in the Himalayan foothills, where nothing is what it seems and anything is possible. The Zoe & Zak Adventures contains the first three full books of the middle grade fantasy adventure series, where two semi-normal kids begin to live absolutely extraordinary lives. In Book One, The Ghost Leopard, Zoe & Zak take their first trip to India where they learn that they’ve been chosen to protect a mythical creature from a terrible fate. In Book Two, The Yogi’s Curse, Zoe & Zak are back in India, this time to attend Moonstock Academy, a strange and sometimes frightening boarding school where weird events seem to occur on a regular basis. And in Book Three, The Tiger Temple, Zoe & Zak take on their second semester at Moonstock and their most terrifying challenge yet. If you love to laugh out loud, if you like adventure, and if you’re dying to go on the wildest ride on this side of the Himalayas, pick up the Zoe & Zak Adventures today. Now Available as a Compendium: The three book collection contains the complete text of first three books in the Zoe & Zak series. Together, these books are guaranteed to bring you to a magical world unlike any you’ve experienced before. Find out what everybody is talking about.  

Book 1: Zoe and Zak and The Ghost Leopard

Ghost Leopard by Lars Guignard

The Buzz

Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard BLOG TOUR

"Love Love Love! This book had me from the first chapter. This book overflows with top-notch character development, culture, adventure, and FUN!" ~ Sunshine, Bubbles and Books
"This is adventure with a capital ‘A’ and the kind that middle grade readers will love." ~ Word Magic: All About Books
"Once Zoe and Zak are off on their adventure, the pace never lets up. There are constant dangers lurking all around them and they are pretty much constantly fighting for their lives. Throw in some really interesting mystical creatures and you have a recipe for a great MG novel!!" ~ Best Kids' Reads
Amazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Audiobook) | iTunes (Audiobook)
 

Book 2: Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse

Yogi's Curse by Lars Guignard

The Buzz

Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse BLOG TOUR

"Lars Guignard keeps up the pace with this second installment in the Zoe and Zak Adventure series. I recommend this series to tweens and teens who love a great adventure steeped with magic and mysticism. Ages 8+." ~ Mother Daughter Book Reviews "Fantasy, action, adventure, wonderful characters and some fun mysteries has me hooked... 5 Stars!" ~ Brooke Blogs I loved the faster pace of this second book. Zoe & Zak's adventures kept me turning pages to see what was happening next. " ~ Carpinello's Writing Pages
Amazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Audiobook) | iTunes (Audiobook)
 

Book 3: Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple

Tiger Temple by Lars Guignard

The Buzz

Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple BLOG TOUR

"Zoe and Zak’s adventure in the Tiger’s Temple nerve-wracking and enjoyable all at the same time! Magic flies high in this story. Guignard continues not only to entertain his young readers but also to educate them on the exotic culture of India. Readers learn about everything from food to mythology. I love all the magic and mystery in his books, and you can’t help but love Zoe and Zak with their self-destructive behavior." ~ Jump Into a Book
"The great thing about this book, besides the fun adventure, is the exposure kids will get to different cultures, mythologies, and ways of life." ~ Nik's Picks
"Lars Guignard’s writing is easy to read and the story flows well and he has a great sense of humor. Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple is another must read for readers of all ages. I can’t wait for more books in the Zoe & Zak series! " ~ Bound 4 Escape
Amazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Audiobook) | iTunes (Audiobook)
 

Purchase all Three!

The Heroes of the Himalayas Book Set by Lars Guignard

PURCHASE: Amazon (Kindle)

 

About The Author: Lars Guignard

[caption id="attachment_14417" align="alignleft" width="154"]Lars Guignard Lars Guignard[/caption] Prior to writing novels, Lars Guignard wrote for film and television. As a teenager he attended boarding school in the Indian Himalayas and his experiences there provided the inspiration for the "Heroes of the Himalayas" series which now include: Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard, Zoe & Zak and the Yogi’s Curse, and Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple. He lives in the Pacific Northwest where he dodges bears and cougars while hiking & skiing the magnificent Coast Mountain Range. For news about new releases, please join his email list by contacting the author: Zoe&ZakAdventures@gmail.com

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Amazon 25 gift card Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest closes: January 1, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Lars Guignard and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway MDBR Book Promotion Services  

Zoe and Zak Series by Lars Guignard with Giveaway

BOOK SALE: You can grab a copy of Book 1, "Ghost Leopard" for 99 cents from Amazon between December 18 and 24, 2014. PURCHASE NOW!

Zoe and Zak Collage

About the Books

Move over Percy Jackson. Find out what everybody is talking about!
Have you ever gotten hopelessly lost in a strange land? Talked to an elephant? Ridden a magic carpet? Been jailed by an angry parrot? And discovered that you have the power to change the world?
Zoe & Zak hadn’t either. But that was before their lives were turned upside down by a mysterious creature called the Ghost Leopard. Now, they find themselves attending a strange school high in the Himalayan foothills, where nothing is what it seems and anything is possible. The Zoe & Zak Adventures contains the first three full books of the middle grade fantasy adventure series, where two semi-normal kids begin to live absolutely extraordinary lives. In Book One, The Ghost Leopard, Zoe & Zak take their first trip to India where they learn that they’ve been chosen to protect a mythical creature from a terrible fate. In Book Two, The Yogi’s Curse, Zoe & Zak are back in India, this time to attend Moonstock Academy, a strange and sometimes frightening boarding school where weird events seem to occur on a regular basis. And in Book Three, The Tiger Temple, Zoe & Zak take on their second semester at Moonstock and their most terrifying challenge yet. If you love to laugh out loud, if you like adventure, and if you’re dying to go on the wildest ride on this side of the Himalayas, pick up the Zoe & Zak Adventures today. Now Available as a Compendium: The three book collection contains the complete text of first three books in the Zoe & Zak series. Together, these books are guaranteed to bring you to a magical world unlike any you’ve experienced before. Find out what everybody is talking about.  

Book 1: Zoe and Zak and The Ghost Leopard

Ghost Leopard by Lars Guignard

The Buzz

Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard BLOG TOUR

"Love Love Love! This book had me from the first chapter. This book overflows with top-notch character development, culture, adventure, and FUN!" ~ Sunshine, Bubbles and Books
"This is adventure with a capital ‘A’ and the kind that middle grade readers will love." ~ Word Magic: All About Books
"Once Zoe and Zak are off on their adventure, the pace never lets up. There are constant dangers lurking all around them and they are pretty much constantly fighting for their lives. Throw in some really interesting mystical creatures and you have a recipe for a great MG novel!!" ~ Best Kids' Reads
Amazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Audiobook) | iTunes (Audiobook)
 

Book 2: Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse

Yogi's Curse by Lars Guignard

The Buzz

Zoe & Zak and the Yogi's Curse BLOG TOUR

"Lars Guignard keeps up the pace with this second installment in the Zoe and Zak Adventure series. I recommend this series to tweens and teens who love a great adventure steeped with magic and mysticism. Ages 8+." ~ Mother Daughter Book Reviews "Fantasy, action, adventure, wonderful characters and some fun mysteries has me hooked... 5 Stars!" ~ Brooke Blogs I loved the faster pace of this second book. Zoe & Zak's adventures kept me turning pages to see what was happening next. " ~ Carpinello's Writing Pages
Amazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Audiobook) | iTunes (Audiobook)
 

Book 3: Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple

Tiger Temple by Lars Guignard

The Buzz

Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple BLOG TOUR

"Zoe and Zak’s adventure in the Tiger’s Temple nerve-wracking and enjoyable all at the same time! Magic flies high in this story. Guignard continues not only to entertain his young readers but also to educate them on the exotic culture of India. Readers learn about everything from food to mythology. I love all the magic and mystery in his books, and you can’t help but love Zoe and Zak with their self-destructive behavior." ~ Jump Into a Book
"The great thing about this book, besides the fun adventure, is the exposure kids will get to different cultures, mythologies, and ways of life." ~ Nik's Picks
"Lars Guignard’s writing is easy to read and the story flows well and he has a great sense of humor. Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple is another must read for readers of all ages. I can’t wait for more books in the Zoe & Zak series! " ~ Bound 4 Escape
Amazon (Print) | Amazon (Kindle) | Amazon (Audiobook) | iTunes (Audiobook)
 

Purchase all Three!

The Heroes of the Himalayas Book Set by Lars Guignard

PURCHASE: Amazon (Kindle)

 

About The Author: Lars Guignard

[caption id="attachment_14417" align="alignleft" width="154"]Lars Guignard Lars Guignard[/caption] Prior to writing novels, Lars Guignard wrote for film and television. As a teenager he attended boarding school in the Indian Himalayas and his experiences there provided the inspiration for the "Heroes of the Himalayas" series which now include: Zoe & Zak and the Ghost Leopard, Zoe & Zak and the Yogi’s Curse, and Zoe & Zak and the Tiger Temple. He lives in the Pacific Northwest where he dodges bears and cougars while hiking & skiing the magnificent Coast Mountain Range. For news about new releases, please join his email list by contacting the author: Zoe&ZakAdventures@gmail.com

Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

 

* $25 Book Blast Giveaway *

Amazon 25 gift card Prize: One winner will receive a $25 Amazon gift card or PayPal cash (winner's choice) Contest closes: January 1, 11:59 pm, 2015 Open to: Internationally How to enter: Please enter using the Rafflecopter widget below. Terms and Conditions: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. A winner will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget and will be contacted by email within 48 hours after the giveaway ends. The winner will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner does not respond within 72 hours, a new draw will take place for a new winner. Odds of winning will vary depending on the number of eligible entries received. This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. This giveaway is sponsored by the author, Lars Guignard and is hosted and managed by Renee from Mother Daughter Book Reviews. If you have any additional questions – feel free to send and email to Renee(at)MotherDaughterBookReviews(dot)com. a Rafflecopter giveaway MDBR Book Promotion Services  

Friday, December 12, 2014

Dead Girl Walking by Ruth Silver

9781620155776_cov.indd
Dead Girl Walking (Royal Reaper) by Ruth Silver
Published: November 25, 2014
Publisher: Booktrope
  Forget everything you know about grim reapers.
Princess Ophelia Dacre sneaks out of the castle to visit her boyfriend in secret. A perfect night cut short when she’s brutally murdered.
Ophelia is given the rare chance to become a grim reaper. She must become Leila Bele, cut ties with her old life, and follow the rules of the reapers. Her greatest adventure begins with death.   Now includes the prequel Ashes to Ashes as a bonus story in the Booktrope edition. Available in eBook & Paperback.

Excerpt

  “Listen, kid, I don’t care what you believe in. It’s not for me to say what’s true and untrue, real or unreal. My assignment was you. You get to be one of us, if you want it. Otherwise, you move on, life is over, kaput.” Ophelia backed away from the stranger. For the first time, she realized she didn’t feel cold and wasn’t shivering. Is this what being dead was like? “One of you?” “A grim reaper.” He held out his hand to properly introduce himself. “Edon Montgomery, head reaper and old soul.”
 

Meet the Characters

 
Ophelia Dacre
The princess and heir to the throne, Ophelia witnessed her mother’s murder as a young child. Barely seventeen, she is a hopeless romantic at heart. Ophelia has fallen in love with Larkin, a commoner. Although she knew it’s against her fathers wishes, she continues to see her boyfriend in secret. Ophelia is passionate, cunning, and would do anything for her young sister Mara.    
Leila Bele
Formerly Ophelia Dacre, Leila is the newest reaper and has trouble following the rules. She missed her life as a princess, and has trouble staying away from those she left behind.
Wynter Gael
A grim reaper and constant rule breaker. Wynter enjoys Leila’s company. His roommate and best friend, Jasper, keeps him in line.
Mara Dacre
Princess and younger sister to Ophelia, Mara is just fourteen years old. Full of love toward Ophelia, Mara will stop at nothing to know the truth about how her sister died, and who murdered her.
Larkin Alis
Not of royal blood, unbeknownst to him, Larkin was courting Princess Ophelia up until her murder. He is a suspect in her brutal slaying.
Edon Montgomery
Head reaper and considered an old soul, Edon’s job is to keep the other reapers in line. Tough but fair, Edon is always watching and fixing reaper mistakes. Although, he has a few secrets of his own.
Jasper Ehlers
A fellow reaper and best friend to Wynter, Jasper has been in love with Violetta for decades. He’s a romantic, constantly wooing Violetta through the decades, hoping to one day win over her heart.
Violetta Mercier
A grim reaper and roommate of Emblyn. Violetta is cheeky, dark, and quite often mysterious at first introduction. She loves to tease others and enjoys the thrill of being pursued by Jasper. She prides herself on being a reaper and lets it reflect in her appearance.
Emblyn Vernon
The good girl reaper. Emblyn follows the rules, most of the time. A friend to most reapers, Emblyn has a kind heart and upbeat attitude. She sticks up for those that need support, and is always there to offer a hand when necessary.
Astin Stafford
Of royal blood, Prince Astin and Princess Ophelia have an arranged marriage for the sake of their kingdoms. He’s kind, charming, but a bit of a push over. Ophelia has no romantic feelings toward Astin.
Juliana Stapleton
Once human over a thousand year ago, Juliana was forever marked a dark angel. With black wings and a duty of responsibility, she doesn’t take her job lightly.

About the Author

1 lo res
Ruth Silver is the best-selling author of the Aberrant trilogy. With a passion for writing and a love of story-telling, Ruth is actively writing two series: Royal Reaper and Orenda. Her interests also include traveling, reading, and photography. Her favorite vacation destination is Australia. Ruth currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois. She can be found on Twitter, Facebook, and her book blog Write Away Bliss.

Monday, December 8, 2014

The Evolution of Emily by Kate Scott


THE EVOLUTION OF EMILY
by Kate Scott
Elliot Books
YA Contemporary
240 pages
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Emily Charles knows how to run away. Away from her overprotective, agoraphobic mother. Away from her biology-obsessed, autistic sister. Away from her quiet sheltered claustrophobic homeschooled life. When Emily's escape plan involves starting her junior year at Kennedy High School, she realizes she's no longer running away. Now she's running towards. Towards her quiet thoughtful cross-country teammate, August. Towards her zany enthusiastic lab partner, Miles. Towards friendship, love, independence, and life. Thanks to her sister's special interest in biology, Emily knows all about the birds and the bees. Boys are a lot more confusing.
Readers who enjoyed Counting to D won't want to miss Scott's second novel, also set at Kennedy High School.




MY TIDBITS


Sixteen-year-old Emily starts the story with a monumental step; she jogs right into the nearest high school and asks for an application form behind her mother's back. It's clear from beginning on that her family is not exactly ordinary--her mother has major social-phobia issues (really, she's certifiable) and Emily's younger sister, Olivia, is autistic. But this isn't the story of how Emily gains courage to break free of her isolated, home schooled life. This story covers the next step: what ripples her actions create and how she deals with them.

This is a heart warming, enjoyable story. Emily's act of bravery immediately demands sympathy, and her loving personality doesn't let the reader go. She forces herself to embrace a new life, but at the same time, is unsure how to really pull it through. When things seem too much, she runs. Literally. This sudden, somewhat insane reaction gave a great twist to her otherwise pretty level-headed personality. It makes her realistic. After all, who could lead such an insanely isolated life and come out completely 'normal'?

The school scenes are well-done, making it easy to get lost in Emily's world. The dialogue is realistic and the other characters are likable. There's a sweet romance and a lot of confusion, perfect for this age group.

Probably one of the most driving things about this story is the weaving in of people with different outlooks on life and/or challenges. Not only are Emily's mother and sister portrayed with different challenges, but the people Emily meets at school don't fit in the normal, perfect high school image. Although I found this array of characters almost too colorful , the author manages to weave them together so that it never really feels like it goes over-board.  Obviously, there's a lot of issues with acceptance, fitting in and learning to embrace ones self. In other words, great themes for teens.

Summed up, this is an enjoyable read. I can especially recommend it to teenage girls who like real life stories about high school with a nice dab of boys and first-love thrown in.


You can find this on AMAZON and GOODREADS!




And here she is. . .
                                 KATE SCOTT!!!




Kate Scott lives in the suburbs outside Portland, Oregon with her husband Warren. Kate was diagnosed with dyslexia as a young child but somehow managed to fall in love with stories anyway. Counting to D is her first novel. When Kate isn't writing, she enjoys listening to audiobooks, camping, and spending time with her friends and family. Kate also spends a lot of time doing math and sciency things and is a licensed professional engineer.