Monthly Archives: May 2016

Visions of Zarua Blog Tour Schedule #WWWblogs #fantasy

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Last week I put out a call for help to set up my own blog tour. I’m overwhelmed with the support I received and couldn’t be happier to announce that I’ve drawn up a schedule of sites I will be visiting during the 2 week tour.

Visions of Zarua Blog tour Banner

Here are the dates and links to the sites if you want to check out the lovely bloggers who’ve agreed to get involved.

Visions of Zarua Blog Tour

Monday 27th June – betweenthelinesbookblog  Promo Post

Tuesday 28th June – rosieamber  Review

Wednesday 29th June – bookwraiths  Indie Wednesday feature, guest post & giveaway

Thursday 30th June – aliasfaithrivens  Review & Interview

Friday 1st July – TheTattoedBookGeek  Novel extract & guest post

Saturday 2nd July – teripolen  Promo post

Sunday 3rd July – alinefromabook  Review

Monday 4th July – barbedwords  Review & Q&A session

Tuesday 5th July – baubtaub  Review, interview and giveaway

Wednesday 6th July – shelleywilson  Promo post

Thursday 7th July – jenanita01  Review

Friday 8th July – TBC spookymrsgreen  Guest post/promo

Saturday 9th July – thehappymeerkatreviews review/post

Sunday 10th July – To celebrate the last day of the tour I hope to have two posts going out;

– color me in Cyanide and Cherry Review/post

– Luccigray – TBC

(Helen Jones journeytoambeth hopes to post a review at some point during this two week tour.)

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Exciting isn’t it! Please feel free to join in and comment, and if you want to post your own review during the blog tour, I’d be very pleased to have you involved.

Note – This is the starting line up and things may change, but I just wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for agreeing to help me. It has been a really uplifting experience and I look forward to starting my tour in a few weeks time.

Stacking the Shelves 1 – May Summary #Tuesdaybookblog

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This is my first time of joining in the Stacking the Shelves meme tynga’s Reviews. I hope to take part at the end of each month and share all the books I have won, bought and downloaded for free. May has been a good month for books;

I’ve won 4 books in competitions!

Caramel Hearts recipe book – Elizabeth Rose Murray  – ebook

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The Wrong Kind of Clouds – Amanda Fleet – signed paperback

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Rise of the Sparrows – Sarina Langa – Signed paperback

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Eligible – Curtis Sittenfeld – paperback (won via Sun Perks)

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I’ve also had a book buying spree on the kindle over the last week or so.

Hills and Valleys Bk3 Ambeth Chronicles – Helen Jones

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The Runaway Bridesmaid – Daisy James

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Rise of the Sparrows – Sarina Langer (still happy to have won a signed paperback as well!)

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The Sapphire Lengend: Part II – E.L. Tenenbaum (See my review of bk 1 here)

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Wildflowerbay: Part One – Rachel Lucas

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Summer at Rose Island (bk 3) – Holly Martin

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Distress Signals – Catherine Ryan Howard (See her guest post here)

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Mud Maid – Sandra Horn & Karen Popham

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I downloaded a couple of free ebooks

The Cutting Room – Julliane Hoffman

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Flawless – Jan Moran

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There is a perfect mix of fantasy, thrillers and romance in this selection. I still have a big TBR pile and don’t know when I’ll get a chance to read all these fantastic books. But I will review them when I can, so watch this space.

Have you read any of these books, would you recommend any of them? Or has my list inspired you to purchase any new books?

Weekend wanderings – Bewl water, Lamberhurst Kent #photos

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A few weeks ago we stopped for a picnic on the way home from a weekend at the coast in Camber Sands, East Sussex. See the pictures of a cold day in camber here.

Bewl Water is a beautiful location for water sports, cycling, family picnics and adventure. It has walks around the very large lake, the website boasts the lake could supply 200 million people with water. We only stayed for a few hours, but you could make a day of it, especially if you’re into water sports. Plus, it only cost £2 to get in and park up. Bargain!

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Plenty of play areas for the kids to explore.

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And a few close ups because I can’t resist them.

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And this one could be classed as a little x-rated…

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It’s a great spot for exploring, adventure or family picnics. There’s also a lovely looking restaurant, which I overheard was quite good value though didn’t sample for myself.

Check out the website to see the scale of the lake – Bewl Water.

Has anyone else been to Bewl Water, or somewhere similar?

Enjoy the rest of your long weekend.

#Fridaybookshare Thief’s Magic – Trudi Canavan #fantasy

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Friday book share was created by Shelley Wilson. Please check out her website for the rules. This is my first time of taking part.

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I am currently reading Thief’s Magic book 1 Millennium’s Rule by Trudi Canavan.

First line of the book

‘The corpse’s shrivelled, unbending fingers surrendered the bundle reluctantly.’

Recruit fans by adding the book blurb

Sometimes magic lies within…

When the young student Tyen unearths an ancient book, it opens the door to a realm of mystery and danger. For it holds a clue to a disaster facing the world.

Elsewhere, in a land ruled by priests, Rielle has been taught that to use magic is to steal from the Angels. Yet she has a talent for it, and desperate times may force her to risk the Angels’s wrath.

But not everything is as Tyen and Rielle have been raised to believe. Not the nature of magic – and not even the people they trust.

Introduce the main character using only three words

Tyen – Resourceful, talented, naïve.

Delightful design

thief's magic

Audience appeal

Fantasy fans

Your favourite line / scene

From the beginning of the book.

‘He’d never heard of a person turning into a book before. How is that possible? he wondered.

I was made by a powerful sorcerer, replied the text.He took my knowledge and flesh and transformed me.

His skin tingled. The book had responded to the question he’d shaped in his mind. Do you mean these pages are made of your flesh? he asked.

Yes. My cover and pages are my skin. My binding is my hair, twisted together and sewn with needles fashioned from my bones and glue from tendons.‘

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I’m over half way through and enjoying the book. I look forward to reviewing it next week.

If you want to join in, answer the F.R.I.D.A.Y questions and use the Friday Book Share meme. Tag Shelley @ShelleyWilson72 and Rosie @rosieamber1.

Visions of Zarua update & #Fantasy #Review Request #WWWblogs

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I found out over the weekend that my planned 1 day book blitz had fallen through. I sulked for a bit (a few days if I’m truthful), drunk some wine, contemplated giving up, and then today I had a breakthrough – why not arrange my own mini tour. With indie publishing anything is possible, isn’t it?

I know it won’t have the reach of a properly organised tour, but I’m hoping all you lovely bloggers and retweeters will help me spread the word.

The plan (which I am making up as I go along) is to have a week where people agree to post their reviews of Visions of Zarua.

I’m looking for – book reviewers, book bloggers and readers who enjoy fantasy and would be willing to offer their time reading my debut book.

I’m offering –  a free ebook of Visions of Zarua and my eternal gratitude.

In exchange for – an honest review on your blog, Amazon, Goodreads etc. I’d also be happy to take part in interviews, Q&A sessions, guest posts etc. If you haven’t time to review the book, maybe you might consider one of these alternatives.

Time scale – I was thinking of 5 weeks time w/c 27th June. I know that’s short notice but I am an impatient sort of person and I hate sitting around waiting for things to happen. If that date doesn’t work for you, but you are willing to help me out then please still get in touch.

What I hope to achieve – I’m hoping to drum up some interest in my book and I think the best way to achieve that is with reviews. Blitzing the internet with reviews over a set week will hopefully spread the reach and persuade people that it’s worth taking a chance on Visions of Zarua.

I may get no response from this request, or maybe I’ll be inundated with replies, who knows. All I can do is take a chance, as with every aspect of self publishing.

Even if you haven’t time to get involved, I still appreciate any retweets and reposts you are able to do over the coming weeks.

Please leave any comments below, or use the contact form on the website to email me. Thanks for reading.

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Here’s what others have been saying about Visions of Zarua on Amazon and Goodreads.

‘It’s so lovely to read a book that is a stand alone completed tapestry… I definitely recommend you give this book a try as it’s a real all in-one fantastical adventure story.’

‘Wonderful fantasy meets mystery!’

‘Dark sorcery with slithering secrets… Visions of Zarua casts a shadow of excitement giving the fantasy genre a nice little jolt.’

‘Thrilling and dark fantasy novel… from the very first chapter I was hooked. Overall I just love this book… I can’t wait to read more of the author’s work’

‘Enjoyable read with a hint of classic “who dunnit”…’

‘A brilliant read… would recommend to anyone who likes murder, mystery and of course fantasy’

‘The perfect amount of epicness… one of those fantasy books that can please any reader’

‘If you want a great book that takes you away from the monotony of daily life, then this is the book for you’

‘Gripping, well written story…the intertwined stories kept me gripped until the end. I recommend, even if you’re not a fantasy fan!’

‘…putting this book down, because of the non-reader-friendly-world I live in, made me unhappy. Mrs Rogerson deserves standing ovation for her debut novel… I will applaud with pride and appreciation. Visions of Zarua was simply a story that I love.’

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Two wizards, 350 years apart. Together they must save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past.

An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria. Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master Kalesh dies in mysterious circumstances, the Royal Order of Wizards refuses to investigate. Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer. The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago – a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions in time to save the Paltrian people from the dark menace of Zarua’s past?

Links to recent reviews can be found on the Visions of Zarua page

#Tuesdaybookblog #Bookreview The Sapphire Legend by E.L.Tenenbaum #YA #RBRT

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Title – The Sapphire Legend Part 1

Author – E.L Tenenbaum

Genre – YA Fantasy

I received a free copy from the author in exchange of an honest review – via Rose Amber’s Book Review team.

Rosie's Book Review team 1

Blurb

Sapere has always been different. In her tribe, select families are blessed with a gift that is passed through the generations from father to son. But something went wrong when Sapere was born, because she has her family’s gift and she shouldn’t.

When Saphere’s village is attacked the night of her wedding, the survivors flee to the Wild in hopes of finding refuge in a dangerous place stalked by deadly predators. There they struggle to protect what little remains of their tribe and their traditions, many of which don’t seem to fit into their new life. Out here, Sapere feels like an outsider on the precipice of two worlds unable to fit into the old way, unaccepted by the new, and terrified of being shunned by both.

Through the survivors’ fight for survival, Sapere learns that she can be a victim of circumstances or master of fate. Can she rise above the nature of her birth and mold her own future? Can she be herself and earn the villagers’ respect? Or will she forever be shackled by the anomaly that makes her different?

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First Thoughts

I loved the cover of the book and the title was intriguing. I also felt like trying something a bit different to the standard fantasy format. This world of tribal life was just what I was looking for.

Summary

The first few chapters are read with anticaption as you know from the blurb that something terrible is about to happen. But the author allows you to get to know the main character, Sapere and understand her situation before throwing her life into turmoil. I like how the tribal world and their beliefs are put across. There is no info dump, you learn as you go along.

Characters

Sapere was a good main character in a difficult situation. At points I did find her a little naïve with regards to the other characters feelings, but overall I really liked her. I liked the supporting cast of Reo and Venatore and wanted them all to find happiness after everything they had been through.

Writing Style

It is very unusual for me to read a book in first person present tense. It worked well for this story and I really enjoyed the change of style.

Issues with the book

The only fault I could point out with this book would be the description of some of the animals in the Wild. They sounded suspiciously like snakes and elephants. I understand that the characters may not have known the animal names, but it seemed unlikely and pulled me out of the story. As I read these passages, I was reminded of a famous piece of writing advice,  though I’ve no idea who said it. ‘If it looks and sounds like a rabbit, call it a rabbit.’ Or something along those lines.

Final Thoughts

Although at points I thought the story might be a bit too small and insular, I really came to love the world the author created. I couldn’t believe the story ended where it did and was desperate to find out more. I’ve already bought the second book and look forward to reading and reviewing it in the future.

Recommend to

I would happily recommend this to those who enjoy YA Fantasy and fantasy in general.

Rating: 5 stars (for a while it was a 4 star book, but it certainly grew on me and by the end it was definitely a 5 star read).

To buy links Amazon UK  Amazon com

#Audiobook #bookreview The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss #tuesdaybookblog

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Note – This is my first audio book review.

Author: Patrick Rothfuss

Title: Name of the Wind – Book 1 Kingkiller Chronicles

Genre: Fantasy

Type: Audio

Length: TOO LONG! 28 hours

Narrator: Rupert Degas

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Blurb:

Told in Kvothe’s own voice, this is the tale of the magically gifted young man who grows to be the most notorious wizard his world has ever seen.

First Impressions:

I chose The Name of the Wind as my first audio book as I really wanted to read it, but couldn’t face a book of that magnitude for the few hours I have set aside for reading.

My husband dubbed the book ‘Long of the Wind’ this should have been an indication of what was to come.

Narration style:

For me it was hard listening to a man doing a woman’s voice, though so far there has only been one woman in the book – Kvothe’s mother. Rupert Degas softens his voice for this role, and also to make his voice sound younger for Kvothe as a child. It sort of worked, but as the story dragged on, I became annoyed listening to it.

Summary:

It is a very long book… but nothing happens. It is brilliantly written with lots of details, but I want a book to go somewhere and this did not. I guess Patrick Rothfuss’s slow writing style is not for me.

Final Thoughts:

I did not listen to the whole book, though I really tried. I stopped at chapter 19. It was so boring I kept leaving the room forgetting I was listening to it. I have no inclination to pick up the book to find out what happened. I’m sorry to say that I just didn’t care for the main character or what happened in his past.

Recommend to: Insomniacs and readers who enjoy slow building epics.

Rating: 2 stars.

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I really wanted to give audio books a try, maybe starting with this one was a mistake. Or maybe audio books are just not for me and I am being unfair to the author. I shall be listening to ‘Girl on a Train’ next and will post a review on that soon.

Has anyone got any suggestions for a good audio book?

Birthday #ebook #giveaway results

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I have picked a name to receive the free ebook of Visions of Zarua and contacted the winner this morning. Well done Em on Keystrokeblog, I really hope you enjoy Visions of Zarua.

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I appreciate all the lovely birthday wishes I received and I’m sorry if your name didn’t get picked.

There will be another chance to win some free copies of the ebook in two weeks time. Brook Cottages are running a Book Blitz day for me on Saturday 4th of June and there will be a Rafflecopter giveaway as well. I hope you can join me for that.

Have a brilliant weekend everyone. Happy reading.

 

Birthday #Giveaway – #ebook copy of Visions of Zarua

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To celebrate my birthday today and the 6 month birthday of my book, I thought I’d run a mini giveaway. Just leave a comment below and share this with all your friends. I’ll pick a name out of a hat (or something similar!) Friday evening 20th May. The more responses I get, the more names I’ll pick. Join in my birthday celebration now.

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See what others have been saying about Visions of Zarua on Amazon and Goodreads.

‘It’s so lovely to read a book that is a stand alone completed tapestry… I definitely recommend you give this book a try as it’s a real all in-one fantastical adventure story.’

‘Wonderful fantasy meets mystery!’

‘Dark sorcery with slithering secrets… Visions of Zarua casts a shadow of excitement giving the fantasy genre a nice little jolt.’

‘Thrilling and dark fantasy novel… from the very first chapter I was hooked. Overall I just love this book… I can’t wait to read more of the author’s work’

‘Enjoyable read with a hint of classic “who dunnit”…’

‘A brilliant read… would recommend to anyone who likes murder, mystery and of course fantasy’

‘The perfect amount of epicness… one of those fantasy books that can please any reader’

‘If you want a great book that takes you away from the monotony of daily life, then this is the book for you’

‘Gripping, well written story…the intertwined stories kept me gripped until the end. I recommend, even if you’re not a fantasy fan!’

‘…putting this book down, because of the non-reader-friendly-world I live in, made me unhappy. Mrs Rogerson deserves standing ovation for her debut novel… I will applaud with pride and appreciation. Visions of Zarua was simply a story that I love.’

***

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Two wizards, 350 years apart. Together they must save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past.

An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria. Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master Kalesh dies in mysterious circumstances, the Royal Order of Wizards refuses to investigate. Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer. The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago – a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions in time to save the Paltrian people from the dark menace of Zarua’s past?

Sample chapters are available on Smashwords  Amazon UK  Amazon US

Don’t forget to comment and share.

Thank you.