MY NAME IS BRYAN BY STACY LYNN CARROLL - BLOG TOUR AND REVIEW

 

My Name is Bryan 

by 

Stacy Lynn Carroll

If your friends jumped off a cliff, would you jump too? Bryan chose to dive. Moments later, as he lay on the beach, unable to move his arms or legs, two questions ran through his mind: Would he walk again? And would he ever have kids? Based on the incredible true story of life, love, and never giving up.

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MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

If you are an emotional reader like I am then grab a box of tissues.  I have always said I love it when an author can pull me in and make me feel like I am walking in the story right along with the characters.  This one did just that, and so much more.

I don't know how many times I have asked my kids this questions "If your friends jumped off a cliff would you".  Never once did I consider "if your friends went cliff jumping would you".  I loved cliff jumping when I was younger.  Now as an adult / mother, I would never do it.  Plus the older I get the wimpier I get...hehe.

Bryan is looking forward to going on a trip with the youth.  This will be his last time to go because he is 18 .  He sets off on his adventure with his best friends, sister Becky, and much to his chagrin his parents as chaperone's, along with other youth.  (youth, a word in my world (LDS world) meaning ages 12-18 groups).  They are going on a white water rafting trip.  

Bryan's father tell him that there will be some cliffs they will be able to jump off of when they are on the trip.  Bryan is so excited and shares the news with this friends.  All of the boys are even more excited to go on this trip now.

Two days into their rafting trip they make camp and find the cliffs.  Bryan's friends were enjoying themselves before Bryan was able to join.  When he arrived he didn't want to "show" every one up, but he decided he must dive.  Bryan takes a running jump and does the most beautiful swan dive and enters the water like butter, and his whole life changes.  

Bryan realized when he hit the water that something was wrong..  The bottom was coming too fast, and then he hears a pop.  He knows, right then that his life will never be the same.

Unable to move Bryan sits in the water holding is breath until someone finally is able to get to him and bring him to the surface.  They boys and leaders know right away something is wrong.  Bryan's dad knows that Bryan will not survive a trip to the hospital on the rafts so he goes to the nearest ranger station.  Leaving Bryan and his mother on the shore to wait for help.  18 hours they waited.  I cannot even tell explain how hard it was to read about those 18 hours, yet also so loving to read.  A true showing of love and friendship was shown during those long hours. 

Bryan, from the moment he was retrieved from the water did not complain even once.  He responded when he saw his dad "That was the best swan dive ever".  Who says that?  He knows he will probably be paralyzed but this kid.  This kid..is amazing.  He had unwavering faith.  

This book brought me to tears so many time.  Not only because of the hardships Bryan faced, but because even when facing them, he went forward with perfect faith and determination. I cried at the devotion his family.  I cried at his determination.  It was such a beautiful story.

Bryan faces a life in a wheel chair but  during the healing process finds love.  I love stories like this.  I could go on and on.  I really could.  There is so much I want to say, but then I would ruin the book.  Maybe not ruin but wouldn't allow you to feel your own "emotions" while reading.  Spoilers do that to me.  

My heart ached for Bryan.  It cried for Bryan.  It laughed for Bryan.  This man.  What can I say.  Determined.  Charismatic.  Optimistic.  Kind.  Loving.  Non judgemental.  I think about the things Bryan had to go through and it reminds me of everything I have to be thankful for.  I have the use of my arms, and legs.  I can do things for myself.  I can play with my kids.  I can read without help.  I can do many things.  So could Bryan.  He was determined not to let his disability define him.

There are quotes before every chapter that just made my heart happy.  I want to share a few:

"Hardships often prepare ordinary people for an extraordinary destiny."  C.S. Lewis

This next one is my favorite quote.  It is from one of the sweetest ladies to ever walk the earth (besides my mother;) ).

"The only way to get through this life is to laugh your way through it.  You either have to laugh or cry.  I prefer to laugh.  Crying gives me a headache." - Marjorie Pay Hinckley _

Bryan was one of the best examples of this.  He is such a funny guy.  A prankster.  Even without the use of his legs...a prankster :).

Okay, I will stop.  It was such a beautiful story, of trials, determination, love, hope, and unwavering faith.  I was touch so deeply by this book, that even after I was done reading I thought about it all day.  Every time a "hard" moment would come to me during the day I thought of this book, and began to cry all over again.  I have nothing to complain about.  My life is a wonderful life, and this book helped me look at things a little different.  A little brighter.  A little more appreciative.  A little more loved.  Seriously.  Such a beautiful story.

Source:  I was given this book as part of a blog tour in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in anyway for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

Praise for the book: "I plowed through his story, amazed at how he could so easily accept something that would destroy anyone else and just move forward with such a positive attitude. I don't give many 5 stars, but it's well-earned. This book really touched me. It's the kind of story that stays with you for a long time." --Amazon customer

 "I actually love stories like this. Ones that show the power of the human spirit and what love and determination can achieve. I cried multiple times while reading this but they were a happy sort of hopeful tears. If you are looking for something uplifting and motivational read this heart-felt story of love and hope." --Inspired Kathy ;)

 "You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll wring your hands in frustration, and you won't be able to put it down to go to sleep as you keep waiting to read about Bryan's happily ever after. This is one of those books that stick with you long after you've finished reading it." --Bookmom

 "Each chapter begins with an inspirational quote to lead the reader into the goodness, hardship, unconditional love, and humor that is Bryan's life. The 30 year journey the reader takes runs smoothly page after page. You will cry and you will laugh. You will want to hug Nedra and Bryan when you are finished." --Kriss A.

Follow the Blog Tour hosted by I Am A Reader 

October 29th to November 14th

    Book Trailer:

 

Author Stacy Lynn Carroll

Stacy Lynn Carroll has always loved telling stories. She started out at Utah State University where she pursued a degree in English. Go Aggies! She then finished her BA at the University of Utah (to be closer to her then boyfriend, now hubby) where she got an emphasis in creative writing. After college she worked as an administrative assistant, where she continued to write stories for the amusement of her co-workers. When her first daughter was born, and with the encouragement of a fortune cookie, she quit her job and became a full-time mommy and writer. It seemed like fate when Matt and Stacy married. She was a writer, and her father-in-law had a story that demanded to be written. She and her husband have three children, two Corgis, and a fish named Don.

Website * Twitter * Pinterest * Facebook

  Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 11/21/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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COVER REVEAL - CLIMAX - BY CHRISTINA GEORGE

It's finally here, the long-awaited sequel to The Publicist! CLIMAX by Christina George is the final installment in the series. It comes in two parts:

The Covers

Here is the Bundled set version:

About the Book

Release date: December 15, 2014. You can pre-order now!

Kate Mitchell has never forgiven herself for breaking Nick Lavigne’s heart. Now he’s back and he’s moved on, and it’s affecting Kate’s life more than she’s willing to admit.

Kate Mitchell has everything. She's the head of a crazy successful publishing house, engaged to the traffic-stopping sexy Mac Ellis and she's about to sign one of the biggest authors of her career.

And that's when everything falls apart.

Everything is perfect…until it’s not.

In a city of 8 million people Kate manages to run into someone she never expected to see again.

Nick is handsome, impossibly kind, every girl’s dream, and Kate’s former fiancé. He’s also the brother of the rising star author she’s trying to sign. Now that Nick’s back in town and has moved on he insists he’s over Kate, but part of him still can’t get past how amazing they were, and his sister won’t let anyone forget how brutally it ended.

When Mac is dealt a life-changing blow, it forces Kate to question every single choice she’s made.

Follow Kate as she embarks on a journey of life and love, navigating through the decisions that will change it all forever.

About the Author

Website  ~  Twitter  ~   Facebook  ~  Goodreads

Christina George has worked in publishing for twenty years (give or take). Here’s what this book isn't. It’s not a slam against publishing (though it is broken) and it’s not a slam against authors (though some of them are crazy). This book is not autobiographical though many of the stories are true. No you won’t know which ones, cause it’s more fun to guess, right? George continues to work in publicity and helps authors because at the end of the day she does love books, she loves publishing, and she loves authors. She hopes you’ll enjoy this romp through Kate’s world as much as she enjoyed creating it.

Let's Revisit the Characters...

Some Fun Stuff!

Head on over to Kate's site and listen to a sample of the audio book version of The Publicist and enter her Amazon gift card giveaway. She also has a playlist of songs for the book!

So which team are you on? Want to know who Kate ends up with?

Want to win a signed copy of all three books? How about a $20 Amazon Gift Card?

And now for the giveaway!

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REVIEW - ORDER OF THE SEERS - THE LAST SEER - BY CERECE RENNIE MURPHY

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

The Seers face their greatest challenge in the final chapter of the Order of the Seers trilogy…

When the fall of one nemesis unleashes an even greater danger into the world, Lilli, Joel and the Lost Seers must stand against a new enemy with the means and the will to destroy all of mankind, starting with those they hold most dear. 

As the Seers mobilize to confront this new evil, the Guild tries desperately to uphold the crumbling world order on which it depends. When their attempts to manage the crisis fail, the members of the Guild are forced to place themselves at the mercy of an unlikely ally. 

But the Guild isn’t the only one interested in maintaining control.

An agreement made in secret threatens to destroy any hope of a peaceful alliance before it can be made and as the betrayals unfold, no one is safe against a power that will stop at nothing to get what it wants. To defeat this threat and ensure the survival of the human race, the Seers must push the boundaries of their abilities beyond any limits they have known and risk crossing the line between life and death. 

How far would you go to protect what matters most?

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

My review will probably be a bit vague because I don't want to give anything away.  I went into this hoping that the end of the trilogy would be just as good as the rest of the series.  I was not disappointed.  A bad ending to a series can ruin the whole thing for me.  I am sooo glad this one ended well :).

We still get to see the wonderful and fabulous characters from the first two.  Like, Alessandra, Lilli and her brother Liam and of course Joel.  There are some wonderful new characters as well.

This book was full of battles.  It was awesome.  After the Seers kill Crane creatures come out of the wood work and wreak havoc.  

The Seers and the Guild decide they are going to come together to combat the new evil that has been unleashed.  Of course everything isn't what it seems.  A back "room" deal was done before the meeting between the Guild and the Seers even meet.  

The action in this book is fantastic.  It seem to be non stop.  It kept me up because just when I thought the battle was won, there was more to come.  It was great.

There are even more developed powers being used in this book, and makes things more interesting.  I love the power the Seers have when they work together.  It's that great "good vs evil" story.  Good always prevails.  

All in all it was a great conclusion to a fantastic trilogy.  Now what I loved about this book was that there was hardly any language, and no descriptive sex.  It was great.  It was about the battle, and 

coming together!  It made me happy.  

Source:  I was given this book in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for my review.  These are my PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

My name is Cerece Rennie Murphy, but, among my 5 siblings, I am known and teased by my superhero name, Wonder Worry, (and yes, I am a little worried about your reaction to what I just said). While in my youth, I used my superpower to whip minor setbacks into epic tragedies in 60 seconds flat, I no longer have the time to hone the skills I once possessed, which were handed down to me VERY CAREFULLY by my mother and her mother before. 

Instead of spending my days imagining worst case scenarios, I am now on the front lines of true disaster prevention – treading the fine line between boo-boos and permanent brain damage, fighting crimes of curiosity, omission, absent-mindedness and sleep deprivation. I carry others down the winding, bumpy road of youth that starts out at the nexus of unique and brilliant but intersects with narcissistic serial killer at some distant point I hope fervently to avoid. As you might have guessed, I am a wife and mother of 2 small children. Luckily, my family lights up the sky so I never stumble too hard or lose my way.

I would lament the luxury of needless worry, but alas, I don’t have the energy. As I write this, I am losing a battle fought between my trusty sponge and a hardened glob of half-eaten cheese that traveled from the kitchen to the living room rug in the palm of a very small, but mischievous hand. Its stronghold on the fibers suggests occupancy of at least 2 days, but I’ll never know for sure. Rather than despair, I’ve chosen to retreat to my keyboard, noting that I have won the war - most of the rug is un-cheesed. 

Before I worried. Now, I write. 

REMAKE BY ILIMA TODD - BLOG TOUR / REVIEW!!

I am so excited to be part of this tour!  

DESCRIPTION:

Male or Female?

Nine is the ninth female born in her batch of ten females and ten males. By design, her life in Freedom Province is without complications or consequences. However, such freedom comes with a price. The Prime Maker is determined to keep that price a secret from the new batches of citizens that are born, nurtured, and raised androgynously. 

But Nine isn’t like every other batcher. She harbors indecision and worries about her upcoming Remake Day—her seventeenth birthday, the age when batchers fly to the Remake facility and have the freedom to choose who and what they’ll be. 

When Nine discovers the truth about life outside of Freedom Province, including the secret plan of the Prime Maker, she is pulled between two worlds and two lives. Her decisions will test her courage, her heart, and her beliefs. Who can she trust? Who does she love? And most importantly, who will she decide to be?

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

I go into every book I get for review expecting greatness.  I was certainly not let down!

Well, this book definitely had greatness and more:)!  It was exciting, different, and compelling to me.  I think I got a few messages out of this book, whether it was intended or not.  I love it when a book does that to me.

Nine lives in a world where people are born in batches.  10 men, 10 females.  Nine, and Theron were born from the same batch and are best friends.  Where they live everyone is the same.  Except Nine.  Everyone has shaved head and fair skin.  Nine has a shaved head but when her hair grows she has red hair.  She also has freckles.  She is different and stands out.  Every person is born with a gender, but can decide to change everything about themselves, or nothing on the day of their REMAKE.  They can decided to change their hair color, eye color, remove freckles (in Nines case), and they can decided if they want to change their gender.

There is no real conflict.  Every person knows their place, and does their job, and when they reach the age of their REMAKE that is when their life begins.  They get to choose a trade they want to be in after they are remade and live their lives separate from the batches.

Something happens on Nine, and Theron's REMAKE day that changes everything Nine has ever known.  This is when the book gets so exciting.  It's a great ride to go on.  Nine must figure out if living the life she has always led is really what she wants or if she wants "freedom".

Okay, this book made me just smile at the beginning.  Nine and her best friend Theron do everything together.  Nine doesn't like being different and Theron always reminds her that she is beautiful just the way she is.  He tell her she can be anything she wants to be.  I know this may sound silly but it kind of reminded me about the book "The Sneetches" by Dr. Seuss.  Some of the Sneetches get stars on their bellies and think they are better than everyone who doesn't have a star.  She felt as though she didn't have  star.  Then when they all have stars, no one can tell who is who.  Why would anyone want to be anything other that what they were born to be?  Nine apparently.  That is until she gets her first real taste of "freedom".

Nine finds out what it would be like to live a life outside of  Freedom Province.  I love the view of the "real" world in this book.  It takes you back to the basics.  With people tracking Nine she knows that the people she is surrounded by could be in danger.  Nine has to decide if she wants to go back to her life or stay in her new surroundings, where she has found something unique and wonderful.

This is such a great story, about love, family, being different, and finding out who you really are.  It has some great twists and turns in it, and romance as well :).  I always like that.  This book made me think about the "what ifs" of the world.  How there are so many people out there not satisfied with the life they have been given.  BUT, it also made me think about all those out there who ARE happy to be who they are and how one person can make a difference.  

Source:  I was given this book as part of a tour, in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in anyway for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.  Thanks goes to iRead Book Tours, and Shadow Mountain publishing for allowing me to enjoy this book. 

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

   

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Ilima Todd was born and raised on the north shore of Oahu and currently resides in the Rocky Mountains. She never wanted to be a writer even though she loves books and reading. She earned a degree in physics instead. But the characters in her head refused to be ignored, and now she spends her time writing science fiction for teens. When she is not writing, Ilima loves to spend time with her husband and four children.

Connect with Ilima:
Website  ~   Facebook  ~  Twitter 

REVIEW - THE LAZARUS EXPERIMENT BY MARK DEGASPERI

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

In 2084, in Upstate New York, Dr. Jonathan Kelton, scientist and chemistry professor, returns home after spending a year in a coma. He has literally been put back together after a catastrophic explosion in his home lab, an event that remains mysterious to him. Under the care of the enigmatic Dr. Rose, he discovers strange gaps in his recent memory -- even as he tries desperately to re-bond with his wife, with whom he was in a faltering marriage, and his seven-year-old son. When the body of his one-time 28-year-old, female graduate student surfaces in the Hudson River after a storm -- having been mutilated and submerged a year earlier -- Jonathan is devastated to find himself accused of her murder. In fact, as he pieces together memories on his own -- with the aid of a remote psychiatric device he creates for himself -- he starts to recall details of a possessive and dangerous affair with her; in the face of a jealous boyfriend, a demanding, drug addict half-brother, a possibly sinister connection to a bomb plotter at their own university, and also, the girl’s own increasingly sadomasochistic tendencies. Even as he worries that the doctor’s radical, experimental surgery has left him subject to some form of mind control because of his memory lapses, Jonathan tries to race the police to find out who murdered this scared and wayward girl, to protect himself and his family. Did he ever really know the truth? Can he find out who does? Or could he himself really be the killer?

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

This book was a total mind trip for me.  I really really enjoy books that make me think.  

Dr. Johnathan Kelton wakes up after spending a year in a coma.  He has no real memory of what happened to him.  When he is released from the hospital and goes home to his wife Diana, and his son Henry.  Things never seem quite right with Johnathan.  He is not quite himself.  He has literally been put back together through scientific means after the fire his lab.

Johnathan, can't remember anything, and is searching for answers about what happened to him.  His wife Diana tries to keep everything as normal as possible at home.  He knows that things were not quite right with him and his wife before the fire, but cannot remember what happened.  When a girl washes up after being submerged under water for a year, the name seems a bit familiar to Johnathan but he cannot place it.  In his search to find out what exactly happened to him facts about the girl who washed a shore, and his life begin to intertwine.

This is when the book gets trippy.  Johnathan finds out he is the prime suspect in the murder of this girl, and is determined to clear himself and find out what happened to the girl.

The story takes you on a ride though Johnathan's past, and brings us up to speed on what really happened to Johnathan, his wife, and the dead girl.

Just when you think you have figured something out another plot twist comes into play.  I kept thinking I knew who the bad guy was and then bam....another twit.  It was awesome.

The ending totally surprised me.  It was hard for me to determine who the bad guy, and the killer were.  Were they the same or were they two or more people.    I enjoyed the ride this book took me on.  I love it when a book keeps me guessing about the outcome.

The thought of being able to be brought back to life and have your memories erased is a little crazy to me.  There are people in this book who experiment with things that just plain scare me.  I know it's just a book, but there is always that "WHAT IF" question.  :)

Content:  There is language in this book  and the "f" word is used a few times.  There is sexual content that is sometimes a bit too descriptive for my liking so just be aware if you are getting this book for a younger teenager.  BUT, in MY opinion it is an Adult book.

Source:  I was given this book by the author in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review,  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mark DeGasperi has been a freelance script doctor, lecturer and professional story analyst in New York, reading screenplays, stage plays and books for film and TV adaptation. Most recently, he has worked for Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Robert DeNiro’s Tribeca Productions and Miramax Films. Previously, he has covered and scouted movie material for Universal Pictures, New Line Cinema, the former William Morris Agency (WME), International Creative Management, Jonathan Demme’s Clinica Estetico, Stanley Jaffe’s Jaffilms, Imagine Films and Polygram Films. He has taught the Master Class in Screenwriting, the thesis class for undergraduates, at the School of Visual Arts as well as Screenwriting III and Marketing Your Screenplay at NYU/SCPS. He has also lectured at Baruch College, the New York Institute of Technology, the Hudson Valley Writers Center and Learning Annex. He has received an NYU/SCPS Award for Service.

COLLIDE BY CHRISTINE FONSECA - REVIEW

pic and description taken from Goodreads

DESCRIPTION:

The most dangerous secrets are the ones that kill.

When a surprising mental breakdown draws too much attention from a secret government group call the Order, 17-year-old Dakota discovers that her so-called boring life isn’t so boring after all. Between the lies, secrets and assassins out to kill her family, Dakota discovers there’s more to paranormal activity than ghosts and cheap mind tricks. Now she must uncover the truth before a new breed of terrorism takes everything away – including her life.

MY REVIEW / THOUGHTS:

WOW.  I don't know what else to say about what I just finished reading.  Okay, maybe something like "I WANT MORE"!  This book is FAN FREAKING TASTIC.  Yes, its a word, at least on this blog it is :).

My power went out tonight for over 3 hours, so what is a girl to do when the power is out?  Get her paper white Kindle and read :).  This was the book I chose to read.  I started it yesterday, but only got like two pages in before I had to put it down and do the mom thing...hehe.  It had already grabbed my interest so I was anxious to read it.   Lets just say I am SO glad the power went out.  It allowed me to read the rest of the book.  I couldn't put it down.

Dakota has sort of a mental breakdown and grabs too much unwanted attention, which forces her and her family to flee.  Dakota is totally in the dark about why her parents reaction to her behavior is so "dire" that they have to leave their home at that very moment.

While fleeing their home they are followed by "who knows who" and gunfire explodes around her.  She can hear the fear in her parents voices and they tell her to get out of the car when it slows and find her brother Josh.  Yes, just what every child wants right?  For their parents to tell them to jump out of a moving car in the middle of gun fire.  Gosh, this book had me on my toes the WHOLE time.  It was AWESOME.

When Dakota finally finds her brother Josh, her world is turned upside down again.  She finds out some things about her life that blow her mind.  Some she is able to deal with and some she just isn't.

This book messed with my mind.  The thought of being able to control things with my mind is more than I can wrap my head around.  Although I do think it would come in quite handy...sometimes.

Josh tries to help Dakota understand but Dakota is dealing with her own daemons along with finding out about her past.  She is having memories come to her in flashes that don't make sense.  She has abilities that are coming to her that she doesn't have control over.  It's all just so exciting.

While trying to escape they find a friend or ex-boyfriend :) on the way.  David.  I still don't know if I like David or not.  I guess, I do, but I just don't know if he is "really" a good guy or not.  He seems to be, but things are nothing what they seem in this book.

Man, I could go on forever and ever because I just want to tell you all the whole story :).  BUT, you are going to have to go grab a copy of this for yourself.

I loved this book.  It is action packed.  The story is so awesome, and I want the next one out like NOW.  I think I have been saying that a lot lately :).  I really do wish the next one was out right now, because I MUST know what happens.  MUST....I guess this is just what the author wants though right?  For me to be left wanting.  She did for sure.  The writing is amazing and so much fun to read.  I found myself holding my head a few times, thinking "WHAT just happened??????"  

It was FAN FREAKING TASTIC!

Source:  I was given this book by YA Bound Book Tours in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated in any way for this review.  These are my own PERSONAL thoughts on this book.

MY RATING:

WHERE TO BUY:

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

pic and bio taken from Goodreads

Critically acclaimed nonfiction and YA author Christine Fonseca is dedicated to helping children of all ages find their voice in the world. Drawing on her expertise as an educational psychologist, her nonfiction titles address issues of emotional intensity, resiliency and giftedness. In fiction, she explores the darker aspects of humanity and delivers gothic thrillers that take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. In life, she teaches her own children to embrace their unique talents and find their voice by being a force of positive change in the world.
When she’s not writing or developing programs to support children with exceptional needs, she can be found spending time with her family, sipping too many skinny vanilla lattes at her favorite coffee house or playing around on Facebook and Twitter. For more information about Christine Fonseca or her books, visit her website – http://christinefonseca.com or her blog http://christinefonseca.blogspot.com. 

A HUGE THANK YOU TO:

BLADE SINGER - BY MARTHA WELLS & AARON DE ORIVE - BLOG TOUR/REVIEW

 Tour Page & Schedule

Blade Singer 
by
Aaron de Orive & Martha Wells

202 pages

Manuel "Manny" Boreaux, a troubled adolescent from Texas, is magically transported into the body of a goblin pickpocket in an alternate world inhabited by faerie creatures. Manny must quickly adapt to the danger all around him and try to find a way to get back home, a feat complicated by the pickpocket's association with a notorious gang of thieves. But when Manny uncovers a plot to assassinate a young king, he must enlist the aid of an elf cavalier and a cat burglar to thwart a Sidhe witch's scheme to ignite a civil war between humans and the Fae.

Goodreads | Amazon

  MY REVIEW/THOUGHTS:

Manny was a kid who was going through a very hard time after loosing both parents in an accident.  He was left to live with his Aunt.  Manny was having a very hard time adjusting, and he found himself in a lot of trouble.

Manny goes into a bookstore that he likes to visit, and sees that there is someone new behind the counter.  Mr Gray.  Manny goes to the back of the store and empties his backpack while going through the books on the shelf.  Then he sees one he hasn't seen before.  It's old, mysterious, and so of course he has to grab the book and then.....

Manny is transported into a magical world.

Manny is not quite himself.  When he sees a reflection of himself yet he doesn't see a "boy" any more.  He had grown longer arms and pointed ears.  Evensong he encountered called him a goblin, yet he had all the memories of his "normal" life.  Things are very confusing for him, and he has to try and find a way back his world.  There and then the adventure begins. 

This was such a cute book.  I cannot wait to re-read it with my son.  He will love it.  I mean what isn't to love.  A young boy being transported to a magical world with magical creatures, and having magical adventures.  Yes, please!

I don't want to give anything away, but when I got to the end I was like "OOOOHHHH"!  It's just such a fun read.  I am always looking for things to read with my son that will keep his attention, and I believe this book will have the ability to do so.  

I do not think there was anything I didn't like about this book, other than it is definitely for a younger reader.  Thankfully I still LOVE reading those kinds of books.  I loved the magical world.  I loved to read about adventures.  I often wonder if all boys have stories like this running through their heads :). 

Source:  I received this book as part of a tour in return for an honest review.  I was not compensated for this review in anyway, and these are my own PERSONAL thoughts on the book.

My Rating:

 

About the Authors:

A graduate of the University of Texas' film program, Aaron de Orive began his professional writing career in the video game industry, serving as a lead or senior writer on Metroid Prime 3: Corruption, Star Wars Galaxies: An Empire Divided, Tabula Rasa, Anarchy Online, and Star Wars: The Old Republic. He is also the creator of the fantasy role-playing game SHARD: World of the False Dawn. Blade Singer is his first novel. Aaron lives in Austin with his wife, daughter, and two very spoiled terriers.

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Martha Wells is the author of a number of fantasy novels, including The Cloud Roads, The Siren Depths, The Wizard Hunters, Wheel of the Infinite, and the Nebula-nominated The Death of the Necromancer. Her YA fantasy, Emilie and the Hollow World, was published by Angry Robot/Strange Chemistry in April 2013, and the sequel, Emilie and the Sky World, was released in March 2014. Two collections of Books of the Raksura novellas will be published in September 2014 and Fall 2015. She has had short stories in Black Gate, Realms of Fantasy, Stargate Magazine, and Lightspeed Magazine, and in the anthologies Elemental, The Year's Best Fantasy #7, Tales of the Emerald Serpent and The Other Half of the Sky. She has essays in the nonfiction anthologies Farscape Forever, Mapping the World of Harry Potter, and Chicks Unravel Time. She has also written media-tie-in novels, Stargate Atlantis: Reliquary and Stargate Atlantis: Entanglement, and a Star Wars novel, Empire and Rebellion: Razor's Edge.

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