Tag: ya

The Dragon Dreamer Series by J.S. Burke Promotion

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn book news, Book Promotion, Book Related Blog PostsLeave a comment

Today I have a fun YA series that is on sale now that you guys should check out. It’s the Dragon Dreamer series by J.S. Burke. Check out all the info/press release below!

 

Now Available on Sale from Jan 20th – 25th

DRAGON LIGHTNING TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PpOMIn09AzI&feature=youtu.be

DRAGON DREAMER BOOKS ON TV 1st time:  http://news4sanantonio.com/sa-living/time-to-hit-the-books     

DRAGON DREAMER BOOKS ON TV 2nd time:  http://news4sanantonio.com/sa-living/great-book-picks  

 

THE DRAGON DREAMER by J.S. Burke

BLURB

The Dragon Dreamer is a fast-paced adventure with flying dragons, an undersea world, and an unlikely friendship. It’s a science fantasy layered for readers age 9 to 99.

 

Arak is a misfit dragon called “Dreamer”. Determined to prove himself he leaves on a dangerous quest, is caught in a fierce sea-storm, and crashes on ice. Wounded and alone he faces death. Then a fearless undersea shape-shifter named Scree heals him and an unlikely friendship begins. When an undersea volcano erupts it triggers a towering tsunami and a deadly chain of events. Can Arak use his unique talents to save the dragons?

 

The Dragon Dreamer is the first book of the award-winning Dragon Dreamer series. These science fantasy books are connected, but each can be read as a stand-alone. The Dragon Dreamer won the IAN Award for Best FIRST NOVEL and was an IAN Finalist for Best FANTASY, Best SCIENCE FICTION, and Best CHILDREN’S Book. It’s an upbeat story with deeper meaning, for all ages.

DRAGON DREAMER by JS Burke front cover.jpg

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon Universal:  http://authl.it/B00K9DHTU2?d

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22886684-the-dragon-dreamer

Nook:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-dragon-dreamer-j-s-burke/1120629824

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-dragon-dreamer

ITunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/the-dragon-dreamer/id933034842

 

DRAGON LIGHTNING by J.S. Burke

BLURB

Drakor seems like a normal young ice dragon with a talent for making lightning swords. But he alone feels the changing heart of his island Volcano. It destroyed his beloved sire. Now he foresees their doom, but none will listen. As he seeks proof, the Volcano shakes him off into the frozen sea.

 

Arak was mocked as a worthless dreamer until he and Scree, a fearless undersea misfit, saved the dragons. Now dragons and octopi sail north in search of mythical ice dragons. They find Drakor and a terrifying reality. When Scree enters the abyss to check his volcano, she discovers everyone is in peril. Can this crew of unlikely friends save three realms?

 

Dragon Lightning is book 2 of the award-winning Dragon Dreamer series. These science fantasy books are connected, but each can be read as a stand-alone. Dragon Lightning won the Pinnacle Award for Best Science Fantasy and the IAN Award for Best Science Fiction. It was also an IAN Finalist for Best Fantasy and Best Children’s Book. This fast-paced adventure is layered for readers age 9 to 99.

COVER DRAGON LIGHTNING 9_20_16 RGB - Copy

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon Universal:  http://authl.it/B01MA1ZOJ6?d

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32598789-dragon-lightning

Nook:  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dragon-lightning-j-s-burke/1124857029

Kobo:  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/dragon-lightning

ITunes:  https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/dragon-lightning/id1166420789

 

FANTASY SNOWFLAKES COLORING BOOK by J.S. Burke

BLURB

De-stress and unwind with hand-drawn mandalas. These original snowflake designs are created from animals and plants, with a nature theme. Color 24 pictures and 24 ornaments. Let your imagination soar! Drawings range from simple to detailed. Learn to fold and cut out lacy paper snowflakes to hang as unique decorations. The Fantasy Snowflakes coloring/activities book was inspired by the award-winning Dragon Dreamer series: Science Fantasy Adventure with dragons and an undersea world.

FANTASY SNOWFLAKES COLORING BOOK front cover by J.S. Burke 2017 17-09-88 10_11_17 used ISBN and as pdf.jpg

PURCHASE LINKS

Amazon Universal:  http://www.relinks.me/0996042555

Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/36677251

 

GOODREADS GIVEAWAY (free to enter): https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/show/269108-fantasy-snowflakes-coloring-book

Rafflecopter giveaway: ​​

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/e73fc5bf0/

AUTHOR BIO

  1. S. Burke is an author, artist, and marine biologist, studying creatures of the dark abyss and diving on coral reefs. The award-winning Dragon Dreamer series grew from her years at sea, a fascination with clever, alien octopuses, and a love of dragons. It’s Science Fantasy Adventure with dragons and an undersea world, layered for readers age 9 to 99. Burke’s stories blend imagination with real science and author experiences. The deadly sea storm that threatens Arak is one she survived.

 

J.S. Burke was a Georgia Author of the Year Nominee. Dragon Lightning won the IAN Award for Best Science Fiction and was an IAN Finalist for Best Fantasy and Best Children’s Book. Dragon Lightning also won the PINNACLE Award for Best Science Fantasy. The Dragon Dreamer won the IAN Award for Best First Novel and was an IAN Finalist for Best Fantasy, Best Science Fiction, and Best Children’s Book.

 

Fantasy Snowflakes Coloring Book has original, hand-drawn snowflakes that her dragons grow, with designs woven from wildlife. There’s a Unicorn flake, Dolphins, Tree-of-Life, Seal-of-Approval, Turtles, Dragons, and more! Burke and her dragons love chocolate!

J.S. BURKE DIVER IN ROUND FRAME crop

AUTHOR LINKS

AMAZON Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/J.-S.-Burke/e/B00NVRVHWE/

FACEBOOK Author Page:  https://www.facebook.com/Jenny-S-Burke-721518861218158

GOODREADS Author Page:  https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8283255.J_S_Burke

WEBSITE:  http://www.jennysburke.com

BOOKBUB:  https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-s-burke-49b143b6-fbae-4b3a-a5c0-7571b588de62

TWITTER:  https://twitter.com/TheDragonDreamr​

State of Emergency by Mary Hallberg Review

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

A teen concert goes horribly awry when a shocking zombie virus is unleashed, and one teenage girl must lead her friends towards safety with only a pizza cutter as a weapon. Can the teens survive the zombie apocalypse? Find out in author Mary Hallberg’s State of Emergency. Here’s the synopsis:

17-year-old Dallas Langdon is fighting off zombies with a pizza cutter.

Dallas has always loved zombie movies. But when she catches a real live (erm, dead) musician eating a man’s intestines backstage after the show, she knows her movies have become a reality. And what do characters in zombie movies do? Seek shelter. Fortunately, Dallas’s eccentric uncle owns a farmhouse in Chattanooga, an eight hour drive from New Orleans. It’s on top of a steep mountain, surrounded by electric fences, and cut off from the worlds of the living and the dead.

Dallas’s parents, still safe at home, laugh at her idea over the phone. Her friends only agree to join her because it’s fall break and they could use a mini vacation anyway.

But then Dallas’s best friend is killed by a zombie horde when they’re attracted to her ringing cell phone. Civilians think their reanimated loved ones simply have the flu, leaving them alive (well, undead) and rapidly increasing the zombies ranks. And since minors can’t buy guns, Dallas’s only weapon is a giant industrial pizza cutter she swipes from a gas station. George A. Romero never mentioned anything like this. With one friend dead and no zombie survival guides to help her, Dallas and her friends must get to Chattanooga before joining the ranks of the undead themselves.

This was a quick yet action packed read. Think of it like the Walking Dead meets the Young Adult genre, and you’ll get an idea of what State of Emergency is all about. The book was very well written, with a memorable group of characters and a unique take on the zombie apocalypse narrative. What really drew me into the story was the fact that unlike most books or movies, the story focused on the beginning of the outbreak rather than a world already ravaged by the virus. It did an excellent job of showcasing how people react differently to the events of the novel. Some communities are oblivious to the virus, while others are ravaged by the horrors of the undead. It reminded me a little bit of Stephen King’s The Stand, which the first few hundred pages focused on the virus that left most of the world dead, (except this had way more zombies and less good vs. evil stories).

Overall this was a wonderful read. Full of a complicated narrative that explores the beginning of the zombie apocalypse from a teenagers point of view, the story is relatable and full of heart that fans of both zombie stories and YA fans will connect with instantly. This is a book not to miss, so be sure to pick up your copies of State of Emergency by Mary Hallberg today!

Rating: 9/10

https://www.createspace.com/6858951

http://www.maryhallberg.com

Ashes to Ashes by Valerie Thomas | REVIEW

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

A mysterious note leads one young teenage girl on a journey of discovery in the YA novel Ashes to Ashes by Valerie Thomas. Exploring the themes of social interactions amongst teens and the unpredictability of the future, this novel sets the stage for a YA series that asks the question: can we prevent the future? Check out the synopsis:

From tragedy came power. And from mishandled power came mystery.

After moving into a new gated community with her family, Natalie is ready to begin a peaceful year at Emerson High. A year complete with boy troubles, school dances, new friends… everything an average girl could expect.

Then she starts receiving notes warning her not to go to school November first. Notes in her day planner, on a piece of homework, on a homecoming ticket… The more notes she receives the more details she uncovers, and the clearer it becomes: words like peaceful and average are about the worst ones anyone could use to describe the year she’s about to have. Crazy? Maybe. Violent? Definitely. Heart-wrenching, mind-blowing, life-changing?

Well, that remains to be seen. All Natalie knows from the start is that she shouldn’t go to school on November first. And maybe you shouldn’t either.

 

SPOILER ALERT

Trigger Warning: As is the case with some books I read, I feel compelled to disclose that there are some story lines that might be triggering for some readers out there. Story lines involving suicide and a possible large scale tragedy are referenced in this book. Although I’m reluctant to get into specifics, I felt it pertinent to at least mention this before going further.

This book starts off with a lot of action right from the first page. Introducing us to Natalie, we already get a glimpse into the social hierarchy of high school, showing the dividing lines amongst the students and how kids view one another. Exploring the nerves that go into attending a new school, starting freshman year of high school and trying to make new friends, Natalie finds her life complicated even more when these mysterious notes teasing November 1st start arriving. Who’s behind the notes, and what are they trying to prevent?

The story itself was strong, indicating a large-scale series that can span three or four novels easily. Delving into a thriller/mystery realm, this YA drama focuses strongly on the bonds we make in our teenage years and the importance those relationships have on us in the long run. The characters were what really drew me into the story however. The complicated relationships Natalie has with those around her kept the mystery of the story in constant shadows, and her story often felt personal, as if anyone who’d ever been a struggling teen could identify with it.

Now I will say the novel took a little more time than maybe it needed to in order to get into a rhythm thematically, I will say the writing was overall precise and delivered a strong thriller. While it touched on the emotional aspects of Natalie’s various relationships with family, friends and others towards the end of the book, I’d love to dive more into the emotional side of Natalie’s tale in future stories.

Overall I liked this book a lot. With a huge cliffhanger that will leave readers wanting to learn more about Natalie’s story, this was a strong entry in a new YA Drama series that deserves to be explored. While I will reiterate there are some pretty strong story lines that should be handled with care in future installments and should be read with care by you readers out there, I do think this was a great book and I hope guys will check
it out!

Rating: 7/10

Book Blitz: Marked by Fate (A Young Adult Fantasy and Science Fiction Collection)

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Blog Tours, book news, Book Promotion, Guest Post, UncategorizedLeave a comment
Marked by Fate: A Young Adult Fantasy and Science Fiction Collection
Publication date: October 24th 2017
Genres: Fantasy, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Synopsis:

Marked by Fate is now enhanced with Augmented Reality! Read, Watch, Listen. The new ultimate reading experience!

Step into adventure with Marked By Fate; the ultimate reading experience. Be immersed in twenty-six fantasy & science fiction worlds with state of the art Augmented Reality technology. Read, listen, and watch bonus content inside to bring the characters and story to life around you.

Enjoy the added features of this special edition, which allow you to enjoy bonus content right from your reading device. See character artwork. Listen to your story’s soundtrack. Watch book trailers and bonus videos. Experience behind the scenes like never before, thanks to Augmented Reality technology. Immersive Fantasy™; bringing fantasy worlds to life.

 

MarkedByFateBlitzBanner.png

25 COMPLETE SCIENCE FICTION AND FANTASY NOVELS BY 26 BESTSELLING AUTHORS. PLUS, A SPECIAL BONUS NOVELLA.

Embark on fantastic journeys through magical realms, dystopian lands, and faraway galaxies in this exciting collection of fantasy & science fiction novels brought to you by some of today’s hottest authors. Encounter werewolves, robots, angels, time travelers, shifters, and more in this action-packed box set that will leave you breathless.

Authors:

Kristin D. Van Risseghem
Rhonda Sermon
Kelly St. Clare
Raye Wagner
Ednah Walters
Erin Hayes
Siobhan Davis
Jamie Thornton
Debra Kristi
Sarah K. L. Wilson
Hilary Thompson
Ingrid Seymour
Jeanne Bannon
Melle Amade
Lena Mae Hill
C.J. Anaya
Jackson Dean Chase
D. L. Armillei
Emily Martha Sorensen
Amalie Jahn
Dionne Lister
J.L. Weil
Alisha Klapheke
Angela Fristoe
Meg Cowley
Brandon Barr

Marked.jpg
GIVEAWAY
Blitz-wide giveaway (INTL)
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses Boxed Set by Sarah J Maas
Now available 1 - Copy

Macadamian Pliers by Steve Conoboy

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviews, UncategorizedLeave a comment

A young girl scarred by tragedy finds herself in a battle for both her and her family’s survival against a ruthless enemy in the YA Paranormal
novel Macadamian Pliers by Steve Conoboy. Full of YA humor and drama and a chilling villain named Macadamian Pliers, this novel was a thrill to
read. Here is the synopsis:

Cherry’s heart crammed into her throat. She was alone with Mr. Pliers. Nobody to hide behind. She turned to see him filling the threshold of the room. He resembled a grotesque ill-fitting door carved into the shape of a black-suited golem. ‘The room,’ he clarified. ‘It’s the one I would have chosen. You have taste similar to mine. Lucky you.’ He turned and tilted so he could get into the room, an obsidian monolith with the power of movement. The top of his head brushed the ceiling. Suddenly the bedroom didn’t seem anywhere near big enough. ‘It’s the view, isn’t it?’ He chuckled then, a sound which made the ends of Cherry’s bones grind together. Phlegm and rust and sparks: these are the things she thought of when she heard that laugh. ‘I would gaze out of the window for hours, imagined I could pick up the little people as they went about their days and place them anywhere else if I wanted to. Drop them from a great height if it pleased me.’ He mimed the action with nimble pinching fingers, plucking a distant imaginary figure from a sidewalk and flinging them off towards the horizon. In Cherry’s mind there was a tiny scream. ‘I think you’re going to have quite a time in this house, Cherry. Don’t you?’

Macadamian Pliers is an unpleasant man with a hideous plan. He’s just sold a house to Emmet’s Peak’s newest family, and they’re about to find out it’s haunted. He made it that way.

In the first volume of a trilogy, Cherry and Frank Raine find themselves in a battle of wits and nerves against both the ghosts in their new home and the man who put them there. Cherry, physically and emotionally scarred by a car crash, must draw from within herself the strength to confront her fears and save her family. Frank must choose between taking responsibility for once or being led astray by firebug Jack, a local boy with a dark sense of fun. As the haunting escalates, Cherry discovers that other homes have been affected by the strange-shaped and evil-hearted Pliers, but what chance do a couple of kids have against such a man?

The story was so intriguing. From the first pages you know that Macadamian Pliers is going to be a force to be reckoned with. He kind of reminded
me of Leland Gaunt from Stephen King’s Needful Things, promising a vulnerable family the promise for great changes only to hide a much more
sinister plot from their purview. A macabre man with an unusual trade business, he slinks through the shadows and appears to most as the kindly
salesman with the promise of hope, but Cherry sees past his disguise and recognizes an unsettling presence has invaded her life.

The characters are the biggest stand out for me in this novel. Not only is Macadamian Pliers a bone-chilling character to read, but the struggle
to be heard and to be believed is something most of us can identify with at one point or another in our lives, and Cherry’s struggle to fit in
and not bullied is a story that tugs on the heartstrings. When you delve into her past and learn the tragedy that led her to this new home, you’ll
heart will crumble and you’ll find yourself rooting for her more and more as the pages go on. The imagery was vivid and the setting made me feel
as if I was reading the novelization of a teen horror film.

Overall this was a wonderful read. Full of suspense, drama and bone-headed humor one would expect to find from a much younger sibling, Macadamian
Pliers by Steve Conoboy is a hit YA novel that all YA fans should read. If you guys haven’t yet be sure to get your copy today!

Rating: 8/10

Annihilation (Mind Breaker #3) by Marina Epley

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn reviewsLeave a comment

Annihilation (Mind Breaker #3) by Marina Epley
One of the first series I have had the pleasure of reading and reviewing on my blog has come to a thrilling end. That series is the Mind Breaker trilogy by Marina Epley, and the third book in the series, Annihilation, sees the deadly war between humans and breakers come to a bloody end. Here is the official synopsis:
THE MIND BREAKER ANNIHILATION. The third and final book in the MIND BREAKER trilogy. For the brave ones who have navigated the roller coaster ride of the first two books, hang on, the upside down inverted portion of your ride continues.
Not all dreams are meant to be fulfilled. Somebody once said what doesn’t kill you only serves to make you stronger… well, they lied.
Rex and his team have to join forces with their worst enemies in order to have a chance to overcome an even greater threat, a level 5 breaker with Godlike powers and evil intentions.
Strap in and enjoy!
The final book in this series takes the reader on a pretty intense journey, showing the fate of several characters you’ve come to know and love over the course of the trilogy. Relationships bloom, and old enemies become unlikely allies as the fate of both humanity and breakers alike rests in the hands of Rex, but will he be strong enough to stop this new emerging threat?
While there were a few grammatical errors throughout the book, overall I found the author’s style of writing to be entertaining and engaging, building a dark and desolate future and mythology that could easily mirror our own future, should certain fears be manipulated and decisions made based on that unfounded fear. The final book is jam packed full of emotion, heartbreak and edge of your seat suspense as you read the final pages for yourself. 
Overall, this is a fantastic final book that you will not want to miss. Marina Epley pens a beautiful final novel that YA and dystopian fans alike will enjoy, and I give it a 8/10 review. I hope you guys will pick up your copies today!

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn Uncategorized1 Comment

Carousel by Jennifer Renson Book Review

Special Note: This book was given to me by the author for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A young man returns to the home he never knew he had, and a young woman searches for purpose and adventure. Both come together and discover
things about themselves neither one knew in author Jennifer Renson’s book Carousel. Here is the synopsis:

After living in the countryside for years, Princio returns to his homeland, the tiny yet prosperous Kingdom of Lucca, upon the orders of his
dying grandfather. Living alone in the annexed building next to the palace, Princio is discovered by the kingdom’s chief doll maker, Feletti,
who purposely withholds his knowledge of Princio’s past in order to gain his trust and friendship. Princio believes Feletti to be a true friend
until he meets Marian, a girl with a penchant for cooking and a natural curiosity, and their chance meeting in the kingdom’s carousel sets off
a series of events with the potential to change everything. As Princio, Marian, and Feletti’s dark secrets begin to unfurl, their lives slowly
come to light – as love hangs delicately in the balance…

This story is a short and fast read, but still makes an impact with it’s strong character development and a mythology and setting that holds
endless possibilities. Written like a classic fable, this story artfully explores themes of society’s view of beauty, control over one’s
destiny and the power of friendship in just 88 pages. This YA Fantasy adventure is a whirlwind adventure, and brings to mind tales of faraway
Kingdoms like Camelot while still maintaining a connection to the real world.

Overall, this is a fantastic short read that is one of the strongest short YA fictions I’ve read this year, and a strong example of how a story
isn’t defined by page length, but by the strength of it’s characters and setting. This modern day fairy tale is a phenomenal read that is not
to be missed, so be sure to pick up your copy of Jennifer Renson’s “Carousel” today!

10/10 stars!

Social Media:
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JennyRenson
Tumblr: http://jenniferdarjeeling.tumblr.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/booksandpoetrybyJenniferRenson/
YouTube: Jennifer Darling https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHS5sW_xOgZSXhpUwhK36Bw
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/45251647-jennifer-renson
Scriggler: https://scriggler.com/Profile/jennifer_renson

On By authoranthonyavinablogIn UncategorizedLeave a comment

The Guardian, a Sword, & Stilettos (Enlighten #1) by Kristin D. Van Risseghem

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author and Booklover Catlady Publicity in return for a fair and honest review.
Many thanks!

Another thrilling new entry into the YA Fantasy realm hits home in author Kristin D. Van Risseghem’s “The Guardian, a Sword, & Stilettos (Enlighten #1)”,
a brand new adventure featuring ancient prophecies, angels, demons, and a whole lot of teenage angst. Here is the official description of the
book.

Zoe Jabril could be just another 17-year-old girl attending parties with her friends and checking out cute guys—except her best friend is a
Guardian Angel, and the boy she crushes on is a Nephilim, half-angel, both sent to Earth to protect her. A high school classmate happens to be
a trendsetting shopaholic fairy. And now there’s a new werewolf in town.

Zoe has to deal with her feelings toward Shay, who spreads a strange electrical current through her body every time he touches her. Now Zoe is
under constant attack from demons, trying to kill and stop her from fulfilling the Prophecy: a girl will be born who will unite the Enlightens
to battle evil. Then on top of that, between boring homework and drama with girls at school, she has to control new found talents if she’s to
prevent the devil from escaping Hell.

In order to do so, Zoe must devise a kick-ass plan ASAP or watch everyone die, because she’s running out of time. She turns eighteen in two
months—the date Armageddon kicks off.

What really stood out to this reviewer was how fast the action turned up in the story. Within a few pages the reader is introduced to three of
the main characters, is thrown into a high-octane, life or death situation, and introduces a heated new romance. The characters themselves, mainly
the protagonist Zoe, shows a tremendous amount of character growth through the novel. She goes from a naive, love-struck teenage girl to a
strong, powerful woman, and through the story’s plot she more than proves herself worthy of being this series protagonist. The sheer volume of
mythology showcased in this first book is amazing, and the vast amount of different supernatural entities in this series is sure to remind a lot
of readers of the Shadowhunter sage written by the incredible Cassandra Clare.

Overall, this is a phenomenal first entry in the Enlighten series by Kristin D. Van Risseghem. It maintains the quality writing the YA genre has
come to know and love over the last few years, and the abundance of creativity is felt in every sentence by the author. It’s filled with commonplace
teenage drama, while incorporating the supernatural realm in a very real and natural way. This is a must read for YA fans out there, so be sure
to pick up your copies of “The Guardian, a Sword, & Stilettos” today!