Book Review with Giveaway Link: Itineras (The Samsara Chronicles Book 4)

This book continues to define the lines of good and evil as action heats up for Aislinn and Dylan.

Itineras (The Samsara Chronicles Book 4)  

by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

• File Size: 144 KB
• Print Length: 67 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0086FP8US

Genre:  Science Fiction

My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: May 25, 2012

Fleeing increasing danger after acquiring the skull, Aislinn and Dylan begin their journey by visiting her parents and meeting Aislinn’s soul sister Angelica.

No longer safe in Burnaby, Aislinn and Dylan are directed to visit her parents on Boxing Day where they meet an Italian orphan, Angelica. Aislinn recognizes her soul sister from her home world, Nirvana. Guided by an escort in the guise of an eagle, Aislinn and Dylan continue their quest to gather the talismans.

Review:

Once again this book picks up shortly after Book 3 with the expectation that the prior books have been read. This episode seems to have a few cliches in the writing, including the stereotyping of a Mandarin Chinese contact who has another artifact to give Aislinn. They didn’t bother me but I did note their existence knowing that might bother some people.

When Dylan and Aislinn meet with Li, as directed by the guiding voices, they are interrupted by five young thugs who are clearly looking for trouble. More than trouble, they are surrounded by the green aura of the Ellemental enemy and their goal is to attack Aislinn and Dylan.  Aislinn’s anger morphs into a strange trance under which she is extremely powerful - able to melt guns and throw bodies with just a gaze.

There is a second attack on Aislinn at Dylan’s apartment by men that are his partners and he thought were his friends. Again Aislinn morphs to a defensive ‘weapon’ leaving carnage in her wake.

Aislinn and Dylan flee town and return to her parent’s farm as directed by the Antiquitas’ bubbles.  There they meet the innocent child, Angelica, from Italy, who appears almost as an angel. She stirs ‘deja vu’ memories in Aislinn and Dylan, in addition to giving Aislinn another talisman for her mission. Once leaving

I enjoyed the scene at the parents farm and the implications of the society’s dichotomy of either selfish hoarding or generous sharing. Once leaving the farm Aislinn and Dylan are led to the next encounter where Aislinn receives a fifth tool for the journey.  It is clear that each gift is important although the purpose of the items s has not yet been explained.

I believe the authors are trying to show the depth and growth of evil influences in both attack groups. The language becomes offensive and the actions are lewd and bordering on pandering.

I spotted what seemed inconsistencies in the actions, i.e. Dylan cuffed faced down on the floor yet the next paragraph has the cuffs in front of him.  I think I would pass over this sort of detail when reviewing a full length book but it seems easier to key in on errors when it is a shorter work.

I am still enjoying the action, the growing relationship between Aislinn and Dylan and the developing story. I am becoming more curious about the myths or mysticism that seems attached to the talismans that are being gathered.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An nice turn of phrase:

“Humanity’s frozen tears,” she said, gazing at the leaden flakes drifting from the sky.  Location 484.

EBook provided by the authors for review as part of Pump Up Your Book tour.

I am reviewing this series for the authors through Pump Up Your Book Blog Tours.

~ ~ ~ KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Pump Up Your Book and The Samsara Chronicles are teaming up to give you a chance to win a Kindle Fire!

Here’s how it works:

Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form placed on blogs throughout the tour.  If your blog isn’t set up to accept the form, we offer another way for you to participate by having people comment on your blog then directing them to where they can fill out the form to gain more entries.
This Kindle Fire promotion will run from June 1 – August 31. Winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, contacted by email and announced on September 1, 2012.
Each blogger who participates in The Samsara Chronicles virtual book tour is eligible to enter and win.
Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries as the Rafflecopter widget will be placed on each blog for the duration of the tour.
If you would like to participate, email Dorothy at thewriterslife(at)gmail.com. Last day to sign up is July 27. What a great way to not only win this fabulous prize, but to gain followers and comments too! Good luck everyone!

Click on the graphic below to find out how you can win!

[If the picture link doesn't work, go to this page].

~ ~ ~WIN $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE ~ ~ ~

One lucky person who comments the most on The Samsara Chronicles’ blog stops will receive a $50 gift certificate. The blog host who receives the most comments through the tour will also receive a $50 gift certificate!

Book Review and Giveaway Link: Covenant (The Samsara Chronicles Book 3)

The danger, romance and action begins to pick up in book three of this engaging series.

Covenant (The Samsara Chronicles Book 3) 

by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

• File Size: 147 KB
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0086FP8TE

Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 25, 2012
Pursued by increasingly violent Eletarii minions, Aislinn and Dylan acquire the first and most important talisman necessary to open the celestial gate.

Targeted by Eletarii minions, Aislinn and Dylan are guided to acquire the crystal skull, the core of Aislinn’s past and future power. After a terrifying encounter with the dark forces while spending Christmas at her parents, Aislinn and Dylan accept the perilous journey ahead of them.

Review:
The action begins to pick up in this book three of the series. 
Aislinn is clearly able to see auras around her now and has close escapes from Eletarii attacks.  She stumbles onto the crystal skull which is a source of power intended for her. She also picks up a music box that seems to be special as a gift for Dylan.

Dylan is opened minded to Aislinn’s explanation of her continued danger and the fact that their connection was planned. The light spheres and voices appear to Dylan affirming his involvement.
Aislinn and Dylan make a Christmas visit to Aislinn’s parents who were the characters from Book 1.  Unfortunately the enemy elementals attack at the farmhouse and drive Aislinn and Dylan to leave rather than risk more danger to her family.

I appreciate that Dylan’s character is more developed in this book. The reader learns more of his background in addition to his charm and strength. The reading continues to flow easily and I like that the mission is explained more fully and the action picks up in this volume. I am ready to read book 4, Itineras, to see what dangers Aislinn and Dylan will face next.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Aislinn recognizes the importance of Dylan in her life:

But for now, the most important factor of all was that he brought her hope. She would no longer have to struggle alone, fearful of what the next day might bring. Location 291

I am reviewing this series for the authors through Pump Up Your Book Blog Tours.

~ ~ ~ KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Pump Up Your Book and The Samsara Chronicles are teaming up to give you a chance to win a Kindle Fire!

Here’s how it works:

Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form placed on blogs throughout the tour.  If your blog isn’t set up to accept the form, we offer another way for you to participate by having people comment on your blog then directing them to where they can fill out the form to gain more entries.
This Kindle Fire promotion will run from June 1 – August 31. Winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, contacted by email and announced on September 1, 2012.
Each blogger who participates in The Samsara Chronicles virtual book tour is eligible to enter and win.
Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries as the Rafflecopter widget will be placed on each blog for the duration of the tour.
If you would like to participate, email Dorothy at thewriterslife(at)gmail.com. Last day to sign up is July 27. What a great way to not only win this fabulous prize, but to gain followers and comments too! Good luck everyone!

Click on the graphic below to find out how you can win!

[If the picture link doesn't work, go to this page].

~ ~ ~WIN $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE ~ ~ ~

One lucky person who comments the most on The Samsara Chronicles’ blog stops will receive a $50 gift certificate. The blog host who receives the most comments through the tour will also receive a $50 gift certificate!

Book Review: Nadir (The Samsara Chronicles Book 2) + Kindle Giveaway Link!

The mystery continues to build.
Nadir (The Samsara Chronicles Book 2)
by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

• File Size: 139 KB
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0086FP9AC

Genre:Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 25, 2012

The fate of a besieged Earth rests on Aislinn and her soul mate, Dylan, to battle the alien Eletarii bent on conquering humanity.

Aislinn, directed by circumstance to meet her past and future soul mate, Dylan Young, begins to understand the daunting task awaiting her. In order to save Earth, she and Dylan must open the portal, the celestial gateway that will allow salvation of Earth's chosen. Facing opposition at every step from a world plunged into chaos, they have until midnight, December 31st, to reach their destination.

Review:
This is the second book in the Samsara Chronicles series. Although it picks up where the first book ends, it doesn’t review much of the first book but seems to assume that the reader has read book 1. This book is all about introducing the reader to Aislinn and Dylan and briefly explaining their mission.

Aislinn is a survivor who moved from her parents’ farm (book 1) to go to college and then get a job in the city of Vancouver which, even with much destruction, has fared better than many cities that have been reduced to rubble by earthquakes, fires, drought and uncontrolled looting. Aislinn has always had her own private light bubbles to comfort her in times of stress. Now she learns from her bubbly light friends that she is "the bearer of the light", a chosen leader. The warm, comforting lights explain that Aislinn must run and hide to be kept safe from the enemy, the Eletarii, who are actively seeking to kill her. The Eletarii presence is growing and they will do whatever it takes to stop Aislinn from saving Earth.

Aislinn also learns that the police detective, Dylan, who responded to the break in at her home is another 'chosen'. It is implied they had a past together and that they are intended to be together to help save the Earth although the battle and plan of salvation are not yet fully explained. I liked the calm strength of both Aislinn and Dylan.

The authors set the scene in the devastated city, including many devastated lives that have sunk into extreme depravity. It is ugly and shocking. There is some bit of telling through the light beings rather than showing through action. Yet the story is engaging as it builds.  This book only lays a foundation for the continuing story. There is much yet to be developed in the characters and the plot and I am interested to learn more in the next book.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

An example of description that I liked:

Misshapen snowflakes resembling gray tufts of cotton candy rained a dismal veil. It seemed ironic that the frosty blanket would soon smother the drought-scorched land... Location 645.

I am Reviewing this series for the authors through Pump Up Your Book Blog Tours.

This is set in Vancouver and I will add it to my ARC challenge List.

~ ~ ~ KINDLE FIRE GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Pump Up Your Book and The Samsara Chronicles are teaming up to give you a chance to win a Kindle Fire!

Here’s how it works:

Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form placed on blogs throughout the tour.  If your blog isn’t set up to accept the form, we offer another way for you to participate by having people comment on your blog then directing them to where they can fill out the form to gain more entries.
This Kindle Fire promotion will run from June 1 – August 31. Winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, contacted by email and announced on September 1, 2012.
Each blogger who participates in The Samsara Chronicles virtual book tour is eligible to enter and win.
Visit each blog stop below to gain more entries as the Rafflecopter widget will be placed on each blog for the duration of the tour.
If you would like to participate, email Dorothy at thewriterslife(at)gmail.com. Last day to sign up is July 27. What a great way to not only win this fabulous prize, but to gain followers and comments too! Good luck everyone!

Click on the graphic below to find out how you can win!

[If the picture link doesn't work, go to this page].

~ ~ ~WIN $50 GIFT CERTIFICATE ~ ~ ~

One lucky person who comments the most on The Samsara Chronicles’ blog stops will receive a $50 gift certificate. The blog host who receives the most comments through the tour will also receive a $50 gift certificate!

Book Review: Eos (The Samsara Chronicles Book 1)

This novella introduces a science fiction good v evil series.

Eos (The Samsara Chronicles Book 1)

by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley 

• File Size: 130 KB
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0086FP934

Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Product Description
Blending elements of futuristic, fantasy, science fiction and the paranormal, the Samsara Chronicles explores the duality of good and evil set against two worlds, Earth and Nirvana.

Guided by mystical beings, a human mother bears a daughter of alien royalty, Aislinn, destined to champion the future of two worlds.

Review:

This is a short novella and I will be reading and reviewing all 14 books in the series over the next 12 or so weeks. In the first book, we meet Sienna and Blake, a loving couple in their early 40s. They live on a 10 acre farm and although they had always longed for children they were never able to have any naturally or through assisted efforts.   They are not young lovers, but they are still enamored and the story begins with a sensual dream that results in warm lovemaking that is private and not described. There are several sensual encounters that are tastefully presented. They may seem prominent because this book is so short, but the story goes beyond the lovemaking.

The initial encounter is to set the story for the series as the activity results in an unexpected pregnancy. Harmonious voices and lights appear to Sienna as the Antiquitas, the ancient keepers of knowledge. They let her know that her daughter, Aislinn, is a chosen child to save the world in the future.

The writing has an easy flow and I enjoyed the descriptions and the anticipation set up by this story. The characters are nice although not deeply developed. After the birth of the baby the book shifts 26 years to the future where the world has been devastated by World War three. Another child, Angelica, is introduced as a ‘sister’ preparing to meet Aislinn.

This is an interesting set up, to have this many novellas set out separately. This first book is only 50 pages. It is engaging and I am interested in where the story will go. There are some scenes that are not pursued, like the sighting of a white wolf, and it will be interesting to see if this is picked up in future books. Also there are some typos and at least one scene that didn’t seem consistent in action. These are probably more noticeable because of the brevity of the book.

Pleasant description:

Stately evergreens flanked the driveway, their feathery branches already laden with a veil of white. Location 160.

Devastation:

Above the cries of the wounded and dying, a tolling bell solemnly lamented man’s legacy–now crushed and broken between the dust and rubble that had become the domain of vermin. Location 520.

I received this from the Author for review as part of Pump Up Your Book Tour.

I will add this to my ARC and New Author Challenge lists.