Book Review and Kindle Giveaway Link: Equilibrium (The Samsara Chronicles Book 14)

The concluding book of this series is satisfactorily engaging with a successful  rescue and mystical preparation for a new adventure.

Equilibrium (The Samsara Chronicles Book 14) 
by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley 

• File Size: 197 KB
• Print Length: 120 pages 
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited 
• Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 25, 2012) 
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc. 
• Language: English 
• ASIN: B0086FQQB8

Genre:  Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: May 25, 2012

Aislinn and Dylan are held captive by the Klatrians. Vark wants the skull and vows nothing will stop him from gaining its power.

The royal pair’s next journey is to go back to Earth and help the Earthlings restore their planet. But now, the safety of two worlds hangs in the balance. Can they come up with a plan to escape?

Review:
This series finale begins with Aislinn and Dylan arriving on Klatria to exchange themselves for her royal parents. Aislinn refuses  to yield the power of the skull for Vark, but she does display her powers to shield Dylan from an attack by one of the monstrous throworts. The Klatrian world continues to disintegrate while the rebellion makes final plans with Aislinn for escape from the dying world.

Meanwhile Samara and Bonerus have returned safely to the Nirvana capitol city amid celebration. There they reveal to the earth survivors where they are and how they came to be on Nirvana. Many are happy to be alive and have a chance at a future but there are also those who grumble and complain about the lose of loved ones left behind on earth.

Aislinn and Dylan, with the help of Anelda and Rodorus, succeed in rescuing a small group of Klatrians. There are some surprises in the rescue before they are safely brought to Nirvana where they will be given a chance to stay or to go with the teams that will return to rebuild earth.

Aislinn returns to the Crystal Cave a couple more times to further test her powers and resolve, as well as to prepare for the return to Earth. The beauty of the caves contrasts with the destruction of Earth and the Klatrian world. Aislinn experiences interesting encounters with the spheres, the Antiquitas and even the first one, Alaya. Aislinn grows in understanding and she and Dylan are finally ready to lead the teams to face the next adventure of returning to Earth.

I particularly liked the scenes in Klatria as the ‘good’ Klatrians help Aislinn with the rescue. Included in the survivors are the children who represent the future for their race.

Aislinn’s last two visits to the Crystal Cave are interesting even though fanciful and strange. Aislinn must decide if she will embrace her true destiny or take another path in her life. It is clear that Aislinn has been gifted with special powers and I questioned why she was the only one who shared in the special beauty of the secrets. It would have been nice if other innocents or good souls got to share some of those blessings.

The authors seem to be sharing a message of goodness and hope. But, as the story points out,  people have to decide if they will choose a live of evil or a future with hardship and joy.

This has been an engaging series.  It was unusual to have the episodes in 14 separate books instead of grouped together in format such as a trilogy.  Ultimately the pricing would be about the same and I think the flow might have been easier in groups. Since the successive books do not contain much backstory, I was glad I read all of the series over successive weeks so that the plot was always fresh in my mind. I recommend this for readers who enjoy a good fantasy, with conflict of evil and good, and some mysticism woven in. I also recommend that you get the full series and read them without a long delay.

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

Bonerus reassures Samara that there are Klatrians who are working in secret to escape Vark’s dark dominion.

“....Even in the face of the most horrendous adversity, goodness manages to survive.” Location 91.

Thank you to the authors for providing the entire series for review as part of a Pump Up Your Book Tour event with Kindle Giveaway link.

~ ~ ~ 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 with Kindle Giveaway Link: Nexus (The Samsara Chronicles Book 13)

This episode moves forward with excitement and anticipation.

Nexus (The Samsara Chronicles Book 13) 
by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

• File Size: 142 KB
• Print Length: 63 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 24, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00866K848

Genre:  Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 24, 2012
After Aislinn and Dylan participate in Shakan’s banishment to the Overlap, they prepare for their journey to Klatria to rescue Aislinn’s parents.
Certain that Shakan’s banishment to the Overlap has forever ended the tainted bloodline of Jhanvar, Aislinn and Dylan prepare, with the help of Altithronus, emissary to the Antiquitas, for their journey to Klatria to rescue the royals.

Review:
I felt this book was back in the groove after the last one ended so abruptly.
We learn more of the characters and history of Klatria. Although Vark is a dark, evil leader, I sense that the people used to be sweet and gentle. It seems that perhaps the dark underground atmosphere and the terrible monsters they have had to fight off have leached into some of the leaders, like Vark, and they have forgotten the goodness they once knew. I really like those who are waiting for Aislinn to help their rebellion.

Aislinn faces down an attack from Jhanvar in order to complete the banishment of Shakan. She, Dylan and their entourage return to the city to prepare for the rescue of her parents. I like how Aislinn and Dylan travel in the sphere to reach Klatria where they see the stark, glacier world. They are ready to face Vark.

I have enjoyed this engaging series and I am interested to see how the series will end in Equilibrium, Book 14, the final book..

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

Aislinn’s gift to the overlap:

“And so the taint has been purged.” She said.... “May the light now reside in this place.” Location 287.

Thank you to the authors for providing this book for review as part of a Pump Up Your Book Tour event with Kindle Giveaway link.

~ ~ ~ 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 with Kindle Giveaway: Entity (The Samsara Chronicles Book 11)

There are really good descriptions in this book.

Entity (The Samsara Chronicles Book 11) 

by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley 

File Size: 142 KB
Print Length: 68 pages
Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 25, 2012)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Language: English
ASIN: B0086FQOHY
Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0 

Book Description

Publication Date: May 25, 2012

Aislinn and Dylan face the Nirvanan traitor Shakan to rescue Aislinn’s sister and discover his link to Vark.

Faced with Shakan’s treachery, Aislinn and Dylan must capture him and rescue Nashira, Aislinn’s sister. Realizing that Shakan is both possessed by the spirit of a corrupt ancestor and is in league with Vark to betray Nirvana, they devise a plan to rescue Aislinn’s parents using alien technology obtained during Shakan’s capture.

Review:
This episode of the Samsara Chronicles reveals the extreme madness of Shakan.  He manages to kidnap the Princess Nashira and her human friend, Candy (now known as Vanora), while Aislinn and Dylan are returning to the city of Zamphirus. Before Aislinn and Dylan can meet with the convened counsel they have to detour for the rescue, facing Shakan, who is now possessed by his evil ancestor, Jhanvar.  Although the result is somewhat predictable the authors create a marvelously dark setting and battle between Aislinn and Shakan as he tries to grab and use the power of the skull.

Aislinn has discovered an ‘eye’ which she suspects Shakan used as an AL to communicate with the Klatrians. They only need to determine how to get Shakan to cooperate and explain how to use the tool.

Aislinn meets with the counsel to convince them that she must negotiate with the Klatrians for the release of her parents. Meanwhile in the caverns of Klatria, Rodorus reminisces about his lost mate and the cataclysmic collision of the comet that destroyed their planet. He slips in to talk with the royals, Bonerus and Samara, asking them to trust him. He tells them how Shakan used a ‘mindflux’ to orchestrate their kidnapping. Then he explains that he is with the resistance group  who want to bring their people out of the control of their leader, Vark, who is obsessed with getting control of the skull.

I really appreciated the dynamic descriptions in this book. There is the darkness of the battle with Shakan; the beauty of Rodorus’ memories of his mate and planet before the destruction; and the devastation by the comet.  These contributed to my enjoyment of this installment.

Can the royals trust the resistance to help them? How will the negotiations go between Aislinn and Vark? Tune in next week for the continued story in Kindred, Book 12 (reviewing on 8/22).

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

Aislinn learns more strengths:

“And in a perverse way, Shakan himself has opened the door for us to finally recognize our strengths and weaknesses. So even from the darkness, some light always exists.” Location 213.

A sense of beauty even for the aliens:

...Rodorus could only shrink in disgust at his own gnomish appearance. Yet his people were beautiful once. Not perhaps in the eyes of other races.  Location 697-700.

Thank you to the authors for providing this book for review as part of a Pump Up Your Book Tour event with Kindle Giveaway link.

~ ~ ~ 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 with Kindle Giveaway Link: Bloodline (The Samsara Chronicles Book 10)

Watch out for dark, slimy creatures, human-type and beastly-type, in this book.

Bloodline (The Samsara Chronicles Book 10)

by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley 

• File Size: 128 KB
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0086FQP6Y

Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 25, 2012
Intrigue and betrayal plague both Nirvana and Klatria, prompting Aislinn to call a tribunal of all Nirvanan nations to address the crisis.

While Vark, Soulmaster and corrupt ruler of Klatria, plots with the Nirvanan traitor to acquire the skull and kill the royals, insurrection grows from within the ranks of his own people. His intention to use Aislinn’s parents as pawns to lure Aislinn to Klatria conceals his true intentions to destroy them all.

Review:

This installment of this engaging science fiction series shows us the darkness of Aislinn’s enemies.  Shakan is disdainful of the ‘good’ royal family and their limiting ways. Although he hides his dark persona in the public halls of Nirvana, on his own he revels in his rebellion and hatred for the royal family.  He plans his conspiracy with the Klatrian leader, Vark, and the attack on Aislinn and her family. He will seek out Aislinn’s sister, Princess Nashira as his bride, even if he must force her as he destroys her family.

Shakan is not alone in is hatred and planning. He has visions of his ancient ancestor, Janvhar, locked in a cell by Her Royal Highness, Alaya. Shakan wrestles the icon from Janvhar’s cell so that he can release the long buried evil that will help him terrorize the royal family.

Meanwhile, on the foreign planet of Klatria, Vark, the cruel, barbaric leader, contemplates the stubbornness of his royal hostages who refuse to eat the meat offered to them.  He barely cares for their condition except that he is reminded by Rodorus that they are to be bartered for the skull promised to Vark by Shakan. Vark doesn’t realize that Shakan plans to retain the power of the skull for himself.

There is a group of leaders who object to Vark’s dark leadership. Anelda and Rodorus plan to sneak into the presence of Aislinn’s royal parents to ask them to help the plight of the remaining good Klatrians before their whole people is destroyed.

I was engaged by this alien world of fearsome creatures sharing the caverns with the disheartened people. The authors have created a terrible, dark and gruesome world where the society is dying because the infants cannot survive.  I felt empathy for the suffering and desperation of the good Klatrians. The authors have also made very dark and evil characters in Janvhar, Shakan and Vark. Just the type of villains you like to hate. 

This book ends with Aislinn and Dylan breaking free from an attack by Janvhar who tries to suck them into the overlap of time.  Aislinn is able to escape with the power of the skull.  Now they must return home to battle Shakan and figure out how to save her parents from the clutches of Vark. To be continued in Book 11, The Entity.

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

Aislinn’s destiny:

Your bloodline until now has used the powers, but only you can become one with them. Events have come to a full circle and await completion. Location 616.

Thank you to the authors for providing this book for review as part of a Pump Up Your Book Tour event with Kindle Giveaway link.

~ ~ ~ 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 with Kindle Giveaway Link: Netherworld (The Samsara Chronicles Book 9)

This episode of the Chronicles reveals the ancient enemy that continues to stalk Aislinn and the royal powers.

Netherworld (The Samsara Chronicles Book 9)

by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

• File Size: 113 KB
• Print Length: 41 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0086FRVK8

Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 25, 2012
Directed by one of their Earthly guides, Aislinn and Dylan venture to the Overlap, an ancient castle situated within a temporal rift where they discover the nature of Shakan’s treachery.

Seeking answers regarding the kidnapping of her parents, Aislinn and Dylan follow one of their Earthly guides to the mysterious Overlap, a temporal rift situated within an ancient castle. There they experience past events that reveal the nature of the rival Nirvanan bloodlines as well as the identity of the traitor in league with the Klatrians.

Review:

This is continuing this interesting sci fi series and as I have noted previously each book reads like an episode or installment of the full story.

Netherworld finds Aislinn and Dylan traveling to an ancient castle on a rarely visited portion of their planet, Nirvana. As they explore the castle they discover that it has shifting timelines that ‘overlap.’ One moment Aislinn is in front of Dylan, the next she turns her back and is in an ancient time facing an ancient enemy.

One temporal visit places Aislinn as a viewer of an generations old struggle between related factions for the power of the skull.  An ancient cousin of Aislinn's family is violent and bitter at being denied the royal claim to the skull. His ambition, hatred and bitterness have been passed down to Shakan, the current head Guard of the Nirvanian Council.

Aislinn is also given visions of the twisted, malevolent creatures in the dark caverns of Klatria and visions of another group who seem to be huddled in prayer. Aislinn is directed to collect two gifts.  One is a gift to get to Piper to help save Earth and the other is a elixir of justice to give to Shakan.  Ailsinn and Dylan turn to return to the capital city ready to face the traitor and the next step in their battles to rescue Aislinn's parents..

I am enjoying the intricate twining of the past history and the present conflict in this series.  I also like the excitement as it builds towards the confrontation of the enemies.

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

The view of the ancient castle:

Bleached by the elements, the castle’s battle-scarred flanks reeked of history and old spilled blood. Location 49.

Dylan and Aislinn are awed at a the view of a magical world of paradise.

“Is this what it’s like on the other side of the looking glass?” Dylan wondered. Location 305.

I received this from the authors as part of a Pump Up Your Book Tour event with Kindle Giveaway link.

~ ~ ~ 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: Severed Threads by Kaylin McFarren

This book has an exciting, roller coaster plot and challenging characters.

Severed Threads

by Kaylin McFarren

Paperback: 349 pages
Publisher: Creative Edge Publishing (July 1, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1467526711
ISBN-13: 978-1467526715

Genre:  Romantic Suspense
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2012

Romantic Suspense Novel by Kaylin McFarren: Believing herself responsible for her father s fatal diving accident, Rachel Lyons has withdrawn from the world and assumed a safe position at a foundation office. When called upon by a museum director to assist her former love interest with the recovery of a cursed relic from a sunken Chinese merchant ship, she has no intention of cooperating until her brother is kidnapped by a drug-dealing gangster. In order to save him and gain control over her life, Rachel must not only overcome her greatest fears, but also relive the circumstances that lead to her father s death. *WARNING* This book includes mature and sexual content that is not appropriate for young ages.

Review:
Rachel Lyons was once head over heals for Chase Cohen. Then her fathered died in a diving accident when Chase was partnering him. The death of her dad was hard enough, especially since they had quarreled that morning.  Then Chase skipped town and didn’t even show for the funeral leaving Rachel to shoulder her grief and her father’s debt all on her own.

Rachel has focused on her work and trying to keep her brother, Devon, out of trouble.  Devon convinced Rachel that Chase was a scoundrel, and Devon should know since that tends to be his role.

Suddenly Chase is in town looking for funding through the foundation Kaylin works for. Chase has returned to the wreck where her father was killed.  Kaylin’s initial reaction is to shut the door in Chase’s face. But Chase and Kaylin’s boss, Dr. Ying, believe the site holds treasures from a sunken Chinese merchant ship. Dr. Ying wants to pursue the salvage to stop a family curse and also to devote a display in memory of Kaylin’s father.

Just as the funding is about to be approved and Chase brings up treasure to establish the claim someone sets a fire and his boat and dreams appear to go up in smoke. Kaylin is able to come to the rescue but she has secret reasons for helping the expedition as she has promised treasure to mobsters who have kidnapped Devon. As Chase tries to figure a way back into Kaylin’s heart, she is trying to find a way to hide treasure.

The action in this story just keeps flowing with diving adventure, kidnappings, crooked cops, salvage pirates, sharks in the water too and watery ghosts. Just as I was catching my breath from one scene there would be another twist, or misadventure on the next page with another villain popping out of the shadows. It was hard to put the book down as I wanted to know what would happen next.

Rachel and Chase tended to be secretive, insecure and untrusting in their feelings and relationship. At times they were downright annoying but they eventually pull together. Devon was a bit of a jerk but even he gains sympathy along the way.

I really enjoyed the legend and mystery of the treasure and I especially liked the action. The romance between Rachel and Chase was slow and warmly developed. There was a bit more sexual activity with Devon but none of it was really graphic by today’s standards.

The writing is direct and flows well. The dialogue is particularly natural, even when the scenarios are a little stretched. If you enjoy dive stories and steady action, with a nice reunited lovers story blended in I recommend this book.

I received a galley copy of this book from the author to review as part of a Pump up Your Book Blog tour.

This story takes place on the Pacific coast of south California for my Where are You Reading list. I will also add it to my ARC and New Author challenge lists.

Book Review with Kindle Giveaway Link: Nirvana (The Samsara Chronicles Book 8)

I really enjoyed this episode of The Samsara Chronicles!

Nirvana (The Samsara Chronicles Book 8)

 by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

• File Size: 145 KB
• Print Length: 59 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0086FRWZW

Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: May 25, 2012

Dylan, Aislinn and the chosen humans arrive on Nirvana but now the pair faces another alien threat, this time to their homeworld.

Aislinn and Dylan’s joyous homecoming to Nirvana is tempered by yet another crisis. Aliens, assisted by a traitorous member of Nirvanan security and a threat to the royal bloodline, have kidnapped Aislinn’s parents and hold them hostage on the dying world of Klatria. Aislinn and Dylan now face the task of rescuing them before they are killed.

Review:
Book 8 starts with beautiful descriptions of Nirvana as Aislinn and Dylan settle into the Royal apartments. Aislinn has to assume her role as the leader of her people.  Aislinn and Dylan meet with the Nirvana council and Altithronus to discuss how to proceed.  They have learned that the Klatrians are intelligent and resourceful. They have survived the collapse of their planet and managed to kidnap Aislinn’s parents, probably with the help of a traitor. It is possible it is other tribes on Nirvana who may be jealous of the power of the skull even though all appears peaceful. There are factions who oppose Aislinn placing herself at risk in tracking her family.

Aislinn sees some visions of the further destruction on earth. She is stunned by the devastation and concerned when she views the struggles of Piper, who is to play a role in the future rebuilding of earth. But for now her focus is to rescue her parents.

I liked the author's creativity surrounding the Klatrians. Those sent to infiltrate Nirvana are mechanical Kamikazes. They are hard to spot as they are not a life force but if they are out in the sun too long they ‘melt’.  Even when they don’t die of exposure, they seem to self destruct. Aislinn attempts to interrogate one of the enemy and learns more vulnerabilities. 

The tension in the saga builds as Aislinn and Dylan man a ship and prepare to face the enemy. They aren’t really sure where they are headed until their guiding eagle appears before them.  Then they are ready to set off to the next episode, Netherworld.

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

A nice description:

A blooming creeper similar to honeysuckle draped the finely hewn surface in a lush mantle, a myriad of tiny golden blossoms trembling in the breeze enveloping the couple with their heady scent. Location 21.

An interesting observation by Altithronus to Aislinn:

The legacy of the skull, the guidance of the Antiquitas is yours, but you must learn to become one with the power. To use and abuse are merely  reflections of the same word. Location 420.

I received the eBook from the authors as part of a Pump Up Your Book Tour. - with Kindle Giveaway link

~ ~ ~ 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 Kindle Giveaway Link: Exodus (The Samsara Chronicles Book 7)

This is brightly entertaining as the chosen get to climb shimmering steps to cross through a rainbow arch away from the dark evil.

Exodus (The Samsara Chronicles Book 7)
by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

• File Size: 141 KB
• Print Length: 66 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0086FRWJI

Genre: Science Fiction
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

 with Kindle Giveaway link

Book Description
Publication Date: May 25, 2012

Sheltered at the Emerald lake beyond the reach of the dark forces, Aislinn and Dylan transition into their roles as the celestial portal opens.

Besieged by the Eletarii, humanity struggles in its final hour. Legions assemble by the lake where they descend into the basest depravity wait while Aislinn and Dylan prepare to open the gate at midnight, a portal through which only a chosen few will pass.

Review:

Reading these books one at a time, about one a week made me think of a weekly TV serial. This week's story compares well to a Buck Rogers' episode with twisted evil aliens and corrupted humans chasing after the robed and beautiful, beings symbolizing good.

Aislinn is brought the final talisman be an eagle and opens the celestial portal. She and Dylan stand and watch the transformation as a rainbow sphere forms a glittering bridge and the mountain opens to a crystal chamber. A shimmering stairway leads up to an arch where Aislinn and Dylan will welcome the chosen ones who will pass through the portal to safety. The masses of people straining to enter are greeted by a majestic, god-like figure, Altithronous.

As the chosen joyously travel the stairs to pass through the arch, the damned flail and trample each other trying desperately to reach the stairs. Some tumble on the burning shores while others fall into the now churning lake, creating a “floating armada of skeletons.”

Aislinn and Dylan are the last to pass through the gates and move into the mystical, beautiful realm of Nirvana.  In the midst of joy, and as they recover their memories of their lives before earth, they learn that Aislinn’s royal parents have been betrayed and kidnapped. Aislinn and Dylan, more than mortals now, will be tasked with the mission to save her parents.

A lot of what is happening, the plan to re-inhabit the earth after the elementals are finally conquered, and the roles they have to play, are explained by narrative. Although this is more “telling” than showing, it is done with enough intensity and creativity that it works all right in the story. The new world they have entered  really has a rather fantastical feel to it.  I am ready for Aislinn and Dylan to face more dangers in the next adventure.

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

Quotes:
Aislinn just before opening the portal:

"Everything humanity has experienced has led to this moment, to these objects I hold in my hand. Location 222.

Explaining why the goodness of the Nirvana ancestors on earth had been lost to corruption:

“The potential for enlightenment is always there,” Altithronus said. “It is only when one no longer listens to the heart, to the wisdom of the ages, that darkness sets in.” Location 502.

Aislinn commenting on their next mission:

“But our past on this world will become our future. We’ll face all the tasks before us, no matter how daunting.”  Location 772.

I received this eBook from the authors as part of a Pump Up Your Book Tour.

~ ~ ~ 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 GC Giveaway Link: Dark Side of Valor by Alicia Singleton

Great Read - This is an engrossing and intense story that kept me turning pages.

Dark Side of Valor 

by Alicia Singleton

• File Size: 744 KB
• Print Length: 352 pages
• Publisher: Strebor Books; Original edition (February 7, 2012)
• Sold by: Simon and Schuster Digital Sales Inc
• Language: English
• ASIN: B005GG0MM4

Genre: Christian Suspense

My Rating:  4.75 of 5.0

 

Book Description

 Publication Date: February 7, 2012

Child advocate Lelia Freeman saves children for a living. As the director of ChildSafe Shelters, she ventures to abandoned squats and crackhouses to rescue teens from the hellish streets of Los Angeles. When she is summoned to Washington to serve on a committee that aids the children of a war-torn African nation, Lelia is kidnapped and becomes a political pawn in a sinister conspiracy. Oceans away from everything she knows, she must trust a mercenary to save her life, or die in the clutches of a psychopath.

Hunting, combat and staying alive are Elijah Dune's specialties. Vengeance is his passion. Haunted by past demons, he travels to the Motherland to collect a debt. A debt that demands one payment. Death.

Caught in the crosshairs of a madman, Lelia and Elijah must survive the jungles of Zaire and the horrors of their pasts or be forever consumed by the DARK SIDE OF VALOR.

Review:
Lelia Freeman became a frightened teen on the streets of Los Angeles trying to stay out of the hands of the crack dealers and pimps.  She finally becomes desperate enough to seek help through a local church. But before she can lead the church brother to her sick young ‘street sister’, the local pimp and his thugs snatch Joella and threaten both girls. When Lelia wakes up in the hospital she finds the church family there to take care of her. Unfortunately all she has left of Joella is a half-heart pendant.

Lelia  returns to the streets to help others. Her fame and success as a valiant street warrior result in her being pulled onto a government task force to aid children of an African country devastated by civil war. She takes her role reluctantly but is determined to push for the protection of the children. Instead she is caught in the middle of a rebellious faction and the ruling government. She is kidnapped and wakes up in Africa.

Lelia remains stubborn and defiant to her kidnapper and one mysterious household servant comes to her aid. She is led out of the house in secret and placed under the care of two mercenaries.  One is a charming rogue and the other is a brooding, intense man with secrets of his own. Elijah's plans of revenge did not include rescue. Lelia survived the hood, the streets of Los Angeles, and a malicious kidnapper. But will she survive the unexpected dangers of revenge in the jungle?

Ms. Singleton does a great job of putting the reader in the setting of the hood, the streets and the jungle. She also pulled me into the lives of her characters so that I felt Lelia’s anguish, longings, fear and heartbreak of betrayal. I really liked Elijah’s dark, moody character. His secret creates a great twist and adds trauma and conflict to an already action packed story.

The faith aspects of the story are subtly established through the wonderful church family who adopt Lelia as one of their own. The underlying foundation they teach her brings strength to Lelia at her most dire and despairing moments.

I very much enjoyed the fast-paced action, the tension and the dangers described. I felt that the return of the kidnapper was a bit of a stretch although it made for good excitement. The first part of the book seemed so authentic but I was a bit disappointed that there was no clear resolution on the political and international entanglement that the kidnapping would have created. This was the story’s only weakness.

The story was even better than I anticipated. If you like stories with real-life settings, strong characters and lots of action you should like this one. I will definitely be glad to read more by this author.

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

Lelia's emotions:

   Tears wouldn't come. She felt too numb to cry. After she'd lost Joella, she'd promised herself she'd never fell that much. Not again. Sometimes lies and promises share the same face. Page 69.

   The image of him looking over his wife and daughter's graves kept sentry in her brain. Her heart bled for him. A product of misery, the tragedy shaped the man, had destroyed him.
   She's see it before. Lives molded by pain. Each kid she's helped had his own terror-patterned existence. Page 293

A BIG thank you to Alicia Singleton for providing this book for review through Pump Up Your Book Blog Tour.

Join Alicia Singleton, author of the suspense novel, Dark Side of Valor (Simon &  Schuster/Strebor), as she virtually tours the blogosphere June 4 – August 24 2012 on her second virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book!  Alicia has agreed to give away a $100 Visa Gift Card at the end of her tour and you could be the one!   Find out how you can win by scrolling down and enter by filling out the Rafflecopter form below.  Stop off at all her blog stops for more entries.  Good luck!

ABOUT ALICIA SINGLETON

Born and raised in Philadelphia, the Howard University graduate embraced the written word at an early age. She credits this to her loving, older sister whom, while they were youngsters, made the author eat lotion on a regular basis. Realizing the need to sound-out the ingredients on the lotion label, Alicia stopped the lotion-eating practice, but continued to read the labels of the concoctions her sister brought for her to try. This early necessity to read flowered to a passion; hence, a writer was born.The award winning author resides in Maryland with her wonderful husband and son.  Still an avid reader, label or otherwise, Alicia is hard at work completing her next suspense novel.Her latest book is the suspense novel, Dark Side of Valor. Visit Alicia’s website at www.aliciasingleton.com.
Twitter | Facebook | Library Thing | Goodreads | Amazon | YouTube | LinkedIn | Powell’s Books | Simon & Schuster | BooksAMillion

~ ~ ~$100 VISA CARD GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Pump Up Your Book and Alicia Singleton are teaming up to give you a chance to win a $100 Visa Card!

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.
This $100 Visa Gift Card promotion will run from June 4 – August 24. Winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, contacted by email and announced on August 25, 2012.
Each blogger who participates in Dark Side of Valor 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.

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to visit

THIS LINK

for the full blog tour list for more chances to win!

Book Review with Giveaway Link: Tempest by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

This series continues as more powers develop in Aislinn while she and Dylan flee for their lives.

Tempest (The Samsara Chronicles Book 5)

by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

• File Size: 151 KB
• Print Length: 76 pages
• Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
• Publisher: eXtasy Books (May 25, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B0086FQPNW

Genre: Science Fiction

My Rating:  4.25 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: May 25, 2012

Suspected of multiple murders, Aislinn and Dylan must flee both human and alien pursuers.

Narrowly escaping danger during their quest to acquire the talismans and suspected of multiple murders, Aislinn and Dylan endure harsh winter conditions to evade the military and corrupt human minions seeking to stop them from the opening of the portal.

Review:
Aislinn’s powers, with the skull and other talismans, are growing and changing. Dylan too is hearing the guiding and soothing voices of the Antiquitas through the spheres. That comfort and soothing presence is helpful considering the escalating danger as Aislinn and Dylan flee authorities as well as Elementals; not just regular authorities but one of Dylan's superiors who is in conspiracy with the enemy.  

I like that there are new friends and allies including their eagle guide and a trumpeter who passes on another talisman, a miniature gold trumpet. Both Dylan and Aislinn have been shown visions of the terror that the world suffers as the Elementals overtake mankind and evil spreads. The action continues here as Aislinn and Dylan, with the help of the Antiquitas, survive a massive attack to realize their goal now is to survive to the next stage of their journey.

See the earlier story reviews at this link and watch for the next book, Maelstrom, scheduled for July 11, 2012.

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

Quote:
Dylan exclaims on realizing some of Aislinn’s new gifts:

“Carrier of secrets and healer. What next?” Location 230

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 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!