Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Tribal Affairs by Matt Dallmann

This is a story full of fantasy, mystery and suspense woven around a thwarted romance.

Tribal Affairs
by Matt Dallmann

Category: YA Fiction, 277 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Matt Dallmann
Release date: July 2017
Tour dates: August 6 to 24, 2018
Content Rating: G (No bad language or sex)
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Dahlia, a centuries old genie, lies hopelessly trapped in a damaged golden locket charm attached to an ankle bracelet. Its owner, sixteen-year-old Liana, wears it for the first time during her father Jamison’s opening night illusion spectacular. Not only does its presence cause Jamison to folly his performance, but it also starts a chain of bizarre events that lead to a showdown with Dahlia’s mortal enemy, Stefan, and an unsuspecting romance between Liana and his son.

Review:
Dahlia is a genie who has been trapped in a locket on an ankle bracelet. Liana’s mother apparently died from mental illness and now sixteen-year-old Liana has decided to wear the ankle bracelet. She has no idea the significance of the locket which soon brings chaos into her life.

Liana begins dreaming strange dreams of star-crossed lovers. Then she begins to see images. Before long her father thinks she needs medical help like her mother did. But Liana is convinced that there is something stranger – and more real than she can understand – going on. She meets a strange young man named Taffi, which is the same name as the horse in her father’s illusion act. Is Taffi really a genie as he claims? Is he there to help her or hurt her? Are they both a victim of a curse or is it all a delusion or hallucination?

The world of genies created by the author is fantastical, full of magic, power, jealousies and beasties. The reader quickly learns there is a connection between Dahlia and Liana but there is a long path of adventure and danger to reveal the details. The genies intrigues and relationships are similar to human although they seem larger due to the powers the genies can use. They also seem more dangerous and less benign than one might think a genie would be.

The author uses an interesting approach by having Dahlia narrate the story at first. However as chapters progress, the point of view shifts to third person. Later it is clear that Dahlia is narrating again. I often have the Kindle reading to me, so I had to keep close track of whose feelings were being described since Dahlia should have been describing observations of other’s expressions and actions rather than describing their internal feelings. This caused some confusion for me which was a little distracting. Although, thinking back, I think perhaps Dahlia could read the thoughts of the others. Still, it created some confusion.

In spite of that, I enjoyed the fantasy journey and the strange creatures along the way. I especially liked the sea creatures from one of the genie worlds. There is a tentative, stumbling romance including appropriate teenage angst. It was interesting to read the emotional growth of the characters. I recommend this to readers who enjoy fantasy and a light YA romance.

Source: iRead Book Tours. This will qualify for a 2018Alphabet choice.

To follow the tour and read reviews, please visit Matt Dallmann's page on iRead Book Tours.

Buy the Book:

Amazon

Add to Goodreads

Meet the Author:

Matt Dallmann has a background in acting and holds a BFA from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. His films and screenplays have been featured at film festivals across the United States including Cinequest, Big Apple Film Festival, Seattle’s True Independent Film Festival, DragonCon and Zero Independent Film Festival. His piano compositions have been published for commercial use and he is a member of ASCAP. Matt is also the Co-Founder and Vice President of the boutique medical billing firm VGA Billing Services, Inc. in New York City. He lives in New Jersey with his wife and two daughters.

Connect with the author: Website ~ Twitter ~ Pinterest

Enter the Giveaway!

Ends Sept 5, 2018

Prizes: Win one of 100 Kindle copies (open to USA only)

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Tribal Affairs

by Matt Dallmann

Giveaway ends September 05, 2018.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Book Review: A Town Called Dust: The Territory 1 by Justin Woolley

This story offers gripping entertainment with interesting characters.
A Town Called Dust: The Territory 1
by Justin Woolley

• File Size: 484 KB
• Print Length: 251 pages
• Publisher: Momentum (November 13, 2014)
• Publication Date: November 13, 2014
• ASIN: B00OIKC87G
• Genre: Sci Fi, YA Fantasy
• My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Stranded in the desert, the last of mankind is kept safe by a large border fence ... Until the fence falls.
Squid is a young orphan living under the oppressive rule of his uncle in the outskirts of the Territory. Lynn is a headstrong girl with an influential father who has spent her entire life within the walled city of Alice.

When the border fence is breached, the Territory is invaded by the largest horde of undead ghouls seen in two hundred years. Squid is soon conscripted into the Diggers—the armed forces of the Territory. And after Lynn finds herself at odds with the Territory's powerful church, she too escapes to join the Diggers.

Together Squid and Lynn form an unlikely friendship as they march to battle against the ghouls. Their journey will take them further than they ever imagined, leading them closer to discovering secrets about themselves, their world, and a conspiracy that may spell the end of the Territory as they know it.

Review:
Squid is a teen who lives and works on his Uncle’s farm located on the outskirts of a Town called Dust. Although Squid is a farm hand he isn’t strong and he’s never been very adept with his hands. Instead, Squid is smart and good with numbers. He has nothing of his own except a key that he treasures that was supposedly left by his mother.

There is an outer fence that has separated mankind from the ghouls for many years. A breach of the fence allows hordes of the undead to slowly stumble their way towards the civilized towns. This brings the defensive troops, Diggers, to Dust. A young Captain spots Squid and senses good qualities in him. Squid is conscripted into service to his surprise and over his Uncle’s objection.

Squid begins training and makes a friend in Max who protects him from being bullied by other recruits. Max is surprisingly good at sword fighting and picks up the military training quickly. But Max hides a major secret.

Lynn is the daughter of a famous Colonel. She has always wanted to be a Digger but women are not allowed in the troops. Instead, she is expected to become a Sister in the ruling religious order. When a tragic event pushes Lynn toward this unwanted fate she escapes and, in disguise, joins the Digger training forces.

Lynn and Squid help each other and eventually face battle together. There is something special about the two that they do not realize, but others do. The territory commander wants to use them but the Church Mother fears a prophesy surrounding them. She seeks to remove them rather than have that prophesy fulfilled.

I don’t read a lot of zombie stories but I’m glad I picked this up. The story focuses primarily on the human characters with intrigue and danger beyond the undead. The world building includes dirigibles, steamcycles and other steam elements that I liked. The characters are well developed and I was engaged by the personalities of Squid and Lynn and the obstacles they faced. There are other secondary characters, including Lynn’s foster brother, Melbourne, who apparently have a part yet to play.

I recommend this to those who like fantasy adventure – even with ghouls. I found the whole package entertaining and look forward to continuing the adventure in book two, A City Called Smoke: The Territory 2.

I purchased this to read before book 2 which I have from NetGalley.

Book Blitz: Deviation by Heather Hildenbrand

This looks like a series I would like to read!

Purchase on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1wXxNHZ

Until a month ago, eighteen-year-old Ven had never set foot outside the windowless warehouse where she was created. An Imitation of Raven Rogen, Ven spent her days confined in the lab, studying videos of her Authentic, all so she could step into Raven’s life at a moment’s notice.

Now, Ven lives in Raven’s penthouse apartment, kisses Raven’s boyfriend, and obeys every order from Raven’s dad, Titus Rogen—the very man who created her. But Ven has a secret plan. She doesn’t want Raven’s life. She wants her own.

In the action-packed sequel of Imitation, Ven wages a dangerous war against Titus. First she’ll free herself, then she’ll free every last Imitation. . . .

Haven't started the Imitation series yet?

Purchase on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1AO8UlO

Everyone is exactly like me. There is no one like me.

Ven wrestles with these contradicting truths every day. A clone of wealthy eighteen-year-old Raven Rogen, Ven knows everything about the girl she was created to serve: the clothes she wears, the boys she loves, the friends she loves to hate. Yet she’s never met the Authentic Raven face-to-face. Imitations like Ven only get to leave the lab when they’re needed—to replace a dead Authentic, donate an organ, or complete a specific mission. And Raven has never needed Ven . . . until now.

When there is an attack on Raven’s life, Ven is thrust into the real world, posing as Raven to draw out the people who tried to harm her. But as Ven dives deeper into Raven’s world, she begins to question everything she was ever told. She exists for Raven, but is she prepared to sacrifice herself for a girl she’s never met?

Fans of Cinder, The Selection and Sara Shepard’s Lying Game series will love Imitation, a thrilling, action-packed novel sure to keep readers guessing until the very last page.

About Heather Hildenbrand

Website Facebook Twitter

Heather Hildenbrand was born and raised in a small town in northern Virginia where she was homeschooled through high school. (She's only slightly socially awkward as a result.) Since 2011, she's published more than eight YA & NA novels including the bestselling Dirty Blood series. She splits her time between coastal Virginia and the island of Guam and loves having a mobile career and outrageous lifestyle of living in two places. Her most frequent hobbies are riding motorcycles and avoiding killer slugs.

Heather is also a publishing and success coach bent on equipping and educating artists who call themselves authors. She loves teaching fellow writers how to create the same freedom-based lifestyle she enjoys. For more information visit www.phoenixauthorink.com and find out how to create your own OutRAGEous Life.

She is represented by Rebecca Friedman. You can find out more about Heather and her books at www.heatherhildenbrand.blogspot.com

Audio Book Review: Of Neptune: Syrena Legacy, Book 3 by Anna Banks

The final book in this trilogy adds some new interest and resolves okay in spite of some weak elements. 
Of Neptune: Syrena Legacy, Book 3
Author: Anna Banks
Narrator: Rebecca Gibel

Series: The Syrena Legacy, book 3
Runtime: 9.6 Hours
Recording: Unabridged
Release date: 5.13.2014
Publisher: Blackstone Audio
Genre: Fiction/Childrens [I would not class this as Childrens]
ISBN-13: 978-1-4829-8785-0

Genre: YA Fantasy
My Rating: 3.75 of 5.0

Summary:
Emma and Galen’s kingdom—and their love—is threatened by long-lost Syrena in the brilliant conclusion to Anna Banks’ bestselling trilogy.
Emma, half human and half Syrena, and her Syrena love, Galen, need time together—alone. Away from the kingdoms of Poseidon and Triton. Emma’s grandfather, the Poseidon king, suggests the two visit a small town called Neptune.
Neptune is home to both Syrena and Half-Breeds alike. But Emma and Galen didn’t sign up to be peacemakers between the ocean and the land-dwelling, freshwater Syrena. They didn’t bargain for meeting a charming Half-Breed named Reed, who can barely disguise his feelings for Emma. And they especially didn’t expect to find themselves in the middle of a power struggle that threatens not only their love but their ocean kingdoms.
In this stunning conclusion to her bestselling Syrena Legacy, Anna Banks thrills fans with more action and romance than ever.
© 2014 by Anna Banks

Review:
Galen is insistent on taking Emma away for some down time after the excitement and loses in book two, Of Triton. Galen is still reeling from the death of his best human friend and assistant, Rachel. Galen’s older brother, Grom, the King of Triton, is against Galen and Emma taking time off especially in the human world. But the Poseidon king, Emma’s grandfather, has directed Emma to take Galen to a particular ‘vacation’ spot in Tennessee.

Emma is delighted to discover that Neptune is a community of land dwelling Syrenas and Half-Breeds. Galen isn’t happy about the discovery because Half-Breeds, other than Emma, are not accepted by the ocean Syrena. Also, a local, charming young man, Reed, has an immediate attraction to Emma.

Unfortunately, Neptune isn’t completely the peaceful place it appears. Some of the inhabitants are intent on forcing the sea tribes of Syrena to accept the land tribes and Half-Breeds.  There is also a deceiving human who is setting traps with the goal to capture and expose the mer-people. Galen and Emma are surprised to find themselves as hostage targets by two different interests. First they need rescue and then they have to deal with human exposure and the problems that Neptune represents to the ocean world.

I enjoyed the underlying plot for the most part although some of the hostage attacks seemed rather “set up”. What really bothered me though was the hormonal attraction between Galen and Emma and the lame, unnecessary attempt at a  love triangle. Okay, I guess it’s to be expected in a YA story, but after the nice restraint in the first two books I find that a bit annoying. Suddenly the strong relationship and respect between Emma and Galen is spoiled with teenage lust, doubt and jealousy. Fortunately their passion and petty issues are way-laid by the activities in Neptune and ultimately the story ends well. Beyond the issues noted, I do recommend the full series as entertaining.

Audio Notes: Initially I was distracted by what sounded to me as "whining" narration. I didn’t remember having that trouble with book one and my audio notes in the review for Of Poseidon indicate that I wasn’t so effected. It took a few hours into this audio before the story took precedence over the narration. Rebecca Gibel’s voice is suitable for the YA characters so it was as much a content issue as voice issue I think that was distracting for me. I suggest that a reader listen to the audio sample and decide if they are comfortable.

I received this download from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox for an honest review.

Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Son of War, Daughter of Chaos by Janette Rallison

This is great reading entertainment with a conflicted YA love triangle in a different plotline.
Son of War, Daughter of Chaos
by Janette Rallison

• File Size: 1340 KB
• Print Length: 327 pages
• Publisher: Janette Rallison (July 2, 2014)
• ASIN: B00LHFO9V8

Genre: YA Fantasy, Thriller
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: July 2, 2014
Aislynn is accustomed to watching for the enemy. Her parents instructed her from the time she was young to look for people with the signs: greater than normal strength, eyes that can glow green, and the ability to jump long distances. Over the years, Aislynn has come to view her parents’ fears as quirks—things that get in the way of having a normal high school life.

When Aislynn’s mother dies under suspicious conditions, her father doubles his restrictions. But all his precautions can’t stop the boy with glowing green eyes from finding Aislynn. She realizes too late she’s been drafted into an ancient Egyptian war, whether she’s prepared or not.

Review:
Aislynn’s family has moved often to stay ahead of “the bad guys” she thinks might be hunting her eccentric, relic hunting, father. Aislynn is aware that some of her father’s work may be shady but she has no idea of the full extent of the family secrets until her teenage crush leads to exposure.

Dane is a gorgeous teen who is friends with Aislynn’s older brother, Randolf. Dane knows that he and his kind are the ancient enemies of Aislynn’s father and brother. Dane has a specific goal and has no intention of falling for Aislynn. He tries to avoid her but her beauty, brains and sweet innocence pull his attention.

Aislynn is thrilled when Dane seems interested in her. Her family has warned her to beware of people whose heartbeat is slower and who have green eyes. She thinks they are overprotective until Dane drugs her and she awakens to find him, with glowing green eyes, searching her brother’s room. Aislynn is quick to realize that with love comes betrayal and disillusion.

Aislynn, her father and brother flee in the usual pattern to a safe place in the Arctic. This time the enemy finds them and the camp is attacked by flesh eating scarabs. While struggling to survive and get to another safe home in Boston, Aislynn slowly learns some of her family background including that her mother and father are from different clans so Aislynn might have powers from both warring sides. When she arrives in Boston she learns some shocking news about her brother and new friends that puts her into a moral quandary.

Aislynn is resentful to learn that her father has made arrangements for her to meet and hopefully marry Jack, the young son of the Boston family that gives them refuge. Of course this is just one more thing her father didn’t get around to explaining. It is hard to resist Jack who is handsome, warm, charming, and attentive to a vulnerable girl.

But Dane is still on her trail and it isn’t clear if he wants to kill her or win her over to his side. She doesn’t want to be in a battle where those she loves are trying to kill each other but it doesn’t look like they will let her live a ‘normal’ life. What sacrifices might she make to protect those she loves?

I liked Aislynn’s smart character even though she is woefully naive and has been clearly allowed to fumble along without vital knowledge of her family background. I was impressed with the mythical ties and unique plot built around the clans.  Ms. Rallison uses wonderful detail to keep the history and characters consistent. There is plenty of action that keeps the story moving at a good pace. The writing is brisk and the story reads quickly. I was anxious to keep reading to discover how Aislynn would cope with each new secret and danger she faced.

I received this title for an honest review on blog tour. 

Blog Tour Schedule

Excerpt:

      An Egyptian tomb is only a good place to die if you happen to be the pharaoh for whom it was built. And maybe not even then. I didn’t intend to room with any of the deceased, which meant the sooner I got out of this place the better.     My flashlight swept over the figures on the mural in front of me. A feeling of danger and expectation clung to everything here, as thick as the dust. On the mural, a warrior with bright green eyes stared back at me. Horusian glowing eyes. I could almost see the smugness in his expression, an expression that said he was coming for me. Or at least his kind were.     Behind me, something creaked. Footsteps.

Author Janette Rallison

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Blog Tour Giveaway

$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 8/24/14

Also see BookBlast $50.00 Giveaway at THIS LINK.

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: Traitor's Knife (Five Gems) by E. Kaiser

This is an easy reading, action packed adventure tale.
Traitor's Knife (Five Gems)
by E. Kaiser

• File Size: 704 KB
• Print Length: 271 pages
• Publisher: Hearth Books; 1 edition (December 18, 2013)
• ASIN: B00DUEEVBC

Genre: YA Fantasy, Adventure
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: July 8, 2013
When the loyalist cause enlists the mountain house into a weaponry, apprentice Fia is confronted with three refugee children, a disturbingly upstart former messenger, and accidents happening everywhere. Are saboteurs out to nix the weapons works... or is it the incognito crown prince they're after?

Traitor's Knife continues where Jeweler's Apprentice ended, and nearly seventeen year old Fia Brithin from the foothills still has a lot to learn about the mountains, and the people now in them.

Review:
Fia is a young lady who has been given a rare position as an apprentice jeweler under the royal household. She has developed a special friendship with the beleaguered royal family and especially their sole surviving son, Ilido. Now it is important to keep Ilido safe, in disguise and hiding as a commoner.

Fia travels with other refugees, befriending small children who lost their father and have to leave their mother behind with a sick infant. There is also a ragged looking former messenger, who tries to charm Fia into friendship.  Willex will rival Ilido but the reader suspects that he is more rogue than charmer.

Arriving at another stronghold, Fia rejoins old friends and her jeweler mentor determines that Fia has a knack for serving as a spy as well as an apprentice. It seems that Fia is a good listener and few would suspect her of watching and listening for secrets. One of Fia’s sisters shows up asking too many questions and they distract her by convincing her to use her healing skills to help the injured. The children continue to help Fia and offer sweet amusement.

The king’s supporters try to rebuild their resources to stand against the armies of the Barons who are expected to come up the mountain but accidents are obstructing the project. Fortunately Fia is always in the right place to help save Ilido from repeated assassination attacks. There is intrigue, sneaking thieves, spies, traitors and danger. There are strong characters to like, some to question as to motives and then dislike as true villainy is revealed.

The story reads easily and moves along well for the most part. It opens with a good hook and I enjoyed the steady story and action. The setting has a medieval feel and there are wonderful, full descriptive scenes.  There is also a bit too much minutia of activity that lengthens the story without adding to the plot.

This is a second in a series and although there is some hint at intrigue that placed Fia and her sisters in connection with the royal family it is never clearly explained. There is also a scene involving a special mountain gem which seems like it should be more developed since the series is called 'Five Gems'. Traitor's Knife is still interesting and engaging despite this and I would be interested in reading the first book and then continuing to follow Fia’s adventures. I recommend this to readers, young and old, who enjoy good story telling with warm characters, secret intrigues and adventure.

I received this from the author for an honest review.