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: Code Name Verity by Elizabeth E. Wein

I found this story quite engaging and remarkable and am very glad I picked it up through NetGalley.

Code Name Verity  

by Elizabeth E. Wein

• File Size: 904 KB
• Print Length: 354 pages
• Page Numbers Source ISBN: 0385676549
• Publisher: Disney Hyperion (May 15, 2012)
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services
• Language: English
• ASIN: B007Y7UVHE

Genre: Historical Fiction
My Rating: 4.75 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: May 15, 2012
When “Verity” is arrested by the Gestapo, she's sure she doesn’t stand a chance. As a secret agent captured in enemy territory, she’s living a spy’s worst nightmare. Her Nazi interrogators give her a simple choice: reveal her mission or face a grisly execution. But will trading her secrets be enough to save her from the enemy? 

Review:
As the book editor intro says: This is a story about friendship, hope and survival.  The book is designated as reading for 9-12 grades and I would say it would be wonderful for those grades but it is wonderful for adults too.

The story is about two young women who are best friends during World War II. “Verity” is a Scottish aristocrat, aka Queenie, and she and her brother, Jamie, are part of the war effort. Maddie is from the working class and has a knack for mechanics and navigation. Verity is a WAAF (Women’s Auxiliary Air Force) wireless operator and Maddie is a part of the civilian Air Transport Auxiliary.  Maddie is an excellent amateur pilot with more experience than many of the young boys going off in the RAF. Women are not yet accepted as war or night time pilots although those around Maddie quickly realize that she is better than many of the official pilots. They indulge her and in fact challenge her to fly several dangerous missions in spite of her great fear of guns and bombs.

The remarkable thing about this story is that it is told through journal entries. Verity is to be flown at night into France for a crucial mission. Her pilot fails to arrive and Maddie is pulled in to make the flight. They are hit by gunfire and Verity has to bail before Maddie attempts a crash landing. Verity is caught almost immediately and begins a series of confessions to stay alive in the German headquarters at Oramie, located in the once beautiful hotel known as the Chateau de Bordeaux.

The first half of the book is Verity’s written confessions, revealing wire operator codes, airplanes and air field locations woven through her description of how she met Maddie, how their friendship developed and how it came about that they crashed. Verity’s writing efforts, between torture and threats, are overseen by a German doctor, Fraulein Engel, who translates the papers for the leader, Captain von Loewe. At points Verity’s entries are rambling, sometimes bold and abusive regarding her enemies and captors, sometimes self-deprecating, bemoaning her own cowardice, and sometimes despairing her own fate and that of Maddie.

The second part of the book are Maddie’s journal notes. She describes her crash, how she is hidden with a resistance family and how the mission is handled once they learn that Verity has been captured. There are surprises, twists and unexpected connections.  The story espresses joy in loyal friendships, bravery in times of duress and strength through tragedy.

The writing style is easy to read. Although torture and atrocities are implied there are only a few truly brutal descriptions; nothing that older students couldn’t handle. The first few pages took a bit to orient but once I realized where Verity was and what she was doing I was completely engaged.  There is emotion and excitement that move at a good pace. I appreciated the literary technique used by Ms. Wein as well as the visual portrait of the war and resistance dangers she is able to paint in words.

I haven't read a lot of fiction or nonfiction about WWII and this book is a good step into that era, especially as it relates to female involvement in perhaps peripheral (not front line battles), but still very important, war efforts. You do not have to be a 'war buff' to enjoy this story which is more about personal dreams, losses and relationships in a war-time setting.  Definitely worth the reading!

I selected this to review through NetGalley.
I will add this to my TBR and New Author reading challenges.

Audible Book Review: Her Royal Spyness by Rhys Bowen

This was a fun listen even though I felt that some of it was far-fetched.

Her Royal Spyness

• UNABRIDGED
• by Rhys Bowen
• Narrated by Katherine Kellgren
•   Series: Royal Spyness, Book 1 

Genre: Cozy Mystery

My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

        
Publisher's Summary
 Georgie, aka Lady Victoria Georgiana Charlotte Eugenie, cousin of King George V of England, is penniless and trying to survive on her own as an ordinary person in London in 1932.

So far she has managed to light a fire and boil an egg... She's gate-crashed a wedding... She's making money by secretly cleaning houses... And she's been asked to spy for Her Majesty the Queen.

Everything seems to be going swimmingly until she finds a body in her bathtub... and someone is definitely trying to kill her.

Review:
Lady Victoria Georgiana, aka Gerogie, is a cousin of the King and in line ... about 34 people back... to become ruler. Unfortunately her family has been impoverished by her father’s reckless habits. Although Georgie is close to her brother, Binky, the Duke, her sister-in-law is ready for her to be married off and move out.  When Georgie’s eavesdropping reveals that the Queen wants her brother to host a party to push her toward’s one of the lesser impressive Princes, Georgie decides to escape their Scottish Castle to run off to London.

Georgie sets off without servants for the trip or the London home.  She quickly realizes she is in trouble since she doesn’t know how to cook or even light the fire.  She visits her commoner grandfather who is willing to show her some basic survival skills.

Georgie meets a handsome, penniless Irishman rogue, Darcy, who begins to encourage her to join him in party crashing as she adds prestige to his charm.  Her man hungry best friend, Belinda, suggests Georgie might have an extra good time with Darcy but her childhood step-brother, playmate, Tristan, keeps warning her away.

Georgie is determined to make her own way and works hard to try to find a job she can handle, even if it means cleaning other people’s houses under an assumed identity. Exposure of that venture would be disastrous to the family reputation. Binky comes to town to meet with a Frenchman who claims their father lost the family estate in a game of chance. This is distressing enough but matters become worse when the man turns up dead in the bathtub. As the days go by and Georgie narrowly escapes several ‘accidents’ she begins to suspect that someone is trying to kill her in addition to framing her or her brother for murder.

Georgie has already been given a spying assignment by the Queen so it is not too surprising when Georgie finally becomes angry and frustrated enough to charge off on her own to try to find the culprit responsible for the attacks on her.  Of course that only jumps the fat from the pan to the fire.

The narrator, Katherine Kellgren, does a charming job with the British and Irish accents, wonderfully intoning the British aristocracy and the Irish irreverence. There is a lightness to the reading that enhances the fun dialogue.

Even though I thought that some of the actions were less than plausible, I enjoyed the mystery and the fun characters. This was the first book I read by Rhyes Bowen but it won’t be the last. I want to know more about Georgie’s escapades and will read more in this series.

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

I will add this to my TBR, Mystery and Audio Challenge Lists.

Mailbox Monday June 25, 2012

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR JUNE: the Mailbox Monday Tour host has been updated to Burton Book Review.

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs.  This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 

My book garden is steadily growing! How about yours?

Review Titles

Audio CD No One Left to Tell by Karen Rose;
to review for Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox

Two Sourcebooks Print books for September

 Kiss of Steel by Bec McMaster

                 

 and When you give Duke a Diamond

                               by  Shana Cale

 Wins

No new wins but I am still receiving wins from the Coffee Anniversary Extravaganza hosted by Coffeetime and The Romance Studio. In addition to the Nook I won all of the items noted below. I have received so far the nine that are highlighted. I still haven't had a chance to pick out any books yet.

Publisher Prizes (To go along with the ereaders)

Week 1 - received 7  in bold  

Week 2 - received 2 in gold

 

Soul Mate Publishing –  $25 gift certificate
J. Taylor Publishing –
Darkness & Light by J.A. Belfield
Little White Lies by Aimee Laine
The Glass Man by Jocelyn Adams
Into the Unknown by all three of the above authors
Instinct by J.A. Belfield
Touch of Frost by Jocelyn Adams
Hide & Seek by Aimee Laine
The P.U.R.E. by Claire Gillian
and we'll include Tidal Whispers by Jocelyn Adams, Julie Reece, Clair GIllian and Kelly Said as well (it releases June 4th).
Ellora’s Cave -    5 eBooks of the Winner’s Choice
The Wild Rose Press - $25 gift certificate
Books for a Buck – Gift Certificate for $11.97
eXtasy Books - $5.00 gift certificate
Eternal Press/Damnation Books- ???
Untreed Reads - $15.00 gift certificate
Torquere Press - $15 gift certificate
Liquid Silver – 2 books
Changeling Press – Free books for a month at ChangelingPress.com (2 books a week for 4 weeks)
Total E-Bound – ???
Champagne Books – Gift Certificate
Carnal Passions – Gift Certificate
BURST - Gift Certificate
JMS Books - $25 gift certificate
Inspired Romance Novels – 3 books, winners choice
Red Rose Publishing - $25 gift certificate
Loose Id – $10 gift certificate to each
Beachwalk Press – eBooks of  Barely Dreaming by Stephanie Beck (Fantasy Romance), Soul Dancer by Aurora Rose Lynn (Science Fiction Romance/Interracial Romance) Fool Me Once by Lacey Wolfe (Erotic Contemporary Romance)
Gypsy Shadow Publishing – 50% off for the winners
Black Velvet Seduction – 3 eBooks (winner’s choice) 

Purchased

No purchases this past week.

Free

I did spend one evening picking up some free Kindle books last week.

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? June 25, 2012

This meme starts at Book Journey!

What Are You Reading, is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week. It is a great way to network with other bloggers, see some wonderful blogs, and put new titles on your reading list.

My reading felt rather sparse this week with interruptions and piece meal reading although I did finishing three books. I posted five book reviews, two with giveaways, and an author interview.  I also posted the regular Friday Pick Giveaway, Saturday Sharing Beyond Books Comment Giveaway and Sunday Words. 

I got to visit some other sites mid-week but not enough time with family issues.
Thanks as always to the nice people who visited me.

These were last week's posts plus Winner post not listed.

• It's Monday What are You Reading? June 18, 2012.

• Monday Mailbox June 18, 2012.

• Book Review: Kidnapped by Maria Hammarblad; Sci Fi Romance; my rating 4.5. 

• Interview with Maria Hammarblad.

• Book Review and Giveaway Link: The Covenant (The Samsara Chronicles Book 3)  by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley; Science Fiction; my rating 4.25.

• Book Review with Giveaway of related series book: Deadly Dance by Dee Davis; Romantic Suspense; my rating 4.0.

•  Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway June 22, 2012.  Open Worldwide.  Ends 6/28.

• Audio Book Review: Whisper II: The Books by Terry Rich Hartley; Psychological Thriller; my rating 4.25.

• Sharing Beyond Books #54 Comment Giveaway.  Open Worldwide. Ends 6/29.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement June 24, 2012.

Finished Reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

Deadly Dance

by Dee Davis

This is an author that is on my 'Always Read' list.

The review and giveaway of related is linked above.

Read for Hachette through NetGalley.

2. Audio
 

Whispers II

by Terry Rich Hartley

This was a chilling good quick listen. 
Review is linked above.

Listened for Mind Wings Audio through AudioBook Jukebox. 

3. eBook/Kindle

Code Name Verity 

by Elizabeth E. Wein

This was very engaging and 
I will post the review this week.

Reading through NetGalley.

Line Edits/Releases: I hope to have two books complete soon.

Currently reading:

1. Audible
 

Timeless: The Parasol Protectorate, the Fifth

• UNABRIDGED
• by Gail Carriger
• Narrated by Emily Gray
• Series: Parasol Protectorate, Book 5

I am not too far into this; it seemed to have started slowly. 
    

 2. eBook/Kindle
 

Itineras (The Samsara Chronicles Book 4)  

by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley

This is continuing the Chronicles.
Review to post 6/28 for Pump Up Your Book

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.

3.  Print
 

The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine

Jayne Fresina

Just started and this has a light-hearted beginning.

Reading for Sourcebooks - June Release.

Book Description

Publication Date: June 5, 2012

"A scintillating debut...as addictive as chocolate."—Mia Marlowe, author of Touch of a Rogue

"Wanted: one husband, not too particular. Small dowry, several books, sundry furnishings, and elderly aunt included. Idlers, time-wasters, and gentleman without other attachments need not apply."—Miss Sophie Valentine

A SCANDALOUS LADY

Sophie Valentine knew placing an ad for a husband in the Farmers Gazette would bring her trouble-and she was right. When the darkly handsome, arrogantly charming Lazarus Kane shows up on her doorstep, the nosy residents of Sydney Dovedale are thrown into a gossiping tizzy. After all, it's common knowledge that Sophie is a young lady In Need of Firmer Direction. But even Sophie isn't so scandalous as to marry a complete stranger. .. is she?

SEEKS HANDSOME STRANGER

Lazarus Kane has been searching for Sophie half of his life. She may not remember him, but he could never forget her. But the past is a dangerous thing, and it's best if his remains secret if he wants to tempt Sophie with ...

A MOST IMPROPER PROPOSAL

4. Print
 

Flabbergasted: A Novel

by Ray Blackston

This is our Ladies' Book Club pick for June 30.

Book is home and I am still away but I will start soon.

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2010

When Flabbergasted stormed on the scene in 2003, the reviews came fast and furious: "Good writing and an ample dose of humor make this as charming as Bridget Jones's Diary from the male point of view."--Library Journal "Blackston's novel will tickle your literary taste buds with a relational gumbo of quirky characters."--Christian Book Previews "Amazing. A novel that is simultaneously serious, hilarious, and impossible to put down."--The Dallas Morning News "With a colorful cast of quirky characters and a plot full of surprises, this is one of the feel-good novels of the year."--CCM Now this summertime favorite about a single stock broker looking for love in the murky waters of the southern church singles scene is repackaged with a hot new look.

5. Print

In the Doctor's Bed

by Brenda Jackson

I am 75% done 
but have to wait to get home to finish this.

I am reading this for Harlequin Survey.

Book Description - click on title

Publication Date: August 1, 2011

I am again listening to The Listener's Bible NIV read by Max McLean. 

[Reading and listening on my new MP3.]

Instead of studying with the Tyndall One Year Bible this year I am studying with Through the Bible in One Year by Alan B. Stringfellow. It is a Study that I used for teaching back in around 1989 so I will enjoy it again. This week's reading is --- I'll check when I get home.

Line Edits: Working on finishing a format; still working on final adjusts on book conversions to upload to Kindle/Smashwords.

I am enjoying my June reading.  I've already read 17 for the month; I will do 4-5 this week, leaving two to move into July. Definitely a busy month posting reviews. :-)

Scheduled for June:

6/28 Itineras by Diana Kemp and Gabriella Bradley - Review for Pump Up Your Book
6/30 Flabbergasted: A Novel by Ray Blackston - Ladies' Book Club  

June but Unscheduled: 
Sourcebooks
The Most Improper Miss Sophie Valentine by Jayne Fresina
Thoroughly Kissed by Kristine Grayson (NetGalley)

Other NetGalley Review choices:

Audio

Hachette
Grand Central Station
Lethal Rider by Larissa Ione

I also hope to read a couple of Won books this month too.

[To be posted - I am setting these up for interview/feature days.
These were read and ready for reviews for Authors.
Quest for Magic by Jean Hart Stewart - Read; review to be posted with interview.
Seeing for the First Time (What You See is What You Get) and To See (What You See is What You Get) by Nicole Zoltack - Both Read; setting up author interview with reviews.]