Audio Book Review and Download Giveaway: Eathed, A Dragon's Tale by Troy Lee Henderson

This is a delightful, imaginative, short tale. 

Eathed, A Dragon's Tale

Troy Lee Henderson
Format: MP3 Download

Narrator: William Dufris

• Label: Mind Wings Audio
• Total Length: 1:18:00
• ASIN: B006QSXOHQ

Genre: Fantasy, Juvenile Fiction

My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0

The last of his kind, Eathed, an ancient dragon, has finally found a place to live out his last days peacefully. He is discovered by three young brothers hiding in a cave near their village. Few villagers believe there really is a dragon, so only an old knight, Sir Allistair Bayne, is sent to seek out the dragon. A battle ensues during which both knight and dragon fall in spectacular fashion. Simon takes pity on Eathed, and an unlikely friendship ensues.

Review:
This is a charming short story.
Eathed is a tired and bedraggled old dragon, the last of his kind. All he wants is peace and quite to rest out his last days. He thinks he has found a quiet spot until three young boys from a nearby village discover his cave.

The boys are frightened and race home to tell their father who takes them to the local authority. The Lord isn’t convinced that they really saw a dragon, but in caution he calls in an old knight who used to fight dragons. It so happens that the knight, Sir Allistair, is the boys’ grandfather. The eldest boy, Simon, talks Sir Allistair into allowing him to go along as his squire. The first visit is only supposed to be investigative but instead a rather disastrous battle ensues. Simon helps his injured grandfather home and comes back to check on the dragon. Simon is stunned when Eathed starts to talk to him and slowly they develop a friendship that pulls the listener in to share.

This gem is just over an hour long and it is completely engaging and entertaining. The story is imaginative and emotionally warm as well as offering a lesson on not stereotyping humans...or dragons. The narration is effective with a deep, resonant voice for the dragon, a young boy’s voice for Simon and an appropriately gruff, elderly voice for Sir Allistair. Drufis manages to convey the emotions of the scenes, whether excitement or sadness, with good tonal control and pacing.

This is the second short audio I have had the pleasure to review for Mind Wings Audio. If you want a short, quality listen I suggest you take a look through their offerings. You do not need an MP3 player to listen to this as you can download it to your computer and enjoy listening through Windows Media Player or other audio player. I am going to share the joy of listening to this delightful story by gifting a download to one lucky commenter.

Thank you to Mind Wings Audio for providing this download through the review program at Audiobook Jukebox.

I will add this to my New Authors and Audio challenge lists.

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for an MP3 Download:
1. Visit Mind Wings Audio site and tell me a story you might like to listen to. This is required for entry.

2.  For an extra entry, become a follower on any media (GFC, Twitter @MSEREADS, Facebook fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/ReviewsByMarthasBookshelf , Goodreads or Linky - links on right sidebar) or tell me if you are already a follower.

It isn't necessary to use separate entries unless you want them in different chronological order.
(Two total entries possible.)

* This contest is open WORLDWIDE.
* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on August 3, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED on August 4.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.   

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.

Guest Post: Knowing Your Story by Kaylin McFarren

Knowing Your Story

Guest Post shared by Kayling McFarren

I’ve come to the conclusion that the only way to write effectively about a subject matter you know very little about is to hit the stacks in the library, conduct interviews, read articles, watch documentaries and utilize the internet for pertinent information.  However, I’ve also discovered the best resource for creating dialogue, drama and memorable places is the environment we live in or just happen to visit. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate in being able to travel and have encountered multitudes of diverse personalities from all walks of life. Some of my vacations have taken me to third world countries where the distinct separation of classes ranged from waterway slums to block-long mansions. I’ve witnessed the birth of a child, the death of a parent and brother, missed opportunities and devastation resulting from unforeseen bankruptcy.In my lifetime, I’ve stood at graves, next to hospital beds, had many close calls and nearly drowned as a child. This is the stuff that makes great stories come to life – that turns them into real, compelling novels.

Recently it’s become my practice to keep a notebook handy as the best conversations occur in the most unlikely places. I might be traveling in a mass transit train, drinking in a pub or or standing in line at Safeway when aremarkable phrase or clever line is dropped, and I realize what a great addition it would make to that story percolating in my brain. When the moment finally presents itself, the scribbled note is right there at the end of my fingertips, begging for the right character to utter those words.  So the best piece of advice for knowing your story is simply to keep your thoughts in books, your ears peeled and your options always open.

About the Author:
As many people know, Kaylin McFarren wasn’t born with a pen in hand like so many of her talented fellow authors. However, she has been involved with business and personal writing projects for many years. Her careers have taken her in all directions, ranging from fashion modeling and interior design to office manager and art gallery director. Yet her love of reading and interest in creative writing has remained ever present. As a result of her tapping into her imagination and utilizing her own life experiences, she has earned more than a dozen literary awards. Her first novel, Flaherty’s Crossing was a 2008 finalist in the prestigious RWA® Golden Heart contest and her second book, Severed Threads, has already garnered two first place awards.
Kaylin is a member of RWA, Rose City Romance Writers, and Willamette Writers. She received her AA in Literature at Highline Community College, which originally sparked her passion for writing. In her free time, she also enjoys giving back to the community through participation and support of various educational organizations in the Pacific Northwest, and is currently the president of the Soulful Giving Foundation – a non-profit she and her husband formed to fund expanded research, and the care and treatment of cancer patients and their families.
Her latest book is a romantic suspense titled Severed Threads.
You can visit Kaylin online at www.KaylinMcFarren.com.
Twitter: www.twitter.com/4kaylin
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kaylin.mcfarren
Blog: http://kaylinmcfarren.wordpress.com/
About the Book:
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 own life, Rachel must not only overcome her greatest fears, but also relive the circumstances that lead to her father’s death.

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!

Mailbox Monday July 23, 2012

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR JULY: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is Mrs Q: Book Addict.

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 continues to grow! How about yours?

Review Titles

I received two Sourcebooks for October:
Sultry with a Twist by Macy Beckett

 and

Lady Louisa's Christmas Knight

by Grace Burrowes

From NetGalley I picked up three new titles which I will review in August:

Title:

The Uninvited

by Heather Graham

Title:

My Dead Friend Sarah

 by Peter Rosch

Title:

One Breath Away

by Heather Gudenkauf
I kept seeing this title at other blogs and I really want to read it!

Wins

I still have some wins due in from the Coffee Anniversary Extravaganza hosted by Coffeetime and The Romance Studio. And I need to select some more books this week; then I will post them. 

Purchased

My two Audible credits come up on the 19th each month. There was also a "paperback sale" going on so I picked up four other titles. :-)  These were my purchases:
Prince Charming (Ascension Trilogy) (Unabridged) by Gaelen Foley
Monster Hunter International (Unabridged) by Larry Correia
The Cloud Roads (Unabridged) by Martha Wells
Oath of Swords (Unabridged) by David Weber
Valor's Choice (Unabridged) by Tanya Huff
Dragon Bound (Unabridged) by Thea Harrison

Free 

I did download some free Kindle and Smashword books this past week.