Book Review: Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1) by Christi J. Whitney

This has unique elements and is an engaging story.
Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1)
by Christi J. Whitney

• File Size: 1302 KB
• Print Length: 400 pages
• Publisher: Harper Voyager (April 30, 2015)
• Sold by: HarperCollins Publishers
• ASIN: B00MT9E66E
• Genre: Paranormal, YA
• My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Book Description
Publication Date: April 30, 2015
Sebastian Grey dreams of a girl. But when she turns up at school, Sebastian realizes that this isn’t your average teenage fantasy.
Sebastian Grey always thought he was a fairly normal teenager – good friends, decent grades, and a pretty sweet job in his foster brother’s tattoo shop.
But when strangers arrive in town, Sebastian soon realizes that his world is nothing at all what it seemed. Secretive gypsies surround him, shadowy figures stalk him, and the girl he’s been dreaming about turns up at school.
Now Sebastian must protect this girl at all costs, even if it means he will never be normal again.

Review:
Sebastian has always been a quiet young man who has tried to lead a normal life. He enjoys his friends at school and looks forward to apprenticing at his foster brother’s tattoo shop. It doesn’t bother him that he doesn’t remember his life before he was adopted by a couple who left him with the elder ‘brother’, Hugo. But he is bothered by some strange dreams of a gypsy girl whom he struggles to protect.

Sebastian is startled when the girl of his dreams, Josephine, shows up at school and his compulsion to protect her intensifies. He is also troubled because his body is changing as though he is sick and his emotions have become strangely volatile. Hugo and his tattoo partners are keeping a close eye on him and finally explain to Sebastian that they are gypsies and that Sebastian has an important role in the family. They tell him to stay away from Josephine who is from a different clan, but they won’t give him more details.

The story has a bit of Romeo and Juliet family animosity, plus some other Shakespearean similarities that are well used. At first I found the teenage angst a bit trying but fortunately there are surprising elements in the story that kept my attention. I was frustrated that no one would talk straight with Sebastian even as they all wanted to manipulate him for their own uses. This works to keep Sebastian at odds, not knowing who he can trust when he most needs friends. Ms. Whitney manages to pull the reader into an emotional commitment with Sebastian. The romance with Josephine is a bit one sided considering she has a pre-arranged mate/boyfriend who, or course, takes an immediate dislike to Sebastian. But Josephine does seem to sense a special connection with Sebastian.

The writing flows well and I really enjoyed the unique issues of Sebastian’s character and circumstances. The author has presented a creative story and I will be interested to follow how Sebastian copes with his future challenges. I recommend this to readers who like a creative paranormal and are comfortable with some YA issues.

I received this title through NetGalley from the author for an honest review as part of Pump Up Your Book Tour. This is part of my NetGalley Challenge.

For More Information

• Grey is available at Amazon US and Amazon UK.
• Get it for your Nook at Barnes & Noble.
• Discuss this book at PUYB Virtual Book Club at Goodreads.
• Watch the book trailer here.
• Read Chapter One here.

AUTHOR:

Christi J. Whitney is a former high school theatre director with a love for the arts. She lives just outside Atlanta with her husband and two sons. When not spending time with them or taking a ridiculous number of trips to Disney World, she can be found directing plays, making costumes for sci-fi/fantasy conventions, obsessing over Doctor Who, watching superhero movies, or pretending she’s just a tad bit British.

Her latest book is the young adult urban fantasy novel, Grey(The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1).

For More Information

• Visit Christi J. Whitney’s website.
• Connect with Christi on Facebook and Twitter.
• Find out more about Christi at Goodreads.
• Visit Christi’s blog.
• Contact Christi.

Audible Review: Gabriel's Redemption: Evan Gabriel Trilogy, Book 1 by Steve Umstead

This is an action packed story including betrayal and conspiracy.

Gabriel's Redemption: Evan Gabriel Trilogy, Book 1

Written by: Steve Umstead

Narrated by: Ray Chase

Length: 7 hrs and 59 mins 

Series: Evan Gabriel, Book 1

Unabridged Audiobook

Release Date:12-27-13

Publisher: Podium Publishing

Genre: Sci Fi Contemporary, Military

My Rating 4.0 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary

"A cast of interesting and believable characters and a plot that kept me listening…I enjoyed the author's take on technology and the political landscape of the future. Definitely recommended!" (Michael R. Hicks, bestselling author of the In Her Name science-fiction/adventure series and the bestselling thriller Season of the Harvest).

North American Federation Navy Commander Evan Gabriel was dishonorably discharged after a disastrous mission on a far off world called Eden. He's spent the last five years hiding from his past, from those responsible for the failed mission, from those responsible for running him out of the Navy, and from those originally responsible for making him into who he was - a highly-trained, physically and mentally augmented Special Forces soldier.

Two mysterious visitors appear unannounced at the door of a Gabriel's seedy hotel room in the slums of Jamaica. His past has finally caught up with him. From the decaying Caribbean to politically charged South America, from the back alleys of Mars to a tiny colony on a planet 600 light years from Earth, Gabriel's Redemption is a near-future military science-fiction story of a personal journey seen from the perspective of a soldier who has lost everything - one who desperately needs to redeem himself not only in his government's eyes, but also his own. Interstellar action and political intrigue mix with one-on-one battles on the surface of a frozen planet in Book One of the science fiction-adventure trilogy.

©2011 Steve Umstead (P)2013 Podium Publishing

Review:
Gabriel is out of the service having been discharged for a failed mission. He believes he is living under the radar until two men arrive at his door to tell him he is being called back into service by the very commander whom he believed betrayed his team. Gabriel is offered a chance to redeem his career standing if he will agree to lead a unique unit to a mostly forgotten colony planet. He is shown evidence that the colonists are taking chemicals from living indigenous creatures of the planet. The chemical is then being shipped out as a drug that is causing havoc among civilized worlds, including military troops.

Gabriel meets his team a only a few hours before they ship out. They may be an elite group but he isn’t sure he can truly trust them all. The intel they are given tells them there are not many colonists and they have minimal weaponry. Also they should have the advantage of surprise coming in with steal and sending the most up to date probes to line the entry path.

But things are not as they appear. Another, more ruthless, mercenary team of criminal hiding on Mars, has been equipped to go in behind Gabriel’s team as a “clean up” crew. These men have an inside connection that is going to mean major trouble for Gabriel’s team.

Meanwhile a corrupt leader is conspiring with South American political rebels in a plot to overthrow current leaders. These pieces tie together if only Gabriel can survive and return to earth to reveal the proof of the conspiracy.

Events unfold at five different locations and with five different sets of characters which makes for a bit of confusion. However, if you persevere through the angles, there is great action and intrigue. I enjoyed getting to meet several team mates and hope that they might appear again. At least one important contact does remain on board for the next book. I recommend this series to readers who enjoy strong intrigue and military action.

Audio Notes: I soon re-acclimated to the voice of Ray Chase and became absorbed in the action. I am enjoying this series in audio format.

I owned the Kindle version so I was able to get the Audible at a reduced price in May with part of a $10.00 credit. :-). It adds to my Audio Challenge.

Audible Review: Gabriel: Zero Point: The FREE Prequel Novella: Evan Gabriel Trilogy by Steve Umstead

This is fast paced military action with a creative story.
Gabriel: Zero Point: The FREE Prequel Novella: Evan Gabriel Trilogy
Written by: Steve Umstead
Narrated by: Ray Chase

Length: 2 hrs and 43 mins
Series: Evan Gabriel, Book 0.5
Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:12-27-13
Publisher: Podium Publishing
Genre: Sci Fi Contemporary, Military
My Rating: 4.25 of 5.0

Publisher's Summary
Evan Gabriel wasn't always a feared and respected North American Federation Navy Commander. Before dangerous missions to the ice-bound planet of Poliahu, the deadly jungle world of Eden, and politically corrupt Mars, he was a simple recruit, fighting to make his mark in the elite Naval Special Forces…and was part of a top-secret military experiment that would change his life forever.
Zero Point tells the tale of a young man faced with difficult choices and dangerous trials. Fans of the series will see part of the mysterious past Evan Gabriel carries with him, while listeners new to the series get a preview of what is to come in a military man's haunted life. Zero Point is the true beginning of Evan Gabriel, and his story is just getting started.
©2012 Steve Umstead (P)2013 Podium Publishing

Review:
Gabriel was a young soldier in training whose high level skills caught the eyes of superiors, including a special recruiter. Gabriel has the right profile - no family and no real friends because his loyalty takes precedence over personal relationships. A tough Naval commander offers Gabriel the chance to become part of an elite division of the Naval Special Forces. Gabriel accepts even though he doesn’t have the full details.

Gabriel is delivered to a secret laboratory for special work to prepare for his new career. There he learns that he is about to become a ‘super soldier’ with physical and mental augmentation. He doesn’t get much time to consider the program before a sad technician/scientist thrusts him into a tank for the changes. When Gabriel awakens he finds himself at a zero point - reborn with powers he will have to get used to on the run. The technician is missing and there is a blood trail across the floor.

Gabriel sets out to find the girl and quickly faces multiple attackers, booby trapped hallways and wicked, multi-weaponed assassins. Gabriel suffers wounds that his new body works on healing internally. He successfully faces down all obstacles only to come face to face with a master enemy when he finally reaches the room and finds the technician.

I enjoyed the fast pace action and detailed military maneuvers that were described in this novella. I appreciated Gabriel’s background as the author develops his character. The reader also gets to meet certain military officials whom suspect I will be appearing in further books in the series. The story is direct and believable. I was pleased to have this as a free audio which did result in my purchase of the first full novel in the trilogy: Gabriel’s Redemption.

Audio Notes: It took just a little time to get used to the deep soft voice of the narrator. Ray Chase does a good job presenting the story with intensity that portrays the personalities of the characters. It was nice that this was a quick listen, under three hours, to garner interest in the series. It also included the beginning of book 1 which I enjoyed until I downloaded that book. I recommend this on audio as a quick, exciting listen.

I downloaded this free prequel at Audible. This is part of my Audio Challenge. It is also G on Alphabet Soup Challenge.

Winners: April 24 2015 Through May 22, 2015

This brings the winner list up to date for now. :-)
The Winners can always be found listed on the Giveaway page and they are shown in the sidebar for a week or so after announced.
Some of these are tour wins so winners can check the rafflecopter announcements on those giveaway posts.

***ALL WINNERS at MBS: Please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form AND if you want you can email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will arrange the mailing or notify the publishers. I am now asking for mailing info in the giveaway forms so I can mail the books even if I don't hear from the winner.
[I ask that all winner's fill in the form as it helps me keep track of when I have completed the mail outs or notice to the publishers rather than tracking individual emails. But of course -- feel free to email me too! :-)]

CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL WINNERS!

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

Giveaway Ended April 24, 2015

Giveaway: Before the Scarlet Dawn: Daughters of the Potomac - Book 1 by Rita Gerlach
Print US-WINNER: MEREDITH


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Giveaway Ended May 7, 2015

Giveaways: Fringe Benefits (The Ladies Who Lunch) by Sandy James; 
Rafflecopter: check Rafflecopter
eBook giveaway: WINNER: BOOKLADY

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Giveaway Ended May 8, 2015

Giveaways: Sinfully Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott
Rafflecopter ended: 5/3/15 - See Rafflecopter for winners.
Print giveaway WINNER: CAROL L


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Giveaway Ended May 12, 2015

Tour Giveaway: Ride: BBW Paranormal Shape Shifter Romance (Puca Mates Short Book One)
Rafflecopter ended 5/12. Check Rafflecopter for Winner.


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Giveaway Ended May 15, 2015

Blog Tour Giveaway: The Brass Giant: A Chroniker City Story by Brooke Johnson
Rafflecopter ended: 5/15/15 Check Rafflecopter for winners



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Giveaways Ended May 22, 2015

Tour Giveaway: Once Upon a SEAL (Lucky Thirteen Book 5) by S.M. Butler
Rafflecopter Ended 5/22 - Check Rafflecopter for Winners.


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Giveaway: Cassidy (Big Sky Dreams Book 1) by Lori Wick
Print WINNER: SUZANNE K

It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 25, 2015

This meme starts at Book Journey! My prayers continue for Sheila as she struggles to regain her footing in a world forever changed for her family. I am glad to see she is reading and blogging a bit.


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.

I plan to take time Monday to remember our Service men and women and give thanks for all they do.
Can you believe it is almost the end of May?  My office is still busy. We have a massive State Data Call due June 1 that we have been working on and will upload this week.

My reading was good if not alot. I only finished two books, one ebook and one audio.   I posted three reviews (one with giveaway) and posted the usual memes. :-)

I visited early in the week but then had computer troubles again as well as being tired at night.
Thanks as always to all the nice people who visit me.

These were last week's posts:

• It's Monday! What are You Reading? Plus Mailbox Monday May 18, 2015.

• Audio Book Review: When Death Loved an Angel by Cheree L Alsop; Fantasy, Sci Fi; my rating 4.5. 

• Book Review and Tour Giveaway: Once Upon a SEAL (Lucky Thirteen Book 5) by S.M. Butler; Contemporary Romance; my rating 4.0. Rafflecopter Ended 5/22/2015.

• Book Review: Letters to the Lost by Iona Grey; Historic Romance, Romance; my rating 4.5.

• Martha's Bookshelf***Friday Pick Giveaway May 22, 2015. Open Worldwide. Ends 5/28/2015.

• Sharing Beyond Books #204 Comment Giveaway 5/23/15; Open Worldwide. Ends 5/302015.

• Sunday Words of Encouragement May 24, 2015.

Finished Reading:

1. Audible

Virgin River
Written by: Robyn Carr
Narrated by: Therese Plummer
This was an enjoyable listen.
I won't get this review posted until next week due to three scheduled blog tours this week. 
Click on book title for full description.

2. Kindle

Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1)
by Christi J. Whitney
This has unique elements and is an engaging story.
I will post the review on May 27 as part of Pump Up Your Book Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: April 30, 2015
Sebastian Grey dreams of a girl. But when she turns up at school, Sebastian realises that this isn’t your average teenage fantasy.
Sebastian Grey always thought he was a fairly normal teenager – good friends, decent grades, and a pretty sweet job in his foster brother’s tattoo shop.
But when strangers arrive in town, Sebastian soon realizes that his world is nothing at all what it seemed. Secretive gypsies surround him, shadowy figures stalk him, and the girl he’s been dreaming about turns up at school.
Now Sebastian must protect this girl at all costs, even if it means he will never be normal again.

Currently reading:

1. eBook/Kindle

The Clockwork Crown (Clockwork Dagger Novels Book 2)
by Beth Cato
I am about 25% in this and enjoying it.
I will post my review on May 29
as part of Pump Up Your Book Tour.
Book Description
Publication Date: June 9, 2015
Rich in atmosphere, imagination, and fun, the action-packed, magic-filled sequel to The Clockwork Dagger is an enchanting steampunk fantasy, evocative of the works of Trudi Canavan and Gail Carriger.

Narrowly surviving assassination and capture, Octavia Leander, a powerful magical healer, is on the run with handsome Alonzo Garrett, the Clockwork Dagger who forfeited his career with the Queen’s secret society of spies and killers—and possibly his life—to save her. Now, they are on a dangerous quest to find safety and answers: Why is Octavia so powerful? Why does she seem to be undergoing a transformation unlike any witnessed for hundreds of years?

The truth may rest with the source of her mysterious healing power—the Lady’s Tree. But the tree lies somewhere in a rough, inhospitable territory known as the Waste. Eons ago, this land was made barren and uninhabitable by an evil spell, until a few hardy souls dared to return over the last century. For years, the Waste has waged a bloody battle against the royal court to win its independence—and they need Octavia’s powers to succeed.

Joined by unlikely allies, including a menagerie of gremlin companions, she must evade killers and Clockwork Daggers on a dangerous journey through a world on the brink of deadly civil war.

2. eBook/Kindle

Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street)
by Cara Elliott
I really enjoyed the first two books and am looking forward to this.
Review and Giveaway to post on May 30. I received this from Hachette/Forever.
Proper young ladies of the ton-especially ones who have very small dowries-are not encouraged to have an interest in intellectual pursuits. Indeed, the only things they are encouraged to pursue are eligible bachelors. So, the headstrong Sloane sisters must keep their passions a secret. Ah, but secret passions are wont to lead a lady into trouble . . .
PASSIONATELY YOURS
With her older sisters both happily married, Caro Sloane yearns for a romantic adventure of her own. Unfortunately the muddy, sulfur-scented waters of Bath seem the least likely setting for love or excitement. But the aspiring young poet soon finds inspiration when she runs into a familiar-and achingly handsome-Scottish laird.
Visiting Bath with his sickly sister, Alec McClellan is shocked to be reunited with Caro Sloane. He hasn't been able to forget the English beauty since their brief but exhilarating first meeting. But Bath is not nearly as serene as it appears, and soon Alec must protect Caro from a danger that threatens to extinguish the sparks flying between them. Little does he know that a bit of danger is exactly what Caro is looking for . . .

3. Print

The Cancer Solution: Taking Charge of Your Life with Cancer
by Jack C. Westman M.D. M.S.
I am now 3/4 of the way through this.
I am taking time to digest the information.
I received this for review through The Cadence Group.
Click on book title for full description.

4. Audible/MP3

The Tempting of Thomas Carrick: The Cynster Novels, Book 21
Written by: Stephanie Laurens
Narrated by: Matthew Brenher
I am enjoying the beginning of this story.
I selected this title through Audiobook Jukebox.
Publisher's Summary
What happens when fate, love, and passion collide?
The number one New York Times best-selling author Stephanie Laurens returns to Scotland with a tale of two lovers irrevocably linked by destiny and passion.
Thomas Carrick is a gentleman driven to control all aspects of his life. As the wealthy owner of Carrick Enterprises, located in bustling Glasgow, he is one of that city's most eligible bachelors and fully intends to select an appropriate wife from the many young ladies paraded before him. He wants to take that necessary next step along his self-determined path, yet no young lady captures his eye, much less his attention - not in the way Lucilla Cynster does, even though she lives miles away.
For over two years, Thomas has avoided his clan's estate because it borders Lucilla's home, but disturbing reports from his clansmen force him to return to the countryside - only to discover that his uncle, the laird, is ailing, a clan family is desperately ill, and the clan healer is unconscious and dying. Duty to the clan leaves Thomas no choice but to seek help from the last woman he wants to face.
Strong-willed and passionate, Lucilla has been waiting - increasingly impatient - for Thomas to return and claim his rightful place by her side. She knows he is hers - her fated lover, husband, protector, and mate. He is the only man for her, just as she is his one true love. And, at last, he's back. Even though his returning wasn't on her account, Lucilla is willing to seize whatever chance fate hands her.
Thomas can never forget Lucilla, much less the connection that seethes between them, but to marry her would mean embracing a life he's adamant he does not want.
Lucilla sees that Thomas has yet to accept the inevitability of their union. But how can he ignore a bond such as theirs - one so much stronger than reason?
©2015 Savdek Management Proprietary Limited (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

5. eBook/Kindle

FORTUNE'S DETOUR: Prequel of THE DEKA SERIES
by Abigail Schwaig
I started this and then looked at my schedule and realized I needed to read books due for review so this is on hold till the end of the week.
I received this from the Author at EPICon 2015.
Click on book title for full description.

5/3/15- I am up to date on Bible reading but not the daily Devotions. I am only reading those sporadically.
I am reading The One Year Bible again along with my husband and others from our church. I am also listening to the companion commentary online. -- Really enjoying my Bible reading. It seems my eyes are open to more details and meaning. To go a step beyond the Bible reading I am also reading Jesus Daily 365 Interactive Devotions.

May Scheduled -
No specific date: The Cancer Solution by Jack C. Westman
5/27/15 Tour Review Grey (The Romany Outcasts Series, Book 1) by Christi J. Whitney
5/28/15 Tour Review The Clockwork Crown (Clockwork Dagger Novels Book 2) by Beth Cato
5/30/15 Tour Review and Giveaway: Passionately Yours (The Hellions of High Street) by Cara Elliott

I posted three reviews last week which still left two audios that I plan to post together. I also have three tour titles to post this week.
I still have have three NetGalley titles for tours, two of which will post this week, and two separate selections.  I hope to get to a TBR eBook again next week.

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.

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) and after a tour of hosts has returned to its permanent home at Mailbox Monday. Thanks to the ladies sharing hosting duties: Leslie of Under My Apple Tree, Serena of Savvy Verse & Wit and Vicki of I'd Rather Be at the Beach. Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists. 

I received two review titles this week and one print win.
Of course I downloaded more free kindle titles to my library.
Oops! I keep forgetting to include the SYNC YA Audiobooks - there are really great pairings!
(Although I have gotten to a couple, I still have many author requests, old and new ones, to consider and reply to.)
Are your mailbox and TBR piles blooming?

Review Titles

Received from the author for tour with Pump Up Your Book for Review 6/17:

The Ark
by Laura Liddell Nolen
There’s a meteor headed for Earth, and there is only one way to survive.

Received from Blackstone Audio through Audiobook Jukebox.

Diamond Rings are Deadly Things: The Wedding Planner Mysteries, Book 1
Written by: Rachelle J. Christensen
Narrated by: Kirsten Potter
This looks like a fun Cozy Mystery
although it is described as Romantic Suspense..
"With a delightful blend of mystery, toe-curling kisses, humor, and spine-tingling thrills, Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things is a romantic suspense novel that will keep you listening long into the night."

Won

I won this title at a COYER Giveaway from Kristen at
The Book Monsters
The win was a choice of print book under $15.00
I am not sure where I saw this title but it caught my eye but it looked like a good Romantic Suspense.
DO NOT TELL ME NO (Intrepid Women Book 1)
by Kathryn Jane
Thank you Kristen!

Purchased

I resisted again this week. :-)

Free

Free Downloads from AudioFile SYNC 2015.

Dodger
by Terry Pratchett
Read by Stephen Briggs

Great Expectations

by Charles Dickens

Read by Anton Lesser

Over the past week I added 42 free Kindle titles to my library - again I had a lot of the offered titles. Titles found linked through Bookbub, Bookfun, Ereader News Today, Free Par-tay, Ignite Your Book, Inspired Reads, Pixel of Ink or Kindle ebooks.