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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

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!

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!

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Pump Up Your Book

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Giveaways: Three Inspirational Titles - Sponsored by Thomas Nelson

This month I was blessed to read three Inspirational titles from Thomas Nelson.  Ms. Ruth offered to allow me to host a Giveaway for each book title!
There will be one winner per book: US or Canadian winner(s) gets choice of Print or eBook; International winner(s) would get an eBook.




    This story shares a solid mystery and a sweet romance.
    My review was posted here.

    Author Website: http://www.colleencoble.com/








    I liked the up beat tone of this story 
    even with the troubles present in the opening pages.







    This is an engaging story set in an Amish community 
    that explores issues of life-style choices and forgiveness.  
    Here is my review.

    Author Website:  http://kathleenfuller.com/



    ENTRY FORM FOR FAITHFUL TO LAURA


    ENTER USING THE FORM LINKS
    ENTER ANY OR ALL
    For 3 Extra Bonus visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.

    * This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on September 7, 2012.
    The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
    WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on September 8, 2012.
    Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.   

    Winners of A Little Mischief and Nipped in the Bud

    Sorry to be late announcing these winners. I almost forgot while I was busy getting ready for our trip.

    Congratulations to Winners of:
    Giveaway Ended August 24, 2012

    Barbara E.


    Giveaway Ended August 25, 2012


    Margaret

    Barbara and Margaret please fill in the Winner's Acceptance Form or email me at mesreads AT gmail.com to confirm the win and I will send out the book or let the publisher know.  Please reply within 72 hours!
    Thank you to all who entered. 

    Monday, August 27, 2012

    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!

    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!


    divider 13

    Pump Up Your Book

    Mailbox Monday August 27, 2012

    Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
    FOR AUGUST: the Mailbox Monday Tour host are the ladies at 5 Minutes for Books.

    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. 


    This was another good week for my book garden. How is yours doing?

    Review Titles
    I received four review books again this week: two print, one audio download and one pdf.

    Print:


    by Suzanne Anderson
    for Book Blast promo and
    review on September 4, 2012






    by Loree Lough
    Review on September 20, 2012
     Pump Up Your Book Tour



    by Hayden Trenholm
    AudioBook Download from Iambik





    and
    pdf:

    By Jill James
    Bewitching Book Tours
    September 10, 2012



    Wins
     
    No wins received or selected books this week.
    I still have some wins due in from the Coffee Anniversary Extravaganza hosted by Coffeetime and The Romance Studio I still need to select some more books but I haven't yet.


    Purchased
    None

    Free 
    Audio Sync - I think this is the last pair.
    August 23 – August 29, 2012
    The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera, Read by Jay Laga’aia (Bolinda Audio)
    The Call of the Wild by Jack London, Read by William Roberts (Naxos AudioBooks)


    I don't remember downloading Kindle titles this week.

    LinkWithin

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