Sunday, July 29, 2018

REVIEW Amy Bartelloni GEN ONE

Title: GEN ONE
Author: Amy Bartelloni
Genre: Upper YA science fiction
Cover Designer: Covers by Christian
Editor: Toni Rakestraw
Publication Date: July 29th, 2018
Blurb:
Generations after robots conquered Earth, the remaining population survives in the ash of their defeat. Within their walls in Authority City, bots test and develop super soldiers. Rumors of horrible experiments are enough to keep humans in line. At least, most humans.
Eighteen-year-old Delilah O’Connor scavenges the ruins with her friend Zane, and Gen, a generation one bot they repaired off the grid. Gen’s curiosity gives Delilah hope for the future, but not enough hope to go against the Authority. She finds Zane’s dreams of a human resistance pointless, and it’s enough to keep their on-and-off relationship mostly off.
When they discover two dead guards in a shady trading stop known as the Banks, everything changes. Framed for the murders and pursued by Authority bots, Zane takes Delilah to the only safe space he knows—the headquarters for the Human Coalition. Even there Zane isn’t safe. When he’s captured, Delilah and Gen must join an unlikely alliance of bot and human to go in to Authority City and save him before he becomes another casualty. Things in Authority City aren’t as they seem, they’re worse. And Delilah might lose more than her friend within its walls.

Review:
[Flora]

I was pleasantly surprised by this first in a series book.  Usually first books are not exciting because they need to set up the backgrounds of the characters and setting.  This one did that and so much more. The book pulls you in with the family just before an invasion of Earth.  The heroes are a strong female character, Delilah and a rebel spirited male character, Zane and the most human robot I have ever read, Gen.  The story tells of the invasion of the world in which the humans live in fear of their overlords.  The fear of terrible crimes against humanity and missing people among the citizens make it hard to rally up a rebel and even worse to have a romance.  I was intrigued by these people and their lives.  I am so looking forward to the next book in this series. I would recommend this series to seven grade level or higher reading level children.  The theme of how to survive balanced with wanting freedom is an interesting concept.  I found the story adventurous and romantic and thoughtfully written and I look forward to the next book.  What will happen to our heroes and the world? 

Rating :
Amazon/Goodreads Rating: 4/5
In Patti's Imagination Rating: 7/10

Amy Bartelloni is a reader, writer, coffee addict, & musical lover who lives with her husband, 3 children, and various animals in the northeast US. When she's not playing mom-taxi, you can find her with her nose in a book or her head in the clouds. A people watcher and science fiction junkie, she still believes dreams can come true. The author of the Andromeda series with Limitless Publishing, (Andromeda, Orion's Curse, and the Scorpio Project), and contributor to Prep for Doom, Tricks, Treats, and Zombies, and 13: Resurrected, some of her favorite authors include Neil Gaiman, Jasper Fforde, Paulo Coelho, and Stephen King.
Author Links:
Buy Links:
Gen’s shoulders slumped.  “Biological experiments.  Merging humans and robots.  Creating, essentially, a new species.  Delilah...”  She looked up and met Delilah’s eyes. She had always thought it was hard to read Gen’s emotions.  Her engineering made it possible for her to cover what she was thinking, but not now.  Fear was written all over her face.  Gen even paled.  When had that been added to her programming? “They’re experimenting with souls.  They think if we can merge human and robots, we can take it from you, somehow.  Souls.  Humanity.”
            The look of abject misery on Gen’s face was more than Delilah could bear.  She walked back to the table, angled the wiggly chair so she was sitting right across from Gen, and sat down so close their knees touched.
            She knew the debate.  According to the stories, it was one of the reasons for the bots and humans to go to war.  That bots weren’t real.  That they were a construct, and thus, had no soul.  The fact that the new bots were all attached to a central command, so to speak, made them mindless machines.  But they didn’t have to be.  Gen was proof of that.  She took Gen’s hand and curled their fingers together.  There was no difference. Flesh was flesh.  Born, or created.
            “You have a soul,” Delilah said, quietly.  She’d never come out and said it, but she knew it in her heart to be true.  Gen was as much a person as she was.  The realization had come on her slowly, after living with Gen and seeing the bot learn to handle human emotions: anger, pride, even love.  These last few days had cinched it for her.
            A single tear streamed down the bot’s cheek, it’s salty makeup configured so as not to affect her systems.  Gen pulled her hand back and wiped it.  “We don’t even know if you have a soul,” the bot joked, the humor returning to her eyes.  It was true, no matter how many experiments they did, the idea of a soul was theoretical, at best.  No one could prove or disprove it.
            “Gen,” Delilah leaned in, “whatever it is that makes us human.  You have it.  I’m not sure why the bots are trying to experiment with humans when they had it right the first time.  Your independence.  Your curiosity.  Your sense of right and wrong.  Your spirit of adventure.”
            Gen made a noise somewhere between a laugh and a hiccup, and Delilah continued.  “And I consider you more than a friend.  You’re a sister.” They both stood and Gen pulled her into a hug.

Saturday, July 28, 2018

REVIEW Alex Lidell TRACING SHADOWS


Author: Alex Lidell

Narrator: Hayden Daviau

Length: 6 hours and 21 minutes

Serie: Scout Series, Book 1

Publisher: Danger Bearing Press

Released: May 21, 2018

Genre: YA Fantasy


To protect the throne, 17-year-old spy Kali must play a male guardsman trainee by day and royal lady by night. Orphaned and trained on a spymaster’s remote estate, Kali is a scout who works alone in the shadows. But when a terror group threatens the Dansil throne, the king forces Kali to accept a mission at the palace or forfeit her sister’s life. Suddenly thrust into the light, Kali must infiltrate high society as the royal Lady Lianna while penetrating the servant ranks as Kal, a male guardsman trainee. It doesn’t help that Trace, the harsh and enigmatic captain of the king’s guard, is soon assigned as both Lady Lianna’s palace escort and Kal’s commanding officer. As Kali edges closer to the truth behind the violent group’s identity, she uncovers dangerous secrets that could bring her mission to a brutal end. A scout’s job is to observe and report, never to engage...but if it means saving her sister and kingdom, Kali may have no choice. Tracing Shadows, by Amazon best-selling author Alex Lidell, is the first novel in the Scout series. Perfect for fans of Tamora Pierce, Leigh Bardugo, and Sarah J. Maas.

Alex Lidell is the author of Amazon best sellers AIR AND ASH and WAR AND WIND (Danger Bearing Press, 2017) and an Amazon Breakout Novel Awards finalist author of THE CADET OF TILDOR (Penguin, 2013). She is an avid horseback rider, a (bad) hockey player, and an ice-cream addict. Born in Russia, Alex learned English in elementary school, where a thoughtful librarian placed a copy of Tamora Pierce’s ALANNA in Alex’s hands. In addition to becoming the first English book Alex read for fun, ALANNA started Alex’s life long love for YA fantasy books.

WebsiteFacebook

  I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Alex Lidell. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

Review
[Flora]

The story will appeal to both boys and girls  who like adventure stories with suspense. The story has a theme of good versus evil and so much more.  The thorn is threatened and it is up to a young girl who is a trained spy to save it and her sister.  Kali is used to being in the shadows but with a terrorist group of zealot cult members threatening Dansil and the people who can tune crystals aka her sister, she is forced play a dual role of lady at the royal court and a guards in training.  The handsome guardsman, Trace, must deal with both of her roles and she must deal with him.  As she starts to get closer to the truth she seems to be flung into danger she could never imagine.    It does end on a cliffhanger, but there is a second book which I will be reading to find out what will happen to the kingdom of Dansil.  The narrator, Hayden Daviau, spoke clearly and read the story at a great pace.  With a wonderful infliction to her voice, I could feel the suspense build and the emotional moments better than if I read it.  The story was read as one great storyteller might read a fairytale.  It is nice to listen to a story geared to older children.  I would recommend it to middle school age plus.  Looking forward to book two. 

Amazon/GoodReads Rating: 4/5
In Patti's Imagination Rating: 7/10



Jul. 26th: History from a Woman’s Perspective The Book Junkie Reads . . . Jul. 27th: Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews Jul. 28th: In Pattis Imagination Jul. 29th: Smada's Book Smack Book Addict Jul. 30th: Declarations of a Fangirl Adventures Thru Wonderland Jul. 31st: Lilly's Book World The Book Addict's Reviews Aug. 1st: Sefina Hawke's Books Writers N Authors The Book Recluse Review
➜Sign up as a host here

REVIEW C. A. Gray THE PHOENIX PROJECT

Author: C.A. Gray

Narrator: Melissa Williams

Series: The Liberty Box series, Book 3

Length: 7 hours 26 minutes

Publisher: Wanderlust Publishing

Genre: Young Adult, Science Fiction

The haven city of Beckenshire has been demolished, and most of the rebels lie beneath the rubble. The few that remain scramble to communicate with the outside world, knowing that if they are to stand a chance in the coming war, they can't do it alone. In a last ditch effort to grow their ranks, the remaining rebels systematically destroy the repeaters which help to propagate the control center signals. And it's working: citizens in targeted cities are waking up in droves. But Ben Voltolini will stop at nothing to quell the uprising before it has a chance to get off the ground. And he has one major ace up his sleeve: Kate Brandeis. During Kate's broadcast to the nation, Voltolini unleashed targeted brainwave signals against her, causing her to allow both Jackson MacNamera's capture, and her own. Now, despite Voltolini's exquisite wining and dining, she can't seem to stop the panic attacks. Whom can she trust? What is truth? Is there even such a thing? Meanwhile, imprisoned and hopeless, Jackson realizes the depths of his feelings for Kate only after he has already lost her. The incredible self-control upon which he prides himself gets put to the ultimate test when he meets an unlikely ally who just may turn the tide in the rebels' favor - but only if Jackson can put aside his own bitterness. In this gripping conclusion to The Liberty Box Trilogy, new and surprising alliances are formed, passions run high, and our heroes learn what they are really made of. Do they have what it takes to fight for freedom - even if it means paying the ultimate price?
Buy Links
By day, C.A. Gray is a Naturopathic Medical Doctor (NMD) with a primary care practice in Tucson, AZ, and she writes medical books under her real name (Dr. Lauren Deville). She lives with her husband, with whom she maintains a facetiously contentious movie review blog, and travels as often as they can get away. When not writing or seeing patients, she does yoga, drinks red wine while eating dark chocolate, and consumes audiobooks like there’s no tomorrow!  

WebsiteTwitterFacebookGoodreadsInstagram

Narrator Bio
Melissa lives with her family, including two dogs and a cat, in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains near Denver, Colorado. After having a corporate job for most of her life, and as a self-proclaimed introvert, she decided to leave corporate America to work from home. Voice overs had always tugged at her heart as something she would like to explore, so she attended some classes and landed with a company that taught her how to break in to the industry. Loving to read, she explored the fast growing world of audiobooks and fell in love with it. She has ten audiobooks under her belt and is currently working on the 11th. Understanding that she should always be learning how to improve her skills, she is currently working with Sean Pratt. When not talking to herself in a padded room, she can be found walking her dog, singing or fishing the Arkansas River.
TwitterFacebook
  I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by C.A. Gray. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.

Review
[Flora]

This is a wonderful story of thinking for yourself.not following blindly, to see the world as it really is.  It is a story of
revolution, of determination and courage  The story is of people who had to learn to survive and even thrive.  I liked how Kate must choose between her old life and being a mindless follower or courageously brave the unknown
to gain freedom from an oppressive leader that she previously helped. What would you chose?  Easy life of ignorant bliss or the dangerous, heartbreaking reality of hardship and eeking out life.  
This is an action packed story. Kate is a wonderful strong female role model who is not perfect, but very brave and who does what she feels is right even if she is not following the majority's thoughts. This is the third book in the trilogy and it has quite a lot of story in it.  The author ties up loose ends but doesn't rush the end.  This is the one that shows the good guys and the bad guys blurr.  Kate has unlikely allies and enemies.  It keeps you guessing as to how it will end.  It is a theme of not to be lead blindly.  It is so plausible and relatable to present day and Revolutionary War, too.  This trilogy would make an excellent movie which will appeal to both boys and girls.
The narrator, Melissa Williams, does a wonderful job bringing this epic story to life by using voice changes and emotional inflection.  She has a very clear voice and reads at a moderate pace making it easy to listen.  I didn't
find myself losing interest or being distracted while listening to this story.  I am going to look for more books she narrates.  I love that the action continues, the danger is high and the edge of your seat feeling lasted through each of the books. I look forward to read more by this author. 

Rating:
Amazon/Goodreads: 5/5
In Patti's Imagination: 10/10




Giveaway The Liberty Box Series Giveaway: $10 Amazon Gift Card
BOOK ONE
Jul. 8th: Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews The Book Junkie Reads . . . Jul. 9th: Lilly's Book World T's Stuff Jul. 10th: Adventures Thru Wonderland Jul. 11th: Lomeraniel Buried Under Books Jul. 12th: Jazzy Book Reviews Jul. 13th: Literature Approved The Bookslayer Jul. 14th: In Patti's Imagination The Book Addict's Reviews
BOOK TWO
Jul. 15th: Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews The Book Junkie Reads . . . Jul. 16th: Lilly's Book World T's Stuff The Bookslayer Jul. 17th: Adventures Thru Wonderland Jul. 18th: Lomeraniel Jul. 19th: Jazzy Book Reviews Jul. 20th: Buried Under Books Jul. 21st: In Patti's Imagination The Book Addict's Reviews
BOOK THREE
Jul. 22nd: Dab of Darkness Audiobook Reviews The Book Junkie Reads . . . Jul. 23rd: Lilly's Book World T's Stuff The Bookslayer Jul. 24th: Adventures Thru Wonderland Jul. 25th: Lomeraniel Jul. 26th: Jazzy Book Reviews Jul. 27th: The Book Addict's Reviews Jul. 28th: In Patti's Imagination Buried Under Books
➜Sign up as a host here

Friday, July 27, 2018

RELEASE BLITZ~Amy Daw's DOMINATE!!




Title: Dominate
The Final Harris Brother Duet #2
Series: The Harris Brothers #5
Author: Amy Daws
Genre: Sports Romance
Release Date: July 27, 2018



Blurb

To dominate one’s heart is to truly be free.

The anticipated conclusion to The Final Harris Brother Duet.

After the harrowing attack against Gareth and Sloan, there are more than just physical wounds that must be healed.

Recovering and moving on from their dark pasts is the only way they can truly find their bright futures.

Who will surrender? And who will dominate?


ADD TO GOODREADS





Purchase Links

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited


AUDIO COMING IN AUGUST






Also Available


AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU

Free in Kindle Unlimited



Binge the entire Harris Brothers Series today!

AMAZON US / UK / CA / AU
AUDIO

Free in Kindle Unlimited






Author Bio


Amy Daws is an Amazon Top 25 bestselling author of sexy, contemporary romance novels. She enjoys writing love stories that take place in America, as well as across the pond in England; especially about those footy-playing Harris Brothers of hers. When Amy is not writing in a tire shop waiting room, she’s watching Gilmore Girls, or singing karaoke in the living room with her daughter while Daddy smiles awkwardly from a distance. For more of Amy's work, visit: http://www.amydawsauthor.com


Author Links

COVER REVEAL~Renee Harless's STOLEN NIGHTS!!




Title: Stolen Nights
Author: Renee Harless
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Cover Design: Porcelain Paper Designs
Photo: Wander Aguiar
Models: Forest Tyler & Evan
Release Date: August 29, 2018



Blurb

Elle’s life seems like one struggle after the next.

She’s facing life after a divorce, learns that her ex-best friend is pregnant with her ex-husband's baby, and the house she’s willed after her estranged father’s death comes with a catch.
When she thinks her life can’t get any more difficult, her neighbor seems determined to rile her up on a daily basis.

He’s gorgeous and looks like he’s walked off a movie set, but his attitude is enough to leave Elle feeling sour despite the tingles she feels when he’s around.
But one stolen kiss leads to a number of stolen nights blurring the line between hatred and love.

Elle’s curse of bad luck may be taking a turn, or she could be facing her toughest obstacle yet – heartbreak.







Pre-order Links



AMAZON LIVE RELEASE ALERT






Author Bio

Renee Harless, her husband, and children live in Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia.  She studied Communication, specifically Public Relations, at Radford University.

Growing up, Renee always found a way to pursue her creativity. It began by watching endless runs of White Christmas- yes even in the summer – and learning every word and dance from the movie. She could still sing Sister Sister if requested. In high school she joined the show choir and a community theatre group, The Troubadours. After marrying the man of her dreams and moving from her hometown she sought out a different artistic outlet – writing.

To say that Renee is a romance addict would be an understatement. When she isn’t chasing her toddler around the house, working her day job, or writing, she delves head first into a romance novel.



Author Links

Thursday, July 26, 2018

REVIEW Anthony Wilson LIFE IN THE ATMOSPHERE

Life In The Atmosphere : How to Discover Your Own Greatness by [Wilson, Anthony]


Book Info:

Title: Life in the Atmosphere
Author: Anthony Wilson
Genre: Young Adult  Action Sci Fi
Publication Date: January 19, 2018

Synopsis:

Jahlil Adams is just a regular teenager. In fact, you could say that he is “super regular” with his glasses, comic books, and cheap fashion sense. He doesn’t want popularity. He doesn’t want a pretty girlfriend. He wants to just be who he is. Well that and not to be bullied by Max Maniac. 

Yet, everything changes once Mr. Malachi gave Jahlil a necklace that he didn’t even want. 
After that, everything was not the same. In fact, Jahlil began to realize that there was much more to who he was. There was much more to who Mr. Malachi was. There was much more to his existence. The lid of limitations was lifted from Jahlil’s life. 
Now, all that mattered was the limitations that the sky had to offer. 

Buy link:

Amazon

GoodReads

Review :
[Flora]

This is an excellent story for those who have been bullied.  I was a bullied child and wished I had this book to read when I was in school.  The plot is smoothly written.  It is suspenseful and adventurous and touching.  It had me guessing who is really a threat to Jahlil.  It is a book filled with relatable and loveable characters.  Jahlil is a wonderful character, who tells the tale of his high school life and beyond.  The sky is truly the limit for this young man's future.  I love that the author uses words and idioms that a high school child might use and some that were probably because he spoke more to his mom than his classmates which made it so much more real to me.  I can see this book becoming a must read in schools.  It is a book I would recommend to young readers on a fourth grade to adult reading level.  Sometimes it is hard to find books that can be written for younger readers but relatable to older children.   It is a page turner for reluctant readers.  This is a great book for all those reads.   I will look for this author's books to read again. I will recommend this to my family and friends with young readers.   I have become a fan. 

Author Bio:

Image result for anthony wilson life in the atmosphere image