bookreview – Ya It's Lit

The Song of Forever Rains Tour – Review & Giveaway

July 28, 2021July 28, 2021 yaitslitinstaLeave a comment

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About the Book

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08GC3WWQF
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Montlake (July 1, 2021)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 1, 2021
Language ‏ : ‎ English

From the award-winning author of the Dreamland series comes a new dark romantic fantasy about a young woman finding hope in her powers of destruction.

The Thief Kingdom is a place hidden within the world of Aadlior. Many whisper of its existence, but few have found this place, where magic and pleasure abound. There, the mysterious Thief King reigns supreme with the help of the Mousai, a trio of revered and feared sorceresses.

Larkyra Bassette may be the youngest of the Mousai, but when she sings her voice has the power to slay monsters. When it’s discovered the Duke of Lachlan is siphoning a poisonous drug from the Thief Kingdom and using it to abuse his tenants, Larkyra is offered her first solo mission to stop the duke. Eager to prove herself, Larkyra accepts by posing as the duke’s potential bride. But her plans grow complicated when she finds herself drawn to Lord Darius Mekenna, Lachlan’s rightful heir. Soon she suspects Darius has his own motivations for ridding Lachlan of the corrupt duke. Larkyra and Darius must learn to trust each other if there is to be any hope of saving the people of Lachlan—and themselves.

Welcome to the world of Aadilor, where lords and ladies can be murderers and thieves, and the most alluring notes are often the deadliest. Dare to listen?

You can purchase Song of the Forever Rains at the following Retailers:

Praise for The Song of Forever Rains

“A spellbinding read…A dark, lyrical fantasy that merges vast worldbuilding with the best of romance tropes.” —Kirkus Reviews

“It’s so easy to lose yourself in Mellow’s evocative and engaging prose. Song of the Forever Rains blends excellent world building, wonderful character dynamics, and slow burn romance. I’m already looking forward to the sequel.” —Charlie N. Holmberg, Wall Street Journal bestselling author

“A story so immersive, it will haunt you long after the last page.” —Staci Hart, bestselling author

Review

Isn’t this book just so pretty? And it’s an amazing read as well! There was such a unique premise and I really enjoyed the start of this new series. And the world building for this one was just enough to give me all I wanted to know while also leaving me wanting more!

What I liked most about this book was that it gave us such a promising start and left me feeling as if there’s still room for the story to continue! Sometimes I feel as if the first book in a series throws everything and anything at you and wraps it all up with a neat little bow that I am left feeling that I don’t need another book. But not this one! I am ready to see what comes next and see all of the characters (especially our side ones) further developed.

I really had high expectations for this book because, I know it’s terrible for me to say this BUT, the cover drew me in so much. And I was extra pleased to find that I enjoyed the book just as much while reading it!

About the Author

Photo Content from E.J. Mellow

E.J. Mellow is an award-winning and best selling author of five novels. She grew up in a household of artists, surrounded by three sisters who were often found traipsing through the small grove of trees near their home. There they morphed into wolves and wild horses, escaping capture from many foe. Today, E.J. has taken her imagination to the page where readers have said her “lyrical, vibrant, and imaginative” writing sweeps them into “stunning worlds”. She is also the co-founder of She Is Booked, a literary themed fundraising organization that supports women’s charities.

Residing in Colorado, E.J. is working on the release of her newest dark fantasy novel, Song of the Forever Rains, out from Montlake Romance July 1st, 2021

Tour Schedule

WEEK ONE

JULY 19th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

JULY 20th TUESDAY Kait Plus Books EXCERPT

JULY 21st WEDNESDAY Wottaread EXCERPT

JULY 22nd THURSDAY Casia’s Corner EXCERPT

JULY 22nd THURSDAY #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog EXCERPT

JULY 23rd FRIDAY The Momma Spot REVIEW

JULY 23rd FRIDAY A Bookish Dream REVIEW

WEEK TWO

JULY 26th MONDAY A Court of Coffee and Books REVIEW

JULY 27th TUESDAY Book Briefs REVIEW

JULY 28th WEDNESDAY Ya It’s Lit REVIEW

JULY 29th THURSDAY Cover2CoverBlog REVIEW

JULY 29th THURSDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW

JULY 30th FRIDAY Movies, Shows, & Books REVIEW

JULY 30th FRIDAY Discover Elysian REVIEW

Giveaway

– 1 Winner will receive a Copy of SONG OF THE FOREVER RAINS.
– 1 Winner will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card.
Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

Faking Reality Tour – Review & Giveaway

July 23, 2021July 23, 2021 yaitslitinstaLeave a comment

About the Book

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tor Teen (July 13, 2021)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1250204100
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1250204103

My Big Fat Greek Wedding meets Some Kind of Wonderful meets Kara McDowell’s Just for Clicks with diverse characters, perfect for readers looking for feel-good YA romance and those who like “clean teen” reads

Dakota McDonald swore after “The Great Homecoming Disaster” that she’d never allow her romantic life to be a plot line in her parents’ HGTV show again. But when the restaurant run by the family of her best friend (and secret crush), Leo, is on the line, Dakota might end up eating her own words.

Leo Matsuda dreams of escaping his small town Arizona life and the suffocating demands of working in his family’s restaurant, but the closer he gets to his goal—thanks to the help of his best friend (and secret crush) Dakota—the more reasons there are for him to stay.

You can purchase Faking Reality at the following Retailers:

Praise for Every Reason We Shouldn’t

“A rich, emotionally layered story…..Wonderful.” ―NPR

“This book is like a warm hug filled with all the things I love. I started smiling from page one and couldn’t put it down.” ―Courtney Milan

“Whether your first ice skating romance was The Cutting Edge or Yuri!!! On Ice, you will absolutely love this book. Full of complicated family relationships, sparkling friendships, and a completely delicious romance, Every Reason We Shouldn’t is an uplifting love song to everyone who’s ever lost their way, and then had the courage to find it again.” ―Lindsay Ribar, author of Rocks Fall, Everyone Dies

“Sure to take the gold.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“Readers will enjoy the well-developed characters, witty dialogue, and cringe-worthy romantic fumbles right through to the awfully neat, but very happy ending.” ―School Library Connection

“Compelling… an obvious choice for fans of classic love stories that play out on the ice, but also for readers looking for a nuanced story of self-discovery.” ―Booklist

Review

Ok, my HGTV loving self found this book to have such a cute and unique plot. I mean, it’s one thing to have a story surrounding a reality tv show, but make it HGTV and I’m there! It was a cute and fluffy romance too, which honestly my brain needs right now.

This is one of those books that you can pick up and just enjoy reading. I always want to say that books like these are ones you can read without thinking too much, but I don’t want that to sound bad haha! It’s just a book that I can read for fun and not feel as if I have to go out and change the world when I’m done (I guess THAT’s a better way of putting it!).

I found this book to be one that I read very quickly because it was a story (and romance) I was really intrigued by! And I feel as if the characters were a bit more fleshed out than you typically see in a romance, so I really appreciated that as well!

About the Author

Photo Content from Sara Fujimura

SARA FUJIMURA is an award-winning young adult author and creative writing teacher. She is the American half of her Japanese-American family, and has written about Japanese culture and raising bicultural children for such magazines as Appleseeds, Learning Through History, East West, and Mothering, as well as travel-related articles for To Japan With Love. Her self-published young adult novels include Tanabata Wish and Breathe. She lives in Phoenix with her husband and children.

Tour Schedule

WEEK ONE

JULY 12th MONDAY Twirling Book Princess EXCERPT

JULY 13th TUESDAY Kait Plus Books INTERVIEW

JULY 14th WEDNESDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

JULY 14th WEDNESDAY Living in a Bookworld EXCERPT

JULY 15th THURSDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT

JULY 16th FRIDAY TTC Books and More REVIEW

JULY 16th FRIDAY BookHounds YA REVIEW & INTERVIEW

WEEK TWO

JULY 19th MONDAY We Live and Breathe Books REVIEW

JULY 20th TUESDAY Book Briefs REVIEW

JULY 21st WEDNESDAY I Heart Fictional People REVIEW

JULY 21st WEDNESDAY #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog REVIEW

JULY 22nd THURSDAY Ya It’s Lit REVIEW

JULY 23rd FRIDAY Casia’s Corner REVIEW

JULY 23rd FRIDAY Thindbooks Blog REVIEW

Giveaway

5 Winners will receive a Copy of FAKING REALITY by Sara Fujimura.
Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

XOXO Tour – Review & Giveaway

July 23, 2021July 23, 2021 yaitslitinstaLeave a comment

About the Book

Publisher ‏ : ‎ HarperCollins (July 13, 2021)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 352 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0063024993
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0063024991

Cello prodigy Jenny has one goal: to get into a prestigious music conservatory. When she meets mysterious, handsome Jaewoo in her uncle’s Los Angeles karaoke bar, it’s clear he’s the kind of boy who would uproot her careful plans. But in a moment of spontaneity, she allows him to pull her out of her comfort zone for one unforgettable night of adventure…before he disappears without a word.

Three months later, when Jenny and her mother arrive in South Korea to take care of her ailing grandmother, she’s shocked to discover that Jaewoo is a student at the same elite arts academy where she’s enrolled for the semester. And he’s not just any student. He’s a member of one of the biggest K-pop bands in the world—and he’s strictly forbidden from dating.

When a relationship means throwing Jenny’s life off the path she’s spent years mapping out, she’ll have to decide once and for all just how much she’s willing to risk for love.

You can purchase XOXO at the following Retailers:

Praise for XOXO

“A dreamy dose of K-pop idols and secret romances.” —Maurene Goo, author of Somewhere Only We Know

“With fun K-drama vibes, XOXO delivers a lot of heart and warmth in its protagonist who stays true to herself to the very end.” —Lyla Lee, author of I’ll Be the One

“When it was over, I immediately wanted to read it for the first time again.” —Kasie West, author of The Fill-In Boyfriend

“Simply put, this book made me happy. I guess you could say . . . I’m just a big fan.” —Emery Lord, author of The Map from Here to There

“A handwritten letter to falling in love and opening yourself up to the world. A delicious treat!” —Aminah Mae Safi, author of Tell Me How You Really Feel

“A feel-good, page-turning, swoony read!” —Gloria Chao, author of American Panda and Rent a Boyfriend

“A sparkling story of self-discovery—I was utterly charmed.” —Sarah Kuhn, author of I Love You So Mochi

“An utterly delightful love song dedicated to the intersection between dreams and romance.” —Julian Winters, award-winning author of Running with Lions

“Immensely fun, funny, and romantic.” —Emma Mills, author of Lucky Caller and First & Then

“K-pop helps a cellist develop musically and emotionally in this novel filled with humor and theatrics. Themes of responsibility, regret, and reconciliation weave through the intergenerational dynamics in Jenny’s family, adding dimension and depth.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Oh’s narrative reaches an enjoyable clip that is both accessible to readers unfamiliar with K-pop and pleasing for fans of K-dramas as well as anyone who enjoys a breezy contemporary romance.” —Publishers Weekly

Review

XOXO, Gossip Girl. Ok, now that that’s out of the way (I’m sorry, I HAD to), back to the review. This was a book that I picked up, took on look at, read the synopsis, and said yeah, this is a me book. I mean my kpop addled brain was just in bliss. And the romance was just perfect.

And while I came for the plot I stayed for the characters. I just really fell in love with our leads and couldn’t help but root for them. Plus all of the other characters were well developed and draw you in to fall in love with them as well. But even though I did fall for the characters the plot I was oh so interested in did not fail to meet my cheesy kdrama-y expectations. It was a story with a lot of fun, some heartbreak, and alllll the drama.

So yeah, this book was a complete win for me. I knew I would love it but it also didn’t disappoint me when I started reading (you all know how that sad tale goes). And it’s also up there as one of my favorite reads this year!

About the Author

Photo Content from Axie Oh

Axie Oh is a first generation Korean American, born in NYC and raised in New Jersey. She studied Korean history and creative writing as an undergrad at the University of California – San Diego and holds an MFA from Lesley University in Writing for Young People. Her passions include K-pop, anime, stationery supplies, and milk tea. She currently resides in Las Vegas, Nevada with her puppy, Toro.

Tour Schedule

WEEK ONE – GUEST POSTS

JULY 12th MONDAY JeanBookNerd GUEST POST

JULY 13th TUESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books GUEST POST

JULY 14th WEDNESDAY A Bronx Latina Reads GUEST POST

JULY 14th WEDNESDAY Twirling Book Princess GUEST POST

JULY 15th THURSDAY Living in a Bookworld GUEST POST

JULY 16th FRIDAY Kait Plus Books GUEST POST

WEEK TWO – REVIEWS

JULY 19th MONDAY A Court of Coffee and Books REVIEW

JULY 20th TUESDAY My Fictional Oasis REVIEW

JULY 21st WEDNESDAY Ruei’s Reading Corner REVIEW

JULY 22nd THURSDAY Emelie’s Books REVIEW

JULY 23rd FRIDAY Ya It’s Lit REVIEW

JULY 23rd FRIDAY Kalisbookishrambles REVIEW

Giveaway

3 Winners will receive a Copy of XOXO by Axie Oh.
Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

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*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

The Freedom Race Tour – Review & Giveaway

July 16, 2021July 16, 2021 yaitslitinstaLeave a comment

About the Book

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08GJQX4R9
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Tor Books (July 13, 2021)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 13, 2021
Language ‏ : ‎ English</span

The Freedom Race, Lucinda Roy’s explosive first foray into speculative fiction, is a poignant blend of subjugation, resistance, and hope.

In the aftermath of a cataclysmic civil war known as the Sequel, ideological divisions among the states have hardened. In the Homestead Territories, an alliance of plantation-inspired holdings, Black labor is imported from the Cradle, and Biracial “Muleseeds” are bred.

Raised in captivity on Planting 437, kitchen-seed Jellybean “Ji-ji” Lottermule knows there is only one way to escape. She must enter the annual Freedom Race as a runner.

Ji-ji and her friends must exhume a survival story rooted in the collective memory of a kidnapped people and conjure the voices of the dead to light their way home.

You can purchase The Freedom Race at the following Retailers:

Praise for The Freedom Race

“Every now and then a work comes along that makes you wonder whether you are reading or dreaming. And you’re not sure it matters which.” ―Nikki Giovanni

“You ever have the feeling that if you don’t read something, you may be missing out on something momentous happening? . . . I got that vibe from the first page of The Freedom Race. It has a prescience about it in the tradition of Octavia Butler. . . . If ‘resilience’ was a book, it would be The Freedom Race.” ―Maurice Broaddus, author of Buffalo Soldier

“Roy (The Hotel Alleluia) turns to speculative fiction for the first time with this lyrical, Afrofuturist hero’s quest set in the not-too-distant future. …[Ji-Ji’s] harrowing but profoundly spiritual quest for sovereignty against all odds impresses. Readers … will appreciate both the tenacious heroine and Roy’s intricate prose stylings.” ―Publishers Weekly

“The future Lucinda Roy calls up in The Freedom Race is a fierce, unsettling riff on our past and present. Instead of watching democracy evaporate and justice fail, Ms. Roy challenges us all to get over ourselves and join the race for freedom.” ―Andrea Hairston, author of Will Do Magic for Small Change

“American magic-realism meets the outcome of the Second U.S. Civil War in a well-told, but brutally jolting, strangely prescient, and soul-haunting narrative.” ―L. E. Modesitt, Jr., bestselling author of the Saga of Recluce series

Review

This is the kind of book that I have missed as of late. For a long time we had a surplus of dystopian books and then they just seemed to one day vanish. And this speculative fiction book fit what I missed about those books and put a modern twist on the genre. It also has just that right amount of horror added in at the thought of how easily something like this could actually occur.

This book is a tough read because it shows us the things we don’t want to imagine. Also given *waves at everything* going on in the world it’s also pushing a bit on the more realistic side of the genre. Which is something I don’t think anyone wants to see. And the thought and detail put into this book and story make it all the more palpable. So yeah, this one had me from the first line and I just couldn’t look away.

I definitely think that this is not only an important read, but something that we could all take a little something away from. But even that aside it’s a really amazing story and one that you will just want to read more and more about.

About the Author

Photo Credit: Larry Jackson

Novelist and poet Lucinda Roy’s latest book deal is with Tor/Macmillan for her futuristic slave narrative series The Freedom Race. Her previous novels are Lady Moses, a Barnes and Noble Discover Great New Writers Selection, and The Hotel Alleluia. Her poetry books are entitled Wailing the Dead to Sleep, The Humming Birds, and Fabric: Poems. She also authored the memoir No Right to Remain Silent: What We’ve Learned from the Tragedy at Virginia Tech. Among her awards are the Eighth Mountain Prize for Poetry, the 2017 Zenobia Hikes Woman of Color in the Academy Award, and the Baxter Hathaway Prize for her long slave narrative poem “Needlework.” An Alumni Distinguished Professor in Creative Writing at Virginia Tech, she has been a guest on numerous TV and radio shows, including The CBS Evening News, The Today Show, Good Morning America, CBS’s Sunday Morning, Oprah, and NPR. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, the Guardian, USA Today, the Chronicle of Higher Education, North American Review, American Poetry Review, and many other publications. She delivers keynotes and presentations around the country on creative writing, diversity, campus safety, and higher education. Currently, she is working on her speculative novel series, a book of ekphrastic poems, and a series of oil paintings depicting the Middle Passage.

Tour Schedule

WEEK ONE

JULY 12th MONDAY Gwendalyn’s Books EXCERPT

JULY 13th TUESDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT

JULY 14th WEDNESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books INTERVIEW

JULY 15th THURSDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW

JULY 16th FRIDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

JULY 16th FRIDAY Ya It’s Lit REVIEW

WEEK TWO

JULY 19th MONDAY BookHounds REVIEW & INTERVIEW

JULY 20th TUESDAY Casia’s Corner REVIEW

JULY 21st WEDNESDAY Rajiv’s Reviews REVIEW

JULY 22nd THURSDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

JULY 22nd THURSDAY Nay’s Pink Bookshelf REVIEW

JULY 23rd FRIDAY #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog REVIEW

Giveaway

5 Winners will receive a Copy of THE FREEDOM RACE by Lucinda Roy.
Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

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*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

Sidewinders Tour – Review & Giveaway

July 13, 2021July 13, 2021 yaitslitinstaLeave a comment

*Click the image to see me booksta post!*

About the Book

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08VKM4DMX
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Talos (July 6, 2021)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ July 6, 2021
Language ‏ : ‎ English

Two brothers flee an army of fanatics across a vast and magical desert in this white-knuckle sequel to Master Assassins from Robert V.S. Redick, author of The Red Wolf Conspiracy.

The worst of rivals, the closest of friends, the two most wanted men in a war-torn world: Kandri and Mektu Hinjuman have cheated death so often it’s begun to feel like a way of life. But nothing has prepared them for the danger and enchantment of the Ravenous Lands. This sprawling, lethal desert is the brothers’ last hope, for they have killed the favorite son of Her Radiance the Prophet, and her death-priests and magical servants are hunting them day and night.

But there are dangers even within their caravan. Some of their fellow travelers worship the Prophet in secret. Others, including Mektu, have become obsessed with a bejeweled dagger that seems to afflict its owners with madness or death.

At stake is far more than the lives of two runaway soldiers. Kandri is carrying an encoded cure for the World Plague, a disease that has raged for centuries—while far from the desert, certain criminals have learned just how lucrative a plague can be. Are they using the Prophet, or being used by her? Who, in this game of shadows, can Kandri trust?

He knows one thing, however: they must reach Kasralys, great and beautiful fortress-city of the east. Only there can the precious cure be deciphered. Only there can Kandri seek word of the lover who vanished one night without a trace.

But Kasralys, never conquered in 3,000 years, is about to face its greatest siege in history.

You can purchase Sidewinders at the following Retailers:

Praise for Sidewinders

“Master Assassins was one of the top 2 or 3 books I’ve read in the past decade, so [Sidewinders] had a LOT to live up to. And it did a fantastic job—I pity the next book I read having to struggle out of the shadow of this tome… Redick has built something magnificent here.” —Mark Lawrence

“Sidewinders is a triumph in every single way to its predecessor and one of the richest worlds you can find in the fantasy genre today… Revisiting the desert lands of Urrath is the equivalent of rediscovering a long-lost passion.” —Under The Radar SFF Books

Praise for MASTER ASSASSINS

“This book has everything I love: Clean, crisp worldbuilding. Characters that live and breathe. A story that teases and surprises me. I like Master Assassins so much I wish I’d written it, but deep down, I know I couldn’t have written it this well.”—#1 New York Times bestselling author Patrick Rothfuss

“The prose is spectacularly good. Your adrenaline will flow. Your emotions will be toyed with. You will find yourself drawn in, turning the pages and worrying that fewer and fewer remain. I read a lot of good books. Quite a few very good books. This is one of the rare 6-star series openers I’ve encountered.” —Mark Lawrence, author of Prince of Thorns and Red Sister

“Robert Redick really nailed this one. What a great story! Fascinating plot and characters, and all of the author’s formidable skills at play. I cannot wait to read the next one.” —New York Times bestselling author Terry Brooks

“Redick’s powers of invention in this book are superb. He manages to reinvigorate his chosen mode of heroic fantasy by sheer force of description, his language always muscular, vibrant and well-calculated. The cast of characters is vast and believable . . . A hell of a ride.” —Paul di Filippo, Asimov’s

“An exquisitely written mix of heart-stopping action, masterful storytelling, and enchantment. Redick is a gifted wordsmith with a ferocious imagination. Master Assassins will produce many sleepless nights. I guarantee it.” —New York Times bestselling author Mira Bartók

“A blazingly smart thrill-ride of an adventure. The world of Master Assassins is deep, mysterious, terrifying, and utterly real, and I’ll follow Redick’s heroes, the mismatched brothers Kandri and Mektu, wherever they go in it. I can’t recommend this book highly enough.” —Daryl Gregory, author of Spoonbenders

“Redick’s long-awaited return to fantasy is the start of a truly satisfying epic.” —B&N Sci-Fi and Fantasy Blog, “The Best Science Fiction & Fantasy Books of 2018 So Far”

“Subtle and layered, evocative and true.” —Michelle West, Fantasy & Science Fiction magazine

“With spare, sharp-edged prose, Redick balances his rollicking adventure story against a tale of love and uneasy brotherhood, offering a thrilling glimpse into a world both haunting and haunted. His finest work to date.” —Jedediah Berry, author of The Manual of Detection

“An at once engrossing, entertaining and superlative read. The world building is epic and the characters developed well within the movement. I look forward to this series and the continuation of the Brothers Hinjuman quest.” —Koeur’s Book Reviews

“[A] taut, deftly-plotted story. . . carries the drama and suspense without collapsing the weight of building a world and setting up a few more books’ worth of storyline.” —B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog

“Though it is only April 6th, and there are many books left to read this year, Master Assassins has cemented itself in AT LEAST my top 3 books of the year, maybe even #1. It is that good. . . . I recommend Master Assassins to everyone. Period.” —FanFiAddict, 5/5 Stars

Review

This was one of those books that I just had to take one look at to know that I would love it. But first off make sure you read the first one as this is the second book in the Fire Sacrements trilogy. Sidewinders honest has just that perfect style of writing that draws you in keeps you invested.

Ok, this is a thic book, and if you know me you know that I love a good thic book. And there is plenty of adventure and action in this book to keep you invested and interested. Even if you find your mind stray the second that happens you’ll be pulled right back in. Which is something I find thic books sometimes have an issue doing but especially this genre, as it tends towards the more narrative windy style.

I really enjoyed this one and I fully expected to enjoy it going in. Which, honestly, both haven’t always been coming true lately so this was a nice surprise!

About the Author

Photo Content from Robert V.S. Redick

Robert V. S. Redick is the author of the Chathrand Voyage Quartet ( The Red Wolf Conspiracy and sequels), among the most beloved and critically acclaimed epic fantasy series of recent years.

Redick is a former faculty member in the Stonecoast MFA program and an environmental justice consultant. He has lived and worked in Indonesia, Argentina, Colombia, and many other countries. Master Assassins (Talos Press, 2018), the first book in The Fire Sacraments trilogy, was a finalist for the European Booknest Award for Best Novel, and was featured on numerous Best of the Year lists.

Redick is currently a Visiting Professor with the University of Nevada, Reno’s MFA Program. He lives with his partner in Western Massachusetts.

Tour Schedule

WEEK ONE

JULY 5th MONDAY A Dream Within A Dream EXCERPT

JULY 6th TUESDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

JULY 7th WEDNESDAY TTC Books and More GUEST POST

JULY 8th THURSDAY BookHounds INTERVIEW

JULY 9th FRIDAY Movies, Shows, & Books GUEST POST

JULY 9th FRIDAY Rajiv’s Reviews REVIEW

WEEK TWO

JULY 12th MONDAY Casia’s Corner EXCERPT

JULY 13th TUESDAY Ya It’s Lit REVIEW

JULY 14th WEDNESDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

JULY 15th THURSDAY #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog EXCERPT

JULY 15th THURSDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW

JULY 16th FRIDAY J.R.’s Book Reviews REVIEW

Giveaway

3 Winners will receive a Copy of SIDEWINDERS by Robert V.S. Redick.
Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

a Rafflecopter giveaway https://widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js

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*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

Red Deception Tour – Review & Giveaway

July 4, 2021July 4, 2021 yaitslitinstaLeave a comment

About the Book

Publisher : Beaufort Books (June 22, 2021)
Publication date : June 22, 2021
Language : English

Intelligence experts and thriller authors concur: Red Deception is “A page-turner by authors who might as well sit on the National Security Council.”

When terrorists bomb bridges across the country and threaten the Hoover Dam, the vulnerability of America’s infrastructure becomes a matter of national security. But Dan Reilly, a former Army intelligence officer, predicted the attacks in a secret State Department report written years earlier—a virtual blueprint for disaster, somehow leaked and now in the hands of foreign operatives.

With Washington distracted by domestic crises, Russian President Nicolai Gorshkov sends troops to the borders of Ukraine and Latvia, ready to reclaim what he feels is Russia’s rightful territory. Tensions in Europe threaten to boil over as a besieged American president balances multiple crises that threaten to upend the geopolitical order.

This is the chaos into which Reilly leaps headfirst. Reilly’s position as Global Head of Security for the Kensington Royal Hotel Corporation means he must keep his customers and staff safe as the crisis envelopes countries across three continents. His past as a State Department analyst means he recognizes the connections behind the seemingly disparate terror attacks, assassination plots, and authoritarian power plays that dominate the headlines. But it’s the very knowledge that makes him good at his job that also makes him a target—to the press, to the government, and to the forces gathering for another assault on America.

Follow Reilly as he travels the world to safeguard both his company’s assets and his country’s secrets. With the US at the mercy of an egomaniacal leader, and reporters and covert agents on his tail, he may be the one man who can connect the dots before an even bigger catastrophe unfolds.

RED DECEPTION is the second book in the RED Hotel series.

You can purchase Red Deception at the following Retailers:

Praise for Red Deception

“Forget ‘ripped from the headlines,’ because RED DECEPTION threatens to write its own! RED DECEPTION is everything a great thriller is supposed to be! High stakes, incredible action scenes, a deadly plot, and a dynamic hero in Dan Reilly. Gary Grossman and Ed Fuller have crafted a relentlessly riveting tale that hones in on our greatest fears and takes us right to the brink in breathless fashion.” —Jon Land, USA Today best-selling author

“RED DECEPTION provides an in-depth and realistic ground level view of the type of asymmetric Nation-state sponsored threats faced by the Agencies tasked with protecting the United States both domestically and abroad. Thoroughly researched with thrilling pacing, it follows a worst case scenario with the resulting fallout and a complex investigation that unfolds all over the Globe.” —Edward Bradstreet, Special Agent, Department of Homeland Security Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

“Besides keeping us on the edge of our seats, RED DECEPTION is so prescient, filled with deep insights into the real worlds of espionage and politics, while giving us a window that sheds light onto the darkest aspects of political intrigue and human nature.” —Barry Kibrick, Host of national PBS series, Between the Lines

Review

Now, I must admit that this is far from my typical read. But I also have to admit that I found myself being easily drawn into and swept away with this thriller. It was just so interesting and had so much action to keep my wheels turning.

The characters and story were each so interesting! Everything developed so well and the slow unwind of the story really keeps you waiting to find out what comes next. Plus, I mean, spies are interesting! So one thing that is certain is that this book is nothing but boring!

I really enjoyed this one, even if it’s not something I typically read. Which might even say more about the book than anything! But now I feel as if I should actually read this genre a bit more.

About the Author

Photo Content from Gary Grossman and Ed Fuller

ED FULLER is CEO of Laguna Strategic Advisors, a global consortium providing business consulting services worldwide. He has served on both business and charitable boards during his forty-year career with Marriott International where he was chief marketing officer followed by 22 years as president and managing director of Marriott International.

Under his management the international division grew from 16 to 550 hotels in 73 countries with 80,000 associates and sales of 8 billion dollars. Upon retirement, Ed repurposed his career in several arenas. He has served on five university boards as well as adjunct professor for both MBA and undergraduate students. For over four years he was a blogger for Forbes and other tourism and lodging industry media.

As author Ed published ‘You Can’t Lead with Your Feet on the Desk’ in English, Japanese and Chinese distributed throughout the world. In 2018 he and co-author Gary Grossman released their high energy thriller Red Hotel and in 2021 will release Red Deception, followed by Red Chaos as part of the Red Hotel series. Ed served as an Army captain in both Germany and Vietnam, receiving the Bronze Star and the Army Commendation medals. He and his wife Michela reside in Orange County, California.

GARY GROSSMAN’s first novel, Executive Actions, propelled him into the world of geopolitical thrillers. Executive Treason, Executive Command, and Executive Force further tapped Grossman’s experience as a journalist, newspaper columnist, documentary television producer, reporter, and media historian.

In addition to the bestselling Executive series, Grossman wrote the international award-winning Old Earth, a geological thriller that spans all of time. With Red Hotel and Red Deception, his collaborations with Ed Fuller, Grossman entered a new realm of globe-hopping thriller writing.

Grossman has contributed to the New York Times and the Boston Globe, and was a columnist for the Boston Herald American. He covered presidential campaigns for WBZ-TV in Boston. A multiple Emmy series and specials for networks including NBC, CNN, ABC, CBS, Fox, History Channel, Discovery and National Geographic Channel. He served as chair of the Government Affairs Committee for the Caucus for Producers, Writers and Directors, and is a member of the International Thriller Writers Association and Military Writers Society of America. He is a trustee at Emerson College and serves on the Boston University Metropolitan College Advisory Board. Grossman has taught at Emerson College, Boston University, USC, and currently teaches at Loyola Marymount University.

Tour Schedule

WEEK ONE

JUNE 21st MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
JUNE 22nd TUESDAY Book Briefs GUEST POST
JUNE 23rd WEDNESDAY Lady Hawkeye EXCERPT
JUNE 24th THURSDAY Movies, Shows, & Books GUEST POST
JUNE 25th FRIDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT
JUNE 26th SATURDAY #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog EXCERPT
JUNE 27th SUNDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW

WEEK TWO

JUNE 28th MONDAY Casia’s Corner REVIEW
JUNE 29th TUESDAY Emelies Books REVIEW
JUNE 30th WEDNESDAY Rajiv’s Reviews REVIEW
JULY 1st THURSDAY A DreamWithin A Dream REVIEW
JULY 2nd FRIDAY The Momma Spot REVIEW
JULY 3rd SATURDAY Insane ABout Books REVIEW
JULY 4th SUNDAY Ya It’s Lit REVIEW

Giveaway

5 Winners will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card or a Kindle Fire.
Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

A Chorus Rises Tour – Review & Giveaway

June 28, 2021June 28, 2021 yaitslitinstaLeave a comment

About the Book

Publisher : Tor Teen (June 1, 2021)
Language : English
Hardcover : 272 pages
ISBN-10 : 1250316030
ISBN-13 : 978-1250316035

The Hate U Give meets Shadowshaper in Bethany C. Morrow’s A Chorus Rises, a brilliant contemporary fantasy set in the world of A Song Below Water.

Teen influencer Naema Bradshaw has it all: she’s famous, privileged, has “the good hair”— and she’s an Eloko, a person who’s gifted with a song that woos anyone who hears it. Everyone loves her — well, until she’s cast as the awful person who exposed Tavia’s secret siren powers.

Now, she’s being dragged by the media. No one understands her side: not her boyfriend, not her friends, nor her Eloko community. But Naema knows the truth and is determined to build herself back up — no matter what.

When a new, flourishing segment of Naema’s online supporters start targeting black girls, however, Naema must discover the true purpose of her magical voice.

You can purchase A Chorus Rises at the following Retailers:

Praise for A Chorus Rises

“Morrow expertly and smartly explores race, bigotry, oppression, and injustice against a backdrop of ordinary life with a dose of the supernatural added to the mix. A Song Below Water is a must-read for lovers of fantasy and contemporary stories alike. ” ―Booklist, starred review

“Morrow has deftly woven a contemporary tale with mythical elements to take on the invisibility and marginalization of Black women, touching on issues such as misogynoir, body image, social justice, and generational trauma. Empowering and innovative. Morrow elevates mermaids and sirens to legitimate and compelling vanguards for social change.” ―School Library Journal

“A watery and melodic crossroads of the real and the mythic, A Song Below Water lures readers with its seductive and beautifully black siren song. An enthralling tale of black girl magic and searing social commentary ready to rattle the bones.” ―Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles series

“I love this book so, so much! Bethany C. Morrow delivers a blistering modern classic with this gorgeous tale of friendship and power. A Song Below Water somehow manages to be intensely happy and sad at the same time and all in the balance of great, riveting storytelling. The best YA novel I’ve read all year.” ―Daniel José Older, New York Times bestselling author of Shadowshaper

“Morrow masterfully blends the real lives of Black girls in contemporary Portland with a mythic world of sirens, gargoyles and other supernatural creatures to create a compelling coming-of-age story in which two sisters, bound by love and fate, find their voices and their power.” ―Rebecca Roanhorse, Hugo, Nebula and John W. Campbell Award Winner, author of Trail of Lightning and Star Wars: Resistance Reborn

“Empowering and full of surprises, A Song Below Water reminds us how important it is to use our voices, even when we’re afraid. Morrow has created a world that’s both familiar and brimming with fantastical creatures, and the result is timely, necessary, and utterly captivating.” ―Akemi Dawn Bowman, award-winning author of Starfish

“A rich, intricate dive into mythology, misogynoir, and the way the world makes black girls out to be monsters. Like the siren’s song, A Song Below Water is irresistibly compelling.” ―Heidi Heilig, award-winning author of The Girl from Everywhere

“The world is lush and intense, the voice intoxicating, and the message eternal. Morrow will have you under her spell from page one.” ―L.L. McKinney, author of the Nightmare-Verse series

“A compelling tale packed with endlessly inventive magical concepts, blazingly current social commentary, and heroines you’ll fall hopelessly in love with. I’m obsessed.” ―Sarah Kuhn, author of Heroine Complex series

“A Song Below Water is a lush, colorful, and deeply moving masterpiece about mythology, the sometimes masked evils of racism, and all the ways the world hurts black girls. An irresistible and perfectly bewitching read that I couldn’t put down!” ―Jay Coles, composer and author of Tyler Johnson Was Here

“A Song Below Water is a captivating tale about the magic of sisterhood and the importance of being seen for who you truly are.” ―Parker Peevyhouse, author of The Echo Room

“An exciting new contemporary fantasy. In this parallel world, black female empowerment is standing up for yourself and others while simultaneously navigating love, physical and emotional violence, and the responsibility of immense supernatural power.” ―Kirkus Reviews

Review

I was SO HAPPY to see this book! I read A Song Below Water last year and instantly fell in love with the unique world, so I am so happy to be revisiting this author and story. I also love love love the switch in perspective for this book! You know I’m a sucker for a good morally grey character.

I think what I like most about these books is that they’re so well blended. We’ve got an amazing story, a unique world, and some current issues addressed that we see in todays world. Plus the characters are written so well for the intended audience. We see teenagers acting like teenagers instead of the almost “too” mature ones you sometimes see in YA.

These books just hit that right spot that makes me happy while reading and I, as last year, look forward to seeing what Morrow puts out next! There’s a lot to love in this story and I actually might have liked it a little more than the first!

About the Author

Photo Content from Bethany C. Morrow

Bethany C Morrow is an Indie Bestselling author who writes for adult and young adult audiences, in genres ranging from speculative literary to contemporary fantasy to historical. She is author of the novels MEM and A SONG BELOW WATER, which is an Audie, Ignyte and Locus finalist. She is editor/contributor to the young adult anthology TAKE THE MIC, the 2020 ILA Social Justice in Literature award winner. Her work has been chosen as Indies Introduce and Indie Next picks, and featured in The LA Times, Forbes, Bustle, Buzzfeed, and more. She is included on USA TODAY‘s list of 100 Black novelists and fiction writers you should read.

Tour Schedule

WEEK ONE

JUNE 21st MONDAY Kate Plus Books EXCERPT

JUNE 21st MONDAY My Fictional Oasis REVIEW

JUNE 22nd TUESDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

JUNE 23rd WEDNESDAY Emelie’s Books REVIEW

JUNE 24th THURSDAY Laura’s Bookish Corner REVIEW

JUNE 25th FRIDAY Casia’s Corner REVIEW

WEEK TWO

JUNE 28th MONDAY Ya It’s Lit REVIEW

JUNE 29th TUESDAY The Momma Spot REVIEW

JUNE 30th WEDNESDAY Ruei’s Reading Corner REVIEW

JULY 1st THURSDAY Gwendalyn’s Books REVIEW

JULY 2nd FRIDAY Kalisbookishrambles REVIEW

JULY 2nd FRIDAY Stacia Loves to Read REVIEW

Giveaway

3 Winners will receive a Copy of A CHORUS RISES by Bethany C. Morrow
Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

Bacchanal Tour – Review & Giveaway

June 8, 2021June 8, 2021 yaitslitinstaLeave a comment

About the Book

Publisher : 47North (June 1, 2021)
Language : English
Hardcover : 352 pages
ISBN-10 : 1542027810
ISBN-13 : 978-1542027816

Evil lives in a traveling carnival roaming the Depression-era South. But the carnival’s newest act, a peculiar young woman with latent magical powers, may hold the key to defeating it. Her time has come.

Abandoned by her family, alone on the wrong side of the color line with little to call her own, Eliza Meeks is coming to terms with what she does have. It’s a gift for communicating with animals. To some, she’s a magical tender. To others, a she-devil. To a talent prospector, she’s a crowd-drawing oddity. And the Bacchanal Carnival is Eliza’s ticket out of the swamp trap of Baton Rouge.

Among fortune-tellers, carnies, barkers, and folks even stranger than herself, Eliza finds a new home. But the Bacchanal is no ordinary carnival. An ancient demon has a home there too. She hides behind an iridescent disguise. She feeds on innocent souls. And she’s met her match in Eliza, who’s only beginning to understand the purpose of her own burgeoning powers.

Only then can Eliza save her friends, find her family, and fight the sway of a primordial demon preying upon the human world. Rolling across a consuming dust bowl landscape, Eliza may have found her destiny.

You can purchase Bacchanal at the following Retailers:

Praise for Bacchanal

“Henry skillfully layers historical realism with fantastic elements to explore the way times of desperation test the ethics of oppressed communities. Henry is a writer to watch.” ―Publishers Weekly

“Henry’s debut draws on a rich history of folklore from various African traditions, as well as African history and Black American history, and almost the entire main cast is Black. The carnival setting works perfectly for bringing together various strange and magical people who aren’t at home anywhere else…Come one, come all, this magical carnival has all the delightful dangers a reader could wish for.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“[Bacchanal is] gorgeous while somehow never losing sight of the need to unsettle. It captures a sense of wonder and reminds you that too much curiosity can lead to danger. And most importantly, it’s Black and never lets you forget it. If you want endearing characters, a charming setting, and characters that refuse to bend to the world’s injustices then Bacchanal is the book for you.” ―FIYAH Magazine

“With a powerful voice that grips you from its very first pages, Bacchanal casts a spell on readers…Eliza is a wonderful character…Not a traditional superhero, Eliza’s special power is a highlight of this work, and readers will root for the young conjurer and for Henry as she explores the limits of her gifts.” ―Sheree Renée Thomas, Editor of The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction, award-winning author of Nine Bar Blues, and featured in Black Panther: Tales of Wakanda

“Writer Veronica Henry pulls on a mix of African folklore, Black histories, and carnival culture to weave a story of mesmerizing, bizarre, and dangerous magic. With a heroine of unique powers and a cast as colorful as any sideshow, this story offers up its share of delights, adventure, and frights! Welcome to Bacchanal. Enjoy the sights. Hope you make it out alive!” ―P. Djèlí Clark, author of Ring Shout, The Haunting of Tram Car 015, and The Black God’s Drums

“Readers won’t want their travels with the seductive and dangerous Bacchanal Carnival to end. Veronica Henry’s debut impeccably conjures the 1930s and marks the bold entrance of a vital new voice in modern fantasy.” ―Gwenda Bond, New York Times bestselling author of Stranger Things: Suspicious Minds

“If you took The Night Circus and viewed it through the gaze of a young Black woman in the Great Depression, you might get Veronica Henry’s Bacchanal. Demons, lies, and secrets.” ―Mary Robinette Kowal, Hugo award-winning author of The Calculating Stars

Review

I have to admit, me and stories about carnivals have a love hate relationship. I think it’s mostly because I have such a fondness for the setting that I wind up being overly critical. And books about carnivals are, by nature, twisted and sometimes I think that stories just twist a different way than I do. BUT, I actually really enjoyed this one (YASSSS) and found myself falling into the meandering story.

This book is written incredibly descriptively, and sometimes that means it got away a little bit from the plot. But honestly, I love that kind of writing so it was right up my alley (gimme some world building and all the *atmosphere*). Plus the story was creepy and historical and just made a typical carnival based story that much more interesting. There was that added layer of depth that added to the twisted nature of the story.

I really enjoyed this one, and I’m really glad I did. I feel like I have been slugging through carnival based stories lately and this one was such a nice pick me up. It was just the right blend of atmospheric descriptions and plot to keep me wanting to find out more.

About the Author

Photo Content from Veronica G. Henry

Veronica G. Henry was born in Brooklyn, New York, and has been a bit of a rolling stone ever since. Her work has appeared in various online publications. She is a graduate of the Viable Paradise Workshop and a member of SFWA.

Veronica is proud to be of Sierra Leonean ancestry and counts her trip home as the most important of her life. She now writes from North Carolina, where she eschews rollerballs for fountain pens and fine paper. Other untreated addictions include chocolate and cupcakes.

Veronica’s debut novel, Bacchanal, will be published in the Spring of 2021.

Tour Schedule

WEEK ONE

MAY 31st MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW

JUNE 1stTUESDAY BookHounds REVIEW & INTERVIEW

JUNE 2nd WEDNESDAY Casia’s Corner REVIEW

JUNE 3rd THURSDAY J.R.’s Book Reviews REVIEW

JUNE 4th FRIDAY TTC Books and More REVIEW

JUNE 4th FRIDAY Lady Hawkeye EXCERPT

WEEK TWO

JUNE 7th MONDAY A Court of Coffee and Books REVIEW

JUNE 8th TUESDAY Ya It’s Lit REVIEW

JUNE 9th WEDNESDAY Gwendalyn’s Books REVIEW

JUNE10th THURSDAY The Bookwyrm’s Den REVIEW

JUNE10th THURSDAY Pages Below the Vaulted Sky REVIEW

JUNE11th FRIDAY Book Briefs REVIEW

Giveaway

3 Winners will receive a Copy of BACCHANAL by Veronica G. Henry.
Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*

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*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

All the Stars on Fire Tour – Review

June 4, 2021June 4, 2021 yaitslitinstaLeave a comment

About the Book

Natalia Morales has a secret…she’s kind of a superhero. Natalia dreams of joining the Action Team, the newly banded and young heroes that protect Angel City, and just may stop at anything to make it happen.

Alyse Morales knows her sister’s secret, and wants Natalia to give up on her dangerous dream. When Alyse gets hurt one night while Natalia is crime fighting, Natalia promises to end her run as a hero. But when the Sorceress appears in Angel City, and Captain Force, the leader of the Action Team, enlists in Natalia’s help, she may have to break her promise in order to protect her family and friends.

Will Alyse ever forgive her? Is Natalia actually capable of saving the day? All the Stars on Fire is the story of following your dreams, what it truly takes to be a hero, and leaping into the unknown.

Goodreads

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Review

Ok, so this book reminded me of a bunch of my old favorite YA books thrown together into something new and modernized. If that makes sense. But it had that….. I don’t really know what word I’m looking for so I’m going to go with OOMPH…. that I kind of miss in newer YA books. But this is one of those books you can just sit down and enjoy without having to “think” too hard.

I really enjoyed the characters and story of this book. It’s just something that’s enjoyable for the sake of being enjoyable. And I don’t know about you, but I need a whole heck of a lot of that right now. I really liked what we were given in the story and the characters but I also want to know more. So, uhm, second book? Side story? I don’t know but there is room for more I think.

Now, there are some things that could be improved on in this book (some further editing and all of that), but honestly it didn’t even bother me or detract from the story. This is a just a book that I was able to pick up, read, and say it was a good story and sometimes that’s better than something that is going to over turn your world.

About the Author

Beck Medina is a two-time young adult author and content creator residing in Los Angeles, California. Beck published “A Fantastic Mess of Everything” in 2016, followed by “All The Stars On Fire” in 2019.

Outside of being an author, Beck is also the host of the My Best Life Podcast, a personal development podcast that encourages and teaches listeners to create their lives on their own terms. She loves connecting with audiences through storytelling and uses this vehicle to inspire, motivate and empower her fan base to think & live limitlessly.

Tour Schedule

May 24th – Nurse Bookie https://instagram.com/nurse_bookie

May 24th – Dani Reads https://instagram.com/dani.reads.1225

May 25th – Noor The Bookworm https://instagram.com/noorthebookworm

June 4th – Ya It’s Lit https://instagram.com/ya.its.lit

June 5th – Lexi Java https://instagram.com/lexijava

June 8th- Lindas Book Obsession https://www.facebook.com/lindasbookobsession/

June 12th – Jackie Loves Books https://instagram.com/jackieslovesbooks

June 15th- Rajivs Reviews https://instagram.com/rajivsreviews

June 18th – David L Morgan https://instagram.com/david_l_morgan

June 29th -Rozier Reads and Wine https://instagram.com/rozierreadsandwine

June 30th- Britt Reads A Latte Books https://instagram.com/brittreadsalattebooks

July 2nd – Sealed With A Book https://instagram.com/sealedwithabook

*I received a copy in exchange for an honest review*

The Apocalypse Seven Tour – Review & Giveaway

June 4, 2021June 4, 2021 yaitslitinstaLeave a comment

About the Book

ASIN : B08B3NP4LJ
Publisher : John Joseph Adams/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt (May 25, 2021)
Publication date : May 25, 2021
Language : English
File size : 6971 KB

This is the way the world ends. Not with a bang, but a whatever.

The whateverpocalypse. That’s what Touré, a twenty-something Cambridge coder, calls it after waking up one morning to find himself seemingly the only person left in the city. Once he finds Robbie and Carol, two equally disoriented Harvard freshmen, he realizes he isn’t alone, but the name sticks: Whateverpocalypse. But it doesn’t explain where everyone went. It doesn’t explain how the city became overgrown with vegetation in the space of a night. Or how wild animals with no fear of humans came to roam the streets.

Add freakish weather to the mix, swings of temperature that spawn tornadoes one minute and snowstorms the next, and it seems things can’t get much weirder. Yet even as a handful of new survivors appear—Paul, a preacher as quick with a gun as a Bible verse; Win, a young professional with a horse; Bethany, a thirteen-year-old juvenile delinquent; and Ananda, an MIT astrophysics adjunct—life in Cambridge, Massachusetts gets stranger and stranger.

The self-styled Apocalypse Seven are tired of questions with no answers. Tired of being hunted by things seen and unseen. Now, armed with curiosity, desperation, a shotgun, and a bow, they become the hunters. And that’s when things truly get weird.

You can purchase The Apocalypse Seven at the following Retailers:

Praise for The Apocalypse Seven

“Doucette’s ’seven’ aren’t just ‘magnificent’—they’re also entertaining as hell.” —Scott Sigler, New York Times bestselling author of the Infected Trilogy

“The adventure I’ve been looking for! Never once did I know what to expect, and I loved being proved wrong at every turn. Far more mind-bending than a book this fun has any right to be.” —Zack Jordan, author of The Last Human

“[A] riveting postapocalyptic outing… Doucette’s vibrant prose and unique premise make for an enticing adventure.” —Publishers Weekly

“A cinematic, speculative exercise in which a ragtag band saves the world, kind of.” —Kirkus Reviews

Review

You know, I’ve been *complaining* about a lack of post apocalyptic/dystopian works lately and lo and behold this book fell right into my lap. And boy oh boy was it a mind twisting amazing ride for my parched from this genre brain. I mean there was just so much this book delivered and it also had something unique and different from all of the stories that fall into this category out there.

Usually I’m…. selective… with what characters I like. And with a book that features seven main characters I would expect myself to have a few that made me roll my eyes or want to skip over their parts (I know, I know, I’m picky). But with this book I didn’t feel that way and looked forward to what each character would unfold in the story. And I think it was in part because of how complex the story way. But it really worked and I fell into needing to find out what is going to happen and what the heck already happened.

This book was honestly just what I needed. It filled a gap in genres that I’ve been desperately needing filled and at the same time provided me with something new. And it was definitely one that I didn’t want to put down!

About the Author

Photo Credit: Leanne’s Studio of Photography

GENE DOUCETTE is the author of more than twenty sci-fi and fantasy titles, including The Spaceship Next Door and The Frequency of Aliens, the Immortal series, Fixer and Fixer Redux, Unfiction, and the Tandemstar books. Gene lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts.