THE LEGENDS OF AMUN-RA: THE EMERALD TABLET

Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy Leoros doesn't have many friends. The son of a scientist and archeologist, he is constantly on the move. But when his parents make a startling discovery in Egypt, Leoros' world is turned upside down. Do you wish you could have the power of a god? Would you use it for good…or for evil? When an archaeologist discovers the mythic Emerald Tablet buried beneath Egypt’s desert, her son decodes the ancient text leading him to a distant world. On that world, a slave girl begins a journey towards a destiny she cannot imagine. But when an ancient foe rises from the ashes, they will be brought together by forces neither understands. Leoros, who dreams of being like the heroes in the comic books, must fight to unlock the secrets of the universe to save a people he never knew existed. Atlantia, whose bloody visions wake her in the night, senses the darkness coming. Together they will face an enemy with the power of dark energy, lose a mentor to the assassin’s blade, and be betrayed by someone they trust. Their fight for the future is just beginning, and before it is over, a final sacrifice must be made. When the darkness comes, will they stand and fight or will they join it? There is darkness in everyone. Purchase the book: Amazon | Barnes & Noble


Our review:  THE LEGENDS OF AMUN-RA: The Emerald Tablet is a story with tremendous ambition and a creative plan for the plot. The idea is an interesting twist of Indiana Jones-like adventure combined with a sci-fi angle. There are scenes that transcend the story and show a great deal of promise, but while it is engaging, the lack of editing and of consistent use of tenses and style keeps this book from being excellent. 

There are two saving elements: first is the main character, Leoros, who is truly engaging. The second is that The Emerald Tablet is actually the first in a planned seven-book series, so there is plenty of time (and room for) improvement as the series unfolds. Perhaps the author will tie everything together, thus redeeming this first installment. 

The series will appeal to those who enjoy science fiction.

About Joshua Silverman

Joshua Silverman was born in Washington, D.C. and raised in Orange County, California. While attending California State University, Fullerton and studying Criminal Justice, Joshua was introduced to a creative writing class where he wrote a series of paranormal stories. As a child, he has always been an amateur historian, focusing on ancient Egypt, Greece, and Roman civilizations. Since working in the legal environment, he has combined his passion for creative writing with his love of ancient history by penning his debut novel, The Emerald Tablet, the first of seven in the Legends of Amun Ra series.


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CRUSHING Excerpt and Giveaway

Crushing

As a pampered and adored daughter of a wealthy Southern family Rory's life was seemingly perfect until her troubled childhood crush moves back in across the street forcing her to choose between him and the life that has been chosen for her. As if that isn't enough, her quiet island town has turned dangerous. A good friend has gone missing, lending truth to the rumors of a serial kidnapper. In her quest to help she becomes a target and will have to make choices about love, friendship and the inevitable sacrifice that they both require.
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And here's our excerpt from this exciting book!

“Aurora,” Gage called out.

I froze. Did he not remember that I hated when people used my full name? I looked back and he was strolling over to me, completely ignoring Dominic, whose whole body stiffened up. I widened my eyes at Gage as he made his way over, but he didn’t even check his stride. He grinned at me. I knew that look. He remembered all right.

“Gage,” I said through my teeth. I had reached the end of my tolerance of overbearing males.

“Are you trying out for the golf team today after school?”

Him? On the golf team? This could be an issue. Holden, Dom, and I played on the team every year. Not good. “I was planning on it.”

“We both are. Why do you care?” Dom had stepped up to stand next to me, his tone belligerent.

Gage did not even look at him.

“I spoke to the coach Friday and signed up, so I guess I’ll see you over there.”

Dom huffed.

Gage took a step toward Dom. “Problem?”

“With you. Yeah. Stay away from her. She’s not even supposed to talk to you. So find some other girl to bother,” he said through gritted teeth.

“Dom!” I gasped.

Gage shifted his gaze to me. “Really?” He turned back and took another step toward Dom. “I think Rory can decide for herself. I’m pretty sure she doesn’t need a babysitter either—especially not some meathead jacked up on steroids.”

“Right, because hanging out with a screwup like you is better, and man, I don’t need steroids to finish what we started the other night.” Dom moved forward, and they were chest to chest having a stare down. People were starting to gather. It didn’t take long when boys got a whiff of a fight.

I stepped forward ready to wiggle into the middle of them, when the bell rang. The realization of where and when they were must have broken the spell. They stared at each other for another beat, then they both stepped back. I took a breath. That was close.

Gage turned to me. “See you later.” He winked and walked away.

Why was nothing ever simple?

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Elena lives and writes in a suburb North of Los Angeles.  She has never lived anywhere besides California which is probably a good thing since she hates being cold and is terrified to drive in the snow. She loves being a wife and a mother to her two kids and three dogs, although really the bulldog is the fourth child who has never matured beyond the toddler stage. A self proclaimed nerd, she has been writing since she was a child. She has only recently, however, come out of the closet about this to her family and friends.  They now understand better, but not completely, why she talks about characters in stories as if they are real people. Follow the Tour Elena Dillon is giving away a beach basket and a $50 Amazon Gift card for her tour. a Rafflecopter giveaway

INDIGO INCITE Review and Giveaway!

There are no secrets Sixteen-year-old Tyler believed that his extra-sensory powers were a secret, but when his twin brother, Toby, is kidnapped by a covert government agency, he realizes that he has no secrets, and he has nowhere to hide. He’s not alone Now, in order to save himself and rescue his brother, Tyler must call upon the help of four strangers. Unknown to each other, Eddie, Liliana, Grace, and Sarah share a common bond. They are Indigo Children. With extra-sensory powers of their own, they must unite with Tyler in order to maintain their freedom. Unexpected romance They’re on the run. They’re on a mission. Romance is a distraction that Tyler can’t afford. But sometimes, the heart has a mind of its own. Time is running out Will they find Toby before the agency finds them first? Find out in Indigo Incite, Book One of the Indigo Trilogy.

About Jacinda Buchmann

Jacinda Buchmann lives in Arizona with her husband and three children. She graduated from Carroll College, in Helena, Montana, with a B.A. in elementary education and later received a Master’s degree from Northern Arizona University, in school counseling. After spending several years as a teacher and later a school counselor, she now spends her time writing, any free chance she can get, that is, when she’s not spending time with her family or creating a new concoction in the kitchen. 
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Our review: 5 out of 5 stars Awesome book!!!

WOW - this book was so much more than I anticipated.

Twins Tyler and Toby have been through a lot during the first 16 years of their lives.

They have always been able to talk to each in their minds and were always very close as a result.  

When Toby is kidnapped by a covert government agency, they realize that they have no secrets and nowhere to hide.

Tyler sets out to find Toby - and in the process calls upon the help of four strangers (Eddie, Liliana, Grace, and Sarah).

Tyler and Toby learn more about their powers and the powers of their new friends along their journey.

This is a MUST read book!!! A hard to put down book!!!

I received a copy of this book for an honest review. (Review by Sue Ann Brooks, PBT street team)

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The author is giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card


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FALL OF SKY CITY Review and Giveaway!

Fall of Sky City

Genre: New Adult Fantasy, Steampunk Adventure In a world governed by the opposing forces of the mystical House of Tarot and the tribal Great Families, Synn is caught in the crossfire. He witnesses the slaughter of innocent people, and the devastating murder of his father. This act awakens his Mark of power, a Mark greater than any the world has seen in a very long time. Queen Nix thought she won a great prize when she destroyed Synn’s father, the leader of the strongest Great Families. She had no idea she’d be doubly blessed by capturing his son. However, before Synn can become her treasured weapon, before she can use him to bring the rest of the world to its knees, she must break him and bind his soul to hers. She does her job with brutal brilliance. Synn’s mind is broken and his soul is seared to hers in an unbreakable bond. That doesn’t stop him from wanting to be free. She may have broken his mind and claimed his soul, but he will find a way to destroy her. Experience a world of ships that sail the clouds and cites buried beneath the ocean, and survive the fiery battle brought forth by those who control the forces of nature!

Our review: Steampunk is not my normally preferred genre, but as always with a really fabulous story, it trumps everything. The characters in this book are what hooked me. Synn is compelling and so sympathetic, while the Queen is just so completely evil. . .she inspires that pure hate we reserve for the very best book villains. The story itself is worthy of these beautifully drawn characters. It kept me riveted. FALL OF SKY CITY passed the true test of a really wonderful book: I was thinking about the story even when I wasn't reading it, anxious to get back and read more. Even after finishing it, I'm still there; I want more!! 

About Author SM Blooding

SM Blooding lives in Colorado with her pet rock, Rockie, Ms. Bird, the Chicken and SistaPITA. It's quite the zoo. She’s taken a break from the piano, which Ms, Bird is quite happy about, and now knows more than one word in Arabic. Basically, she can say hello, good-bye, give it to me, and hurry up! She’s dated vampires, werewolves, sorcerers, weapons smugglers and US Government assassins. Yes. She has stories. Follow SM Blooding: Website | Facebook | Twitter | GoodReads Purchase e-book / paperback The Author is giving away a $50 Amazon GC Fill out the form below to Enter a Rafflecopter giveaway Follow the Tour

THROUGH THE VALLEY LOVE ENDURES by Eddie David Santiago Giveaway and Excerpt!

Through the Valley Love Endures

What if death came for you today? Would you be ready?

Forced to face his own mortality, Eddie Santiago fought to stay alive in a broken world. His incredible journey through heartbreak, abuse, and adversity left him with one truth: every life makes a difference.

This is the true and compelling story of his supernatural quest through the valley of death, doubt, and darkness. Eddie provides a passionate story that will capture the attention of even the toughest skeptics.

Angels, demons, heaven, hell, Jesus and the devil: are they fiction, or are they more real than anything else in the world?

About Eddie David Santiago

Eddie David Santiago has worked in the mental health/substance abuse field since he was 18 years old.  He holds bachelor degrees in both psychology and religious studies and has provided counseling related services for multiple mental health, substance abuse and human service agencies.  In addition, he earned his master’s degree in counseling along with certification in educational administration.

With over fifteen years of counseling related experience, Eddie founded the organization L.E.A.D. (Love Endures And Delivers) which offers interactive group trainings, seminar sessions, speaking opportunities for groups of all ages and crisis counseling sessions.

THROUGH THE VALLEY, LOVE ENDURES is based on Eddie’s early collection of writings, through which he found his voice.  He seeks to inspire others to find their voice and share their own stories. Eddie resides in the Midwest with his beautiful wife Sarah and their three amazing children, Faith, Isaiah and Makaylah.

Purchase - Kindle / Paperback

Here's our excerpt of this amazing book! 

I decided to see one of my old teachers Mr. Attest, who made sure I took his class every year.  Mr. Attest was my favorite high school teacher because he loved all of the kids.  I must have managed to catch him this day during his prep because his class was empty, so I walked in with a big smile. 

“How are you doing, kind sir?” I said, putting on an accent.

“Eddie,” he said as tears formed in his eyes. “I’m so happy to see you.”

I was caught off-guard as I didn’t expect an emotional welcome.  I told him a little about my life in college and with work.

With tears building in his eyes and his voice cracking, Mr. Attest said, “I am so proud of you.  You were able to overcome the obstacles we put in your way.  I know what we did to you, and yet you still turned into a man worthy of making our world better.  I am sorry for what we did.”

In his subtle way, my favorite teacher acknowledged the hate I had endured over the years.  Tears filled my eyes as I felt that big lump form in my throat.  All I could do was stare at him as I held back the tears.  I was so used to looking away in order to love people so as not to get a glimpse of hate.  It’s how I was able to continue loving people.  But when I looked at Mr. Attest, I saw eyes that were seeking forgiveness.  I hadn’t expected that.  He wasn’t even one of the people who hurt me throughout the years, but yet he wanted to ask forgiveness for all of them who did and take that burden upon himself. 

I didn’t understand it.  I didn’t know exactly what to say so I shook my head in acknowledgement and said, “Thank you.”

“You know, there comes a point in our lives where we look back and realize too late what we should have done or what we should have said.  We realize our silence is just as bad as the abuse.  We try to tell ourselves that’s not us, so we continue to do right by people, but never take the time to realize we are no better.  You’re a fine young man.”  Mr. Attest put his arm on my shoulder.

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A Scholar's Journey: The Divine Tempest

A Scholar’s Journey: The Divine Tempest is a no-holds-barred fantasy brawl. It begins when the God of Justice and Retribution opens The Abyss and unleashes a vengeful demon upon the mortal realm of Therra. Now it is up to scholar Penndarius Greyson and his tormented protector, martial artist Soren Luna Mortalitas, to stop a crisis that would send shockwaves through the very fabric of creation. In addition, Penndarius is waging an internal battle with a disembodied presence attempting to possess his mind. The two heroes must avoid death or capture, but there is a catch: They have only one day to solve a riddle older than history before a dark host of unstoppable demons is released into the world. The Divine Tempest includes warring factions, betrayal and redemption, and of course, Herrick Erickson-Brigl's trademark: epic fight scenes. This is the lean, hard-hitting first installment in a series that follows Penndarius’s growth as the avatar of the God of Creation and Soren’s reclamation of his lethal family’s humanity. Purchase A Scholar's Journey: The Divine Tempest on Amazon.

Our excerpt:

Azlea pushed her way through the five guardsmen.

"What are you doing?" Daymion snarled. "Leave the fighting to the men. I will kill you later, girl!" he said with a snarl.

"You pompous chauvinist bigots are all alike," Azlea replied with confidence. "Fenmanoth kazmodooon!" she intoned.

A light glow that matched her violet hair appeared around her body, and she held out her hand, palm up, and continued. "Bound by ash, brought by fate, guardian of the sacred nine’s fire gate, I call on you, my ally forevermore," she chanted. "Great kirin Cerberi, prove your oath to our contract, and grant fire and doom to bear forth toward my foes!”

The aura grew stronger behind her and took the form of a creature that was just outside the material world. It stalked around her with its eyes held on the approaching assassins with a glare of malicious intent. It was akin to a dog, with charred fur and molten flows of lava that traced its skin like veins. Its eyes and mouth sent out licking flames, and its teeth glowed like white-hot coals.

The energy from her hair seemed to grow in intensity, as well, and whipped about like tongues of purple flame. "Ember staff!" she cried aloud and culminated the spell with a loud thoom! that emanated outward with a shockwave of violet flame and charcoal. The image of the creature disappeared and left behind falling ash in its place.

On her upraised palm, flickering flames of faery fire extended upward. They curled in on one another and left behind a solid volcanic rock that glowed white hot at its center with an obsidian outer shell. Within the staff, violet-colored molten lava moved and flowed at its core.

The staff grew and grew until it was her height. She performed a test swing with her weapon, and it left a trail of ash and faery fire in its wake that sparked with the heat.

"When they sent an ambassador for negotiations with the warlike rahliens and the feral anthras, did you think they would send the weak and useless? The kind of woman that only your narrow minded fantasies could imagine?" she asked with an excited, confident smile. "They sent their best—a battle magus!"

The guardsmen behind her seemed to rally at her power. The seven assassins charged, while Daymion hung back. He edged himself around to the side.

"I will handle this," said Azlea as she turned and pointed toward Penndarius. "Protect him!" she commanded the guardsmen.

"Yes, ma'am," one of the men responded. Although the scholar’s plight was beyond the five of them, and they did not understand why, without hesitation all five took up a circular formation around Penndarius, Lark, and Draven.

"What is happening?" Draven whimpered.

Daymion circled his seven assassins and angled himself toward Penndarius. Stealthily he unsheathed a sword identical to his troop's weapons and quickly hid it under his cloak to prevent the light of dusk from glinting off his blade and giving away his intentions.

Azlea met the charging assassins head on. The one in the lead attempted to attack her with his serrated sword. She saw an opening and delivered a horizontal strike, with the end of her staff thrust into his blade. It blasted the weapon back with an explosive force that displayed its fiery properties, which in turn opened the assassin to a follow up strike to his side. A cloud of ash was left in the staff’s wake.

The volcanic power of her attack ripped into the assassin's side and threw him ten paces away like a rag doll. His feet skidded to a stop along the carved stone of the platform, and he rushed back in. Azlea then swiftly blocked a return thrust with a deft downward parry of her staff, which she then quickly flicked upwards into the assassin's face.

The impact from her second assault snapped the assassin's head back violently, and he flipped head over heels to the edge of the platform. From just the two hits, ash and cinders fluttered in the air. The immediate area around Azlea was covered with soot. The five remaining assassins circled her and attempted to find openings without regard for their fallen comrades.

About Herrick C. Erickson-Brigl

Herrick Erickson-Brigl has been reading fantasy since he first learned to read and writing it nearly as long. While in college, Herrick's passion for writing culminated in his first novel, entitled *A Scholar’s Journey: The Divine Tempest*. He is currently completing his second book in that series. Follow the Author: Website | Twitter

Kickstarter Campaign

Herrick is also kickstarting the editing for his second book "A War of Lies" *Book Two, A War of Lies:* Three nations stand divided by a devil’s trick that will spark a war between the elder gods and their daemonic children. Penndarius and his fierce protectors travel to the fertile land of Utopia to delve deeper into Therra's hidden past. Will the answers they find be what they are seeking, or will they reveal something much more sinister? View Herrick's Kickstarter Page here! The author is giving away a Kindle, a $20 Amazon GC, and an ebook. Fill out the form below a Rafflecopter giveaway

Endless Book Tour - Excerpt

February 26, 2013 By Amanda Leave a Comment (Edit)

Endless

After the tumult of her high school senior year, all is right in Tasmyn Vaughan’s world. She’s attending college with her boyfriend, and she’s learning to control her powers. Everything is finally perfect, until it isn’t.
When her new part-time job leads to more than she bargained for, Tasmyn is thrown into a deadly fight against forces of evil that she didn’t even know existed. Mastering her extraordinary gifts—along with the strength of an endless love—may be the only weapon that can guarantee her a happily ever after.



Check out the entire King Series:
Book 1: Fearless
Book 2: Breathless
Book 3: Restless
Book 4: Endless

About Author Tawdra Kandle

Tawdra Kandle is the author of THE KING SERIES, a young adult urban fantasy quartet. Born in South Jersey, Tawdra published her first short story at the age of 13 in Child’s Life magazine. During the early years of her marriage and motherhood, she wrote articles and columns on parenting and homeschooling, as well as some homeschooling curriculum. THE KING SERIES is her first published full-length fiction. Tawdra currently lives in central Florida with her husband, and children, both skin and fur types. And yes, she has purple hair.
Follow Tawdra Kandle:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Amazon


Read An Excerpt-
“Now,” Cathryn said when we’d finished eating and the last of the papers was

returned to her briefcase, “let’s get to work on our other priority. Close your eyes,

Tasmyn. I want you to picture the energy that allows you to hear thoughts. Visualize it.

Got it?”

I had had some experience with this and so it was easy. I saw the power, my

most familiar ability, a swirling purple mist. “I’ve got it.”

“All right. Now take that same energy that flows out so easily, and make it solid.

It might take a few tries. Take your time.”

As soon as I heard her words, the mist began to take a more opaque form,

spreading out into a sort of wall. “I can see it. It’s like a solid plank. . .a wall maybe.”

“Excellent. Spread it all around your mind. Picture it protecting your thoughts.”

“I’ve done it. Now what?”

“Now I’m going to try to get through your wall. And you try to keep me out.”

I felt Cathryn’s assault right away. I envisioned the purple veil repelling each

attack. After a few moments, Cathryn said, “Good. Very good for a first try, actually. I

want you to keep working on it. Remember that you never know who around you might

have the same talent, and you could put yourself—and Carruthers—at risk if you don’t

guard your mind very carefully. Understand?”

I nodded. I hadn’t thought it before, but this whole operation was beginning to

feel like a covert mission.

“I heard that,” Cathryn said dryly. “You’re not entirely wrong, but have you ever

realized how often you jump to dramatic conclusions, Tasmyn? I’m a vampire,

Carruthers is a black ops organization. . .really, maybe you should write fiction.”

I concentrated on pulling the veil back over my mind before I replied. “If you had

been attacked by not one but two deranged witches and almost drowned by an

overzealous minister, all over the course of less than two years, none of those would

sound so crazy.”

Cathryn laughed, and for once it didn’t make me want to scratch her eyes out. “I

guess you have a point. And nice work. I can’t hear even one of your thoughts. Keep it

up, Tasmyn. You’re off to a good start.”