RELEASE DAY CELEBRATION: Sacrifice (Serpentine #2) by Cindy Pon - Excerpt + GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to the Release Day Celebration for

Sacrifice (Serpentine #2) by Cindy Pon

presented by Month9Books!

Be sure to enter the giveaway found at the end of the post!

Happy Book Birthday, Cindy!

Sacrifice, the sequel to Serpentine, plunges Skybright into the terrifying underworld where demons are bred and whisks her up to the magnificent Mountain of Heavenly Peace where the gods dwell.

Stone is stripped of his immortal status and told to close hell's breach, which mysteriously remains open, threatening mortals.

Zhen Ni, Skybright's former mistress and friend, has been wed to the strange and brutish Master Bei, and finds herself trapped in an opulent but empty manor. When she discovers half-eaten corpses beneath the estate, she realizes that Master Bei is not all that he seems.

As Skybright works to free Zhen Ni with the aid of Kai Sen and Stone, they begin to understand that what is at risk is more far-reaching then they could ever have fathomed.

Sacrifice (Serpentine #2) by Cindy Pon
Publication Date: September 27, 2016
Publisher: Month9Books

Google Play | BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

He gripped his dagger tighter as he leaned down to seize a large branch from the forest floor, his eyes never leaving the undead creature. The other six had long since crumpled to the ground, filling the forest with the harsh stench of burned clothes and hair. When the last corpse was near enough, Kai Sen stabbed the long branch into the corpse’s throat, and it halted, skewered like a beetle, yet it still fought to stagger toward him, scrabbling its skeletal fingers in the air. It was strong, but so was Kai Sen. He had the advantage of training and muscle, and this thing was mere rotten flesh.

Forcing the thick branch even deeper, he shoved the corpse back until with a final thrust, the thing toppled onto its back. He was on the creature before it could rise again, stomping on its extended arms with furious kicks, breaking them, before driving the branch into the earth and pinning the corpse. It struggled still, thudding its feet as Kai Sen crouched above it, one hand clutching the branch tight as he hacked at its neck with his dagger. It was exhausting and gruesome work, but the undead could only be killed with fire or decapitation. He needed to train and fight in every capacity, by magic or weapon or with his own hands. As a warrior, he knew it was crucial to his survival.

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES:

SERPENTINE is a sweeping fantasy set in the ancient Kingdom of Xia and inspired by the rich history of Chinese mythology.

Lush with details from Chinese folklore, SERPENTINE tells the coming of age story of Skybright, a young girl who worries about her growing otherness. As she turns sixteen, Skybright notices troubling changes. By day, she is a companion and handmaid to the youngest daughter of a very wealthy family. But nighttime brings with it a darkness that not even daybreak can quell.

When her plight can no longer be denied, Skybright learns that despite a dark destiny, she must struggle to retain her sense of self – even as she falls in love for the first time.

Amazon | B&N | BAM | Chapters | Indiebound | Kobo | TBD | Google Play | iTunes

Cindy Pon is the author of Silver Phoenix (Greenwillow, 2009), which was named one of the Top Ten Fantasy and Science Fiction Books for Youth by the American Library Association’s Booklist, and one of 2009′s best Fantasy, Science Fiction and Horror by VOYA. Her most recent novel, Serpentine (Month9Books, 2015), is a Junior Library Guild Selection and received starred reviews from School Library Journal and VOYA. The sequel, Sacrifice, releases this September. WANT, a near-future thriller set in Taipei, will be published by Simon Pulse in summer 2017. She is the co-founder of Diversity in YA with Malinda Lo and on the advisory board of We Need Diverse Books. Cindy is also a Chinese brush painting student of over a decade. Learn more about her books and art at http://cindypon.com.

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BLOG TOUR: Into the Light (Into the Dark #2) by Caroline T. Patti - Ashley's Review + GIVEAWAY!

Good morning, and welcome to our stop on the blog tour for Caroline Patti's newest release, Into the Light! We have Ashley's review for you as well as a giveaway, so be sure to enter via the Rafflecopter form at the end of this post.

Don't forget to stop by all the other amazing tour stops as well! You can find the entire schedule by clicking the banner above.

About the Book

Title: Into the Light (Into the Dark #2)

Author: Caroline T. Patti

Publication Date: August 23, 2016

Publisher: Month9Books

Synopsis: Mercy’s family is back together and the threat of danger appears to have passed. But any relief she feels is short lived as she is ripped from her body and thrown in jail. Gage and Nathaniel’s plans to break Mercy out won’t exactly be easy. Stuffed full of a chemical binding agent, Mercy is trapped inside the body of a convict without the ability to breach and set herself free. Unfortunately for Mercy, being trapped in jail becomes the least of her problems when she meets her evil twin, Justice.

BAM | Chapters | Amazon | B&N | TBD

OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES

A girl’s sweet sixteen party is supposed to be among the most memorable events of her life. But on the night of hers, Mercy Clare wakes in the waiting room of a hospital with no memory of how she got there. To make matters worse, she’s wearing something she’d never be caught dead in: her best friend Lyla’s clothes.

Mercy’s nightmare is just beginning. The doctor arrives to tell her that it’s she who lies in the hospital bed waiting to die. A trip to the bathroom confirms Mercy’s fears, as Lyla’s face stares back at her and Lyla’s curvy figure pokes through her tight clothes.

But finding out what’s really going on won’t be easy. Because if Mercy wants her body back, it might just cost her Lyla’s life.

AMAZON | KOBO | B&N | CHAPTERS | iBOOKS | BAM | TBD

About the Author

Caroline T Patti is the author of The World Spins Madly On and Too Late To Apologize. When she’s not writing, she’s a school librarian, mother of two, wife, avid reader and Green Bay Packer fan. You can chat with her on Twitter: carepatti or find her on Facebook: Author Caroline T Patti. 

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Ashley's Review

I was really excited when I found out that Caroline Patti was writing a sequel to Into the Dark. The first book was weird and unique in all the right ways, and I had such high expectations for Into the Light! I really wanted to know more about this incredible world and the characters that I'd come to know and love in Into the Dark, and definitely find out how things would turn out for them in the end.

My favorite thing about this book was the expanded world-building. There was just so much that we didn't know by the end of the first book, and Patti does an excellent job of expanding the world that the Breachers come from. I really enjoyed how "passing over" was explained, and the background as to why things are the way they are now. I do think there could have been a little bit more about Purgatory and the Afterlife, but maybe that's for another book. I still have some questions, but I was content with my knowledge by the end of this book. The world-building feels very natural in this book, especially since Mercy knows just as much (or really, as little) as we do, so we get to learn new things as she does.

There is some romance in this book, but I was really glad that there was a lack of a love triangle. I really thought that Mercy was going to spend the majority of the book trying to choose between Gage and Nathaniel, but she makes her decision fairly quickly and the one she doesn't choose isn't just left out to dry. The solution is a little weird... but it totally makes sense. I was also really glad that the romance didn't take over the plot.

Speaking of which, I was less impressed with the plot in this book than I was in the first one. I don't know if it's that I just didn't like Mercy as much, or that the book was split up into three perspectives and there was just a lot going on, or what. Maybe it was a lack of things happening? Most of the time is spent trying to find Mercy's aunt, but then they do and then things aren't what they seem and it seems like a giant waste of time. Like if people would quit lying to each other, we wouldn't have even had this problem to begin with.

Overall, I think this book just fell a little short for me. It was mostly enjoyable, and  I did finish it quickly because I couldn't put it down, but I think I was just expecting so much more. I would still recommend this book to anyone who read Into the Dark, and the series to anyone who is looking for something completely different. I'd give this one a 3/5!

The Giveaway!

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BLOG TOUR: Traitor (Dragonrider Chronicles #3) by Nicole Conway - Guest Post + GIVEAWAY!

Good morning! We're really excited today to be hosting Nicole Conway as part of the blog tour for the final book in her Dragonrider Chronicles series, Traitor! Nicole took time to give us her favorite dragons, and we also have a giveaway for you so be sure to enter via the Rafflecopter form at the end of this post!

There are a bunch of other great posts - reviews, guest posts, and interviews - on the rest of this tour, and you can find the complete tour schedule by clicking the banner above.

Before we get to the playlist and the giveaway, here's a little bit more about the books and Nicole!

About the Book

Title: Traitor (Dragonrider Chronicles #3) 

Author: Nicole Conway

Release Date: May 10, 2016

Publisher: Month9Books

Synopsis: Can anyone survive being lost in Luntharda?

No amount of training has prepared Jaevid Broadfeather for the frontlines of battle. Now facing the true horrors of war, with Luntharda looming on the horizon, Jaevid has begun to question everything he thought about his heritage. The only thing keeping him going is his oath to protect his dragonrider brothers. But in an instant, even that slips through Jaevid’s fingers as he steps from the safety of his dragon’s saddle into the depths of his mother’s wild homeland—the kingdom of the gray elves.

Stranded in Luntharda with his partner, Lieutenant Jace Rordin, Jaevid must finally confront the demons of his own past as he uncovers the truth about a war that began before he was ever born. Armed with a new appreciation for destiny, and flanked by his trusted friends, Jaevid moves to make the final strike against an enemy that has hidden in plain sight for far too long.

One kingdom’s traitor will become the world’s last hope.

Purchase Links: Google Play | BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

About the Author

Nicole is the author of the children’s fantasy series, THE DRAGONRIDER CHRONICLES, about a young boy’s journey into manhood as he trains to become a dragonrider. She has completed the first two books in the series, and is now working on the third and final book.

Originally from a small town in North Alabama, Nicole moves frequently due to her husband’s career as a pilot for the United States Air Force. She received a B.A. in English with a concentration in Classics from Auburn University, and will soon attend graduate school.

 She has previously worked as a freelance and graphic artist for promotional companies, but has now embraced writing as a full-time occupation.

Nicole enjoys hiking, camping, shopping, cooking, and spending time with her family and friends. She also loves watching children’s movies and collecting books. She lives at home with her husband, two cats, and dog.

Find Nicole Online: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads

Nicole's Top Dragons

Mavrik – The Dragonrider Chronicles

Okay, so of course he’s my favourite. I created him! Besides that, I modeled his personality after my cat, Mr. Darcy. He’s loyal, affectionate, a little sassy, and definitely has an opinion of his own about things. But when the chips are down and you just need someone to be there for you, he’s there and ready to snuggle – or fight!

Festus – The Lost Hero 

Leo Valdez’s mechanical dragon from the Percy Jackson series will always have a soft spot in my heart. I thoroughly enjoyed their quirky relationship, right to the end. Festus was truly unique.

Tiamat – Jeremy Thatcher, Dragon Hatcher

This was, by far, my favourite book as a child. Other girls wanted to be princesses. I wanted a pet dragon like Tiamat. She was Jeremy’s best friend and partner in crime – not to mention the coolest way to get to school!

The Giveaway!

Five (5) winners will receive a digital copy of Traitor by Nicole Conway (INT)

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BLOG TOUR: Argos by Phillip W. Simpson - Ashley's Review + GIVEAWAY!

Good morning! Today, we're thrilled to be a part of the blog tour for Phillip W. Simpson's newest release, Argos! Both of us are dog lovers, and Ashley was especially excited for this one. We've got Ashley's review for you today as well as a giveaway, so be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter form at the end of this post for your chance to win a copy of Argos.

Also be sure to stop by all of the other fantastic stops on this tour. There are a bunch of reviews, guest posts, and interviews just waiting to be read! You can find the full tour schedule by clicking the banner above.

Before we get to Ashley's review, here's a little bit more about Argos and Phillip!

About the Book

Title: Argos 
Author: Phillip W. Simpson
Release Date: May 10, 2016
Publisher: Month9Books

Synopsis: Loyalty has no limits.

Raised from a pup by Greek hero, Odysseus, Argos has come to learn the true meaning of love and loyalty. But when Odysseus leaves for the Trojan War, little does Argos know it will be 20
years before he sees his master again. With Odysseus gone his wife, Penelope, and son, Telemachus, are easy prey for neighboring kings and the Gods themselves.

But Argos was tasked to keep them safe until Odysseus returns and that is a promise he is determined to keep – whatever the cost. Told through his eyes, Argos recounts the story of his life – his pain, his joy, his triumphs and failures; his endurance in the face of hardships almost too great to believe.

Above all else, Argos strives to do what is right – and to remain loyal to his King when all others have given up hope. To live long enough to see his beloved master one more time.

This epic myth of love and loyalty proves that a dog really is man's best friend.

Purchase Links: Amazon | B&N | TBD | Chapters 

About the Author

Phillip W. Simpson has written over 50 children’s books for both middle grade and young adult readers. He has a background in Ancient History and Archaeology, and has partially completed his doctorate in Archaeology. He lives in Auckland, New Zealand, with his wife Rose, their son, Jack and their two border terriers, Whiskey and Raffles. When not writing, he works as an elementary school teacher.

Find Phillip Online: 

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Pinterest | Goodreads

Ashley's Review

Ashley's Minotaur Review

Phillip Simpson's Minotaur was such a fun, exciting, interesting take on the myth of the Labyrinth and the Minotaur that I knew I needed to get my hands on Argos as soon as I possibly could. I love retellings of classic stories and I love dogs, so this book had the makings of something excellent. Add in Simpson's engaging writing style, and Argos was everything I hoped it would be.

Almost everyone that has graduated high school has been exposed to Odysseus and his incredible feats of heroism at some point in their lives. His victory at Troy using the Trojan Horse is referenced in so many different books, movies, and other media - even Monty Python included their own version of it in The Holy Grail - and even Penelope's struggles have written about (Margaret Atwood's The Penelopiad comes to mind). But nobody ever tells Argos' story. Until now. 

I didn't know how much I needed this story until I started reading it. Argos is loyal to a fault, and he's telling the story of his life to Cerberus, who has never met another dog as loyal to his master as himself. I loved the interactions between Argos and Cerberus, and I would love to have seen more about their relationship. I know it's outside of the scope of this story, but their friendship is one of the best relationships I've seen in a book. Argos was just a puppy when Odysseus left him to go fight in Troy, and I just really enjoyed listening to the joys and trials of his life. Even though he's a dog, things are not always easy for him, especially since he's blessed with the ability to understand humans. He has his fair share of enemies, and I was worried for him every time one of decided to show up.

Although there are a few parts that were a little slow, most of the story keeps up a nice pace. Argos has lived for 20 years, and somehow manages to tell his story in a reasonable amount of time. His friendships with Telemachus and Eumaeus, his unwavering love for his master, and all of the things he's willing to endure to protect his family are just a few of the things that made me love Argos even more. And then, of course, had me crying like a little baby. It takes a lot to make me cry in normal books, but somehow this book, told from the perspective of a dog, nearly gutted me. There were happy tears too! 

If you, like me, enjoy a great retelling of classic stories, and are looking for something totally unique and different, you'll want to read Argos. It may be a story told by a dog, but it is also so much more than that. I hope Phillip Simpson continues to write books like Argos and Minotaur, because I will be waiting impatiently for another story that changes the way I think about these stories. 4/5!

The Giveaway!

Five (5) winners will receive a digital copy of Argos by Phillip W. Simpson (INT)

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RELEASE DAY CELEBRATION: Artifacts by Pete Catalano + GIVEAWAY!

Happy Release Day to

Artifacts by Pete Catalano!

Join us in celebrating this new release from Tantrum Books!

Enter the giveaway found at the end of the post.

Happy Book Birthday, Pete!

It's funny how one little letter can change a person's life. Jax and his friends have been planning the summer of a lifetime at Camp Runamuck. However, when one of them is facing summer at a school desk for failing English, they watch those plans crash and burn!

At the last moment they're given a way out.

An extra credit assignment to find several fake artifacts for a fairy tale display their teacher is presenting at the local library.

Thinking they've hit the easiest-extra-credit-ever jackpot, they begin rummaging through any piles of junk they can find. As they start putting the clues together, they realize that what they're really searching for is one authentic artifact that can rewrite fairy tales!

Enlisting the aid of the Lost Boys, Jax and his friends battle fairy tale villains to see who can get their hand, or their hook, on it first.

Artifacts by Pete Catalano

Release Date: May 17, 2016

Publisher: Tantrum Boooks

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Pete Catalano’s books are written for kids of all ages — and adults who secretly never grew up. He lives in Charlotte, NC with his adorably funny wife and two neurotic dogs. Pete was a theatre major in college and tries to keep the ‘suspension of disbelief’ in his life as much as he can.

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RELEASE DAY CELEBRATION: Rise by Jennifer Anne Davis + GIVEAWAY!

Happy Release Day to

Rise by Jennifer Anne Davis!

Join us in celebrating this new release from Month9Books!

Enter the giveaway found at the end of the post.

Happy Book Birthday, Jennifer!

The people of Nelebek live in fear of persecution from the evil Morlet, who reigns with a dark and destructive magic. The kingdom’s only hope lies with the Order of the Krigers—twelve warriors with mysterious powers linked to magical weapons.

For over a century, Morlet has been annihilating the Order, picking them off one by one. Eleven Krigers have been hunted down, tortured, and imprisoned in his dungeon. Now, only one remains.

Sixteen-year-old Kaia survives by keeping her head down and minding her own business. But when she finds herself in the middle of a public execution where the mysterious Morlet is in attendance, an odd compulsion she can’t resist comes over her.

Kaia looks into Morlet’s eyes.

Soon, an ancient power awakens and Kaia can no more blend into the scenery. Will she heed the call of the Krigers or will Morlet’s dark magic destroy the last of the Order?

Rise by Jennifer Anne Davis

Release Date: May 17, 2016

Publisher: Month9Books

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Jennifer Anne Davis is the award-winning author of the bestselling TRUE REIGN series. After graduating from the University of San Diego with a degree in English and a teaching credential, she married her high school sweetheart. Jennifer is currently a full-time writer and mother of three highly energetic children. Her days are spent living in imaginary worlds and fueling her own kids’ creativity.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr | Pinterest |Instagram | YouTube | Goodreads

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M9B REVEAL: Sacrifice (Serpentine #2) by Cindy Pon - Cover Reveal + GIVEAWAY!

Today Cindy Pon and Month9Books are revealing the cover for SACRIFICE, book 2 in the Serpentine Series, which releases September 27, 2016! Check out the gorgeous cover and enter to win a paperback copy of book 1, Serpentine!!

Here’s a message from the author:

I am so excited to share the Sacrifice cover with readers! I didn't think it was possible, but I love it even more than my gorgeous Serpentine cover. My second novel is always about dealing with consequences of what happened in the first book. Skybright was on a journey to discover the truth of her origins and identity in Serpentine, and I believe she truly comes into her own in Sacrifice. I love the prominent featuring of her crimson tail, and the tension and energy this cover conveys—it reflects the novel so well. I hope you enjoy Sacrifice!

On to the reveal! 

Title: Sacrifice (Serpentine, Book 2)

Author: Cindy Pon

Pub. Date: September 27, 2016

Publisher: Month9Books

Format: Paperback, Hardcover,  & eBook

Find it: Amazon | B&N | TBD | Goodreads

Sacrifice, the sequel to Serpentine, plunges Skybright into the terrifying underworld where demons are bred and whisks her up to the magnificent Mountain of Heavenly Peace where the gods dwell.

Stone is stripped of his immortal status and told to close hell's breach, which mysteriously remains open, threatening mortals.

Zhen Ni, Skybright's former mistress and friend, has been wed to the strange and brutish Master Hou, and finds herself trapped in an opulent but empty manor. When she discovers half-eaten corpses beneath the estate, she realizes that Master Hou is not all that he seems. 

As Skybright works to free Zhen Ni with the aid of Kai Sen and Stone, they begin to understand that what is at risk is more far-reaching then they could ever have fathomed.

Cindy Pon is the author of Silver Phoenix (Greenwillow, 2009), which was named one of the Top Ten Fantasy and Science Fiction Books for Youth by the American Library Association’s Booklist, and one of 2009′s best Fantasy,Science Fiction and Horror by VOYA.The sequel to Silver Phoenix, titled Fury of the Phoenix, was released in April 2011. Her first published short story is featured in Diverse Energies,a multicultural YA dystopian anthology from Tu Books (October 2012). Cindy is also a Chinese brush painting student of over a decade. Visit her website. 

Where you can find Cindy: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Tumblr | Instagram

Giveaway Details

2 winners will receive a paperback of SERPENTINE, US Only.

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BLOG TOUR: The Paladins (The Artisans #1) by Julie Reece - Ashley's Review + GIVEAWAY!

Hello! We're super excited to be a part of the blog tour for Julie Reece's newest release, The Paladins! This is the second book in The Artisans series, and Ashley has her review for you today. There's also a giveaway, so be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter to win your own copy of the book. And, if you're in the mood for some music, you can find Julie's playlist for The Artisans, the first book in the series, here!

You won't want to miss the other incredible stops on this tour, so be sure to find the tour schedule by clicking the banner above! And now, before we get to Ashley's review and the giveaway, here's a little bit more about The Paladins and Julie! 

About the Book

Title: The Paladins (The Artisans #2)

Author: Julie Reece

Publication Date: May 3rd, 2016

Publisher: Month9Books, LLC

Synopsis: The Artisan curse is broken. Souls trapped in a mysterious otherworld called The Void are finally released. Now, Raven Weathersby, Gideon Maddox, and Cole Wynter can finally move on with their lives...or so they thought. If the ancient magic is truly dead, then why are mystical fires plaguing Gideon at every turn? What accounts for Raven’s frightening visions of her dead mother? And who is the beautiful, tortured girl haunting Cole’s dreams?

Last year, a group of lonely teens sacrificed secrets, battled the supernatural, and faced their own demons to set one another free. Yet six months later, the heart of evil still beats within The Void. And the trio is forced to face the horrific truth: that their only way out is to go back in.

The Paladins completes this eerie YA Southern Gothic where loyalties are tested, love is challenged, and evil seeks them on the ultimate battlegrounds—in their minds, their souls, and their hearts.

Purchase Links: Google Play | BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

Other Books in the Series

Title: The Artisans (The Artisans #1)

Author: Julie Reece

Publication Date: May 12th, 2015

Publisher: Month9Books, LLC

Synopsis: They say death can be beautiful. But after the death of her mother, seventeen-year-old Raven Weathersby gives up her dream of becoming a fashion designer, barely surviving life in the South Carolina lowlands.

To make ends meet, Raven works after school as a seamstress creating stunning works of fashion that often rival the great names of the day.

Instead of making things easier on the high school senior, her stepdad's drinking leads to a run in with the highly reclusive heir to the Maddox family fortune, Gideon Maddox.

But Raven's stepdad's drying out and in no condition to attend the meeting with Maddox. So Raven volunteers to take his place and offers to repay the debt in order to keep the only father she's ever known out of jail, or worse.

Gideon Maddox agrees, outlining an outrageous demand: Raven must live in his home for a year while she designs for Maddox Industries' clothing line, signing over her creative rights.

Her handsome young captor is arrogant and infuriating to the nth degree, and Raven can't imagine working for him, let alone sharing the same space for more than five minutes.

But nothing is ever as it seems. Is Gideon Maddox the monster the world believes him to be? And can he stand to let the young seamstress see him as he really is?

Purchase Links: Google Play | BAM | Chapters | Indies | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

About the Author

Born in Ohio, I lived next to my grandfather’s horse farm until the fourth grade. Summers were about riding, fishing and make-believe, while winter brought sledding and ice-skating on frozen ponds. Most of life was magical, but not all.

I struggled with multiple learning disabilities, did not excel in school. I spent much of my time looking out windows and daydreaming. In the fourth grade (with the help of one very nice teacher) I fought dyslexia for my right to read, like a prince fights a dragon in order to free the princess locked in a tower, and I won.

Afterwards, I read like a fiend. I invented stories where I could be the princess… or a gifted heroine from another world who kicked bad guy butt to win the heart of a charismatic hero. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that? Later, I moved to Florida where I continued to fantasize about superpowers and monsters, fabricating stories (my mother called it lying) and sharing them with my friends.

Then I thought I’d write one down…

Hooked, I’ve been writing ever since. I write historical, contemporary, urban fantasy, adventure, and young adult romances. I love strong heroines, sweeping tales of mystery and epic adventure… which must include a really hot guy. My writing is proof you can work hard to overcome any obstacle. Don’t give up. I say, if you write, write on!

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest |Tumbr | Instagram | Goodreads

Ashley's Review

Ashley's review of The Artisans

I really enjoyed The Artisans, so even though it ended with a Happily Ever After, I was still excited to find out that there was going to be a sequel! I definitely still had a few questions left over, and even more about what would happen moving forward. The Paladins was a great continuation of Raven, Gideon, and Cole's story and I'm so glad I got the chance to read it!

While The Artisans is pretty obviously a new take on the classic "Beauty and the Beast" story, The Paladins is quite a bit different. I felt like there were several fairy tales and myths incorporated in this book, and I actually thought that was much more exciting than just retelling one specific story. There's a little Rapunzel, a little generic damsel in distress, and a lot of Greek mythology (especially centering around Pan and the Labyrinth). For me, everything meshed together well and it didn't feel like Reece was trying to do too much. I'm sure there were references to things that I didn't catch because I wasn't familiar with certain elements of the stories, but I did enjoy all of the things I did recognize. I think this would still be a fun read for someone who isn't familiar with much of the mythology or anything, because Reece establishes the rules of the world in her own way so that things still feel fresh and new.

The Paladins is written from Gideon, Cole, and Raven's perspectives, and I was so glad to be able to see what the boys were thinking. Don't get me wrong, I loved being in Raven's head for The Artisans, but I don't think this book would have been anywhere near as good if we had only seen things from Raven. The fresh viewpoints really added a depth to this story that helped move events along at a great pace, especially when everyone was split up. There was also some relationship drama that wouldn't have worked nearly as well if we hadn't been able to see the explanations from both sides. 

I'm still a huge fan of Gideon, and just when I thought he was stable and maturing nicely, he grows into a completely different person over the course of this book. Events and people change him for the better, and I really enjoyed watching him turn into this incredible young man. He learns quite a bit about himself and how he should be treating other people, and it was just really refreshing that he was the one who really needed saving instead of having the hero being the one doing the saving. 

Julie Reece has constructed such a fantastic world with characters that I felt were my own friends and just enough magic to keep everyone on their toes. Even though The Artisans would be an excellent standalone novel, I was so happy to be able to visit this world again in The Paladins! If you've read and loved The Artisans, you definitely want to get your hands on this book as soon as possible! I would also recommend this series to anyone who is a fan of fairy-tale/mythology reimaginings, especially those with a Southern Gothic aura to them. I can't wait to find out what Julie is going to be working on next! 4/5.

The Giveaway!

Five (5) winners will receive a digital copy of The Paladins (The Artisans #2) by Julie Reece (INT)

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