Review for Nacreous by Sarah Elle Emm

Hey all, I just got done with Nacreous the 4th book in the Harmony run series by Sarah Elle Emm. It is a fasanating read filled with action and it keeps you on the edge of your seat.  Below is a summery from good reads.

After two members of The Freedom Front are arrested and interrogated by the UZTA's tyrannical President Nicks, Rain Hawkins and her friends face the alarming reality that their plans to liberate the mixed zones across the United Zones of The Authority might not come to fruition. While the resistance movement is growing outside the walls of the zones, the president's forces are strengthening and putting citizens everywhere in more peril than ever. When Rain receives warnings that her cousin, Calista, has agreed to support plans to kill the mixed zones, and that her life could be on the line at the upcoming pure zone initiation ceremony, she must decide where her loyalties lie and if all of her allies can be trusted. As The Freedom Front use their abilities to unravel the mystery of the ceremony, The Authority captures some of their friends, forcing TFF to either go into hiding, or plan a rescue mission that could jeopardize everything they've been fighting for.

It is a very entertaining novel that I highly recommend. 

Interview with Nicole A. Schmidt

Hey all,

Sorry for not blogging more but it's been a busy past few months. I recently reviewed poetry by Nicole A. Schmidt and was given the enormous honor of  interviewing her. Here is the interview I hope you all enjoy.


 1.Why did you write "Inside a young soul"? 

Initially I wrote the poems because I needed to vent. I wasn't a rebellious teen so this was my way of getting it all out. Even then, I knew I wanted to publish it so that others would know they weren't alone.

2.Why did you choose to put a “Notes, Reactions, write-a- like” area after each poem?

I wanted my readers to be able react to the text. I wanted them to have the opportunity to get their feelings out too, even their feelings were the opposite of mine. Teenagers are silenced much more than they should be.

3.Do you have a poem that is your favorite or that is the most personal?

I can't say I have a favorite, but I can say that I remember the exact instance or person each poem is about.

4.What was the idea behind these poems?  

It was my way to address my emotions. I couldn't share them with the person they were about so I wrote them down. They had to come out one way or another so that I could move forward.

5.You have spots after some poems for "Artistic representation", what are you hoping that youths will do with this page?

Some teens are intimidated by writing, especially poetry. I never intended for them write poetry in the notes section, but I'm sure many will assume so. The artistic representation just provides another avenue for expression. They can draw, paint, collage, whatever their hearts desire.

6.What are you hoping people will take from your poems?

I hope that they comfort those who can relate to the disappointments and struggles in the poems. I hope that the joy in some of them make people laugh and smile. I hope that my readers are able to reminisce about their own experiences. I hope that they are encouraged and realize that it if I can get past these things so can they. Finally, I hope that the book itself reminds them that dreams can be realized. In the poem "Excuuoooooze Me" I share my desire to attend Maryland, teach, and publish a book. All three goals gave been accomplished. If I can do it, so can my readers.

7.Why did you choose to write poetry? 

I'm musically inclined. I sing as well so poetry comes naturally to me.

8.Are you planning to publish more books of poetry in the future? 

I'm in the process of compiling the next collection entitled, Journey to Love: Vol. 1. It's about knowing that you will get married, but enjoying the journey until you do. This collection is also broken into sections and has reflection pages, but it will also include short essays. 

9.Did you have any poets that inspired you to write?

My favorite author is J. California Copper, who wrote short stories and novels. I enjoy Maya Angelo, Gwendolyn Brooks, Langston Hughes, etc, but they didn't inspire me. It has always been innate in me, it's in my DNA.

Review for Inside a young soul

Hey all, I have been reading a book by Nicole A. Schmidt.

Inside a young soul is a book of poems which she wrote when she was younger. This novel is very heartfelt and is very easy to relate to for a lot of women. It is targeted towards young teen girls and its poems cover religion, family, and relationships. It is very powerful, and it is hard to believe that she was so young while writing it. In the novel there are spots that are titled: Notes , Reactions, write-a -like" In other chapters there is spots for you to draw. It is very interactive and I highly recommend it to young adults and teens. It perfectly embodies what being a teenage girl feels like it.

Review for Suprnova by Braxton A. Cosby

Hey all,

I've finished Supernova by Braxton A. Cosby.  I know I have been posting a lot about his novels but honestly here recently the majority of the books I've read were his. Supernova is the 2nd book in the Protostar series, it takes place right after the first novel and follows William and Sydney while they try to discover more about the Star child existence. During the length of the novel she evolves into the next stage of star child. Supernova. William then does his best to figure out the truth behind what is making Sydney act so odd.

This novel is fast paced, it is extremely well written. I was very excited to find that this book is just as good as the first novel. In the past I have read saga's and trilogies just to find that the first book is good but the second book is lacking, I will get into why I'm not a fan of most trilogies and sagas at a later date.Cosby makes a flowing series that leaves the readers craving more. The characters grow over the course of the two novels and there is always something going on. I was very happy with this novel and I highly recommend any of his books. His novels never cease to amaze me, he is an incredible talent and is well worth a look.  For now Trisha signing off.

Spirit Lake Review

Hey all! I just finished Spirit Lake by Tamar Hela.  It is the first novel in her series and over all its pretty good. Her story is about six teenagers from nothern california that are assigned a project for school. They end up on Cantelia and find that there is a dark ruler that placed a curse over the native people of the island Sikuku Island. The teens agree to help them break the curse so that they can come back to earth. 

 The novel is strong. She brings together two different genres and blends them together seamlessly. I am truly impressed by her writing talent.I believe that this is an author with a very bright future ahead of her.  For now Trisha Signing off.

Review for ProtoStar By Braxton A. Cosby

Hey  all, I  just  got  done  with  reading  ProtoStar  by  Braxton  A.  Cosby.  First  off  I  have  to  say that  when  I  got  the  email asking  if  I  would  like  to  review  another  of  Mr  Cosby's  novels  I jumped  at  the  chance  to  review  it. I  knew  that  I  would  not  be  disappointed  and  I  wasn't.  Mr  Cosby  has  a  way  of  creating characters  that  are  so  lifelike  and  story  lines  that  are  strong  and  intense,  I  found  myself  not  wanting  to  stop  reading.  I  will  add  the  blurb  from  the  back  of  the  book  so  that  you  all  can  draw  your  own  conclusions.

 On the brink of civil war, the Torrian Alliance continues with its mission to obliterate Star-children across the universe in order to suppress an intergalactic evil. Following the recommendations of his council, King Gregorio Derry reluctantly agrees to send his only son William on a mission to restore honor to his family name. William seeks to complete his assignment, the elimination of a Star-child named Sydney on planet Earth, but when the assassination is delayed he begins to realize an emotional connection with his target. With conspiracy threatening his home planet, and a hidden menace on Earth seeking to secure a vested interest, William finds himself torn between irrevocable duty and sacrificing everything he stands for to defend Sydney. As William and Sydney struggle to overcome their impossible circumstances, they start to wonder if the connection of two Star-Crossed lovers will be enough to save them from certain doom.

I  will  admit  I  am  not  a   huge  fan  of   books  involving  space   and  aliens  but  this   book  did  impress  me.  I  think  after  this  I  just  might  start  looking  in  the  science fiction   section  of  my  library  more  often.  I  am  highly  recommending  this  novel  to  anyone  that  has  had  issues  getting  into  Science  fiction  novels  or  anyone  that  just  wants  a  really  intense  and  wonderful  read.   Also  this  is  a  romance  science  fiction  novel.  I  will  also  say  that  i  usually  have  a  hard  time  reading  romance  but  this  wasn't  dripping  with  romance.  I  truly  have  to  tip  my  hat  to  Mr  Cosby for  putting  two  of  my  least  favorite  genres  together  and  making  it  amazing.   I  look  forward  to  reading  more  from  him,  and  I  think  he  is  becoming  one  of  my  favorite  authors.  I  highly  suggest  you  check  out  his  books.   That's  all  for  now,  Trisha  Signing  off. 

Review of "The Sect:The Windgate" by Braxton, A Cosby

Cover for Windgate

I had the honor of reading this book by Braxton A. Cosby.  This novel is unlike other YA and NA books you may read. It follows a man who is recruited into a group called the sect. This novel is a faith filled heart pumping read that has caused me to have a little more faith in modern christian novels. This novel deals with the spiritual gifts and follows the sect as they work to banish demons from the world and bring love and hope back to humanity. I know it may not sound thrilling but it certainly is. The detail that Mr Cosby applied to this novel and the wording will leave you captivated and wanting more, he is a truly skilled author and I felt myself being pulled deep into the pages of this novel, I felt as though I could feel what the characters were feeling and see what they were seeing. I am truly impressed and look forward to seeing more from him in the future. I am highly recommending this to anyone wanting something different in faith based novels. I can't even think of enough good things to say about his writing, very rarely you find an author that can transport you into their world and make you not want to leave. I am so grateful that I was given the opportunity to read it.

For now Trisha Signing off.

Giveaway and post about 18 thoughts

18 Thoughts Launch & Giveaway!

Greetings, fellow book nerds! I’m YA author Jamie Ayres, and I’m sooo excited to

announce that 18 Thoughts, the final book in the My So-Called Afterlife trilogy, is

finally available from Curiosity Quills Press! Toss the virtual confetti, because it’s been

three years in the making (and virtual confetti is a lot less messier).

If you haven't heard of this series yet, here's the cliffnotes summary of each book:

18 Things: Olga Gay Worontzoff struggles to live again after a lightning strike kills the

best friend she was secretly in love with. Her therapist suggests she write a life list of

eighteen things to complete the year of her eighteenth birthday, sending her and her

friends, including the new hottie in town, on an unexpected journey they’ll never

forget. But there’s more to Olga’s quests than meets the eye and when her therapist

reveals a terrifying secret, her world is shaken.

18 Truths: With the lessons the 18 Things life list taught her engraved on her heart,

Olga spends her summer in the Underworld and embarks on a new adventure as a spirit

guide, but nothing prepares her for the chilling truths she’s learning along the way.

18 Thoughts: Olga Gay Worontzoff left the Underworld anxious to return to normal,

but fate had other plans; now she’s caught in a world that’s a mix of familiar and

supernatural, torn between past and present.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYpVf1zxrE8

What do others have to say about the series?

"A surprising paranormal tale that explores deep questions concerning love, faith, and

friendship that will absolutely resonate with teens." ~Amy Christine Parker, Critically

Acclaimed Author of Gated and Astray

"A haunting tale that had me smiling one moment and on the brink of tears the next." ~

Heather Burch, Critically Acclaimed Author of the Halflings Series and One Lavender

"A touching story that will make you cherish each day and the ones you love." ~Jaime

Rush, New York Times bestselling author of the Hidden series

"Warning: These characters will move right into your heart, rearrange all the furniture,

and never, ever leave. 18 Thoughts will become a part of you--prepare to be changed."

~Teshelle Combs, Amazon Best-Selling Author of

"A twisty conclusion to a spiritually charged trilogy that will grip you from book one."

~Eliza Tilton, YA Author of the Daath Chronicles

"An emotional journey readers won't soon forget--will have readers making their own

bucket lists." ~Marisa Cleveland, Author of the South Beach Series, Pushed, and The

"An achingly beautiful story of life, loss and hope... a triumph." ~J. Keller Ford, Author

of Dragon Flight and The Amulet of Ormisez

Purchase 18 Thoughts (Book 3) on Amazon

Purchase 18 Things (Book 1) on Amazon (Free from Jan. 25-27th!)

Purchase 18 Truths (Book 2) on Amazon (Special $2.99 price through Jan. 27th!)

To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a huge swag bag valued at

$115! Just enter the Rafflecopter for your chance to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Yes, it's open to all people of the world, not just Americans :-) Best of luck, and happy

Amazon bestselling author Jamie Ayres writes young adult love stories by night and

teaches young adults as an English teacher by day. When not at home on her laptop or

at school, she can often be found at a local book store grabbing random children and

reading to them. So far, she has not been arrested for this. She has been praised for

featuring strong, appealing heroines and plot twists readers never saw coming. Visit

jamieayres.com for more information or to simply share your thoughts with her.



http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c3071d971/

"18 Thoughts giveaway!

Greetings, fellow book nerds! I’m YA author Jamie Ayres, and I’m sooo excited to announce that

<strong><em>18 Thoughts</em></strong>, the final book in the <strong><em>My So-Called

Afterlife</em> </strong>trilogy, is finally available from <a href="https://curiosityquills.com/"

target="_blank">Curiosity Quills Press</a>! Toss the virtual confetti, because it’s been three years in the

making (and virtual confetti is a lot less messier).

If you haven't heard of this series yet, here's the cliffnotes summary of each book:

<strong><em>18 Things: </em></strong>Olga<span style="line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Times New

Roman', 'serif'; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #000000;"> Gay Worontzoff struggles to live again

after a lightning strike kills the best friend she was secretly in love with. Her therapist suggests she write

a life list of eighteen things to complete the year of her eighteenth birthday, sending her and her friends,

including the new hottie in town, on an unexpected journey they’ll never forget. But there’s more to

Olga’s quests than meets the eye and when her therapist reveals a terrifying secret, her world is

shaken.</span></span>

<em><strong>18 Truths: </strong></em>With the lessons the 18 Things life list taught her engraved on

her heart, Olga spends her summer in the Underworld and embarks on a new adventure as a spirit

guide, but nothing prepares her for the chilling truths she’s learning along the way.

<strong><em>18 Thoughts: </em></strong>Olga Gay Worontzoff left the Underworld anxious to return

to normal, but fate had other plans; now she’s caught in a world that’s a mix of familiar and

supernatural, torn between past and present.

<strong>Book Trailer: </strong>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hYpVf1zxrE8

&nbsp;

<strong>What do others have to say about the series?</strong>

<em>"</em>A surprising paranormal tale that explores deep questions concerning love, faith, and

friendship that will absolutely resonate with teens." ~Amy Christine Parker, <em>Critically Acclaimed

Author of Gated and Astray </em>

"A haunting tale that had me smiling one moment and on the brink of tears the next." ~ Heather Burch,

<em>Critically Acclaimed Author of the Halflings Series and One Lavender Ribbon</em>

"A touching story that will make you cherish each day and the ones you love." ~Jaime Rush, <em>New

York Times bestselling author of the Hidden series</em>

"Warning: These characters will move right into your heart, rearrange all the furniture, and never, ever

leave. <em>18 Thoughts</em> will become a part of you--prepare to be changed." ~Teshelle Combs,

<em>Amazon Best-Selling Author of</em>

<em>the Core Series</em>

"A twisty conclusion to a spiritually charged trilogy that will grip you from book one." ~Eliza Tilton,

<em>YA Author of the Daath Chronicles </em>

"An emotional journey readers won't soon forget--will have readers making their own bucket lists."

~Marisa Cleveland, <em>Author of the South Beach Series, Pushed, and The Valentine Challenge</em>

"An achingly beautiful story of life, loss and hope... a triumph." ~J. Keller Ford, <em>Author of Dragon

Flight and The Amulet of Ormisez</em>

Purchase <a href="http://www.amazon.com/18-Thoughts-So-Called-Afterlife-Book-

ebook/dp/B00QUHEGU2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&amp;qid=1422068020&amp;sr=8-

1&amp;keywords=18+thoughts" target="_blank"><em>18 Thoughts</em> </a>(Book 3) on Amazon

Purchase <a href="http://www.amazon.com/18-Things-My-So-Called-Afterlife-

ebook/dp/B00B53VJ38/ref=pd_sim_sbs_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&amp;refRID=1C8FSSD37JMMMHW5SB06"

target="_blank"><em>18 Things</em> </a>(Book 1) on Amazon (<strong>Free from Jan. 25-

27th!)</strong>

Purchase <a href="http://www.amazon.com/18-Truths-So-Called-Afterlife-Book-

ebook/dp/B00I34D1GU/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1?ie=UTF8&amp;refRID=1SSD26CP6PD3CND0JNHW"

target="_blank"><em>18 Truths</em> </a>(Book 2) on Amazon <strong>(Special $2.99 price through

Jan. 27th!)</strong>

To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a huge swag bag valued at $115! Just enter

the Rafflecopter for your chance to win!

<a id="rcwidget_y3p1by6p" class="rcptr" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/c3071d971/"

rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>

Yes, it's open to all people of the world, not just Americans :-) Best of luck, and happy reading!

<a href="https://jamieayres.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/jamie-author-pic.jpg"><img class="alignleft

size-thumbnail wp-image-2186" src="https://jamieayres.files.wordpress.com/2015/01/jamie-author-

pic.jpg?w=100" alt="Jamie Author Pic" width="100" height="150" /></a> Amazon bestselling author

Jamie Ayres writes young adult love stories by night and teaches young adults as an English teacher by

day. When not at home on her laptop or at school, she can often be found at a local book store grabbing

random children and reading to them. So far, she has not been arrested for this. She has been praised

for featuring strong, appealing heroines and plot twists readers never saw coming. Visit jamieayres.com

for more information or to simply share your thoughts with her.

Jen Minkman Interview

Here is an interview with Jen Minkman author of the Space in Between.

1.where do your ideas come from?

If I knew that, I'd go out to the place where they float around and put them in a bottle :) Honestly, I don't know. Inspiration is a mysterious thing, but I think it helps that I read a lot of books besides writing them.

2.how long have you been writing?

I started writing stories when I was nine, but my first 'real' book was finished in 2009 and published in 2012.

3.can you tell what your next project is?

I'm currently in the middle of a fantasy/dystopian series called Tales of Skylge. Book 2 is almost done and book 3 should be available in April!

4.how do you categorize you are writing style?

It's always YA style. Either that or NA. My stories are always about love, the state of the world, and/or the supernatural.

5.do you have any advice for young writers?

Just write a lot so you get better and better! Don't think you'll get the hang of it in a few months' time - take time to invest in yourself.

6. Do you have any particular writing process that you go through to get your work from idea to publishable?

Not really, but I do need to be able to devote entire days to writing if I want to get anywhere, so I make sure I have at least one day a week where I can focus solely on writing. Sometimes, I take two afternoons or mornings, that works as well.

7.Do you have a favorite book you've written?

All my books are my favorites, in a way :) It just depends on the mood I'm in which one I'll pick at any given time. 

8.Do you have a favorite character from your books?

I liked writing Alisa and Saul in The Deep, especially their relationship. Saul was initially a bad guy, and then he surprised me by being far more three-dimensional than I expected. Sometimes, my own characters take me by surprise.

9. Are there any authors you look up to or look too for inspiration?

No, I like reading certain authors, but I'll never consciously look at them or their work for inspiration. The world around me inspires me enough!

10. How are you hoping to see yourself in 10 years career wise?

I'll hopefully be a full-time writer and translator by then, living abroad in different countries around the world with my husband (who works for an international company, so we wouldn't be traveling around without any financial security!)

11.  what is your favorite part of being an author?

Being your own boss, in many ways.

12. How to come up with your characters?

They are all a part of me. It just depends on which part of me is most vocal at the time of writing a new book. Sometimes, I also let people around me inspire me to come up with supporting characters, but I guess the main character is always 'me' in a certain way.

13. Can you tell me a little bit about what inspired you to start writing?

I think it was because I read so many books at a young age. Reading all those stories and having a vivid imagination prompted me to want to write my own stories down.