Bloggers that Lie like Authors?!

Hey ya'll,
So like most of you I have my favorite blogs that I love to read daily! However, now as I take a look at the blogs that I am reading and blogs that were recommendations from friends I realize that some bloggers are not as they seem.

There is one blog that I like to read which does book reviews, but I don't get how a blogger can read the back of a book or a few chapters of a book and declare it to be amazing or terrible.

Books are more than their words.

When I read and review a book that is sent to me or one that I have purchased I look at everything that makes this book a book. I look at the cover, the size, the words, the characters, and so much more! I feel like book bloggers and/or media bloggers cheat the public when they give false reviews for something that isn't as good as it appears.

In addition, I do believe that their is more to a book/media blog than doing review posts and leaving. A blog that is built on one style of posting is one I find surely to fail due to it not diversifying its content.

With that being said I think we should all really just take a good look at what we're reading. Did the reviewer just rate the book and leave? Was the reviewer paid to read the book? Or was the blogger only given a brief part of a book to review? Consider these questions when you come across "book" bloggers.

Is there anything you'd like to say? Tell me! I want to hear your thoughts on this. Or do you know a couple of blogs that do some of the things I stated above? I'm all ears. Until Next Time ;*

Book Review #7: Seraphina: The Awakening By Sheena Hutchinson

Hey ya'll,
So I had the opportunity to read the amazing YA novel Seraphina: The Awakening by Sheena Hutchinson and I was not disappointed!

First off this book was breathtakingly explosive! I loved every part of this book. The characters, the drama, and the daring situations all made this book such an incredible read.

My favorite character of all time has to be Seraphina! I love how gutsy and fierce she is. I felt like Hutchinson really took a lot of time in developing the perfect round character because of who Seraphina was and how she carried herself throughout the story. 

Hutchinson definitely made me feel apart of the story by how well she wrote this novel in first person. Seeing things from Seraphina's perspective made me enjoy the action and male-leads a lot more.

The mysterious and charming Nate. The forthcoming and lovely Jack. These two boys made the hotness in this story rise to an entirely different level.

The surprises are never-ending and the plot is unpredictable! Hutchinson has made this generation proud by giving us more than Vampires and Werewolves to obsess over. This is truly an amazing novel!

Have you read this novel? Tell me, what did you think about it? Let's "obsess" over it together. If not, have you read other novels by Sheena Hutchinson? Which story? Until Next Time ;*

Rating: *****

Link to purchase: Seraphina: The Awakening

Catch my latest book review: Bad Apple by Wren Michaels 

Check out the new movie I'm developing Author KMJ: Killer Screams 

Check out my latest release: Laws of Passion

Book turned Movie Craze!

Hey ya'll,

So I am starting to notice a major trend with Hollywood and the publishing world. I don't know if you have noticed this, but it seems like every season we are finding that more books whether their indie or not are being turned into movies or television shows. 

Now I do love the fact that I can actually see my favorite book grace the big screen. However, it is also a negative thing because sometimes the book that I am reading conflicts with how they portray it on screen.

So my question is why do movie makers buy the movie rights to a book and decide not to follow it wholeheartedly. I feel they do this because they know that a book already has many faithful fans that will generate enough profit for the film whether it is a success or not.

Let us examine the Mortal Instruments Series by Cassandra Clare. It was an amazing book and it was a fantastic movie. However, in Hollywood perspective the film did not gross as nearly as much as it should have. In addition, their were mistakes made in the movie that were clearly different from the way the author had written certain scenes to be. Hopefully as it continues as a TV series we will get a chance to see it in greater detail.

So we're all familiar with the novel Delirium by Lauren Oliver, right? Well, for those of you who may not know this Oliver's novel actually got turned into a TV series. However, the only episode ever created for it was the pilot episode which starred Emma Roberts as the lead character Lena Haloway who lives in a more futuristic society that views love as a disease. The pilot is available on Hulu to be viewed. However, since Fox decided not to pick up this book as a television series it will not be shown to fans. I feel they made a very hasty decision due to the fact that Delirium was written brilliantly and had such a wonderful pilot episode that it would have been hard for this show to fail.

However, one book I am so happy that Fox did pick up as a television series is Wayward Pines by Blake Crouch. It is so amazing and I think that we can credit the success of this show not only to the fans, but also to the producers & writers of the script who kept to the book which I appreciated very much.

So do you know about another book turned movie that I didn't catch or you thought I should have mentioned then tell me! I want to hear what you have to say :) Do you agree or disagree with my opinion? Let me know! Until Next Time ;*

Also don't forget my new YA novel is out and would make the perfect gift for you or a friend. Check it out!

Laws of Passion

Synopsis

Laws of Passion is a novel that follows the life of a teenage girl named Audrey Kennedy as she mourns the death of her father and unknowingly becomes captivated by a supernatural creature who happens to have a vendetta against her family. Will she find out the truth? Or will she suffer the consequences from the sins of her family? Read it to find out more.

Top 10 Books of Summer

Hey ya'll,
So school is coming to a close for most of the world and as the hot weather starts to set in so does the boredom. Though we may feel like there's nothing to do you will be surprised by how refreshing a good book can be in your life.

Over the weekend my favorite book source of all time Bookbub has sent me hundreds of book titles that are tailored to my reading preferences and I realized that they were spot on! Though I would like to post them all there are only 10 books that I found to be the most captivating reads that will spice up your Summer—in a good way!

#1. Edgewood by Karen McQuestion

Synopsis:

After an astronomical event gives Russ and three others special powers, a ruthless organization sets out to exploit them for evil. But these incredible teens are ready to fight back!

My Opinion:

Look at this amazing cover! Something about it just screams out to me. The cover is eerie, sophisticated, and mysterious all at once which are elements that I love novels that I am reading to have. This novel will most definitely take you on an adventure that the Marvel characters have yet to do. Great job Author McQuestion!

Price: Free (Click on title)

#2. Broken by Lies by Rebecca Shea

Synopisis:

From a USA Today bestselling author: Damaged by a painful past, Emilia hopes Alex can help her finally heal. But just as she lets him into her heart, will his dangerous lifestyle put Emilia in harm’s way? An emotional romance with over 300 five-star Goodreads ratings.

My Opinion:

Okay! Did you read the synopsis?! Talk about hot. This is the perfect Summer novel because the heat from this book will take your mind off of the heat of the Summer. These two characters that Author Shea has created will take you on their wild ride without you having to face any consequences. If I were you I'd check this out!

Price: $1.50 USD (Click on title)

#3. Gypsy Hunted by Andrea Drew

Synopsis:

After she attempts to thwart a kidnapping, psychic Gypsy Shields finds herself unable to speak and paralyzed on her left side. With the help of a detective with hidden abilities of his own, she’ll have to use her powers to track down the kidnapper before he returns to finish her off.

My Opinion:

This novel is thrilling, but in a good way! This story is sure to put you in the mindset of the victim. However, can you spot the killer before it's revealed. Play detective and grab this novel while you can.

Price: Free (Click on title)

#4. City of Liars and Thieves by Eve Karlin

Synopsis:

When her cousin is found dead at the bottom of a city well, Catherine Ring resolves to find justice. But her investigation reveals a conspiracy far more complex than a simple murder, one involving the warring powers of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr...

My Opinion:

As I have stated before I am not big on historical fiction, but this novel has caught my attention which is a rare for a picky reader like me! Take a chance and see if you can unlock the truth.

Price: $0.75 USD (Click on title)

#5. The Good Soldier by Jack Noble

Synopsis:

Two unstoppable thrillers packed with international intrigue and enemies on American soil: Jack Noble — a Marine on loan to the CIA — faces down terrorists, government conspiracies, crime syndicates, and more to protect his country.

My Opinion:

Two books for no cost at all! Now that's a deal. I love action/adventure movies and I love reading novels of that same drama. Let your mind be taken for a joyride as you cover the secrets that aren't to be known.

Price: Free (Click on title)

#6. Verify by Claire Farrell

Synopsis:

Sheltered Perdita keeps having the same dreams — all featuring her new friend’s brother Nathan. Could it have anything to do with the wild animal sightings Nathan seems to know so much about? A journey of romance, transformation, and belonging. With over 1,100 five-star Goodreads ratings.

My Opinion:

This book will take you from the beach to the woods! Let nature take it's course and you'll find this story to be more gratifying than television.

Price: Free (Click on title)

#7. Run Girl by Eva Hudson

Synopsis:

While Secretary of State Jayne Whitticker is in Europe brokering a peace deal, her beloved granddaughter goes missing. If the disappearance leaks to the press, the negotiations will be jeopardized — and it’s up to Special Agent Ingrid Skyberg to find the girl before it’s too late.

My Opinion:

This novel reminds me of the show 'What Would You Do?'. I love how it places you in the characters perspective and makes you think about what you would do if something like this ever occurs in your life. Novels that make me think are always a plus so to Author Hudson you are amazing!

Price: Free (Click on title)

#8. Blood Entwines by Caroline Healy

Synopsis:

After a life-saving blood transfusion, Kara feels like a completely different person — one with superhuman senses. She soon discovers that her new blood links her to mysterious Jack, and together they must take down an evil force determined to destroy them both.

My Opinion:

These two will take you on a Summer of heartache and naturally built-up anticipation. The elements of this book are so realistic it makes it hard for you to not get sucked in.

Price: $1.50 USD (Click on title)

#9. Kiss of Fire by Rebecca Ethington

Synopsis:

Joclyn just sent her high school bully flying through the air! Could her phenomenal power have something to do with the strange new scar on her neck? Her handsome best friend Ryland holds all the secrets... With over 500 five-star reviews on Amazon.

My Opinion:

This novel reminds me of Carrie!

 If you want to read a Summer thriller that is sure to get your heart racing then check this book out!

Price: Free (Click on title)

#10. The Emerald Talisman by Brenda Pandos

Synopsis:

When teenage empath Julia Parker is rescued from a deadly fall by vampire hunter Nicholas, she finds herself thrust into a dangerous underground world where she alone may be able to solve a mysterious string of disappearances.

My Opinion:

I love mystery novels and this book has it all! Villains, a hunky Hero, and a damsel in distress. It doesn't get nay better than this. Go on a journey with Julia Parker as she faces the creatures of the night.

Price: Free (Click on title)

Author Spotlight #7 Francis Powell

Hey ya'll, 

So I had the amazing opportunity to spotlight the creative genius Author Francis Powell. However, before I introduce to you Powell's latest work take a look at a few questions I asked him.

Why do you like to write?

-I have always done many creative things, paint, make music, do concerts. Painting makes me go crazy (paint gets everywhere, I am in a mad trance when I paint ). Maybe with writing I can condense my thoughts...express things that are deep within me, in a calmer manner. I can be witty and play games with the reader...I can create characters and bizarre story-lines. I really enjoy writing short stories and sometimes the stories are drifting around in my head while I am traveling, or doing something mundane I am trying to work out how they are going to progress, how they are going to end. This enriches my life.

Why did you become an author?

-I became a dedicated “short story writer”, after I saw an advertisement in a magazine, which was looking for short stories. It took a while but I finally connected with the originator of this magazine, Alan Clark, who like me is from the UK. The name of the magazine was “Rat Mort” (dead rat). I was encouraged to write more stories similar to the one I submitted and over the passing of time I began to develop a style. The fact that I aimed to produce “stories with an unexpected twist” is a result of reading a book of short stories by Roald Dahl called “Kiss Kiss” which I read as a child, but obviously a book that resonated long after in my mind.

What makes you different from the rest?

-I would like to think my wit. The fact that I can write stories set in different places and at different times, with a range of different characters. I would like to think my sentences are always sharp and poignant. Hopefully when readers read one of my stories, they are gripped by it and want to find out how they will end.

 

Biography:

What better way to put all my angst into short stories. Born in a commuter belt city called Reading and like many a middle or upper class child of such times I was shunted off to an all-male boarding school aged eight, away from my parents for periods of up to twelve weeks at a time. 

In such an institutions, where I was to rest until my seventeenth year, there was no getting away from the cruel jibes hurled at me from taunting tormentors. My refuge was the arts room, where I started to find some kind of redemption from the stark Dickensian surroundings, whose aim was nurture the army officers, businessmen, and gentry that dominate the class ridden world I was born into. 

The seeds were sown, I was an outsider. Happier times were to follow, I went to art school, where I attempted to exorcise my time spent at school. 

At eighteen I turned my back on a parentally enforced weekly visit to church and my head was filled with a range of nonconformist ideas. While at my first Art college through a friend I met a writer called Rupert Thomson, who was at the time in the process of writing his first book “Dreams of leaving”. He was a bit older than myself, me being fresh out of school, but his personality and wit resonated and despite losing contact with him, I always read his latest published books with not only great expectation and unabashed admiration, but also a fascination for a person I had really looked up to, his sentences always tight, shooting arrows that always hit the mark.

 My yearning to be creative stayed strong and diversified, from my twenties through to my thirties and forties I made electronic music, doing concerts, in front ecstasy infused crowds, at a point I was making videos and short films. When the age of the internet arrived I was really able translate my creative endeavors into something really tangible. 

To earn a living I have worked as a teacher. I moved to Austria where upon I thought I would try writing. It is sure that my writing at that time was rough and rugged and without direction. I dived into a story about immortality, the story remains vegetating on some dusty floppy disk. Then tried short stories for children with illustrations to go with them. It wasn’t until I was in my mid-forties that my writing took shape. 

I was at this point living in Paris, France. I spotted an advert for short stories. The magazine happened to be called Rat Mort (dead rat) I sent off a short story, in the hope it would match the seemingly dark world the magazine seemed to embroiled in. I got no answer. Not put off I sent two more stories.

 Finally, I got an answer. It seemed the magazine editor was a busy man, a man prone to traveling. It seemed my first story really hit the right note with him. His name was Alan Clark. He had a flat in the Montmartre area of Paris, where he seemed known to all, especially those who frequented his favorite drinking haunts. He offered me many words of encouragement. I was writing stories that were coming into my head at regular intervals, as if a monster had suddenly awakened. I was writing them on scraps of paper, less I would forget them, while I traveled on the Paris metro, going about my teaching work with staid business types. I had found a format for writing that worked, as well as a hunger to write about the demons of my past that still haunted me. 

Moving closer to present times, the desire to put together an anthology seemed to resonate in my mind. The Flight of Destiny evolved slowly. Many trans-Atlantic exchanges between myself and two editors seemingly far away. 

This evolution took my writing to a new level and the stories more depth and resonance.

My Novel:

Flight of Destiny Summary:

Flight of destiny Is a collection of short stories about misfortune. They are characterized by unexpected final twists, that come at the end of each tale. They are dark and surreal tales, set around the world, at different time periods. They show a world in which anything can happen. It is hard to determine reality and what is going on a disturbed mind. People's conceptions about morality are turned upside down. A good person can be transformed by an unexpected event into a bad person and then back again to their former state. The high and mighty often deliver flawed arguments, those considered wicked make good representations of themselves. Revenge is often a subject explored.

Link to Purchase: Flight of Destiny