Book info: Title: Helix Author: Mary Ting Series: International Sensory Assassin Network #2 Published by: Vesuvian Books Publication date: September 10th, 2019 Genres: Dystopian, Science Fiction, Young Adult
Synopsis:
Alliances are forming. The resistance is growing. Everything is about to change.
With her memory still fragmented, Ava returns to the International Sensory Assassin Network (ISAN) to find the twin sister she never knew she had.
But as Ava hunts for information, she finds herself tangled in a web of yet more lies and conspiracy. The Helix serum may not be required to access her superpowers, and the number of male assassins—previously considered too volatile to tolerate Helix—is growing in every territory.
The more Ava uncovers, the more of a threat she becomes to ISAN. Her only salvation may be to join the rebels—if she isn’t killed first.
1.Do
you edit as you go, or wait till you're finished before you edit?
How many times would you say you go over it yourself before having another
set of eyes look it over?
I get all my thoughts down first. Then I do the edits myself
… revise description words and make sure I’m not repeating words too close
together. My manuscript has to be in top shape before I send it to my editor.
2.Are
you part of a writer’s group that gets together and helps each other with their
writing?
No, I don’t belong to a group, but I do have author friends
I reach out to if I have writer’s block, or if I need to brain storm a story
idea.
3.How
important are names in your books? Do you choose the names based on
liking the way it sounds, or the meaning? Do you have any name choosing
resources you recommend?
I chose names based on their meaning especially for the main
characters and sometimes I pick names depending how they sound. I don’t’ repeat
names I have on my other books. I also don’t use a name that makes me picture
my friend’s face. LOL.
4.Do you always know how the story will end when you start?
I usually have a
beginning, middle and an end, but sometimes they change as the story progresses.
5.Where is your ideal place to write? Do you have an office,
or do you like to go sit in a coffee shop/library, etc.?
I have a space in my family room. I like to write there when
everyone is out of the house. It’s near the window and I can hear the small
waterfall from my pool. I also like to write when it’s quiet, so late at night
in my bed is a good place for me as well.
6. Some fun questions:
Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw,
or Slytherin? I took a test and it said … Gryffindor
Captain Kirk or Captain Picard?
Captain Kirk
DC or Marvel?I love Superman and Wonder Woman, but I’m a
huge marvel fan.
Physical book, ebook, or audiobook?
Audiobooks because I can listen to it while I’m cooking, doing house chores,
and especially when l’m driving.
Author Bio:
International Bestselling, Award-Winning Author Mary Ting writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers all over the world. Her books run a wide range of genres and her storytelling talents have won her a devoted legion of fans and garnered critical praise.
Becoming an author happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she had in high school. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, Mary retired from teaching after twenty years. She also had the privilege of touring with the Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children's chapter book: No Bullies Allowed.
Mary resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two little dogs, Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry.
Series: Shadow Grove (Book 1) Paperback: 266 pages Publisher: Vesuvian Books (October 15, 2019) Language: English ISBN-10: 1645480062 ISBN-13: 978-1645480068
Praise for THE NIGHT WEAVER
"I have been searching high and low to get a writer that could intrigue me with writing as witty and crafty as Cassandra Clare, and lo and behold I found one. HOLY HELL what a read." ―Nadine Maritz, MY HEAD "IN A NUTSHELL"
“… a strong dark fantasy and fairy folklore … a very easy to read page-turner..” ―Ginger Nuts of Horror
BOOKS AND AWARDS
Bram Stoker Award Nominated The Night Weaver (Shadow Grove – Book 1) (2018) 2019 Bram Stoker® Nominee The Bone Carver (Shadow Grove – Book 2) (2019) The Sin Eater (Shadow Grove – Book 3) The Dream Keeper (Shadow Grove – Book 4)
SHADOW GROVE IS A PERFECTLY PLEASANT TOWN
Shadow Grove isn't a typical town. Bad things happen here. Children disappear, one after the other, and nobody is doing anything about it. Parents don't grieve, missing posters don't line the streets, and the sheriff seems unconcerned.
Seventeen-year-old Rachel Cleary lives on the outskirts of Shadow Grove, next to the creepy forest everyone pretends doesn't exist. Usually the forest is filled with an eerie calm, and unmistakeable graveyard solemnity. But the trees have started whispering, forgotten creatures are stirring and the night feels darker than ever.
Something is stalking the residents of Shadow Grove, changing them into brain-dead caricatures of themselves. It's up to Rachel to find a way to stop the devouring of her hometown before all is destroyed and everyone she loves is forever lost.
You can purchaseThe Night Weaver at the following Retailers:
Photo Content from Monique Snyman
Monique Snyman’s mind is a confusing bedlam of glitter and death, where candy-coated gore is found in abundance and homicidal unicorns thrive. Sorting out the mess in her head is particularly irksome before she’s ingested a specific amount of coffee, which is equal to half the recommended intake of water for humans per day. When she’s not playing referee to her imaginary friends or trying to overdose on caffeine, she’s doing something with words—be it writing, reading, or fixing all the words.
Monique Snyman lives in Pretoria, South Africa, with her husband and an adorable Chihuahua. She’s the author of MUTI NATION, a horror novel set in South Africa, and Bram Stoker Award® nominated novel, THE NIGHT WEAVER, which is the first installment in a dark fantasy series for young adults.
*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
Giveaway: - 1 Winner will receive an Ultimate THE NIGHT WEAVER Tote Swag by Monique Snyman.
Book info: Title: Seize Authors: Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor Series: A Magnus Blackwell Novel #3 Published by: Vesuvian Books Publication date: March 26th, 2019 Genres: Adult, Supernatural
Synopsis:
Lexie Arden has a loving husband, a thriving business, and consults with the New Orleans Police Dept on murder cases. Kalfu has given her everything she desires, but challengers to her authority are closing in.
Her dark secret remains hidden from everyone except Magnus. He sees the evil growing stronger, changing her, and hurting her marriage. If Lexie doesn’t rid herself of Kalfu’s influence soon, the consequences will be irreversible.
When she unexpectedly inherits a cottage in the swamp, she uncovers a library of rare books on voodoo. Their spells can reverse the dark lord’s hold and set right the balance between darkness and light. But such magic requires a great sacrifice; one Lexie isn’t willing to make.
With the shadow spirits and raging voodoo gods vying for her attention, Lexie is on the verge of losing everything—her husband, her power, Magnus, and possibly, her life.
The battle for control of the mambo’s soul is about to begin.
1. Are you
part of a writers group that gets together and helps each other with their
writing?
No.
2. What tips do you have for aspiring writers?
Keep writing. It takes time to find your voice.
3. How important are names in your books? Do you
choose the names based on liking the way it sounds, or the meaning? Do
you have any name choosing resources you recommend?
I am not big into choosing names but Lucas Astor is and he
is fantastic at coming up with character names.
4. Do you keep a "bible" to help you
remember all the characters and details of your world for writing a
series? If so, how do you organize it, in a notebook, notecards,
Google Doc, etc.?
No bible. It is all in my head. If I need to check something
I go back to the previous books.
5. Some fun questions:
Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin? None.
Lannister, Stark, or Targaryen? Stark.
Captain Kirk or Captain Picard? Kirk.
DC or Marvel? Neither.
Physical book, ebook, or audiobook? I like physical books
but listen to audio when I can because sitting down and reading is a luxury.
Author Bio:
Alexandrea Weis RN-CS, PhD, is a multi-award-winning author of over twenty-seven novels, a screenwriter, ICU Nurse, and historian who was born and raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Having grown up in the motion picture industry as the daughter of a director, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable. A member of the Horror Writers Association and International Thriller Writers Association, Weis writes mystery, suspense, thrillers, horror, crime fiction, and romance. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans where she is a permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries and rescues orphaned and injured animals.
Lucas Astor is from New York, has resided in Central America and the Middle East, and traveled through Europe. He lives a very private, virtually reclusive lifestyle, preferring to spend time with a close-knit group of friends than be in the spotlight.
He is an author and poet with a penchant for telling stories that delve into the dark side of the human psyche. He likes to explore the evil that exists, not just in the world, but right next door behind a smiling face.
Photography, making wine, and helping endangered species are just some of his interests. Lucas is an expert archer and enjoys jazz, blues, and classical music.
One of his favorite quotes is: “It’s better to be silent than be a fool.” ~Harper Lee (To Kill a Mockingbird)
“Beneath the Lighthouse grabs you by the nether regions from the word go. Then it squeezes. Hard. With a nailed glove … A truly scary ghost story … a powerful ‘coming of age’ drama … a young man growing into adulthood against a backdrop of despair and quite shocking abuse … unpredictable and ever building. Blood and bone revenge, retribution and salvation. The strength of friendship, the power of love. You feel the dread and the underlying fear … not your typical tale. And what a tale it is.” ―EM Faustus
SOME SECRETS ARE MADE TO BE UNCOVERED.
Sixteen-year-old Jamie McGuiness’s sister is dead. Sinking into a deep depression, he frequents the lighthouse where her body was discovered, unaware of the sinister forces surrounding him.
When an angry spirit latches onto Jamie, he’s led down a dark and twisted path, one that uncovers old family secrets, destroying everything Jamie ever believed in.
Caught between the world of the living and the vengeful dead, Jamie fights the pull of the other side. It’s up to Jamie to settle old scores or no one will rest in peace—but, first, he has to survive.
You can purchaseBeneath the Lighthouse at the following Retailers:
Photo Content from Julieanne Lynch
Julieanne Lynch is an author of YA and Adult genre urban fantasy, crime and contemporary romance books. Julieanne was born in Northern Ireland, but spent much of her early life in London, United Kingdom, until her family relocated back to their roots.
Julieanne lives in Northern Ireland, with her husband and five children, where she is a full-time author. She studied English Literature and Creative Writing at The Open University and considered journalism as a career path. Julieanne has several projects optioned for film.
Julieanne is both traditionally and independently published.
Excerpt:
Jamie found himself coming
to the spot where Emer had been found. A daily habit, he sometimes visited the
causeway twice a day. He felt close to her here, as if her soul was out there,
listening to him. He begged for forgiveness, for not being a better brother.
Jamie held on to so much
anger and regret. He wished it had been him who died. Then again, who would
have stepped up to protect his mother from the drunken, violent wreck his
father had become?
He looked out at the
rising tide. His mind had been blank since the unexpected weirdness in his
room. He would never tell anyone about what had happened. It would be a means
to have him locked up in the nuthouse.
Fifteen minutes later,
Lenny appeared with a plastic bag in his hand. “A little something for your
troubles,” he said, handing Jamie a bottle of Frosty Jacks. “It helps chase the
ghosts away.”
“You’re a stupid clart.”
Jamie chuckled.
Jamie wasn’t much of a
drinker. The best way to rid his mind of his troubles was at the end of a
bottle of cider, however. After taking a swig, he handed it to Lenny.
The two of them sat down
on the rocks. A beautiful summer evening, the sun’s amber glow hovered over the
horizon.
“I don’t know why you keep
coming here,” Lenny said, shaking his head and rolling a cigarette. “It gives
me the creeps every time I sit here.”
“Not me,” Jamie responded.
He looked up at the old tower and squinted. “I wish I knew what went through
her head during those last moments.”
“That is some fecked up
shite you’re talkin’. Seriously, lad, you’re gonna end up mad like your da if
you keep on doing this. Emer’s dead, long gone, and buried. Doing this isn’t
going to bring her back. You can’t keep lingering in the past, lad.”
Lenny had a point. Who in
their right mind held on to the ghosts of the past? But Jamie couldn’t let go.
“I can’t not think about
it,” Jamie said, looking down at his feet. “It’s there every time I close my
eyes. Her face and the marks on it, as well as the blue of her lips. Those
things can’t be unseen. And the smell …”
“Jamie, I’m not sure if
I’ve answers to all this stuff you’re going through, but the way I see it,
you’re alive. You have the whole future in front of you. Do you really want to
lose it all to something you never had any control over?”
“I know,” he replied, and
took another swig of the cider. “I just can’t look at me ma. Every time she
looks at wee Sarah’s face, all she sees is Emer. Do you have any idea how much
it hurts watching her slowly die, pulling herself apart to keep a man who’s
long given up being happy?” Jamie’s voice broke. “It’s not fair, Lenny. They
deserve so much more. I deserve something better than this.”
Lenny shook his head, took
a drag of his cigarette, and looked out at the ferry sailing by. “Honestly, if
it was me, I’d be long gone. But you’re not like me—you have sense. Too much of
the stuff, if truth be told. Still, you’re a good person, and it’s what makes
you stand out from the crowd. It’s why you think the way you do.”
Title: Jaclyn and the Beanstalk Author: Mary Ting Genre: YA fantasy/fairy tale retelling Release Date: September 4th, 2018 Publisher: Vesuvian Books Source: Finished copy received from publisher which did not influence my opinion My rating: 4 stars
Synopsis:
What fate awaits a girl who hears monsters at night…
Sixteen-year-old Jaclyn looks up to her father. An honest man who once fought for the king, he now teaches Jaclyn how to use her wits—and her sword.
But he has a secret. And his secret may have a connection to the one thing Jaclyn is hiding from him.
Upon hearing “monsters” are terrorizing the small villages around Black Mountain, Jaclyn’s father and his friends head out to hunt them … but they don’t return.
Armed only with her sword and three magic beans—a gift from a mysterious old woman—Jaclyn sets out for Black Mountain to save her father.
On her climb, one bean drops and grows into a beanstalk, catching her when she falls.
She isn’t the only one that takes the ride. Jack, her childhood friend and secret crush, is following her.
Jaclyn and Jack will have to work together to save not only their fathers, but the townspeople the beasts plan to lay waste to before it’s too late.
A mash-up of "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "Lord of the Rings" ... RECOMMENDED ―School Library Journal
"Keenly descriptive and eloquently written with touches of sixteenth-century language, the story takes the reader into the world of monsters controlled by a diabolical villain, and into a land of mystery and magic beans." ―Readers' Favorite Review
"MaryTing managed to surprise me at every turn, even though I must have read this story a million times as a kid. The most impressive surprise was the creation of a girl protagonist who is so much better than the original Jack. Then she brings in the boy, Jack, as the love interest. Sheer genius and a great idea. The writing is great. The plot is good, and the various themes woven throughout the story make it a very compelling tale." ―Readers' Favorite Review
MaryTing writes with an adventurous heart, a clever pen, introducing young readers to a classic that meets fantasy, shedding light on the family devotion and a love story that buds to completion by the end. This short novel comes as a highly recommended read for parents and young adults that prefer fantasy fiction with a Christian-based theme and a creative perspective. MaryTing is one of those writers to notice and watch. ―Kingdom's Review
Book Trailer:
My Review: If you've been reading my blog for very long, you'll know that I always look for these fairy tale retelling type of stories. And this was a very unique one! At first I was wondering just when we'd get into any of the things that were familiar about the Jack and the Beanstalk story, but it wasn't long before we got to the magic beans. Even if they were introduced in a different manner, my brain was still like, "Ah-ha! There they are!" But this story had so much more detail and back story than the original fairy tale, and I loved all of that! Now obviously the story is about Jaclyn instead of Jack, but the weird thing is, there was still a character named Jack, a main character actually. I'm not sure I liked this repetition of names, but in the end, there was a reason it kind of worked. I liked the way little things that happened at the beginning got explained later on in more detail. Like the way that when she touched the one sword that she saw visions. Finding out who the visions were of, and just what they meant later on, really added to the story. I also loved what the magic beans did not only for the beanstalks, but for the story in the end. And you know how if you're like me, you always kind of wonder what happens after the story, after the HEA? Well you're in luck with this tale, because the author gives a few epilogues that show us just how it all goes. I will say that there was a definite religious/Christian slant to the story, and for me it was a bit much at one point. But since I liked how that fed into the background of our "giants" or monsters, I was okay with that. I haven't actually read this author until now, although I've done some promoting in the past because her books sound really good. So maybe the religious part is something that is in her stories usually? I do know that this part of the story intrigued me and made me want to do some research into the story that I only remember the basics of.
About the Author:
MaryTingis an international bestselling, award-winning author. She writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers around the world. Her books span a wide range of genres, and her storytelling talents have earned a devoted legion of fans, as well as garnered critical praise.
Becoming an author happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she had in high school. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, Mary retired from teaching after twenty years. She also had the privilege of touring with the Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book: No Bullies Allowed.
Title: Death by the River Authors: Alexandrea Weis and Lucas Astor Genre: YA Thriller Release Date: October 2nd, 2018 Publisher: Vesuvian Books
Synopsis: Some truths are better kept secret. Some secrets are better off dead.
Along the banks of the Bogue Falaya River, sits the abandoned St. Francis Seminary. Beneath a canopy of oaks, blocked from prying eyes, the teens of St. Benedict High gather here on Fridays. The rest of the week belongs to school and family—but weekends belong to the river.
And the river belongs to Beau Devereaux.
The only child of a powerful family, Beau can do no wrong. Handsome. Charming. Intelligent. The star quarterback of the football team. The “prince” of St. Benedict is the ultimate catch.
He is also a psychopath.
A dirty family secret buried for years, Beau’s evil grows unchecked. In the shadows of the ruined St. Francis Abbey, he commits unspeakable acts on his victims and ensures their silence with threats and intimidation. Senior year, Beau sets his sights on his girlfriend’s headstrong twin sister, Leslie, who hates him. Everything he wants but cannot have, she will be his ultimate prize.
As the victim toll mounts, it becomes crystal clear that someone has to stop Beau Devereaux.
And that someone will pay with their life.
WARNING: Readers of Death by the River will encounter situations of violence and sexual abuse which could be upsetting.
"... a thrilling psychological work ... Catching the current vogue of teen psycho and revenge tales like Bates Motel and 13 Reasons Why ... a horrifically brilliant book ... Beau Devereaux could have easily been a clichéd psycho, but the plot constructed around him and his development during the novel really shone as a masterpiece of character creation ... much in the style of Dexter or Hannibal." ―K.C. Finn, Multi-Award-Winning Author
"Rare is the story that simmers and rises to a boil so naturally and constantly that the reader manages to be repeatedly shocked ... a full-speed rollercoaster that doesn't slow down until the final page. Employing an evocative setting, powerfully defined characters, and taking along hard look at the darker side of human desire, this novel will catch your breath and hold it until the very end. RECOMMENDED" ―Michael Radon, US Review
"While the authors have written a chilling story here, there's more to Death by the River than thrills. It's actually a fascinating study into the effects of good and bad parenting on children. Do it badly and parents, children and society as a whole pay the consequences. This book is not just an exciting read; it's a sobering one." ―Viga Boland, Retired high school English teacher and Author ofNo Tears for my Father: Viga's true story of incest
"While the story follows compelling characters, it also plunges readers into an intriguing setting. It is ironical that the horrors are taking place along the river that runs so close to a seminary, an establishment that should evoke a powerful sense of God and reverence for life. The characters are sophisticated and readers will learn to honestly hate the villain of the story -- he is well imagined and developed with skill. In a subtle way, the authors allow his crooked mind to reveal itself. Like most serial killers, he is a charmer and an intelligent young man, but beneath the cool surface is a cauldron of simmering evil. Weis and Astor have written a riveting crime tale with strong psychological underpinnings. Death by the River is ingeniously plotted, written in gorgeous prose, and featuring a strong conflict that propels the narrative forward. The suspense intensifies as the story moves on, with the reader always feeling as though something awful could happen at any moment, and this feeling grows in intensity until the explosive climax. A real thriller!" ―Romuald Dzemo, Readers' Favorite
"A suspense-filled thriller steeped in equal parts atmosphere, insanity, and revenge." ―Mary Ting, Award-Winning Author of ISAN: International Sensory Assassin Network
"Weis and Astor have created something so dark, edgy, and gritty, it will stay with you long after you close the book." ―Julieanne Lynch, Dragon Award Finalist: Horror (2018)
"... a crime thriller that pulls readers into the twisted mind of the protagonist and holds them engaged till the exhilarating finish. The writing is flawless ... Death by the River is psychologically engaging, emotionally rich, and utterly absorbing." ―Christian Sia
Book Trailer:
Excerpt:
Beau froze, almost afraid to
move when he spotted him. Gage Devereaux rested his hip against the black
granite countertop. Except for their height and physical prowess, Beau felt he had
nothing in common with his father.
He attempted to relax by shifting
his book bag on his shoulder. “Didn’t expect to find you still home.”
Gage set his coffee mug on the kitchen
counter. “I wanted to speak to you before you left for school.”
The hint of condescension in
his father’s voice tightened his chest—it usually signaled a lecture.
“I got a call from Ms.
Greenbriar yesterday afternoon. She said you visited her office after a run-in
you had with Carol Foster’s boy.”
Beau’s fingers twitched, the
way they did when his aggravation got the better of him. Great. The idiot woman
had called his father. The last thing he needed was Gage Devereaux up his ass.
“Derek is dating Dawn’s sister,
so I often see him at school.” He tempered the irritation in his voice, not
wanting to annoy his father. “I was talking to Leslie when Derek walked up. I
accidentally caught him with my elbow when I turned around. I apologized and
everything is fine.”
He waited, analyzing every move
his father made, searching his hard eyes for an inkling of his mindset.
“I’ve spoken to you before about
this.” Gage came around the breakfast bar. “This family is in a precarious
position with everyone in town. I don’t want your actions threatening our
business or our good name.” He gripped Beau’s shoulder. “What have I always
told you? What is our rule?”
Beau cringed as the words he’d
spent a lifetime dreading screamed through his head. He faced his father,
standing at attention. “Self-control in all things. Never let anyone see who
you really are.”
Gage leaned closer. “No matter
what anyone says, no matter what they do, you walk away. This includes your
girlfriend. Do you understand?”
Beau stiffened at the low,
menacing tone in his father’s voice. “Yes, sir.”
Gage lifted the left side of
his mouth ever so slightly. “Go to school.”
Beau stood by the breakfast
bar, not moving a muscle as his father headed to the garage. The door clicked
shut and a trickle of sweat ran down his temple. His jaw muscles cramped from
clenching, his heart rate slowed, and he glanced at his fists. His father’s
warning spinning in his head, Beau slammed his hand down on the copper bar.
Anger like molten lead ran
through him. Beau sucked in deep breaths to calm himself—something he
remembered from a long-ago therapy session. Then he relaxed his hand on the
bar, checking the indent he’d left in the copper. He wiped the smudge away,
stepped back, and raised his head.
Alexandrea Weis, RN-CS, CRRN, ONC, PhD, is a multi award-winning author of over twenty-five novels, a screenwriter, ICU Nurse, and historian who was born and raised in the French Quarter of New Orleans. Having grown up in the motion picture industry as the daughter of a director, she learned to tell stories from a different perspective and began writing at the age of eight. Infusing the rich tapestry of her hometown into her novels, she believes that creating vivid characters makes a story moving and memorable. A permitted/certified wildlife rehabber with the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries, Weis rescues orphaned and injured animals. She lives with her husband and pets in New Orleans. Weis writes paranormal, suspense, thrillers, horror, crime fiction, and romance.
Lucas Astor, Lucas Astor is from New York, has resided in Central America and the Middle East, and traveled through Europe. He lives a very private, virtually reclusive lifestyle, preferring to spend time with a close-knit group of friends than be in the spotlight. He is an author and poet with a penchant for telling stories that delve into the dark side of the human psyche. He likes to explore the evil that exists, not just in the world, but right next door behind a smiling face.
Weis and Astor’s first collaboration was the multi-award-winning Magnus Blackwell Series.
PHOTO CONTENT FROM ALEXANDREA WEIS AND LUCAS ASTOR
