Archive for July 10, 2013

I’ve been waiting for a while to tell you about these magnificent flying horses!

The day has arrived and the tour has begun.

I’ll be reviewing the first two books in Linda Ulleseit’s Flying Horse Trilogy.

I’ll be back to tell you about Book Three after it’s release.

Come to Wales and be enchanted.

In the Winds of Danger (Flying Horse Books, #2)

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In the Winds of Danger, Book #2

Synopsis

Nineteen year old Nia is shocked when she is secretly offered the leadership of Third

Barn. This new barn full of flying horses will need someone confident, experienced, and

innovative, so why are both warring factions pursuing an untried girl? Suspicious that

both sides want a puppet instead of a leader, Nia races to discover their secrets before

making the biggest decision of her life.

Some of those secrets are unknowingly buried in the disconnected memories of a young

groom named Owain. Terror and guilt haunt Owain’s dreams – and then a face from his

nightmare arrives in High Meadow. Owain looks for answers in his past and uncovers a

dangerous plot that could doom High Meadow’s future. How can he foil the plot and save

his people as well as the winged horses?

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Excerpt

As if choreographed, the First Barn mare and the Second Barn stallion converged on each

other. Eira’s upswept wing hid the other horse, then revealed him on the downbeat. Nia gripped

her mare with her legs and leaned forward, anticipating impact. She forced her eyes away from

Catrin’s approaching lance, focusing instead on the other rider’s armored torso. The horses’

wings beat in unison, down at the same time. Now! Nia’s lance struck somewhere near her

opponent’s shoulder and slipped off her armor. Meanwhile, Catrin’s lance connected with Nia’s

left shoulder, great pain accompanying the sound of the wooden lance thunking against armor.

The impact jerked Nia back, the restraining straps tightening against her legs, straining to hold

her in place as Nia fought against the weight of her armor to regain her balance in the saddle.

Eira’s wingstrokes broke rhythm as the weight on her back shifted. Panic roared inside Nia’s

helmet like the most violent storm, to be replaced by fury as she regained her balance. Eira

resumed the powerful wingstrokes that kept her aloft, and Nia patted the now-sweaty neck.

Fighting the urge to clap a hand to her injured shoulder, Nia struggled to maintain her hold

on the lance, now dipping and swaying above Eira’s head as if it had a mind of its own. The

mare flattened her ears against her head, and her neck stretched out straight in front of her.

Miraculously, the powerful wings beat cleanly as the mare swept past the other horse, feathers

brushing his tail.

Nia got the lance stabilized into its upright holding position and clutched it with her right

hand. Left shoulder throbbing, she guided Eira to the ground in front of First Barn. The mare

landed harder than usual, no doubt due to the extra weight she carried, and jarred Nia’s shoulder.

The pain inflamed her anger. Her left hand, freed of the reins, clasped her amulet. She hoped

serenity would flow into her from the necklace.

Catrin circled in to land at Second Barn as Tristan hurried toward Nia. “What happened? You

were supposed to go three passes!” he shouted up to her.

He was her barn leader, so tall she had to look up at him from her five foot height when

she was on the ground. Seven years older than her own seventeen years, Tristan sometimes

seemed younger. His blond hair was always neatly combed, but his dark eyes were charged with

emotion. If she ever wanted to know how Tristan felt about something, she read his eyes instead

of listening to his words. Right now he was angry. Well, so was she.

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My Review

The characters from On a Wing and a Dare return in this next book in the Flying Horse Trilogy, along with some new ones you’ll want to get to know.

The situations are more mature as the characters have grown and the suspense and intrigue are palpable.

I was eagerly turning the pages, flying(pardon the pun) through this book, eager to return to the air with these magnificent winged steeds, and to meet and come to know the new cast of characters and the challenges they face.

The aerial sequences are so vividly written, I was once again pulled into the skies, feeling the wind stream past my face and whistling in my ears. A good thing I don’t have vertigo!

I seemed to connect more with the previous and new characters in this follow-up book. The story reads like it’s written for a more mature reader, not so much for middle grade. I suspect that’s because the story should mature as the characters do.

I’m deep into this series now and anticipate a grand finale in the final book of this trilogy.

5 Stars

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On a Wing and a Dare (Flying Horse Books, #1)

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On a Wing and a Dare, Book #1

Synopsis

In Tremeirchson, a barn leader’s children are expected to follow their parents into the sky, becoming riders of the magnificent winged horses that are the medieval Welsh village’s legacy. Neither Emma nor Davyd, however, want to follow that tradition.

Sixteen-year-old Emma risks losing her family by following her heart. Eager to take her place in the air, she longs to ride a forbidden winged colt born in barn of her father’s biggest rival. She also dreams of the rival’s sons, not sure which she truly loves. Bold and exciting, Evan will someday lead his father’s barn. Davyd is quieter, more dependable, with an ability to get things done. Her father disapproves of both boys and pushes her toward an ambitious newcomer. He also insists she ride the colt he’s picked for her.

Davyd, also sixteen, is plagued with a secret—he is afraid of heights. Refusing to become a rider means public humiliation, his parents’ disappointment, and lifelong ridicule from his brother, Evan. He reluctantly prepares to join his family aloft in the Aerial Games that provide the entire village with its livelihood and tries desperately to think of an alternative.

As Tremeirchson’s barns prepare for the Rider Ceremony, winged horses suddenly start dying. Shocked, the adults hesitate, mired in tradition and politics. Is it a disease or poison? Accidental or purposeful? Someone must discover the answer and act before all the winged horses in the world are gone forever.(

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My Review

Emma is burdened with following tradition or following her heart.

She loves her family and takes her responsibilities seriously, but her strong bond with a winged horse from another barn is forcing her to make a tough choice.

Meanwhile, a mysterious illness strikes the flying horses and the townsfolk must decide whether to stay or move their settlement.

When I first discovered these winged horses I was so excited. I’ve had a love for them since I was a young child. and actually had an imaginary world, which you entered through an old tree stump in my backyard, where I rode one of these magnificent creatures.  It was so real for me, it makes me wonder.

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Who could resist riding a winged horse in the Dance of Welcome or participating in the Aerial Games.

The games had me imagining jousting or polo in the sky.

I even visualized the games as playing Quiddich(Harry Potter) using flying horses instead of brooms. The danger is present as is the spectacular display of aerial feats.

A sky filled with these wonderous creatures would be something to behold.

As for the characters, once you become familiar with them, you are caught up in their stories.

There is a love triangle between Emma and the two brothers, Davyd and Evan. That’s not unusual with teenagers. Emma’s choice could tear this friendship apart.

While written for a younger audience, On a Wing and a Dare offers something for all ages: tradition, loyalty, tragedy, and coming of age.

Come fly with the barns of Tremeirchson.

5 Stars

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About the Author

Linda Ulleseit

Linda Ulleseit was born and raised in Saratoga, California, and has taught elementary

school in San Jose since 1996. She enjoys cooking, cross-stitching, reading, and spending

time with her family. Her favorite subject is writing, and her students get a lot of practice

scribbling stories and essays. Someday Linda hopes to see books written by former

students alongside hers in bookstores.

Facebook / Twitter / Goodreads / Website

ParaNormal Detective_Banner

How can you resist a paranormal detective novel?

I sure can’t.

The idea that Cassie is a ‘Normal” detective sure makes this sound fun.

I’m looking forward to seeing what Cassie gets into and out of!

ParaNormal Detective cover

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Cassie Scot: Paranormal Detective

by Christine Amsden

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BLURB:

Cassie Scot is the ungifted daughter of powerful sorcerers, born between worlds but belonging to neither. At 21, all she wants is to find a place for herself, but earning a living as a private investigator in the shadow of her family’s reputation isn’t easy. When she is pulled into a paranormal investigation, and tempted by a powerful and handsome sorcerer, she will have to decide where she truly belongs.

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EXCERPT

 

My parents think the longer the name, the more powerful the sorcerer, so they named me Cassandra Morgan Ursula Margaret Scot. You can call me Cassie.

I’ve been called a lot of things in my life: normal, ordinary, and even a disappointment. After the Harry Potter books came out, a couple of people called me a squib. Since I haven’t read them, I have to assume it’s a compliment.

Personally, I prefer normal, which is why the sign on my office door reads: Cassie Scot, Normal Detective.

You have to understand that around here, when your last name is Scot, people are easily confused. Not only are my parents powerful practitioners, but I have six talented brothers and sisters. Plus, my family hasn’t always been known for its subtlety. When weird stuff happens around here, the people who are willing to believe in magic are prone to suspect the Scots.

The day I opened for business I got a call from an old woman who swore her cat was possessed by the devil. She also swore she’d read my web site, which clearly stated the types of work I did and did not do. Exorcisms were on the No list, and while I hadn’t specified pet exorcisms, I would have thought it was implicit.

.

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

para detectChristine Amsden author

Award-winning author Christine Amsden has written stories since she was eight, always with a touch of the strange or unusual. She became a “serious” writer in 2003, after attending a boot camp with Orson Scott Card. She finished Touch of Fate shortly afterward, then penned The Immortality Virus, which won two awards. Expect many more titles by this up-and-coming author.

Links

Website / Blog / Twitter / Facebook / Goodreads / Google+

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Giveaway

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Christine will be awarding a $10 Amazon gift card to a randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Be sure to follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning.

The tour dates can be found here.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For all of my giveaways go here.

Blood-Destiny-Series-Animated

Check out this series I just found!

The cover art blows you away and when you read the blurbs for these books you’ll be just like me, saying, “Gimme, Gimme!”

Welcome Helen Harper and her Blood Destiny Series.

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

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BLOOD DESTINY SERIES

by Helen Harper

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BLURBS:

Bloodfire

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Mackenzie Smith has always known that she was different. Growing up as the only human in a pack of rural shapeshifters will do that to you, but then couple it with some mean fighting skills and a fiery temper and you end up with a woman that few will dare to cross. However, when the only father figure in her life is brutally murdered, and the dangerous Brethren with their predatory Lord Alpha come to investigate, Mack has to not only ensure the physical safety of her adopted family by hiding her apparent humanity, she also has to seek the blood-soaked vengeance that she craves.

Bloodmagic

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After escaping the claws of Corrigan, the Lord Alpha of the Brethren, Mack is trying to lead a quiet lonely life in Inverness in rural Scotland, away from anyone who might happen to be a shapeshifter. However, when she lands a job at an old bookstore owned by a mysterious elderly woman who not only has a familiar passion for herbal lore but also seems to know more than she should, Mack ends up caught in a maelstrom between the Ministry of Mages, the Fae and the Brethren.

Now she has to decide between staying hidden and facing the music, as well as confronting her real feelings for the green eyed power of Corrigan himself.

Bloodrage

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Mack begins her training at the mages’ academy in the hope that, by complying, the stasis spell will be lifted from her old friend, Mrs. Alcoon. However, once there, she finds herself surrounded by unfriendly adults and petulant teenagers, the majority of whom seem determined to see her fail.

Feeling attacked on all fronts, Mack finds it harder and harder to keep a rein on her temper. Forced to attend anger management classes and deal with the predatory attentions of Corrigan, the Lord Alpha of the shapeshifter world, her emotions start to unravel. But when she comes across a familiar text within the walls of the mages’ library, which might just provide the clues she needs to unlock the secrets of her background and her dragon blood, she realises that her problems are only just beginning…

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EXCERPT  from Bloodfire:

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I scanned the bookshelves again, looking for something that might help and was about to pull down a precious gems and magical objects encyclopaedia when I suddenly heard voices and the slamming of doors from outside.  Bugger it.  Quickly closing down the computer, I stepped back into the outer office.  I was just in time because Staines came suddenly striding in with the Lord Alpha.  They were in mid conversation and didn’t see me at first.

“My lord, we need to focus on the magic trail before anything else,” Staines was saying.

The Alpha growled.  “The mage can do that better than us.  It’s the tree markings that interest…” his voice trailed off as he saw me and his green eyes narrowed.

“Hi!” I said brightly.  “Found it!”  I held up my mug for display.

They both just stared at me silently.  I cleared my throat.  “Well, I’ll get out your way then.”  I moved towards the door but the Alpha was blocking it.  I looked up at him, waiting for him to move out my way.  He folded his arms and continued to stare.

I felt a flicker of irritation from my bloodfire.  This was my keep, not his.  I moved to brush past him, registering the hard steely curve of his muscles as my arm touched his.  He moved further back, blocking the doorway completely.

“Miss Mackenzie,” he drawled softly.

 

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Giveaway

Helen will award a $25 Amazon GC to one randomly drawn commenter during the tour.

Follow the tour and comment; the more you comment, the better your chances of winning. The tour dates can be found here.

Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.

Rafflecopter Giveaway

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AUTHOR Bio and Links:

Helen Harper is an English teacher currently living abroad in Malaysia. As a long time reader of urban fantasy, she finally bit the bullet and began to develop her own series of novels.

Helen has always been a book lover, devouring science fiction and fantasy tales when she was a child growing up in Scotland. “I always loved the escapism provided by those genres,” states Helen. “No matter how bad life gets, you can always find a route out, even if only temporarily, in the pages of a good book.”

The growth of urban fantasy fascinated her – the mix of reality and fantasy along with strong heroic female characters appealed from the very beginning, and inspired her to write her own.

Facebook Author page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Helen-Harper/101590660022586

Twitter: https://twitter.com/HarperFire

Amazon.com buy links: Just click on the Amazon button below the covers.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For all of my giveaways go here.

WWW Wednesday

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Hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading

To play along, just answer the following three (3) questions…

• What are you currently reading?

• What did you recently finish reading?

• What do you think you’ll read next?

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What are you currently reading?

Creatures of Appetite by Todd Travis

Creatures of Appetite

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They call it The Heartland Child Murders.

Everyone else calls it a nightmare. Locked doors don’t stop him. He leaves no trace behind. He only takes little girls.

His nickname… The Iceman.

A deranged serial killer roams wintry rural Nebraska with a demented purpose no one can fathom. Special Agent EMMA KANE, a former DC cop and damaged goods now with the FBI, is assigned to babysit burnt-out profiler JACOB THORNE, once the best in the business but now said to have lost his edge, as they both fly to Nebraska to catch this maniac.

Thorne is erratic, abrasive and unpredictably brilliant, but what he and Kane find in the heartland is much more than anyone bargained for, especially when the Iceman challenges them personally.

The clock is ticking and a little girl’s life is on the line.

And maybe even more with that, once they find out what he’s really up to.

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What did you recently finish reading?

Dark Deeds by Susan Fleet

Dark Deeds: Serial killers, stakers and domestic homicides

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True crime: 12 chilling case studies. Meet the victims, their killers and the bloody consequences of their deeds.

No one knows how many serial killers are roaming the United States. Some experts believe they murder as many as 180 people each year. Others say the count may be much higher because some serial killers hide the bodies and they’re never found. A pretty farm girl fed her victims to the hogs

Stalkers far outnumber serial killers. Each year they threaten 3.4 million people in America. Although stalkers may profess love for the objects of their obsession, many seriously injure or kill their “love object.”  Eg: You’re the one that I want … to kill.

Domestic homicide is rampant in the US. Women and children rarely kill family members. Men commit the majority of domestic homicides. Some are crimes of passion. Others are carefully calculated. Why bother with a divorce when you can kill your spouse?  A cross-dressing doctor murdered his wife to keep his millions.

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What do you think you’ll read next?

Nibble, Nibble, Crunch by Willow Rose

Nibble, Nibble, Crunch

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Warning: After reading this story you’ll never be able to look at a snowman the same way again.

In the beginning she thought it was sweet, this snowman who emerged as if from nowhere, but soon the six-year old Emma realizes that this snowman is different … very different.

NIBBLE, NIBBLE, CRUNCH is a horror novella from Willow Rose, author of the International Bestselling horror-series starring the Danish reporter Rebekka Franck. It is not for the faint at heart.

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So, whatcha readin?

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