Archive for July 14, 2016

Sunborn Rising

Beneath The Fall

by Aaron Safronoff

Sunborn Rising cover

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My Review

First off, I have to confess that the cover was the original reason I wanted to read this book. Tell me that twinkling tail isn’t luring you in.

The plot doesn’t seem that complex in the beginning. Three young friends set off to save their world from a creeping vine. Then, you enter the world of Cerulean with it’s flotilla forests, venture from the safety of the loft, into the midden, and down below the Fall, where creatures beyond imagining dwell, not all of them cuddly like our three young friends.

The story takes some dark turns down below, where the creeper vine slowly chokes the light and water from the arboreal world, threatening all that dwell there. I was a bit surprised how serious the danger was. It seemed like this would be a light, fun adventure, but there were some times when I actually dreaded what might be about to happen.

But it’s not all dark down below. The three adventurers come upon some wonderful creatures that help them on their quest. And you’ll get to see them!

The lush, colorful illustrations leap off the pages. You’ll feel like you are falling into the story and can actually see what’s occurring. Seeing Barra, Plicks, and Tory in living color is the next best thing to seeing them in a movie. Now, that would be something too.

You’ll be charmed by Barra, a fearless Listlespur bup. She reminds me somewhat of a tiger, even though they don’t live in trees and swing from vines, or come in a splendid shade of purple.

Plicks, a Kolalabat, reminds me of a cross between a bat and koala bear. Except he doesn’t seem to have their natural agility. He seems to be quite clumsy and gets all tangled up in himself. Kind of like the scarecrow in The Wizard Of Oz.

And Tory is a Rugosic. Well, he reminds of a cross between a small boy and an ant or a beetle. He’s segmented, with a hard outer shell. He appeared to be the more serious, cautious one, most of the time. A good thing to be where they’re going.

Sunborn Rising is enchanting and seductive. I couldn’t get enough of this story and the magical creatures I became so fond of. If I’d read this when I was a young girl, I’m sure me and my friends would’ve been imaging our own adventures beyond the fall.

This is one of those books you’ll revisit many times. You’re copy getting dog-eared and worn with all of the readings. I loved it from the front cover to the rear flap. I’d recommend this book for all ages. All you need to bring is your sense of adventure.

5 Stars

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Synopsis

“Sunborn Rising: Beneath the Fall is the best vivid fantasy YA book of the year.” –Entrada Publishing

On a distant world of forests floating on an ocean around a star,

a blight threatens to plunge all life into darkness.

But three friends seek the light.

Together, they will Fall and be lost.

And at the very Root of darkness, they will find themselves.

But will it be enough to help them find their way home?

The world of Cerulean.

Light and water flow from the ocean into the roots of the Great Trees, up through the boughs, and out over the lush canopy. But the once vibrant treescape has grown dim over generations of arboreal life, and the creatures of the forest have forgotten the light.

Barra, a young, willful Listlespur, finds her late father’s hidden journal, and reads about the old world and the mysterious plague her father believed destroyed it. He wrote that he warned the Elders. He urged them to take action. Those were his last words.

Together with her two best friends, Barra will explore every bark, wood, and leaf of the Great Forest to relight her world and complete her father’s story, even if she has to travel beneath the Fall.

​Buy the book:   Amazon ~ Author Website

Sunborn Rising Wins Art Award!

Go HERE to check it out!

I’m thrilled to be able to share a couple of the amazing illustrations from this exciting adventure. Enjoy!

Sunborn Rising Characters of Sunborn Rising

Sunborn Rising Barra-Den2

Author Aaron Safronoff

Aaron Safronoff 2

Aaron Safronoff is author of the Discovery Award winning science fiction novel, Spire. Since his debut, he’s published a sequel, Fallen Spire, and a novella of literary fiction, Evening Breezes.

Safronoff’s diverse background includes the formal study of computer science, bio-chemistry, and culinary arts. However, most of his career has been in the videogame industry in quality, production, and design.

Today, Safronoff is the co-founder and Chief Storyteller of Neoglyphic Entertainment, and is busy writing his fifth novel, the second installment of the Sunborn Rising series.

​Connect with the author: Website  ~  Twitter  ~  Facebook

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Prizes:

1. Five winners will each receive a signed hardback copy of Sunborn Rising AND a free signed CD of the original musical soundtrack (open to USA only)

2. One winner will also win a 16’x20’ high quality (giclée) printed piece of the original art on canvas, signed by author Aaron Safronoff as well as Christopher Chamberlain the Art Director (valued at $100) – open to USA only

3. Ten winners will each get a gifted Kindle copy of Sunborn Rising with a $10 Amazon gift card AND a free digital download of the original musical soundtrack (open international)

Giveaway ends Aug 6, 2016.

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Follow the tour for more fun posts.

July 4 –   Library of Clean Reads – book spotlight / author interview / giveaway

July 4 –   A Bookworm’s Musing – review

July 4 –   Svetlana’s Reads and Views – review

July 5 –   Heidi’s Wanderings – review / giveaway

July 5 –   Rockin’ Book Reviews – review / guest post / giveaway

July 6 –   The Autistic Gamer – review

July 6 –   Discovering/Writing Life – review / author interview / giveaway

July 7 –   misty103 @ HubPages – review / author interview

July 7 –   Reading Authors – review / giveaway

July 8 –   #redhead.with.book – book spotlight / giveaway

July 8 –   Science & Fiction – review / author interview

July 10 – Writers and Authors – book spotlight

July 11 – Working Mommy Journal – review / giveaway

July 11 – Room With Books – book spotlight / guest post / giveaway

July 12 – Bookworm for Kids – review

July 12 – Book Reviews Nature Photos of Everything in Between – review

July 13 – A Mama’s Corner of the World – review / giveaway

July 13 – Blooming with Books – review / giveaway

July 14 – fuonlyknew – review / giveaway

July 15 – BOOKSOMEREADS – review

July 15 – The Travelogue of a Book Addict – The Book Drealms – review / giveaway

July 18 – Library of Clean Reads – review / giveaway

July 18 – Puddletown Reviews – review / giveaway

July 19 – 100 Pages A Day – review / giveaway

July 20 – JBronder Book Reviews – review / giveaway

July 21 – Readers Muse – review / guest post

July 22 – 3 Partners in Shopping Nana, Mommy , + Sissy, Too! – review / giveaway

July 25 – Tales of the Marvelous – review / author interview

July 26 – Brooke Blogs – review / guest post / giveaway

July 27 – Cheryl’s Book Nook – review / giveaway

July 28 – Life as Leels – review

July 29 – Pause for Tales – review

July 29 – New Horizon Reviews – review

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

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LastOfTheFiredrakes banner

The Last Of The Firedrakes

The Avalonia Chronicles

by Farah Oomerbhoy

LastOfTheFiredrakes cover

Genre:YA Fantasy

Synopsis

16-year-old Aurora Darlington is an orphan. Mistreated by her adopted family and bullied at school, she dreams of running away and being free. But when she is kidnapped and dragged through a portal into a magical world, suddenly her old life doesn’t seem so bad.

 

Avalonia is a dangerous land ruled by powerful mages and a cruel, selfish queen who will do anything to control all seven kingdoms–including killing anyone who stands in her way. Thrust headlong into this new, magical world, Aurora’s arrival sets plans in motion that threaten to destroy all she holds dear.

 

With the help of a young fae, a magical pegasus, and a handsome mage, Aurora journeys across Avalonia to learn the truth about her past and unleash the power within herself. Kingdoms collide as a complicated web of political intrigue and ancient magic lead Aurora to unravel a shocking secret that will change her life forever.

Enjoy this glimpse inside!

For a second that felt like a lifetime, everything stopped; I felt like I was floating in nothingness. Then I blinked, and, when I finally opened my eyes and focused again through the tears, I couldn’t believe what I was seeing.

I found myself standing at the mouth of a small cave situated on a hill and overlooking a quiet, moonlit valley. On my left, a dark forest stretched out as far as the eye could see, treetops glistening silver in the light of the full moon. The hills around us undulated into wildflower-filled meadows that lay sleeping in the dewy night.

Far down in the valley, I could see a little village, its lights twinkling in the distance. To my right, a waterfall splashed playfully into a small river that ran down into a lake, next to which the little village was built. The moon here was fuller and larger than I had ever seen it, and the night sky was awash with a fantastic array of glittering stars.

Had I passed through the tapestry? Where was I?

I looked around, disbelief clouding my judgment. I was still trying to get my bearings after that strange moment when I had been inside the tapestry and nowhere at the same time. It gave me a funny feeling, as though I had been lifted out of my own consciousness and then put back into my body.

A warm breeze brushed past my face and played with my hair. Gone were the cloudy grey mist and the cold, nipping wind of the English countryside. I drew in a sharp breath—the air was crisp and clear, sweet smelling, and fresh. The moonlit valley was filled with fruit trees, wildflowers, and rolling meadows.

“How did we come here? Where are we?” I asked, still confused.

“You really are ignorant,” said Oblek, glancing at me. “I take it your uncle didn’t tell you anything?”

I shook my head and looked down. Oblek had tied my hands with a rope he had with him while I was still dazed and looking around. It was humiliating, and the rough ropes cut into my wrists, rubbing them raw every time he pulled me forward.

I had to find some way out of this. And, at the moment, the only thing I could do was discover more about where I was. Then, when I got an opportunity, I could escape and find my way back up to the cave on the hill, where we had arrived out of the tapestry.

But then what?

Christopher was probably dead, and Aunt Arianna would doubtless blame me for everything since I had disappeared at the same time. I had no idea what to do. I didn’t really want to go back, and, now that my adoptive parents were dead, I had nothing to return to.

I was starting to panic. I had nowhere to go, and my mind was imagining an array of horrible outcomes of my kidnapping. My palms had become sweaty, and my racing heart was thundering in my chest as I half-walked and half-ran, desperately trying to keep up with Oblek’s giant strides.

“Why are you doing this?” I pleaded with my kidnapper.

But Lord Oblek said nothing. He didn’t even look at me. He just kept walking ahead and dragging me along behind him, with no more explanations as to what he was planning to do with me.

I was terrified, and I had no idea if I was going to survive this. But I tried to be brave. Maybe I could talk my way out of this?

“You do know that this is called kidnapping?” I said, trying to reason with Oblek.

He didn’t bother to answer.

“What will happen to me now?” I squeaked, my voice breaking, as I tried not to cry.

“Queen Morgana will decide what is to be done with you,” said Oblek, finally.

Queen Morgana! The woman from my dream? It was not possible that this, too, was a coincidence. It must be the same Morgana, the one who had tried to kill my real mother.

Who the hell was she?

Suddenly all of this seemed extremely scary. I hoped that I was still dreaming and that there was no way I had actually traveled through a magical tapestry into some strange land. It all seemed very exciting in books. But actually being kidnapped and then hauled around like an animal, traveling deep into a land I knew nothing about, was not my idea of fun.

I had to get away from this horrible man, and fast.

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Author Farah Oomerbhoy

Farah Oomerbhoy is a young adult writer with a master’s degree in English literature from the University of Mumbai. Farah loves the fantastical and magical and often dreams of living in Narnia, Neverland, or the Enchanted Forest. Her debut novel, The Last of the Firedrakes, Book 1 of The Avalonia Chronicles started on Wattpad where it received a Watty Award in 2015 and over 1.5 million reads. Since publication, The Last of the Firedrakes has gone on to win a silver medal in IBPA’s Benjamin Franklin Awards, become a finalist in the USA Best Book Awards and become an international bestseller. Farah lives with her family in Mumbai, India where she can be found checking for magical portals in every closet.

Connect with Farah:

Amazon / Twitter / Facebook / Google + / Instagram

Pinterest / Goodreads / Wattpad / Tumblr

 

Purchase The Last of the Firedrakes:

On sale for 99 cents.

Amazon / B&N / Apple / Kobo / Smashwords

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

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Sunrise in Rio Cover

A Sunrise in Rio by Rachel Matthews

For Hire: Fiancee

Eric Jansen was aware of the reputation he gained as a cold-hearted playboy. As a widower with a mysterious past marriage, work is his only solace…that is until the company investors threaten to pull out of the deal. With a new luxury hotel in Rio de Janeiro and a housing development for underprivileged families on the line, he needs a way to prove to the investors he is serious. The beautiful new photographer, Jayla Mitchelson, is perfectly outside of the media’s eye. Not only will she help the deal, he just may find himself asking her to stay after the job is done.

amazon

Enjoy the Excerpt:
Jayla couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Instead of her photography skills, she was being hired as a glorified fake girlfriend. Rage sluiced through her and she started pacing to help calm her down. “I don’t believe this.”
“It would help me greatly.”
“Oh, it will? Tell me, Eric is that why you hired me? To just be some arm candy for you and for your boss?”
“Jayla, that isn’t it.”
“Then why bring me down here? Why go through this phony interview process, checking out my site and bringing me– ” Her mouth fell open as she stopped to face him. “Is that why you took me out for breakfast and sightseeing? To butter me up?”
“Jayla – ”
She looked over her shoulder. “If I say no, are you going to, what, chop me up and hide me in the building?” Her hand disappeared into the camera case at her side. “Look, buddy. I got Mace and I will not hesitate to use it. I don’t care how many yachts you own.”
Eric started toward her and stopped, laughing. His body convulsed as the laughter grew stronger, causing him to bend over. Jayla stared him down, trying to keep her expression straight, but there was something infectious about his laugh. Something she hadn’t realized before. He let himself go in it. He wasn’t the guarded businessman trying to make an impression or be someone he wasn’t. He was just Eric. A man who appeared to have found amusement in her words.

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Rachel MatthewsAuthor Rachel Matthews

Rachel Matthews is a wife, daughter, crocheter, artist & dreamer all rolled into one. She’s dreamed of writing ever since she was little and now enjoys penning them for readers all around the world. Part mermaid and part stuffed animal wrangler, she currently lives in San Diego where she is fighting an addiction to the beach and enjoying spending time with her loving romantic hero husband.

Website

 

Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 7/30/16

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For a list of my reviews go HERE.

For a list of free eBooks updated daily go HERE

To see all of my giveaways click on the lucky horseshoe below!

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