Posts Tagged ‘survival’

Monday Minis Reviews #37 ~ The Zombie Combat Field Guide

Posted: February 9, 2015 in Action/Adventure, horror, Monday's Minis, reviews, Zombies
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Welcome to My Monday Minis Reviews.

I won this book in a giveaway. And the author even sent me crayons!

Yeah! A coloring book for us big kids.

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For today I’ll be sharing The Zombie Combat Field Guide

A Coloring and Activity Book

for Fighting the Living Dead

by Roger Ma

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My review

This is one for all zombie fans. And if you believe the zombie apocalypse will happen this is a must for your survival kit.

Roger Ma has included a bunch of survival tips, with pictures, to help you when the apocalypse happens. I learned fairly early on that I was not very prepared. I’d be an easy meal.

There are pages showing how to train, how to get in shape. It takes a lot of strength to take down a zombie.  And the agility skills are a must if you choose to dodge and run for it. That would be best for me. But he also includes these handy tips on how to take advantage of anything close to you and make it a weapon of opportunity. You’d be surprised what would slow down a or take down a zombie.

There’s even a section for parents on how to protect your children. You can become a momma bear in no time.

I’m saving the fun quizzes and the coloring for when The Walking Dead’s new season starts this month. I’ll need some visuals to get the colors right. I have my colored pencils sharpened and ready. And I’m curious how I’ll score on those quizzes too.

So, are you ready? You might think so. I suggest you add this to your survival kit and read it often. Your life may depend on it.

I won this book in a giveaway. Thanks to the tour host and Roger Ma.

I feel safer already!

5 Stars

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Synopsis

The Zombie Combat Manual provided potential zombie fighters with comprehensive instructions on how to do battle in the inevitable outbreak of an undead plague. However, even the most comprehensive advice is useless without study and practice.

Thus, the Institute for Undead Combat Studies has created an essential field handbook to help combatants of the walking dead hone their fighting skills, ensuring maximum preparedness for the zombie apocalypse. This interactive guide includes:
Detailed technique illustrations, anatomical diagrams, and zombie combat drawings you can color
Puzzles and brain exercises to help remember key combat terminology
Work pages on making the right choices during an undead outbreak
and much more!
Anyone can become an effective warrior against the walking dead. Make sure you’re ready to fight when the time comes—or prepare to join the zombie horde…

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Author Roger Ma

Roger Ma

Roger Ma specializes in hand-to-hand combat against the undead. He is the author of The Zombie Combat Manual: A Guide to Fighting the Living Dead. His new book, The Vampire Combat Manual: A Guide to Fighting the Bloodthirsty Undead, focuses on surviving an attack from a hunting succubus. He is the founder of the Zombie Combat Club and the Vampire Combat Club, organizations that focus on battling the undead without the aid of a firearm. He was recently featured as a zombie expert on the History Channel documentary “Zombies: A Living History.” He currently trains in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. He lives in Brooklyn, NY

Find him on Amazon.

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!

Are you ready for the zombie apocalypse?

Cover Reveal ~ World of Ash by Shauna Granger ~ Monsters are real

Posted: October 11, 2013 in apocalypse, Cover Reveal, Creatures, Paranormal or fantasy
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Check out this cover art. It had me thinking The Hills Have Eyes.

Seriously though, it does make ya really curious doesn’t it?

There’s been an apocalypse. It looks the air is unsafe to breath. And I heard something about monsters!

I’ll be watching for this come December. I’m looking forward to meeting the characters and experiencing Shauna’s writing.

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World of Ash
by Shauna Granger
Release Date: 12/2013
Book Summary:
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There are two inherent truths in the world: life as we know it is over, and monsters are real.
The Pestas came in the night, spreading their pox, a deadly plague that decimated the population. Kat, one of the unlucky few who survived, is determined to get to her last living relative and find shelter from the pox that continues to devastate the world. When it mutates and becomes airborne, Kat is desperate to avoid people because staying alone might be her only chance to stay alive.
That is, until she meets Dylan. Dylan, with his easy smile and dark, curly hair, has nowhere to go and no one to live for. He convinces Kat there can be safety in numbers, that they can watch out for each other. So the unlikely couple set off together through the barren wasteland to find a new life – if they can survive the roaming Pestas, bands of wild, gun-toting children, and piles of burning, pox-ridden bodies.

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Shauna

Like so many other writers, Shauna grew up as an avid reader, but it was in high school that she realized she wanted to be a writer. Five years ago, Shauna started work on her Elemental Series. She released the first installment, Earth, on May 1, 2011 and has since released four sequels, with the series coming to an end with Spirit. She is currently hard at work on a new Urban Fantasy series, staring a spunky witch with a smush-faced cat named Artemis.

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Author Links

Author Links:

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

 *****

Cover Reveal Organized by:

YA Bound Book Tours

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ARC Review and Giveaway Tour ~ Sanctuary ~ Is there no place safe?

Posted: October 9, 2013 in Blog Tour, Excerpt, giveaways, otherworldly, Paranormal or fantasy, reviews, Science Fiction
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I’m so excited to be a part of the tour for Sanctuary!

It’s October, the season for tricks or treats.

This was a treat for sure!

There’s so much to show you.

Read the early praise for Sanctuary. Watch the book trailers.

Check out the peek inside Sanctuary and enjoy the note from the author.

And enjoy my review.

Don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

Did I mention I had a lot to show you?!!!

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                      ISBN-13 – 9781491072066

Title – Sanctuary

Author – Pauline Creeden

Pub Date – October 10, 2013 (Paperback)

                   September 30, 2013 (eBook pre-release)

Price – $9.99

Description

“Left Behind for the Hunger Games Generation”

In a heart-racing thriller described as Falling Skies meets The Walking Dead, Jennie struggles to find a safe place for what’s left of her family. But it seems as though there is no place sacred, no place secure. First the aliens attacked the sun, making it dimmer, weaker, and half what it used to be. Then they attacked the water supply, killing one-third of Earth’s population with a bitter contaminate. And when they unleash a new terror on humankind, the victims will wish for death, but will not find it…When the world shatters to pieces around her, will Jennie find the strength she needs to keep going?

Advance Praise

“Pauline Creeden managed to mix more genres into one book than I could possibly imagine. The overall concept, aliens attacking the earth, is straight out of Science Fiction, but then you throw in a few zombies and post-apocalyptic fiction with how the dead/sick humans are acting. Overall, the entire story was charged with the adrenaline and thrills of a suspense/thriller novel, but the mood was terrifyingly eerie like a Horror story. There was almost too much sensory information for my primitive human brain to handle. Still, all of these genres combined made for one unique and fascinating story. This kind of book is of the same flavor as The Hunger Games with its originality, which I really appreciated.” – Katelyn Hensel for Readers’ Favorite

“Sanctuary is a fast-paced Christian fantasy thriller that is original and quite entertaining. The story revolves around Jennie and her family, Pastor Billy and his wife, and two brothers who are polar opposites of each other. Each chapter is presented in the point of view of Jennie, Brad or Hugh (the brothers), which gives Pauline Creeden’s Sanctuary, a multidimensional feel. The three different story-lines merge into a full-fledged fantasy/horror novel that never sags or lets up on the action. While there are Christian themes present in Sanctuary, and Jennie’s faith is an important part of who she is, I, a non-Christian, did not feel I was being preached to or proselytized. I recommend Pauline Creeden’s Sanctuary — it’s well-written and a lot of fun to read.” – Jack Magnus for Readers Favorite

*****

My Review

As the story begins, the aliens have already damaged the sun, causing perpetual twilight during the day, making it difficult to grow crops. And they’ve contaminated the water supply, which has killed off one-third of Earth’s population.

As the aliens don’t do anything further for quite some time, just hover in the skies, people try to go about their daily lives.

But the aliens unleash something horrific, something beyond imagination, and it has serious repercussions, killing off another third of the population.

This is where things really get dicey.

What comes next? Are they planning on wiping us out completely? Or do they have something else in store?

Once I started reading Sanctuary I happened to glance at the cover and realized how perfectly it represented the story. The church is in the background and Jenny is prominent, just as she is in the book.

Jenny never did get to return for her second year of college. The aliens attacked again and life as she knew it crumbled.

Now, she’s separated from her parents and has to protect her five-year old brother.

I admire Jenny. She’s a young woman, alone, facing something we couldn’t even imagine. What she focuses on is getting her and her little brother to safety.

She’s scared to death as she navigates the streets. But she has keen instincts and stays sharp when things get really bad. She’s a natural nurturer and has a heart of gold.

You’ll get to know Hugh and Brad, the brothers.

Hugh was a teacher at Jenny’s old highschool. He was trapped in his apartment building. When people were being attacked in the street, his first instinct was to go outside and help, but the apartment manager wouldn’t risk unlocking the doors.

When he finally does leave his apartment, he ends up at the church. There he runs into his younger brother Brad.

There is no love lost between these two.

Brad is lucky when he stumbles upon the church. But he didn’t much like the fact his brother was there.

I liked Hugh. He was a quiet, introspective man. Willing to help in any way he could.

Brad was another story all together. Every story needs a villain and he seemed to wear the title proudly. He was arrogant and self-serving. Quite the spoiled brat. And he never missed a chance to get under Hugh’s skin. One thing he did had me thinking he might be redeemable but I can’t spoil it for you.

Each chapter is told from the points of view of Jenny, Hugh, and Brad, but they flow easily and you quickly recognize their individual voices.

This is listed as a christian thriller, but it’s not like any you’ve read before. There are aliens, dog/lion creatures that bite you and turn you into zombies, and the disturbing situations you have to deal with when in a group, struggling to survive.

I was kind of reminded of Stephen King’s The Mist, when they are all confined in the grocery store. Not everybody likes each other or gets along. Life and death situations make people do weird things.

While Jenny draws on her religious beliefs to get her through this, I never felt like I was being preached at. If anything, she had me asking myself how I would hold up, what would I turn to. And with so much going on, I was kept busy following the action, trying to stay one step ahead of the horror.

The religious tones in this story are a natural progression and make it more real. Look at all of the disaster movies and books out there. So many of them have people gathering at a church, either for spiritual strength or just solace in the company of others.

If you like a mix of genres, some science fiction and fantasy with your horror, I recommend you read Sanctuary. It keeps you connected, never bogs down, and there’s plenty of action and danger.

5 STARS

*****

YouTube book Trailers:

http://youtu.be/tVQNvPzk3rc

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A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR:

Why on earth did I write a Christian novel that has both aliens and zombies in it?

When I was a teen/young adult and my faith was wavering at best, there were several movies out with the likely design to shake faith even more. End of the world movies were in their hay day. Alien invasion was another big one. And I couldn’t help but wonder. If something like this actually happened, would anyone be able to maintain their faith?

And now today, Zombies are on the rise.

Could aliens be reconciled with the Bible? Zombies? This is the purpose of Sanctuary.

Because of its poetic nature, the book of Revelation lends itself to a plethora of interpretation. I am not saying that my book is the only true possibility, but it could be one. Could not demons be misinterpreted as alien life forms? Might not Satan use this mirage to his advantage to explain the bitter water or the blotting out of the sun, moon, and stars?  And then there’s Revelation 9:6 – “And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.”

Zombies?

If anyone reading this book at least opens themselves up to the fact that yes, a biblical interpretation could resolve the problems between faith and an apocalyptic reality, then Sanctuary has completed its purpose.

EXCERPT:

When Jennie reached the back door, she saw them. Four large dog-like creatures with pinched faces like bulldogs and lion-like manes. They snarled, and one of them leapt at the window on the top half of the door when it saw her. Jennie jumped back and fell hard on the cold tile floor. The bottle of painkiller bounced across the kitchen tiles. The creature slammed against the window a second time, cracking it. She blinked hard. Her heart sunk, and the hairs on her arms stood on end. A horrendous gargling howl rent the air, causing a shiver down her spine. She held her breath and waited for the creature to slam into the door again.

“What on earth?” she whispered to herself.

When the third attempt never came, she scrambled toward the door. Blinking hard, she used the door knob to help herself stand. Out the cracked window, her mother was still out of sight, but the last of the dogs headed across the field behind her backyard.

“MOM?” Jennie called out.

The rumbling faded, and the vibrations in her chest receded with the dogs. She pulled open the door and rushed onto their back deck. “Mom, where are you?”

When she reached the banister, she looked over the side. Her mom lay sprawled with one hand on the lattice. Blood gushed from Mom’s leg and her opposite arm. Jennie’s ears rang and flooded with every beat of her heart.

Jennie didn’t know how she got to the second floor of her house, but she found herself shaking her sleeping father. How had he slept through the rumbling? “Outside, it’s Mom…”

Her father leapt from the bed. Mickey, her little brother, lay asleep and undisturbed. Dad ran down the stairs and outside in his flannel pajama bottoms and white t-shirt. He scooped Mom up to his chest and carried her inside. Blood stained his shirt in crimson.

“Jennie, call 911!”  Her father had said it at least three times before it finally registered in her brain.

She pulled the cell phone from her pocket, but it refused to connect. With a groan, she grabbed the cordless from the wall receiver, glad her heart stopped pounding in her head so she could hear.

“All operators are busy at this time,” a mechanical voice deadpanned, “Please stay on the line, and the next available operator will take your call.”

“They have me on hold, Dad. Should I hang up and try again?” She held the phone in both hands away from her face.

“No, just stay on the line.” Her father lifted the shredded jeans from Mom’s leg. “It looks like a shark bite. What on earth happened?”

Jennie took in the damage through tear-filled eyes. A huge chunk was taken from her mother’s calf, exposing the fibrous tendons that covered the bone in her leg. A bloodstain grew on the beige couch. Was she going to die? Panic rose up.

“What happened, Jennie?”

“I…I…They looked like lions, or dogs, or something. The rumbling shook the whole house…I tried to go outside to get Mom, but—” A sob blocked her throat.

Her father grabbed a throw pillow and held it against the leg. Mom’s exposed forearm laid across her chest in much the same condition as her calf.

“Grab me the duct tape.”

Jennie suddenly remembered the phone, put it back to her ear, and headed to the hall closet. She reached for the shelf above the jackets and grabbed the junk basket next to the toolbox.

“Please stay on the line. An operator will be with you shortly.”

She shoved the phone in the crook of her neck and fished through the box.  Half the contents dropped around her feet. Who cares? When her fingers wrapped around the silver duct tape, a short-lived relief sent prickles down her arms. But the urgency gripped her chest in less than a heart beat, and she threw the junk basket on the ground with the rest of the items.

“Hurry, Jennie!” her father called from the living room. “And turn on the TV. Maybe they’ll have something about what’s going on.”

She handed her father the tape and turned toward the TV. The mechanical voice on the phone came through again, followed by more easy listening.

When she clicked on the TV, the shouting and wailing began before the picture warmed up on the screen. A sideways picture of New York City broke through, with the shaky voice of the newscaster voicing over.

“What we are watching now – I can’t believe it – is live footage of Times Square,” the newscaster’s voice paused for a deep breath. “We’ve lost our man on the scene and his camera man to what appears to be some kind of new alien creature. Just a short half-hour ago, the doors to the ship that hovered above Central Park opened and these dog-like creatures flooded out.”

Jennie couldn’t pull her eyes from the screen. She straightened and dropped the phone on the hardwood. The battery popped out and skidded across the floor.

~~~~~

Pauline Creeden

In simple language, Pauline Creeden breaks down Biblical stories and applies them to real life in new ways. Her methods of teaching have brought new light to old scriptures. In her fiction, she creates worlds that are both familiar and strange, often pulling the veil between dimensions. She becomes the main character in each of her stories, and because she has ADD, she will get bored if she pretends to be one person for too long.

Pauline is a horse trainer from Virginia, but writing is her therapy.

She is the Admin for Spirit Filled Kindle and an administrator for Readers’ Realm. Her articles, reviews, and devotionals have been featured in RUBY FOR WOMEN Magazine, Devotionals for Bloggers, Faith Filled Family Magazine, and Christian Fiction Book Reviews.

One of Pauline’s short stories has won the CCW Short Story contest. Other short stories have been published in Fear & Trembling Magazine, Obsidian River and Avenir Eclectia. An urban fantasy short will appear in The Book of Sylvari: An Anthology of Elves from Port Yonder Press, and a vampire short will appear in Monsters! from Diminished Media Group. She is currently editing and drafting several novels at various stages.

 

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Prizes:

Swag Pack

Signed Paperback of Sanctuary

Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For all of my giveaways go HERE.

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Release Day Review ~ Q&A ~ Freebie ~ Super Giveaway ~ Curse of the Chupacabra by Michael Hebler!

Posted: September 10, 2013 in Freebies!, giveaways, horror, Interview, New Release, reviews, Series
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Exciting news for all Chupacabra fans!

Michael Hebler has more of his Chupacabra Series for us.

Set in the old west and brimming with atmosphere and horror, I can’t wait to tell you all about it in my review.  Michael also has been a great sport and answered some questions for me. Please enjoy our interview and my review.

Don’t forget to get your free copy of Book One, Night of the Chupacabra HERE. Thanks Michael! And keep reading to enter the amazing giveaway!

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SECOND CHUPACABRA NOVEL IS A ‘CURSE’

Press Release

Newport Beach, CA

In concordance with the release of book two in the Chupacabra Series, “Curse of the Chupacabra,” by fiction writer Michael Hebler, the series’ first novel “Night of the Chupacabra,” will be made available free for e-book download on Kindle Readers and devices supporting Kindle Apps through Amazon.com from September 10 to September 12, 2013 only.

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Night of the Chupacabra (Chupacabra Series #1)

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My 5 Star Review

Click on the icon below to get your free copy now!

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Author: Michael Hebler

Style: Series

Theme: Dark Thriller / Horror / Western

Length: 68,000 words

Format: .mobi (Kindle)

****E-Book Retail: FREE (September 10 – 12, 2013) / $2.99 (September 13, 2013)****

Night of the Chupacabra Synopsis:

There is a creature that lurks in the vast open deserts of the west. It can only survive on blood and, although it prefers to prey on the weak and young, it will slaughter anyone or anything, once provoked. It is unnatural, deceptive, and difficult to kill. Word about the existence of this elusive beast has not spread since anyone who has crossed paths with it did not live long enough to tell of their account.

In the Chupacabra Series, a vampire-like, cryptozoological creature (which literally translates to “goat-sucker”) takes a supporting role to a cast of memorable characters who struggle to survive while finding their place in developing America. Currently slated for six books, the Chupacabra Series echoes strong family themes and the sacrifices required for that nature of love; and while some characters do survive long enough to make it through multiple novels, each volume will host a different protagonist to lead the reader through its continuing journey.

Once the free days for the e-book of “Night of the Chupacabra” are over on September 12, and beginning September 13, the digital edition will continue to show support for its successor “Curse of the Chupacabra” by dropping its price from $4.99 to $2.99. ”

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Curse of the Chupacabra” will be available in both print and e-book formats beginning September 10, 2013, and is now available for print Pre-Order on the author’s official webpage, www.michaelhebler.com, where more on the Chupacabra Series also can be found, as well as additional information on Hebler’s writings.

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So Michael, let’s get to the interview!

1) I like that this book makes me feel like I’ve stepped back into time. Your writing is subtle, so I can’t put my finger on how you do it! I just feel the old west while reading:)

Thank you.  That’s such a wonderful compliment!  I’m not a doddler.  I like to keep things always moving and always fresh.  The subtleness probably stems from years and years of writing screenplays, which teaches a writer that less is more.  But we’ll see if you think the same after reading “Legend,” which has clocked in at 82,000 words, while “Curse” is 70,000.  And as for writing western, I can definitely pinpoint my inspiration to the movie “Unforgiven.”  It is one of my favorite films and treated the western like an authentic time period and not something you slap marinara on top of.  The western-style has definitely become second nature to me when it comes to the chupacabra.  I’m a little nervous about writing Book 5, “Return of the Chupacabra” because I feel it’ll be a challenge to remove the “western” since the series does not stay within the Old West.  However, books 5 & 6 will be good transition novels for what stories I dream up beyond the Chupacabra Series. I’m not sure I’ll be revisiting the Old West soon after the fourth chupacabra book, but you never know.

2) What you can tell us about future books in the series?

What’s that? You want me to talk about the overall Chupacabra Series? Oh, I couldn’t do… it all started when I finished the full story of “Night”—then just called ‘el Chupacabra.’  I had done tons of research and created such an elaborate world that it just felt wrong to leave it all behind so soon; besides, I had grown to love these characters so much (the ones who survived, at least) that I transitioned into an overbearing parental figure who couldn’t let go.  I know some of you who are reading this can relate… right?  I had made the decision to do a trilogy, and I wanted my second book, “Curse,” to be my Empire Strikes Back, and then promised myself to keep the Ewoks out of book three, “Legend.”  So, “Legend” will round out the trilogy, but just as in book’s one and two, the main protagonist will be different.  In fact, let me just state that each book in the series will have a new protagonist.

Going back to what I had originally stated about the time and detail it took to create this world and the mythology, I discovered I definitely had enough for a prequel book, which will be book four, “Dawn of the Chupacabra,” and is the book I am currently half through the first draft.  “Dawn” will be the most horrific book of the series (a hard R-rating) and I’ll give you a hint… the chupacabra doesn’t even show until over half-way through the story.  “Dawn” will also tie the short story I had written in 2011, “Hunt for the Chupacabra” to book one.

And that’s where the series will end its time in the 1800’s.  Leap forward about 105 years later to 1991 for book five, “Return of the Chupacabra,” the year when chupacabra sightings were first reported.  This is when the series will fall into place with the current chupacabra mythos.  With books one – four, I had the world at my feet to create a fictional origin story, but in all actuality, I purposely did not match it to the folklore known today, which I have received some criticism for.  But I never thought that mattered because it was why I started the series in the Old West; to allow more artistic license.  So, with book five, it will be a whole new paradigm; however the main theme will not change.  The Chupacabra Series has always been about love; not the romantic kind, but the family kind, which is an important part of Latin culture (mi familia).  That is why family love was chosen to be the main theme for this Latin folklore horror series because they are essentially related.  And as for the true chupacabra diehard fans out there, “Return” will be the book that will feel more like home.  Except for one or two questions that can only be answered by having read the previous volumes, it will basically be a standalone book.

Now originally, the series was supposed to end at five, but after outlining the story, I discovered that there was always meant to be a sixth, I just had yet to realize it.  “Blood of the Chupacabra” will be essential because it will bring the standalone story that is book 5 together with the first four books, to create a full circle in the series.

There you have it, and I think I did it without revealing any important plotlines or twists.  Whew!

3) Many authors say that reading a lot of books is important if you are serious about writing. Is that true for you, and if so, are there any authors who have influenced you?

While I agree with your statement and believe writers should read, I can’t say I’ve read tons of books.  My main problem is that I’m a SLOW reader, so reading a lot of books would take away all my writing time.  But don’t misunderstand, I have read my fair share and usually always have a book I’m reading.  In fact, right now, I’m about a quarter of the way through J.K. Rowling’s “The Casual Vacancy.”  I did start reading at an early age.  One day I closed the back cover of Dr. Seuss then opened the front cover of Stephen King.  My mom had a bookshelf filled with his books.  In fact, there was one particular book cover that influenced the cover of “Curse of the Chupacabra” which used to freak-me-the-hell-out as a pre-teen, yet I found it so intriguing, I couldn’t stop staring at it.  It was the original hardcover of Cujo.  For some reason, the dog’s snout was so prominent within the mist, I never saw the rest of Cujo’s head that was thinly veiled in the background.  All my eyes would see was this dripping snout, which looked like a scarier version of the trash monster’s eye in the original Star Wars movie (and probably why I liked the cover so much).  That faintness of Cujo was what inspired the chupacabra’s face in the train tunnel for “Curse of the Chupacabra.”  Childhood comes full-circle, yet again.  Now that I’m currently writing my fourth novel, I’m definitely starting to become aware of my subconscious influences more and more.  I think they would be: King, Rowling, Crichton, and Dickens.  King for his content, which is borderline horror but more about the mystery and characters; Rowling for her style of writing, its flow and structure; Crichton for his attention to detail; and Dickens for his remarkable sense of plot and story.

4) Was it easier to write and publish Curse of the Chupacabra as it’s the second book in the series?

Oh yes!  I definitely learned a lot during, and after, “Night of the Chupacabra.”  Of course, with the first book, it was basically a learning process.  The time spent from the first written word of “Curse” to handing my baby over to the printers, like a parent sending their child to their first day of school, was chopped in half.  In fact, I’m already finding “Legend” an easier process because of having learned from two books, and its 12,000 words longer!  I’m sure they’ll keep getting easier and easier the more I write.  Being able to write and publish a book in my sleep… that’s my goal!

5) Do you have any tips you’d like to share with other writers?

Hmm.  Know your audience, that’s definitely one I’d like to share and one I’ve struggled with myself.  However, admittedly, I only did it to myself because I wanted to write a series that had a little bit of everything for everyone.  Also, if you’re lucky enough to have a folder (internal or external) of ideas that you are excited to write, begin with the one that is the most commercial.  Do your research and discover what the biggest genre is, which is probably YA at the moment, and start there.  You have a better chance of making a name for yourself and that will open doors which will allow you to pull out the more genre specific ideas from that folder.  Your follower base will have already been established.  I don’t think “The Casual Vacancy” would have done as well if Rowling hadn’t written “Harry Potter” first.

6) How do you spend your free time?

LOL!  What free time!?  Seriously, I think I’m always working on something.  It’s really difficult for me to sit still and not be productive in some way.  In addition to writing, I also have a career as a film publicist.  I just got back from a junket in New York (by the way, long plane trips are an author’s best friend) and am gearing up to promote a film at the Toronto Film Festival.  When I’m not writing or publicizing, I do volunteer as a driver for Meals on Wheels in my local area, as well as participate in the C/S/N/R (capture/spay/neuter/release) program; animals are my weakness.  And if I’m not doing any of that, I’ll write up a post for my blog, watch TV or a movie, play a video game, or read.  And that last bit might sound like fun time, but I’m usually on the prowl for my next inspiration.

Five Fun Shorts!

1) Morning person or snooze button? – Morning person.  There is nothing like the stillness and tranquility of the world before it awakes.

2) Favorite book to movie? – The Color Purple.  The movie’s been my favorite since 1985, and of course, I had to read the book.

3) For the good guy or the bad guy? – Bad guy.  Even though they’re bad, they’re still the underdog.

4) Favorite cartoon? – The original Scooby-Doo’s from the ‘70s—the ones that had a musical number chase interlude.

5) Are you superstitious? – I have to say “no”; however, I do occasionally find myself knocking on wood and avoiding cracks on the ground.

Well that was a lot of fun! Thanks so much Michael. Lots to think about and thrilled to know there will be many more Chupacabra books!

~~~

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Author: Michael Hebler

Style: Series

Theme: Dark Thriller / Horror / Western

Length: 308 pages (print) / 70,000 words

Binding: Perfect bound & digital (.mobi, .epub, .pdf )

Retail: $16.95 (print) / $4.99 (e-book)

Buy Links

Amazon / B&N / Goodreads / Shelfari

Curse of the Chupacabra Synopsis

They never thought their luck would be their curse.  In the months following the onslaught, the extraordinary survivors continue to know no peace, as they are haunted by signs that the relentless creature remains on their trail.  However, this fight will be better matched, now that they’ve discovered an advantage that will help protect them from the monster’s bloodthirsty lust.  But once faced with the decision to kill the beast, the choice will not come lightly since it is still unclear which loved one the chupacabra possesses.

My Review

You can run but you cannot hide!

Not many survived the last faceoff with the Chupacabra.

Suzanne was one of the lucky few.

Now she’s running, with a young girl in tow, trying to stay as far ahead of the beast as she can. Suzanne should’ve known Jessie wouldn’t stay with the older couple that took her in. She’s resourceful and cunning and wants to be with Suzanne.

But Suzanne, once a prostitute, can barely take care of herself and thinks Jessie would be better off with someone else.

The decision is taken out of their hands when the chupacabra finds Jessie and she barely escapes it bloody clutches.

Again, they run and there’s nowhere to hide.

The chupacabra is back!

Sadly, most of the characters from Night of the Chupacabra, the first book, aren’t. They didn’t survive.

Suzanne did and I’m glad. She may have had to resort to the oldest profession in order to get by, there weren’t many opportunities for women in the old west, but she’s kind of heart, astute, and charmingly vulnerable.

Another survivor is Jessie. She’s young and bold, a real scrapper too. She’s been trying to manipulate Suzanne into letting her stay, and she does something really crazy that puts Suzanne in a vulnerable situation.

It turns out good though, as Suzanne’s rescuer is a tall drink of water named James. He’s an actor traveling with a theatre group and he saved her from a brutal assault by a scoundrel.

James is quite the gentlemen and he’s charmed by Suzannes beauty. Wanting to keep her near, he invites the two ladies to travel with the troupe.

What they don’t know is, they are about to have an uninvited guest. A really angry one.

Something I’ve always loved is character driven novels. I’m a people person and have to have someone to care about, someone to laugh with, and someone to loathe.

I have all of those in Curse of the Chupacabra and that’s not including the chupacabra.

He is back and scarier than ever. Boy is he ever.

The author has a different take on the legend of the chupacabra which makes for confusing feelings towards it. It adds to the suspense, for sure.

Lots of laughs, some tender moments, and scares galore. I had so much fun continuing with this series.

5 Stars

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

chup Author, Michael Hebler

Michael Hebler recently became an author alongside building a successful career in feature film publicity, but his passion to create stories with suspense, laughter, and heart is not his only love. Hebler also volunteers his time weekly for charities in his local area including Meals on Wheels, and abets for animal rights by aiding in the CSNR (capture/spay/neuter/release) program.

To date, Hebler’s publications include, “

Night of the Chupacabra,” (Chupacabra Series #1), and his first publication, “The Night After Christmas,” a holiday picture book for believers of any age. Hebler also authored the micro story, “Hunt for the Chupacabra,” preceding the events of book one.

Hebler can also be found rambling on his blog “My Little Obsessions.”

# # #

CONTACT DETAILS

Name: Michael Hebler

Email: info@michaelhebler.com

Website: www.michaelhebler.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mhebler

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/The-Chupacabra-Novel-Series/189413924437649?fref=ts

Blog: http://michaelsobsessions.blogspot.com

~~~~

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Now for the amazing giveaway!

1 Top Winner) signed copies of print versions of both Night of the Chupacabra & Curse of the Chupacabra  (US Only)

1 Second Winner) signed copy of Curse of the Chupacabra (US Only)

1 Third Winner) ebook copies of both Night of the Chupacabra & Curse of the Chupacabra(International)

3 Runner-ups) ebook copy of Curse of the Chupacabra(International)

Ebook winners will have a choice of: MOBI, EPUB, PDF

To enter, please leave your email address, specify if entering for US or International Giveaway or both, and answer this question:

“Have you ever seen something you couldn’t explain?”

Giveaway ends September 30th.

Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For all of my giveaways go HERE.

A Cover Reveal ~ The Wicked We Have Done by Sarah Harian

Posted: September 10, 2013 in Cover Reveal, New Adult, Romance, thriller
Tags: , , , ,
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I love doing Cover Reveals.

I always try to guess what the cover will look like I’m always wrong!

Just feast your eyes on this!

And when you read the synopsis, you’re going to want to read this as much as I do!

the wicked wwhd_10a

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The Wicked We Have Done by Sarah Harian

Publication date: March 2014

Genres: New Adult, Romance

Synopsis:
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Evalyn Ibarra never expected to be an accused killer and experimental prison test subject. A year ago, she was a normal college student. Now she’s been sentenced to a month in the compass room—an advanced prison obstacle course designed by the government to execute justice. If she survives, the world will know she’s innocent. Locked up with nine notorious and potentially psychotic criminals, Evalyn must fight the prison and dismantle her past to stay alive. But the system prized for accuracy appears to be killing at random. She doesn’t plan on making friends. She doesn’t plan on falling in love, either.
~~~~~
Sarah Harian
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the wicked Sarah
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Sarah Harian grew up in the foothills of Yosemite and received her B.A. and M.F.A. from Fresno State University. When not writing, she is usually hiking some mountain or another in the Sierras, playing video games with her fiancé, or rough-housing with her dog.
Author Links:
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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew!
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WWW Wednesday #17 ~ As The World Dies ~ Zombies Everywhere!

Posted: September 4, 2013 in Series, Short stories and collections, WWW Wednesday, Zombies
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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?

~~~~~

What are you currently reading?

 As The World Dies

Untold Tales #2

by Rhiannon Frater

13484697

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THE FIRST DAYS: AS THE WORLD DIES introduced Jenni and Katie and their harrowing journey to the makeshift fort in the Texas Hill Country.  FIGHTING TO SURVIVE: AS THE WORLD DIES continued their story as the two women joined the members of the makeshift fort in Ashley Oaks in the fight for survival against not only zombies, but the evil designs of bandits.

But theirs is not the only tale to be told.

In the second volume of the AS THE WORLD DIES UNTOLD TALES experience three terrifying tales of those who are forced to face the unrelenting and hungry walking dead.

In a nearby town Ken and Lenore have started their regular routine at Ken’s Beauty Salon.  A terrible accident brings the undead plague to their front door and soon the best friends are scrambling to escape their overrun town…

Katarina is just finishing her shift at a roadside café when a badly injured man stumbles through the front door.  She quickly realizes that to survive she must learn to kill…

And finally, a trapped family must face the fearsome truth that sometimes zombies are not the worst monster they have to fear as the world dies…

~~~~~

What did you recently finish reading?

As The World Dies

Untold Tales #1

by Rhiannon Frater

12295280 

goodreads-badge-add-plus

THE FIRST DAYS: AS THE WORLD DIES introduced Jenni and Katie and their harrowing journey to the makeshift fort in the Texas Hill Country. But theirs is not the only tale to be told. In the first volume of the AS THE WORLD DIES UNTOLD TALES experience three terrifying tales of those who are forced to face the unrelenting and hungry walking dead.

Deep in the Texas Hill Country, a man and his little dog takes refuge in a bed and breakfast located in the hills above a doomed town where an infested rescue center might unleash the hungry undead…

On a deserted highway slicing through the desolation of West Texas, a woman struggles to survive as she faces the horrifying aftermath of the rise of the zombies…

And finally, discover what happens on the first day to Katie’s beloved wife, Lydia, as the world dies…

~~~~~

What do you think you’ll read next?

As The World Dies

Untold Tales #3

by  Rhiannon Frater

As The World Dies Untold Tales Volume 3

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In the third volume of the AS THE WORLD DIES UNTOLD TALES experience three terrifying tales of those who are forced to face the unrelenting and hungry walking dead.Returning to Texas after celebrating his divorce in Vegas, Rune, a biker cursed with the ability to see ghosts, discovers that the world is being taken over by the hungry undead. Soon he realizes  he will have to depend on all his abilities to survive not only the ravenous zombies, but the dangerous men lurking on the back roads of Texas.Senator Paige Brightman abandoned the Madison Mall and its inhabitants to the hungry hordes, but her journey did not end there.  Her attempt to reach the president’s safe haven called Central has far reaching ramifications for her and the people she abandoned.The final in the three stories reveals the aftermath of the great battle in SIEGE as one woman faces the ultimate decision whether to live or die in a world of the undead.
~~~~~

So, whatcha readin?

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Kindle Giveaway ~ Review of Resilient by Patricia Vanasse

Posted: September 4, 2013 in Blog Tour, giveaways, New Release, reviews, Series
Tags: , ,
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Have I got a New Release for You!

It’s my stop on the tour for Resilient and I get to tell you all about it!

Check out Resilient, enjoy my review and don’t forget to enter the giveaway!

ResilientFront

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Resilient Book Description:

Livia has never felt like she fits in. As normal as it sounds, Livia is anything but ordinary. She can feel every emotion of every single person around her, and it’s maddening. In pursuit of some psychic quiet, she moves with her family from New   York City to Whidbey Island in the lush and sleepy Pacific Northwest. But when a horseback riding accident in her new home gives her a broken leg that heals in a day, she finds that another unexplainable ability has manifested, and her life isn’t about to get any easier. Adam has no problem fitting in and making friends. In fact, he’s the top of the school, the boy everyone knows and loves. However, people only see what he allows them to. No one knows what Adam is truly capable of. After witnessing Livia’s accident, Adam sees something intriguing in her quick recovery, something that gives him hope that he’s not alone. Adam is the only one whose emotions Livia can’t read. Afraid of not knowing what goes on behind his dark eyes, Livia decides to keep him at a distance. Yet the more she tries to ignore him, the more alluring he becomes, and while their personal quests for identity will inevitably bring them closer together, it is the confirmation of what they really are that threatens to tear them apart.

Resilient, told in alternating point of views, is a gripping story of survival and romance, in which two teenagers face the consequences of being anything but normal.

GoodReads | Amazon

~~~

My Review

It would be difficult to be around people if you were an empath. Imagine feeling everyone’s anxiety, fear, and anger. It would be overwhelming. I could see where this would be especially difficult for a teenager. It’s hard enough dealing with all the angst of becoming an adult. Add to that constantly fighting to keep up a barrier and anticipating and dreading a birthday.

Every few years, around her birthday, Livia develops a new ability.

That’s why Livia’s parents moved the family to the Pacific Northwest. To Seattle. They could live on their large estate, far from crowds, and Livia could have some peace of mind.

Her Uncle Henry helps her with her abilities and she’s discovered that when she’s underwater, the only emotions she feels are her own. So even saying the word water over and over in her mind helps to drown out the emotions.

Then there is Adam.

Unbeknownst to anyone except his family and his best friend, he also is an empath. He can feel people’s anger and uses his ability to calm them down, like tamping out a fire. You could call it mood control

He trains horses and that’s how he meets Livia. Her parents bought some horses from his parents farm and he’s stilling training Livia’s so they have to work together.

Their first meeting doesn’t go so well, but they grow on each other.

Livia wonders if not being able to read Adam is the only reason he gets on her nerves or is it that he seems to have the upper hand that puts a burr under her saddle.

As they get to know each other, their feelings change. They begin to like each other, a lot.

They both have secrets and fears. They have more in common than they know.

Will these two be able to trust each other? Be able to set aside their fears and reveal their secrets?

And are they prepared for the danger that’s approaching fast?

I enjoyed when Livia and Adam swapped quotes to each other.

“A mistake is just another way of doing things.”

“A compliment is something like a kiss through a veil.”

I looked forward to these.

The transition from one point of view to the other was smooth and easy to read. I never felt like I didn’t know who was speaking. It worked well for this book.

Livia and Adam are very strong characters and won a place in my heart.

I’m still not too sure about their parents though. I’ll have to see how they are in the next book.

Livia’s Uncle Henry is mysterious and keeps things close to the vest. Getting information out of him was work. I’d like to know more about him. Read his story.

There are many more characters that add to this story. Some I thought were villains were actually good guys and sometimes I had my doubts about others. Kept me on my toes and curious.

A good story makes you ask questions. Resilient made me ask many. I got some answers but not all, and the ending raised more. That’s why I’ll be watching for the next book. I need to know what happens next.

I was surprised to learn this was Patricia’s debut novel. When you read this book you’ll enjoy her easy writing style and eloquent phrases. Resilient reads like writing comes naturally to her.

One of my favorite parts of this story was the ending. I read it twice and I’ll probably read it again.

4 stars

Thought from Livia that I really liked:

“With Adam, I can only see what is on the outside. Reduced to the limitations of any normal person, I’m left wondering: How does anyone ever learn to trust?”

~~~

resilient Patricia Author Photo

About Patricia Vanasse:

Patricia Vanasse was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Now she lives on Whidbey Island in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two adorable children, and two crazy dogs. She has been trough Culinary Arts, Psychology, LawSchool, and now has finally found her passion in creative writing. She also loves traveling, cooking, and is an avid reader. Her strength- believes that everything is possible.

Author Sites:

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook

~~~

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Prizes:

Kindle Paperwhite (US)

Signed Resilient paperback (INT)

Click on the rafflecopter link below to enter.

RAFFLECOPTER GIVEAWAY

~~~

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Thanks so much for visiting fuonlyknew and Good Luck!

For all of my giveaways go HERE.

~~

Monday Minis #9 ~ Morning Warning ~ Twister!

Posted: August 6, 2013 in Monday's Minis, reviews, Short stories and collections
Tags: , , , ,
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Welcome to My Monday Minis.

This is where I review very short stories and flash fiction.

For today I’ll be telling you about Morning Warning

by A.M. Sawyer 

Morning Warning

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I’m not sure if this would be categorized as suspense, horror, or paranormal. I would say all three as it has some of each.

Young Anthony drags himself out of bed and gets ready for school. It’s Friday and one week closer to the summer break.

After the usual race to beat his older sister, Rachel, to the bathroom, which he lost, and the fight over the TV remote with his big brother, Alex, which he also lost, it’s time to meet the school bus.

As usual, his sister and brother leave him at the door and he runs to catch up with them.

As they wait for the bus, Anthony notices how quiet it is, how still it is. He looks back up the long driveway to his house and sees the heavy green clouds. They cover the sky, hanging low to the ground.

Living in a tornado prone area, he’s so used to the tornado sirens going off all the time, he wonders if he should be worried by this calm. There are no sirens, but he becomes uneasy, then fearful. He really wants to go back to his house.

The author’s description of the weather is dead on. I’ve been through a few tornadoes, and how he describes the greenish clouds and the sense of foreboding they cause, brought back some vivid memories.

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The family dynamics, with the older brother and sister teasing their little brother rings true. I am the youngest of six and was at my older siblings mercy.

As the weather takes an ominous turn, the author creates a sense of apprehension, of fear. It builds just like the storm does.

Morning Warning made me shiver.

Though a short story, the writing is powerful, and the author gave me quite a surprise with the conclusion.

I’m not sure what I was expecting, but the ending was a twister!

5 Stars

About the author

A. M. Sawyer has written several books, delving in poetry, humor, science fiction, and fantasy.

You can find out more at these links:

Goodreads / Blog / Twitter / Facebook

Monday Minis #2 ~ Escaping ~ A Conversation…

Posted: June 4, 2013 in Monday's Minis, Science Fiction, Short stories and collections
Tags: , , ,
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Welcome to My Monday Minis.

This is where I review very short stories and flash fiction.

For today I’ll be telling you about Escaping by John K. Patterson.

This cover art is temporary. I'll find something better from a willing artist and post it as soon as possible.

My Review

Tobias Carter just hopes the damaged carrier will stay together. Maybe they will get lucky and won’t be followed from the city.

No such luck. Two Arriver drones are racing over the sand to intercept them. It doesn’t look good, and Tobias has given up on prayer.

But, Reverend Rousseau hasn’t given up on Tobias.

My thoughts

This is a really fast read. Alien beings have attacked the city and most of the ships, with survivors on board, didn’t make it far.

With their last transport falling apart around him, Tobias is carrying on a conversation with the Reverend.

He’s seen some terrible things back on Earth and doesn’t want to go there with the holy man, but Rousseau is persistent.

After the read the last sentence, I thought about this story.

The ending was somewhat predictable, but I got the one I wanted.

I haven’t read many science fiction books that deal with God and lack of faith.

The author spun it all together in a neat little package that will make you think too.

3 Stars

About the author

A writer of science fiction and fantasy since 2004, John K. Patterson has recently completed his first novel and volunteers for the Pikes Peak Library District in Colorado Springs, CO. His addictions include drawing, coffee, dinosaurs, space exploration, and old typewriters.

His first fantasy, a short story called “Battle at Engorlash,” was published at the webzine Dragons, Knights and Angels, and ever since he has worked hard to turn it into the upcoming epic fantasy series “The Wolfglen Legacy.” For more of his writing, check out his blog at johnkpatterson.wordpress.com

You can find out more about John and his books here.

ARC Giveaway and Sneak Peek ~ Resilient by Patricia Vanasse

Posted: June 2, 2013 in New Release, Paranormal or fantasy, Psychic, Romance, Uncategorized, YA
Tags: , , , , ,
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I just have to say, the cover art for Resilient is beautiful.

How could I resist this!

Then I discover it’s a fantasy with psychic and empath elements to it. I’m in.

After learning more about Resilient and enjoying the excerpt, don’t forget to enter the giveaway for a Paperback ARC copy!

~~~~~

Resilient by Patricia Vanasse is garnering some great attention, even long before the release date of September 3rd, 2013. Published by Pants on Fire Press this is the story of Livia and Adam, two teens who are far from normal and have more in common than they could ever imagine.According to the press release, Resilient has already got attention from A-list movie studios and production companies that are interested in the movie and screen rights.  Resilient was also the 4th place winner of the 2012 Golden Acorn Excellence in Writing Award.

Livia has never felt like she fits in. As normal as it sounds, Livia is anything but ordinary. She can feel every emotion of every single person around her, and it’s maddening. In pursuit of some psychic quiet, she moves with her family from New York City to Whidbey Island in the lush and sleepy Pacific Northwest. But when a horseback riding accident in her new home gives her a broken leg that heals in a day, she finds that another unexplainable ability has manifested, and her life isn’t about to get any easier.

Adam has no problem fitting in and making friends. In fact, he’s the top of the school, the boy everyone knows and loves. However, people only see what he allows them to. No one knows what Adam is truly capable of. After witnessing Livia’s accident, Adam sees something intriguing in her quick recovery, something that gives him hope that he’s not alone.

Adam is the only one whose emotions Livia can’t read. Afraid of not knowing what goes on behind his dark eyes, Livia decides to keep him at a distance. Yet the more she tries to ignore him, the more alluring he becomes, and while their personal quests for identity will inevitably bring them closer together, it is the confirmation of what they really are that threatens to tear them apart.

Resilient, told in alternating point of views, is a gripping story of survival and romance, in which two teenagers face the consequences of being anything but normal.

Resilient is a YA book recommended for ages 13 and older.  It has 318 pages and will be available in ebook and paperback.

Excerpt:

He opens his eyes and sees me ogling.

Embarrassed, I turn my attention back to the sky. “I thought you had fallen asleep.”

“And then you’d take advantage of me.”

“No! I was just…” I trail off, not knowing what to say. “Can we go? It’s getting late.”

“We just got here!” He smiles in amusement. “How about we play a game?”

“What game?”

“I ask you a question, you answer, and then you ask me one. It’s a good way to get to know each other.” He turns his body to the right so he’s facing me. “Before you decide I’m the worse person ever, you should know the facts.”

“As long as you tell the truth.”

“You have my word.” I laugh despite myself as he asks, “If you had to choose between day and night, which would you pick?”

I frown for a second, thinking. “Day,” I say “Wrestling or football?”

“Wrestling for sure,” he answers. “Favorite cartoon character?”

“Ha! Definitely Daria; I feel like we have something in common.” I chuckle while Adam’s eyebrows scrunch together. I guess he’s having a hard time finding the similarities. “Yours?”

“I’ve got to say SpongeBob. No similarities there, though.” He smiles and lies back down, inspecting the stars. “Do you believe there’s life out there besides us?”

That question has been on my mind for years, but I never had to answer it until now. “I don’t know. I hope so.”

“You hope so?” His brows shoots up, “Wouldn’t you be afraid if aliens really existed?” He sounds sincerely curious.

“No, I don’t think they would be the monsters Hollywood makes us believe. I think they would be just like…”

“Us?”

“Yeah, like us. How about you?”

He nods, “I agree with you.”

We fall into silence for a little while before his next question. It would be too pretentious of me to believe humans are the only ones to live in a universe so much bigger than we know. There are so many places we haven’t even begun to discover yet. In any case, other life forms could be the explanation to all of my inhuman abilities.

“What do you like most about yourself?” he asks.

My mind wanders; I’m not sure what my qualities are, really, but I think of something to say. “I’m stubborn.”

“And that’s a quality?”

“Yes. I mean, it keeps me from giving up when things gets rough.”

He turns to look at me, probably wondering what could be so rough in my life. He doesn’t know that I don’t have everything, I don’t have what I want the most: answers to what I am.

Giveaway:
Paperback ARC (early copy) of Resilient.
Open worldwide.
Ends 6/11/13
         

Patricia Vanasse was born and raised in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Now she lives on Whidbey Island in the Pacific Northwest with her husband, two adorable children, and two crazy dogs. She has been trough Culinary Arts, Psychology, Law School, and now has finally found her passion in creative writing. She also loves traveling, cooking, and is an avid reader. Her strength- believes that everything is possible. Her weakness- an obsessive relationship with caffeine.

www.patriciavanasse.com

http://patriciavanasse.blogspot.com

https://twitter.com/PatriciaVanasse

https://www.facebook.com/ResilientByPatriciaVanasse

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