Introducing The Diabolist by Layton Green!

Thursday, October 31, 2013

Meet Layton Green

In addition to writing, Layton attended law school in New Orleans and was a practicing attorney for the better part of a decade (even though he still resents having cut his hair for that first interview). He has also been an intern for the United Nations, an ESL teacher in Central America, a bartender in London, a seller of cheap knives on the streets of Brixton, a door-to-door phone book deliverer, and the list goes downhill from there.

He has traveled to more than fifty countries, lived in a number of them, and has a burning desire to see every country, city, beach, moor, castle, cemetery, twisted street and far flung dot on the map. Religion and cults, as well as all things spiritual and supernatural, have also been a lifelong interest. Combine the travel and the religion with fifteen years of Japanese Jujitsu training, and the Dominic Grey Series was born.

His latest book is The Diabolist.

Visit his website at www.laytongreen.com.


The Diabolist by Layton Green (2013)
Length: 388 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon!

The Diabolist Blurb:

In this gripping thriller, the bizarre murder of a Satanic priest in San Francisco draws Dominic Grey and Viktor Radek, private investigators of cults, to the scene. Witnesses claim a robed figure, seemingly able to appear and disappear at will, set fire to the priest. When the leader of another Satanic cult in Paris dies under similar circumstances, the case only grows stranger… and more dangerous.

Convinced that a charismatic New Age prophet is behind the murders, the investigators undergo a perilous journey into the world of the occult as they try to penetrate the prophet’s inner circle. From the catacombs of Paris to London’s nefarious East End, from the haunted walls of York to a monastic fortress in the Sicilian wilderness, the case plunges Viktor and Grey into a vortex of black magic, ancient heresies, and the dark corners of their own pasts.

The Diabolist is a chilling novel that not only pulsates with action and suspense, but also mines a trove of fascinating historical, philosophical, and paranormal research to probe some of our closest held beliefs. From the opening pages to the astonishing conclusion, this latest installment in one of today’s most original new thriller series is not to be missed.


Dominic Grey Series:
Book 1: The Summoner 
Book 2: The Egyptian
Book 3: The Diabolist  

May you read well and often

Introducing Lion's Head Deception by Chuck Waldron!

Monday, October 28, 2013

Meet Chuck Waldron

Chuck Waldron’s latest novel, Lion's Head Deception, is a dystopian story about an investigative blogger who uncovers more than he ever imagines...and has no idea what to do with his discovery.

An investigative blogger uncovers a sinister conspiracy, a billionaire's plan backed by select government officials, designed to exterminate citizens who do not live up to a predetermined screening matrix; under the guise of rioting and a destabilized city, the plan is implemented and the blogger fights not only to discover and reveal the truth, but to survive.

"I grew up," Chuck said, "listening to my grandfather, an Ozark Mountain story teller, spinning tales of the caves on his farm, describing them as hiding places once used by the Jesse & Frank James' gang. It didn't matter if the stories were true or not. Those legends set fire to my imagination, creating images that emerged slowly over the years, finally igniting as my short stories and novels."

Now, thirty-plus short stories and three novels later, ideas keep coming, with more novels under development. Do they share anything in common? Each has its own unique voice and tale to tell, yet, at their heart, his stories tell about the human condition - the good, the bad and the ugly.

As Chuck tells it, "stored images that echo in my writing include train whistles in the night, Norman Rockwell childhood scenes, U.S. Army memories, blue collar jobs, university, a professional career, and finally retirement. Many of my images are drawn from this pool of memories: places visited, sights seen, and people met. The rest I fill in with my imagination: dreams of places yet to be visited, sights yet to be seen, and people yet to meet."

His literary roots were planted in the American Midwest and thrived when transplanted to the rich, cultural soil of Ontario. He and his wife, Suzanne, are now warmed by the sun on Florida’s Treasure Coast.

His latest book is Lion’s Head Deception.

Visit his website at www.WriteByMeBooks.com.

 Lion's Head Deception by Chuck Waldron (2013)
Length: 318 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon and Barnes and Noble!

Lion's Head Deception Blurb:

Matt Tremain discovers a passion for writing blogs. When he is warned of a diabolical scheme, and the tipster is killed, Matt uncovers a conspiracy. An investigative television reporter and her cameraman may be potential partners or rivals. A detective offers his assistance, but Matt is unsure of his true motivation. Matt Tremain and his friends are forced to go on the run to expose the truth before they are discovered, arrested, and perhaps exterminated themselves...

Lion's Head Deception Book Trailer:



May you read well and often

Chuck Waldron - Lion's Head Deception

Saturday, October 26, 2013

40. Lion's Head Deception by Chuck Waldron (2013)
Length: 317 pages
Genre: Science Fiction 
Started: 23 October 2013
Finished: 26 October 2013
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Dorothy at Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 10 August 2013
Why do I have it? I like science fiction and Chuck Waldron is a new author for me.

Matt Tremain discovers a passion for writing blogs. He considers himself an investigative blogger, bound to discover the truth; and even though he has a rather small readership, they're faithful followers of his blog Vérité. When he is warned of a diabolical scheme, and the tipster is subsequently killed in a car accident, Matt is convinced that a true conspiracy is at work. 

An investigative television reporter and her cameraman may be potential partners or rivals. A detective offers his assistance, but Matt is unsure of his motivation. Soon, Matt Tremain and his friends are forced to go on the run to discover the truth. Because Matt Tremain and his friends have all become Public Enemies - with warrants out for their detention, arrest, and probable extermination...

I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I'm not entirely sure why, but I've frequently classified 'Dystopian Thrillers' in the same genre as 'Espionage Thrillers' - which was a genre I wasn't all that interested in reading at first. I actually haven't read that many dystopian thrillers before, although I now have several on my TBR shelf. I give this book a definite A! and look forward to reading more from Chuck Waldron in the future.

A! - (90-95%)
       
May you read well and often

Book Blast Blog Tour For Not my Mother's Son by R. K. Avery From November 25, 2013 to December 20, 2013 - Come Join Us!

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Hello Everyone! I am delighted to announce that R. K. Avery will be touring the blogosphere to promote her psychological thriller/mystery, Not my Mother's Son. This is R. K.'s second virtual book blast blog tour with Pump up Your Book! She will be coming to a blog near you from November 25, to December 20, 2013! Come join us for all the fun!

Ms. Avery is also doing an awesome giveaway - she is giving away a $25 Amazon Giftcard and an Autographed Copy of Not my Mother's Son to one lucky winner at the end of her Book Blast Blog Tour. Be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter form below, and I wish you all the very best of good luck in taking part!

Not my Mother's Son Book Blast Information: 


Meet R. K. Avery

As a recent graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature, R. K. Avery has written numerous, unpublished, children’s picture books, but her true passion is writing adult fiction.

“Having the ability to make people laugh or cry, just by using the written language, is a gift so powerful and I hope, one day, my name will be among those who possess it” ~ R.K. Avery

After Be Careful What You Wish For achieved near-instant eBook best-seller success even before its print release, Avery had re-signed with Brighton Publishing LLC for her second novel, Not My Mother’s Son. Sure to send chills down readers’ spines, Avery’s brilliant new thriller is now available for sale in both e-Book and paperback wherever fine books are sold.

R. K. Avery lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She often jokes that instead of sign that says, “Don’t let the dogs out” she has a sign that says “Don’t let any more dogs in”.

Visit her website at www.rkaverybooks.com.

Connect and Socialize with R. K.!


About Not my Mother's Son:

Devious. Conniving. Deceitful. Insidious. David Miller thought he knew his mother. He thought kidnapping three children was the most appalling and horrendous thing any human being could do and she couldn’t possibly do anything more monstrous. He thought there was nothing else she could do or say that would astound him. How wrong he was.

After Beatrice Miller, David’s serial kidnapping mother, is sentenced to thirty years, David moves to Phoenix, Arizona; and with the help of a trust fund and an old friend, he starts the Never Give Up foundation, an organization dedicated to finding and returning exploited and missing children safely to their families. With all the wicked things his mother had done, David feels it is his unspoken duty to do something worthwhile.

Hesitant at first but after reading his mother’s journal, David is determined to mend their dysfunctional relationship. Every time David visits Bea in prison, she seems deranged insisting that people are trying to kill her. She ends each brief encounter with a chilling statement, “Remember David, things aren’t always what they seem.”

As word about the foundation spreads, the services of Never Give Up are requested time-and-time-again to help where other agencies have failed. That is, until the police come knocking on David’s door and arrest him, taking him back to Bunting Valley, North Dakota, for the murder of a newborn baby boy.

Forced to shut down Never Give Up, David is amazed at how quickly the entire world turns their backs on him. The trial begins and his mother’s testimony is the only thing that can save him. Telling the truth is as foreign to Beatrice Miller as giving up drugs is to an addict. As everyone in the courtroom holds their breath, you will too. Remember, things aren’t always what they seem.

Purchase Your Copy From Amazon!

R. K. Avery and Pump up Your Book is giving away an Awesome $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms and Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate and an autographed paperback copy of Not My Mother’s Son
  • This giveaway begins November 25 and ends December 20.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, December 23, 2013.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Not my Mother's Son Virtual Book Blast Tour Information:


Monday, November 25 Miki’s Hope
Monday, November 25 Moonlight Lace and Mayhem
Tuesday, November 26 - The Book Connection
Tuesday, November 26 - SheWrites
Wednesday, November 27 - I’m Shelf-ish
Wednesday, November 27 - BlogHer
Friday, November 29 - Confessions of a Reader
Friday, November 29 The Most Happy Reader
Monday, December 2 My Devotional Thoughts
Monday, December 2 Icefairy’s Treasure Chest
Tuesday, December 3 Not Everyone’s Mama
Tuesday, December 3 Review From Here
Wednesday, December 4 Maureen’s Musings
Wednesday, December 4 Krazy Book Lady
Thursday, December 5 The Dark Phantom
Thursday, December 5 - Between the Covers
Friday, December 6 - Literarily Speaking
Friday, December 6 - Literal Exposure
Monday, December 9 - Laurie’s Thoughts and Reviews
Tuesday, December 10 - The Writer’s Life
Tuesday, December 10 - Beyond the Books
Wednesday, December 11 I’d Rather Be at the Beach
Wednesday, December 11 As the Pages Turn
Thursday, December 12 - Literary Winner
Friday, December 13 - Jersey Girl Book Reviews
Monday, December 16 - Minding Spot
Tuesday, December 17 - Plug Your Book
Tuesday, December 17 - Book Reviews by Dee
Wednesday, December 18 - Deal Sharing Aunt
Thursday, December 19 - Every Free Chance Book Reviews
Thursday, December 19 - Emeraldfire's Bookmark
Friday, December 20 Authors & Readers Book Corner
Friday, December 20 Lori’s Reading Corner

May you read well and often

Book Blast For A Light in Dark Places by Jennifer Graves and Emily Clawson

Tuesday, October 22, 2013


Hello Everyone! I hope that you're all having a wonderful day today. I'm so glad to welcome Jennifer Graves and Emily Clawson, authors of A Light in Dark Places, to Emeraldfire's Bookmark. Ms. Graves and Ms. Clawson are currently on a Book Blast tour with I'm a Reader, Not a Writer lasting through the last part of the month of October. This is also my fourth Book Blast post ever, but I still hope that I do A Light in Dark Places by Jennifer Graves and Emily Clawson justice.

The authors are also doing a giveaway - they are giving away a $50 Amazon Gift Card/Paypal Cash to one lucky winner at the end of their Book Blast. Be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter form below, and I wish you all the very best of good luck in taking part!

About A Light in Dark Places:


In December, 2009, Susan Cox Powell was reported missing from her home in West Valley City, Utah. As law enforcement tried to piece together what had happened to Susan, her husband, Josh Powell, became the only person of interest in the case.

For Jennifer Graves, Josh’s sister, the nightmare started long before Susan’s disappearance. From her experiences growing up in the Powell family to the terrifying moment when she first started to believe her brother was a killer, she relied on her faith to stay strong. She devoted herself to the safety of Susan’s boys, Charlie and Braden, whom she hoped to be able to raise as her own. When the boys were murdered by their father in February, 2012, Jennifer was more than devastated, but she had to believe there was a reason for it all—including the deaths of her beloved nephews.

In A Light In Dark Places, Jennifer shares her struggles and her triumphs. In coming to terms with such tragedy she finally was able to embrace the truth that we all have the power to choose our own path—and there is always hope, no matter how dark things may seem.

Purchase Your Copy:


About Jennifer Graves and Emily Clawson:



Jennifer Graves is the mother of 5 beautiful children, 2 girls and 3 boys. She and her husband have been happily married for 19 years and together have been active in their community and church.

Jennifer is the sister of Josh Powell who killed his 2 sons, Charlie and Braden, as well as himself in February of 2012, and is also believed to have killed his wife, Susan Cox Powell, in December of 2009.

She is the recipient of the 2013 ChainBreaker of the Year Award, given for breaking the chain of abuse and violence in her family.

She enjoys homeschooling their children and mentoring in classes for the commonwealth school they attend. She also loves reading, playing card and board games, and learning new things. Most of all she loves to spend time with her husband and children. They currently reside in West Jordan, Utah.

Connect and Socialize with Jennifer!



♦ ♦ ♦

Emily Clawson is an author, a mother and a mentor. She traditionally writes inspirational fiction. This book has been a life changing experience for her and she is grateful to have been a part of telling this story. She resides in Taylorsville with her husband and four children where they run their leadership mentoring programs for youth.

Connect and Socialize with Emily!


Book Blast Giveaway of $50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends November 15, 2013.

Terms and Conditions:

  • 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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. 

Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


May you read well and often

Mayra Calvani - Dark Lullaby

Monday, October 21, 2013

39. Dark Lullaby by Mayra Calvani (2011)
Length: 176 pages
Genre: Horror
Started: 17 October 2013
Finished: 21 October 2013
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Dorothy at Pump up Your Book and Mayra Calvani for sending me a copy of this book to read from Smashwords.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 27 September 2013
Why do I have it? I like horror and Mayra Calvani is a new author for me.

In a tavern one Friday night, astrophysicist Gabriel Diaz meets a mysterious young woman. Captivated by her ethereal beauty as well as her views on good and evil, he spends the next several days with her. Soon, however, he begins to notice a strangeness in her, especially the perverse way she seems to take pleasure in toying with his conscience.

The young woman, Kamilah, invites him to Rize, Turkey, where she claims her family owns a cottage in the woods. Despite a heavy workload, and the disturbing nightmares and visions he's having about his sister's baby that's due to be born soon, Gabriel agrees to go with her.

But nothing, not even the stunning splendor of the Black Sea, can disguise the horror of Kamilah's true nature. In a place where death dwells and reality and illusion seem entwined, Gabriel must come to terms with his own demons in order to save his sister's unborn child, and ultimately, his own soul...

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The story was very intriguing and I found myself wondering about Kamilah's true motives. I give this book an A+! and look forward to reading more from Mayra Calvani in the future.

A+! - (96-100%)

May you read well and often

Blog Tour For Secrets and Lies by Christine Amsden From November 18, 2013 to February 28, 2014 - Come Join Us!

Saturday, October 19, 2013

Hello Everyone! I am delighted to announce that Christine Amsden will be touring the blogosphere to promote her paranormal mystery novel Secrets and Lies: Cassie Scot Book 2. This is Christine's second virtual book tour with Pump up Your Book! She will be coming to a blog near you from November 18, 2013 to February 28, 2014! Come join us for all the fun!

Ms. Amsden is also doing an awesome giveaway - she is giving away a Kindle Fire HD to one lucky winner at the end of her Virtual Book Tour. Be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter form below, and I wish you all the very best of good luck in taking part!

Secrets and Lies: Cassie Scot Book 2 Blog Tour Information:

 Meet Christine Amsden

Christine Amsden has been writing science fiction and fantasy for as long as she can remember. She loves to write and it is her dream that others will be inspired by this love and by her stories. Speculative fiction is fun, magical, and imaginative but great speculative fiction is about real people defining themselves through extraordinary situations. Christine writes primarily about people and it is in this way that she strives to make science fiction and fantasy meaningful for everyone.

At the age of 16, Christine was diagnosed with Stargardt’s Disease, a condition that effects the retina and causes a loss of central vision. She is now legally blind, but has not let this slow her down or get in the way of her dreams. (You can learn more here.)

In addition to writing, Christine teaches workshops on writing at Savvy Authors. She also does some freelance editing work.

Christine currently lives in the Kansas City area with her husband, Austin, who has been her biggest fan and the key to her success. They have two beautiful children.


Connect and Socialize with Christine!


About Secrets and Lies:

Cassie Scot, still stinging from her parents’ betrayal, wants out of the magical world. But it isn’t letting her go. Her family is falling apart and despite everything, it looks like she may be the only one who can save them.

To complicate matters, Cassie owes Evan her life, making it difficult for her to deny him anything he really wants. And he wants her. Sparks fly when they team up to find two girls missing from summer camp, but long-buried secrets may ruin their hopes for happiness. Book 2 in the Cassie Scot Series.
Purchase Your Copy From Amazon!

Christine Amsden and Pump up Your Book is giving away an Awesome Kindle Fire HD!

Terms and Conditions:
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • One winner will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one Kindle Fire HD.
  • This giveaway begins November 11 – February 28.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, March 3, 2014.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Secrets and Lies Book Publicity Tour Schedule:


Monday, November 18 - Book review and 1st chapter reveal at Miki’s Hope
Tuesday, November 19 - Book review and Guest post at Quilted Reviews
Wednesday, November 20
- Book featured at Jody’s Book Reviews
Wednesday, November 20 - 1st chapter reveal at Wanted Readers 
Wednesday, November 20 - 1st chapter reveal at Queen of All She Reads
Thursday, November 21 - Book reviewed at Secret Southern Couture
Friday, November 22 - 1st chapter reveal and review at Read 2 Review
Tuesday, November 26 - Book reviewed at Carol’s Notebook
Tuesday, November 26 - Book featured at The Fiction Enthusiast
Wednesday, November 27 - Book featured at Moonlight, Lace and Mayhem
Wednesday, November 27 - Guest blogging at Carol’s Notebook
Thursday, November 28 - Book reviewed at Emeraldfire’s Bookmark
Friday, November 29 - Book reviewed at Offbeat Vagabond
Monday, December 2 - Book reviewed at Mary’s Cup of Tea
Tuesday, December 3 - Guest blogging at Krazy Book Lady
Tuesday, December 3 - Book featured at Moonlight Reader
Wednesday, December 4 - Book featured at Inkslinger’s Opus
Friday, December 6 - Book featured at Bibliotica
Monday, December 9 - Book reviewed at Bibliotica
Tuesday, December 10 - Book reviewed at Sara’s Organized Chaos
Tuesday, December 10 - Book featured at Curling Up by the Fire
Wednesday, December 11 - Guest blogging at The Zen Reader
Friday, December 13 - Book reviewed at From the TBR Pile
Thursday, January 9 - Book featured at My Reading Table
Friday, January 10 - Book featured at Book Reviews by Dee
Monday, January 13 - 1st chapter reveal at Literary Winner
Friday, January 17 - 1st chapter reveal at Thoughts in Progress
Monday, January 20 - Book featured at Beth’s Book Reviews
Wednesday, January 22 - Book reviewed at Ashley’s Bookshelf
Friday, January 24 - Guest blogging at Dawn’s Great Finds
Thursday, January 30 - Book reviewed at Sapphyria’s Book Reviews
Monday, February 3 - Book review and guest post at Crystal’s Many Reviews
Tuesday, February 4 - Guest blogging at My Devotional Thoughts
Wednesday, February 5 - Book reviewed at Delphina Reads Too Much
Wednesday, February 5 - Interviewed at Bitten By Books
Thursday, February 6 - Guest blogging at Icefairy’s Treasure Chest
Tuesday, February 11 - Book reviewed at Fab Fantasy Fiction
Monday, February 24 - Book featured at Alaskan Book Cafe
Tuesday, February 25 - 1st chapter reveal at Alaskan Book Cafe
Wednesday, February 26 - Book reviewed at Alaskan Book Cafe
Thursday, February 27 - Guest blogging at Alaskan Book Cafe
Friday, February 28 - Book reviewed at Emeraldfire’s Bookmark

May you read well and often

Introducing Sworn to Transfer by Terah Edun!

Friday, October 18, 2013

Meet Terah Edun

Terah Edun is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of epic and urban fantasy. Her favorite writers include Mercedes Lackey, Tamora Pierce, Kristin Cashore, Robin Hobb and Maria Snyder.

Connect and Socialize with Terah!


Sworn to Transfer by Terah Edun (2013)
Length: 275 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon!

Sworn to Transfer Blurb: 

Eighteen-year-old companion trainee Ciardis Weathervane has won the friendship of the royal heir and saved his claim to the throne. Yet her interference in the inheritance rights leaves more harm done than good. The Ameles Forest lies unprotected and it's inhabitants are dying.

As humans begin to die in gruesome deaths, the Emperor dispatches the royal heir to the forests with the solution to the kith concerns.

With enemies closing ranks in Sandrin, Ciardis can little afford to leave the city's nest of vipers to take on a new task. But she's given no choice when her loyalty to the crown and courts are called into question.

To keep the Companions' Guild happy and the favor of the Imperial Court, Ciardis will be tested in frightening new ways, especially when she's faced with an obstacle that could risk the lives of her friends and the family she never thought she had.

This second novel continues the story of Ciardis Weathervane from Sworn to Raise.


May you read well and often

Joseph Spencer, Author of The Sons of Darkness Series, Talks About the Inspiration Behind Wrage

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Meet Joseph Spencer

As a boy, Joseph Spencer immersed himself in the deductive logic of Sherlock Holmes, the heroic crime fighting of Batman and Spider-Man, and a taste for the tragic with dramas from poets like Shakespeare and Homer.

Before Joseph took to spinning his own tales, he pursued a career in print sports journalism, graduating summa cum laude from Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. He covered such events as NASCAR’s Subway 500 race in Martinsville, the NBA Draft Camp in Chicago, the Junior College World Series, and Minor League Baseball’s Midwest League All-Star Game during a ten-year career throughout the Midwest. Now, he works as an emergency telecommunications specialist with an Illinois police department. The combination of years of writing experience with a background working with law enforcement professionals gave rise to his writing aspirations.

Joseph was married to Dr. Amy (Waggoner) Spencer, an accomplished veterinary doctor, on March 14, 2012. He received word his debut novel was accepted by his publisher, Damnation Books, the next day. Joseph is hard at work on the rest of the series. Book 2 – Wrage – was released June 1, 2013. The Spencer family enjoys reading Charlaine Harris, George R.R. Martin, Mary Janice Davidson, and most paranormal stories. The Spencers also enjoy quoting movie lines from The Princess Bride, Rain Man, Bridesmaids, and Office Space.

Visit his website at www.JosephBSpencer.com.

 Connect and Socialize with Joseph!
Synopsis from Goodreads: As more dark secrets come to light, the battle for souls push Prairieville to the brink of war in the living and supernatural realms.

Jeff Wrage swears a blood oath to Abaddon, the supernatural avenger of murder victims, to hunt the crooked cop who butchered his wife. Jeff wonders whether he can be the executioner Abaddon requires. Their pact throws the supernatual realm in chaos and threatens to trigger an apocalyptic fight for control of the afterlife between the Sons of Darkness and Sons of Light foretold in the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Orlando Marino sees the death of Cyrus Black as his opportunity to restore the Marino family's stronghold in Prairieville’s organized crime scene and become a mob kingpin. He unleashes a plague, turning its victims into mindless followers. Cyrus' heir is busy rooting out a traitor and is unable to stop the coming turf war in the realm of man.

The fate of all rests with Homicide Detective Anna Duke, who steps into the shoes of her mentor while coming to terms with unrequited love. As she tries to clear the fallen hero's name, she takes on a case where corpses go missing. Her new partner is reported dead. She learns the truth about her true identity and uncovers a trail of secrets questioning her tragic past. She journeys to avert the destruction of all creation.

Coming to Amazon 1 June 2013!

I would like to welcome Joseph Spencer, author of Wrage to Emeraldfire's Bookmark. Mr. Spencer was kind enough to write a guest post for me and here it is below in his own words:

'The Backstory to Wrage'
by Joseph Spencer

Though there is a great deal of fiction in my Sons of Darkness series, both Grim and Wrage are full of references from mythology, religion and historical lore of spirituality. I’ve always been fascinated with how various cultures explained unknown phenomenon in the world around them with supernatural tales or with faith-based belief systems. I’ve also loved reading the exploits of some of the great fictional detectives in literature from classical characters such as Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot to modern-day crime fighters like Jack Reacher and V. I. Warshawski. When I decided to write fiction professionally, I wanted to blend my fascination of occult and paranormal subject matter with classic crime conventions to create a different sort of book.

I’ve dealt with a great deal of loss in my life. My mother left my father when I was a toddler because he threatened my life with a hunting rifle. I haven’t seen my father since the age of five. In a lot of ways, my grandfather became the only willing father figure in my life and I attended his funeral on my tenth birthday. I lost my grandmother, who was a lot like a second mother, eight years ago. I think that’s why I’ve always fixated on the afterlife. When I started writing, I wanted to tap into some of my own emotions about losing loved ones too soon.

I wrapped many of these emotions into Heath Grim, a world-weary millionaire fixated on solving the riddle of his past. Mythological references played a central role in telling Heath’s story. His case of masks featured several mythological monsters such as the Piasa bird, a Native American legend from my home state of Illinois. During punishment of an arsonist who killed a family in a fire, Heath wore the mask of Ammut, the Egyptian destroyer god. Heath lectured the arsonist on the Egyptian tale of the weighing of the heart in the afterlife which describes how a soul is judged to determine its eternal fate.

When I decided to expand Grim into the Sons of Darkness series with Wrage, I incorporated many references from religion and historical lore. The “War Scroll” from the Dead Sea Scrolls foretells of an apocalyptic fight between the Sons of Light and the Sons of Darkness in which Light will earn eternal peace by destroying Darkness. Each son in the Sons of Darkness series will represent a deadly sin, and each son in my future Sons of Light series will symbolize a cardinal virtue. Abaddon, a mysterious entity in Grim and Wrage which attempts to corrupt souls so that he can use them as vessels for the Sons of Darkness army, is a debated figure from religious contexts, viewed either as a bottomless pit for the damned or an angel of destruction. Archangel Michael also appears in Wrage as the leader of the Sons of Light. He attempts to dissuade Jeff Wrage from damning his soul by becoming Abaddon’s executioner.

May you read well and often

Joseph Spencer - Wrage

38. Wrage by Joseph Spencer (2013)
The Sons of Darkness Series Book 2
Length: 293 pages
Genre: Paranormal Mystery
Started: 12 October 2013
Finished: 16 October 2013
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Dorothy at Pump up Your Book for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 29 July 2013
Why do I have it? I like paranormal mysteries and had read and enjoyed Grim by the same author in the past. 

As more dark secrets come to light, the battle for souls pushes the town of Prairieville, Illinois to the brink of war in both the living and supernatural realms. When Jeff Wrage swears a blood oath to Abaddon, the supernatural avenger of murder victims, in order to hunt the crooked cop who butchered his wife, their pact throws the supernatural realm into chaos. Seeing the death of Cyrus Black as his opportunity to restore the Marino family stronghold over the Prairieville organized crime scene and thus install himself as mob kingpin, Orlando Marino unleashes a plague which turns its victims into mindless followers. Meanwhile, Cyrus' heir is busy rooting out a traitor in his ranks, and so is unable to stop the coming turf war in the realm of man.     

The fate of all rests with Homicide Detective Anna Duke, who steps into the shoes of her mentor while coming to terms with unrequited love. As she tries to clear the fallen hero's name, she takes on a case where corpses go missing and her new partner is reported dead. She ultimately learns the truth about her identity, and uncovers a trail of secrets that leads her to question her tragic past.

I have to say that, as with the first book in the Sons of Darkness Series, the plot is just as gritty and action-packed in Wrage. I enjoyed reading this book and was drawn into the story from the first page. I give Wrage a definite A! and can't wait to read the next book in the series.

A! - (90-95%)  

May you read well and often

Book Blast Blog Tour For Soul Prints by Norman Hines From November 11, 2013 to November 22, 2013 - Come Join Us!

Sunday, October 13, 2013

Hello Everyone! I am delighted to announce that Norman Hines will be touring the blogosphere to promote his mystical book Soul Prints. This is Norman's first virtual book blast blog tour with Pump up Your Book! He will be coming to a blog near you from November 11, to November 22, 2013! Come join us for all the fun!

Mr. Hines is also doing an awesome giveaway - he is giving away a $25 Amazon Giftcard to two lucky winners at the end of his Book Blast Blog Tour. Be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter form below, and I wish you all the very best of good luck in taking part!

Soul Prints Book Blast Information:

Meet Norman Hines

Norman Hines is a graduate of Acadia University and the Nova Scotia Teacher’s College and has worked as a high school counselor and director of school and community theatre. Norman is one of the founders of the NOSCO Academy of Theatre Arts and is the recipient of awards for his work with children and community service. He currently lives in Truro, Nova Scotia.

About Soul Prints:

Set within the backdrop of a mystical battle between good and evil, the lives of two young people unknowingly struggle to complete their soul prints on earth. The local high school has taken on the onerous task of mounting the musical Man of La Mancha. Infiltrating the lives of the members of the production is a force that threatens to exert a mind boggling influence on the cast.

Nuri Lemuel, a girl with a sweet soprano voice, and chosen to play Aldonza, the tragic lead of the play, has always longed to touch the heart of her unavailable father. Nathaniel is a fellow student with whom she is ill-fated for involvement. Unknown to her, he is a lost soul from the world beyond. So much of his life and memory is an unsolved mystery. Their efforts to fulfill the demanding reason for existence take them into a fearful world of the unknown.

Soul Prints is a poetic tale of grief, enlightenment and an underlying hope for peace.

Purchase Your Copy From IUniverse!

Norman Hines and Pump up Your Book is giving away an Awesome $25 Amazon Gift Card!

Terms and Conditions: 
  • By entering the giveaway, you are confirming you are at least 18 years old.
  • Two winners will be chosen via Rafflecopter to receive one $25 Amazon Gift Certificate or Paypal Cash.
  • This giveaway begins November 11 and ends November 22.
  • Winners will be contacted via email on Monday, November 25, 2013.
  • Winner has 48 hours to reply.
Good luck everyone!
ENTER TO WIN!


Soul Prints Virtual Book Blast Tour Information:


Monday, November 11 - Emeraldfire’s Bookmark
Monday, November 11 - Moonlight, Lace and Mayhem
Monday, November 11 - Inside BJ’s Head
Tuesday, November 12 - The Book Rack
Tuesday, November 12 - Beyond the Books
Wednesday, November 13 - Blogher
Thursday, November 14 - Review from Here
Thursday, November 14 - Newsvine
Friday, November 15 - Plug Your Book
 
Friday, November 15 - Book Marketing Buzz
Monday, November 18 - Minding Spot

Monday, November 18 - My Reading Table
Tuesday, November 19
- Mary’s Cup of Tea
Tuesday, November 19 - Storeybook Reviews
Wednesday, November 20 - Icefairy’s Treasure Chest
Wednesday, November 20 - As the Pages Turn
Thursday, November 21 - I’m Shelf-ish

Thursday, November 21 - Straight from the Authors Mouth
Friday, November 22 - The Dark Phantom
Friday, November 22 - The Writer’s Life

May you read well and often

Tyler Whitesides - Janitors: Secrets of New Forest Academy

Friday, October 11, 2013

37. Janitors: Secrets of New Forest Academy by Tyler Whitesides (2012)
The Janitors Series Book 2
Length: 367 pages
Genre: Fantasy
Started: 13 September 2013
Finished: 11 October 2013
Where did it come from? Many thanks to Cheryl at Shadow Mountain Publishing for sending me a copy of this book to read.
How long has it been on my TBR pile? Since 5 August 2013
Why do I have it? I like fantasy and have read and enjoyed Janitors by the same author in the past.

In an epic battle which practically destroyed Welcher Elementary School, sixth graders Spencer Zumbro and Daisy Gates along with the wizard-like Rebel Janitors temporarily vanquished the Bureau of Educational Maintenance. However, the battle against Toxites - the small creatures that love to feed off the brainwaves of students - continues. Now Spencer, Daisy, and even Dez must fight to save schools everywhere - although Toxites are only the beginning of their troubles.

The Bureau of Educational Maintenance is hunting for Spencer, so the Rebels hope to sneak him to safety within the walls of an elite private school. But danger follows Spencer and his friends, testing their loyalty and trust as well as their Toxite-fighting skills. Can they hold out long enough to discover the true secret of New Forest Academy and what it means for the future of education?

Again, I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The story continued along wonderfully, full of action and completely believable characters. I give this book an A+! and can't wait to start reading the third book in the series; Janitors: Curse of the Broomstaff.

A+! - (96-100%)
   
May you read well and often

Introducing Scraps of Paper by Kathryn Meyer Griffith!

Tuesday, October 8, 2013

Hello everyone! I just received a heads-up email from Kathryn Meyer Griffith - author of 18 novels, 2 novellas and 12 short stories - and since I always enjoy finding free stuff (especially books), I decided to take a 'leap of faith' to see if my readers just might be interested in checking out this free download from Amazon as well! You'll have to hurry, so grab your copy today!

From Friday, November 8, 2013 until Tuesday, November 12, 2013, Kathryn Meyer Griffith's murder mystery Scraps of Paper - Revised Author's Edition will be available to download for free from Amazon.

Or, if you prefer, Scraps of Paper - Revised Author's Edition by Kathryn Meyer Griffith is also available as an audio book from Audible.


Meet Kathryn Meyer Griffith

Kathryn Meyer Griffith is a wife of almost 35 years (husband, Russell), mother (one son, James) and grandmother (two grandchildren, Caitlyn and Joshua). She was a graphic designer in the corporate world for 23 years; and has published with Dorchester, Kensington, Avalon Books, The Wild Rose Press, Amazon Kindle Direct, Damnation Books and Eternal Press, and Amazon Publishing. Six years ago Kathryn crossed over into e-books as well as paperbacks and now all her old/new books are in ebooks...and soon to be in Audio Books from ACX.

She loves cats and nature, classic rock and country music (her brother, J. S. Meyer www.jsmeyermusic.com, is a singer/songwriter and does the songs for all her self-made book trailers that are on her websites). Kathryn loves to interact with her readers, so visit her at either of the following websites: www.myspace.com/kathrynmeyergriffith, www.bebo.com/kathrynmeyerG or www.authorsden.com/kathrynmeyergriffith to see all of her book covers and trailers.

Scraps of Paper - Revised Author's Edition by Kathryn Meyer Griffith (2013)
Length: 192 pages
Purchase your copy from Amazon!

Scraps of Paper Blurb: 

Abigail Sutton's beloved husband walks out one night, doesn't return, and two years later is found dead, a victim of a long ago crime. It's made her sympathetic to the missing and their families.
 
Starting her new life, Abigail moves to small town and buys a fixer-upper house left empty when old Edna Summers died. Once it was also home to Edna's younger sister, Emily, and her two children, Jenny and Christopher, who, people believe, drove away one night, thirty years ago, and just never came back.

But in renovating the house Abigail finds scraps of paper hidden behind baseboards and tucked beneath the porch that hint the three could have been victims of foul play. Then she finds their graves hidden in the woods behind the house and with the help of the eccentric townspeople and ex-homicide detective, Frank Lester, she discovers the three were murdered. Then she and Frank try to uncover who killed them and why...but in the process awaken the ire of the murderer.

This book is the first of a series. The second book, All Things Slip Away, where Abigail and Frank's sleuthing adventures continue is also for sale on
Amazon.

May you read well and often

Blog Tour For A Light in Dark Places by Jennifer Graves and Emily Clawson From November 4, 2013 to November 14, 2013 - Come Join Us!

Friday, October 4, 2013

Hello Everyone! I am extremely happy to announce that Jennifer Graves and Emily Clawson will be touring the blogosphere to promote the heartbreaking but truly inspiring book A Light in Dark Places. Jennifer Graves was the sister-in-law of Susan Cox Powell. This virtual book tour is being hosted by I'm a Reader, Not a Writer and will last from November 4, to November 14, 2013! 

The authors are also doing a giveaway - they are giving away a $25 Amazon Gift Card/Paypal Cash to one lucky winner at the end of their Virtual Book Tour. Be sure to fill out the Rafflecopter form below, and I wish you all the very best of good luck in taking part!

A Light in Dark Places Blog Tour Information:

Meet Jennifer Graves and Emily Clawson

Jennifer Graves is the mother of 5 beautiful children, 2 girls and 3 boys. She and her husband have been happily married for 19 years and together have been active in their community and church.

Jennifer is the sister of Josh Powell who killed his 2 sons, Charlie and Braden, as well as himself in February of 2012, and is also believed to have killed his wife, Susan Cox Powell, in December of 2009.

She is the recipient of the 2013 ChainBreaker of the Year Award, given for breaking the chain of abuse and violence in her family.

She enjoys homeschooling their children and mentoring in classes for the commonwealth school they attend. She also loves reading, playing card and board games, and learning new things. Most of all she loves to spend time with her husband and children. They currently reside in West Jordan, Utah.

Connect and Socialize With Jennifer!
 

♦ ♦ ♦

Emily Clawson is an author, a mother and a mentor. She traditionally writes inspirational fiction. This book has been a life changing experience for her and she is grateful to have been a part of telling this story. She resides in Taylorsville with her husband and four children where they run their leadership mentoring programs for youth. 

Connect and Socialize With Emily!

Facebook * Twitter * Website
 
About A Light in Dark Places

In December, 2009, Susan Cox Powell was reported missing from her home in West Valley City, Utah. As law enforcement tried to piece together what had happened to Susan, her husband, Josh Powell, became the only person of interest in the case.

For Jennifer Graves, Josh’s sister, the nightmare started long before Susan’s disappearance. From her experiences growing up in the Powell family to the terrifying moment when she first started to believe her brother was a killer, she relied on her faith to stay strong. She devoted herself to the safety of Susan’s boys, Charlie and Braden, whom she hoped to be able to raise as her own. When the boys were murdered by their father in February, 2012, Jennifer was more than devastated, but she had to believe there was a reason for it all—including the deaths of her beloved nephews.

In A Light In Dark Places, Jennifer shares her struggles and her triumphs. In coming to terms with such tragedy she finally was able to embrace the truth that we all have the power to choose our own path—and there is always hope, no matter how dark things may seem.

Visit the A Light in Dark Places Website For More Information

Coming to Amazon and Barnes and Noble soon!

Tour Giveaway of $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends November 21, 2013.

Terms and Conditions:
  • 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, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Good luck everyone!

ENTER TO WIN!




A Light in Dark Places Blog Tour Schedule:


November 4th
Guest Post at I Am A Reader, Not A Writer
Review at I Love to Read and Review Books
Guest Post at Sheila Deeth
Spotlight at Curling Up with a Good Book

November 5th
Spotlight at Bottles and Books
Review at Jordan McCollum

November 6th
Review at Literary Winner

November 7th
Review at My Book A Day
Spotlight at Gustosa Giveaways

November 8th
Spotlight at Chronicles
Spotlight at Reading in Twilight
Spotlight at Beck Valley Books

November 9th
Interview at Anna del C. Dye
Spotlight at Victoria Simcox’s Blog
Spotlight at Booklover Sue
Spotlight at Sweeping Me

November 10th
Review at Reading in My DNA
Spotlight at Reviews by Karen

November 11th
Review at The View From My Window
Spotlight at fuonlyknew
Spotlight at Mythical Books
Tens List at Indie Author How-to

November 12th
Review at Getting Your Read On
Interview at The Book Connection
Review at Mel’s Shelves
Spotlight at A Blog Hop Place for Books

November 13th
Guest Post at Amy’s Booket List
Review at Kaisy Daisy’s Corner
Review at Jersey Girl Book Reviews
Review at Romance with a Book
Review at Karey White
Spotlight at Storeybook Reviews

November 14th
Review at Bound 4 Escape
Spotlight at Jenni Merritt
Review at Books in the Burbs
Review at Brooke Blogs
Review at The Fiddling Ant 

A Light in Dark Places Excerpt:

Jennifer's father, Steven Powell is arrested - but not for Susan's disappearance:

The phone rang at midnight on September 22, 2011. I shot up in bed, my heart pounding. Who would be calling at this hour? Unless—

I grabbed the phone. It was Chuck. Maybe this was it. “Hello?”

“Hi, sorry to call so late, but I thought you’d want to know. Your dad has been arrested.” Not Josh?

“My dad?” I’d always expected he would be arrested, but along with Josh, not instead of him. Kirk looked over at me with questioning eyes, and I waved at him to be patient.

“It was for voyeurism and child pornography. The boys have been removed from the home.”

My groggy brain fought to take it in. My stomach churned at the mention of the charges, but the other, glorious fact outshined that darkness.

“Kirk, the boys are out of that house!” I stage whispered. It was hard to keep my voice quiet, to not wake the kids.

Chuck went on to explain that the boys were in foster care until the court could sort things out. My mind was spinning. Were they frightened? Did they know what was happening? I ached for the fear and uncertainty they must be experiencing, yet I knew they were safe. That kind of emergency foster care meant that Josh wouldn’t even know where to find them. He couldn’t get to them now. And soon, they would be under their grandparents’ protective care.

I tried to listen as Chuck described what he knew of the arrest, but inside, I was jumping up and down for joy. Kirk took over the call and relayed bits of information back to me.

“They found stuff in your dad’s house—photos of girls. Chuck doesn’t know the details. The actual charges are unrelated to Susan’s disappearance.”

That was a disappointment. But I couldn’t let it keep me down for long. Surely, this would bring a break in the case. And regardless of what happened there, the boys were safe.

Chuck promised to keep us up to date with any developments, and we hung up. Sleep was elusive then. How could I sleep? It appeared that something real was going to happen after almost two years of waiting.

Over the next few days, we were on pins and needles, eager for any bit of new information. Though I usually avoided watching the news, I started combing through it, looking for details.

As the case unfolded, the child porn charges were dropped, and the focus became the voyeurism. My dad had allegedly been taking photos of his little next-door neighbors while they bathed and used the restroom—all through the blinds over his windows and theirs.

Every time I thought about that, my stomach would churn again. It was another stark reminder of how sick he was, how far he’d sunk.

Another detail came out then that stunned the world, though it didn’t surprise me a bit. There were hundreds of pictures found of Susan in my dad’s things. Many of them were of her in various states of undress, and they were obviously taken without her knowing. Others were close-ups of her buttocks, legs, or breasts. She was fully dressed in these pictures, and, again, it was clear she had no knowledge of his presence. It was physical evidence of his obsession with her.

How guilty this made him look! Of course, the investigators had been seeing the hints of this obsession for months. But now, the media got wind of it, and it started to bring up all sorts of questions. They were the same questions I’d asked myself from the beginning. How much of Susan’s disappearance was just Josh? What did my dad have to do with it? I didn’t know for sure, but that suspicion of his involvement had been there all along, and now others were asking the same questions.

In the meantime, all we could do was watch and wait to hear what was happening with the boys.

A couple days later as I was doing laundry, I caught myself humming happily. The sound was so foreign that it stopped me in my tracks. I put the laundry basket down and leaned against the wall. When was the last time I’d been happy enough to hum like that? I couldn’t even remember. Had it really been since before Susan’s disappearance? Suddenly, I realized what a burden had been lifted. Knowing the boys were out of that house had changed me. My shoulders were straighter. I was smiling. And humming. I closed my eyes and offered a silent prayer of gratitude.

“Thank you for getting the boys to safety.”

I picked up the laundry basket and carried it upstairs. I felt fifty pounds lighter.

It was amazing what hope could do. 


May you read well and often