Kid's Thoughts: Review of Peanut & Fifi Have a Ball by Randall de Sève, Illustrated by Paul Schmid

Difficulty:
★★★☆☆ - Moderate

Illustrations:
★★★★☆







Thoughts:
My cousins enjoyed the book, with its amazing, yet simple, illustrations.  This book was perfect for them to read, with the simple words that were sometimes repeated, in order to remind the child what each word meant or how to pronounce it.  This book also teaches kids that the best way to gain more friends (and toys) is to share.  Not only does this book have a moral to it, it also has a nice and simple problem.  The pro about that is the fact that you could let your kids think of a better solution for both Peanut and Fifi.  For example, they could suggest that they share the ball with each other instead of having to let Fifi try to get the ball from Peanut. (If that made any sense anyways)

*books with the label of "Kid's Thoughts" have been read and reviewed by two 7 year olds.  These reviews may not reflect on what your child/children may think about this book.

Review of Night Sea Journey by Paula Cappa

Synopsis:
Kip Livingston is a stunning young artist living alone in Abasteron House on Horn Island. While Kip sleeps, a fierce winged creature all bone and muscle and greedy teeth plunged out invades her dreams. It drags her to the bottom of the dark grey sea. These nightmares magnify each night as Kip grows terrified the mysterious winged being will capture her so deep into the dream that she’ll never wake up again. She meets Raymond Kera, a priest exiled to Horn Island. Ray falls for the seductive Kip but risks his own sanity when Kip’s nightmares invade his dreams.

Ray’s mentor, Garcia the Prophet, has firsthand experience with the alternate consciousness of dream power. This rebellious visionary knows dreams are not always just illusions. On Horn Island, inside Abasteron House ... a tale of the supernatural where the night sea journey turns nightmares into reality.

Angels and demons, psychological twists, romance, and murder make this little supernatural thriller a fast-paced read. (Taken from Goodreads)

Stars Given: ★★★★☆

Overall View:
I really enjoyed this book and it is highly recommended for anybody who is looking for a journey.  The characters were developed and the main character had a strong personality, which is a big turn on for me when I am reading books.  Why did I give it four stars only?  Well it really deserves 4.5 because it was well-written and the plot was fully developed.  The only thing that I really didn't like about it was the ending.  Although I do give it some credits since I am very picky with the endings of the books I read, it felt a little rushed.  If this book had a few more pages, enough for the ending to be developed, this book would be given 5 stars.

Characters:
Kip - 
Description of Character: 
Kip is a young artist who lives alone in Abasteron House.  She is an aspiring artist searching for the answers to her dreams that she had continuously.  She begins to fear that she would never be able to wake up from her dream, thinking that the man in her dreams will sweep her away from reality.  Will she find out the real story behind her dreams or will her fear become reality?


Review of Character: 
Kip's character has developed a lot throughout the story.  Her strong will to find out about her mysterious dream has driven her to success.  She is also one of the reasons why this book deserves a rating of 4.5.  Her character was most developed out of all the characters, which made this book even more interesting.  Her determination has made this book a page flipper because you really don't expect what she is going to do next.  Not only does she have a strong willed side of her, but she also has the calm and collected side of her.  With these two different personalities clashing together in one character, it is a miracle how she turned out to be one of my favourite characters in the book.

*Supporting characters not listed

Lost in Thought

Lost in Thought

Kid's Thoughts: Review of Eager Eaglets: Birds of Play by Ben and Angela Muse, Illustrated by Ewa Podleś

Difficulty:
★★★★☆ - Hard

Illustrations:
★★★★★











Thoughts:
Like the other The Bee Bully, this book had many words that were too difficult for my cousins to figure out/sound out.  Although it is difficult, it is an enjoyable book, something you could read to your child/children during bed time.  This shows the determination that kids could have, it also teaches them to dream big.  My cousins have enjoyed this book and has taken it out of the shelf a few times to try to read it themselves (although they would just give up and end up looking at the pictures instead).

*books with the label of "Kid's Thoughts" have been read and reviewed by two 7 year olds.  These reviews may not reflect on what your child/children may think about this book.

Kid's Thoughts: Review of The Bee Bully by Angela Muse, Illustrated by Ewa Podleś

Difficulty:
★★★★☆ - Hard

Illustrations:
★★★★★











Thoughts:
This book has been difficult for my cousins to read on their own.  The book contained big words like "exclaimed" and "scowled".  This book is recommended for children who are 8 or 9 years old.  Although there were many difficult words, my cousins and I enjoyed the illustrations.  The colourful drawings brought life to this book.  If this book had easier words, this book would be much more enjoyable.  Although we do not rate the book with posts labeled "Kid's Thoughts", I think that this book deserved a 4.5. 
 
*books with the label of "Kid's Thoughts" have been read and reviewed by two 7 year olds.  These reviews may not reflect on what your child/children may think about this book.

Kid's Thoughts: Review of Chalk by Bill Thomson

Difficulty:
★☆☆☆☆ - Really easy

Illustrations:
★★★★★










Thoughts:
My cousins, who are 7, really enjoyed this book.  Even though it had absolutely no words on it whatsoever, I think that this sparks the creativity in children.  It gives them the time and space to slowly create their own story with their imagination while looking at these colourful pages.  This book is different from other books and would be recommended to children around the age of 5.

*books with the label of "Kid's Thoughts" have been read and reviewed by two 7 year olds.  These reviews may not reflect on what your child/children may think about this book.

Review of What I've Done by Jen Naumann

Synopsis:
Seventeen-year-old Lily Rossow is used to taking care of her burnout mother and 6-year-old sister Rose. But when her mother’s attempt to move the family to California only months before graduation goes horribly wrong, Lily faces the challenges of making a life for her and her sister in a new town while hoping her complicated past doesn’t find her. Things take an unexpected turn when two beautiful and helpful strangers come into Lily and Rose’s life. But nothing is easy for Lily. And when she uncovers a dark secret about these two mysterious men, she must make a life-altering decision-one that threatens to break the balance in an ancient battle between good and evil. (Taken from Goodreads)


Stars Given: ★★★★☆

Overall View:
When I began reading the book, I had thought that it would be the same cliched book all over again.  A book that revolved around a girl who's life is completely falling apart, but then a knight with shining armour comes along to save her out of her own despair.  Guess what.  I was wrong.  There was a huge twist in the middle of the story (I won't say anything else), and that just kept me turning each page.  I'll give everyone a little hint, okay? Let's just say the good and bad are switched.  Don't understand that little hint? Read it.  You won't regret it.  This book contains excitment, a love story and an intense battle.  Who wouldn't want that? 

Characters:
Lily - 
Description of Character: 
Lily had lost her father at a very young age, with only a mother who fools around all night, how could she survive?  When her mother's plan of escaping into California flows down the drain, Lily is expected to take care of not only herself, but her little sister Rose.  They change their identity and uncover a secret that no one would believe.


Review of Character: 
When i began reading the book, I had already loved Lily's character.  Even after Lily had gone through so much, she stayed strong and never fell apart.  Without anyone's help, she transformed both her sister and herself in order to stay under the radar.  Lily's determination also stood out to me.  Although she knew that it was dangerous, she still went after what she needed because she realized that Rose would need it.  If it weren't for Lily's strong and well-developed character, this book would have only gotten a 3.5.

*Supporting characters not listed

Summer has arrived!

With the large amounts of homework, exams, and projects over and done with, we can finally focus on the blog.
So the first thing that needs to be done are the reviews.  There are many reviews that have piled up; so we will be doing our best to finish them ASAP.  For any authors who have asked for reviews and haven't seen it posted on the blog please post a comment below and we will get typing.

Our second thing on the list to get done this summer is.... drum roll... We need one more co-blogger on this blog.  This way when the two of us are busy, we can still count on the third person to post something.  Please email your name, age, and the number of reviews you have written to our email (you can find that on the contact us page).

That's all for now.  I will post more as we get the blog on track again!

The Many Lives of Avery Snow

The Many Lives of Avery Snow

Talented

Talented

Review of Taking Back Forever by Karen Amanda Hooper

Synopsis:
Forever is worth the fight.
Maryah erased all memory of her past lives, but she couldn’t erase her soul mate Nathan, or his undying love. Now, Maryah and Nathan have a second chance at a future together, but first Maryah must remember the person she used to be and embrace her supernatural gifts—more than one kindrily member’s life depends on it.
Maryah’s power is Harmony’s best hope of finding her kidnapped soul mate, Gregory. But Harmony isn’t big on asking anyone for help, and she’s tired of waiting, so she’s taking matters into her own hands. Heaven help anyone who stands in her way. (Taken from Goodreads)

Stars Given: ★★★★★


Overall View:
A intricately woven story that boasts a creative and unique plot line, Hooper brings fans of The Kinderly Series to another world as she weaves a tale of love, challenges, and hope.  This book is simply "perfect. Then imagine that you started reading the most interesting and fascinating comic book ever created. You fell in love with some characters, you hated others. Endless plots unfolded and every one was an emotional page-turner you couldn't read fast enough because you had to know what was going to happen next. You felt like the world would end if you didn't find out how the story ended. But then you get to the end and there was no end. The author didn't finish it. You don't know if good or evil won. You don't know if the guy got the girl. You don't know any of the answers to all your important questions." --Harmony, Taking Back Forever  This was exactly what happened when Karen Amanda Hooper left a devastating cliff hangers.  For those who hate epic cliff hangers, I urge you to read the book after the third one has come out.  

The book expanded on the information that was mentioned in the first book.  The characters were even more developed with the appearance of Gregory and Harmony's POV included with Maryah's narrative.  This allowed greater in depth understanding of the characters.

Characters:
Gregory - 
Description of Character: Gregory is a member of the Kinderly who was captured and hypnotized to help Dedrick.  He has the ability to read people's thoughts.  His partner in the Kinderly is Harmony.  His son in his past life (pre-hypnotized state) is Carson.

Review of Character: This character was the most mysterious one as he was not fully mentioned in the first book.  Gregory was represented as a kind and loving father as well as a great husband to Harmony. He seems to be a very calm person.

Harmony -
Description of Character: A character portrayed as having a tough and hard personality.  In her past life she was Carson's mother.  She has the ability to speak to those who have passed away.

Review of Character: I loved how Harmony was so strong but when it came to the person she loved she would do everything in her power to save them.  She was an element in the book that made the story so realistic.  
*Supporting characters not listed

WINNERS of the Blogger/Author Blast!

Hey everyone!  The winners of the Big Blast are chosen!  The following winners will receive an email with a list of simple instructions they would have to follow to get their prizes.  We have also decided to cut each prize in half, therefore, we will have four winners instead of just two.  Thank you for joining us in this big giveaway and we hope to host another one, so follow up with us!

New Prizes:
 Prize 1 (US Only):

- Night Sea Journey by Paula Cappa (ePub)

- Knight of the Purple Ribbon: A Novel by Jennifer K. Lafferty (Kindle)

- Little Red Riding Corp. by Tiffany Reisz (Hardcover)

- Entwined by Heather Dixon (Paperback)

- The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa De La Cruz (Paperback)

- Down to You by M Leighton (eBook)

- Ryder on the Storm by Violet Patterson (Paperback)

- The Upside of Ordinary by Susan Lubner (Hardcover)

Prize 2 (International):

- Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder (Paperback)

- The Trickster by Serafima Bogomolova (eBook)

- Angelfall by Susan Ee (Paperback)

- $25 Amazon Gift Card

- Love All by Kelly Hashway (PDF)

- Anew by Chelsea Fine (eBook)

- Lacrimosa by Christine Fonseca (eBook)

Prize 3 (US Only):

- Alice In Zombieland by Gena Showalter (Hardcover)

- The Last Girl by Sangu Madanna (Hardcover)

- Shadow of the Silk Road by Colin Thubron

- King's Warrior by Jenelle Leanne Schmidt (Paperback) 

- My Wishful Thinking by Shel Delisle (Paperback) 

- Must've Done Something Good by Cheryl Cory (Paperback or ebook)

- We Have Confidence! by Cheryl Cory (Paperback or ebook) 

Prize 4 (International):

- Down to you by M Leightom (eBook)

- The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin (eBook)

- The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin (eBook)

- The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (eBook)

- Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta (eBook)

- Daughter of Smoke and Bones by Laini Taylor (eBook)

- Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor (eBook)

- Reminding Me of You by Kathy Bosman (eBook)

Winners:
Prize 1 &3 (US only):
Anna - Prize 1
Emily- Prize 3

Prize 2&4 (International):
Ariana - Prize 2
Desnica - Prize 4

Thanks again for participating in this giveaway!

Guest Post by Kim Askew and Amy Helmes

In honor of William Shakespeare’s birthday (celebrated on April 23), authors Kim Askew and Amy Helmes, have dropped by with a guest blog post to announce a special contest!

Get A “Twisted Lit” Character Named After You!

We reimagined William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest” and “Macbeth,” with our “compulsively readable” YA books, Tempestuous and Exposure. Ever since the novels were published a few months ago through Merit Press we’ve encountered a frequent question: Which of Shakespeare’s plays will inspire your next books in the Twisted Lit series? 

While we’re currently hard at work putting our own spin on the Bard’s “Romeo and Juliet” we thought we’d look to you, the readers, to help us pick the fourth Shakespeare play that will inspire our next book in the series. Got a hankering for a new spin on “Hamlet?” Love to see “King Lear” get a YA update? Would you make much ado over our take on “Much Ado About Nothing?”

Go to our Facebook page (Facebook.com/Twistedlitnovels) and write on our wall to weigh in on which Shakespeare play you’d like us to revamp next. In doing so, you’ll be entered to have your very own name mentioned in one of our upcoming books (either as a character or some other fun reference). If you’ve always wanted to see your name in print — in a YA novel, no less — now’s your chance! The winner will also receive autographed copies of our first two novels, Tempestuous and Exposure.

We’re looking forward to hearing your suggestions! (And don’t forget to follow us on twitter at @kaskew and @amyhelmes.)

* Winner will not be compensated for use of his or her name, and publication is not guaranteed. Details of plot and character used in connection with the name as it appears in the book are up to the sole discretion of the authors. Contest ends June 1. 

Kim & Amy

Sorry For the Delays!

Hey everyone! 

 I just wanted to say that I am sorry for all the delays.  Whether it is reviews or new posts, I have been too busy to post anything for the time being.  I will try to start posting a few reviews and events up.  I am also saying sorry and thank you to all the authors who have had the patience to wait for their review to come up.

Happy reading, Tiana (EBR)

Quick Review: Grishma by Kelly Anne Blount

For information about the book please look at Blog Tour: Grishma by Kelly Anne Blount
Review:  I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  The book was confusing to me at the beginning.  I don't know if it was because I kept zoning out or if it was because I didn't get enough sleep.  I didn't really enjoy the book until I got to the middle.  All the action... well most of the action began there.  I thought that the book was pretty interesting at the point.  There were times though where I had to force myself to continue on reading.  In my opinion it wasn't one of those books that propelled me to continue reading.  I thought it had quite a unique story line though. I don't think I have ever read anything like this before.  In conclusion, I give this book a 3.5/5 stars.  I may reread this book one day because I was quite busy these past few weeks and haven't had the time to read at a leisurely pace.  

*This blog post will be edited when I have the time to make it look more appealing.  Thanks for reading :)

Blog Tour: Grishma by Kelly Anne Blount

Summary

As a young boy, Ryder lived with his family, deep in the caves underneath the Kadin Forest, unaware of the horrors of the world. His simple world was turned upside down one horrible night whenGrishma attacked his family, killing his father and kidnapping his mother and younger sister.

From that night on, Ryder devoted his life to killing Grishma. He tracked the monster from Necoh, to our world, and back again. Unfortunately, during his quest, he accidentally transported Brooklyn, a high school junior into his tumultuous world, where she is mistakenly identified as Princess Sophie, the missing princess of Sumner.

Days after Princess Sophie’s return,Grishma plots and manipulates the King into drugging and marrying off his only daughter to Prince Algid of Dratun. Desperate to save Brooklyn, who now believes she is the long lost princess, his mother, and his little sister, Ryder embarks on the deadliest part of his quest.

Will he save Brooklyn? Will she ever regain her memory? What will become of his mother and sister?

Through epic adventure, loss, and love,GRISHMA depicts the strength of the human spirit and the tight bonds formed by the unique creatures of Necoh. In the world of Necoh, everyone fearsGrishma, a hideous murderous beast responsible for ruining or ending the lives of anyone who dare cross her.(Taken from Goodreads)

Review by EBR:

About the Author 

 I’m an avid writer by night and an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) teacher by day. Through my work as a teacher, I am able to closely examine human behavior and tell made up stories on a regular basis. Both of these skills come in handy when I sit down to write my novels!When I’m not at work or writing, I enjoy spending time with my husband, our five furry rescues (four cats and one dog), my friends, and of course my family! What I Like...
Reading: I read just about anything, but my favorite genre is young adult fantasy. I’m a huge fan of Amanda Hocking, Cornelia Funke, Suzanne Collins, Brandon Mull, and Harlan Coben.

Movies: The Hunger Games, Lord of the Rings, and Elf.

Musicians: I listen to anything from hip hop to reggae!

Website | Blog | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest

Amazon | Kindle

Giveaway

Grand Prize: Signed Paperback copy of Grishma plus 2 custom made Grishma bookmarks and one keychain.

Second Place: E-book copy of Grishma, a signed picture of the cover of Grishma and a Grishma magnet.

Third Place: e-book copy of Grishma.

All giveaways International!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blogger and Author Blast Giveaway!

Hey everyone!  After all those author promotions, the time has come!  We are now having the big "Blogger and Author Blast" Giveaway!  We have many different prizes that we are going to giveaway today!  Remember to follow the rules and thank the awesome authors and bloggers who helped make this possible!

Other Bloggers' Links:

Amber Bardan- http://amberabarden.blogspot.com.au

Bettina Rose - http://readingwritinglove.blogspot.com.au

Emily Pasch - http://sittingwithabook.blogspot.com

Ruby Ham - http://feedmebooksnow.blogspot.co.uk

Melanie Zhang - http://theyabooklover.blogspot.com.au

Erfa Tahir - http://bringontheink.blogspot.com

Ahmad Taylor - http://ahmaddarkside.blogspot.com

Stephanie McFadden - http://asecretbookaffair.blogspot.com

Stella Christidis - http://jellybeanarson.blogspot.com

Violet Patterson - http://emeraldseer.blogspot.com

Aroura Hudspeth - http://rorrymonster.blogspot.com

Samantha Black - http://samanthablackdp.blogspot.com

Author/Blogger Appreciation (Message from the writers of EBR):

Thank you to all the authors who have helped made this possible.  Because you allowed us to add the books to this giveaway, you also allowed us to make this happen.  Without you amazing authors (alliteration LOL), this wouldn't have been possible.  EBR's first "Blast" is completely dedicated to you (including other bloggers) and we are grateful that you can join us for our first one.  I hope that we can all work together in the future!  I would also like to thank the bloggers who have joined this.  Without you guys, again, this wouldn't have happened.  We wouldn't be able to spread the word of all the new bloggers and authors out there.  I also hope that some day we can work together again.  Whether we host another Blogger Blast or a Blog Tour (if that ever happens LOL), I want to work with everyone again!  We have been through a lot to get this work done, so lets do our best and expose our blog and these amazing authors!

Prize 1 (US Only):

- Night Sea Journey by Paula Cappa (ePub)

- Knight of the Purple Ribbon: A Novel by Jennifer K. Lafferty (Kindle)

- Little Red Riding Corp. by Tiffany Reisz (Hardcover)

- Entwined by Heather Dixon (Paperback)

- The Van Alen Legacy by Melissa De La Cruz (Paperback)

- Down to You by M Leighton (eBook)

- Ryder on the Storm by Violet Patterson (Paperback)

- The Upside of Ordinary by Susan Lubner (Hardcover)

- Alice In Zombieland by Gena Showalter (Hardcover)

- The Last Girl by Sangu Madanna (Hardcover)

- Shadow of the Silk Road by Colin Thubron

- King's Warrior by Jenelle Leanne Schmidt (Paperback) 

- My Wishful Thinking by Shel Delisle (Paperback) 

- Must've Done Something Good by Cheryl Cory (Paperback or ebook)

- We Have Confidence! by Cheryl Cory (Paperback or ebook)

Prize 2 (International):

- Touch of Power by Maria V. Snyder (Paperback)

- The Trickster by Serafima Bogomolova (eBook)

- Angelfall by Susan Ee (Paperback)

- $25 Amazon Gift Card

- Love All by Kelly Hashway (PDF)

- Anew by Chelsea Fine (eBook)

- Lacrimosa by Christine Fonseca (eBook)

- Down to you by M Leightom (eBook)

- The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin (eBook)

- The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin (eBook)

- The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater (eBook)

- Finnikin of the Rock by Melina Marchetta (eBook)

- Daughter of Smoke and Bones by Laini Taylor (eBook)

- Days of Blood and Starlight by Laini Taylor (eBook)

- Reminding Me of You by Kathy Bosman (eBook)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*We are not responsible for the damages, lost prize, etc. We are NOT the ones who mail the prize to you, therefore, Ethereal Book Reviews is solely not responsible for anything.

Fallen Stars Trailer Reveal

The Fallen Stars by Stephanie Keyes

Series: The Star Child #2
Publication date:  April 12th 2013
by Inkspell Publishing
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17293205-the-fallen-stars

Synopsis:

Kellen St. James was just your average seventeen-year-old prodigy, until he eighty-sixed the Lord of Faerie and proposed to the Celtic Goddess, Calienta. But then everything in Kellen’s life gets turned upside-down when he and Cali end up on the run from a seriously irritated group of faeries. The worst part? They have zero idea why they’re being hunted.

Suddenly, Kellen is stuck in the middle of another prophecy that foresees him turning away from Calienta and embracing the dark. He’ll be forced to take sides in a struggle to claim his birthright, while discovering secrets about his father’s past. Meanwhile, his passion for Cali grows stronger, even as the prophecy threatens to tear them apart.

In the end, will Kellen and Cali survive the fates? When the ultimate power is within reach, which side will he choose?

AUTHOR BIO

Stephanie Keyes has been addicted to Fantasy since she discovered T.H. White as a child and started drumming up incredible journeys in her head. Today, she's still doing the same thing, except now she gets to share those ideas with readers!

When she's not writing, Stephanie is also a graphic designer, international speaker, teacher, musician, avid reader, and Mom to two little boys who constantly keep her on her toes. In addition, she's best friend to her incredible husband of eleven years.

Mrs. Keyes holds an undergraduate degree in Business and Management Information Systems from Robert Morris University and a M.Ed. from Duquesne University. She is a member of the Society For Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI), as well as a featured author in the global group of writers, Love a Happy Ending.com.

Keyes is the author of the YA Fantasy series, The Star Child, which currently includes The Star Child (September 2012) and The Fallen Stars (April 2013), both released by Inkspell Publishing. She is currently hard at work on the third book in the trilogy, The Star Catcher.

Author links:

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter

TRAILER

The Fallen Stars from Stephanie Keyes on Vimeo GIVEAWAY: Stephanie is giving away a swag pack! a Rafflecopter giveaway

Author Interview: Diana L. Wicker

About the Author:
Diana lives in the balmy climate of the southern United States with her husband, two children, two dogs, two cats, and a cantakerous rabbit.  She enjoys reading, sewing, genealogy research, and RPG games. (She comes from the old school paper/pencil style of gaming, but has transitioned happily to the interactive world of video games.)
The idea for Feyron started with a map, a place for her daughter and her friends to tell stories and live adventures.  The lore grew around the map, for every world needs lore.  The stories and adventures grew from there, and are continuing to grow through the ages of history for Feyron and the Worlds Beyond it touches.  Currently book two, The Guardian Child’s Return, is in the editorial stage and book 3 is in the drafting stage.
She does not keep a blog, but there is a Facebook fan page for the Tales from Feyron series where updates are periodically posted: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Tales-from-Feyron-The-Ripples-of-Power/421079171274185

Interview:
What made you want to become a writer?
I think I have always been a storyteller.  I can remember making up magical lands and grand adventures as a small child.  I think writing stories down in notebooks when I was a child was just a natural progression from story telling.
Now, what made me want to publish is a separate question.  My daughter and her friends are very active interactive story telling roll players, and I wanted to create a little world where they could develop stories.  After much urging by the girls and a few of my friends, I decided to put the book on Amazon.  

Where do you get your inspirations from?
I find inspiration in many places.  Many times my stories start out as dreams, or daydreams, or sort of visions that play through my half asleep mind like a movie, or more likely an anime or RPG style CGI video game.  They tend to grow and weave over several days or weeks before I can grasp them tightly enough to tie to paper, and often they have to be set aside and picked up several times before they form themselves into a coherent tale.  Sometimes they have to jump back and forth between one another before the entire tale appears, spread between many different short stories that may someday form a complete whole.
I often find that my writing takes on the feel of whatever I am absorbed in while I’m writing a particular tale.  Sometimes certain plots or characters even have theme songs that play through my mind as I write them, and these become very important to holding on to the flavor of that plot or character when I return to it after visiting another tale.
I love a good story no matter what form it is presented in - tales told by grandparents on a leisurely Saturday afternoon; myths, fables, and legends from around the world; anime, music, and movies (most of my television viewing tends to be in the children’s categories); and role-playing games (both old school and video game), and I’m certain these things influence my writing as well.

Other than writing books, what else do you do in your free time? 
As a mom, much of my non-work time is spent with my children and their activities; but, when I have time in the evenings, I have an exercise bike I am very fond of.  I have made a little makeshift desk out of the handlebars and put my laptop there and read or write or sometimes sew while I ride.  When there are very engaging, high interactive story content RPG games out, I play video games.  

If you could work with another author, who would it be?
I do enjoy co-writing stories with writers that I know well and have a good feel for the characters and world the story is set in.  I have had the pleasure of co-writing short scenes and stories with another Goodreads Indie Author, Alexandra Butcher, in the past and would gladly do so again.

What are major themes of your work? 
I think at the heart of many of my stories are the ties that bind us, the value of Kith and Kin and the acts of caring for those people, be they the family we were born with, or the family we have chosen for ourselves in the friends we have made throughout our lives.  In Dreamweaver, we see the ties of family and friendship as the adventurers work together to care for one another during very unexpected circumstances.  I hope that future tales will continue to explore the ties that bind the clans of Faie together and their value of Kith and Kin.
 
What do you think people look for in a book?
I suppose that different people look for different things when choosing a book to read.  I would hazard a guess that someone choosing a work of fantasy might be looking for a bit of escape from the every day, a bit of magic and the fantastical to make their day a little more exciting.  I know that is one of my greatest joys in reading, to be transported to another place and time and live life through someone else’s eyes for a brief moment in time until I have to return to the hustle and bustle of the real world.

Are there any recent works that you admire?
I am horribly behind in reading in that I don’t tend to rush out and buy books from the best sellers list.  I have authors I like, and genres I enjoy, and I tend to hang out in those.  I love the works of Michael Jecks.  I have not caught up my reading to his most recent releases, but he never fails to offer an enjoyable tale that both teaches me about medieval British history, and has me taking notes trying to gather and piece together clues right along with his main characters.


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Book Promotion: The Dreamerweaver's Journey by Diana L. Wicker

Synopsis:
The Realm of Feyron has always been.  It is the origin of all the magical, the axis point where all the worlds meet.  Once, in days gone by, there were many gateways within the Temple of Pyli connecting the Worlds Beyond seeded with magic to their home.  Now many gateways have flickered out, and Feyron weakens as the magic fades and the Guardians are lost.

For the first time in over three hundred years, a Dreamweaver has come of age and is tasked with contacting the Guardians.  When she awakens in the might after a vision of her best friend love and alone, injured in the snows at the top of Crystal Mountains, she seeks out the Sacred Fire in the Temple in an attempt to call forth more information.  A voice calls out from the fire, "Dreamweaver, you are summoned."  An image appears of an ancient path through the Mist Shrouded Forest leading to a hidden gate into the Crystal Caverns below the mountains.  The Guardians have summoned her on a quest that will take her to the four realms of light within Feyron in search of answers and aid.

Information About the Book:
Author: Diana L. Wicker
Link to Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16133339-the-dreamweaver-s-journey
Publisher: ----
Release Date: Released
Links to Buy:
Amazon Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/The-Dreamweavers-Journey-Awakenings-ebook/dp/B00A111KL6/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_3_S7G4

Amazon Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/The-Dreamweavers-Journey-Awakenings-Ripples/dp/1480166804/ref=tmm_pap_title_0

Average Rating (from Goodreads): 4.00
Rating from EBR: ----

Spring Break!

Wow! Finally had some time to relax.  Hope everyone is enjoying your spring break.  I was looking through my list of to-reads on goodreads and just realized that the two books I really REALLY want to read is going to be published during the last week of May.  So bored now. Post below for book recommendations.

Giveaway: My Wishful Thinking by Shel Delisle

Synopsis:

WHAT WOULD YOU WISH FOR?  Birthday candles, dandelions, turkey bones or shooting stars-- seventeen-year-old Logan Carter never passes up a chance to make a wish. But there's nothing magical about her life until the day a genie goes poof and promises to grant her every desire.
Can she finally bring her father home? Help her mother? Find true love?
It all seems possible--if she can figure out one little complication. She has to share the genie with her best friend Emily, and their desires only come true if they wish for and receive the exact same thing. It's time for Logan to compromise, because no two people--no matter how close--can agree on everything. ( Taken from Goodreads)




Information (about book):
Author(s): Shel Delisle
Rating (On Goodreads): 3.62
Rating by EBR: ----  

Release Date (Estimation): October 20, 2012

Link on Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/16060817-my-wishful-thinking

Link to Review on EBR:----

Information (about giveaway):

Start date: March 16, 2013

End date: April 9, 2013

Format of Prize: ePub, PDF or mobi

Information need to participate: 

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