Wednesday, November 27, 2019

Book Spotlight - Estranged by Ethan M. Aldridge + Giveaway




Series: Estranged (Book 1)
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (August 7, 2018)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062653865
ISBN-13: 978-0062653864


Praise for ESTRANGED

“A splendid tale of faery magic and adventurous siblings, all told in gorgeously rendered watercolor panels: this is exactly my kind of thing.” —Ben Hatke, author and illustrator of the New York Times bestselling Zita the Spacegirl trilogy

“It’s got dragons. It’s got drama. It’s got depth. And it’s got me impatiently awaiting Ethan M. Aldridge’s next eye-popping adventure.” —Tim Federle, award-winning author of Better Nate Than Ever and Five, Six, Seven, Nate!

“A compelling story about finding identity in a world where magic dangers lurk just around the corner. I loved Estranged!” —Molly Ostertag, author-illustrator of The Witch Boy

“As richly imagined in the full-color illustrations, the worldbuilding is both accessible and as familiar as those genre stalwarts… this should easily resonate with preteen and teen fans of both Holly Black and Neil Gaiman.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Worthy of inclusion in any fantasy collection.” —School Library Journal

“[F]un, daring, and dark...with themes and art that fall into the realm of Neil Gaiman, Michael Ende, and Jim Henson. Coupled with the beautifully toned watercolor art, the interdependence of and tension between the two protagonists makes this book stand out.” —Publishers Weekly

“The deliciously captivating start to this adventure series will leave readers hungry for more.” —Booklist


Edmund and the Childe were swapped at birth. Now Edmund lives in secret as a changeling in the World Above, with fae powers that make him different from everyone else—even his unwitting parents and older sister, Alexis. The Childe lives among the fae in the World Below, where being human makes him an oddity at the royal palace, and where his only friend is a wax golem named Whick.

But when the cruel sorceress Hawthorne takes the throne, the Childe and Edmund realize that the fate of both worlds may be in their hands—even if they’re not sure which world they belong to.


You can purchase Estranged at the following Retailers:
        

Photo Content from Ethan M. Aldridge 

Ethan M. Aldridge is a bestselling author and illustrator. He is the creator of the fantasy graphic novel ESTRANGED (a Junior Library Guild selection, Indie Bestseller, and YALSA Great Graphic Novel For Teens), and it's follow up THE CHANGELING KING (coming fall 2019).

Ethan was raised in a small town in Utah. Growing up, Ethan’s favorite things to draw were monsters and whatever dinosaur he liked that week. He now does more or less the same thing for a living. Ethan lives in New York City with his husband, Matthew, and their dog, Kitsune.

Ethan has had the pleasure to create work for HarperCollins Publishers, Penguin Random House, and EA Games.

        
NOVEMBER 25th MONDAY JeanBookNerd INTERVIEW
NOVEMBER 25th MONDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
NOVEMBER 26th TUESDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW 
NOVEMBER 26th TUESDAY Insane About Books EXCERPT
NOVEMBER 27th WEDNESDAY A Dream Within A Dream EXCERPT
NOVEMBER 27th WEDNESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW
NOVEMBER 28th THURSDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
NOVEMBER 28th THURSDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT
NOVEMBER 29th FRIDAY Life Within The Pages REVIEW & INTERVIEW
NOVEMBER 29th FRIDAY Twirling Book Princess EXCERPT

*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Book Spotlight - Knight of the Silver Circle (The Dragonslayer Book 2) by Duncan M. Hamilton + Giveaway




Print Length: 320 pages
Publisher: Tor Books (November 19, 2019)
Publication Date: November 19, 2019
Sold by: Macmillan
Language: English


*AUTHOR OF ONE OF BUZZFEED'S GREATEST FANTASY BOOKS OF 2013*
From the author of the beloved Society of Sword and Wolf of the North trilogies, Duncan M. Hamilton's Knight of the Silver Circle --the sequel adventure-packed fantasy to Dragonslayer in The Dragonslayer trilogy--is perfect for fans of magical beasts and unexpected heroes


Three dragons wreak havoc throughout Mirabay--eating livestock, killing humans, and burning entire villages to ash. It was nearly impossible to kill one, using a legendary sword and the magic of the mysterious Cup; to tackle three, Guillot dal Villerauvais will need help.

The mage Solène fears having to kill again; she leaves Gill to gain greater control over her magic.

The Prince Bishop still wants Gill dead, but more than that, he wants the Cup, and he'll do whatever he has to to get it, even sending his own daughter--a talented thief and assassin--into the dragons' path.

As secrets mount on secrets and betrayals on betrayals, both Guillot and Solène face critical decisions that will settle not only their own fate but that of all Mirabaya.


You can purchase Knight of the Silver Circle at the following Retailers:
        

Photo Credit: Jason Clarke

Duncan M. Hamilton is the Amazon best selling writer of fantasy novels and short stories, including The Wolf of the North and the Society of the Sword trilogy. He has Master’s Degrees in History and Law, and practised as a barrister before writing full time. Duncan is particularly interested in the Medieval and Renaissance periods, from which he draws inspiration for his stories.

He lives in Ireland, near the sea, and when not writing he enjoys sailing, scuba diving, windsurfing, cycling, and skiing.

His debut novel, ‘The Tattered Banner (Society of the Sword Volume 1)’ was featured on Buzzfeed’s 12 Greatest Fantasy Books Of The Year, 2013.

Duncan is a member of The Society of Authors, and the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA). He is represented by DongWon Song of Howard Morhaim Literary.


      
WEEK ONE
NOVEMBER 18th MONDAY JeanBookNerd GUEST POST
NOVEMBER 19th TUESDAY BookHounds INTERVIEW
NOVEMBER 20th WEDNESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books EXCERPT
NOVEMBER 21st THURSDAY Gwendalyn's Books REVIEW
NOVEMBER 21st THURSDAY TTC Books and More EXCERPT
NOVEMBER 22nd FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW


WEEK TWO
NOVEMBER 25th MONDAY Insane About Books REVIEW
NOVEMBER 26th TUESDAY Two Points of Interest REVIEW
NOVEMBER 27th WEDNESDAY J.R.'s Book Reviews REVIEW
NOVEMBER 27th WEDNESDAY Port Jericho REVIEW & INTERVIEW
NOVEMBER 28th THURSDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW
NOVEMBER 29th FRIDAY Clarissa Reads it All REVIEW & EXCERPT


*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, November 24, 2019

Book Review - The Piper's Pursuit (Hagenheim #10) by Melanie Dickerson + Giveaway



Photo Credit - Amazon
The town of Hamlin is plagued and overrun by rats. A giant beast is roaming the city walls. And over several dozen children have gone missing presumably eaten by the beast. Katerina is determined to help her people. However, her evil stepfather seems to have plans of his own.

Steffan is the rowdy son of the Duke, who is hellbent on proving himself to his family. Steffan arrives in Hamlin desperate and broke for glory and reward. When he crosses path with Katerina, they both find they might be unlikely allies.  

I found the novel to be an interesting read. I liked both main characters but, I was annoyed by how Kat kept treating Steffan even though he kept showing her how much he liked her. I thought the novel moved at a good pace without tons of filler.


**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 

ABOUT THE BOOK

The Piper’s Pursuit
by Melanie Dickerson
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Release date: December 3, 2019
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy, Retelling

Synopsis:

A plague of rats. A giant beast outside the village walls. A host of missing children. And one young woman determined to save her people.

In 1424 Hamlin, Katerina faces threats from all sides. An outbreak of rats has overtaken the village, a mysterious beast is on a killing rampage of the village’s children, and her evil stepfather is a dark presence inside the walls of her own home. Katerina is determined to hunt and kill the Beast of Hamlin herself before more lives are lost.

When Steffan, the handsome but brash duke’s son, comes to town seeking glory and reward, Katerina decides he might be the ally she’s been looking for—even though the sweet music he plays on his pipe seems the only gentle thing about him. But there’s more to Steffan than she suspects, and she finds drawn to him despite her misgivings.

Can Katerina and Steffan stop the enemy from stealing every child of Hamlin? Or will their interference create a worse fate for them all? Melanie Dickerson delivers another exciting fairy tale journey of intrigue and romance in this reimagining of the classic Pied Piper story.

BOOK LINKS

Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QH8q15
Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1130949135

TOUR SCHEDULE

https://fantasticflyingbookclub.blogspot.com/2019/10/tour-schedule-pipers-pursuit-by-melanie.html






ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Melanie Dickerson is the New York Times bestselling author who combines her love for history, adventure, and romance. Her books have won a Christy Award, two Maggie Awards, The National Reader’s Choice Award, the Christian Retailing’s Best Award, the Book Buyer’s Best Award, the Golden Quill, and the Carol Award. She earned her bachelor’s degree in special education from The University of Alabama and has taught children and adults in the U.S., Germany, and Ukraine. Now she spends her time writing stories of love and adventure near Huntsville, Alabama.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/melanieauthor
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melaniedickerson123/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dickerson3046/

GIVEAWAY

Prize: 1 finished copy of The Piper’s Pursuit by Melanie Dickerson (USA)
Starts: 11/18/19
Ends:  11/28/19


Direct Link:

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/d9681b86416/?

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Book Review - Who Named Their Pony Macaroni? by Marilyn Singer + Giveaway

Photo Credit - Amazon

The White House has been home to a menagerie of animals. Some of the animals are well-known pets, while other pets were a bit "different".  The book employed mixed-media illustrations as a companion to the humor infused poems. However, I can't say I was a complete fan of all of the poems. Mostly because I don't really "understand" poems and I didn't know some of the facts in the poems. Thankfully, the author did include a blurb for each president but, I probably should have read it before reading the poems.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**

 
About the Book:
Title: WHO NAMED THEIR PONY MACARONI?
Author: Marilyn Singer, Ryan McAmis (Illustrations)
Pub. Date: October 1, 2019
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Pages: 48
Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, KindleB&NiBooks, KoboTBD

A family of mice. A runaway goat.
A mischievous snake.
A shocking parrot.
A pardoned turkey.
A pampered raccoon.
A ghostbusting dog.
A celebrity cow.
The White House housed more than presidents and First Families--who could forget the furry, scaly, feathered friends who impressed the press, guarded their charges, and kept them company through all the ups and downs of their respective terms?
Marilyn Singer's compelling poems will delight readers with stories of the creatures who sat beside our country's leaders, as she draws intriguing connections between the animals and the administrations they accompanied. Mixed-media illustrations by Ryan McAmis lend humor and vivacity, and detailed back matter explores each president's pet history in more depth.


About Marilyn:
Marilyn Singer was born in the Bronx (New York City) on October 3, 1948 and lived most of her early life in N. Massapequa (Long Island), NY. She attended Queens College, City University of New York, and for her junior year, Reading University, England. She holds a B.A. in English from Queens and an M.A. in Communications from New York University.

In 1974, after teaching English in New York City high schools for several years, she began to write - initially film notes, catalogues, teacher's guides and film strips. Then, one day, when she was sitting in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, she penned a story featuring talking insect characters she'd made up when she was eight. Encouraged by the responses she got, she wrote more stories and in 1976 her first book, The Dog Who Insisted He Wasn't, was published by E.P.Dutton & Co.

Since then, Marilyn has published over seventy books for children and young adults. Her genres are many and varied, including realistic novels, fantasies, non-fiction, fairy tales, picture books, mysteries and poetry. She likes writing many different kinds of books because it's challenging and it keeps her from getting bored. She has won several Children's Choice and Parents' Choice Awards, as well as the following: the Creature Carnival, Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award Honor Book, 2005; I Believe in Water: Twelve Brushes with Religion, New York Public Library's "Best Books for the Teen Age," 2001; Stay True: Short Stories for Strong Girls, Popular Paperbacks for Young Adults, 2000 (YALSA); On the Same Day in March, Booklist's Top Ten Science Books of 2000; NCSS-CBC Notable Book, 2000; Deal with a Ghost, finalist, YA category, Edgar Award, 1998; It Can't Hurt Forever, Maud Hart Lovelace Award, 1983; The Course of True Love Never Did Run Smooth, ALA Best Book for Young Adults, 1983; Turtle in July, NCTE Notable, N.Y.Times Best Illustrated and Time Magazine Best Children's Books of 1989; Turtle in July was also a Reading Rainbow review book.

Marilyn currently lives in Brooklyn, NY, with her husband Steve; their standard poodle Oggi, a cousin of their beloved and recently departed poodle Easy, seen in the home page photo; a cat named August ; two collared doves named Jubilee and Holiday; and a starling named Darling. Her interests include dog training, reading, hiking, bird-watching, gardening, meditation, playing computer adventure games and going to the movies and the theatre. She's also a major Star Trek fan.



Giveaway Details:

3 winners will win a finished copy of WHO NAMED THEIR PONY MACARONI?, US Only.

Rafflecopter link:


Tour Schedule:
Week One:
11/11/2019
Excerpt
11/12/2019
Excerpt
11/13/2019
Review
11/14/2019
Review
11/15/2019
Excerpt

Week Two:
11/18/2019
Review
11/19/2019
Excerpt
11/20/2019
Review
11/21/2019
Review
11/22/2019
Review


Friday, November 22, 2019

Book Review - Glow Girl by M. Weidenbenner + Giveaway


Photo Credit - Amazon
Sixteen-year-old Willow is your average high school student. Except, Willow has a secret that she keeps hidden from other people. Willow can heal animals but, her parents forbid her from using her powers because they fear for her safety. Unfortunately, Willow can't seem to keep her promise and ends up using her powers to help the sick animals.

Willow has to hide her abilities because a group known as Trident, targets people like her. People with special abilities are feared and hated by people without special abilities. Willow is content with keeping her abilities a secret but, when her friend's life becomes endangered, Willow must decide if she is willing to get involved or sit in the sidelines.

The novel had a similar feel to other superhero storylines where the young hero must decide if they are willing to use their gift for the greater good. I thought the novel is a refreshing read but, I found some of the language to be "off". For example, a high school student calling their mother "a feisty little thing". Personally, that just seems weird referring to a parent that way. Overall, it was an entertaining read and I am interested in reading the next novel in the series.

**Disclosure - I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion. This post may contain affiliate links which means I earn advertising and/or referral fees if you purchase an item through my link. Please note, there will be no extra charges to you. Thank you for your support.**



About the Book:
Title: GLOW GIRL
Author: M. Weidenbenner
Pub. Date: October 31, 2019
Publisher: Entangled Publishing, LLC (Amara)
Formats: Paperback, eBook
Pages: 266
Find it: GoodreadsAmazon, Kindle, B&NiBooksKobo

Multi-Award-Winning and Best-Selling Author, Speaker and Writing Coach.

Willow is just your average sixteen-year-old girl. Okay, maybe not so average. She can heal animals. For her own safety, her veterinarian parents have made her promise not to use her powers. But sometimes her compassion just takes over, and she can't help ... well ... helping.

Willow is a Droit, but hides her Droitism because people like her are feared and hated by those without special abilities. Two of Willow's schoolmates, rumored to be Droits, have simultaneously disappeared.

When Willow's non-Droit friend, Rain, is targeted, Willow wonders whether she should get involved--even if that means putting herself in the line of fire.

A mysterious new friend, Trae, just might be the key to unlock her courage.

In the end, she has a choice: she can deny who she is or declare her ability to heal, but either way, her life will never be the same again.




About M.:
AWARD-WINNING and AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR.
GOLD Medal WINNER in the 2014 READERS' FAVORITE International Awards.
Bronze Medal Winner in Dan Poytner's Global eBook Awards. Winner of the Kindle Book Promotion Awards. SPIRIT and INSPIRATION MEDALS in the NEW APPLE LITERARY AWARDS.

AWARD-WINNING SPEAKER. John Maxwell Team Leader.

To obtain a free copy of one of Michelle's children's books, and receive her newsletters, go to www/MichelleWeidenbenner.com/gift/

Michelle is an author, speaker, trainer and coach dedicated to leaving a legacy of leaders who care about bringing value to others and equipping the future generation. She's also known as the UNCOVER AGENT who helps people uncover their messages so they can UNLEASH them into the universe.

She grew up in the burbs of Detroit with five brothers. No sisters. Each time her mom brought the boy bundle home from the hospital Michelle cried, certain her mom liked boys better than girls. But when her brothers pitched in with the cooking, cleaning, and babysitting--without drama, Michelle discovered having brothers wasn't so bad. They even taught her how to take direct criticism without flinching, which comes in handy with book reviews.

CACHE a PREDATOR and ECLAIR GOES GEOCACHING are currently hidden in geocaching sites throughout the US. If you'd like to see where they might be in your area, please log in to geocaching.com and search for trackables at IN SCRIBE--that's Michelle.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon | Goodreads



Tour Schedule:
Week One:
10/28/2019
Excerpt
10/29/2019
Review
10/30/2019
Review
10/31/2019
Review
11/1/2019
Review

Week Two:
11/4/2019
Review
11/5/2019
Review
11/6/2019
Review
11/7/2019
Review
11/8/2019
Review

Week Three:
11/11/19
Excerpt
11/12/19
Review
11/13/19
Review
11/14/19
Review
11/15/19
Review

Week Four:
11/18/2019
Review
11/19/2019
Review
11/20/2019
Review
11/21/2019
Review
11/22/2019
Review
 

Giveaway Details:

50 winners will receive an ebook of GLOW GIRL, International. Via Goodreads


Goodreads Book Giveaway

Glow Girl by M. Weidenbenner

Glow Girl

by M. Weidenbenner

Giveaway ends November 28, 2019.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Enter Giveaway