Unabridged Bookshelf: January 2013

Thursday, January 31, 2013

The Crescent Chronicles Book Blitz and Cover Reveal with Excerpt and Giveaway

Today I have not only have the Book Blitz for The Crescent Chronicles by the very talented Alyssa Rose Ivy, but I also have the pleasure of participating in a Cover Reveal for the third book in The Crescent Chronicles, Found. There were two different events organized by two different tour companies, but they work together so well I combined it into one giant post! Book Blitz organized by Xpresso Tours and Cover Reveal organized by AToMR Tours!

ABOUT THE BOOKS

Title: Flight

Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

Series: The Crescent Chronicles #1

Publication Date: August 16, 2012

Length: 268 Pages

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Sometimes you just have to take flight.
A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad’s invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi.
Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.

Title: Focus

Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy

Series: The Crescent Chronicles #2

Publication Date: January 31, 2013

Length: 386 Pages

Amazon

Freshman year of college is hard even when you're not tied to the future king of a supernatural society.
Allie dives into college head first with Hailey as her roommate and the city of New Orleans as her backyard. As things within The Society heat up, Allie realizes that whether she’s with Levi or not, she's in far too deep to turn back.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a Young Adult and New Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

FOLLOW ALYSSA ROSE IVY

Website | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

EXCERPT FROM FOCUS

Fighting To Survive Blitz: Guest Post and Giveaway

Happy Paperback Release Day to Fighting to Survive and the mastermind behind the As The World Dies series, Rhiannon Frater!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Fighting to Survive
Author: Rhiannon Frater
Series: As the World Dies #2
Format: Paperback
Release Date: January 29, 2013
Publisher: Tor Books
Length: 448 Pages
Amazon | Barnes and Noble

It’s time to clear the hotel.
The fort has grown crowded as survivors of the zombie apocalypse have found safety between its walls. Winter is coming; soon it will be too cold to live in tents and other makeshift shelters. The leaders of the survivors—Katie, Jenni, Juan, Travis, and Nerit—decide it’s time for an assault on the zombie-occupied hotel that looms over the town square.
A pitched battle in the banquet room is the start of a harrowing, room-by-room struggle from Reception to roof. As the sun sets, the people of Ashley Oaks gather in the hotel’s rooftop ballroom and gazebo to celebrate their survival. Gazing out over the beauty of the surrounding Texas countryside, it’s hard to believe that death and danger lurk around every corner.
The fort’s search and rescue teams have attracted unwanted attention from bandits who see the fort as competition for food . . . and as a ready source of women. The first attacks are minor, but everyone knows there is worse to come.
And beyond the fort’s walls, the zombies shamble, moaning, eyes fastened hungrily upon the living.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Rhiannon Frater is the award-winning author of the As the World Dies trilogy (The First Days, Fighting to Survive, Siege,) and the author of three other books: the vampire novels Pretty When She Dies and The Tale of the Vampire Bride and the young-adult zombie novel The Living Dead Boy and the Zombie Hunters. Inspired to independently produce her work from the urging of her fans, she published The First Days in late 2008 and quickly gathered a cult following. She won the Dead Letter Award back-to-back for both The First Days and Fighting to Survive, the former of which the Harrisburg Book Examiner called ‘one of the best zombie books of the decade.’ Rhiannon is currently represented by Hannah Gordon of the Foundry + Literary Media agency. You may contact her by sending an email to rhiannonfrater@gmail.com.

Follow Rhiannon

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Blog Tour: Book Review of Demons of the Rich and Famous by Tawny Stokes

Welcome to my stop on the Demons of the Rich and Famous Blog Tour! To check out all the fun stops on this tour, just click on the banner above!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Demons of the Rich and Famous (Demon Whisper Series,#1)

Title: Demons of the Rich and Famous

Author: Tawny Stokes

Series: Caden Butcher #1

Publication Date: September 28, 2011

Length: 296 Pages

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Supernatural possession is the new “disease” and teen exorcist Caden Butcher is the cure… Caden Butcher, known as the whiz-kid exorcist to the stars, loves the Hollywood limelight. Or at least that’s what he wants people to believe so he can earn enough cash from his high profile exorcisms to take care of his ailing father. The problem is, not everyone’s happy with Caden’s star status, particularly Remy Martin, a high ranking member of the International Order of Exorcists, who suspects the truth, that these Hollywood exorcisms are staged with the help of Caden’s demon BFF, Dan.
So when a real exorcism goes bad and a nasty demon jumps bodies, the crap hits the supernatural fan. The Order strips Caden of his exorcism license right before he discovers the unleashed demon is one he knows well, very well. This demon is hell bent on destroying Caden’s life and everyone else who gets in his way. Now with the help of his demon buddy, and Caden’s girlfriend Aspen Spencer, a necromancer in training, Caden must defy the Order, track down the rogue demon and send him back to hell before it’s too late.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tawny Stokes has always been a writer. From an early age, she’d spin tales of serial killers in love, vampires taking over the world, and sometimes about fluffy bunnies turned bunnicidal maniacs. An honour student in high school, with a penchant for math and English, you’d never know it by the foot high blue Mohawk and Doc Martens, which often got her into trouble. No longer a Mohawk wearer, Tawny still enjoys old school punk rock, trance, zombie movies, teen horror films, and fluffy bunnies. She lives in Canada with her fantastical daughter, two cats, and spends most of her time creating new stories for teens.Tawny also writes adult paranormal/urban fantasy fiction under the name Vivi Anna, and is an aspiring screenwriter.
Amazon Author Page | Facebook | Twitter

MY REVIEW

Exorcism and Demonic Possession are not my usual choice, when choosing a book. The synopsis of Demons of the Rich and Famous had me intrigued so I decided to try it. I am very happy because I ended up loving Demons of the Rich and Famous. Caden is a rebellious teenager, who just happens also to be a famous exorcist. Caden and his best friend, Dan, target the rich and famous in Hollywood to make money to pay the bills. How do they do this? After picking their target, Dan, who is a demon, possesses the target and Caden exorcises him. While it may seem odd that an exorcist could be friends with a demon, if it was not for Dantalion Caden would have never survived his coma vacation to hell. Then exorcism goes wrong, and Caden discovers he may just be out of his league on this one, and everyone he holds dear maybe in danger.

The characters created by Tawny Stokes are done fantastically and even a little creepy at times. Besides Caden, I would have to say that Dantalion is my favorite character. Their friendship maybe a forbidden one, but I could really sense the camaraderie and bond they have with each other. I also really liked Caden’s girlfriend, Aspen but in this book, I did not get a real perception of her character. I am hoping that I will find out more in the second installment in the Caden Butcher series.

I have to say that I loved the surprises thrown at me throughout the story, and it really kept me turning the page. There is a lot of discoveries made in this book, but I have a feeling that there is much more to discover in the next book, America’s Next Top Zombie. I would really recommend this for fans that enjoy books with a good paranormal twist. Set in a slightly different version of the modern day world, the story has a very realistic setting.

I have to say that I loved the story, the characters, basically everything about Demons of the Rich and Famous. It was a quick read, but very enjoyable. I cannot wait to read the next installment and see what Caden and Dan are up too. I will have to say, Demons of the Rich and Famous is a brilliant start to what I suspect maybe an impressive series.

**Unabridged Bookshelf received this book from the author, in exchange for an honest review**

Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf!

The Young Adult Giveaway Hop!

Welcome to my giveaway stop for the Young Adult Giveaway Hop!!
I have not participated in one of these for a while, so I thought it would be fun and I love giving my awesome readers something to show how much I appreciate them!

What is up for grabs this time around??
Book of Your Choice from Book Depository!
That means this is an International Giveaway as long as Book Depository ships to you!
Keep those wishlist handy and Enter on the Rafflecopter form below!

Book Review: Before I Wake by Rachel Vincent

Title: Before I Wake
Author: Rachel Vincent
Series: Soul Screamers #6
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Publication Date: June 26, 2012
Length: 339 Pages
Amazon | Barnes and Noble | Book Depository

I died on a Thursday—killed by a monster intent on stealing my soul. The good news? He didn't get it.
The bad news? Turns out not even death will get you out of high school…
Covering up her own murder was one thing, but faking life is much harder than Kaylee Cavanaugh expected. After weeks spent "recovering," she's back in school, fighting to stay visible to the human world, struggling to fit in with her friends and planning time alone with her new reaper boyfriend.
But to earn her keep in the human world, Kaylee must reclaim stolen souls, and when her first assignment brings her face-to-face with an old foe, she knows the game has changed. Her immortal status won't keep her safe. And this time Kaylee isn't just gambling with her own life….

MY REVIEW

**This Review may contain SPOILERS for previous installments, especially IF I DIE**

Rachel Vincent does it again with the newest installment to the Soul Screamers series. Before I Wake is the work of emotional warfare, specifically my emotions. I have loved the Soul Screamers series from the very beginning and I have to say that Before I Wake made me love it even more if that is possible. After events in If I Die, I knew that the story would be taking a change, but I was surprised at the amount of change that takes place. I think that is most evident in Kaylee herself. Death has made her strong but less connected to the living world around her which creates some issues.

**IF I DIE SPOILERS AHEAD**

Novella Review: Forgotten Lyrics by Amanda Hocking

Title: Forgotten Lyrics

Author: Amanda Hocking

Series: Watersong #0.5

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin

Publication Date: October 30, 2012

Length: 60 Pages

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

Don’t miss this imaginative new short story set in the magical world of Watersong—a realm of enchanting beauty…and terrifying secrets.
Aggie is a mythological creature on a secret mission. Lydia is a young woman from a magical family with no real powers of her own. And Daniel is a high school boy who’s made it his duty to protect his deeply troubled older brother. Then one fateful night, their lives collide in a terrifying accident that changes them all forever. And beneath the surface, the ripple effects of the accident will have more impact than anyone could ever guess...changing not only their future, but the fate of an entire town.

MY REVIEW

Forgotten Lyrics is a brief but insightful look into the Watersong world, before the events of Wake. This novella was another great installment from Amanda Hocking. Easily read within an hour or so, it gives more details about events mentioned in Wake, without giving anything away.

The novella takes place for the most part five years before Wake. This story is about a specific event in Daniel’s life, and how that event interacts with Lydia and Aggie. For fans of Wake, it is a great read and highly recommended. It is also a great introduction to the series for those who are curious, but have not yet to read any of the Watersong series.

Forgotten Lyrics gives insight into characters that have made appearances in so far in the series, and some that have not yet. I have been a fan of Amanda Hocking since reading some of her earlier works, and her Watersong series is currently one of my favorites. I cannot wait for its continuations in Lullaby and Tidal.

**Unabridged Bookshelf purchased this book**

Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf!

Thursday, January 17, 2013

Cover Reveal and Giveaway: Corded by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Title: Corded
Author: Alyssa Rose Ivy
Cover Design: PhatPuppy Art

In a world where women are commodities, the only thing more rare than finding true love is a happy ending.
Kayla is in hiding—her only crime being born a girl in a society of 99% men. When her sister and niece are kidnapped, she is willing to do anything to save them. Kayla ventures into the dangerous streets of the city, a place where a woman can be claimed by anyone unless she has been marked by a club.
Desperate, she turns to Mason, a powerful club leader whose help comes at a cost—her freedom.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Alyssa Rose Ivy lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write.

FOLLOW ALYSSA ROSE IVY

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

I have enjoyed and loved every single book I have read by Alyssa Rose Ivy! I cannot wait to try out this new world she created in Corded, and it sounds like it is going to be another addicting read from Alyssa!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Cover Reveal: Hereafter by Jennifer Snyder

Title: Hereafter
Author: Jenifer Snyder
Expected Publication: February 18, 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Age Group: Young Adult
Cover Design: Once Upon a Time Covers

In Death I could finally see the importance of Life…
After being forced to become a Reaper Council member and being torn away from the one she loves, Rowan Harper must learn to accept her altered Fate as well as her death and move on. A task easier said than done, especially when witnessing those you love suffer in the wake of your death.
When an unlikely ally provides information that could change everything, Rowan sets out on a journey through Purgatory with her beloved by her side and a nonchalant Tracker to learn the true meaning of the word sacrifice. Another task which seems easier said than done, especially with the threat of Purgatory’s ability to corrupt your soul the longer you’re in its grip looming above their heads.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jennifer Snyder lives in North Carolina were she spends most of her time writing young adult fiction, reading, and struggling to stay on top of housework. She is an instant coffee lover with an obsession for spiral bound notebooks and smooth writing pens. Jennifer lives with her husband and two children, who endure listening to songs that spur inspiration on repeat and tolerate her love for all paranormal, teenage-targeted TV shows.

Blog | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

Absolutely beautiful cover!! I think that the premise sounds really good! I really like seeing all the different takes of reapers that have been popping up, and I am looking forward to see what Jennifer Snyder is going to do with them.

What do you think of the cover?

Thank you for stopping by Unabridged Bookshelf!

Sunday, January 13, 2013

Stacking the Shelves: Kindle Fire Edition

Stacking The Shelves was created and is hosted by Tynga at Tynga's Reviews. Stacking the Shelves is where I will be sharing the books and goodies I have received for the week. This will include both physical and eBooks that are purchased, borrowed, gifted, or for review.

FOR REVIEW

The Crimson Hunt (Eldaen Light Chronicles, #1)

These are all for future blog tours I am participating in!

Thank you to Good Choice Reading Blog Tours and Emlyn Chand, Rumor Has It and Kendall Grey, Xpresso Book Tours, Victoria Smith, Rhiannon Frater, and Kody Boye, and Shane @ Itching Reads and Tor Teen.

GIFTED

Thank you to my wonderful Secret Santa!!

(Secret Santa organized by the wonderful Misty @ Kindle Obsessed)

BOUGHT

I have heard wonderful things about the WVMP Radio Series, and I decided I had to try it out!

and the item I am most excited about...

MY NEW KINDLE FIRE HD!!

I received a lot of Amazon Gift Cards for Christmas and decided to spoil myself!!

This Week On Unabridged Bookshelf

Blog Tour: Review of All the Broken Pieces by Cindi Madsen

Happy Just Breathe Release Day

Release Blog Tour: Review and Amazing Giveaway

Review: Dead Girl Moon by Charlie Price

Excerpt: The Collector by Victoria Scott

Coming Up Next Week on Unabridged Bookshelf

REVIEWS

COVER REVEALS

HereAfter by Jennifer Snyder

Corded by Alyssa Rose Ivy

What did you get this week?

Leave me a link so I can come check it out!

Thank you for visiting Unabridged Bookshelf!

Saturday, January 12, 2013

Excerpt: The Collector (Dante Walker #1) by Victoria Scott

The Collector has reached 4,000 adds on Goodreads! That is an amazing feat, from a book that is not due out until April! To celebrate, Victoria Scott has given the VMafia (her street team) the oppurtinity to release a special excerpt from the upcoming novel! Are you excited? Because I am!!

Title: The Collector
Author: Victoria Scott
Series: Dante Walker #1
Publisher: Entangled Teen
Publication Date: April 2, 2013
Length: 400 Pages

He makes good girls...bad.
Dante Walker is flippin’ awesome, and he knows it. His good looks, killer charm, and stellar confidence has made him one of hell’s best—a soul collector. His job is simple, weed through humanity and label those round rears with a big, red good or bad stamp. Old Saint Nick gets the good guys, and he gets the fun ones. Bag-and-tag.
Sealing souls is nothing personal. Dante’s an equal opportunity collector and doesn’t want it any other way. But he’ll have to adjust, because Boss Man has given him a new assignment:
Collect Charlie Cooper’s soul within 10 days.
Dante doesn’t know why Boss Man wants Charlie, nor does he care. This assignment means only one thing to him, and that’s a permanent ticket out of hell. But after Dante meets the quirky, Nerd Alert chick he’s come to collect—he realizes this assignment will test his abilities as a collector, and uncover emotions deeply buried.

THE EXCERPT

Title: Dead Girl Moon
Author: Charlie Price
Publication Date: October 30, 2012
Length: 272 Pages

As their hardscrabble lives intertwine in a small, corrupt Montana town, Grace, a scheming runaway, JJ, her drifty fostercare sister, and Mick, the son of a petty thief, discover the body of a young woman. Afraid to come forward, the teens try to hide their knowledge of the crime, because they believe the murderer is one of the corrupt officials and businessmen who rule their town. But after a series of false moves and dumb mistakes, the teens are soon suspects themselves in a murder investigation threatening their freedom—and maybe their lives.

MY REVIEW

Release Blog Tour: Review and Amazing Giveaway

Welcome to Unabridged Bookshelf's stop on the Release Blog Tour!!

There is a lot of amazing stuff happening on this tour so make sure to check out the full schedule by clicking the banner above.

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Release

Author: M.R. Merrick

Series: The Protector #3

Publication Date: December 8, 2012

Length: 370 Pages

After uniting the shifters and calling in reinforcements, Chase has to face his toughest challenge yet: learning to control his emotions. But as tensions rise and his powers grow, controlling his emotions becomes the least of his problems.
Terrorized by a multi-shifter who is hell-bent on turning him, Chase questions just how far he’s willing to go to stop his father. Meanwhile, Tiki’s virtuous nature has placed him in the middle of Vincent’s past, leaving Chase to oppose a senate of vampires and defend a demon he hates.
Trying to balance his friends, his enemies, and his inner demons, Chase is left searching for answers about the Mark, his destiny, and where he can find the next soul piece. Stopping Riley is his top priority, but as more obstacles arise, he finds himself doubting all the decisions he’s made - especially regarding Rayna.
One thing is for certain: Chase has finally realized that he doesn’t know anything. The light doesn’t always quell the darkness, the monsters don’t always stay in the shadows, and the past doesn’t always stay in the past - sometimes, the demons inside are the hardest to fight.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

M.R. Merrick is a Canadian writer and author of The Protector Series, a Young Adult mash-up between Urban and Epic Fantasy. Having never traveled, he adventures to far off lands through his imagination and in between cups of coffee. As a music lover and proud breakfast enthusiast, he’s usually found at the computer between a pair of headphones and in front of a large bowl of cereal.

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook

MY REVIEW

* Spoilers will be avoided but this Review may contain spoilers from previous novels*

Happy Just Breathe Release Day!

HAPPY RELEASE DAY TO JUST BREATHE!!

Just Breathe the final book in the Just Breathe Trilogy is here!

ABOUT THE BOOK

Title: Just Breathe

Author: Kendall Grey

Series: Just Breathe #3

Publisher: Howling Mad Press

Publication Date: January 8, 2013 (TODAY!!)

Amazon | Barnes and Noble

He made a deal with the devil to save the woman he loves…
After a terrible accident rocks the foundation of their relationship, Australian Sentinel Gavin Cassidy and whale biologist Zoe Morgan call it quits. Gavin can’t forgive himself for shattering her trust, and being with the sexy rock star is killing Zoe. Literally.
But love—and duty—are powerful motivators, and alliances are forged in the most unlikely places. With the key to salvation locked inside the mind of an unconscious child, Gavin must find another way to snuff out the Fyre Elementals before millions of humans die, or make good on his deal with the devil and lose the one he loves. Again.

The Just Breathe Trilogy

Be sure to check out the Just Breathe Trilogy website for all things Just Breathe!

*All profits from the sales of INHALE, EXHALE, and JUST BREATHE will be donated to whale education.*

The Just Breathe Ephemera

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Word diddler and whale warrior, Kendall was born without an off-switch between her brain and mouth. She’s been called the “Flux Capacitor of Twitter” and “A little package of love all wrapped up in F-word paper,” but she’s really just a maniacal writer relaying eyewitness accounts of the rave inside her head. She writes urban fantasy romance and dabbles in erotica and horror on occasion. Kendall lives off a dirt road near Atlanta, Georgia, but don’t hold that against her.

Website | Twitter | Facebook