Publication Day Party: How Soon Is Now? By Paul Carnahan

Blurb

Troubled ex-journalist Luke Seymour discovers an untapped talent for time travel after being recruited to rescue the stricken leader of The Nostalgia Club, an eccentric band of time travellers who meet in the back room of an Edinburgh pub. As he hones his skills and learns the stories of the Club’s members, Luke delves deeper and deeper into his own past – where the terrible mistake which scarred his life is waiting…

Author Bio: Paul Carnahan is a former national newspaper journalist-turned-writer who lives and works in Central Scotland. ‘How Soon Is Now?’ is his first novel – a second, ‘End of a Century’ will follow later this year.

Author’s Website: www.paulcarnahan.com

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Publication Party Day: Storm of Magic: Shadows of Chaos Book 1 by Cassie Greutman

Blurb

Something sinister lurks beneath the bright lights of Los Angeles. Rookie cop Jayla Nofsky thought she’d seen it all. But then a routine patrol spirals into chaos when she encounters a fae, Ghira, opening a portal to Faerie. Ghira’s plan? Bring through her psychotic husband and set him loose on the world. Jayla destroys the portal, leaving Ghira stranded on Earth, but not powerless. She can control minds, proven when she turns Jayla’s partner against her. For reasons unknown, her ability won’t work on Jayla. Ghira would do anything to reopen the portal, and she only needs one thing. Jayla’s blood. The key to getting Jayla to cooperate is an easy target. Jayla’s three-year-old daughter, Kenzie. As the line between ally and enemy blurs, Jayla doesn’t know who to trust. Her police captain? A sketchy fae who knows so much more about the situation than she does? Her estranged husband? Jayla’s allies’ loyalties are uncertain, and every choice she makes could be her last. One immune cop against a fae who can control minds—the odds are stacked against her. But she’ll fight. Because if Jayla fails, not just her city, but her daughter will pay the price.

Author bio

Cassie Greutman is a small town Ohio girl who has always loved stories in any form. You can usually find her typing away at her computer or playing out in the barn with her ponies.

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Review: Trollhunters by Guillermo del Toro and Daniel Kraus

Goodreads Blurb

In San Bernardino, California, children are going missing.

The townspeople don’t believe the rumours of trolls, but fifteen-year-old Jim Jr knows that they’re a very real threat. At night, is anyone safe?

TROLLHUNTERS is a funny, gruesome and undeniably del Toro-esque adventure perfect for teen readers and fans of Pan’s Labyrinth.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 Stars

Wow, what an amazing book written from one of the best filmmakers ever. Book had an awesome beginning and ending. I just couldn’t put it down. Loved the whole troll story idea and having a human family being the trollhunters to keep all humans safe. Each character was very important in the book. They were all able to get together and do what was right to save everyone. The plot of this book was great, hoping it became a movie. What I loved most was that the story was being told by James, who is the son of Jim, who had lost his brother in a strange encounter. Fooled me at the beginning, thinking that Jim was telling the story. You don’t want to miss this amazing book with out of the box ideas, innovations, and thrilling.

Author Biography

Guillermo del Toro is a Mexican director mostly known for his acclaimed films Pan’s Labyrinth, The Devils Backbone, Crimson Peak and the Hellboy film franchise. His films draw heavily on sources as diverse as weird fiction, fantasy, horror, and war. In 2009, Del Toro released his debut novel, The Strain, co-authored with Chuck Hogan, as the first part of The Strain Trilogy, an apocalyptic horror series featuring vampires. The series continued with The Fall in 2010 and concluded with The Night Eternal in 2011.

Review: The Dark Realm: Feyland Book 1 by Anthea Sharp

Goodreads Blurb

What if a high-tech computer game was a gateway to the dangerous Realm of Faerie?

When a game…

Feyland is the most immersive computer game ever designed, and Jennet Carter is the first to play the prototype. But she doesn’t suspect the virtual world is close enough to touch — or that she’ll be battling for her life against the Dark Queen of the faeries.

Turns real…

Tam Linn is the perfect hero — in-game. Too bad the rest of his life is seriously flawed. The last thing he needs is rich-girl Jennet prying into his secrets, insisting he’s the only one who can help her.

Winning is everything…

Together, Jennet and Tam enter the Dark Realm of Feyland, only to discover that the entire human world is in danger. Pushed to the limit of their abilities, they must defeat the Dark Queen… before it’s too late.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 Stars

Received this book from the author in exchange for a review. I must say this book was out of this world. I loved it. It was the first book I have ever read that involved a video game or should I say a secret world. It grabbed my attention from the very beginning, with the Queen taking away Jennet’s soul. It was scary since video games have become a big part of our society, and who knows if a video game that feels real and appears in true life can happen? I was so hurt when Tam was taken into the game and spared Jennets life. I was so happy that the real true hero was Jennet, who gave all she had to save Tam from ending up like Thomas. This book really put fear in me. Having to go through the Goblins and hounds trying to rip them apart. I felt like I was living there fears too.The lyrics to the ballad were invigorating. I really loved how Anthea used the lyrics and the story plot into her book. The book was very easy to read and understand. I was at the edge of my seat, waiting to see what would happen next in the world of Feyland. Thanks for writing such an amazing book. I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. All the books in the series have beautiful covers.

Author Biography

Growing up, Anthea Sharp spent her summers raiding the library shelves and reading, especially fantasy. She now makes her home in the Pacific Northwest, where she writes, plays the fiddle, hangs out in virtual worlds, and spends time with her small-but-good family. Contact her at antheasharp@hotmail.com, follow her on twitter, find her on facebook (http://www.facebook.com/AntheaSharp), and visit her website.

Review: Penny Palabras by James B. Willard, Patrick K. Beavers, illustrator

Goodreads Blurb

Penny Palabras, 17, has experienced the paranormal for years. She knows that things aren’t always what they seem. She’s tormented by a malevolent entity called the Straw Man. As she searches for ways to banish him from her life, she’s haunted by more than ghosts. Her nightmares won’t let her sleep, her friends and family can’t understand, and the Straw Man is getting more powerful every day.

This Season One volume collects episodes 1-6 of Penny Palabras as well as the kickstarter funded addition of the “Lucas” segue and additional developmental artwork. The episodes are (minor plot spoilers follow):

01 – The Spectacular Revolver. Penny begins her narrative, introducing us to her world. We learn about the Straw Man, meet the Pawn Broker and the Librarian, and Penny acquires the Spectacular Revolver.

02 – The Devil’s Weight. Penny is visited by a surprise guest when she least expects it. She learns more about ghosts and getting rid of straw men.

03 – The Detachment Bell. Penny’s friend Stevan brings her an artifact that she’ll later find useful.

04 – Disappearing Acts – Penny gets expelled from school and we see what it’s like to be tormented by the Straw Man. Penny realizes that there is only one way to protect her family and friends from him – by leaving.

05 – A Gun In Act One – Penny makes some discoveries that lead her to her father and has another run-in with the Straw Man. She finds out more about the librarian and herself as a result of his attack.

Segue – Lucas. Backed by a Kickstarter supporter of the project, this segue chronicles Penny’s quest to find the summoning spell that she uses in the beginning of the next episode.

06 – Love Letters – The season one story arc concludes as Penny resorts to extremes, allowing the Tiger Devil and his associate to help her bind the Straw Man and send her home.

My Review: Rated 5 out of 5 stars

Won this book from GoodReads. This graphic novel was nicely written. Love the artwork that was done for this book. I feel horrible for Penny. It’s such a freak twisting novel. Really wasn’t expecting what was unraveled in the last few chapters. I could relate to Penny because I myself have nightmares most nights. I have some really twisted weird dreams. This book reminds me of bullying. Since the Straw Man and the tiger devil won’t leave her alone. They are willing to help only if you do something for them, which is definitely not something that you would normally do. It’s great that they started the book with the cast of characters and there picture so you would know who the character is. The way I interpret this book is a teenager who has been haunted by some evil spirits and is looking for a way put. No one can help her, but the spirit of the librarian who knows what she is going through. I can’t wait to read the rest of the novels.