August 19, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Boreal and John Grey (Complete Season One) by Chrystalla Thoma

Chrystalla Thoma’s Boreal and John Grey (Complete Season 1) book blurb:

Centuries ago, they nearly conquered humankind. But their Gate to our world closed, leaving them out. Now the elves have found a way back.

Ella Benson, agent of the Paranormal Bureau, fights the Shades when they cross into our world, keeping everyone safe.

But increasingly dangerous creatures are slipping into her city, her work partner has just gone missing, and a mysterious – and, quite frankly, hot — guy saves her life. His name is Finn and, as it turns out, he’s a natural when it comes to fighting the Shades.

When the Gates between the worlds start opening and the elves make a comeback, Ella needs a new, temporary partner. Enlisting the mysterious Finn is a no-brainer, until she realizes he is guarding dangerous secrets of his own.

Together with Finn, and the fate of the world on her shoulders, what’s Ella to do but grab her weapons and figure it all out, one way or another.

Chrystalla Thoma’s Boreal and John Grey has become one of my new favourite urban fantasy/paranormal book series. Absolutely hooked from the cover and first pages alone, I could not bear to put this book down (and I had to being the summer hols, spending time with my kids and all)!! There is definitely something for everyone (say 15yrs+) with this magical story of the human world having Gates appear from another world, where it brings Shades, snakes, dragons, dwarves and goblins, not to mention sexy elves! The story itself is complete with action and adventure, mystery and romance.

Ella Benson is an agent for the Paranormal Bureau and we begin the story with Ella investigating a report of an attack by a Shade. She is supposed to be meeting up with her partner, Simon, but when there is no sign of him she is left to tackle the Shades alone. The reader is made aware of the trouble that the Shades have begun to cause within the first few pages, how easily they can attack and the mystery of where Simon is.

The reader is also introduced to the hero of the series, Finn (although the series centres mostly on Ella being the heroine). Whilst having fought the Shades, Simon not showing – Ella is a little confused when she thinks she sees a man fighting off the Shades. Did she bang her head during the fight? Is she hallucinating?

Without Simon, and the Shades appearing more and more, causing trouble all over the city, Ella needs a partner. Who else is there to consider but Finn! He is aware of the situation and he seems to handle himself well in fighting them off, not to mention a little protective of Ella!!! As Finn becomes injured a little later, and with no place to go, Ella takes him in until he can stand on his feet and move into his own place.

The romantic magic is written beautifully as these two characters learn more about the other (Ella more than Finn)! However, doubts and caution come into play when Ella begins to believe that Finn may not be quite who she thought he was. Finn doesn’t help the situation as he remains a little grumpy on/off with one word answers but it is Ella’s suspicious mind that begins to see a little more into who Finn really is!

Throughout the whole season I did not doubt that Ella was a strong heroine and felt that she could survive anything. And yet I love how Ella still reads as a feminine character with not too much machoism and she has a caring personality where her friends and colleagues are concerned, and Finn!!! There are times, however, when the reader real feels Finn’s vulnerable side but even in some grave situations he remains protective to Ella. There are moments when the reader will question Finn’s actions, however!

I couldn’t help but view Finn’s character like that of Eric from ‘True Blood’ (especially the time when Eric cannot remember who he is – he is emotionally vulnerable and yet protective of Sookie). With his pale skin, blue eyes, beautifully set cheek bones plus the fact that he is able to look after himself there are also moments when Finn becomes injured and needs to be nursed by Ella. But even in times of being injured he will defend and protect Ella.

Boreal and John Grey (Complete Season One) consists of five books: The Encounter, The Gate, The Dragon, The Dream and The Truth. One of my favourite aspects of these books is the way in which they are written as ‘episodes’ of a series. I find books written in this manner pack as much action/adventure and story into each book, keeping it very much alive and at the same time the reader gets to know the characters gradually over the whole series. I also find that each subsequent ‘episode’/book will subtley recap the reader or introduce the new reader to the events of the story, allowing the reader to keep informed with the full plot! Chrystalla Thoma’s Boreal and John Grey (The Complete Season One) is no exception to this.

This series offers a great deal of realism from the characters having believable characteristics, including their flaws (i.e. vulnerabilities, confusion of events, mood swings, etc), and the focus on various myths and legends from historical era’s worldwide. After reading this series, along with Chrystalla Thoma’s bio, the reader can see how imaginative Chrystalla has been in taking modern life, realistic settings with Ella being an investigative agent and then opening up the story that dates back centuries with elves trying to conquer our world after Gates begin to open between their world and ours.

I would like to thank Chrystalla Thoma for inviting us to review her fantastic season of Boreal and John Grey for the purpose of an honest and fair review. Without the review request I may not have come across this 5 star work of fiction. I hope there is another series to come with these brilliant characters, their relationship and how they can save the world.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

Chrystalla Thoma’s Bio:

Greek Cypriot with a penchant for dark myths, good food, and a tendency to settle down anywhere but at home, Chrystalla likes to write about fantastical creatures, crazy adventures, and family bonds. After having lived in France, England, Germany and Costa Rica, she now lives in Cyprus with her husband and enjoys wandering the countryside sampling local food and wine. She writes mainly fantasy and science fiction, primarily for a young adult and new adult public, and her stories have appeared in many magazines and anthologies.

Author links/contact info:

Blog: http://chrystallathoma.wordpress.com/

Amazon page:

http://www.amazon.com/Chrystalla-Thoma/e/B001JOWZCC

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Chrystalla-Thoma/117863861560579

Twitter: @chrystallathoma

You can find the complete season 1 of Boreal and John Grey at Amazon.co.uk currently for £1.99 or on Amazon.com currently for $3.08.

If you would like to try Book One, The Encounter, of the Boreal and John Grey Series you can find it for FREE on both Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com (please note that all prices are correct at the time of publishing this post).

August 15, 2013 by Caroline Barker

RELEASE DATE: Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter, Book 1) by Tim O’Rourke – Piatkus/Little Brown Publishing

Congratulations to Tim O’Rourke on his release of Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter, Book 1), published for the first time by Piatkus/Little Brown Publishing House on 15th August 2013. To help celebrate the release you can have a chance at winning a Limited Edition t-shirt, check out the book blurb and you can also check out a little video interview introduction (by Tim) to Samantha Carter on the Piatkus website!

The e-book is released today and the paperback copies will be released in January 2014! You can find the Kindle edition on Amazon.co.uk for £4.99 and on Amazon.com for £7.74! (Prices correct at the time of publishing this post.)

Below is my review of Vampire Seeker (already published to the blog previously) with the new cover. (This is also my favourite review that I have written!!!)

I thought Tim O’Rourke had me with the Keira Hudson series. I thought the same again when I read ‘Moonlight’, from his Moon Trilogy, and then in his latest series, Sydney Hart, in the novel ‘Witch’. ‘Vampire Seeker’ is no exception to the rule. It’s wacky, adventurous, action-packed, fun and gory. From a vampire seeker in London, 2012, to a cowgirl in the Wild West in 1888, Samantha Carter is a brilliant heroine.

‘Vampire Seeker’ begins with Samantha following a Jack the Ripper copy-cat killer in London 2012. Samantha believes that the killer is a vampire and, as she has had an obsession in trying to prove their very existence, when she hears of the latest murder via a police scanner she exploits the situation by tracking him down. This is a very brave and courageous move, and even though risky, Sammy is on a mission for what she believes in. She is studying criminology but reading about, researching and studying vampires is her thing. She cannot let this moment pass. She is so close to the truth.

With the police on her tail, as she is seen near the crime scene, she follows the stranger she believes is a vampire and murderer as quickly and quietly as she can. She ends up at a Tube station and boarding a train she sees the stranger take. With only moments before the police reach her she pushes her way through the carriages to find her ‘vampire’. Throughout the following pages words are exchanged and then there is a bright light….

….when she wakes, Sammy is in the Wild West in 1888. She is dressed in denim and can handle a gun or two very well. She is in a tricky situation as soon as she wakes, with a gang of men lying around her that she has supposedly killed and another man behaving in a threatening manner towards her who has disarmed her and ready to take advantage. It is at this point that Samantha meets the Preacher, Louise, Zoe and Harry, a group of possible outlaws that treat Samantha as if she were one of their own.

To elaborate any further would completely spoil the story, however Samantha needs to work out how she arrived in the Wild West in 1888, why she woke up there and how she can get back to London, 2012. Is it connected to the murders taking place, or the possible vampire she had followed? Or is it all a dream?

Sammy’s character is very strong. She is a decisive gal with ambition and courage. She handles herself well in most situations and stands up to the other characters in the novel. Although she isn’t easily pushed around or deceived easily she still retains her femininity and sexiness. Samantha is wise and is able to pick up skills very quickly, despite having to get used to a new way of life.

Throughout ‘Vampire Seeker’ there are many action scenes that are quick-paced, violent, gory and sickening. This all adds to the thrill and excitement and the pace of the novel. Tim’s writing is so clear to the reader that although you are using your own imagination, the details of these action sequences are still vivid and clear from the writing. Every movement made can be imagined easily, allowing the reader to live in the moment themselves.

With Tim’s books that I have read thus far I have felt alive when reading them, as if beside the characters, like I am there with them. With ‘Vampire Seeker’ I felt most of this, however I not only wanted to be there with Samantha but I wanted to be Samantha Carter. I wanted to know how it would feel to shoot pistols and ride a horse in denims, belonging to a group of possible outlaws. Would I want to stay in the Wild West, 1888, or return to London in 2012?

‘Vampire Seeker’ not only makes for such a great read, but it captivates the imagination so much that you can see it, you can feel it. I was taken on a roller-coaster ride of fantasy every few pages where one minute it is like the TV series ‘Life on Mars’, the next ‘Back to the Future Part III’. The only difference being that here we have a female lead character. I have been watching a few westerns on TV recently, such as ‘Deadwood’ and ‘Hell on Wheels’, and reading Vampire Seeker simply tied in with this theme with the added bonus of the faster, more adventurous pace, along with the paranormal direction. There are also so many twists and turns that one direction that the novel took made me think of the movie ‘From Dusk ’til Dawn’ but I will not elaborate too much here, other than to say that a relationship between certain characters have similar circumstances.

The Preacher character is almost like a father-figure type character in my mind. He is out on a mission himself with his fellow riders and he is a leader. Samantha is helped by the Preacher and although he, Zoe and Louise have been friendly and accepting of Samantha, taking her in as one of their own, Sammy has her doubts about the group as the story unfolds and questions the Faith of the Preacher.

And then there is Harry, Harry Turner. I can definitely see why this novel is for new/young adults, 17 yrs plus, as the sexual tension is very hot and intense. If you are looking for a romance theme, or at least the hope of one with a strong and silent type cowboy you will not be disappointed. He is like Clint Eastwood in ‘High Plains Drifter’, which funnily enough has an almost paranormal feel but not in quite the same way that ‘Vampire Seeker’ has. Aside from Samantha, Harry is my favourite character that I cannot live without. I am just dying to know just how bad he is. I can honestly say that if the action and gore don’t get the blood pumping, Harry certainly will!

I need to read the sequel right now. I cannot wait for the release date!

‘Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter, Book One)’ was received gratefully from the author in return for an honest and fair review.

Other series’ to try are Keira Hudson, Black Hill Farm, The Moon Trilogy and Doorways. You can find all information on Tim’s website.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

August 5, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Wolfen Domination (Project Nemesis #1) – a short story by Celeste Anwar

Celeste Anwar’s Wolfen Domination (Project Nemesis #1) is a dramatic erotica short story which is suitable only for the adult reader (18 yrs+) due to its content. Full of adventure Wolfen Domination follows the consequences of a captured Lycan, Jesse Stone, and the part that scientist, Erin Maddox, played in him being physically used (and non-consensually) – all in the name of science!

Project Nemesis is a secretive, government supported project that involved capturing a Lycan once their existence was discovered and its mission was to find out as much as possible on this new discovered species. However, head scientists Doctor Wagner and Doctor Freda Dallas appear to get carried away with their experiments and the reader soon discovers that Jesse has been starved and tortured. The reader instantly wants Jesse to escape any way he can.

The only part of Jesse’s day that was a small compensation was seeing the young scientist, Erin, when she came to leave him some food. But over time, after countless tests and torturous moments, Erin showed up in his cage seemingly willing to take part in the science experiments herself. It wasn’t until after the deed itself that it dawned on Jesse that Erin had been willing – willing to use him. The one moment he looked forward to, in seeing her, now completely enraged him. She was one of them. Jesse was furious and longed to escape in order to kill them, to avenge his mistreatment of physical and mental torturous hell! He plans to kill Erin last due to the pain and betrayal she has made him feel.

Celeste Anwar throws the reader straight in the deep end with the experiments having taken place, Jesse having been tortured and Freda and Wagner discussing how they can perform a further experiment with Jesse. The reader is made aware of the callousness of Doctor Wagner and Doctor Freda and the extremes that they will go to without taking any moment to think of the rights of Jesse.

There are moments when I felt that Wolfen Domination was rushed. The reader is not provided with much, if any, background information on Jesse or any of the other Lycans. We are made aware of what Jesse is from the beginning but apart from that there are no real dramatic descriptions of him ‘turning’ or much about his characteristics. Also, the on/off attraction between Jesse and Erin at times doesn’t seem believable as aside from the experiments we know too little about these characters. I do think this story would have benefitted from a more intense build-up and allowing the readers to get close to the main characters. That said, Wolfen Domination is quite adventurous and becomes moreso as the story moves on.

In terms of erotica, the reader is provided with some very intimate scenes between Jesse and Erin. Jesse is obviously attracted to her quite strongly. These scenes are mostly at the beginning of the story and the story then unfolds into a more paranormal action/adventure. However, some of these scenes are non-consensual, hence the recommendation for ADULT readers only, and therefore this may not be for everyone – a more erotic/horror. These scenes are necessary for the main plot, however, and if you can bear reading scenes of this nature the plot thereafter is quite interesting, following the consequences of the experiments and Jesse’s reaction to all that he has been through.

To mention what takes place after the experiments on Jessie would spoil the story. However, it is a worthwhile read and I would consider reading more of Celeste Anwar’s work. There are moments when the reader is completely involved in the story and connected to the characters, although there are moments that the reader could possibly struggle with following the concepts due to a lack of background knowledge. However, reading the whole story certainly allows for the reader to see where the plot is actually going and the potential it has.

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

July 31, 2013 by Caroline Barker

White Chalk by Pavarti K. Tyler – Blog Tour

Firstly, I would like to thank Amina Black for inviting A Reader’s Review Blog to read and post a review of Pavarti K. Tyler’s recently released novel, White Chalk!

White Chalk

White Chalk by Pavarti K. Tyler is an extremely raw and gritty psychological coming-of-age story and is recommended for adult readers, at least 17yrs and over.

Book Blurb:

Chelle isn’t a typical 13-year-old girl—she doesn’t laugh with friends, play sports, or hang out at the mall after school. Instead, she navigates a world well beyond her years.

Life in Dawson, ND spins on as she grasps at people, pleading for someone to save her—to return her to the simple childhood of unicorns on her bedroom wall and stories on her father’s knee.

When Troy Christiansen walks into her life, Chelle is desperate to believe his arrival will be her salvation. So much so, she forgets to save herself. After experiencing a tragedy at school, her world begins to crack, causing a deeper scar in her already fragile psyche.

Follow Chelle’s twisted tale of modern adolescence, as she travels down the rabbit hole into a reality none of us wants to admit actually exists.

White Chalk delves heavily into the life of a young teenage girl, Chelle, who feels like she doesn’t belong to any particular group of people. Her parents mostly ignore her, as her father drinks himself silly while her mother works stupendously to make ends meet. Meanwhile, Chelle is left mostly to carry out the more mundane aspects of life with the housework and laundry instead of having fun and enjoying her young life. Chelle is lost and alone, with very little self-esteem and, as you can imagine at the age of thirteen, she is sensitive and needy. A desperate soul is one way to describe this thirteen year old girl.

Chelle’s life has a glimmer of hope when she notices newcomer Troy Christiansen at her high school. Will Troy be the answer she is looking for? Can he be her Mr. Right and save her from her mundane life? Or is she pinning all of her hopes on one person?

As an adult reader this novel truly takes you back to the harsh reality of how it once felt at times to be a teenager, constantly feeling unsure of where you belong, searching for your own identity and confidence as well as hoping for Mr. Right to turn up.

White Chalk is certainly a very dark side of teenagehood. Chelle is at the point in her life where she longs to be needed and wanted both physically and emotionally and, because of these reasons, there are moments when the reader feels that she would give herself freely to anyone that wanted her – with the exception of Sebastian who appears to be a nice lad who is genuinely interested in her!

As Chelle’s life has been spiralling downward for a while, it isn’t too much of a surprise when the reader is made aware of her regular extra-curricular activities with Mr. Harris! I am no expert by all means, however I believe that due to the lack of attention her parents provide as well as not ‘fitting in’ at school, it is the desperation of wanting to be wanted, someone to pay attention and treat her with some form of affection that leads Chelle down this dark and seedy path. Of course at her young age she feels that at least someone wants her. This novel is certainly not for the faint hearted or for anyone looking for too much fun. However, the drama and psychological element of White Chalk pulls you in to where Chelle is at and you cannot ignore her. You have to keep on reading!!

Developing gradually throughout the story, Chelle finds friendship in Cat. Cat is older than Chelle, has her own apartment and works in a music store. Cat certainly grows on the reader as she looks out for Chelle and becomes the only person that Chelle can confide in. She does provide comfort and support for Chelle and despite the initial reaction to Cat she really is a likeable character.

White Chalk has a dark and twisting path from beginning to end and is certainly a novel you will not forget in a hurry. It hangs over you, gripping you, without any solution as to how to help Chelle – apart from hoping that Troy will pull through for her. He notices Chelle, he takes care of her and throughout the novel the reader begins to pin all of their hopes in him too!

A copy of White Chalk was provided by Amina Black (blog tour host) for the purpose of an honest and fair review. You can find a list of websites/blogs where the White Chalk blog tour will go, along with dates the reviews are due to be scheduled for each site below.

For a chance to win a White Chalk Paperback, Amazon Gift Card and a Pavarti Swag Pack click on the link for a Rafflecopter giveaway

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

Blog Tour Schedule

August 1st

Amina Black (www.aminablack.com)

A Reader’s Review Blog (www.areadersreviewblog.com)

August 2nd

Beth Art From the Heart (www.bethartfromtheheart.blogspot.com)

Perfect Chaos (www.sdwperfectchaos.blogspot.com)

August 3rd – Stuffed Shelves (www.stuffedshelves.com)

August 4th

Shelves of Books Blog (www.justinevandale.blogspot.ca)

Blog is I Feel the Need, the Need to Read(www.ifeeltheneedtheneedtoread.com)

August 5th

Valsul Fluturilor (www.valsulfluturilor.blogspot.com)

Update by Caroline

With one thing and another – summer breaks, end of term activities for the children and now their summer holidays, we have been a little slow on the reviewing since our last update. However, the weather in the UK has been hot and sultry, which is just how we like it as it gives us plenty of excuses to indulge our passion for reading whilst lazing in our back gardens!

Over the last week Tina has read and reviewed one of Eve Rabi’s recent novels, Obsessed With Me. Books 1 and 2 of When She Rejected Him He Set Out To Destroy Her are covered here. This is a passionate and heartrending love story with adult content.

Tina has also reviewed Justin Richards’ The Wolfstone Curse and will be knocking together a Werewolf Wish List, which will suggest some tasty morsels you may want to sink your teeth into! Look out for that soon!

Next up for Tina to review is The Proposal, by Mary Balogh, a Regency Romance. She also has a copy of Kellyann Zuzulo’s The Genie Smolders, Book #2 in The Zubis Chronicles, a paranormal romance. Tina reviewed the previous novel, The Genie Ignites in April. You can check out her review for that here.

Heart of the Diamond, a Regency Romance by Carrie Brock is also on Tina’s reading list.

Meanwhile, I will be posting my review on Pavarti K. Tyler’s White Chalk on Thursday 1st August as the beginning of a blog tour for the book. White Chalk is a mature read for those who enjoy a psychological drama about coming-of-age teenager, Chelle, who finds it difficult to fit in with most people, including her own family. Will high school newcomer, Troy Christiansen, change all of this for Chelle? We soon find out as Chelle hangs her hopes and dreams on the new guy that takes an interest in her!

I am quite open-minded with any reading and just finished reading Celeste Anwar’s Wolfen Domination. This is a highly tensed up adult paranormal with some rather disturbing elements to the story, including some brief non-consensual intimate scenes. Certainly not for the young or faint of heart, however it is an exciting, adventurous read and the intimate scenes are necessary for the story.

Boreal and John Grey (Complete Season 1) My current read is Chrystalla Thoma’s urban fantasy, Boreal and John Grey Season 1. I have just begun this series and I am completely gripped already. After centuries of The Gate between the human world and the elf world being closed the elves have found a way to open it. However, when The Gate was open before the elves almost conquered humankind. With the dangerous Shades, elves and goblins it is largely left to Ella Benson, who is an agent of the Paranormal Bureau, to fight these dangerous beings. Coming close to death herself, she is saved by a hot, mysterious hero, Finn. Although having secrets of his own, Ella partners up with him and they fight together. I cannot wait to find out what Finn’s secrets are and who will win in the end – the elves or the humans?

My following reads will be fantasy The Pull by Brooke Morris and thriller/horror The One Percenters by John Podgursky.

And, last but certainly not the least, we can announce our winners for our fantastic Tim O’Rourke giveaway. Drum roll, ta-da-da, congratulations to Claire White and Cassie Sansom! We know that you will enjoy your signed paperbacks. Thanks to all of you who entered are competition and for all of you great followers for your support.

We hope that you have a fantastic week.

Caroline and Tina 🙂

July 24, 2013 by Caroline Barker

LAST CHANCE to enter our Tim O’Rourke GIVEAWAY!!!

Hi everyone, this is the last 24 hours of our fantastic TIM O’ROURKE GIVEAWAY! Tim is kindly giving away a copy of his brilliant paranormal novel, Vampire Shift (Keira Hudson, Series One Book 1), and a copy of his paranormal horror Moonlight (The Moon Trilogy Book 1). Both books will be signed paperbacks. You can enter for either book OR both. All you have to do is follow us via our blog, Facebook or Twitter and leave a short comment to let us know which book (or both) you’d like. 🙂

COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED!!! THE WINNER/S WILL BE REVEALED SOON! THANKS TO ALL OF THOSE THAT ENTERED 🙂

Thank you for those of you that have already entered. Good luck everyone!!! 🙂

Caroline

Check out Tim O’Rourke’s recent author biog/post here. Original giveaway post here. (Feel free to reblog, share on Facebook and/or reTweet!)

Moonlight (The Moon Trilogy, #1)

July 19, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Update by Caroline

Vampire Shift - The Graphic Novel (Kiera Hudson Series One) Vol. 1

Well, what can I say – I think we have had quite a treat this last week for fans of author, Tim O’Rourke. We have reviewed both of his latest releases, Moonbeam (The Moon Trilogy, Book Two) and Vampire Shift – The Graphic Novel (Keira Hudson Series One) Vol. One, we have hosted a brilliant author post/biog from Tim as well as a SUPER GIVEAWAY for some lucky people to win either a signed paperback copy of Vampire Shift (Keira Hudson Series One, Book One – original novel) and/or Moonlight (The Moon Trilogy, Book One)!!!! Moonbeam (The Moon Trilogy, #2) We are extremely excited about Tim’s work as we have followed him for over a year as an independent author and after recently being signed for a three book deal with LittleBrown/Piatkus he is about to have his first Vampire Seeker novel (e-book version) released on 15th August 2013, followed in January 2014 with a paperback version. We wish Tim every success in this latest venture! His books are fun and cover young adult, adult, horror, paranormal, fantasy, time travel and not without the element of romance! There is something for everyone here.

Over the last few days we have also posted reviews on Gary Richardson’s short story, Ratty’s Bones, regarding an inmate that has remained mute for the past 6 years. He suddenly decides to open up to his social worker, telling of his broken childhood and friendships as well as his friend, Ratty! Meanwhile, Tina has reviewed the fantastic paranormal/urban fantasy Lover at Last by J.R. Ward from the renowned Black Dagger Brotherhood series and Nalini Singh’s Tangle of Need, #11 in the Psy-Changeling Series!

Tina has also posted a review of Mary Raimes Curtis’ new blog, A Writer’s Journey, in which Mary has shared an excerpt from Chapter 2 of her exciting new work Candle Without A Flame with our readers, which is serialised on her blog in the same way that Dickens serialised his novels.

In other news, SJ Sprague’s Mulberry has been released on Amazon.com in paperback version for $13.29 or in the UK at Amazon.co.uk for £9.39. Prices are correct at the time of posting, however may be likely to change.

Upcoming we have Tina’s review of Eve Rabi’s Obsessed With Me – When She Rejected Him, He Set Out to Destroy Her Books 1 & 2:-

Book Blurb: Tarago Jakobus was intelligent, arrogant and extremely wealthy. He was also openly racist, politically incorrect and a chauvinistic pig. When his eye fell on Tanin, he expected her to fall into his arms. However, she was unimpressed with his wealth and rejected him. He became obsessed with her and decided to win her over, his way – destroy all that is precious to her, so that she would have no choice but to need him. If that didn’t work he would take away her freedom.

Tina is also hoping to post her review of Justin Richard’s The Wolfstone Curse. You can find our interview with Justin here, along with a short author biog and my review of The Wolfstone Curse. Tina will also be posting a Werewolf Wish List, listing all of the novels and short stories we read during our Werewolf theme.

I am currently reading and reviewing White Chalk by Pavarti K. Tyler, ready to post my review on 1st August 2013 at the beginning of the book blog tour! White Chalk is a disturbingly raw and gritty coming-of-age book. It is extremely dark with a very real feel!!! My following reads will be urban fantasy Boreal and John Grey Season 1 by Chrystalla Thoma, fantasy The Pull by Brooke Morris and thriller/horror The One Percenters by John Podgursky!

We hope that you have all been enjoying your summer so far. As well as enjoying a great read. Please don’t forget to enter our fantastic GIVEAWAY, ending Thursday 25th July 2013! We will look forward to hearing from you! Have a great week, guys!

Caroline 🙂

Artwork for Candle Without a Flame is credited to Marion Sipe.

July 17, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Ratty’s Bones (a short story) by Gary Richardson

Ratty’s Bones is the second story from author Gary Richardson, following The Purple Haze which we reviewed earlier this year. Ratty’s Bones, however, is a completely different read to that of The Purple Haze. Whereas The Purple Haze was a fantastic zombie horror story, Ratty’s Bones is a very powerful, disturbing and violent drama. The reader follows Bruce Stevens, an inmate at the young age of 22, who hasn’t spoken a word since his arrest 6 years previously. During which time he has been visited regularly by his social worker, Diane Parker. Therefore, you can imagine her surprise when at one meeting Bruce decides to talk about his childhood, family, friendships and how his life connected with a talking rat.

When we are first introduced to Ratty I did find him a little difficult to connect to, however some of the scenes with Ratty are quite refreshing in between the seriousness of the remainder of the book. It was the powerfulness of the drama that made me want to continue reading as there are many reasons to connect and sympathise with Bruce. He is a young man who has had to deal with his fair share of abuse, tragedy and bullying. The story divides itself into three areas; Bruce at the age of 8 and 9 when he enjoyed a fun childhood, Bruce at the age of 15 and 16 after his life had made a downward spiral, and then the man of 22 who has had time to process his whole life and situation he is in.

Ratty is a funny sort of character. He speaks at times with a comical air about him – which to begin with is difficult to see how he fits into the rest of the story. Although, at the time when Bruce meets Ratty, Bruce’s life has been quite negative for a few years and there is a comparison between Ratty’s life and Bruce’s which does help to connect the reader with Ratty as the story goes on. It is Ratty that begins to urge Bruce to be brave and to try and change the course that his life is on.

I would recommend this short story to a more mature reader due to its violent content in parts. It is a nice length story, with nothing being dragged out, written in a direct manner whilst holding back some areas of the story until the reader approaches the end of the book. This creates a great tense atmosphere as the reader is desperate to find out what has happened to Bruce throughout his life.

Although I found it difficult to begin with, it became clearer as the story unfolded that Ratty’s role had a much more profound meaning. I found the whole story to be quite tragic, with a surprising turn towards the end. Due to the manner in which this short story finishes, I would love Gary Richardson to write a follow-up simply to find out what becomes of Bruce in the near future!

Reviewed by Caroline Barker

Here is our review of the highly recommended – The Purple Haze (short story) – by Gary Richardson

Please check out some author info and Gary’s books at Amazon.co.uk. Both short stories can be purchased in the UK for 99p (Kindle version) or Ratty’s Bones £4.75 (paperback) and The Purple Haze £5.99 (paperback)!

Here’s Gary’s page on Amazon.com. Prices for the Kindle versions are around $1.50. Paperbacks are £6.74 for Ratty’s Bones and $8.54 for The Purple Haze – both prices are accurate at the current time of writing this post, however they are possible to change.

We hope you enjoy these stories. It would be great to hear your thoughts on these great short stories!

July 15, 2013 by Caroline Barker

SUPER GIVEAWAY for TIM O’ROURKE’S MOONLIGHT & VAMPIRE SHIFT

Hi readers, what a fantastic way to start the week! We have an awesome giveaway to coincide with Tim O’Rourke’s amazing author post/biog! For your chance to win a signed paperback copy of either VAMPIRE SHIFT (KEIRA HUDSON, SERIES ONE, BOOK ONE) or MOONLIGHT (THE MOON TRILOGY, BOOK ONE) please follow our blog and comment below, stating which book you’d like to be entered for – you can enter for both as long as you state this in your comment!

Moonlight (The Moon Trilogy, #1)

If you’d prefer you can enter via Twitter – @areadersreviewb or on Facebook – www.facebook.com/AReadersReview

If you choose to use Twitter or Facebook we would again like you to follow us/’like’ our page and comment, stating which book (or both) you’d like to enter for. It would also be great if you could spread the word by re-tweeting or sharing our Facebook page/post.

COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED! THE WINNER/S WILL BE REVEALED SOON. THANKS TO ALL OF THOSE THAT ENTERED 🙂

Good luck, guys.

Caroline @ ARR

Tim O’Rourke’s author post

PS. You can find below a list of all of Tim’s books that I have reviewed to date – including the two that are up for grabs in this superb giveaway. Feel free to check them out.

Vampire Shift (Keira Hudson Series 1, Book 1)

Vampire Wake (Keira Hudson Series 1, Book 2)

Vampire Hunt (Keira Hudson Series 1, Book 3)

Vampire Breed (Keira Hudson Series 1, Book 4)

Wolf House (Potter’s Story) (Kiera Hudson Series 1 Book 4.5) – novella

Vampire Hollows (Keira Hudson Series 1, Book 5)

Dead Flesh (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 1)

Dead Night – Potter’s Secrets (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 1.5) – novella

Dead Angels (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 2)

Dead Statues (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 3)

Dead Seth (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 4)

Dead Wolf (Keira Hudson Series 2, Book 5)

Moonlight (The Moon Trilogy #1)

Moonbeam (The Moon Trilogy #2)

Vampire Seeker (Samantha Carter #1)

Witch (Sydney Hart #1)

Vampire Shift – The Graphic Novel (Volume One) (Keira Hudson Series One) – illustrated by Craig Twyman

July 14, 2013 by Caroline Barker

Author post/biog by Tim O’Rourke

Moonbeam (The Moon Trilogy, #2) Hi guys, following our review of Moonbeam (The Moon Trilogy, Book 2) we have a fantastic author post/biog from my favourite author, Tim O’Rourke! We would like to thank Tim for taking the time to write this for A Reader’s Review Blog. We hope you all enjoy this treat as much as we did. Over to you, Tim :-

“I started writing at the age of fourteen. As a kid I had struggled with reading and writing, but after discovering the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, I started to write myself. I wrote mainly short stories at first and these were often about ghosts or had some kind of macabre undertone. In fact, Isidor’s ‘Penny Dreadfuls’ which I included at the end of ‘Dead Angels’ (Kiera Hudson Series Two) Book 2 were all written by me between the ages of 14 and 15. I included those stories as Isidor was about 14 when he wrote them deep within the Hollows, so I thought they would be quite fitting.

Just like Isidor, I continued to read and write and it became my passion. I was taught to read by a dear friend, who just like Melody Rose, sat with me for hours and hours as I tried to make sense of the words.

I wrote poems, books and plays all the way through college, although I never tried to get any of my work published at that time. I didn’t have the confidence in myself or my writing. Shoot forward in time twenty or more years, and it wasn’t until my wife pulled a huge box from beneath the stairs and asked, “Tim what’s the point in writing all this stuff if you never share it with anyone?”, that I thought perhaps she had a point. I spent the next few years sending my work out to publishers and agents but without success. It wasn’t until I had written the first ‘Doorways’ book and ‘Black Hill Farm’ book that I decided I wouldn’t send them out to publishers or agents but publish them myself on Amazon. I remember thinking to myself as I hit the upload button on Amazon, that I would be happy if I sold 50 books. To my surprise, I sold more than that. But it wasn’t until I wrote the first Kiera Hudson book (Vampire Shift) that things really changed for me. That book sold really well and still does two years later. Kiera Hudson seemed to connect with people. I get more emails about Kiera then any of my other characters. People really seem to love the character and identify with her on some level. I think it’s because Kiera struggles and each of us do that every single day one way or another.

It’s kind of odd because as a teenager I remember reading that Conan Doyle got tired of writing about Sherlock Holmes – so much so that he killed Holmes off in ‘The Final Problem’. At the time there was a public outcry demanding that Holmes be bought back to life. Now, I’ve not had anything like that and I wouldn’t compare my writing or characters to those created by the genius Conan Doyle, but when I let it be known that there wouldn’t be any more Kiera Hudson books after ‘Vampire Hollows (Kiera Hudson Series One) Book 5, I did get my fair share of emails asking me to write more Kiera books. It was then I realised how fond and attached some people had come to this character. So before publishing ‘Vampire Hollows’ I went back and rewrote the ending, leaving the pages open for more Kiera Hudson adventures. I’m now writing the eighth Kiera Hudson book in the second series and I’m very glad that I am. Unlike Conan Doyle, who really didn’t want to write any more Holmes books, I do want to write more Kiera Hudson books but only if I can think of great adventures for her to have. I do have a third series planned. But like Conan Doyle and his relationship with Holmes, there are plenty of other stories I want to tell other than those about Kiera Hudson. I have so many characters roaming around in my head that want to be let out, that’s why this year, I have taken so time away from Kiera, and written stories about some of those other characters whose stories I want to tell. I absolutely love writing about Sydney Hart and I have plenty more mysteries for her to solve – I can’t wait to start writing them. There is also Winter McCall and Thaddeus Blake from my ‘Moon Trilogy’, who I also love writing about. Thaddeus and Winnie are kind of special to me as I wrote the first draft of ‘Moonlight’ when I was 14. I’ve made some changes to the overall story but it remains pretty much the same. In fact, if you read the first draft it is virtually identical to what you read today – other than Winnie was originally called Frannie. Thaddeus had an identical twin brother in the original story, but that was edited out. Ruby Little was a new character I introduced and I’ve had a lot of fun writing about her.

In ‘Moonbeam’, I really wanted to explore Thaddeus’ back story as I knew it would impact on the rest of the series. Thaddeus is a mystery not only to the reader but to me also. He seems quite allusive not only on the page but inside my head too. I know Thaddeus’ story and how it ends in for him and Winnie and I think the reader will be more surprised by what happens than in any of my other series. Like all of my books, I have been dropping clues since ‘Moonlight’ Book 1 and even more in ‘Moonbeam’ Book 2. At the end of book 3, ‘Moonshine’, I’m hoping the reader will gasp as all the little pieces of the jigsaw slide into place. I’m hoping to have ‘Moonshine’ published by the end of the year.

Between now and then, I will be publishing ‘Dead Push’ (Kiera Hudson Series Two) Book 7 at the end of July, then I’m doing the rewrites for ‘Flashes’. Over the coming months I will be writing the second Samantha Carter book, ‘Dead Lost’ (Kiera Hudson Series Two) Book 8, the final ‘Doorways’ book and working on ‘Pick’ which is a zombie novel I’m writing with my son. There are some more surprises to come, but they wouldn’t be a surprise if I told you about them now!”

TIM O’ROURKE

You can find my review of Tim’s Moonbeam (The Moon Trilogy, Book 2) below or by clicking on the link in the title. Check out our blog over the coming days for a giveaway of Tim’s Moonlight (The Moon Trilogy, Book 1) and also Vampire Shift (Keira Hudson, Series One Book One)! Both books will be paper copies and signed by Tim O’Rourke himself!!! – Caroline Barker, A Reader’s Review Blog