Monday 31 October 2011

Guest Post - Laurie Bowler


I welcome Laurie Bowler again to my blog 

Guest post for Theresa

Firstly, I want to tell you a little something about myself. My name is Laurie Bowler and I live in the United Kingdom. Normally I write paranormal/fantasy but lately I have been writing horror, and I am enjoying every second of writing.
The process is fantastic, new characters, worlds and even the settings and the plots are just some of the aspects of writing that I adore. I can never get enough of creating a new storyline, every story I am keen to make as unique as I can.

When I first started to write I had no idea that it would lead this far, neither did I know at the time that I would become known by my friends as ‘The Writing Machine’. I must admit I am finding the name suits me well though. It seems I finish a story and I am starting again the next day on another story, I love the hype and the excitement of writing.
Creating new worlds, and characters, inside my stories I can be anyone that I want to be, and I can even create a creature that lets say might be in a nightmare and then have the creature revenged somehow inside my story.
I guess I find it very therapeutic and relaxing, some of the horror stories I have written lately have been pretty gory through and I’ve almost made myself puke writing the specific scenes! I would say they are not for the faint hearted but they have a very good storyline and I always wanted to write in a different genre other than paranormal fantasy to broaden my horizons and to test myself.

Most of my books are paranormal, and for me I love to add the romantic element, what compares to anything when a woman is in love? All the romantic flowers, chocolates, secret glances and holding hands, it is the best part! You are probably thinking it’s not especially after the 9-month wait and then you’re holding your pink bundle of joy in your arms. That is why I believe romance should be kept alive as much as possible, I love to relive my own romantic heart inside my books and share it with readers. Everyone has a different perception of romance and mine is one thing I want to share. My paranormal stories are Moon Rising, Sunrise to Sunset, Serena Embracing Darkness, Depths of Darkness and Golden Horizons. Not all of my stories have the romantic element mixed into them, Depths of Darkness is totally different and is filled with creatures that I created myself, along with some of the favourite paranormal creatures that we all know and love!

When I’m not writing paranormal then I’m delving into deep dark worlds to bring forward a horror story. My latest adventures with horror are A Real Slasher, Hacked Up, Death Bite and Death Bite 2.
I must admit when I first started writing horror and created the very first gory and incredibly scary scene, I scared myself and I made myself feel as if I had an upset stomach. The writing is very graphical and as the writer I felt like I was right in there in the action, it was fun but a little to gory than I would  normally read or write. However, I am intending to carry on writing horror and I will also continue to write paranormal.
I have a bet with one of my friends to publish 40 books before my 30th birthday (which is next year) and so I have managed to accomplish 32 so far with another 6 on their way out.
If you haven’t had chance to check out any of my books then hop on over to amazon.com and see the titles available.

What I do for fun? The fun part of me does exist!
Now, I bet everyone is curious about when I get to have fun. Well I will tell you, I don’t write all the time (well I try not too). For fun there is nothing quite like going to visit the zoo with my daughter. In the United Kingdom, we have a safari park, which is awesome! I don’t know who loves it more me or my young daughter!
The best part is the drive through the monkey enclosure, but obviously not when they are tearing parts of your car apart and throwing them around. Most of the time my car doesn’t seem to get broken, but I watch all the other people having their wiper blades ripped off, or their side mirrors that the monkeys start to chew and then freak out when they see their own reflections.
It is the best fun in the world, and very relaxing. Oh except for the time my little one was trying to get a lion to get inside the car by shouting at it, I soon drive out of that particular enclosure and into the next one!
How can I write about the zoo animals inside my books? Well I have created many different species inside Depths of Darkness, that was deliciously fun. All of them are unique in every way, and it was while I was driving through the safari that I decided to write about witches, vampires and plenty of other paranormal mystique! And, that’s Depths of Darkness and where the ideas stemmed from to write this novel.

Thursday 27 October 2011

The Terminal People - Kevin Ranson



The Terminal People - Kevin Ranson

About the book:
Still growing up as a dead boy, "Spooky" Spencer Lawson is learning about the strange world he never asked to be a part of (which is a lot more interesting than math). When a mysterious stranger he meets in an alley appears to die after touching Spooky's hand, Spooky begins to wonder how dangerous he really is, especially to the people he cares about.

4/5


I found this book a really good second read in the series. It followed on nicely from the first book, pulling you along with spooky. I enjoyed finding out what was going to happen to spooky next and where his story was going to go. I find spooky an endearing character and cant wait to see what the next installment holds for spooky. This is a really well written, really good second book in Kevin's series. Spooky continues to find out more about himself and his kind, as well as learning how to deal with his new powers. Spooky encounters more bizarre goings on in this book. He even ends up thinking he is causing the strange things around him to happen, until he decides to investigate the truth, uncovering new people in his world. How will he get on will he survive.

Wednesday 26 October 2011

The Crooked Man - Kevin Ranson


The Crooked Man - Kevin Ranson

About the book:
The story follows a child on his death bed visited by a mysterious "crooked man" who returns him to the land of the living. Upon returning, the young boy realizes that his mother was taken in his place and that he must endure his new life as a "dead" boy.

The Dead Little Boy Who Continued to Grow Up.

"When he turned seven, the tumor in his chest finally overtook his heart... on the other side, he met a crooked man with a crooked stick who pointed at the dead little boy with a crooked finger. The dead little boy opened his eyes only to find those of his mother closed. Somehow he knew that his mother had taken his place and that the crooked man had caused it; what he didn't know was why. His parents named him Spencer. His friends called him Spooky."

4/5

This is the first in a series of short stories by Kevin Ranson. In this story we get to meet Spencer "Spooky". This story starts off in a different way to mast as it is almost told as a fairy-tale then continuing onto a standard way of reading. I did not find this a problem as the story still flowed well. This story deals with Spooky dying and coming back to life, while his mother takes his place. This as you can imagine comes with the inherent problems that befall someone who swaps places in death. Spooky carries on along his path meeting new people and finding out powers that he didn't know he had, and how to use them. He is followed by problems caused by the crooked man and his cronies, who intend to cause problems. How will he solve them ?
I found this short story a good well written quick read. I found the characters likable, and the interaction believable. The story line flows really well and is easily followed. In all i will be going to look at the next book in the series to find out what else is going to happen to spooky, and what other powers he may have.

Saturday 22 October 2011

Guest Post - Laurie Bowler

Hello all please welcome Laurie Bowler. Today i have a guest post from her, she is telling us all about 2 of her books. With it coming up to Halloween i hope you will check out this great author.

Death Bite 2 continues the story for Jessica Hargreaves

I’m Laurie Bowler from the United Kingdom, the author of many paranormal, horror and romance stories.
I wanted to tell you a little about my latest stories that I’ve released.

Not only has Death Bite been a successful hit but it also spurred me towards writing the second instalment to this flesh eating series.
Death Bite 2 follows through the story of the survivors of the apocalypse that turned all humans into flesh eating grotesque monsters that wander the planet in search of fresh meat.
The survivors rummage through small towns and major cities, finding the necessary supplies they need to survive, and offer assistance to others who are hiding in safe places so they too can survive.
There is no cure, there is only hope they may survive one more day, and that the government who has gone into hiding in a secret location will realise there are survivors amongst the apocalypse they have caused.

I have written Death Bite 2 to be as gripping and gory as possible, the journey for the survivors is long and arduous but in the storyline there is hope in all of them. True comrades who look out for one and other, a real show of friendship for each other along with finding sinister humans who are supposed to be surviving but have different plans in mind. Together they dodge the planes that drop the drastic and volatile chemicals that reduce the flesh eaters to goo, unfortunately in the government’s haste it wasn’t designed to be gentle to humans.

Also, I have published Locum 2 where Latina Horror comes to terms with her new immortal life, the vampires in Locum 1 and 2 are not the kind gentle and handsome breed that have been written about before.
In Locum, I wanted to take the vampires back to how they used to be. Dark, mysterious and dangerous. Locum is a fun and humorous tale of Latina and how she has followed the tales her grandmother told her about before she died and how Latina has stumbled and walked into the vampire public house.
Quick witted, dark and mysterious, Latina gets more than she bargained for when she meets Trick. Her smart mouth and wits are humorous and her adventures and own story telling have truly just begun in Locum 2.

I love writing more to the point, especially when I get to gain the opportunity to team up with another author and write a collaboration story with them, its so much fun. I am actually in the process of teaming up with two different authors and writing collaborations with them, I am having the time of my life doing this.
One story is science fiction whereas the other is horror, two completely different genres of writing that are certainly putting me through my paces.

Here are the links to my books over at amazon.com



http://www.officialblogofauthorlauriebowler.blogspot.com/





I know i will be checking these books out soon so look out for my reviews.

My Soul To Steal - Rachel Vincent



My Soul To Steal - Rachel Vincent

About the book:
Trying to work things out with Nash—her maybe boyfriend—is hard enough for Kaylee Cavanaugh. She can’t just pretend nothing happened. But “complicated” doesn’t even begin to describe their relationship when his ex-girlfriend transfers to their school, determined to take Nash back.

See, Sabine isn’t just an ordinary girl. She’s a mara, the living personification of a nightmare. She can read people’s fears—and craft them into nightmares while her victims sleep. Feeding from human fear is how she survives.

And Sabine isn’t above scaring Kaylee and the entire school to death to get whatever—and whoever—she wants.

5/5

I loved this book just as much as the first 3. Rachel has done a wonderful job of continuing the story through the series always making her books a joy to read. The characters are in depth and everything flows including the relationships between characters old and new. I enjoyed new characters coming in from the past and having the back story to the new characters as well as having the story of how she connects to the main characters. But as always all ids not what it seems in Kaylee's world, and something is always going to go wrong around her. Kaylee deals with everything in an emotional clear headed way bringing her closer to friends and family. But Kaylee having to deal with the emotional side of her relationship with Nash and what is going o happen next between them especially with added extras thrown in for good measure, i found the relationship compelling to read as well as the rest of the book. If you haven't picked up this series yet you definitely should, and if you have read the rest you will not be disappointed with this next installment i cant wait for the next book.


Friday 21 October 2011

The Seven Secrets of Happiness - Sharon Owens



The Seven Secrets of Happiness - Sharon Owens

About the book:
Once upon a time Ruby O'Neill lived in her very own ivory tower ( a beautiful little cottage) with her very own fairy-tale prince ( her handsome husband Jonathan). She has roses round her door and her friends were never far away - life in her fairy-tale land was perfect.
But grown-up fairy stories don't last forever, and one dark night Ruby's life is smashed into a million pieces. With her castle in the air destroyed and her heart broken, she swears she will never love again. Yet guardian angel s hide in the strangest places, and from Ruby's darkest night six magical secrets slowly emerge to show her that life is for living and tomorrow is not too late for love.
But who is the mysterious stranger who holds the seventh secret - the hardest one to find? And is he the person who holds the ultimate secret: the key to Ruby's frozen heart?

4/5

I really enjoyed this book, especially following Ruby through all the heart ache she faces when the worse thing ever could happen, happens in her world. The story is compelling and well written with emotions being portrayed in the best ways possible. I loved discovering the seven secrets of happiness, especially in the way that Ruby discovers them through dealing with her own problems. Ruby's relationships between her family, friends and new acquaintances are well written and are well founded. The background stories are very well written for all the characters especially the main characters in this book. Overall as a chick lit book this is a really good read, but also the book gives you plenty to think about in real life. 

Dark Side of The Mirror - R L Austin



Dark Side of the Mirror - R L Austin

About the book:
Emily is a happy, well-adjusted fifteen-year old girl. Aren’t they all?

Her family moves from New York to San Francisco, and they move in with her uncle to save money. Emily is determined to cope, but her new life quickly spirals out of control when her uncle turns out to be a creep, she can’t make any new friends, and her parents take her to a psychologist when she insists that voices are coming from the mirrors, voices only she can hear.

One of those voices belongs to a boy named Tyler. Emily feels drawn to him and decides to help, even after she discovers that her uncle imprisoned Tyler in the mirror. The decision sets her on a path of self-discovery, with new-found powers, a dark family secret, a cute boy she’s crazy about, parents who think she’s gone crazy, and an uncle who wants to crush her.

Emily must find her inner strength before all her troubles come crashing down on top of her.

4/5

This book follows the main character Emily and her move from everything she knows into living in with her uncle for a few months while her mum and dad sort out their finances. I really enjoyed the back story, with the twists and turns in the whole story line. I found the back stories of the main characters well written, and the relationships between all the characters well developed. I loved discovering that Emily was not mad as she seemed when she was hearing things, and the twist that developed into her finding out about powers she never knew she had. I would love to read the next in this series to find out where she is going and what is going to happen next in her relationships and the war that has been declared upon her. In all this was a very enjoyable read all credit goes to the author with the readability of this book. I believe young adults would enjoy reading this story, although adults that enjoy something different with a story line to follow would enjoy this just as much.

Hidden In The Amethyst - Jay Ellis



Hidden in the Amethyst - Jay Ellis

About the book:
Had the old hag made a mistake? This couldn't be what Amelia was supposed to meet here, could it? Why would she send Amelia to fight such a - whatever it was - without warning her first? Amelia didn't have time to worry any longer as the creature took another giant step forward, looming closer and lowering its huge head towards her, revealing its bright white eyes, sitting in slits in the skull. The light from the orbs at the side of the room glistened off of the black bone but it couldn't make the creature look anything other than terrifying. Hidden in the amethyst is the second book in the Amelia Maylock series.

4/5

This is definitely a good second book in this series following Amelia through the discovery of her new powers, and the new dimensions she travels in to. The continuation of the story is very well written and just as intriguing as the first book. Discovering how Amelia deals with her new powers, and dealing with new friends as well as enemies. Amelia has to continue on in her journey to discover the jewels in order to defeat her sister. In all this book is a really good read and I cant wait for the next instalment of Amelia’s travels finding out about herself and those around her, as well as what she is capable of doing as she matures in herself and her relationships. This is definitely a series worth picking up and giving a read, as it is well written and compelling.

The 12th Year Awakening - Jay Ellis



The 12th Year Awakening - Jay Ellis

About the book:
Little did Amelia know that as she dressed for school on a normal Friday morning at the beginning of March, her life would soon change forever. 'You are here because you are the only one who can defeat her. I don't know when you will meet her or where but I know it will happen. We found out your whereabouts only recently when an ancient book was discovered, telling us about the twin of Erryaz and where she could be found.'
Amelia was definitely not expecting an explanation like that. She didn't know what to say or do.

The 12th Year Awakening is the first book in the Amelia Maylock series. Amelia is a happy twelve year old girl who discovers one day that she is very special and has powers. She has an evil twin sister, Erryaz, and Amelia must learn to defeat her while searching dimensions for jewels to aid her in the final fight for good.

4/5

I found this book a really good read, covering Amelia’s first trip into what is a whole new world for her. This book I found well written and easy to read and follow the story line. I found myself wanting to know where Amelia’s life is going to take her next, and I’m sure she has many years of discovering her talents. This book is definitely a good first look into Amelia’s new world, with her meeting new people, and meeting new “creatures” that she has never even dreamt of encountering before. This is a good introduction into the back story of all the main characters and where they have come from, but leaves you needing to find out more about their past and future.
I cant wait to pick up the next in the series and find our where Amelia is going next, what her friends and family are going to do, and how she is going to deal with everything including both new and old friends and enemies.

If you would like to get hold of a copy please go to http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2Fs%2Fref%3Dnb_sb_noss%3Furl%3Dsearch-alias%253Dstripbooks%26field-keywords%3Damelia%2Bmaylock%26x%3D0%26y%3D0&h=fAQFso63E

Monday 10 October 2011

Storm Born 3 ( Graphic Novel ) - Richelle Mead



Storm Born Volume 3 - Richelle Mead

About the book:
Eugenie Markham never asked for any of this. Until now, she''s been content with her job as a freelance shaman, battling and banishing Otherworldly creatures. When a prophecy suddenly makes her the Otherworld''s most popular bachelorette, Eugenie finds herself fighting off unwanted supernatural suitors, as well as the evils that begin emerging from her past...

5/5

This graphic novel really does live up to the rest of the series. I really loved continuing the story of Eugenie, and the way she is portrayed in this series. If you love graphic novels and you love Richelle mead you should go check these out i don't think you will be disappointed. 

Friday 7 October 2011

Aphrodites workshop for reluctant lovers - Marika Cobbold


Aphrodite's workshop for reluctant lovers - Marika Cobbold

About the book:
Rebecca Finch is a successful romantic novelist who has fallen out of love with love. When she heads off to Paris and doesn't care that she absentmindedly left her boyfriend behind on the Eurostar platform, things look bad. But when her newly engaged god - daughter asks her if marriage is a good idea and she cant think of a single reason to reply yes, she realises the problem is serious.
Meanwhile, on Mount Olympus, Aphrodite is fretting because divorce rates are rocketing and Eros, going through a difficult phase, is shooting off arrows without a thought for the compatibility of his victims. With her earth-bound acolyte, Rebecca, showing disillusionment, Aphrodite resolves to take drastic action....

4/5

I must admit this is not the sort of book i would normally pick up, i had this as a travelling chick lit book to give it a go. I found that i did enjoy reading the story of Rebecca. I liked how well written this book was and would definitely try other books by this author to see if they are of the same quality. I enjoyed all the interactions between characters, and the way problems were faced and dealt with. This is a lovely story about love, and the misconception's people have, as well as that nobody believes love will last forever. I loved the way the gods/goddesses were brought into the story, and felt that gave it an extra twist making the book all the more enjoyable.
I would recommend this book to chick lit fans and anyone who might want to try something different to get there mo jo back.

Thursday 6 October 2011

Hush Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick


Hush Hush - Becca Fitzpatrick

About the book:
Falling for the fallen.......

For Nora Grey, romance was never part of the plan. Not until Patch came along. With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgement.
But after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora isn't sure if she can trust him. Patch seems to be everywhere she is and to know more about her than her closest friends. And when she tries to seek answers, she discovers she is right in the middle of a centuries - old battle between the immortal and the fallen......... and its time to take sides.

5/5

I must admit this is the second time i have read this book, but I'm only just reviewing it. I loved it the first time and, and loved it just as much the second. I love Becca's writing style, the cover choice and the story line. Nora is a great character and when matched with Patch the whole book seems to just come to life, sucking you into their world of trials and all the dangers that come along with Patch and his mortal enemies. I love the interaction between the characters, especially between Patch and Nora, although i enjoyed Nora's interactions and relationships between her family and friends. I love how she has to make choices and that since Patch came into her life she is making choices that she would not normally make. I love the twists and turns in the story line and the never knowing who or what a specific character is going to turn out to be, and whether then are going to turn out good or bad. I love this series and will be re reading then next book before turning to silence i cant wait to find out what else is going to happen in the collision course of Nora and Patches lives. A ll credit goes to Becca for an amazing first book of the series. 

Sunday 2 October 2011

Storm Born 2 ( Graphic Novel ) - Richelle Mead


Storm Born 2 Graphic Novel - Richelle Mead

About the book:
Eugenie Markham never asked for any of this. Until now, she''s been content with her job as a freelance shaman, battling and banishing Otherworldly creatures. When a prophecy suddenly makes her the Otherworld''s most popular bachelorette, Eugenie finds herself fighting off unwanted supernatural suitors, as well as the evils that begin emerging from her past...

5/5

I loved the second installment of storm born graphic novels, and i must say i enjoyed it as much as the first. I found that the illustration, and the captions do the story justice. I found that the story line continued really well. This series of graphic novels really does throw you into Eugenie's world, making you follow through with everything that she encounters. I am hooked on these now and cant wait for the next one to be available to read. All you Richelle Mead fans out there i would recommend getting these even if you have read the series.

Storm Born 1 ( Graphic Novel ) - Richelle Mead


Storm Born 1 Graphic Novel - Richelle Mead

About The Book:
Eugenie Markham never asked for any of this. Until now, she's been content with her job as a freelance shaman, battling and banishing Otherworldly creatures. When a prophecy suddenly makes her the Otherworld's most popular bachelorette, Eugenie finds herself fighting off unwanted supernatural suitors, as well as the evils that begin emerging from her past...

5/5

I must admit i jumped at the chance to read this when it came up, mainly due to the fact i love Richelle Meads books. Although i must admit i have not managed to read the storm born series yet, and if the graphic novel is anything to go by i will be reading them very soon. I do not normally read graphic novels, but i found the illustrations were amazing, with the captions making the story very easy to follow. I would recommend these graphic novels to Richelles fans especially if you are looking for a quick read, and something you can go back to again. I will be heading over to read the next in the series