Monday Meanderings - May 4, 2015

First Meandering ...

Today is reveal day for the trailer of a book I loved.

Here's my review of the audiobook:

WHAT IT'S ABOUT
Nine is the ninth female born in her batch of ten females and ten males. By design, her life in Freedom Province is without complications or consequences. However, such freedom comes with a price. The Prime Maker is determined to keep that price a secret from the new batches of citizens that are born, nurtured, and raised androgynously.

But Nine isn't like every other batcher. She harbors indecision and worries about her upcoming Remake Day -- her seventeenth birthday, the age when batchers fly to the Remake facility and have the freedom to choose who and what they'll be.

When Nine discovers the truth about life outside of Freedom Province, including the secret plan of the Prime Maker, she is pulled between two worlds and two lives. Her decisions will test her courage, her heart, and her beliefs. Who can she trust? Who does she love? And most importantly, who will she decide to be?

MY TAKE
I've been wanting to read this book since it first came out earlier this year, but it wasn't until I was able to get my hands on a copy of the audiobook that I was able to. The narrator did a fabulous job and really added to the experience.

As for the story, it resonated with me on a number of different levels. My heart was totally engaged in the characters--the friendship Nine has with Theron (I hope I spelled it right since I only had the audiobook and not the paper one), the family who takes her in after she's shipwrecked, and Kai. 

I loved these people.

Todd totally pulled me into the little island society. I've lived in the tropics, and I have a daughter who lives in Hawaii. Todd's writing made me feel so much like I was there with Nine; I could taste and feel it all so vividly.

***Spoiler Alert*** (you'll need to highlight the text to read it)

I may not be giving much away, and I will be careful not to say too much, but I did want to give the warning.

The thing that struck me the most was one of the themes of this story. Yes, it's another dystopian society that's just gotta be brought down (I'm so glad this is the first of a trilogy). There was a feel for me of Logan's Run and even one of Anne McCaffrey's Killashandra books. But most of all, I loved it because it made me think. There's one point where Kai is talking about the problems of the society in Freedom, that the people are offered a "false freedom".

It struck me that too often anymore people are offered "freedoms" that lack authenticity. They are shallow substitutes for more substantial things. One of those is the other theme: family. And the power of a loving one. I loved this about Remake. 

And I loved the satisfying ending. While it was obvious there's more to come in the story, I wasn't left hanging. I'll be in a hurry to pick up the next book.

And I have some hopes for a certain best friend of Nine's and a sister of Kai's ...

To celebrate the release of the trailer, the author is having a giveaway.

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Second Meandering ...

I've been so busy with other things that I've forgotten or been unable to talk about the books I'm reading. I'd been trying to keep track of them by month. Yeah. That didn't work. Here's what I'm currently reading:

What do I think?

Daughter is YA fantasy about the daughter of a king who was forced to abdicate so he could marry her mother (a mage). The daughter is placed in a similar position (choosing position/love or the magic inside her). I love Mansfield's books.

Match is a prequel novella to Miss Match which comes out later this month. Armstrong is fabulous with voice, and her characters are so real.

Dragon is one I'm reading to hubby. Alex has grown so much as a writer; this is his best yet. The story is a wonderful mix of character growth and action. We're loving it.

Shadows is a collection of short stories from the Mercy Thompson world. I'm listening to the audiobook. This first story is how Samuel Cornick (a very old werewolf) and Ariana (a fae) fell in love a very long time ago. They meet again in Brigg's Silverborne, so I know this does not end well. Briggs said she only wrote because her fans asked for it so much.

For the Goodreads 2015 Reading Challenge, I've read 29 of my 75 books. Here's what I've read so far this year:

What have you been reading?

Anyone see the new Avenger's movie this weekend? We're hoping to go in the next week or two, when the crowds thin out a bit.

The Voice of Prophecy by Meredith Mansfield

When the two kinds of magic combine in one person, unexpected things happen. 

Sensing the presence of lions is one thing. Any member of the Lion Clan could do that. When Vatar

sees the hunt through the eyes of one of the big cats—well, that’s something else altogether. And that’s only the beginning of the unusual manifestations of his magic.

When a mysterious voice only he can hear volunteers ancient wisdom, Vatar knows he’s in trouble. After enduring an Ordeal to prove he isn’t haunted by an Evil Spirit, Vatar thinks he may be possessed after all. Or losing his mind. Or cursed. 

He must hide his Talent from his magic-fearing people or face consequences that don’t bear thinking about. But he has to control it in order to keep it secret. And now he’s not sure he can. It’s enough to make him want to give up on magic altogether.

But he’s going to need all his wits—and all the magic he can muster—to defeat those who want to use him and his unique abilities for their own ends.

AMAZON

The first book in the series, The Shaman’s Curse.

Vatar risked his life to try to save his friend--and failed. Now he has an implacable enemy in the vengeful shaman, who blames Vatar for the death of his only son. In his isolation, Vatar finds some comfort in daydreams. He knows the strange girl he sometimes imagines is just that--a dream. She’d better be.

Because, if she’s real things could get even worse for Vatar. The accepted magic of Vatar’s plains tribe wouldn’t enable him to see or communicate with a girl he doesn’t even know--or know where to find. That would be more like the magic passed down in certain, closely-guarded bloodlines among the ruling class of the coastal cities. And that’s bad. Very bad.

Unlike their own, Vatar’s people think the city magic is evil. If the shaman ever found out, it could be the weapon he needs to destroy Vatar. And yet, finding a way to accept the other side of his heritage may be the only way Vatar can ultimately defeat his enemy.

 The two kinds of magic have always been totally separate. Until now.

AMAZON

The Shaman's Curse by Meredith Mansfield

I'm excited to share the release of Meredith Mansfield's newest book, and it's the first book in a series. Woohoo! I love her books!

Vatar risked his life to try to save his friend--and failed. Now he has an implacable enemy in the vengeful shaman, who blames Vatar for the death of his only son. In his isolation, Vatar finds some comfort in daydreams. He knows the strange girl he sometimes imagines is just that--a dream. She’d better be.

Because, if she’s real things could get even worse for Vatar. The accepted magic of Vatar’s plains tribe wouldn’t enable him to see or communicate with a girl he doesn’t even know--or know where to find. That would be more like the magic passed down in certain, closely-guarded bloodlines among the ruling class of the coastal cities. And that’s bad. Very bad.

Unlike their own, Vatar’s people think the city magic is evil. If the shaman ever found out, it could be the weapon he needs to destroy Vatar. And yet, finding a way to accept the other side of his heritage may be the only way Vatar can ultimately defeat his enemy.

The two kinds of magic have always been totally separate. Until now.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | iTUNES | KOBO

The related short story "Becoming Lioness" is free in all those places and more.

Excerpt:
Vatar reined his horse back behind his friends and turned his head slowly to scan around the endless circle of the plains that merged with the sky at the far horizon. The earth was all golden brown now, the grasses prematurely dried up by the lack of rain. Here and there, the green smudges of trees dotted the savannah, marking the waterholes. The darker blue-green line of the Great Forest marked the eastern horizon. Another line of trees, much closer, marked the course of the river. Everything seemed normal, but that spot between his shoulder blades still itched with a premonition of undefined danger that grew stronger the closer they got to the river.

Ariad slowed down to match Vatar's pace, allowing the other two boys to go ahead. "Lions?"

Vatar shook his head. That was one danger he could dismiss out of hand. His connection to the Spirit of the Lion told him the nearest lions--in the shade at a distant waterhole--were sleeping off a full meal. "None we need to worry about."

"What then?" Ariad asked.

"I don't know. Something . . ." Vatar caught himself before he said too much. It was one of his mother's oldest admonitions--almost as old as "Don't touch the fire!" From the very first time he'd tried to describe that infrequent feeling of danger, she'd warned him not to mention it to anyone but her and Pa. Even his little sister Kiara didn't know about it.

Vatar was already different enough--dark-haired and strongly-built among the tall, lanky, fair Dardani. Though she was Dardani now, his mother had come originally from a far-off city on the sea coast. The Dardani would accept his hair color and height, but not anything that even hinted at forbidden magic. Other than a few old stories, Vatar had no idea why his people had such deep-seated superstitious fear of magic, but he knew full well that it was one of the few things they'd never forgive.

Vatar didn't think the itch between his shoulder blades was magic, any more than his ability to sense lions. That was his connection to his clan's totem spirit--just like Ariad could sense eagles. But Mother's caution was second nature by now. He forced one corner of his mouth up in a half-smile. "Maybe I've just heard one too many of Pa's stories about Themyri ambushes."

Ariad barked a laugh. "Haven't we all? To hear our fathers tell it, the river is almost as dangerous as the Great Forest." He shuddered a little at the reference to the one place all plains-dwelling Dardani feared most and made a surreptitious sign against magic and evil spirits. Being Eagle Clan, Ariad's hand curled in an imitation of an eagle's talons.


About the author:
Professionally, I've been a financial analyst and a visual basic programmer. I also have a paralegal certificate, although I've never worked in that field. It's anybody's guess what I'll be when I grow up.
Imagining stories and writing have always been an important part of my life. It's one I finally got to spend a significant amount of time on while I cared for my mother who had Alzheimer's disease.

AUTHOR'S AMAZON PAGE | BLOG

The Ring of Morgana Cover Reveal

Interrupting a normally no-posting Wednesday ...

Isn't this cover gorgeous?

In a brand new series, Donna Hosie revisits Logres with THE CHILDREN OF CAMELOT.

Sixteen-year-old Mila Roth wants to be normal. It’s a phrase that has been drilled into her by her mother since she was born.

But Mila Roth is anything but normal. For sixteen years her parents have hidden a secret from her. For Mila was born one thousand years ago in the land of Logres, and far from being a math teacher and a housewife, Mila’s parents are the awakened King Arthur and Gorian druid queen, Morgana.

Two worlds, one thousand years apart. And those worlds are about to collide.

The spirit of the malevolent Lady of the Lake has been contained for sixteen years in the fabled Ring of Morgana. When the ring curses Mila’s younger sister, Lilly, the Roth family has no choice but to return Mila to the land of her birth as they face a battle against time itself.

Accompanied by her best friend, Rustin, Mila will have to decide whether to defy those she loves in order to save her sister. Should she trust the Gorian druids and the mysterious Melehan? What is the true cost to Mila’s heart as she strives to master the purple flame? And why have her mother and father denied the truth of her origins for so long?

For she alone has the combined power of royalty and druid magic within her.

And now only Mila can save Lilly and Logres.

THE RING OF MORGANA will be released in ebook and paperback on the 15th June 2014.

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Um, can I say EXCITED!?

Have you read Donna Hosie's The Return to Camelot series?

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And don't forget the 8-book giveaway in celebration of The Bard's Gift launch.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Other Participants

Cindy Hogan

Holly Kelly

Jaclyn Weist

Jaleta Clegg

Lindzee Armstrong

M.R. Buttars

Melanie Crouse

PK Hrezo

Rebecca Lamoreaux

The Bard's Gift by Meredith Mansfield - Book Review & 8-Book Giveaway

Sixteen-year-old Astrid keeps mostly to herself, finding companionship in the stories her grandmother used to tell. She's too shy even to talk in front of Torolf, the young man she secretly dreams of. Then the Norse god of eloquence appears in Astrid's dreams and forces her to drink the Mead of Poetry. Suddenly, she's compelled to tell her stories. In public. Even in front of Torolf. 

Astrid is meant to use these stories to guide her people from starvation in Greenland to a better future in Markland. A place legends claim is the abode of dragons. But not all of her fierce and independent people are willing to follow a mere girl, even the chieftain's daughter--especially when she counsels peace. Some have other plans for the new land and want to use Astrid and her gift as a tool.

Torolf never dreamed that quiet Astrid could choose him. Now he's stranded in Iceland as she sails in the opposite direction. To attain the promise of a future with Astrid, he'll have to attempt the impossible--sailing alone across the North Atlantic. 

Together, they might defy the plans the gods have made for them and change the fate of more than just their own people.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | SMASHWORDS

My take:
I'm always a fan of a book that has a fantasy element. Wrap that into the wonderful Norse history that's weaved throughout this book, and I was about sold. Then, give me a charming romance that doesn't take forever to bloom--but still has me on the edge of my seat--and the book's a winner.

I loved that Astrid and Torolf had to grow as individuals (away from each other) as well as love interests. Their dedication to each is the kind of thing I look for in my favorite romance stories. Maybe that's why I'm not much of a fan of love triangles. If the girl can really be tempted by another guy, what she feels for the first one isn't anything to brag about. No love triangles in this book, but there is a great battle at the end.

To celebrate the release of The Bard's Gift,

we're having an 8-book giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Other Participants

Bonnie Gwyn

Cindy Hogan

Holly Kelly

Jaclyn Weist

Jaleta Clegg

Lindzee Armstrong

M.R. Buttars

Melanie Crouse

PK Hrezo

Rebecca Lamoreaux

A Change of Plans Block Party - Day 5 and IWSG

It's Day 5 of the A Change of Plans Block Party. A fun group is up today:

• Katy Sozaeva - Guest Post - Now is Gone  
• Kelley Lynn - Review - Adventures Between the Bookends 
• Jaclyn Weist - Review - Jaclyn's Random Reviews
• J.A. Bennett - Spotlight - A Writer's Journey
• Mindy Holt - Review - Book Reviews + Book Reviews 2 
• S.A. Larsen - Review + Character Interview - Writer's Alley
• Meredith Mansfield - Review - Meredith Mansfield's Blog
• Barbara Jean Byrem - Guest Post/Author Interview - Far Away Series  
• Diann Read - Review + Guest Post/Author Interview - Hero Journeys  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Click here to find out more.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

The first part of this post leads to this part. My book is out now and the marketing is in full swing. I hate sales! I'm happy to pimp someone else's book, but it feels so strange for me to be encouraging other people to buy mine.Good thing I have fake nails on or I'd have bitten mine to the quick.

"Fire and Earth" by Meredith Mansfield

Seventeen-year-old Casora has been raised to be a fearless warrior, commander of the faceless war band known as the Deathless. Nevertheless, she and her company are helpless to stop the invasion of their homeland. Without a country, the Deathless offer their services as mercenaries to the next land attacked by the same raiders who conquered their nation.

As the youngest prince and the one least likely to be of use in the war, Tiaran is about to be forced into a political marriage to a girl he hates. Rather than be used to secure the loyalty of an opportunistic general, he secretly goes off to fight in the war himself. His first battle is about to be his last when Casora rides in to rescue him.

When these two unlikely partners join forces on the battlefield, they'll shake the foundations of kingdoms.

I really enjoyed this book. Casora is a Deathless because of a curse, so she's already chasing her own demons all while frantic to find out about what happened to her family.

Poor Tiaran. There's so much more to him than his older brothers give him credit for--or even Casora, at first. She just thinks he's one more burden she must bear. Awesome and unexpected twist at the end.

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