Blog Tour Review--Storm Siren

"I raise my chin as the buyers stare. Yes. Look. You don't want me. Because, eventually, accidentally, I will destroy you. "

In a world at war, a slave girl s lethal curse could become one kingdom's weapon of salvation. If the curse and the girl can be controlled.

As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn't merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth meaning, she shouldn't even exist.

Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court adviser and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed.

Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she s being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons.

But what if she doesn't want to be the weapon they've all been waiting for?

Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities, and monsters, "Storm Siren" is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win.

 

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Books A Million 

About the Author

Mary Weber is a ridiculously uncoordinated girl plotting to take over make-believe worlds through books, handstands, and imaginary throwing knives.
 In her spare time, she feeds unicorns, sings 80's hairband songs to her three muggle children, and ogles her husband who looks strikingly like Wolverine. They live in California, which is perfect for stalking L.A. bands, Joss Whedon, and the ocean.

Twitter * Facebook * Website

 



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 Through My Window

 ~

Without a doubt, the incredible cover is what caught my interest, and the summary did the rest. However, I did enter the book with reservation, and I'm glad I did, because I was a bit disappointed. But that doesn't necessarily mean you will be. 

First off, while the writing was a bit more modern than I appreciate, the author kept a crisp, quick pace and an engaging voice. Her characters easily came alive, and I truly felt for the disturbed and despairing Nym as her innocent heart has been so roughly battered by her gifts and those who ignite it. The hero, Eogan, was complex and fascinating in his own way, despite the overdose of description concerning his attractiveness. More on that later. 

I do feel however that the story suffered some from a lack of delving into a relationship with the Creator, who is briefly touched on. Nym hopes she can save the world, but she sometimes wonders if she even wants to save it, because quite frankly, it is a mess. There wasn't really any side to root for it seemed. Nym was so desperate for redemption, looking for it most often in a man as broken as she. And while there seemed to be some demonic power propelling the bad guys, Nym seemed pretty much on her own. 

Violence: Not really a lot of graphic description aside from blood and gashes. But there is some cruel brutality here such as (right off the bat) a man almost hanging a little girl. Although this is stopped, she dies from something else soon afterwards. And two (maybe three) of the characters who are actually likeable die. So bummer there.

Sexual: The atmosphere in this book is almost constantly charged with sexual tension. Though no scene goes beyond a kiss, there is some obviously immoral people hanging around. Flirtations, innuendos, and seductive advances hurtle back and forth. 

Oh yes, and the hero is gorgeous. Beautiful. Gorgeous. You got that? If I didn't make it clear, the book will pound it into your head. It was kind of funny the first few times as the heroine grudgingly resents it, but when her acknowledgement turns to out and out lust, I was getting a little tired of it. Also, this hero has the ability to block special powers, which manifests for Nym as calming her down with his touch. In fact, in one desperate attempt to calm her down, he kisses her. Funny, I would have thought that would send some serious energy into the storm, instead of soothing it...

Language: The author has invented her own language, but it is thrown around with such harsh crassness, it's not hard to imagine real swear words in their place. 


There was some great concepts and character development in this book, but the sexual tension kept me distant from the story and that was just as well...because this has one of the worst cliffhangers I've encountered. I could only sit there and go, "REALLY?" I'm not sure I'll continue the next book or not to find out what happens, but if you are uncertain whether to read this or not, I'd recommend waiting until the next book's release is closer. 

*With thanks to Thomas Nelson, NetGalley, and Crafty Booksheeps for providing me with an e-copy of the book in exchange for my honest opinion.*

For other reviews and author interviews, check out the rest of tour!

Tuesday, August 19^th

-          Interview at Wonderland Novels

-          Review at To Be A Person

Wednesday, August 20^th

-          Review at A BookLover’s Heart

Thursday, August 21^st

-          Review at The Writer’s Window

-          Review at Seasons of Humility

Friday, August 22^nd

-          Review at Remain in his Love
-          Review at Christian Bookshelf Reviews

Saturday, August 23^rd

-          Interview at Jaye L. Knight

-          Review at JoJo’s Corner

Sunday, August 24^th

Review at The American Anglophile

-          Interview at Sara Ella

Monday, August 25^th

-          Review at Wandering the Pages

-          Review at Novel Characters

-          Book Spotlight at Sher A Hart: Written Art

Tuesday, August 26^th

-          Review at Fictionally

-          Review at J. L. Mbewe

Wednesday, August 27^th

-          Wrap up post

Cover Reveal!

So not only is Gillian Bronte Adams releasing her book, Orphan's Song, she is also releasing another novel!!! And my, her covers just get better and better!!!! Is it not EPIC?

DARKNESS REIGNS UNCHALLENGED.

For the villagers on the accursed Island, life has only one meaning—death. Bound to the Island by the curse, the villagers suffer beneath the iron claw of the serpent, daily breathing the poison of his breath and dying to appease his insatiable appetite.

When Marya’s parents are slain by the serpent for their belief in a legendary king, she becomes an Outcast. Struggling to survive and avoid the vengeance of the Tribunal, Marya is torn between legend and the harsh reality of the Island. Yet when a forgotten promise springs to life, she cannot help wondering if the old stories might in fact be true. And if they are, will the promise prove stronger than the curse?

 I'm so excited for this one! It's been a long time and coming, but I'd say it's well worth the wait! You can find out more on Gillian's blog.

Book Review--The Makilien Trilogy by Molly Evangiline

Have you ever used those Amazon "Look Inside" previews for books? Well, musing around, I decided to look at the one for Molly Evangeline's Trust, third and final book in the Makilien Trilogy. I had read the first book before and also enjoyed her novel, Resistance, written under a different author name. But alas--the preview left me off at a cliff-hanger (as is their way)! I couldn't just leave the poor hero off there! I had to find out the rest! So of course, I read the entire trilogy.

First off I will admit that while I enjoyed Truth, it was a little slow for me. But hey, it was one of the author's first books, and she certainly improves!

Courage brings the intensity to a new level with higher and more painful stakes and consequences. Characters are developed and deadly plots are revealed. And after a huge battle that spans over several chapters, we are left off on one of the best cliff-hangers I've encountered in a book. Rather then causing you to growl and throw the book against the wall, it makes you gasp in alarm/delight and dive for the next book.

Fortunately, I had the next book and could finally answer my questions from the Amazon preview. Trust is definitely the best of the three, bringing in an intense, mysterious style that was not present in the previous books, but serves this story splendidly. Along with the black and white/good and evil characters that were prevalent, we are introduced to new or revealed grey characters with deep, difficult conflict. I must say that after three books with these characters I was rather experiencing all their pain with them. And...Sirion...if you, like me, have a thing for noble, tortured heroes you'll love him. And if you, like me, enjoy the brooding, struggling anti-hero, you'll love Rylean. And Aeden is just cool.

Violence-- Battles are detailed as to combat, and while there no shortage of casualties, nothing is really gory or descriptive. Characters are often tortured throughout the books--beaten, burned, whipped--most notably in the last book, but description is handled with taste. Don't think I'm morbid, but it was super nice to see the author let the villain be as bad as they wanted. So often they'll fall short of their true nature because the author is merciful to their characters. Oh yes, there was discretion for the reader's stomach, but this author really let the villains have a go at the heroes! I only wish a little more attention had been paid to the reality of the victim's wounds. I understand that adrenaline can do amazing things, but sometimes the heroes could talk or move way too well for their injuries.

Sexual--Um...next to none? There is romance, but the characters are all extremely chaste, only gifting each other with an occasional embrace of encouragement and a kiss on the forehead. Which was very nice.

Langauge--None

Other--While this is a fantasy with an array of fantasy creatures, there is no magic.

This fantasy trilogy is an exciting, involving story of triumph over evil, faith in impossible situations, and all around good guys. The simplistic writing style serves the story well. I think the peak of my enjoyment might have been from tweens to early teens, but I enjoyed this nevertheless! If you're looking for a new adventure, definitely consider this one!

Five Enchanted Roses Entries Sneak Peak!

Hey everyone! As August barrels in (wait, August? But I wasn't done with July!!!!!!!) I thought I'd share a peek at the stories I'm working on for the Five Enchanted Roses Beauty and the Beast contest!

Doctor Lewis has one thing left in the world--his young daughter, Bell. Now he prepares to give her up so she can have a future oversea in the mainland away from the rugged frontier. But as they travel across a savage mountain range with a band of soldiers and miners, Bell comes to adore an enslaved centaur--a creature said to be nothing more than a vicious beast despite its part-human appearance. When Bell's life is endangered, will her father be able to overcome the lie and see that the monster is a man?

Seeking a home away from deep hurt, Armel and his maimed father run afoul a cruel village living under the shadow of a dark castle rumored to be ruled by an evil, enchanted queen. To save his father's life, Armel is forced to enter the castle as an offering for their offense, but once inside, he discovers the queen would rather have him gone. Caught by fear and intrigue, he determines to break her spell by learning to truly love her. But no greater challenge has he ever undertook nor has he been met by greater resistance.  

For she deserves Death. And Death draws ever nigh...

What about you? Are you working on some stories for the contest? Care to share? :)