BOOK REVIEW: Revenge of the Elders of Zion by Dan Sofer

Revenge of the Elders of Zion

Author: Dan Sofer

Genre: NA Crime / Thriller / Satire

Publication Date: 12th May 2020

Book Description:

Haters destroyed his life. Will the Elders of Zion deliver vengeance?

"If you are a fan of dark humor, you will thoroughly enjoy this. 5 stars!" - Readers' Favorite

The world you know is a lie. Global events are controlled by the Elders of Zion. And David Zelig wants to join them. There's only one problem. The Elders of Zion doesn't exist. It never did. So David rolls his own secret society. But he's not the only covert vigilante group in town.

Dark forces are closing in on every side. The race for survival launches David and his friends from the skyscrapers of Manhattan through the secrets of Imperial Russia to an embarrassing relic from the dawn of Christianity.

Along the way, David will learn about hatred. He will learn about love. And he will discover a very unusual egg. The web of conspiracy he uncovers will boggle the mind.

As time runs out in this zany, high-octane, and deliciously dark comedy thriller, David will face a shocking possibility. Have his good intentions backfired, triggering the worst anti-Semitic attack on American soil ever?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

I must admit, this isn't my usual read, so when the author invited me to read the book, I took a chance on it because I found the blurb inviting, and then I saw the cover a little later, which reignited my intrigue. After reading this book, I think I need to make more of an effort to start delving into this genre. It was not what I was expecting, in a good way.

David Zelig, the last heir of Zelig Pictures is down on his luck after being swindled out of his legacy by Preston Clancy, an anti-semist. Tired of of having to tolerate the misfortune of being jewish in New York City, David decides enough is enough. He wants to send a message to the world, one that will cease the maltreatment of the jewish community. He and his two best friends, Jordan Brody and Mitchell Joffe, start a secret organisation called the Trio. What starts off as an innocent mission to change the mindset of the world turns into a deadly battle between multiple secret societies, and the Trio find themselves in the middle of all the chaos. As if encountering these secret societies wasn't bad enough, the Trio are blackmailed by the FBI into infiltrating an organisation known as the Elders of Zion in order to gather intel. The Trio quickly learn that you can't trust anyone, not even those supposedly on the right side of the law.

This story was definitely interesting, albeit surreal at times, but it was nonetheless exciting. It put me in the mind of a recent show I started watching called Hunters, starring Al Pacino and Logan Lerman, about Nazi hunters out for justice, which was a lot more realistic in plot but similar in the overall agenda of the story. Despite the serious nature of the threat, I appreciated the light-hearted moments and the banter between the Trio. I don't usually tolerate nonsensical scenarios, but because I enjoyed the story so much and the adventure it took me on, it was easy to overlook the complete impossibilty of those unbelievable moments. I loved the characters. They were very engaging. The stoy had a more juvenile feel than I think the author had intended but that's what probably added to the nonchalant demeanour preserved by David throughout a majority of the book. I loved the fact that the book didn't take itself too seriously, a total contrast to the characters, which made it even more hilarious.

This book is non-stop action and dilemma from start to finish. A very good read indeed!

VERDICT

Award: Gold

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Outfoxed by R.J. Blain

Outfoxed

(The Fox Witch, #1)

Author: R.J. Blain

Publication Date: November 3rd, 2020

Genre: Adult Paranormal / Urban Fantasy

Book Description:

Death is a way of life outside of the safety of Inner Tulsa, and Jade means to keep flipping Mother Nature off until old age claims her. With one eye always on the sky, the last thing she needs is a pack of bounty hunters out for her living head. With no idea of why anyone would want her, her wits might keep her free, assuming she can resist the charming lures of Sandro, one of the men out to claim her as his own.

Left with the choice of being the evening snack of a tornado or taking shelter with the bounty hunter, she does what she does best: she lives on the edge.

Striking a bargain with the handsome bounty hunter buys her another day of life, but it also dumps her into the heart of a sinister plot, one meant to enslave the residents of the storm-tossed city—and the others brave and foolish enough to call the Alley home.

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BOOK REVIEW: Ara the Star Engineer by Kamal Singh

Ara the Star Engineer

Author: Kamal Singh

Genre: Picture Book
Publication Date: 14 October 2018
Publisher: Page Two Books

Book Description:

This is a STEM book and more! An inspiring, inclusive, whimsical way to learn about computers and technology from real-life trailblazers.

Ara is a young girl who loves BIG numbers. She wants to count all the stars in the sky… but how? This is an upbeat adventure of Ara and her sidekick droid, DeeDee (“Beep!”). They use smarts and grit to solve a BIG problem and discover an amazing algorithm! A quest that takes them through a whirlwind of intriguing locations at Innovation Plex -- Data Centre, Ideas Lab, Coding Pods, and X-Space. Along the way, they encounter real-life women tech trailblazers of diverse backgrounds, including a Tenacious Troubleshooter, an Intrepid Innovator, a Code Commander, and a Prolific Problem Solver. They tinker-and-tailor, build-and-fail, launch-and-iterate, and in the end discover an amazing algorithm of success -- coding, courage, creativity, and collaboration (“Beeeeep!”).

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

A brave and budding young engineer ventures out to find with her droid, DeeDee, to find the answer for how to count all the stars in the universe. They head to Innovation Plex where Ara finds all the answers to set her on the path to victory.

While this wasn't the most entertaining and adrenaline-pumping read, it was most certainly an informative and fascinating adventure that those interested in engineering will devour with joy. I think the message may get lost with some kids as they try to wade through the techy aspect of the story, but this was a cute story on learning how to problem solve. Ara is a great role model for youths as she is full of determination, confidence and a will to succeed.

VERDICT

Award: Gold

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Source: Own copy

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Silent Daughter by Claire Amarti

The Silent Daughter

Author: Claire Amarti

Publication Date: May 7th, 2020

Genre: Adult Psychological Suspense

Book Description:

Schoolgirl missing, the ticker reads, and the camera cuts to a girl’s face. Blonde hair waterfalling over her shoulders, serious eyes, lips a little parted like she’s about to speak. That’s when I realize I’ve been holding my breath, because the gasp when I inhale almost chokes me.

Sadie Kelly has lost her job. Until last month, she was a teacher at Horton College – the same high school she went to ten years ago along with her best friend, Fiona. But Fiona died in an accident on their graduation night, in circumstances Sadie’s spent the last ten years trying to forget, and since then nothing’s been the same.

Now Sadie’s back where she grew up, jobless, and living temporarily with Fiona’s mother. But when she hears that Devon Hundley, a Horton schoolgirl, has gone missing, everything changes. Devon’s the daughter of Philip Hundley, a man Sadie knows all too well, and Sadie can’t stop thinking about the last time she saw Devon. It was the day Sadie left Horton for good, and heard Devon murmur four little words as she walked away. Four words Sadie prayed she had misheard:

I know your secret.

A gripping page-turner for fans of Kerry Lonsdale, Diane Chamberlain, and Liane Moriarty.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Cover Reveal - Break You Hard by Michelle Hercules

Break You Hard

(Rebel Hearts Duet, #1)

Author: Michelle Hercules

Publication Date: November 3rd, 2020

Genre: NA Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

He came into my life like a thunderstorm.

Furious.

Devastating.

Loud.

I was lost in the dark until his lightning struck the sky, brightening everything for a split second, but long enough for me to find a way out.

I’m a single mom, trying my best to survive. There’s no room in my life for anything else. Or so I thought. The more time I spend with Jessie, the more I realize he’s not a bad boy who needs saving, he’s the man who has captured my heart.

***

She came into my life like a summer breeze.

Soft.

Warm.

Gentle.

I was spiraling out of control, headed straight for destruction until her kindness removed the barbed wire around my heart.

I was the lost cause, the black sheep in my family. I wanted to hurt everyone to forget my pain. But Riley saw past all my bullshit. She tried to help me even though her own life was in shambles. Now all I want is to prove that I can be the man that she needs even if it could break us hard.

Buy Links:

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About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Michelle Hercules always knew creative arts were her calling but not in a million years did she think she would write a novel. With a background in fashion design she thought she would follow that path. But one day, out of the blue, she had an idea for a book. One page turned into ten pages, ten pages turned into a hundred, and before she knew, her first book, The Prophecy of Arcadia, was born.

Michelle Hercules resides in The Netherlands with her husband and daughter. She is currently working on the Legends of Gattica series.

Author Links:

Facebook Page ¦ Instagram ¦ Facebook Readers' Group ¦ Amazon ¦ Bookbub

Cover Reveal Organised by:

Blog Tour - The Marvelous Mechanical Man by Rie Sheridan Rose

The Marvelous Mechanical Man

Author: Rie Sheridan Rose

Genre: Steampunk / Adventure / Romance

Book Description:

The Marvelous Mechanical Man is the first book in a Steampunk series featuring the adventures of Josephine Mann, an independent woman in need of a way to pay her rent. She meets Professor Alistair Conn, in need of a lab assistant, and a partnership is created that proves exciting adventure for both of them.

Alistair’s prize invention is an automaton standing nine feet tall. There’s a bit of a problem though…he can’t quite figure out how to make it move. Jo just might be of help there. Then again, they might not get a chance to find out, as the marvelous mechanical man goes missing.

Jo and Alistair find themselves in the middle of a whirlwind of kidnapping, catnapping, and cross-country chases that involve airships, trains, and a prototype steam car. With a little help from their friends, Herbert Lattimer and Winifred Bond, plots are foiled, inventions are perfected, and a good time is had by all.

Buy Links:

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Warrior Saints - Creator by Carla Thorne

Warrior Saints – Creator

(Stonehaven Academy Saints, #1)
Author: Carla Thorne

Publication Date: April 17th, 2020

Genre: YA Fantasy / Supernatural

Book Description:

“Hello. My name is Mary Antonia Hunter, and I picked up the snake.”

Strange days have come to the halls of Stonehaven Academy.

From brutal fights in the supernatural realm with a demon-like presence, to battling obstacles in the halls at school, Mary knows she’s different.

She just doesn’t understand why.

Then it gets even weirder.

As her supernatural battles increase, she is drawn into friendships with others who seem to be as confused about their bizarre abilities and encounters as she is.

Now that Mary, Deacon, Scout, and Ivy have found each other, what is their purpose and why? And who gifted these newly-named Warriors, and how do they manage their powers and maneuver the confusing maze of school, family, romance—and the occasional demonic force?

Get your FREE preview of Warrior Saints here!

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - The Run Around by Bernadette Franklin

The Run Around

Author: Bernadette Franklin

Publication Date: April 28th, 2020

Genre: Adult Comedy / Contemporary Romance

Book Description:

Arranging a wedding for her brother and a five-time thoroughbride tests Hope’s skills and patience. She’d believed the vows would be the most dangerous part of the ceremony, but a baseball to the head during the photography session proves her wrong and lands her in the sights of her brother’s best friend, Fredrick.

He wants her to plan his wedding.

She wants to be his bride.

Diving into the treacherous world of wedding planning, Hope keeps her word and arranges the vows for the one man she believes she could love. He doesn’t know how much she cherishes him and his friendship.

What she doesn’t know lands her in the heart of a royal mess.

Buy Links:

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Someone To Kiss My Scars by Brooke Skipstone

Someone To Kiss My Scars: A Teen Thriller

Author: Brooke Skipstone

Publication Date: October 17th, 2019

Genre: YA Thriller

Book Description:

First Place Pencraft Award in Young Adult Abuse

Readers’ Favorite International Contest: Silver Medal in Young Adult Thriller

“Powerful. Original. Deeply felt and convincing.” — Kirkus Reviews

Hunter needs to remember. Jazz needs to forget. They need each other to heal in this teen thriller of survivor love.

Hunter’s past is a mystery to him, erased by a doctor at the direction of his father. But memories of the secret trauma begin to surface when Hunter sees other people’s memories–visions invading his mind with stories of abuse, teen self-mutilation, rape, and forbidden sex.

His best friend Jazz has dark and disturbing memories of her own that she hides behind her sass and wit. Hunter discovers he can rescue the victims, even though he risks adding their suffering to his own.

Hunter and Jazz kiss each other’s scars and form a bond of empathy no two teens should ever need.

Only 99¢ for a limited time!

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Cover Reveal - Hasty by Julia Kent

Hasty

(Do-Over Series, #4)

Author: Julia Kent

Publication Date: July 28th, 2020

Genre: Adult Comedy / Romance

Book Description:

AN ALL-NEW STANDALONE FROM NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR JULIA KENT

I never thought my perp walk would lead to true love.

Then again, I never thought I’d be arrested on RICO charges and hauled away in zip ties on camera for the world to see, minutes after closing the most amazing deal of my career.

And all of it in front of my biggest rival, billionaire wunderkind Ian McRory.

I am broke.

I am disgraced.

I am alone.

I am a sucker.

But the worst part? I have to go back to my hometown and live in my bedroom filled with relics from my childhood.

Lisa Frank never made me so mad before.

Just when I needed a rescue, I got one — in the form of help from my biggest rival.

He can’t bring back my money.

He certainly can’t bring back my reputation or my pride.

But there’s one thing he can bring back to me.

A sense of hope.

Maybe even love.

Ian sees something in me no one else does, and he’s relentless about making me see it, too. As we grow closer, I’m starting to see that while my entire life used to be a lie, the truth is staring me in the present — and it’s a truth I like very, very much, hot eyes and gorgeous smile and all.

But I have to be careful.

I can’t be too —

That’s right.

Hasty.

The final book in the USA Today bestselling Do-Over Series (Fluffy, Perky, Feisty), as Mallory’s sister, Hastings “Hasty” Monahan gets her turn at a happily ever after that starts off with an arrest.

Hers.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ iBooks ¦ Kobo ¦ Google Play

About the Author

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author Julia Kent writes romantic comedy with an edge. From billionaires to BBWs to new adult rock stars, Julia finds a sensual, goofy joy in every contemporary romance she writes. Unlike Shannon from Shopping for a Billionaire, she did not meet her husband after dropping her phone in a men's room toilet (and he isn't a billionaire). She lives in New England with her husband and three sons in a household where the toilet seat is never, ever, down.

Author Links:

Website ¦ Goodreads ¦ Facebook ¦ Twitter ¦ Instagram ¦ Newsletter ¦ Bookbub ¦ Amazon

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - Running from Demons by M.K. Theodoratus

Running from Demons

Author: M.K. Theodoratus

Genre: YA Paranormal

Release Date: September 2018

Book Description:

Pillar Beccon travels across Andor to discover her mother's mysterious past. But danger is never far away as a demon seeks to destroy her.

An orphaned null without a hint of magic, Pillar can't remember ever belonging anywhere, especially not in the Freemage commune where she grew up. After she graduates from high school, she jumps at the chance to learn why her mother ran away from her family.

During an accidental encounter, Grylerrque, a surviving commander from The Demon Wars, recognizes what Pillar is and decides to feed the girl's life force to her clutch. The demon sends her minions to capture the girl. Pillar escapes with a help of an unexpected allay, only to learn she was pulled out of the frying pan and thrown into the fire.

Running from Demons tells the story of Pillar's search to find a place to call her own. The book continues the chronicles of Andor, a land where the mundane world clashes with one of magic and demons from another plane prey. If you love paranormal stories of discovery and mayhem, this is the story for you."

Buy Links:

Amazon  US ¦ UK ¦ B&N ¦ Kobo ¦ iTunes ¦ Smashwords

Book Blitz - Veiled by Michelle Areaux

Veiled

Author: Michelle Areaux

Genre: YA Fantasy/Supernatural/Romance

Release Date: March 4th, 2020

Book Description:

Audrey is supposed to be attending the exclusive performing arts academy she has dreamed of attending her entire life. However, one wrong click landed her at the exclusive House of Shadows a… vampire academy.

Once Audrey discovers the truth of where she is, it is too late to leave without an entire coven of vampires realizing she is human and their next meal. Forced to remain at the academy, Audrey finds herself fitting in a world unlike any she had ever imagined. As she settles into her new role, a dark secret emerges and Audrey is now in danger...again.

Only, one boy can save Audrey from a dark secret lurking within the House of Shadows. But, will his desire to save her withstand the hunger he feels for her? Discover this exciting new academy series today!

Fans of the House of Night and Twilight will adore this new series.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

BOOK REVIEW: Death Warden by C.J. Stilling

Death Warden

Author: C.J. Stilling

Publisher: Fantastically Minded

Publication Date: 15th November 2019

Genre: YA Fantasy

Book Description:

A teenage assassin. An impossible choice. The fate of everything hangs in the balance…

Sixteen-year-old Reen swore she’d never take another life. Divinely selected to assassinate a few in order to save many, she learned to jump from shadow to shadow and claim her victims without question… until she was ordered to kill the boy she loved. But when an ancient plague returns threatening to infect everyone she knows, she is forced to resume her deadly duties.

Battling a disease that turns people into nightmarish monsters, Reen must track down and terminate those responsible before the city falls, and the evil spreads beyond its borders. But the closer she gets to the source, the more she uncovers sinister secrets that will shake the foundations of her world and everything she believes.

Can Reen defend her realm without losing her soul?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Wow. This was a pleasant surprise. I didn't have any expectations, but whatever little I did expect, it certainly wasn't this. The YA fantasy genre had long waned in attaining my undivided attention, and then, boom, Reen and her deadly squad of misfits comes along and gives me hope. This was definitely the kind of original, ass-kicking, supernatural adventure I was looking for.

Reminiscent of the biblical story of Lucifer and his banishment from heaven, Death Warden takes readers on a pilgrimage where there is no abolute barrier between good and evil. After being banished from the Haven Isles by the Life Giver, the Custodians (fallen angels) seek revenge upon discovering the Life Giver's plan to send the Celestials to unleash a deadly plague known as the Scourge to end human life. After imprisoning the Celestials and stopping the Scourge, the Custodians did the unthinkable and formed soul-bonds with humans, transforming the average human into a Death Warden, a person with an ability to see things most people can't see - a world hidden from normal eyes.

Sixteen-year-old Reen is a Death Warden, chosen to save the world at the tender age of fourteen after a hopeless life as a homeless thief living in the attic of a blacksmith. Finally feeling worthy, she embraces her new life. This gift, however, comes with a price, one that bears a heavy burden on her conscience. To save the world, Reen must kill. Reen has seen her fair share of gruesome deaths over the past two years, most of which she is to blame for. Distraught at the catastrophe she has caused, even if it is deemed for the better of the world, she decides enough is enough. She will kill no more. There's a problem with her plan, however. There's someone killing Death Wardens, and if Reen intends on staying alive and saving the lives of her loved ones, she has to decide whether saving her soul is more important than saving the lives of those she holds dear to her heart.

This is one of those books I can pictue being adapted for the big screen. It would work really well as a movie - full of action, adventure, mystery and a handful of deaths. Oh, and not to mention the fantastic supernatural element. The world building was amazing. The story really came to life. I could picture everything, from the characters to the scenery and the fight scenes. It was very cinematic, which I loved as my mind easily drifts when stories start to drag and characters start to become impassive. Thankfully, that wasn't the case here. Death Warden features a plethora of colourful characters whose worlds were nicely intertwined. Reen carried the story like a true warrior. She was badass and bold. Even though she hated being a Death Warden for the simple fact that her conscience couldn't tolerate all the killing, I liked that she was unapologetic in the way she went about her life. She knew what she was and hated what she'd become, but she didn't wallow in self pity. She just got on with it and didn't make any excuses. The only thing I wasn't too much of a fan of was the obvious similarities between Bastian and Erend. It was hard to separate them. At one point I even wondered if Erend's soul had transferred to Bastian's body and perhaps that was the real cause behind Bastian's memory loss. Yes, I have given much thought to it, but it's only because I see Erend every time Bastian comes into the picture.

Aside from that minor issue, I loved the book. Loved the cover also. This was an all-round great read, and I am thankful to have been given the opportunity to read it. I loved the writing style. Stilling is cetainly one to watch.

VERDICT

Award: Platinum

Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Sea Child by LaVerne Thompson

Sea Child

(Children of the Waves #4)

Author: LaVerne Thompson

Publication Date: April 23rd 2020

Genre: Adult Fantasy Romance

Book Desciption:

Land or sea, he was her world.

Shawnah had a decision to make. Sea born but land raised, she now knew the truth of her birth and how far some would go to steal her powers. There was only one man she trusted to protect her while she learned how to protect herself. But what happens if she decides to flaunt destiny and not remain in the sea? Would she risk losing him? The children of Poseidon are fated to have one mate.

Cyrus didn’t think that applied to him, since he was a hybrid born of both land and sea. He never searched for a bride. But fate had other ideas, and once he held Shawnah in his arms, Cyrus had no intention of letting her go. When she is once again threatened, Cyrus is willing to take on the gods of the sea, or even her father of the land, to protect her and remain at her side.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Who Will Save Your Soul by Skye Warren

Who Will Save Your Soul: And Other Dangerous Bedtime Stories

Author: Skye Warren

Publication Date: April 14th 2020

Genre: Adult Romance

Book Description:

Features four novellas by New York Times bestselling author Skye Warren. Each standalone story ends in a happily ever after.

WHO WILL SAVE YOUR SOUL

Emily’s a pathological liar. When her life is at stake, will anyone believe her?

MAFIA CINDERELLA

One dress. One dance. Lucia has one chance to change her life—and the lives of her family.

BEDTIME STORY

Jessica is on the run when her car breaks down. A small town sheriff can’t be her knight in shining armor.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT

Cold. Rough. Merciless. The foreman of the construction crew is going to make her pay every last cent.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ Barnes & Noble ¦ iBooks ¦ Kobo

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Blood Always by Jill Ramsower

Blood Always

(The Five Families #3)

Author: Jill Ramsower

Publication Date: April 15th, 2020

Genre: Adult Romance

Book Description:

It was supposed to be business.

Two families, one wedding, zero emotion.

My father’s mafia outfit had saved my life.

I owed them everything.

An arranged marriage was hardly a sacrifice when I would have already been long dead had it not been for them.

I would give up my independence for the Lucciano Family.

I would bind myself to the man whose family tore my life to pieces.

Matteo De Luca was vicious claws sheathed in refinement and class.

He saw my untamed independence as a challenge.

I saw his alluring authority as a threat.

There was a ruthless storm that raged in his oceanic gaze. A majestic tidal wave of temper and domination looking to break on my rocky shores.

He would annihilate me.

Rip open my layers until all my pretty secrets were scattered at his feet.

The worst part? I wanted to experience whatever it was Matteo had to offer, and I hated myself for it.

I wanted to launch myself at him.

To kiss him. To kill him.

To end the debilitating torture of the unknown.

The moment our paths collided, our lives were altered irrevocably.

Taking us from enemies allied by a strategic marriage to something dark and consuming.

Something that tasted like obsession.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK