BOOK REVIEW: Entangled Earth by David Lea

Entangled Earth

Author: David Lea

Publication Date: June 1st, 2018

Genre: Sci-Fi / Apocalyptic Thriller

Book Description:

Physics isn’t easy. Rule number one should always be ‘Don’t destroy the world’, but sometimes science doesn’t follow the rules.

An experiment gone wrong means the Earth might only have days left. The planet is being torn apart by an invisible and deadly… something. 

Physicist Mia Green must get home to England, from a devastated Paris, to find her family and maybe, just maybe, stop the experiment that’s ending the world.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Well, this was rather surprising. I was not expecting to like this book as much as I did. As the blurb didn't give much away, I wasn't sure what it entailed, but the moment I started reading, I was drawn into the chaos that main protagonist Mia found herself in. Be prepared for multiple casualties (gory deaths are aplenty).

Long story short, an experiment in the High-Energy Physics lab at the University of Cambridge has gone horribly wrong and now the world is on the brink of destruction. Dr James Frankle created a machine (a molecular entangler) in hopes of proving that the multiverse theory is real, with the possibility of communicating between parallel universes (if the experiment is a success, that is). Obviously, things don't go according to plan, and while the entanglement has been achieved, it starts to expand, causing Dr Frankle to lose complete control. As the entanglement gets stronger, its effect starts to affect the entire planet. Young physicist Mia Green narrowly escapes death as the Eiffel Tower is torn apart by an invisible source. With the help of survivor Bruce Cole and elderly scientist Abraham Lane, Mia must race from Paris to Cambridge to turn off Dr Frrankle's machine before all is lost.

As if facing invisible obstacles wasn't hard enough to deal with, Mia also has to worry about her husband and son, whom she left back in Cambridge. Will she get to the machine in time, and if so, will there be anyone left on Earth for her to save?

Entangled Earth was a thrilling apocalyptic story. Although the experiment was rather surreal, I loved the way the characters handled the challenges that came their way. The methods used were plausible and you could just imagine being in their situation and having to come up with ways of how to manoeuvre such a catastrophic environment. I love how descriptive and detailed it was. The story truly came alive. For about the first half of the book, the story doesn't take a breath. It's action, chaos and excitement all the way. My interest waned a little through the second half but then picked up again towards the end - an ending that was very unexpected, I might add.

This book would be great as a movie. It might be a little hard for some to wrap their minds around how such an experiment could happen in the first place, but once you get past the inception of the concept, you'll enjoy the journey. I can see this book being adapted into a movie. Numerous apocalyptic movies came to mind as I was reading the book, and this would fit right in.

A thrilling read.

VERDICT

Award: Gold

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - An Impossible World by S.P. Cervantes

An Impossible World 
Author: S.P. Cervantes
Published by: Amber Leaf Publishing
Publication Date: July 25th, 2017
Genre: Adult Dystopian Romance

Book Description:
“In this world, loving someone is a weakness.” He let his fingers trace my chin, “I’ve always been strong. I need to be strong.” His voice was a whisper as his eyes fell to my lips.

I didn’t break my gaze from his, “You are strong.” I wanted to say so much more but was too lost in the way his eyes told me he wanted everything I did.

He leaned in so close that I could feel his warm breath mix with mine. He placed one hand on the wall behind me, “You make me weak.”

“I want to be the first person you kiss under the stars, and I think you do too.”

He didn’t wait for my answer, he was right, he knew everything about me.

What would happen if terrorism spread and hate took over? What would the world become?

Isabella (Belle) Grey trained her entire adult life to protect those around her––training that would prove invaluable in her quest to make a new life. Forced to live in an impossible world, terror was not only outside the walls of her protected community but also raged behind the walls of her very own home.

No longer willing to put up with her husband’s drunken abuse, Belle made the desperate decision to run away from the safety of her community and escaped alone into the broken world beyond.

Chased by death as bombs exploded in the distance, her next decision could not only save her life but could potentially bring light back into her darkened soul.

When faced with the impossible, Belle found strength in an unsuspecting stranger who set her path in a new direction––one she never considered.

Fear. Love. Revenge. Strength … all come together in this epic tale of fate and survival.

Only 99¢ for a limited time!

Buy Links:

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

Blog Tour Spotlight - The Freedom Club by Cindy Vine

The Freedom Club

Author: Cindy Vine

Publisher: Createspace

Pages: 184

Genre: YA

Book Description:

“We could be anybody and everybody. A group of high school stereotypes with one thing in common.  Every one of us has a story.”

Every high school has the bullies, the freaks, and the weird kids that make you feel uneasy.  Rourke High has more than their fair share.  A few months before the end of their senior year, a group of seemingly mismatched kids get together to form The Freedom Club, hoping that they can support the victims of bullying, before they graduate.  As they uncover secrets and lies they plot revenge – and discover love, friendship and truths about themselves, building up to a shocking climax that will leave you reeling.

Do you ever really know the person next to you?

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Rival by Arwen Paris

Rival

(Fate of the Stars, #2)

Author: Arwen Paris

Publication Date: November 1st, 2018

Genre: YA Science Fiction / Urban Fantasy

Book Description:

It’s a role she didn’t want…

One deadly week has passed since seventeen year old Allison Delaney realized she must save Earth from the parasitic race of Ma’tiok. But the task is even more complicated than Allison feared, and she’s being set up to fail. Blamed for a fatal blow to the Alliance fleet that killed dozens of soldiers, Allison must face judgment for their deaths. The High Priestess Kiobaan is Allison’s only hope. Kiobaan sees the warrior spirit in Allison, along with her potential both politically and physically and agrees to train her.

And a game she can’t afford to lose.

Meanwhile, though Allison is the human host of Eenoki, protector of life, she’s not yet ready to harness their combined energy. Their bond is unpredictable at best—volatile at worst. Time is running out for Eenoki and Allison to trust each other—all or nothing—or she’ll never gain the power she needs to defeat the Ma’tiok and save Earth. When Allison is marked for death by an unknown enemy, the High Priestess Kiobaan must step-up and fight. But in return Kiobaan extracts a pledge from Allison, one that will compromise her new status and make her a target.

Pre-Order Links:

Books2Read

June Favourites

Welcome to my June Favourites.

Here, you will find a list of the movies and books I watched and read in June and my favourite among them.

Books Read:

Favourite:



Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Movies Watched:

Favourite:

BOOK REVIEW: Jake, Lucid Dreamer by David J. Naiman

Jake, Lucid Dreamer

Author: David J. Naiman

Publication Date: May 4th, 2018

Genre: MG Magical Realism

Book Description:

12-year-old Jake has been suppressing his heartbreak over the loss of his mother for the past four years. But his emotions have a way of haunting his dreams and bubbling to the surface when he least expects it. When Jake learns how to take control in his dreams, he becomes a lucid dreamer, and that’s when the battle really heats up.

Using his wits to dodge bullies by day and a nefarious kangaroo hopping ever closer by night, Jake learns about loss, bravery, the power of love, and how you cannot fully heal until you face your greatest fear. This uncompromising novel is a magical yet honest exploration of emotional healing after a devastating loss.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

The story is pretty straightforward, and it's a quick read. It explores the trials and tribulations of Jake, a 12 year old who is overcome with the loss of his mother four years ago and also frustrated with just about everything in life - from school bullies to family drama.

Initially, I was very excited to read this book as it sounded very intriguing, and while it started off great, pulling me in right from the get-go and making me feel a lot of compassion for Jake and his family, the story soon started to drag, which made the book seem a lot longer than it actually was. It just felt as though I was experiencing the same incidents again and again without much development. There were some beautiful moments where I felt very connected with the character, and then the story would lose my interest, and I would disengage from it.

I think the biggest problem for me was that the character felt as though he was lacking a purpose - a goal, so to speak. I loved Jake as a character. He was likable and flawed. I liked how he handled the struggles that came his way. Some good lessons to be learned here. As a character, Jake had potential to grow, which made me want to know more about him. Unfortunately, I wasn't too much of a fan of the plot. Certain situations were extended for too long and Jake never seemed to drive the story. He merely appeared to be going through the motions.

Despite me not enjoying the story much, I did enjoy the author's writing style. I thought he brought out the characters' emotions effectively, and I certainly felt a connection to Jake and his family.

I wanted to love the story as much as I loved Jake, but it just wasn't meant to be. It was still an okay read.

VERDICT

Award: Silver

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars

Source: Author

BOOK REVIEW: Short or Tall Doesn't Matter At All / Part Of The Rainbow by Asaf Rozanes

Short or Tall Doesn't Matter At All

Author: Asaf Rozanes

Publication Date: February 3rd, 2018

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Book Description:

This is a story for all those who feel a little different or have been left out.

With bravery, kindness and determination, Mia shows her friends that everyone, no matter how small or different, has talents and skills too.

Every child and grown up goes through struggles to fit in or find their place in a world that is often confusing and sometimes cruel.

Each and every one of us has something which makes us different, unique, special - and that's a GOOD thing!

In this insightful and inspiring book, children will learn what is really important in life by focusing on the following values:

Kindness

Acceptance

Learning to be themselves

Friendship

Kindness

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

I really enjoy a good picture book. They just fill me with joy. Mia gets a lesson on the importance of difference and how being different can be a great advantage. She learns not to worry about the little things in life - no pun intended. There are important things in life one should focus on and other things that you shouldn't really worry about - such as whether you're short or tall.

Why worry about what you can't change instead of thinking about what you can change? As much as the kids made fun of Mia because of her height, she soon came to realise that she's perfect just the way she is and that the world needs both tall and short people.

It was a good lesson to learn, and I really liked the example used to demonstrate the importance of being different and accepting who you are.

VERDICT

Award: Gold

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Source: Author

Part Of The Rainbow

Author: Asaf Rozanes

Publication Date: May 5th, 2018

Genre: Children's Picture Book

Book Description:

Mia’s story is one we can all relate to, the differences between us and learning to accept our own unique traits.

As Mia struggles to find her place in a class devoid of green, she learns how special she is and how all of us, together, make the best rainbow of all.

In this insightful and inspiring book, children will learn what is really important in life by focusing on the following values:

Accept yourself and what makes you unique

Accept others and what makes them different

Together we all create the amazing rainbow of life

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

MY REVIEW

Another joyous story about being different and accepting who you are. Loved the rhyming scheme. What I enjoy most about these books is that they don't feel preachy. Some kids don't like reading because they feel they're being pressured to be a certain way. This isn't the case here. You completely forget you're learning because the story is portrayed in such a joyous manner. Reading can sometimes feel like a chore, but this book is just pure fun.

We are all unique because we are all different. A wonderful read.

VERDICT

Award: Gold

Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Source: Author

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Superhero High by T.H. Hernandez

Superhero High 
Author: T.H. Hernandez
Published by: Soul Mate Publishing
Publication Date: July 5th 2018
Genre: YA Adventure / Science Fiction

Book Description:

Sixteen-year-old Annarenee Stevens is the sole member of her family without a super power. The only time she feels powerful is in the pool. With her sights set on swimming for U.C. Berkeley, she’s ready to win it all at the State championship and secure her future.

When the government unexpectedly ends the secret Genetically Enhanced Asset (GEA) program, Annarenee is uprooted from Dayton, the only home she’s ever known, and relocated to San Diego with all of the other GEA families. Queen of her public school, Annarenee is just another zero at Superhero High, a school without any sports teams.

With the end of the program, her hero older brother now needs a college education, too, meaning the only way Annarenee is getting into Berkeley is on a scholarship. Her dream is slipping through her fingers, no matter how tightly she clings to it. To make matters worse, super hot superhero, Ren Gonzalez, is paying too much attention to her. The kind of attention that has Ren’s ex-girlfriend intent on making Annarenee’s life even more miserable.

But when heroes begin disappearing, zeros and heroes will be forced to team up in order to solve the mystery. If they don’t kill each other first.

Buy Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK

Book Blitz - Kiss of the Royal by Lindsey Duga

Kiss of the Royal releases next week! Pre-order your copy today!

Kiss of the Royal

Author: Lindsey Duga

Genre: YA Fantasy

Release Date: July 3rd 2018
Entangled Teen

Book Description:
In the war against the Forces of Darkness, the Royals are losing. Princess Ivy is determined to end this centuries-long conflict once and for all, so her new battle partner must succeed where the others failed. Prince Zach’s unparalleled skill with a sword, enhanced by Ivy’s magic Kiss, should make them an unstoppable pair—but try convincing Zach of that.

Prince Zach has spent his life preparing for battle, but he would rather be branded a heretic than use his lips as nothing more than a way to transfer magic. A kiss is a symbol of love, and love is the most powerful weapon they have—but try convincing Ivy of that.

With the fate of their world on the line, the battlefield has become a testing ground, and only one of them can be right. Falling for each other wasn’t part of the plan—but try convincing their hearts of that.

Pre-Order Links:

Amazon US ¦ UK ¦ Entangled Teen

Book Blitz & Giveaway - Go Home, Afton by Brent Jones

Go Home, Afton

(Afton Morrison, #1)

Author: Brent Jones

Publication Date: June 25th, 2018

Genre: Adult Thriller

Book Description:
We all wear masks, and Afton Morrison is no exception.

A small-town librarian with a dark side, Afton, twenty-six, has suppressed violent impulses her entire adult life. Impulses that demand she commit murder.

Blending her urges with reason, Afton stalks a known sexual predator, intending to kill him. But her plan, inspired by true crime and hatched with meticulous care, is interrupted by a mysterious figure from her past. A dangerous man that lurks in the shadows, watching, threatening to turn the huntress into the hunted.

Go Home, Afton is the first of four parts in a new serial thriller by author Brent Jones. Packed with grit and action, The Afton Morrison Series delves into a world of moral ambiguity, delivering audiences an unlikely heroine in the form of a disturbed vigilante murderess.

Buy Links:

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

Cover Reveal - Butterfly Blood (Metamorphosis #2) by Rebecca L. Carpenter

Butterfly Blood
(Metamorphosis #2) 

Author: Rebecca L. Carpenter

Genre: YA Sci-fi

Release Date: August 2018

Lakewater Press

Book Description:

A sixteen-year-old girl who cheated death continues her fight for survival as she goes up against real-life monsters, desperate for her unique blood, while risking everything to reunite with the love of her life, who is battling his own soul-sucking demons.

Pre-Order Links:
Amazon US ¦ UK

The first book in the Metamorphosis series, Butterfly Bones, has a redesign!

Buy Links:
AMAZON US ¦ UK ¦ B&N

EXCERPT from BUTTERFLY BLOOD:

Darkness consumes him.

Choking.

Suffocating.

His lungs burn as if they’ve been lit on fire.

He reaches out for something.

Anything.

But nothing is familiar.

The smells.

The sounds.

The voices.

And he can’t feel anything.

Except numbness.

Someone speaks.

But it’s a foreign language.

Foreign and muffled.

Light enters his brain, blinding and as painful as staring into the sun.

The brightness grows, with it the sharpness of a thousand needles.

He wants to scream.

He opens his mouth to scream.

But only a weak cry slips over his parched lips.

So dry.

So dry.

The light retracts.

Darkness slithers toward him, coiling up his leg …

Moving ever so slowly until it reaches his mouth and slips inside.

And all he wants to do is drink it up.

So thirsty.

So thirsty.

About the Author

Rebecca Carpenter is a native of western Colorado. She is married with two grown children and has been blessed with four amazing grandchildren. She owns and directs a large childcare center where she shares her love for books. In her spare time, she freelances as a copy editor, helping others attain their writing dreams. She finds solace and clarity while spending time with her husband exploring the beautiful mountains of Colorado.

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