The Atlantean Horse - Tour & Review

 

 

Steeped in ancient mystery, an epic quest sends Rosa and Jerome into deadly danger as they search for the First of Five Feathers of the Phoenix…

By Cheryl Carpinello

Ancient Mystery…Mystical Prophecy…Biblical Horsemen

One Epic Task

The Task: Retrieve the Five Feathers of the Phoenix to raise Atlantis so its people can return home.

The Chosen: Cousins Rosa & Jerome embark upon a perilous and personal quest to retrieve the first Feather. Rosa’s special gift, kept far in the Past, will be revealed, and Jerome will discover his.

The Opponents: The Four Deadly Horsemen of the Apocalypse will stop at nothing, not even murder, to possess the Feathers.

Join Rosa & Jerome as they risk all in their search for the First Feather!

Book Information

Release Date: September 23, 2022

Publisher: Silver Quill Publishing

Kindle: 149 pages; $5.99

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3eHdTmT

Book Excerpt

Taking a deep breath, I wonder—for the first time in two years—at the ties that bind me, ties I now think of as a gift rather than a curse.

She said you would help. She said you could help because you walk in two worlds.

“What…what do you want?” Idiot, I tell myself. You know better than to ask that question.

This time the man speaks out loud. “The time is now.”

I finger the ankh again, squeezing it, absorbing the warmth. "Time for what?"

"It is time for Atlantis to rise again. It is time to gather the Feathers of the sacred Phoenix bird to set the island in motion."

I blink as images of a sunken island and fleeing people, animals, and birds fill my head. “What…what do you want from me?”

“You are the one who must gather the Feathers on the Sun Days and bring them to the Atlantean Horse so that my people and my land can once more be united. It’s been too long, and our people wish to come home.”

“Me?” My eyes widen in disbelief.

The man nods. 

Putting my hands around my head, I try to block out the hundreds of voices from the visions running rampant through my brain. Voices crying out for help. 

A shiver travels down his body shaking me out of the trance. His hands vigorously rubbing his arms prompt me into action.

"Get inside. You have no business being out in this weather dressed as you are." I open the screen door and move to the side to let him pass. No, don’t start. Don’t say a word. She sent him here. She wouldn’t do anything to hurt me. I know what I’m doing. I hope. I glance around the neighborhood to be sure no one else, especially Jerome, is around. Maybe I’m the only one who can see him, like Tut. 

"Thank you, Rosa," he says, continuing to briskly rub his arms. "She didn't tell me that your world is wrapped in ice."

About the Author

I’m a lover of mythology, myths, legends, and tales from the ancient/medieval worlds. I enjoy exploring how these have transcended time/space to influence our world today. Myths and legends don’t fade away; they are just repackaged for a new audience.

As a high school English teacher, I continually challenged my students to find connections between today and times long gone by. Some took more digging than others, but the connections were always there. One of my favorites, Star Wars, borrows several concepts from the Legend of King Arthur. The Star Trek series goes even further back into the mythology of ancient Greece, Rome, and Egypt as well as others.

I write Arthurian Legend for young readers and teens (I never refuse to let mature readers enjoy my stories!). These stories exhibit what I consider to be cornerstones of that Legend: Courage, Honor, Loyalty, and Friendship.

My tales from Egypt and my new series Feathers of the Phoenix meld the ancient/medieval worlds with today. The Atlantean Horse (Book 1 of Feathers of the Phoenix) also brings the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse out of the Bible and into the modern world. They and my main characters are after the feathers of the Phoenix in order to bring Atlantis alive again.

P.S. I believe in magic and Unicorns!!

Website Link:  https://www.cherylcarpinello.com

Blog Link: http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com/

Twitter Link:  https://twitter.com/ccarpinello

Facebook Link:  https://www.facebook.com/cheryl.carpinello1

Goodreads Link:    https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2924554.Cheryl_Carpinello

Instagram Link: https://www.instagram.com/ccarpine1/

MY THOUGHTS:

When I began reading, I was just a little confused with the beginning of the story. This is book one, but I felt that with the references to past events, it felt more like you either should have read the previous series or this wasn't the first book. However, as the story progressed, it picked up and I found one didn't need to read the other series, but it did make you want to, to see what you missed.

The Atlantean Horse is a fun read that holds the interest of the reader. It has action, adventure, suspense, thrills and danger - everything that will keep one turning the pages to see what happens next. Perfect for the targeted audience of young adults! As a mother, I would probably have given this book to my pre-teen to early teen to read, but was quite disappointed to find a few light curse used words in it. I know that this is quite normal these days for kids to use and made it realistic for the age of the people using it, but it's something parents should be aware of. 

Would my children have enjoyed the book? Most certainly! With all the elements of a thrilling book with mystery and danger, I'm sure it would have entertained them and kept them turning pages all the way to the end, with the request to read the rest in the series! 

Sponsored By:

I received a copy of this book through Pump Up Your Book. I was not required to post a positive review - but one of my honest opinion.

The Dresden Files Series - Storm Front

I have been swamped with things that I need to do and as the pressure builds to get ready to leave here, I really, really have to have some down time. Time to unwind and relax. I decided to treat myself to a book that has been sitting on my shelf for ages begging to be read, but I've put it off for other things. Finally, I listened to that book and  pulled it off the shelf and curled up a couple of nights over the weekend and read.

If you haven't heard of the Harry Dresden from the Dresden Files series by Jim Butcher, you must have been hiding somewhere, because it seems everyone has been discussing it. My son's best friend was here one day last year telling me I HAVE to get that book down and read it. He went on and on about how great the series was. I nodded and said, "I will" and forgot about it.  Then a few weeks ago, my son started on the series and said, "Mom, you are really going to love these books. You must read them!!" Hmmmmm.... someday....

Well someday came this weekend and I now know what they mean. I read the first book, "Storm Front" and enjoyed it - I mean really enjoyed it. It's like Harry Potter meets .... hmmmm... think of the quirkiest detective you can imagine and insert it here. Harry Dresden is a dectective, but not just any detective, he's a wizard. He's quirky, broke, unlucky with woment (according to Bob) and gets made fun of because of his profession. However, the police force uses him when they have to, and this time, it's quite a bit.

Do yourself a favor and pick up "Storm Front" if you haven't read it yet. It will have you laughing, shaking your head, putting you on edge and just leave you chuckling to yourself as you think - man, I got to read the next book. The kids were right, this was a book I had to read. Now, off to find the other 15 or so!!

Jack Templar Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus

Jack Templar Monster Hunter
The Templar Chronicles - Book One
Author: Jeff Gunhus
Publisher: Seven Guns Press
ISBN: 9780988425903
Paperback: 204 pages
Genre: Young Adult, Fantasy

About the Book:

Orphan Jack Smith has no memory of his parents and only the smallest details from his Aunt Sophie about how they died. But the day before his fourteenth birthday, things start to change for him. At first it's great: A sudden new strength helps him defend his nose-picking friend "T-Rex" from the school bully, and even his crush, Cindy Adams, takes notice. But then a mysterious girl named Eva arrives and tells him two facts that will change his life forever. First, that he's the descendent of a long line of monster hunters and he's destined to be in the family business. Second, that there's a truce between man and monster that children are off-limits...until their fourteenth birthday! Jack has only one day to prepare before hundreds of monsters will descend on his little town of Sunnyvale and try to kill him.

As if that weren't enough, Jack discovers that the Lord of the Creach (as the monsters are collectively known) holds a personal grudge against him and will do anything to see that Jack has a slow and painful death. To stay alive and save his friends, Jack will have to battle werewolves, vampires, harpies, trolls, zombies and more. But perhaps the most dangerous thing he must face is the truth about his past. Why do the other hunters call him the last Templar? Why do they whisper that he may be the "One?" Why do the monsters want him dead so badly? Even as these questions plague him, he quickly discovers survival is his new full-time job and that in the world of monster hunters, nothing is really what it seems.

My Thoughts:

Jack is a character that I totally adore! Told from his point of view, I had no choice except fall in love with his character. Jack is to the point, quirky, hilarious and just a teen that wants to be a teen, however that's not in his future. When Jack finds out that his life is not what it appeared to be, he embraces what faces him and does what he needs to do.

I love the voice that Jeff Gunhus gave Jack - perfect for a  14 year old boy. I also love how when he is telling the story, Jack stops and interjects something for the audience and that pulls one into the story even more! But lets not stop with Jack - Eva is great, too, and she's a strong female character that "works" well with Jack.

Perfect for the male young adult audience, but not exclusive. This great beginning to the series will bridge both sex and age groups. Jack Templar Monster Hunter has been likened to Percy Jones, but I think it's better. I love the storyline and more importantly, I love Jack. Add this to your TBR list. It's a fun read and a must for a day when you need to unwind and just be entertained!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Unbreakable by Kami Garcia

Unbreakable
Book 1 of the Legion Series
Author: Kami Garcia
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
ISBN: 9780316210171
Hardcover: 320 pages
Genre: Young Adult

About the Book:

I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.

When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn't know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy's room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon -- a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now Kennedy has to take her mother's place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon -- battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way.

Suspense, romance, and the paranormal meet in this chilling urban fantasy, the first book in a new series from Kami Garcia, bestselling coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures novels.

My Thoughts:

Do you love great books that include ghosts and demons and those that hunt them? Then grab yourself a copy of Kami Garcia's "Unbreakable" and prepare yourself to curl up with a true spine-tingling page turner!

Did I love this book? YES! It held everything I adore about haunting fiction. We have the unsuspecting main character that hears whispers, a cat, a death of someone close, a couple of weird twins that appear out of nowhere... And then the fun begins!

Written for the young adult audience, this book easily will entertain and please the adult audience. It is fast paced, full of action, creepy and suspenseful - everything that any reader would appreciate. Make sure to pick up a copy soon. Best part is the second of the series, "Unmarked" is already available, so you won't have to wait to see what happens next!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy by Karen Foxlee

Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy
Author: Karen Foxlee
Publisher: Random House Children's
ISBN: 9780385753548
Genre: Children, Young Adult, Fantasy

About the Book:

A modern-day fairy tale set in a mysterious museum that is perfect for readers of Roald Dahl and Blue Balliett.

Unlikely heroine Ophelia Jane Worthington-Whittard doesn't believe in anything that can't be proven by science. She and her sister Alice are still grieving for their dead mother when their father takes a job in a strange museum in a city where it always snows. On her very first day in the museum Ophelia discovers a boy locked away in a long forgotten room. He is a prisoner of Her Majesty the Snow Queen. And he has been waiting for Ophelia's help.

As Ophelia embarks on an incredible journey to rescue the boy everything that she believes will be tested. Along the way she learns more and more about the boy's own remarkable journey to reach her and save the world.

A story within a story, this a modern day fairytale is about the power of friendship, courage and love, and never ever giving up.

About the Author and Illustrator:

KAREN FOXLEE is the author of two young adult novels, The Anatomy of Wings and The Midnight Dress. She lives in Gympie, Australia, with her daughter.

YOKO TANAKA has illustrated children's books by Kate DiCamillo, Sara Pennypacker, R.L. LaFevers, Laura Godwin, and Keith McGowan.

My Thoughts:

"Ophelia and the Marvelous Boy" is truly a charming and enchanting book that will delight all audiences - not only the younger sect. Well written, this novel was impossible to put aside until it was finished. I adored Ophelia and when she happens upon the Marvelous Boy (whom I also was enchanted by), all the pieces of the puzzle start falling together. She now understands her father's actions, the wicked "step mother", why things are happening the way they are...

Well described as a modern-day fairy tale, this book has all the elements of one - magic, mystery, good -vs- evil, a character that needs rescued and a hero. Unlike many of the other stories I've read, this one has a gender role reversal with the female being the strong character.

If there is one book you'd love to pick up to get lost in, this is the one. Yes, it is written for middle grade, but it seems that it is geared towards many ages. Between the beautiful prose and the tale, it was probably my favorite read of 2014. Make sure to add this one to your must reads list!

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley courtesy of the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Save Magic City Book Blast and $25 Amazon GC Giveaway

About the Author:

Rocsanne Shield was born in Romania and traveled widely before settling in Canada. She spends her time among the flowers in her garden or at the computer writing more fantastic stories.

You may visit her website at http://www.medievalhearts.com, where you can meet her other heroes and heroines.

About the Book:

Title: Save Magic City


Genre: Children’s Fantasy


Author: Rocsanne Shield


Publisher: iUniverse


Pages: 304


Language: English


ISBN – 978-1-45026-484-6

Hurled into the time flow by a banishing spell, 13th century Edmund lands into the USA, 2007, in answer to Leona’s fervent prayers for help to save her town.

The corporation employing the townspeople has left, the bank foreclosures have created whole streets of empty houses, people are leaving in droves… the town is slowly dying.

A black magician in his old time, Edmund is forbidden to do any magic if it is not for helping other people. He discovers and is fascinated by the magical powers of Internet and wants to bring instant relief to the townspeople, but Leona, who does not trust their dependency on magic, forbids him to do so.

Leo, Leona’s adoptive son, and his friends, Squirrel and Raccoon, accept the magic with enthusiasm and do their best to help the town to survive.

When misfortune strikes, Leona gives her blessing for Edmund to use his magic.

Purchase Your Copy Here

http://bookstore.iuniverse.com/Products/SKU-000168672/Save-Magic-City.aspx

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"Broken Wings" by Shannon Dittemore

Broken Wings
Author: Shannon Dittemore
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 9781401686376
Paperback: 320 pages
Purchase from Amazon

About the Book:

Angels with wings of blade. Demons with renewed sight. And a girl who has never been more broken.

Brielle has begun to see the world as it really is, a place where angels intermingle with humans. But just when she thinks she’s got things under control, the life she’s pieced together begins to crumble.

Her boyfriend, Jake, is keeping something from her. Something important.

And her overprotective father has turned downright hostile toward Jake. Brielle fears she’ll have to choose between the man who’s always loved her and the one who’s captured her heart.

Then she unearths the truth about her mother’s death and the nightmare starts. Brielle begins seeing visions of mysterious and horrible things.

What she doesn’t know is that she’s been targeted. The Prince of Darkness himself has heard of the boy with healing in his hands and of the girl who saw through the Terrestrial veil. When he pulls the demon Damien from the fiery chasm and sends him back to Earth with new eyes, the stage is set for the ultimate battle of good versus evil.

Brielle has no choice. She must master the weapons she’s been given. She must fight.

But can she fly with broken wings?

My Thoughts:

If you haven't read the first book in the series, "Angel Eyes", do so before you consider reading "Broken Wings". This second book picks up where "Angel Eyes" left off. Brille and Jake aren't sure about their future, and with the ring missing and a dagger in its place, does it mean they will go their separate ways? What is the meaning behind the dagger?

As Brille discovers many answers, many more questions rise to the surface. Was her whole life a lie? Why? And what is it with her Dad these days? So much danger and so many questions... This book will keep you on your toes and wanting answers as much as Brille does. Wait until you find out about the secrets that have been kept from Brille and what makes her question those around her!

"Broken Wings" is a fantastic second book to the series. It will keep you turning pages while you seek the answers to all the mysteries surrounding Brille, Jake, and all the angels and demons. Wow!

This series is written for young adults, but it will please the adult audience as well. If you enjoy books where good -vs- evil is the main theme, where the romance isn't overpowering plus a Christian theme runs through the story, and love fantasy genre, you will enjoy this series.

To learn more about the Shannon Dittemore, you can visit her website at: http://shannondittemore.com/

See what others on the tour are saying about "Broken Wings".

Gillian Adams
Julie Bihn
Jennifer Bogart
Beckie Burnham
Pauline Creeden
Janey DeMeo
Theresa Dunlap
Emma or Audrey Engel
Victor Gentile
Nikole Hahn
Becky Jesse
Jason Joyner
Karielle @ Books à la Mode
Carol Keen
Emileigh Latham
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Megan @ Hardcover Feedback
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Nathan Reimer
James Somers
Kathleen Smith
Jojo Sutis
Steve Trower
Phyllis Wheeler
Shane Werlinger

I received this book through the Booksneeze program. I was not required to write a positive review, but instead, one that gives my honest opinion.

Sigmund Brouwer's "Merlin's Immortals" series - CSFF Tour

I had planned on featuring Sigmund Brouwer's "Merlin's Immortals" series over all three days of the tour as these books deserved to be noticed every one of those days. Unfortunately, even the best and most carefully laid out plans can be uprooted, especially when we rely on technology to get it up and out. :( So, here I am today, crunching everything together and not giving the attention that these great books deserve.

Arthurian tales are probably my favorite of the young adult fantasy genre. Based on possible truth (some say King Arthur wasn't a real person), these tales have all the elements of a fantastic story line: knights, castles, kings, sorcerers, good vs. evil, magic, immortality and love. Yet, with such a great story line, it seems to be somewhat overused and many of the stories seem the same... but not with Brouwer's "Merlin's Immortals" series.

In Book One "The Orphan King", we are introduced to Thomas, an abused orphan who was raised in a monastery after his mother passed away. She was in the process of teaching him and preening him for his future role when she died. Thomas continued those studies in secret until he grew old enough to leave the monastery. He then pursued his predestined course of action that his mother had carefully laid out and he discovered so much more that she never had the chance to tell him...

"The Orphan King" was a wonderful start to the series, and I must say I was reading it every chance I got until the end. Thankfully I had the second book, "Fortress of Mist" to continue with right away. I HAD to know what happened to Thomas when... (nope, no spoilers here!!)

"Fortress of Mist" picks up where "The Orphan King" lets off, making this a series you must read in sequence - no starting in the middle of this series. I'm really not sure how to go from here, as I'm afraid to give away anything important that may spoil the first book. Hmmm, let's see... Thomas continues his destiny, however the forces of good and evil are playing against each other and Thomas has to decide which one is which. Some of the pieces of the puzzle are revealed and he finds out people are not always as they seem.

Ohhhh  - Talk about keeping one on the edge of their seat! I devoured the second book and got to the end only to cry "NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!  You can't end it here!! I need to know and I need that third book now!" (Book 3, "Martyr's Fire" is scheduled to be released October 15th, 2013)

Truly, I have enjoyed everything about this series, from the story line to the characters to the suspense that is skillfully woven throughout the story. Thomas is a wonderful character - one with high standards that his mother carefully taught him and those standards impress many. He is a fantastic role model for the young adult audience and a delight to the older reader.

So far I have focused on Thomas, but the other characters: Katherine, William, John, and even Isabelle are characters that were believable, likable and even frustrating at times, and like real life, not always as they seem. Isabelle threw me a curve ball as she had me eating out of her hand. I thought she was amazing because she was there to protect Thomas. Knight William had a sense of humor that made me chuckle more than once, but at the same time he had concerned me in the beginning of the story. John was a little devil and amused me often with his skills. Katherine broke my heart and I fell in love with her character. She's so mysterious and yet her destiny scared me - especially when it revolved around Thomas's allegiance.

As for the setting, the setting of the story is wonderful and the descriptions are amazing. One can honestly hear the sounds and see the sights, feel the weather and smell the smells (although not always wanting to!) This series has cemented Brouwer in my favorite authors list - he is nothing less than brilliant when it comes to weaving a story - he is truly masterful!

This series comes highly recommended for both the young adult and adult audience!!

Make sure to look for "Martyr's Fire", Book 3 of the "Merlin's Immortals" series in October. It can be pre-ordered at your favorite retailer now.

The Orphan King Trailer:


Fortress of Mist Podcast:



If you would like to add these books to your reading library, for your convenience, you can find them at the links below, or at your local bookstore:
The Orphan King
Fortress Of Mist

To find out more about the author, you can visit Sigmund Brouwer's website at: http://www.sigmundbrouwer.com/ .
You can also find him on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/SigmundBrouwer
and Twitter at: https://twitter.com/BrouwerSigmund

Make sure to visit the others on the tour to see what they are saying about the "Merlin's Immortals" series:

Gillian Adams
Julie Bihn
Thomas Fletcher Booher
Beckie Burnham
Janey DeMeo
Theresa Dunlap
Victor Gentile
Nikole Hahn
Jeremy Harder
Ryan Heart
Janeen Ippolito
Becky Jesse
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Emileigh Latham
Rebekah Loper
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Megan @ Hardcover Feedback
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Anna Mittower
Eve Nielsen
Nathan Reimer
James Somers
Steve Trower
Phyllis Wheeler

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a favorable review, but one the reflects my own personal opinion.

Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore CSFF Tour Pt 2

With all the young adult books on the market that center around angels and humans, it seems like the theme is the same... girl meets angel and they fall into forbidden love. Sigh... It gets old and boring quickly. Because of this, I almost passed on "Angel Eyes". The cover art said to me this was a girl pining away for her long lost angel.  I'm glad I didn't, because this WASN'T another of those books at all!

Brielle was the "new" girl at school. Actually she was returning home after a tragedy that isn't revealed right away - creating a mystery quite like Brielle herself. She meets Jake, who is a new student as well - creating a similar bond from the beginning.

Unlike all the other YA books I have read involving angels, Jake is human. The angels portrayed here assume the roles of guardians (sheilds) or fallen angels. They are much more believable in this novel verses others, and I found that quite refreshing.

Angel Eyes is the first book of the trilogy with the second book "Broken Wings" due to be released in February 2013. (I can't wait!!!) Full of mystery, guilt, sadness, forgiveness, romance, and good -vs- evil, this book will keep you intrigued and on the edge of your seat. Although written for the young adult audience, it will easily be enjoyed by adults. Or to put it simply... This book was great!

Angel Eyes
Author: Shannon Dittemore
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-401686352
Paperback: 336 pages
Find at Amazon

To learn more about Shannon Dittemore or her works, you can visit her website at: http://www.shannondittemore.com/
You can also find her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShannonDittemore

See what others on the tour are saying about "Angel Eyes":

Gillian Adams
Julie Bihn
Beckie Burnham
Theresa Dunlap
Nikole Hahn
Jeremy Harder
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Emileigh Latham
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Anna Mittower
Faye Oygard
Nathan Reimer
Chawna Schroeder
Jessica Thomas
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Dona Watson
Shane Werlinger
Phyllis Wheeler

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore CSFF Tour Pt 1

Angel Eyes
Author: Shannon Dittemore
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-401686352
Paperback: 336 pages
Find at Amazon

About the Book:

Once you've seen, you can't unsee. Everything changes when you've looked at the world through . . .
Angel Eyes

Brielle's a ballerina who went to the city to chase her dreams and found tragedy instead. She's come home to shabby little Stratus, Oregon, to live with her grief and her guilt . . . and the incredible, numbing cold she can't seem to shake.

Jake's the new guy at school. The boy next door with burning hands and an unbelievable gift that targets him for corruption.

Something more than fate has brought them together. An evil bigger than both of them lurks in the shadows nearby, hiding in plain sight. Two angels stand guard, unsure what's going to happen. And a beauty brighter than either Brielle or Jake has ever seen is calling them to join the battle in a realm where all human choices start.

A realm that only angels and demons-and Brielle-can perceive.

To learn more about Shannon Dittemore or her works, you can visit her website at: http://www.shannondittemore.com/
You can also find her on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ShannonDittemore

See what others on the tour are saying about "Angel Eyes":

Gillian Adams
Julie Bihn
Beckie Burnham
Theresa Dunlap
Nikole Hahn
Jeremy Harder
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Emileigh Latham
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Anna Mittower
Faye Oygard
Nathan Reimer
Chawna Schroeder
Jessica Thomas
Rachel Starr Thomson
Steve Trower
Dona Watson
Shane Werlinger
Phyllis Wheeler

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

"The Spirit Well" by Stephen Lawhead - CSFF Tour

The Spirit Well
Bright Empires Series Book 3
Author: Stephen Lawhead
Publisher: Thomas Nelson (September 4, 2012)
ISBN-13: 978-1595548061
Hardcover: 400 pages
May be purchased here.

About the Book:

The search for the map—and the secret behind its cryptic code—intensifies in a quest across time, space, and multiple realities.

But what if the true treasure isn’t the map at all . . . what if the map marks something far greater? Something one world cannot contain? Those who desire to unlock that mystery are in a race to possess the secret—for good or evil.

Kit Livingstone is mastering the ability to travel across realities using ley lines and has forged a link from the Bone House, a sacred lodge made of animal bones, to the fabled Spirit Well, a place of profound power.

His friend Mina is undercover in a Spanish monastery high in the Pyrenees, learning all she can from a monk named Brother Lazarus. Still determined to find Kit, she is beginning to experience a greater destiny than she can fathom.

Cassandra Clarke is overseeing an archaeological dig in Arizona when a chance encounter transports her to 1950s Damascus. There, she finds herself unwillingly drawn to the Seekers—the last living remnants of the Zetetic Society who need her help to track down the missing Cosimo Livingstone and his grandson Kit.

But there are darker forces at work in the universe whose agents always seem to be one step ahead of the rest—and they’re all desperate to gain the ultimate prize in this treasure hunt where the stakes increase at every turn. At the heart of the mystery lies the Spirit Well.

My Thoughts:

"The Spirit Well" is the third book of the Bright Empire Series and like many fantasy and science fiction books, really cannot be picked up in the middle of the series, but should be started from the beginning. The first book, "The Skin Map" sets the stage and introduces the characters and the second book, "The Bone House" goes a bit deeper and one becomes a bit more personal with the characters and their roles. If you miss these novels, you will most certainly be struggling to keep up with the characters and why they are making certain choices and for what purposes.

The series started out slow for me and I really wondered if the third would be any better. Usually a series starts to go downhill from midpoint on, but that wasn't the case here! "The Spirit Well" picked up and was both exciting as well as captivating. Pieces of the puzzle started to fit together and I began to connect with both Kit and Mina - something I didn't quite do in the other books. This book demonstrated the talent I have heard that Lawhead has!

In my review of "The Bone House", I had wondered how this series was categorized as Christian fiction, because I wasn't really seeing it in the first two books. This one answers that question as we start to see the larger picture develop.

The fourth book of the Bright Empires Series "The Shadow Lamp" is due out in September 2013. It is going to be a long, torturous wait...

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!!!

About the Author:

Stephen R. Lawhead is a prolific and bestselling author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. He is best known for his King Raven trilogy, a re-telling of the Robin Hood legend, and Pendragon Cycle, centering on the King Arthur legend. Other notable works include the Song of Albion, Celtic Crusades and Dragon King Trilogies, Byzantium, Patrick, Avalon, and the works of science-fiction Dream Thief and Empyrion saga. Lawhead makes his home in Oxford, England, with his wife.
Stephen's website can be found at: http://www.stephenlawhead.com/
or on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/StephenRLawhead
and Twitter: https://twitter.com/StephenLawhead

Make sure to visit the other participating tour members listed below and see what they have to say about "The Spirit Well".

Jim Armstrong

Julie Bihn

Red Bissell

Jennifer Bogart

Thomas Clayton Booher

Thomas Fletcher Booher

Beckie Burnham

Brenda Castro

Jeff Chapman

Christine

Karri Compton

Theresa Dunlap

Emmalyn Edwards

April Erwin

Victor Gentile

Jeremy Harder

Bruce Hennigan

Timothy Hicks

Janeen Ippolito

Becca Johnson

Jason Joyner

Carol Keen

Emileigh Latham

Rebekah Loper

Shannon McDermott

Meagan @ Blooming with Books

Rebecca LuElla Miller

Anna Mittower

Joan Nienhuis

Lyn Perry

Nathan Reimer

Chawna Schroeder

Rachel Starr Thomson

Robert Treskillard

Steve Trower

Dona Watson

Shane Werlinger

Phyllis Wheeler

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a favorable review.

"The Telling" by Mike Duran - CSFF Blog Tour

The Telling
Author: Mike Duran
Publisher: Realms
Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1616386948

Available at Amazon

About the Book:

A prophet never loses his calling, only his way.

Disfigured with a hideous scar from his stepmother, Zeph Walker lives his life in seclusion, cloistering himself in a ramshackle bookstore on the outskirts of town. But Zeph is also blessed with a gift—an uncanny ability to foresee the future,to know peoples’ deepest sins and secrets. He calls it the Telling, but he has abandoned this gift to a life of solitude, unbelief, and despair—until two detectives escort him to the county morgue where he finds his own body lying on the gurney.

On the northern fringes of Death Valley, the city of Endurance is home to llama ranches, abandoned mines, roadside attractions...and the mythical ninth gate of hell. Now, forced to investigate his own murder, Zeph discovers something even more insidious behind the urban legends and small-town eccentricities. Early miners unearthed a megalith—asacred site where spiritual and physical forces converge and where an ancient subterranean presence broods. And only Zeph can stop it.

But the scar on Zeph’s face is nothing compared to the wound on his soul. For not only has he abandoned his gift and renounced heaven, but it was his own silence that spawned the evil. Can he overcome his own despair in time to seal the ninth gate of hell?

His words unlocked something deadly,
And now the silence is killing them.

About the Author:

Mike Duran is a novelist, blogger, and freelance writer whose short stories, essays, and commentary have appeared in Relief Journal, Relevant Online, Breakpoint, Rue Morgue magazine, and other print and digital outlets. He is the author of the supernatural thriller THE RESURRECTION (Realms, 2011), which was a finalist in the 2011 INSPY awards, an e-book fantasy novella entitled WINTERLAND, and THE TELLING (Realms May 2012). Mike contributes monthly commentary at Novel Rocket, one of Writer's Digest 101 Most Helpful Websites for Writers. Mike is an ordained minister and lives with his wife and four grown children in Southern California. Mike's novels explore the boundaries of belief, the fragile tether between science and superstition, the depths of despair and the reaches of faith. You can learn more about Mike Duran, his writing projects, favorite music, cultural commentary, and arcane interests, at http://www.mikeduran.com/
on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/cerebralgrump
and on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cerebralgrump

My Thoughts:

Take a good long look at the cover of "The Telling" because that cover is perfect for what the pages between it holds. This novel is not for the faint of heart. It's dark, edgy, mysterious as well as a bit disturbing and guaranteed to make your heart pound. It's everything a good captivating page-turner should be, and then some!

Listed as Christian fiction, "The Telling" is far from an "in-your-face" Christian type of book. It is subtle and can be enjoyed by anyone who just loves a good and at times scary story. Mike Duran is a fantastic storyteller that captivates the reader from the beginning. As the story unfolds, you won't want to put this book down because you won't be able to wait find out what happens next. With short chapters, it's easy to do this, as you keep telling yourself that you'll only read one more chapter...

Anyone who enjoys such authors as Ted Dekker and Frank Peretti will certainly enjoy Mike Duran's "The Telling". Make sure to add it to your MUST read list!!

Make sure to visit the other members of the tour to see what they have to say about "The Telling"

Jim Armstrong

Noah Arsenault

Keanan Brand

Beckie Burnham

Brenda Castro

Jeff Chapman

Christine

Theresa Dunlap

Victor Gentile

Nikole Hahn

Bruce Hennigan

Jason Joyner

Julie

Carol Keen

Emileigh Latham

Meagan @ Blooming with Books

Rebecca LuElla Miller

Anna Mittower

Kathleen Smith

Donna Swanson

Jessica Thomas

Steve Trower

Dona Watson

Shane Werlinger

Phyllis Wheeler

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a favorable review.