i am not a bookworm!: rockstar book tour

Showing posts with label rockstar book tour. Show all posts

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Blood Road (Blood Oath #1) by Amanda McCrina | Blog Tour and Giveaway | Book Review

Title: BLOOD ROAD

Author: Amanda McCrina

Pub. Date:April 25, 2017

Publisher:Month9Books

Format: Paperback,eBook

Pages: 329

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | TBD

Nineteen-year-old Torien Risto has seen dissidents dealt with before. He knows the young local girl who just knifed him will hang for assaulting an Imperial officer, unless he can stop it.

Someone inside the provincial government is kidnapping Imperial citizens and selling them across the desert to the salt mines, silencing anyone who tries to intervene. The girl’s brother is one of those who has been taken. Rejected by the corrupt courts, she’s waging a personal war against the Empire.

Determined to save her life, Torien sets out in search of answers on the Salt Road, the ancient trade route running deep into the heart of a desert—territory claimed by the hostile Mayaso tribe.

Now, Torien is no longer sure where his own loyalty lies, or how far he will go to break the cycle of tyranny, political bullying, and social injustice in an empire that seals its borders in blood.

This is the story of Commander Torien Berio Risto. The second son of Lord Risto of Cesin. An unfortunate event led him to make a blood oath to a girl named Lida. In order to perform his promise, his journey brought him to the Salt Road or more popularly known as the Blood Road. Named so because of the rampant killings and blood shed on this road. Torien Risto wants to get to the bottom of the corruption in the government involving kidnapping of Imperial citizens. His search will lead him to a very deep hole with very influential and filthy rich individuals involved.

Wow! This is like one man versus a world of corrupt government officials. Torien's oath opened up a canned of worms with people bent on killing anyone who will expose their dirty deeds. The rich and the government holds all the power. The high and mighty. While the ordinary citizens are eating scraps. Not exactly far from the real world--might be the same scenario in any third world country. Torien's crusade brought on by an oath to a poor girl lead him to deadly situations and ambush. Along the way, he finds good souls who share the same aspiration as his and they try to topple the vicious and corrupt system. In the end of this story, their efforts seem to have paid off but they are not sure if the problem has really ended. It's obvious that new adventures and deadly situations are going to be waiting for Torien.

One of the most memorable characters in this story is Torien's adjutant--Lt. Senna. He is also from a rich family but was disowned by his father. I like his and Torien's relationship. Honest and loyal. Lt. Senna can be blunt with Torien about anything. He can speak his mind and truth without fear. These two have each other's back and would lay down each other's life for one another. I just hope that the author will not kill Senna's character in the next stories.

I have observed that throughout the story, Torien kept passing out. He lost consciousness a lot of times. More than I could count. Maybe it's due to the fact that Torien has it in his personality to try to take on the world alone. He is often blind-sided though he also often escapes those very tight situations with help from unlikely and unexpected sources. The propensity for him, more often than not, ending up unconscious bothered me. It seems like a flaw to his very admirable and strong character. I am not sure if this flaw will eventually lead him to his end or will continue to save his butt. I am dying to know if this will continue to be Torien's trademark in the next books. I am not sure if the author is even aware of this. I hope she is.

All in all, this is a very inspiring story. I can't help but be moved by Torien's strength of character and convictions. He is a new hero to watch out for. A new champion! He has a heart for the oppressed and the forgotten. He is bound to breach every wall that stands in his way against his fight with corruption. Though stubborn, he doesn't just go to any battle unprepared. He tries to weigh some facts and information at hand. I think his success is due to using his brains and not pure brawn. And yes, fainting. I wish there's someone like him in real life. One who would stand bravely and stubbornly, against all odds, to remove all the corrupt government officials and individuals and end their hemorrhaging of the nations coffers.

I give this book 4/5 open palms. I am open to read the next books in this series. I want to continue Torien's fight for a slave-free empire.

Prudence is groveling. Wisdom is holding your tongue until this passes over and we can all of us act on reason, not impulse.

- Amanda McCrina, Blood Road -

Thank you, RockStar Book Tours for the copy.

Amanda McCrina has studied in Italy, taught English in Japan, and currently tutors Latin in Atlanta, Georgia. She received her BA in History from the University of West Georgia, and is now pursuing her MA. She writes stories that incorporate her love of history, languages, and world travel. She drinks far too much coffee and dreams of one day having a winning fantasy-hockey season.

Website | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

1 winner will receive a 1 month subscription to Owl Crate, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Week 1:

4/24/2017- Rockin' Book Reviews- Review

4/24/2017- Month9Books- Excerpt

4/25/2017- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

4/25/2017- Doodle's Book Reviews- Review

4/26/2017- Don't Judge, Read- Interview

4/26/2017- Book-Keeping- Review

4/27/2017- A Backwards Story- Review

4/27/2017- Hazel West's Character Purgatory- Excerpt

4/28/2017- LILbooKlovers- Interview

4/28/2017- Wishful Endings- Review

Week 2:

5/1/2017- Exploring the Inner Universe- Review

5/1/2017- So Few Books- Interview

5/2/2017- Book Review Becca- Review

5/2/2017- Bibliobibuli YA- Interview

5/3/2017- Reading for the Stars and Moon- Review

5/3/2017- I am not a bookworm!- Review

5/4/2017- YA and Wine- Guest Post

5/4/2017- Mundie Moms- Review

5/5/2017- Never Too Many To Read- Review

Friday, April 28, 2017

Sky Throne by Chris Ledbetter | Blog Tour and Giveaway | Book Review

Title: THE SKY THRONE

Author:Chris Ledbetter

Pub. Date: April 18, 2017

Publisher: Month9Books

Format: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 292

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | TBD | iBooks

Duality dwells at every turn, and an adolescent Zeus will learn that all too well when Hyperion attacks his family on Crete.

When the dust settles, his mother is unconscious and his best friend left for dead.

Stacking epic insult upon fatal injury, Zeus discovers the woman who raised him is not his biological mother. But to ensure her safety while she recovers, a heavy-hearted Zeus leaves her behind to seek answers at Mount Olympus Preparatory Academia.

Zeus embarks on a quest to discover who ordered the attack on his home, avenge the death of his friend, and find his birth mother. When some of his new schoolmates vanish, Zeus's quest is turned upside down, and the only way to make things right is to access the power of The Sky Throne, confront a most dangerous enemy, and take his life back.

On his way to becoming king of the Greek gods, Zeus will learn to seize power, neutralize his enemies, and fall in love.

"Destined to have a sequel or two, young teens will appreciate the story, and teachers will appreciate that it instructs readers about the pantheon of gods."--Kevin Beach, VOYA Magazine

Sky Throne by Chris Ledbetter | Blog Tour | Book Review by iamnotabookworm!

This is my first time to read a retelling of Zeus and the Olympians. Most of us are familiar with the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan which this book reminds me of. There are similarities and differences between this book and that of Rick Riordan's. They can be compared as they are both retellings and the hero in both books is unsure and does not know what to do at the start. But then, they later on became what they are meant to be. One difference in the stories is that in this one, it does not talk about demi gods but the Olympians and the Titans. Yes, this book is more like the Olympians versus the Titans story. It tells us the origins of the Olympians, the 6 children of Kronos and Rhea. Their childhood. How they came to possess their powers, more specifically, how Zeus came to be.

I love this story. Though it is a retelling and retellings of famous and favorite mythological characters have been done before, this story has its own brand of freshness. The story of Zeus, the ruler of heavens, has never been that openly explored like most Greek gods and heroes such as Hercules, Perseus, Achilles and Jason. Knowing the origin of Zeus and his siblings is very curious. Much more appealing is that they are portrayed to be in their teenage years. The years where everyone either feels he can conquer the world or he feels like he has nothing to offer. The most crucial and exciting stage in anyone's life, as in the story - even to gods. The story explores a lot of themes experienced by ordinary teenagers like trying to belong and fit in, to find out his/her origins or his family, to get to know oneself and potentials, dealing with a loss and life's blows at such a young age and to find if s/he has a place in the world.

I give the book 5/5 thrones. This is a refreshing take on the not-so-new Greek mythology retellings. I really enjoyed it and I am looking forward to more installments of this series. It is obvious that more stories are coming. This book is just a start of Zeus' adventures. Though, this can be compared to the widely known Percy Jackson series, this book can hold its own. There are common factors that are both present in the stories like the Oracle or a prophecy, the heroes portrayed as inexperienced teenagers and a host of friends to help save the day. I think in this story, it's a bit serious in tone, unlike Riordan's who will have you cracking up once in a while with funny antics of the characters, especially the main character. I think it has more to do with the personality of the heroes. Zeus compared to Percy has been through a loss that had made him more intense which I think helped in shaping him becoming the ruler of the skies and heavens.

Congratz to Ledbetter for a very entertaining adventure. I can't wait for the next one. Thank you, RockStar Book Tours for the copy.

Failing means you've given up trying. I never want to be in a situation that's so bleak that giving up is favorable to trying again.

- Chris Ledbetter, Sky Throne -

Chris Ledbetter grew up in Durham, NC before moving to Charlottesville, VA in 11th grade. After high school, he attended Hampton University where he promptly “walked-on” to the best drum line in the conference without any prior percussion experience. He carried the bass drum for four years, something his back is not very happy about now.

After a change of heart and major, he enrolled in Old Dominion University and

earned his degree in Business Administration. He’s worked in various managerial and marketing capacities throughout his life. He taught high school for six years in Culpeper, VA, and also coached football.

He has walked the streets of Los Angeles and New York City, waded in the watersof the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, and climbed Diamond Head crater on Hawaiiand rang in the New Year in Tokyo, Japan. But he dreams of one day visitingGreece and Italy.

1 winner will receive a 1 month subscription to Owl Crate, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Week 1:

4/17/2017- Rockin' Book Reviews- Guest Post

4/17/2017- Reading for the Stars and Moon- Review

4/18/2017- LILbooKlovers- Interview

4/18/2017- Sophie Riggsby- Review

4/19/2017- Don't Judge, Read- Interview

4/19/2017- Book Review Becca- Review

4/20/2017- Month9Books- Excerpt

4/20/2017- Zach's YA Reviews- Review

4/21/2017- YA and Wine- Interview

4/21/2017- Kim Harnes, Author- Review

Week 2:

4/24/2017- Jennifer Eaton- Guest Post

4/25/2018- So Few Books- Interview

4/26/2018- Never Too Many To Read- Guest Post

4/27/2018- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

4/27/2018- I am not a bookworm!- Review

4/28/2018- Mundie Moms- Review

Friday, April 7, 2017

The Magnificent Glass Globe by N. R. Bergeson | Blog Tour and Giveaway | Book Review

THE MAGNIFICENT GLASS GLOBE

N.R. Bergeson

Pub. Date: April 10, 2017

Publisher: TantrumBooks

Format: Paperback,eBook

Pages: 273

Eleven-year-old Mary Tucker dreams of visiting the Amazon. But if her father, a museum curator, has his way, she might be a grandmother before she ever gets the chance.

One day, while mischievously exploring the museum’s warehouse with her brother Ike and best friend Helen, Mary stumbles across an old travel trunk belonging to her grandfather.

Inside, they discover an nondescript glass globe. Curious about the simple object, Mary touches the globe, and is shocked when the room is suddenly consumed by the most amazing view of Earth.

The magnificent globe lets the friends zoom closer and closer toward the earth’s surface, eventually bringing them close enough to touch the trees. That's when the globe entirely disappears, and they find themselves falling.

Suddenly, they're far from home, in place that's either a paradise, or the place where they will die.

Sleep, water, and food become precious and scarce. A native tribe may hold the keys to their survival as well as clues to help them get back home. But it won’t be easy. The rain forest is a big place, and when others find out what the globe can do, Mary, Ike and Helen will need a plan, allies, and a little luck.

This is my first time to read a Nils Bergeson book. This has been an amazing adventure to the Amazon jungle. As real as it can get, I was transported to Columbia and got lost in the Amazon rain forest with the Mary, Ike and Helen without having to leave my room. The Magnificent Glass Globe is one magical way to travel anywhere in the world in just one touch. Now, I know of two ways to go on adventures around the world without having to go on planes and immigration checks.

Mary Tucker has an obsession with the rain forest and the Amazon. Well, more like everything green or with leaves. I think she has a soul that was born to fight for conservation of nature. A literal tree hugger. And she often fantasizes about going to the Amazon. Running carefree under the canopies, jumping over fallen logs and feeling the fallen leaves under her feet. It is Mary's greatest wish to travel to the Amazon and watch the Amazon river wind its way to the Pacific Ocean, but there are two problems. One, she is only 11 years old. Second, her father would not allow it. Maybe, when she is older and she can afford it herself but for now, she has to content herself with traveling and seeking adventures inside the museum where her father is the curator. Until one fine day... it all came true.

I love this book. The events were fast-paced and packed into one story yet not too long or too short. It surprisingly did not miss any significant detail. The chapters flowed smoothly from one to the next and still maintain the same amount of excitement and anticipation. It felt like I was right there with the three kids with all the vivid and clear descriptions of the surroundings. The narrative has a way of including me into the adventure and experiencing it for myself. I love to travel but I honestly did not ever envision myself going to the Amazon. The Iguazu Falls, the Maya pyramids and Machu Pichu maybe, but not the Amazon, itself. But after reading this book, it made me want to experience the jungle and see the famous river for myself, not even considering and worrying about the dangers of such expedition.

One thing that struck me about the story was the fact about pink dolphins in the Amazon River. I have seen pink dolphins in Underwater World Singapore in Sentosa Island way back in 2008. I was so mesmerized by this creatures that I bought myself a stuffed toy as a souvenir of that wonderful experience. But I never imagined that these dolphins are swimming in the Amazon too. It was a surprising and amazing fact. It's one great testament to how great this river is and what other unique and exotic creatures live in its depth. According to the biologist in Underwater World Singapore, pink dolphins are actually adult dolphins. They shed their skin as they grow old but when they were younger they have the same color as the other dolphins. But not all dolphins shed their skin and become pink. Pink dolphins are one of a kind as they are only found in fresh water rivers.

This story has amplified and magnified my love to travel either by being physically there in the location or by traveling through books that take me to exotic locales that are way beyond my reach, budget and logistics. I have not been able to do a lot of out-of-town and out of country trips this past year due to my lack of funds. This story has just reminded me that my first love would always be to explore and experience something new. I will never grow tired or grow old of it. This just made me want to fiercely and crave more to go out of my comfort zone and embrace the world. For now, I will just have to content myself with staying put and let my mind and imagination do the traveling for me. But I know it won't be long, my feet will soon touch on those sacred grounds and follow on the footsteps of those great culture and civilization that came before me. Real soon.

I give this book 5/5 pink dolphins. I never thought that this story would lure me to want to explore and be dazzled by the magic of the Amazon. The obsession of Mary has rubbed off on me, not that I too am obsessed with the urge to get there very soon but the hint of unimaginable possibilities of being in its embrace has captivated me. Yes, after this book, I will add traveling to the Amazon to one of my bucket list. I am looking forward to the next adventures of the Tuckers and Washington Explorers. Where could their next adventure lead? I definitely can't miss it!

Congratulatuons N. R. Bergeson! This is one amazing story and adventures kids of all ages would love. I am hoping to have more adventures with the characters that would take me out of my comfort zone.

Life is always better when seeking adventures.

- N. R. Bergeson, The Magnificent Glass Globe -

Thank you, Rock Star Book Tour for the review copy.

N. R. (Nils) Bergeson is the author of the “Magnificent Glass Globe” series. Nils was born in California but spent his childhood at the foot of the beautiful mountains of northern Utah. From an early age, he was fascinated with the wider world, prompting him to earn a degree in international studies from Utah State University, followed by a Master’s degree in Public Administration/International Management from the Monterey Institute of International Studies. He knew early on that his interests were as wide as the world itself, and that he’d find real joy living overseas. Since 2002, Nils has only spent four years living in the United States. He was a missionary in Siberia, spent time in Romania as a U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer, and has worked for several years in Colombia, Kazakhstan, Afghanistan, and now Indonesia as a U.S. diplomat/international development worker. He’s traveled to more than 60 countries with his wife, Emily, and their three young children. Nils’ love for writing, which began in the second grade, complements his globetrotting ways well. He hopes his writing will instill a desire in his readers to take advantage of modern opportunities to see the world, learn new languages, and expand their cultural experiences. We live in a wonderful world, and it’s just waiting for us to see it.