Station Fosaan (Torch World Series #1) by Dee Garretson | Blog Tour and Giveaway | Book Review

Title: STATION FOSAAN

Author: Dee Garretson

Pub. Date:February 14, 2017

Publisher: Month9Books

Format: Paperback,eBook

Pages: 300

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | B&N | TBD | iBooks | Kobo | Google Play Books | Indiebound

Scientists and their families stationed on the remote planet of Fosaan were promised a tropical vacation-like experience. But Fosaan, devastated from an apocalyptic event nearly three-hundred years ago, is full of lethal predators and dangerous terrain. 

Earthers are forbidden to go beyond the safety zone of their settlement and must not engage the remaining reclusive Fosaanians, native to the planet. Sixteen-year-old Quinn Neen is about to do both of those things.

  

During an unsanctioned exploration of the planet, Quinn discovers a beautiful Fosaanian girl named Mira stealing food from his family’s living unit. But before he can convince her to show him around, scientists are taken captive, leaving Quinn and the other young Earthers at the mercy of space raiders.

  

Quinn must go from renegade to leader and convince Mira to become an ally in a fight against an enemy whose very existence threatens their lives and the future of Earthers stuck on Fosaan and at home.

  

STATION FOSAAN is THE MYSTERIOUS ISLAND meets STAR TREK: THE WRATH OF KHAN. 

This is my first time to read a Dee Garretson story. At first, the title appeared to be Korean-sounding them. It sounds like Busan. Anyway, there are no Koreans mentioned in this book. 

Fosaan is another planet where the Earthers (as what Fosaanians called humans in the book) occupied after the Apocalypse. Apocalyse was the time when Fosaan was destroyed by a volcanic eruption. As to how the Earthers reached and came to Fosaan is still a little bit fuzzy. Not a lot of information was laid out in this story. There were a few hints that were thrown out as accusations by Ansun (a Fosaanian leader)--that the Earthers intentionally blew up the volcanoes thus causing havoc and destruction on their planet and then they took advantage and took over the planet with its citizens working for them. Well, I guess we will find out the truth about it in the next books.

Fosaan is a green planet with citizens who were lead by an Emperor. I think they are matriarchal. Currently, they are lead by a female. A grandmother who was a descendant of the Emperor. The royal family got killed when they tried to escape the planet during the Apocalypse. This planet is rich with iridium sulfide which the Earthers use to power up the bots. Yes, robots which are highly advanced. This same element or product is not of so much value to the Fosaanians. Their only use for this is for creating fireworks in their puppet shows. The very reason why Earthers are in their planet is because of this very unique commodity and they have set up a space station and housed some of the scientists and their families on this planet. That's where I met Quinn Neen.

Quinn and our other main character in this story, a Fosaanian, met in a serendipitous way. Mira was out looking for soft food for her sister and ended up on Quinn's doorstep. Quinn was so mesmerized by her beautiful eyes that he talked her into staying. He introduced her to the rest of the kids and ended up being friends. And that these two and the rest of the kids will be in for a surprise that will probably cost them their lives.

The events in this story are very fast paced. The kids are also very cute and interesting, especially Piper and Saunder.  But I think what makes the story more interesting is Mags. The pet parrot of Quinn. She is so hilarious. I love her. She has a way of smelling the good guys from the bad ones. I hope the author keeps her until the end of the series and won't kill it. She makes the conversations all the more enjoyable.

This book reminds me of the story Rimrider by L.A. Kelly. This book was similar in genre and the hero was a teenager who has to face odds bigger than his youth and unexpectedly survived and outwitted the adversary because he was underestimated because of his age and inexperience. Quinn is very resourceful and since he likes to tinker and build things, this talent has helped him, his friends and the rest of the Earthers escape what was sure death and destruction. The other characters in this story, like Mira, Lainie, Decker, and Saunder also have their own skills which when they work together make for a very cohesive and formidable team of smart kids.

I enjoyed the story and I am looking forward to the rest of Quinn, Mira, Piper, Lainie, Decker and Saunder's adventure. What odds are they going to face in the next book? 

I give the book 4/5 colorful parrots. The story was told in a very descriptive language. I can very well picture Fosaan in my mind with its jungle, creatures, the very salty sea and the living compounds of both Earthers and Fosaanians. Dee Garretson is a very good storyteller. The only indication that this book is a YA is because of the main characters but other than that it is a very good sci-fi read not just for kids but for all ages. This was a good trip to outer space and I really enjoyed meeting Mags. 

Thanks again, Dee Garretson and Month9Books for the review copy.

Dee Garretson writes for many different age groups, from chapter books to middle grade to young adult to adult fiction. She lives in Ohio with her family, and in true writer fashion, has cat companions who oversee her daily word count. When she’s not writing, she loves to travel, watch old movies, and attempt various kinds of drawing, painting and other artistic pursuits.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram |Goodreads

Week One:

2/13/2017- S.E. Muir- Excerpt

2/13/2017- Book Review Becca- Spotlight

2/14/2017- Bibliobibuli YA- Interview

2/15/2017- LILbooKlovers- Interview

2/16/2017- Lisa's Loves(Books of Course)- Guest Post

2/16/2017- Omg Books and More Books- Review

2/17/2017- So Few Books- Interview

2/17/2017- Month9Books- Excerpt

Week Two:

2/20/2017- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

2/20/2017- Don't Judge, Read- Review

2/21/2017- Susan Heim on Writing- Excerpt

2/21/2017- Book-Keeping- Review

2/22/2017- Wishful Endings- Interview

2/22/2017-Hidden Worlds Books- Guest Post

2/23/2017- Always & Forever Fangirling- Excerpt

2/23/2017- the Blacksheep Reader- Review

2/24/2017- I am not a bookworm!- Review

(1) winner will receive a Perfectly Posh, Posh To Meet You Set ($20 value), US Only.

(20) winners will receive a Fosaanian-inspired bracelet or key chain (winner's choice), US only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Ashes in the Sky (Fire in the Woods #2) by Jennifer M. Eaton | A Book Review

Wow! This book is intense. The new adventure started right away. No dilly-dallying. It gets into right into the action. 

So, this continues the adventure of Jess with David. This time, she is called to represent our world to David's people. Not to mention, she gets to photograph David's ship. Isn't this a once-in-a-lifetime chance? An experience no one gets to experience in this lifetime. 

If you think this second installment is just about Jess having a grand tour of an alien spaceship? Well, you are truly wrong. This tour turned into something sinister and of deadly proportions. Not to mention a crash-landing into another alien planet. But this also lead Jess to meet a very unexpected and unlikely ally. In this book, the word unexpected would you haunt every time. A lot of very unexpected and literally out-of-this-world happenings were experienced by Jess. It was amazing and most terrifying, at the same time.

This book just added more oomph to this adventure. The energy and surprises just kept on building and growing. I wonder what will happen in the next book. There is no slowing down this trip to the outer space.

I give the book 5/5 clumps of fallen leaves. I really enjoyed this book. Especially, the part where they crash landed on another alien green planet. I think Edgar made all spiders, whether earthly or alien a little less scary. This adorable character has slowly crawled into my heart. I can't wait to know what else will it save Jess and David from. Nice to meet you, Edgar. Welcome to Earth!

Real love was something you shouldn't be able to take away. It shouldn't just snuff out.

- Jennifer M. Eaton, Ashes in the Sky - 

Thank you again, Jennifer M. Eaton and Month9Books for the review copy.

Fire in the Woods (Fire in the Woods #1) by Jennifer M. Eaton | A Book Review

I have been hearing about this book but have not been able to read it. So, when Month9Books posted about a blog tour for Embers in the Sea, I signed up right away. Part of the perks of signing up for the tour was getting a copy of the first two books in the series. Very good deal, right?

Fire in the Woods is the first in the series of the same title. Honestly, I did not pay much attention to the blurb of the story. I could care less. I wanted to be surprised. I also did not read any reviews. It was kind of going in blind but I am prepared to be surprised and be blown out of my seat. Well, as it turned out, I was not as prepared as I thought I could be. This book was totally out of this world, literally and figuratively. This is one of those science fiction books that are so amazing that I can imagine that it might just actually come true. The story might not be so far off or too fictional. 

If you have read my reviews before, I have always been vocal that I am not really into sci-fi but I have read a few books that have changed my mind. This is one of those books.

What I like about the book is how the character of David was introduced. It was done so subtly that I myself wasn't sure what to think of him. What or who he really was? The story was written in such a way that I was not allowed to form my own theories. It was not so fast-paced but it did not allow for any dalliance either. 

This first book in the series has done a good job of introducing all the essential characters. The personality of each person was properly established and where their loyalties are. 

The surprise turn of events on the last part of the story was so unexpected. Never in my imagination would I ever think of it. I liked it, though, at the same time, it scared me to think what will happen to Jess, his Dad and the rest of the human race. Yes, the story pretty much sucked in me already.

I give the book 5/5 plates of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. I totally enjoyed this story. I am looking forward to reading the next book. I am rooting for Jess and David to save the Erescopians and the humans. It's not every day you meet a vegetarian alien who looks like a model. Who can resist a you-and-me-will-save-the-world-against-the-aliens story?

You can't fake affection. You can either give it, or you can't.

- Jennifer M. Eaton, Fire in the Woods - 

Thank you again, Jennifer M. Eaton and Month9Books for the review copy.

Ashes in the Sky (Fire in the Woods #2)

Embers in the Sea (Fire in the Woods #3)

Embers in the Sea (Fire in the Woods #3) by Jennifer M. Eaton | Blog Tour and Giveaway | A Book Review

Title: EMBERS IN THE SEA (Fire in The Woods #3)
Author: JenniferM. Eaton

Pub. Date: January 31, 2017

Publisher: Month9Books

Format: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 300

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

Alien scientist David has dealt with disappointment his entire life, but failing to breathe life into the planet Mars is his greatest regret. Out of options and in need of a new home for their people, the alien Caretakers rekindle their plan to inhabit Earth. First they will have to eliminate the human race, including Jess, the only human David holds dear.

Humanity has one final chance at survival. David needs to emulate Earth’s precipitation on Mars. But the catalyst to make it rain lies in the fathomless depths of Earth’s ocean.

The clock is ticking down to humanity’s last hours as Jess and David face a world more alien than either of them can imagine. The sea hides secrets, but some secrets don’t want to be found.

My One Cent

This is the third book of the Fire in the Woods series. I have read the three books in succession, one after the other. I was so into it. It was such an awesome experience. This series took me to the skies and to outer space, to the depths of the Marianas Trench and finally to Mars. It was truly an out-of-this-world experience. 

Embers in the Sea maybe the third book but I think it is not yet the last. The ending in this book hinted of more adventures to come for both Jess and David. Things did not end as one could hope. The ending was too anti-climactic. It seemed like it was done in haste like the author ran out of ideas. Or it could also be just a prelude to a promise of a more phenomenal journey to who-knows-where. I just wished there was more in the ending but it did not at all diminish all the exhilaration and breaths held while going through on this very unforgettable journey of a lifetime. This series is one not-to-be-missed. I am so happy and I am giving myself a big pat on the back for signing up for this tour. In doing so, I have embarked on an incredible journey to places I never thought I would get a glimpse of. It was all worth reading the three books in just three days.

What is there to say? This is one long, exhausting and fantastic ride or dive to be exact. This felt like 20,000 leagues under the sea but I think Jess and David dive far deeper than Capt. Nemo and his Nautilus did. They almost drowned and died more times than a cat with nine lives. I think they have fathomed the deepest end of the Earth's ocean floor and even carried proof of life that existed there. I don't think any other adventure can top that.

And there's Edgar! The most reliable alien pet spider ever. Or the smartest and most loyal. This ten-legged creature has saved Jess and David's asses a lot of times. Surely, Edgar is my most memorable science fiction character to date. As memorable as E.T. 

I give the book 5/5 plates of seaweed. I think Jess and David's quest to save the earth and to protect each other is far from over. The t's are not all crossed and the i's are not all dotted. Not everything is resolved yet. There are ends that are still to be tied. I am looking forward to getting a proper and fitting ending to this oxygen-deprived adventure. I just can't accept that this was it. 

Let me quote Colton's Lacon as quoted in this book.

Time is the most undefinable yet paradoxical of things; the past is gone, the future is not come, and the present becomes the past, even while we attempt to define it.

...that confidence wasn't inherent. It was taught. Self-assurance was one thing I'd never lacked.

- Jennifer M. Eaton, Embers in the Sea - 


Fire in the Woods (Book 1) 
Ashes in the Sky (Book 2)

Review of Ashes in the Sky is  coming up in a day or two.

About Jennifer: 

Jennifer M. Eaton hails from the eastern shore of the North American Continent on planet Earth. Yes, regrettably, she is human, but please don’t hold that against her. While not traipsing through the galaxy looking for specimens for her space moth collection, she lives with her wonderfully supportive husband and three energetic offspring. (And a poodle who runs the spaceport when she’s not around.)

During infrequent excursions to her home planet of Earth, Jennifer enjoys long hikes in the woods, bicycling, swimming, snorkeling, and snuggling up by the fire with a great book; but great adventures are always a short shuttle ride away.

Who knows where we’ll end up next?

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads

Giveaway!

(1) winner will receive a Perfectly Posh, Posh To Meet You Set ($20 value), US Only.

(1) winner will receive an Alien Charm Necklace, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

TourSchedule

Damaged Goods (Blank Slate #2) by Jennifer Bardsley | Blog Tour and Giveaway | Book Review

I am so excited that DAMAGED GOODS by Jennifer Bardsley releases today and that I get to share the news!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Author Jennifer Bardsley, be sure to check out all the details below.

This blitz also includes a giveaway for a Perfectly Posh, Posh To Meet You Set ($20 value), US Only courtesy of Month9Books. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

About The Book:

Title: DAMAGED GOODS (Blank Slate #2)

Author: Jennifer Bardsley

Pub. Date: January 17, 2017

Publisher: Month9Books

Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 300

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

Blanca has everything she ever wanted, a hot boyfriend named Seth and the loving support of her foster father, Cal. She’s finally escaped the abusive control of her birth father, Barbelo Nemo, and her tortured childhood at Tabula Rasa School.

But the scars of Blanca’s Vestal upbringing run deep, especially when the FBI start asking questions. Blanca feels abandoned by Seth who is hunting for Lilith, Blanca’s only blood relative. The Defectos, a support group of Vestal-Rejects, offer Blanca comfort instead.

While the Vestal order crumbles, Chinese rivals called the Guardians rise to power and wrest control of important Tabula Rasa contacts. Now Blanca’s life is in peril once more, and this time, Blanca struggles to recognize friend from foe.

I look to where he points, and the flash of thumb-cameras blinds me. Vestals must never have their pictures taken by random people. That privilege belongs to the companies that purchase them and market a Vestal’s privacy one advertisement at a time. I reach my arms out by instinct, to protect my face from the public. “I’m fine with it,” I lie, pulling my hands down. “But we better leave now or we’ll be late to the restaurant.”

“My dad can wait a few minutes.” Seth scoops me in his arms.

“Blanca!” one of the spectators calls. “And Veritas Rex! Is that really you?”

Seth holds up his hand and wiggles his finger-chips. “The one and only!” Then he dips me back for a kiss.

I stiffen like cardboard. “Stop it,” I mumble, trying not to squirm. All I can think about is the cameras, my face flashed worldwide and weirdoes slobbering over my private moment with Seth. 

“We’ve got to go or we’ll be late.”

Seth kisses my nose. “I didn’t know you were so punctual.”

“Yes.” I pull myself out of his grasp. “Cal’s waiting.” The sooner I put my helmet on and get back on my motorcycle, the better.

“Blanca,” a man calls as we ride away. “I love you! I’ve watched you all year!”

Underneath my jacket, I shiver. The fame that surrounds me is chilling.

This continues the story of Blanca. A Vestal. An internet virgin who got bought by a very wealthy individual who owned a solar panel company. In this book, Blanca ceased to be an internet virgin. Instead, she used the internet to expose the Vestals. As chaos erupts in the midst of the Vestals, a rival organization threatens to add more to the chaos. 

This has been a heart-pounding adventure. Just when Blanca thought that everything is alright with her world, then another explosion threatens the security and safety of her new foster family and the lives of people she grew up with. More secrets are revealed about her birth and her birth parents. 

Just when you think this story has done enough surprises and blasting events, you are wrong. Just when your racing heart has found its normal rhythm it will jump right out of your chest for a shock that will come out of nowhere. This book has more surprises in store than a girl coming out on her debut. You will never be prepared enough for all the scenes that will kick you out of your seat.

This is a not-to-be-missed book in a series. Revelation after revelation will astound you. If you have a heart problem, make sure to have your doctor on-call as you will never know how your heart will take the rest of this story. Better be prepared for the eventualities because you can never prepare for the jolt and shock waves the story will cause. This book will never give your heart a rest. I had been rendered speechless and immobile. I would have fallen off my seat if I were not lying down. 

I give the book five/five white motorcycle helmets and more. This is one of the best stories I have read so far this year. I can't wait for the next book. I wonder if it could sustain the chaos, excitement, and havoc this book has created. Congratulations Jennifer Bardsley for the havoc you have caused. I am all for it.

So when you find love, when it comes to you with the full force of glory, you need to embrace love and hold onto it with all your might.

- Jennifer Bardsley, Damaged Goods - 

Title: GENESIS GIRL (Blank Slate #1)

Author: Jennifer Bardsley

Pub. Date: June 14, 2016

Publisher: Month9Books

Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 280

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon |  B&N | iBooks | Kobo | Books A Million | Google Play | IndieBound

Eighteen-year-old Blanca has lived a sheltered life. Her entire childhood has been spent at Tabula Rasa School where she’s been protected from the Internet. 

Blanca has never been online and doesn’t even know how to text. Her lack of a virtual footprint makes her extremely valuable, and upon graduation, Blanca and those like her are sold to the highest bidders.

Blanca is purchased by Cal McNeal, who uses her to achieve personal gain. But the McNeals are soon horrified by just how obedient and non-defiant Blanca is. All those mind-numbing years locked away from society have made her mind almost impenetrable. 

By the time Blanca is ready to think for herself, she is trapped. Her only chance of escape is to go online. 

My review of Genesis Girl

Jennifer Bardsley writes the parenting column “I Brake for Moms” for the Sunday edition of The Everett Daily Herald. She also blogs at Teaching My Baby to Read with the mission of sparking a national debate on the important roll parents play in education. Jennifer is a graduate of Stanford University and a member of SCBWI. She lives with her husband and two children in Edmonds, WA.

GENESIS GIRL will release in 2016 and is about an 18 year-old girl whose lack of a virtual footprint makes her so valuable that she is auctioned off to the highest bidder, the sequel  will come out in 2017. Jennifer is represented by Liza Fleissig of the Liza Royce Literary AgencyLLC.

Follow Jennifer on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Goodreads.

(1) winner will receive a Perfectly Posh, Posh To Meet You Set ($20 value), US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway