Tag Archives: Paranormal

Get you Kick-Butt Action on! A Review of Forever Dusk by Jocelyn Adams

Posted on February 12, 2016 | Comments Off

Dive into the thrilling third novel in the Mortal Machine series by Jocelyn Adams…

Woohoo! I really loved the first two books in the Mortal Machine series, Darkside Sun and Midnight Dawn. This is a kick-butt action series with one of the most incredible paranormal worlds I’ve ever read.

When I heard that the long-awaited final installment, Forever Dusk was finally releasing I jumped at the chance to get an ARC, and I’m so glad I did.

Now, first things first, I’m not sure what’s up with the cover for Forever Dusk, but don’t let it turn you off if you haven’t read the series. This IS NOT an erotic romance novel. This is about nasty demons trying to break into our world and eat everyone … and a group of kick-butt soldiers fighting and dying under the radar to keep us all safe. This is first and foremost paranormal action/adventure and maybe yes, a little romance thrown in for good measure.

My feelings for the final installment in the series were a little mixed. To be honest, I wish I could review just the second half of the book, because here is where I saw all the elements of the Mortal Machine that kept me screaming for more in books one and two. For some reason Addy was in a very different place in the beginning of the book than I expected her to be. To an action junkie like me, I felt like she was hanging around and “thinking” too much. I suppose there were two books of backstory in there that needed to be covered, but I didn’t see the Addy that I loved on those pages, and I missed her.

HOWEVER at about 40% into the story (I read on an E-reader) Baku lights a fire under our girl’s butt and she is off and running again. The second 60% of Forever Dusk is jam-packed full of all the awesome Mortal Machine goodness that made me fall in love with the series a few years ago. We also see one of the greatest races against time that I’ve read in a very long time. You know the kind I mean: Do something completely insane up against incredible odds, and be back before sundown or the world will come to an end. (Literally)

Woo-hoo! Love it!

Being as non-spoilery as I can, Forever Dusk tied up all the loose ends, pulling at all my heart strings and leaving me a very happy camper.

As a series, I’d give this a clean and easy five stars. If you are looking for something you haven’t seen before, THIS IS IT. Get ready for a great ride!

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Forever Dusk (Book Three)

Since their last battle, life for the Mortal Machine—the secret-society that protects Earth and its inhabitants from dark outside forces—has become almost…normal. For everyone but Addison. The evil she’s imprisoned in her soul has begun eating away at her sanity, and despite her soul mate Asher’s efforts to hold her together, it’s causing painful and terrifying delusions.

Consequently, nobody believes Addison’s warnings that Marcus, their old enemy, has returned. When Marcus threatens Asher and the Machine, she agrees to find what he seeks—a treasure that, in his hands, could be deadly.

If she relies too much on Asher, she knows he’ll likely imprison her, if only to preserve what’s left of her deteriorating mind. But if she fails this final test, Earth will fall. So Addison is forced to distance herself from her love, to prevent the life she wants with Asher from being over before it truly begins.

Find your copy of FOREVER DUSK:

Previous Books in the Mortal Machine Series:

Darkside Sun (Book One)

Addison Beckett tries hard to pretend she’s normal, but she’s far from it. Since she was six years old, she’s seen the world around her unraveling, as if someone is pulling a thread from a sweater and it’s all slowly coming undone. When she ignores it, it goes away, so that’s what she does.

Enter her arrogant-but-hot professor Asher Green. He knows all about her special brand of crazy. In fact, he might be just as nuts as she is. Asher insists that the dead from a parallel dimension are trying to possess the living in this one. And since Addison seems to be the only one who can see these “wraiths,” she just might be the key to saving the world.

Addison wants nothing to do with Asher or his secret society, The Mortal Machine. But as their animosity grows, she finds it harder and harder to ignore the chemistry between them. And when she discovers that Machine laws forbid her from touching him, she realizes that’s all she wants to do.

Stop the wraiths. Break the rules. Save the world. All in a day’s work.

Normal was overrated, anyway.

Find your copy of DARKSIDE SUN:

Midnight Dawn (Book Two)

With only three days until the wraith king turns the earth into an all-you-can-eat buffet, Addison Beckett is forced to enlist brooding sentinel Asher Green’s help to unlock the Mortal Machine. According to the founder, all she has to do is find the sanctuary—the same sanctuary she can’t remember because Asher erased her memories.

Trying to save humanity while navigating Asher’s lies is a royal pain. But the more time she and Asher spend together, the harder her soul tries to remind her what else he’s made her forget—that he loves her, wants her, needs her.

When she’s trapped by the wraith king and forced to pick who will stand by her in the coming battle, Addison is faced with an impossible choice: the sentinel she loves who refuses to love her back, or a powerful stranger who insists they’re meant to be together. Her decision will determine the fate of humanity, and once decided, can’t be undone.

Find your copy of MIDNIGHT DAWN:

About the author:

Jocelyn is an office grunt by day and creator of romance and adventure by night. Born a farmer’s daughter with a vivid imagination, she spent her childhood dreaming up stories that remained untold until 2010.

With no formal training, she relied on the honest feedback of her writing group to take her from that first short story all the way to THE END of her first novel. She now has eight published novels and has recently signed a 3-book deal with Entangled Publishing.

When she isn’t slinging words, you can find her shooting her bow or enjoying the serenity of family life in her little house in the woods.

Connect with Jocelyn Adams

Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Comments Off on Get you Kick-Butt Action on! A Review of Forever Dusk by Jocelyn Adams

Posted in Book/Movie Review

Tagged action, adventure, Book, Book Review, darkside sun, Forever dusk, instruments, jennifer eaton, jennifer M. Eaton, jocelyn adams, midnight dawn, mortal, Paranormal, Read, Reading, Review, the mortal machine

I really didn’t like this book – but I’m still giving it four stars

Posted on December 6, 2013 | 5 comments

I finished “18 Things” by Jamie Ayres a while ago, and decided to let it sit a simmer before I wrote a review. I considered not writing a review at all, because I’m not sure how to give this book, and the brilliant author, the justice she deserves. The fact is, I really didn’t like this book at all, but I’m still going to give it four stars. Let me explain.

This book grips you from the very first page and thrusts you into a nearly unending roller coaster of emotion. The story is about a girl who witnesses a tragic accident that takes her best friend and secret love’s life. (That’s not a spoiler – it happens in the first few pages.) From there on out, the book is about dealing with loss—overcoming this loss by creating a “bucket list” of 18 things to do.

Crud! Just writing that brought tears to my eyes again!

This is the thing. I read for enjoyment – to escape everyday life. This book is NOT THAT. I cried pretty much from the first page to the last page with a very brief tear-free intermission in the middle. Let me tell you – I have enough problems…I don’t need to be depressed while I’m reading, too!

Disclaimer – I sent this review to the author before I posted it… and she was surprised that I cried so much. She felt the “middle” was fun and light. I did feel the “intermission” but it was short lived for me. (Sorry)

But see, here’s the problem. I wouldn’t give a book a low rating because it was written so well it made me cry. I think it had exactly the emotional response that the author wanted. I couldn’t even deduct a star for lack of explosions, because there was one in the first few pages (well, kind of anyway)

So, why four stars instead of five?

For one thing… this is supposed to be a YA paranormal. I’d forgotten the genre while I was reading, because nothing paranormal happens. I understand why it was placed in the paranormal category (Can’t explain or I’ll spoil it), but this IS NOT a paranormal. If you only enjoy paranormal, you will probably cry through this and be frustrated – but I think that is a category error, not the author’s fault. So I’m not subtracting a star for that – I just thought I’d mention it.

All that aside — Here’s the reason for four stars…

As the novel was winding down, I started to feel safe again. Everything came together nicely. I was readying myself to give it five stars, but at the same time explaining that I didn’t enjoy reading it.

Then…

We hit the last chapter.

Did you hear that annoying sound? It was me grinding my teeth.

I’m one for a great surprise in an ending. Totally love a twist – in most cases. This one, however, kind of bothered me. To be completely honest, I felt cheated. Does that make it not brilliant?

No. It was brilliant.

It just made me a tad miffed. No… I had it right the first time. I felt cheated. I also started crying my eyes out again.

My husband kept feeding me tissues and told me to stop reading. I said “No! I need to finish this so I can stop crying!”

So I am subtracting a star for the ending, although I realize it was needed to set up the possibility for a sequel. To me though, it felt added on to make room for the next book. I’d have given 18 Things five stars without the last chapter.

So, this is the scoop: This book is a brilliant piece of contemporary fiction about dealing with death and learning to live your life again. While there is a slight paranormal edge that you might miss if you blink, this is NOT a paranormal novel.

Readers of contemporary YA will probably love this. I, unfortunately, cried myself silly though the whole thing.

5 Comments

Posted in Book/Movie Review

Tagged Arts, author, Fiction, jaime ayres, jennifer eaton, jennifer M. Eaton, Literature, Paranormal, Reading, writing

The Little Blue Lady From Mars sees “Ghosts in the Mirror”

Posted on July 26, 2013 | 11 comments

PKO_Alien 3 0003387 Hey. Wait a minute.

You look familiar.

Haven’t I interviewed you before?

Uh, no…um.

Totally different person…and stuff.

See? I look like a cat.

PKO_Alien 3 0003387 Hmm. I don’t know.

You seem VERY familiar.

Are you sure I didn’t blow up your book last year?

Nope. Not me.

This is my very first novel. Written by a cat.

Yep. A cat named Joyce. So how could it be me?

PKO_Alien 3 0003387 Okay.

If you are sure…

Then who are you and what do you want?

My name is Joyce Mangola

I’m here to talk about my novel Ghosts in the Mirror

PKO_Alien 3 0003387 Ghosts, huh?

What… are you trying to scare me?

I scare people, not the other way around.

You are definitely scarier than my book.

Probably because you are looking right at me…

And frowning.

PKO_Alien 3 0003387 Grrrr.

I’m not impressed so far, Earthling.

Why do you think I should take up my valuable time to read your book?

Because it’s about a sixteen-year-old boy

who needs another living soul,

or ghost, to live his life.

Huh?

That doesn’t even make sense.

Hey, what’s that funny wispy white thing on the cover?

A ghost.

Scared now?

NO! Umm, well… Hey!

Stop pushing that cover toward my face!

I don’t like it.

Well is there anything about the cover that you do like?

Alien Huh Open Yeah, the guy.

He’s cute, but I want to dip his hair in blueberry sauce.

It’s just too human-looking.

LOL — blueberry sauce…

Well that’s a bit crepe-y.

Hey! That’s a lame attempt at a food joke!

I’m not amused.

Awe, come on.

It was funny.

Lighten up.

PKO_Alien 3 0003387 .

Give me one good reason to read your book, Miss I’m a Comedian

Wandering spirits are cool.

Wandering spirits latching onto the living are way cool.

PKO_Alien 3 0003387 You have a sick sense of cool, Missy.

What’s the explosion count in this book?

No Explosions.

Not in this one…nope.

PKO_Alien 3 0003387 Not in this one? I thought this was your first novel?

Are you sure we haven’t spoken before?

Ummm..no. MEOW.

I’m a cat, remember?

Please stop looking back at your other interviews.

PKO_Alien 3 0003387 But I’m sure I’ve seen you…

While I’m scrolling back, tell me what this book is about.

It’s about a boy named Jeremy who shepherds lost souls to the other side by helping them with their unfinished business. Except, this time, the ghost isn’t much interested in crossing over without hunting down the person responsible for their and someone else’s death.

Really? What happened to the stupid wandering soul thing? That actually sounds like it might be interesting. [Settled down on couch] Okay, maybe we can chat a bit.

Have you ever exploded anything?

Nope

Have you ever tried to take over the world?

Ew, no.

Have you ever painted your hair blue?

Pink is so much better a color.

Alien Huh Open Whaaaat?

How dare you insinuate pink is better than blue?

I didn’t insinuate.

I came right out and said it.

Pink has always been better than blue.

What? Huh? Grrr.

Redeem yourself Earthling!

How do you feel about space travel?

Space Mountain is awesome!

Space Moun…-Huh-

[smacks head]

Oaf! Have you even ever fantasized about exploding things?

I’m thinking about it right now.

Hey. Why are you looking at me like that?

Wait a minute.

I HAVE seen those beady eyes before.

Prove it! You know, you should really try the color pink.

Otherwise, you might as well call yourself the Blue Boy with Boobs.

It’s YOU! I know you! You are that Half-headed man author, aren’t you! Kastil Even-butt or something or other.

You are hiding! Hiding behind a cover with a whole man on it… And a few cats.

Well, yes, but you said you liked my book, right?

I put a whole person on the cover for you… changed my name and everything!

Oh, you think that changes things?

I remember everything!

Blue Boy with Boobs Huh? I’ll show you!

[As the sub-atomic particle weapon discharges, Joyce pulls out an umbrella and ducks beneath it. Lasers rebound off the surface and scatter across the room. Holes burn into the walls. The couch catches on fire. Yeah, general mayhem.]

[Joyce pokes her head out from beneath the umbrella]

You’ll show me what?

Ha! I came prepared this time.

No blowing me up, thank you very much.

Little Blue Lady!

I’m home!

Gack! What happened to my living room?

If you’d like to learn more about Joyce Mangola check her out on her website http://joycemangola.wordpress.com/ And if anyone knows a good contractor… I need a new living room.

While I’m chasing after the Little Blue Lady with a repair bill, comment below for a chance to win “Ghosts in the Mirror”.

Good luck!

{Blog Tour} Read an Excerpt of Ghosts in the Mirror by Joyce Mangola #YALit (bookarooju.wordpress.com)

11 Comments

Posted in Free Friday

Tagged Book, ebook, Fear, Fiction, free Books, Ghost, jennifer eaton, jennifer M. Eaton, Joyce Mangola, Paranormal

A Review of “Instinct” by J.A. Belfield

Posted on July 5, 2013 | 4 comments

I gave this novella a try despite my better judgment about a shorter work with the “same” characters in a different setting from the original novel Darkness and Light.

DARKNESS AND LIGHT referenced a “past life” meeting between Jem and Sean, and this initial meeting is the premise for “Instinct”.

The idea of werewolves in a pre-electricity setting intrigued me. Within the first few pages, I was swept up in the story, and quite glad I’d given it a try.

Despite its length, I found this in many ways superior to the full-length novel. I’m not sure if it was setting or the interesting pickle Sean was in. Werewolves, after all, are not supposed to fall in love with humans. It’s a big No-No, and boy does the head of the pack get ticked off when he finds out!

The world- building is excellent. I really felt drawn back in time, and the idea of werewolves just seemed to “fit” in the setting beautifully. If you haven’t read Darkness and Light, I’d recommend “Instinct” first to wet your appetite and decide if the premise turns you on, because these are the two characters who are reincarnated in Darkness and Light.

Personally, I would have loved to see Instinct continue. I think it had novel-length potential, and I enjoyed the historical setting immensely.

Click here to tweet about this review: http://clicktotweet.com/6lgeC

Mama, There’s Wolves in the House: Quality Time With Literary Werewolves (vol1brooklyn.com)
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{Blog Tour} Review: Werewolves Be Damned by Stacey Kennedy plus #Giveaway (bookarooju.wordpress.com)
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It’s a BLITZ attack by Werewolves!! – “Werewolves be Damned” by @Stacey_Kennedy (#giveaway) (cabingoddess.com)
Only the Moon Howls: Not Your Ordinary Vampires and Werewolves in New Young Adult Adventure (prweb.com)
Reincarnation (nion-alchemy.com)
TM22 vs Werewolves (greatherobattlefight.wordpress.com)
Werewolves Get Lost in Time in Iron Wolf (dreadcentral.com)

4 Comments

Posted in Book/Movie Review

Tagged Book Review, Darkness and Light, Historical Fiction, Instinct, J.A. Belfield, Paranormal, werewolves

My First Rejection Letter

Posted on March 23, 2013 | 26 comments

Okay, it had to happen sooner or later. After three publications, I’ve finally received the inevitable “slap” of a rejection. When I opened it and started reading, the email could have gone both ways, and then it slipped into…

“We are no longer able to reply to each query individually, but please be assured we consider every submission very carefully. Unfortunately, your manuscript is not a good fit for us at this time.”

Okay, well, it was a “nice” rejection. They didn’t say it stunk. They even asked to keep them in mind for my next project (yeah, it’s a form letter, but it was nice, and I will still keep them in mind. They are a great publisher.)

But…

I understand what people talk about now. Since this was an all-encompassing form letter, I have no idea WHY it was rejected. In fact, I don’t even know if they got past the query.

I don’t know

Are they glutted with Paranormal Romance right now? I don’t know.

Was the story too short? I don’t know.

Have they seen the plot before? I don’t know.

Was in not “Romancy” enough? I don’t know.

Did they not see the value of it as a continuing series? I don’t know.

Did they laugh at my inadequacy? I don’t know.

Honestly, when I first read it, I was not disappointed, even though I was really interested in that publisher. My reaction was more like. “Oh, okay, I’ll just look somewhere else”

But then those questions above started sinking in. I started questioning myself.

After a little while though, I dusted myself off. I like the story, and I have it out at a few other publishers as well. Someone will like it.

But while I’m waiting, I don’t want my cute little egg sitting in one basket. I’m actively seeking a few more publishers. One that I’ve found, I actually think I like MORE that my first pick.

We’ll see how it goes. No tears, no disappointment, just onward and upward.

It’s just the business, right?

How do you feel about “form” rejections?

Rejected and Dejected (kymlucas.me)
Writer’s Need A Thick Skin… (mandyevebarnett.com)
Writing Tips: How to Handle Rejection (shannonathompson.com)
The Art and Science of Querying (catherinelowrites.wordpress.com)
When We Write Letters, Part VII (rebeccatdickinson.com)

26 Comments

Posted in Road to Publication, Senseless Ranting

Tagged art, Fiction, Form letter, getting your first rejection, Literature, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, rejected manuscript, Rejection letter, Romance, Urban fantasy

Exerpt from my work in progress “Une Variante”

Posted on November 11, 2012 | 8 comments

Along with editing Fire in the Woods, I’ve also stepped into a new genre for me. Une Variante is a paranormal set in the present day. Yeah, kind of an odd choice for me, but the idea hit me while driving a few months ago, and it’s been “calling me”. You know what I mean?

So here’s a random six-ish sentences. I scrolled to a random page, counted down five lives, and here you have it. In this scene, Jason and Amanda are returning home after their wedding. Enjoy!

(By the way… don’t look for paranormal here. There’s nothing paranormal in this scene.) 🙂