Waiting on Wednesday #155

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine and is where we can talk about books we are looking forward to being released.

Summary:

An epic fantasy debut, The Empire’s Ghost weaves together the lives of the haves and the have-nots both desperately fighting to reassemble the remains of a fallen empire.

The empire of Elesthene once spanned a continent, but its rise heralded the death of magic. It tore itself apart from within, leaving behind a patchwork of kingdoms struggling to rebuild. But when a new dictator, the ambitious and enigmatic Imperator Elgar, seizes power in the old capital and seeks to recreate the lost empire anew, the other kingdoms have little hope of stopping him. Prince Kelken of Reglay finds himself at odds with his father at his country’s darkest hour; the marquise of Esthrades is unmatched in politics and strategy, but she sits at a staggering military disadvantage. And Issamira, the most powerful of the free countries, has shut itself off from the conflict, thrown into confusion by the disappearance of its crown prince and the ensuing struggle for succession.

Everything seems aligned in Elgar’s favor, but when he presses a band of insignificant but skilled alley-dwellers into his service for a mission of the greatest secrecy, they find an unexpected opportunity to alter the balance of power in the war. Through their actions and those of the remaining royals, they may uncover not just a way to defeat Elgar, but also a deeper truth about their world’s lost history.

Isabelle Steiger has crafted a powerful and masterful debut with The Empire's Ghost, the first book in a haunting new epic fantasy series. 

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 432 pages (Hardcover)

Genre: Fantasy

Expected Publication Date:  May 16th 2017 by Thomas Dunne Books

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Why I'm Waiting:

I love a good fantasy novel especially one with a lot of political intrigue.

Summary:

The year is 2039, and Los Angeles is poised between order and chaos. After the Collapse of 2028, a vast section of LA, now known as the Disincorporated Zone, was disowned by the civil authorities and became a de facto third world country within the borders of the city.

Navigating the boundaries between DZ and LA proper is a tricky task, and there's no one better suited than eccentric private investigator Erasmus Keane. So when movie mogul Selah Fiore decides she needs to get her hands on a rare coin lost somewhere in the city, she knows Keane is the man for the job.

But while the erratic Keane and his more sensible partner Blake Fowler struggle to unravel the mystery of the elusive coins, Blake's girlfriend Gwen goes missing and Selah Fiore turns up murdered. Both of these crimes seem to be linked to the coins--and to an untraceable virtual currency called iotas, used by drug dealers and terrorist networks.

Framed for Selah's murder and desperate to find Gwen, Keane and Fowler must outwit DZ warlords, outmaneuver a reclusive billionaire, and stay a step ahead of the police while they gradually uncover the truth about iotas. Soon the clues begin to point to a conspiracy at the highest levels of government--and to a mysterious trickster who has orchestrated it all. As the DZ devolves into chaos and another Collapse seems to loom, Blake Fowler realizes that the brilliant Erasmus Keane may have finally met his match.

Set in the world of The Big Sheep, Robert Kroese delivers another dystopian adventure novel perfect for fans of Philip Dick and Douglas Adams.

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 320 pages (Hardcover)

Genre: Science Fiction

Expected Publication Date: May 9th 2017 by Thomas Dunne Books

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Why I'm Waiting:

I love a good sci-fi and I've heard of the author's Mercury series before and I want to read it but this one really has me interested in trying him out. I want to read more sci-fi this year so hopefully I can get this one soon after release day.

It's Monday! What are you reading? #135

It's Monday! What Are You Reading? is a place to meet up and share what you have been, are and about to be reading over the week.  It's a great post to organise yourself. It's an opportunity to visit and comment, and er... add to that ever growing TBR pile! So welcome in everyone. This meme started with J Kaye's Blog   and then was taken up by Sheila from Book Journey. Sheila then passed it on to Kathryn at the Book Date. And here we are!


Read last week!:

The French Orphan (The French Orphan #1) by Michael Stolle

the Secrets of Montresor (The French Orphan #2) by Michael Stolle

Currently Reading: 

Southern Cross Volume one by Becky Cloonan 

Up Next:

The French Orphans books 3 & 4 by Michael Stolle

What are you reading this week?

[Blog Tour Author Interview & Giveaway]* Q&A with Shannon Kirk

Don't forget to check out my review for The Extraordinary Journey of Vivienne Marshall by clicking 

>>HERE<<

   1. Where did your inspiration to write The Extraordinary Journey of Vivienne Marshall come from?

From a dream!  I had the most vivid dream one night while on a ski vacation with my family. It formed the basis of Lachlan’s Heaven, as I was on a very blue stream that spilled into a reservoir and the sky and trees were so inexplicably green. Everything was peaceful and the temperature was the kind that’s equal to your body’s temperature, but a shimmer warmer of sparkling sunshine on your skin. I miss that dream.

2. 2.   What was the most difficult part in writing this book for you?

The most difficult part is that I had to cut the story a mother in heaven tells her son in heaven. The story outline is vaguely still in the book, but the underlying story, one about a girl named Ailene who grows up in a crayon factory, is largely cut. I really love that story, but, and here’s what I’ve learned time and again in writing novels, the side rants you go on as a writer, often hit the cutting room floor. It breaks my heart.

3.Did you struggle writing a certain scene in particular or a character?

I struggled with writing, and still struggle reading, the scene where Vivienne visits Jack in his “heaven.” I was heartbroken to write that scene, as Vivienne’s struggle in making that decision is one I think we all struggle with, at some point in our lives: when to give up and when to keep trying. The emotions boiled up and packaged as fiction in that scene, are actually my true emotions of battling this decision with respect to other real-life issues, of course. And now, when I read Vivienne’s visit to Jack’s heaven, I’m not sure I’ve ever really made this decision myself, for when I read the chapter, I yell at Vivienne in my mind, no, never give up, ever. And yet, her decision was correct. See, a struggle. That chapter is hard on me.

  4. If you could pitch your book in 25 words or less how would you do so?

Woman samples different heavens to see what works for her, while also battling the certainty of death and the uncertainty of life.

   4. Who was your favourite character to write about?

Marty.  And he was also the most fun to read for in doing the Audiobook.

    5. What are your top 5 favourite indie authors?

Can I just say all Indie authors?

     6. If you could cast celebrities as your characters, who would you cast?

Chris Pine as Jack

Tina Fey as Armadillo

Toni Collette as Vivienne’s Mom

Emma Watson as Vivienne

Ryan Gosling as Noah (hello!!!)

    7. Do you read your book reviews? How do you deal with good or bad reviews?

I have learned to only read the good ones, if they are sent to me or someone mentions me on Twitter. I don’t search for them. The truth is, when my first book was published, I read all reviews, and I found that in reading a negative one, I would obsess for days over just one bad review, as opposed to focusing on ten positive ones. This cobbled my writing; I stopped writing after one three star review (which wasn’t even that bad) for two solid weeks. It’s not that I can’t take criticism, in fact, I take criticism constantly in my job. It’s just when it comes to writing, it’s so very personal, and I want readers to enjoy what I write so bad, I get obsessive about it. Best I just concentrate on writing and let the chips fall where they may. Reading is so subjective. There are books I’ve read, which I absolutely adore, but have numerous one-star reviews; likewise, there are books I’ve read, which I’ve thrown across the room they make me so mad, but they are international bestsellers and everyone loves them.

8. If you could go back in time, what advice would you give your past self on writing?

I would tell my past writing self to not hide the fact that I was writing late at night, in hotel rooms, as if writing were a dirty secret. I would also tell myself to only pursue writing, as a full time career, from the start.

9. What is one piece of advice, you would give new writers?

Do not read any of the “don’t do” lists. No rules. Just write. You can figure out the technical stuff and editing later. Substance and creativity must come first and not be cobbled by rules. 

Author Bio:

Shannon Kirk is the awarding-winning author of the international bestselling Method 15/33 (psychological thriller--bestseller in Colombia and Spain, will be lead title in Italy, 2017) and Heavens (Literary Fiction). Method 15/33 has received multiple accolades: 2015 Foreword Review Book of the Year (Suspense); Winner of 2015 National Indie Excellence Award, Best Suspense; 2015 USA Best Book Finalist; School Library Journal's Best Adult Books for Teens (2015); and Finalist in 2013 William Faulkner William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition (when a Novella). Method 15/33 is optioned for a major motion film and has sold to nineteen foreign rights.

When not writing, she is a practicing lawyer, residing on Massachusett's Cape Ann with her husband and son and two cat writing accomplices, Marvin Marquez (in honor of Gabriel Garcia Marquez) and Stewie Poe (Edgar Allen Poe).

Shannon enjoys writing in several genres: literary fiction, psychological thriller, young adult, and poetry. She has been honored three times by the William Faulkner William Wisdom Creative Writing Competition. ​

Connect with the author: 

Website Twitter Facebook

Book Trailer:

TOUR SCHEDULE:

Jan 16 - #redhead.with.book - book spotlight / giveaway

Jan 17 - Working Mommy Journal - review / giveaway

Jan 17 - A Soccer Mom's Book Blog - book spotlight / author interview / giveaway

Jan 19 - Bound 4 Escape - review / giveaway

Jan 20 - Olio by Marilyn - review / author interview / giveaway

Jan 23 - 3 Partners in Shopping Nana, Mommy + Sissy Too! - review / giveaway

Jan 24 - A Mama's Corner of the World - review / giveaway

Jan 25 - Thoughts on Books - review / giveaway

Jan 25 - Library of Clean Reads - review / giveaway

Jan 26 - Books for Books - review

Jan 27 - The Autistic Gamer - review 

Jan 30 - Turning the Pages - review

Jan 31 - Turning the Pages - author interview / giveaway

Jan 31 - Rockin' Book Reviews - review / guest post / giveaway

Feb 1   -  Shoshi Reads - review / giveaway 

Feb 1   -  Jorie Loves A Story - review 

Feb 2   -  Svetlana's Reads and Views - review

Feb 3   - Jessica Cassidy - review / author interview / giveaway

Giveaway:

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Saturday Snapshot #23

To participate in Saturday Snapshot: post a photo that you (or a friend or family member) have taken then leave a direct link to your post in the Mister Linky on West Metro Mommy Reads' Blog. Photos can be old or new, and be of any subject as long as they are clean and appropriate for all eyes to see. How much detail you give in the caption is entirely up to you. Please don’t post random photos that you find online.

We adopted Spartan one year ago today from the Toronto Humane Society!

I cannot begin to tell you how much he has helped my family. 

We are incredibly thankful to the Toronto Humane Society and Northern Reach Dog Rescue (the charity I have at the bottom of the comment section) for bringing him to us. 

[Blog Tour Review & Giveaway]* The Secrets of Montrésor (The French Orphan #2) by Michael Stolle

  Summary:

The Secrets of Montrésor is the eagerly awaited sequel to The French Orphan, and continues the story of young Pierre de Beauvoir… 
Coming into a fortune at any age brings huge responsibility, but when you’re an inexperienced teenager, it seems that surprises are waiting for you around every corner. 
Pierre, former orphan and now Marquis de Beauvoir, may have claimed his inheritance, but life is never that simple. For a start, he needs to learn pretty quickly exactly who to trust and who to keep at arm’s length. For example, how do you work out (and survive….) the changing motives of the most powerful man in seventeenth-century France, Cardinal Richelieu? And then what do you do when the people you should be able to trust try to deliver you into the hands of your worst enemy? And then there’s the small matter of a sacred quest to Italy… 
Fortunately for Pierre he has his best friend Armand to support him as he gets to know his chateau at Montrésor, its people and… its secrets. (Armand, of course, has his own agendas to pursue, usually involving a pretty face and a willing smile.) 
Far from being certain, Pierre’s future has yet to be settled and Pierre will have to draw on his own innate talents as well as those of the people around him to ensure he survives, as his enemies are just waiting to seize their opportunity.

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 298 pages (Paperback)

Source: Review Copy

Genre: Historical Fiction

Available Formats: Print/E-book

Publication Date:  November 12th 2012

ADD TO GOODREADS

Buy Links:  AMAZON US AMAZON CAN AMAZON UK AMAZON AUS/NZ

What a splendid follow up to The French Orphan did The Secrets of Montrésor turned out to be. I have to confess after the strong start in book one I was met with that all too familiar fear of the sequel would measure up to my expectations, suffice it to say these worries were thankfully unwarrented.

In The Secrets of Montrésor we are again hot on Pierre's heels as he accompanied by his ever faithful friend Armand as they come to terms with Pierre's new station and all that that position entails, including his dastardly cousin Henri. Henri, as you can imagine is none to pleased at being ousted from the inheritance of the title of Marquis and true to form has some odious plans for his dear new found cousin. Thus locking this one into being just as full of twists, turns and adventure and as full of side stepping on Pierre and Armand's parts as the first book.

I thought it was quite engaging and I felt completely wrapped up in the story. There was much more focus on the politics at play in France than there was in the first book which is saying something. The political machinations were a very big part of the first novel and the further we get into them in this book the more I want to see where Pierre and Armand will end up. I also appreciated the author's rich attention to detail in describing the sights and sounds of the world Pierre and Armand were launched into along with Jean, Pierre's personal servant. It was good to see all the characters growing, finding their footing and I am looking forward to seeing what they all get into in terms of Henri, the Cardinal Richelieu's plans.

Many secrets were unfolded in this volume, but I'm still left wondering as to where certain plot lines are going and some major secrets remain not only unanswered at the end of this book, but I feel have ballooned in importance. 

I'd recommend this to any who want to follow up reading The French Orphan, and if you haven't read The French Orphan (which I reviewed yesterday) than I highly suggest reading my review and if it suits your fancy buy it. This is a series that must be read in order so I do not, repeat do not advise jumping in with this one.

Author Bio:

Born and educated in Europe, Michael has always been intrigued by the historical setting and the fact that what makes us human was as true in the 17th century as it is now.

He has been reading and writing about history for longer than he cares to recall...

Author Links: 

GOODREADS

Giveaway:

To win a paperback copy of The French Orphan (Book One) by Michael Stolle, please enter via the Gleam form below. Three copies are up for grabs!

Rules:

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on February 11th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

– Giveaway is open to residents in the US, UK, and CANADA only.

– Only one entry per household.

– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.

– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

French Orphan Series

Feature & Follow #32

The Feature & Follow is a Friday meme hosted by Parajunkee of Parajunkee’s View and Alison of Alison Can Read. The idea is very simple as it name explains it itself, is about to follow and meet new bloggers. Follow for Follow and comments for comments.

This week's question is:

For me it would be Outlander, I would say the whole series (at least up until where I am in book 4) but I'm trying to stick as close to the book thing and not venture off into listing an entire series. I picked this one because...well I was assuming that if I could live in it on repeat I could just give Claire the boot I do love her but c'mon! I want Jamie for myself. 

There's a ton going on in this first book in the series and everytime I re-read it (7 times now) I find something new that I missed before. There's so much action *cough*, adventure and a lot of love in it and I've always loved the idea of living in Scotland in times gone by.

Note to Mr. Turning the Pages Who Is Definitely Going To Read This:

What is said on the blog. 

Stays on the blog.

Love you.

:)

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[Blog Tour Review & Giveaway]* The French Orphan (The French Orphan #1) by Michael Stolle

             Summary:

The year is 1640, and Louis XIII is on the French throne. However, as far as you’re concerned, this is all pretty meaningless. After all, as a teenage orphan living in a monastery school in Reims, all you have to worry about is dodging the unpleasant advances of a few unsavoury monks and looking forward to a life of penniless and celibate servitude in a religious order.
After a childhood and adolescence plagued by a constant longing to know who he really is, orphan Pierre has not the slightest idea that his questions are about to be answered. But you know what they say – be careful what you wish for… 
Suddenly finding out who you are can bring with it not only happiness and fortune, but danger, friendship and the sort of swift education that the monastery could never have provided! The discovery of who Pierre really is affects not only Pierre and his friends, but has ramifications for the French nobility, the English crown, and most dangerous of all, the machinations of Cardinal Richelieu and his fierce ambition for the Church and for himself.

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 388 pages (Paperback)

Source: Review Copy

Genre: Historical Fiction

Series: The French Orphan

Available Formats: Print/E-book
Publication Date:June 12th 2012

ADD TO GOODREADS

Buy Links: AMAZON US AMAZON CAN AMAZON UK AMAZON AUS/NZ

As soon as I got the tour invite for The French Orphan series I knew I was going to have to sign up and well...the rest is history (literally) and you dear reader, find yourself here. 

I really enjoyed this first book in The French Orphan series. It started off slightly different than what I was expecting and went some places I wasn't expecting either but I found it to be part of the book's charm. 

I have a confession to make though, I didn't really like our young French orphan right away. I thought he was too much of a goody two shoes, especially since he'd been raised in a monestary, but I did come around to liking Pierre in the end. I think it took his finding his feet in the world and the courage to save himself and find out who he is, where he comes from and his desire to actually do something with the information he uncovers and to through himself wholeheartedly into the search for a better life. Don't mistake me, he still keeps much of his naivete even towards the end of this book but he does look at things much more realistically than he did at the beginning.

Despite the edge of danger that is constantly around Pierre, Armand and their friend Marie I loved their enthusiasm for their joint venture. I especially love the friendship that forms between Pierre and Armand, more so because there are enemies out there after him, for who he is. 

There's a real sense of adventure with this book and I really relished the opportunity to read The French Orphan. We're introduced to some great characters, a nefarious plot is afoot and it's all set in the 1640's so for this historical fiction lover in me it was pure delight. It's fast paced, witty and full of youthful mistakes, friendship and heartbreak. 

I would recommend this novel to anyone looking for some quality historical fiction, I do hasten to advise you that this does feature a teenage protagonist but I'm not sure that I would qualify it as Young Adult Historical Fiction, due to some more adult themes in the storyline. It was the 1640s folks and a lot of stuff went on then that wouldn't fly now. Michael Stolle puts forth a great first book in a series that I don't advise missing especially if you're partial to traveling back in time through some good old historical fiction.

Author Bio:

Born and educated in Europe, Michael has always been intrigued by the historical setting and the fact that what makes us human was as true in the 17th century as it is now.

He has been reading and writing about history for longer than he cares to recall...

Author Links: 

GOODREADS

Giveaway:

To win a paperback copy of The French Orphan (Book One) by Michael Stolle, please enter via the Gleam form below. Three copies are up for grabs!

Rules:

– Giveaway ends at 11:59pm EST on February 11th. You must be 18 or older to enter.

– Giveaway is open to residents in the US, UK, and CANADA only.

– Only one entry per household.

– All giveaway entrants agree to be honest and not cheat the systems; any suspect of fraud is decided upon by blog/site owner and the sponsor, and entrants may be disqualified at our discretion.

– Winner has 48 hours to claim prize or new winner is chosen.

French Orphan Series

[Blog Tour Review] One Dead, Two to Go (Eddie Shoes Mystery #1) by Elena Hartwell

Summary: 

Private Investigator Edwina “Eddie Shoes” Schultz’s most recent job has her parked outside a seedy Bellingham hotel, photographing her quarry as he kisses his mistress goodbye. This is the last anyone will see of the woman … alive. Her body is later found dumped in an abandoned building. Eddie’s client, Kendra Hallings, disappears soon after. Eddie hates to be stiffed for her fee, but she has to wonder if Kendra could be in trouble too. Or is she the killer?

Eddie usually balks at matters requiring a gun, but before she knows it, she is knee-deep in dangerous company, spurred on by her card-counting adrenaline-junkie mother who has shown up on her doorstep fresh from the shenanigans that got her kicked out of Vegas. Chava is only sixteen years older than Eddie and sadly lacking in parenting skills. Her unique areas of expertise, however, prove to be helpful in ways Eddie can’t deny, making it hard to stop Chava from tagging along.

Also investigating the homicide is Detective Chance Parker, new to Bellingham’s Major Crimes unit but no stranger to Eddie. Their history as a couple back in Seattle is one more kink in a chain of complications, making Eddie’s case more frustrating and perilous with each tick of the clock.

Book 1 in the Eddie Shoes Mystery series.

Summary & Cover taken from Goodreads.com

Length: 240 pages (Paperback)

Source: Review Copy

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: Eddie Shoes Mysteries

Available Formats: Print/E-book

Publication Date: April 4th 2016 by Camel Press

ADD TO GOODREADS 

Buy Links: Amazon   B&N iTunes  kobo 

One Dead, Two To Go was a surprise for me. Yes it's a cozy mystery and yes it was still light but it didn't feel too light if you know what I mean. Sometimes I think book in the genre want to be so light that they can often lack substance. This one though was a star. I loved that this was a bit more of a thrill ride than I expected and thought it was very refreshing.

Eddie is a great character, she's spunky, charming and hilarious and she's pretty bad-ass and I'd say she has the patience of a saint. Especially when it comes to her mother, Chava who is only 16 years older, but acts as though she's still a teenager. The two of them worked well together despite it all and I though they were hilarious together. 

I'm a sucker for a female P.I. series so this one was just what I needed. There was a strong plot and the mystery really did end in a different way than I was expecting and I love when that happens. One Dead, Two To Go gave me the whole package. The characters were wonderful, and the plot was well thought out, fast paced and had lots of twists and was hilarious to read all while staying a cozy mystery. I actually finished it in one afternoon it was a snowy day perfect for reading a cozy and I have to say it was well worth the read. 

This is the first in the Eddie Shoes mystery series and I can't wait to see what happens in book two. I'd recommend it to all fans of the genre who want something with a little more substance than the genre provides sometimes. I can see this appealing to fans of Janet Evanovich's Stephanie Plum series and this is one I'd recommend to basically anyone. 

Rating: 

Author Bio:

After twenty years in the theater, Elena Hartwell turned her dramatic skills to fiction. Her first novel, One Dead, Two to Go introduces Eddie Shoes, private eye. Called “the most fun detective since Richard Castle stumbled into the 12th precinct,” by author Peter Clines, I’DTale Magazine stated, “this quirky combination of a mother-daughter reunion turned crime-fighting duo will captivate readers.”

In addition to her work as a novelist, Elena teaches playwriting at Bellevue College and tours the country to lead writing workshops.

When she’s not writing or teaching, her favorite place to be is at the farm with her horses, Jasper and Radar, or at her home, on the middle fork of the Snoqualmie River in North Bend, Washington, with her husband, their dog, Polar, and their trio of cats, Jackson, Coal Train, and Luna, aka, “the other cat upstairs.” Elena holds a B.A. from the University of San Diego, a M.Ed. from the University of Washington, Tacoma, and a Ph.D. from the University of Georgia.

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Giveaway: 

a Rafflecopter giveaway