Blog Tour: ARC Review + Giveaway: Dark Halo (Angel Eyes Trilogy #3) by Shannon Dittemore

Today I am a bit conflicted about being a part of the Dark Halo Blog Tour hosted by YA Bound--on one hand, I'm so happy to share with you my love for this series, on the other, I'm saddened to see it reach its finale and post my final review of this phenomenal series. (I'm all "WHY CAN YOU NOT LAST FOREVER?!") You can find the other tour stops listed here.

Dark Halo (Angel Eyes Trilogy #3) by Shannon Dittemore

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date: August 20, 2013
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
368 Pages

One halo brought sight to Brielle. Another offers sweet relief from what she sees.

Brielle can't help but see the Celestial realm. Even without the halo, it's everywhere she looks. And with the heavens above Stratus ravaged by war, Brielle wishes for another gift, any gift. Because Jake is gone. The only boy she's ever loved has been taken by the demon, Damien--and she knows if she ever wants to see him again, she must fight.

But fighting is so hard when everything you see makes you afraid.

When she receives instructions from the Throne Room leading her to Jake, she unknowingly walks into a diabolical and heartbreaking trap. Then the Prince of Darkness himself offers Brielle a halo of his own making. With the dark halo, she won't have to see the fear and brokenness that surround her. She'll be free of that unbearable burden. And it comes with a promise: the guarantee of a life with Jake.

When confusing details about Jake's past emerge, and the battle above reaches a fever pitch, Brielle is forced to make a choice. Will she choose the dark halo and the ignorance that comes with it, or will she choose to live with her eyes wide open and trust the Creator's design--even if it means a future without Jake?

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5-sets of the Angel Eyes Trilogy including Angel Eyes, Broken Wings and Dark Halo.  
US only.

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Dark Halo is the thrilling conclusion to the Angel Eyes trilogy. Let me tell you, I have followed this series since the release of the first book and each book just seems to get better than the last. As Dark Halo is the final novel, I was very worried. There is always a lot of pressure on finales--especially for beloved series. I should not have been worried. Shannon Dittemore's story ends just as strongly as it began.

I (again) feel the need to state that I'm not a very religious person. I say that because this is a very religion driven series and I was still very much able to enjoy it. Dittemore's strong prose and plots made it impossible for me to feel anything but love towards this series. Her talent gives Dark Halo the ability to stand on its own merits. There is something for everyone in this book. Though religion is a very heavy theme, I never once felt like it was being shoved down my throat. It is very common for authors to (whether consciously or not) push religion at its readers in novels with angels, and frustrate those who read them, too. I've had this experience several times, but Dittemore never made me feel uncomfortable. I applaud her for that.

There isn't much I can explain in regards to the plot without spoiling the first two books in the series, so I will just say that the cliffhanger from book two is immediately addressed. Jake and Brielle, along with their friends, must find the faith and strength to overcome their enemies while saving the world as they know it.

These characters… I don't even know how to properly describe them. Jake, Brielle, Marco and Kaylee all have found a place in my heart. While I originally found it strange to switch from first to third point-of-view, Dittemore pulls it off. It works well for this book. We get great insight into each of these "players." The different perspectives help us understand the motives behind their actions, and help the audience bond with them. After this novel, I even found that I was able to care for Liv--albeit reluctantly. Though she was not shown as a good guy, her redemption was excellent. Each character, major and minor, was given a role in Brielle and Jake's journey. No one felt out of place, or disjointed. Dittemore sees these each of characters through to the very end.

There is so much intensity in this book, but that's to be expected after the last two.The plot is strong, and moves very steadily. It never felt rushed, or seemed to drag on. The pace fit with the themes and events within Dark Halo very well. Dittemore shapes an excellent story and brings a beloved series to a close while being sure to answer any questions the readers may have. Even as we witness all of the trials these characters are put through, the author leaves us with hope in our hearts and a smile on our faces.

I am so happy I decided to give this series a chance. It was an amazing journey, watching these characters grow and come into themselves. Dittemore has impressed me and it saddens me to let go of these characters, but the ending leaves nothing but smiles. This book/series was amazing. Dittemore is a very talented writer, who I hope to see more of in the future.

I received an e-copy of this novel from the publisher and YA Bound for my honest opinion and review.

Sizzling Summer Giveaway Event: Guest Post: AK Morgen

We are happy to join YA Bound in their Sizzling Summer Giveaway Event and have the lovely AK Morgen join us with a guest post! Find the other blogs and event details HERE.

Ayden's Top Ten Romantic Pairings of Legend

One of my favorite things about writing FADE and The Ragnarök Prophesies series has been introducing readers to some of the myths and legendary figures I fell in love with when I was a kid. Not only do I get to play with the Norse myth of Ragnarök in the series, but I get to delve into the myths and love stories of many different cultures. I feel like a kid in a candy store. 

Here are ten of my favorite romantic pairings from mythology and legend, many of which you'll find referenced in some fashion in Arionna and Dace's world. 

Eros and Psyche –Their story is so full of drama and intrigue; I just can't keep myself from cheering for these forbidden lovers. When Aphrodite gets fed up with the beauty of Psyche, she sends her son, Eros (Cupid), to shoot Psyche with one of his arrows while she sleeps. Aphrodite plans to present a hideous creature to Psyche when she awakens, but when Eros pricks himself with the arrow, things don't quite work out that way. 

Diana and Orion – Meet two of the world's earliest star-crossed lovers. When Diana is tricked into killing Orion by her brother, Apollo, she takes his body and places it amongst the stars, thus immortalizing him and our love of star-crossed lovers. There are many different versions of how Orion earned his final resting place in the stars, but this has always been my favorite.

Tristan and Isolde – When I read Romeo and Juliet as a teenager, I wasn't particularly impressed by them. Perhaps because I'd already fallen in love with Tristan and Isolde, another legendary pair of ill-fated lovers. Their tragic story broke my little heart into pieces . . . and still does so. I cry like a baby every time I read their story. While the latest movie version leaves out so much of the story, I've fallen in love with it as well. James Franco crying? Be still my heart!

 Izanagi and Izanami – The story of Izanagi and Izanami is unique. It does triple duty as a love story, a creation myth, and a cautionary tale. When the lovers join as husband and wife, Izanami gives birth to the eight islands of Japan. From there, things rapidly begin to unravel, and the story ends with their broken marriage. Granted, the end is not very romantic, but it's still such a fascinating love story.

Diana and Lucifer – No, not that Lucifer, but the one found in Charles Leland's Vangelo delle Streghe. As with Izanagi and Izanami, this story doubles as a creation myth. But the ending here is much happier. Diana falls madly in love with Lucifer, God of Light, but he flees from her. She searches out the most primordial part of herself, and learns that she must fall in order to be reunited with Lucifer. Diana does so, and as she falls through the Seven Planes, she divides, becoming lifetimes upon lifetimes of souls, and eventually reunites with Lucifer who helps her spin the wheel that set the universe into motion.  

Pyramus and Thisbe – These two Babylonian lovers, denied the opportunity to wed by their parents, plan to meet beneath a mulberry tree near Ninus's tomb to declare their love for one another, but a pesky lion ruins the day, and leads to the deaths of these lovers. When the gods hear their tragic story, they change the color of the mulberry from white to red to honor Pyramus and Thisbe. 

Procris and Cephalus – Procris and Cephalus are madly in love when Cephalus is kidnapped by Eos, who tries desperately to convince him to forsake his wife. He refuses, and finds his way back to Procris, but not before Eos plants the suspicion that Procris has been unfaithful to him. Much drama ensues, and these two lovers eventually make up. But a grave misunderstanding happens, and Cephalus accidentally kills Procris.

Niu Lang and Zhi Nü – This is one of the most famous stories to come from China, and is still celebrated throughout the nation. Each day, Zhi Nü descends from Heaven to bathe in a pool. One day, Niu Lang sees her, and the two fall madly in love. Soon they wed, and when Zhi Nü's father (the Jade King) finds out, he's furious but is too late to do anything. One day, Zhi Nü visits her father in Heaven, and when she leaves to return to Niu Lang, her father places the Milky Way in her path, only removing it one night a year so the lovers may reunite.

Lancelot and Guinevere –  Their love, according to legend, was the undoing of one of the greatest kingdoms. When King Arthur learns of his queen's affair with Lancelot, Guinevere is sentenced to death. Lancelot swoops in and rescues her at the last moment, which causes King Arthur to declare war on the errant knight. Eventually, Guinevere is imprisoned by Mordred, who attempts to wed her himself. King Arthur learns of this plan and returns from his war with Lancelot to kill Mordred. He is seriously wounded during their confrontation, and is whisked away to Avalon while Guinevere spends the rest of her life in a convent.

Freki and Geri –  These wolves were Odin's most beloved of companions. He fed them from his table. In exchange, they followed him everywhere, keeping his loneliness at bay. Geri and Freki's love for one another was so great that, according to legend, when Odin and the Æsir created humanity, Odin sent the wolves to the humans to show them how to care for and protect one another. Humanity learned much about love from this pair, and grew to revere the wolf, a tradition which continues to this day in many parts of the world.

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Big thanks for AK for joining us today, and YA Bound for hosting!

Blog Tour: ARC Review: Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend (Confessions #2) by Louise Rozett

Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend (Confessions #2)

by Louise Rozett

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date: June 25, 2013
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
288 Pages

Rose Zarelli has big plans for sophomore year—everything is going to be different. This year, she’s going to be the talented singer with the killer voice, the fabulous girl with the fashionista best friend, the brainiac who refuses to let Jamie Forta jerk her around...

...but if she’s not careful, she’s also going to be the sister who misses the signals, the daughter who can only think about her own pain, the “good girl” who finds herself in mid-scandal again (because no good deed goes unpunished) and possibly worst of all...the almost-girlfriend.

When all else fails, stop looking for love and go find yourself.

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Here's how excited I was (am) about this book: I signed up to review it on my birthday. That's right today I'm twenty-something-or-other and telling you about the wondrous novel that is Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend! Last year, I fell in love with Louise Rozett's debut, Confessions of an Angry Girl. I waited, for what felt like forever, for the sequel to be released. I just knew I would love it. There are just some books that are destined to be loved, and this was one of them. Forgive me--this review is going to be long, personal and emotional because so much of this book, this series really, resonates with me.

What I love about Rozett's work is that it is very realistic, and it deals with subjects that many people want to avoid because they are socially unacceptable and taboo. We see bullying, homophobia, peer pressure, abuse, drug use, alcohol addiction and mental illness. All of these issues are part of our daily lives, whether we face them or not. Rozett is not afraid to acknowledge them, and make you look them straight in the eye. It's gritty. It's fierce. And it'll tear you to shreds.

Beginning just a bit after book one left off, Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend is about Rose Zarelli's sophomore year of high school. She swears she's going to change this year. Good-bye old Rose, hello Rose 2.0. Too bad she's in counseling with her mother, already involved in a scandal, her brother's behavior is out of control and Jamie's returned after an entire summer of not speaking to her. When push comes to shove, Rose has to look past the struggles and decide who she's going to be while letting go of what she can't control, but things are always more difficult than they first seem… 

Rose is a true character. She's realistic, and endearing in her character development. I really connect with Rose because she's everything I was at her age, and in many ways, who I am today: self-conscious, angry, depressed, confused, anxious, heartbroken and stressed. She stuck in situations that she can't control, and that's killing her. She's trying to do the right thing, but it ends up hurting people no matter what she does. I've been in situations so eerily similar to hers that it's almost like I'm reading my own story. I know the feeling of not being heard, of wanting people to understand without you having to shove the truth in someone's face. You never want to do that because that makes you vulnerable and susceptible to pain, or even worse happiness. 

You may be thinking… "What? Why would someone be afraid of being happy?" Because depression isn't rational. Because the minds of (most) teenagers aren't rational. Hell, the minds of (most) adults aren't rational either. Because life isn't rational. Since I was (mis)diagnosed with depression, I've had a constant. I've had a fall back. I've understood that it's not really me getting so angry that I start throwing things and crying because my favorite shirt has a stain on it even though I told my mom to spray it with Shout three different times before she put it in the washer. I was diagnosed with severe depression when I was ten years old. My mom was battling cancer for the second time (she would later beat the disease two more times). My parents were getting divorced. My dad was moving to Arizona. My mom was moving us across the city, forcing me to leave all of the friends I'd grown up with. My grandma had just died. My aunt had just died. Everything in my life was falling apart. So my mom took me to the doctor. He put me on some pills. They sent me to a shrink, who I fought every step of the way. (She wore pantyhose and didn't shave her legs. Who was she to give me advice?) For a long while, things seemed to get better. Then I entered college. I had left the state where I'd had the worst times of my life and now I was living on my own, getting all A's, making friends, meeting guys, experimenting--pretty much just having your average college experience. When I came back for my second semester after winter break, everything fell apart again. This time, I wasn't getting out of bed. I was failing three of my four classes. I wasn't showering. I wasn't sleeping. I either was eating a ton, or not at all. I was crying at the drop of a hat. I was angry all the time. My friends were terrified for me. I was terrified for myself. My two best friends from school took me to the school counseling center where I met with a kind man who informed me that I was not in fact depressed, but suffering from Bi-Polar II Depression disorder, and a whole slew of more minor, but still pretty serious mental illnesses. His recommendation? Withdraw for the semester. Go home. Get help. Return when I'm better. So I did the first two (and a half). I spent four months after that stewing in my own issues and ignoring the world around me. I lost a lot of friends, who didn't understand, who didn't care, or who didn't know at all. Why am I telling you all of this? Because I mean it when I said some people won't allow themselves to be happy, and are too afraid to be themselves. My issues stemmed (mostly) from my illness, but a lot of it has to do with the attitude toward life that I've let myself fall into that started in a depressive state and I continued when I stabilized. As soon as things are working well for me, I sabotage them because I don't trust myself, and I don't trust the people around me--no matter how much they mean to me. I rarely tell people how I really feel. I hide behind sarcasm, anger and books. The only thing I can trust, that I can rely on is my illness. So I lay in bed, and pretend that I'm okay being alone. This is why books are so important to me. This is why books with Big Issues are so important to me and important PERIOD. This is why I appreciate Rozett and I appreciate authors who make them real for everyone and not just those who suffer.

Whew. Let's talk about the actual book now, okay?

Rozett writes another book that's impossible to put down. Much like when starting the first book, I said I was only going to read a few chapters and then go to sleep. Three hours later my body is sore, my eyes are heavy and I can't stop yawning because I read it straight through to the end. The writing is personable and realistic. This is one author who's work you shouldn't miss. She provides a truly wonderful read that will have the audience in the palm of her hands. The plot moves steadily, and never wavered. There was enough happening in the story that it moved well, without being completely ridiculous. This is a drama-filled, angst-ridden, heart-pounding read. I want everyone to read and enjoy this series as much as I do. Books like this are why I read, ladies and gents. It's not only entertaining, but it evokes powerful emotion as well. So, so good.

The way Confessions of an Almost-Girlfriend ended is killing me. I am shaky, red-faced and jittery from that experience and I finished almost an hour ago. This book is going to be weighing on my mind for quite some time. I sincerely hope Louise plans to expand the series. This is one that will stay with me always. I'm giving this one five stars, which means I'm definitely recommending it. Everyone should read this! Even if you don't enjoy it, I'm so curious to know what people think of this series!

Thank you to YA Bound for allowing me to join in this tour!

I received an e-copy of this novel from the publisher for my honest opinion and review via Netgalley.

Blog Tour: ARC Review + Giveaway: Broken Wings (Angel Eyes Trilogy #2) by Shannon Dittemore

Today, Edwin and Emily are happy to be a part of the 

Broken Wings Blog Tour

hosted by YA Bound.

Find the other tour stops here.

Broken Wings (Angel Eyes Trilogy #2) by Shannon Dittemore

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date: February 19, 2013
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
311 Pages

Giant angels with metal wings and visible song. A blind demon restored from the pit of darkness. And a girl who has never felt more broken.

Brielle sees the world as it really is: a place where the Celestial exists side by side with human reality. But in the aftermath of a supernatural showdown, her life begins to crumble. Her boyfriend, Jake, is keeping something from her—something important. Her overprotective father has started drinking again. He’s dating a much younger woman who makes Brielle’s skin crawl, and he’s downright hostile toward Jake. Haunting nightmares keep Brielle from sleeping, and flashes of Celestial vision keep her off kilter.

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 sees through the Terrestrial Veil. When he plucks the blind demon, Damien, from the fiery chasm and sends him back to Earth with new eyes, the stage is set for a cataclysmic battle of good versus evil.

Then Brielle unearths the truth about her mother’s death and she must question everything she ever thought was true.

Brielle has no choice. She knows evil forces are converging and will soon rain their terror down upon the town of Stratus. She must master the weapons she’s been given. She must fight.

But can she fly with broken wings?

VISIT THE AUTHOR:

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Tour-Wide Giveaway Details:

- One winner will receive print copies of Angel Eyes and Broken Wings by Shannon Dittemore

- Five winners will receive a print copy of Broken Wings by Shannon Dittemore

- Open to US entrants only

- We are not responsible for lost and/or damaged packages

- Ends 03/01/2013

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Review:

I've said it before and I'll say it again: I don't like angel books. Now, I know what you are thinking: "Why did you pick up Broken Wings if you don't like angel books?" The answer is because I was extremely impressed with the first book in this series, Angel Eyes. I decided to read Broken Wings because though this is a pretty religion-oriented novel, it is handled tastefully and the story is compelling beyond the religious aspects.

In Broken Wings, Brielle and Jake are in search of answers. Answers about Jake's past, answers about Brielle's mom and answers about their gifts. But beyond their search, danger is coming and it's coming for them. The Prince knows of their existence and wants Damien, whose eyes have been restored, to be them to him. It doesn't help that Brielle's father is starting to fall apart, or that Jake's been keeping a secret. To survive the impending battle of good and evil, Brielle and Jake must trust in each other, trust in the Father and fight.

I really love these characters. They are genuine and easy to relate to, which made reading the book a breeze. Brielle and Jake's love for each other is pure and so fantastically sweet. Brielle's dad really angered me in this story. He's drinking a lot. He's being cruel to Jake, even though Jake is being nothing but kind to him. He's also dating a much younger woman who Brielle doesn't trust. I really wanted to smack her dad. He's extremely selfish in this novel and I started to loathe him. And Olivia? I had a bad feeling about her from the moment she was introduced. I look forward to seeing how the author expands her story in the next book. The minor characters that are reintroduced from the first book continue to build the plot. Especially Marco and Kaylee. I wish we could see inside their heads!

The story itself was captivating. I read through it quickly and didn't even think about putting it down. The author brilliant weaves a tale that will capture the interest of all of its readers, even those who, like me, are not religious. I have so many questions I need answered. Broken Wings left a lot unresolved. We are introduced to many new problems, but only given a few solutions. It sets up the final book nicely. 

Ms. Dittemore has thoroughly impressed me with these Broken Wings and its prequel, Angel Eyes. I eagerly am awaiting the third and final book in the series, Dark Halo. (Though I'm not excited about having to wait six months to read it because of the way the book ended!)

I received an e-copy of this novel from the publisher for my honest opinion and review via Netgalley.

Blog Tour: Author Interview: Fire Prophet (Son of Angels #1) by Jerel Law

Today, Edwin and Emily are happy to be a part of the Fire Prophet Blog Tour

hosted by YA Bound.

Find the other tour stops here.

Fire Prophet (Son of Angels #2) by Jerel Law

The blurb as seen on Goodreads:
Release Date: December 11, 2012
Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers
257 Pages

"Jerel Law transports readers to a place where supernatural forces of good and evil collide. Young readers will be entertained and inspired . . . I heartily recommend it." --Robert Whitlow, bestselling author of the Tides of Truth series

What if you could actually see angels and fallen angels engaging in battle--and you were expected to join the fight?

It's been one year since Jonah Stone and his sister, Eliza, discovered that their mother is a nephilim, the product of a union between a human and a fallen angel, which makes them and their little brother, Jeremiah, "quarterlings," or one-quarter angel. After embarking on an epic journey to rescue their mother and the other nephilim, who were kidnapped by fallen angels, the Stone kids have enjoyed a little peace and quiet.

But when Jonah and Eliza are attacked by fallen angels at school, they learn that quarterlings all over the world are being targeted, and separating them from their parents is the only way to keep them safe. The kids undergo special training to help them discover their own unique angelic gifts, which come in handy when they embark on a mission to find a mysterious prophet who they believe holds the key to Abaddon's defeat in a massive battle between good and evil.

Parents today are looking for fiction that makes Christianity and the Bible exciting for their kids. This series is the first Christian answer to Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the Kane Chronicles, the Secret Series, and other middle grade series packed with adventure, action, and supernatural fights. But the message is solidly scriptural in that God alone is always in control.

"Jerel Law has crafted a fantastic story that will leave every reader wanting more. Stop looking for the next great read in fantasy fiction for young readers--you've found it!" --Robert Liparulo, bestselling author of Dreamhouse Kings and "The 13th Tribe"

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FIND SPIRIT FIGHTER(SON OF ANGELS #1):

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Q & A With Author Jerel Law

Q: Everyone seems to have a "how I got published" story. What is yours?

My story, like a lot of others, is about the right door opening up at the right time, combined with
a lot of persistence. I had been writing fiction for ten years before my first book, Spirit Fighter,
was published. Four completed, unpublished manuscripts are sitting on my laptop right now.
None of them sold, but I learned lots of lessons with each. Writing those books was like going
to school for me. Each one helped me become a better writer. The fifth one turned out to be the
one that sold.

After I’d written the fifth, I did what most authors do (and what I’d done four times before with
limited success) – try to find an agent! Which can be just as hard as landing a publisher. But I
remembered a conversation I had with a local author two years prior – a great guy named Robert
Whitlow. I figured reaching out to him couldn’t hurt, so I asked if he would look at my query
letter and give me some suggestions. He agreed, read it, and to my surprise, also asked to see
the first chapter of my book. The next day we spoke on the phone and he told me how much
he liked what he’d read (I still remember how excited I was as we spoke) – and then he offered
to introduce me to his publisher. Not long after, we reached out to a wonderful editor named
MacKenzie Howard from Thomas Nelson via email, and ten minutes after I contacted her, she
requested my manuscript. Ten months later (yes, it took that long!) I had a two-book contract
for the Son of Angels series. At this point, I still don’t have an agent. And Robert has become a
great friend.

Q: When did you realize you wanted to become a writer?

The truth is, I did not grow up wanting to be an author. I wasn’t one of those kids who filled
journals with words and ideas. I was too busy playing sports, going to school, and hanging out
with my friends. The real story (although I’m not quite sure how I feel about letting this cat out
of the bag) is that around 1999, my wife and I were on vacation at the beach, and she brought
a book along that I ended up reading – The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks. Yeah, I know. But
looking back, I realize I had some frustration in my current job as a pastor, and needed an outlet
for some creative expression. Coming back from our trip (and having read that book), I was
inspired with an idea for a novel. I talked to Susan, my wife, about it, and she encouraged me to
get busy and write. So my first book was a Sparks-ish love story set in North Carolina (where I
live), written for her. And apparently, she was the only one who liked it. But I realized through
that that I really enjoyed writing.

Tour Wide Giveaway:
- Five Winners will receive copies of Fire Prophet by Jerel Law
- Open to US residents only

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Thank you to Jerel Law for stopping by and YA Bound for hosting the tour!