Monday, July 27, 2015

Katie Cross on Atomic Words podcast

The brilliant Katie Cross joined me for a episode of Atomic Words. Her Network Series is a must-read for fans of all things witchy. The books are fantastic for teen readers. Loads of girl power going on (and nary a boyfriend "rescue" in site).

Here's the description for book one in the series, Miss Mabel's School for Girls:

Never Underestimate the Power of a Determined Witch.
Letum Wood is a forest of fog and deadfall, home to the quietly famous Miss Mabel’s School for Girls, a place where young witches learn the art of magic.
Sixteen-year-old Bianca Monroe has inherited a deadly curse. Determined to break free before it kills her, she enrolls in the respected school to confront the cunning witch who cast the curse: Miss Mabel.  Bianca finds herself faced with dark magic she didn’t expect, with lessons more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. Will Bianca have the courage to save herself from the curse, or will Miss Mabel’s sinister plan be too powerful?
Miss Mabel’s School for Girls is the first novel in The Network Series, an exciting new fantasy collection. A gripping tale about the struggle to survive, it will take you to a new place and time, one you’ll never want to leave.

And Antebellum Awakening:
Never underestimate the power of a volatile witch.
Still reeling in the wake of her mother’s death, sixteen-year-old Bianca Monroe is forced to move to Chatham Castle. Not even the sudden appearance of ancient dragons in haunted Letum Wood nor her two best friends can distract her from the strength of her deep, dark rage.  Her grief puts her magical powers into chaos, endangering any witch around her. She has six months left to destroy the curse that will kill her and fulfill her contract with the most cunning enemy of all: her former teacher Miss Mabel.  Bianca must make a choice: learn to control her restless powers, or let the powers control her.
Antebellum Awakening is the second book in the thrilling new fantasy collection The Network Series. It’s a haunting tale about tragedy, loss, and the power of moving on.

And The Isadora Interviews:

Isadora is a quiet, old witch living alone in the fog-strewn forest of Letum Wood. Her magical power is great, but her foresight is even greater.As a Watcher, Isadora has the ability to see into the heart of every witch she meets, a talent that makes her the perfect guardian of the prestigious Miss Mabel’s School for Girls.Any witch that wants to enter the school must first pass an interview with Isadora. No secret insecurity or sinister motivation can be hidden from a Watcher, as four teenage girls will soon find out.Join Leda, Camille, Michelle, and Priscilla, as they each encounter Isadora in their quest to join Miss Mabel’s School for Girls. It’s a collection of short stories that fans of Miss Mabel’s School for Girls can’t afford to miss.

Head on over and give the podcast a listen!

Katie's in the midst of a blog tour, so can you can enter to win a $30 Visa gift card!

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Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Book Review: Teresa of the New World (Sharman Apt Russell)

Sharman Apt Russell's striking new book Teresa of the New World is part coming of age tale, part historical fiction, part magical realism. Our heroine is Teresa, the daughter of a Native American mother and a Conquistador father. She has one foot in the old world and one in the new. A series of misfortunes splits her from her family, taking her on several journeys—starting as a young child and continuing through her teen years. 

The book is written in the rich tradition of Native American story-telling. Readers unaccustomed to this style may find the it a bit jarring at first. But go with it. You will be rewarded with a beautiful story—full of rugged South Western American terrain and unusual magic—that has you rooting for Teresa as she battles The Plague. While dystopian in theme, Teresa's inner strength shines through.

Perfect for those who love mystical worlds, coming of age tales, and Native American folklore.

Russell is giving away four (4) signed copies of Teresa of the New World (US) to the winners of the below Rafflecopter.  The giveaway ends July 28th.

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Connect with Sharman online via her website or on Facebook.