Review: Volition By Lee Strauss

Title: Volition (Perception #2)
Author: Lee Strauss
Publication: April 16, 2013
Publisher: ESB Publishing
Source: Publisher/Author
Genre: Sci-fi/dystopian/romance
Audience: Young Adult (15 and up)

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Synopsis: 
What doesn't kill you ...

Zoe Vanderveen is on the run with
her captor turned rescuer, Noah Brody.

They're in love. 

Or at least that’s what he tells
her. Her memories have returned but her feelings are dreamlike—thin and
fleeting. Her heart can’t be trusted. Just look at what happened with Taylor
Blake.

Senator Vanderveen’s new team of
cyborg agents are in hot pursuit, and a reward for their capture is broadcast nationwide.
Record breaking cold and snow hinder their escape. Someone dies helping them.

And their fight for survival has
only begun.

My Thoughts: 

vo·li·tion  [voh-lish-uhn]

noun

1. the act of willing, choosing, or resolving; exercise of willing: She left of her own volition.
2. a choice or decision made by the will. 
3. the power of willing; will

*Dictionary.com*

Zoe is coming to terms with the life she thought she had and the truth. She know she used to have strong romantic feelings for Noah. Now she is just in a haze induced by medications forced on her by those closest to her. Zoe is sure of one thing; her grandfather must be brought down. Can Zoe survive life on the run and will her relationship with Noah become what it once was?

I really enjoyed this second installment of the perception series. Strauss has outdone herself creating well developed characters that are easy to relate to.  Zoe continues to face her greatest fears head on, as Noah continues to support her through this whole ordeal. Zoe and Noah’s relationship seems stronger even though much of the past only comes to Zoe in the form of dreams. There is so much in store for them. This is a must read for any dystopian lover. 

Read my review of Perception here.

Author Bio: 

Lee Strauss writes historical and science fiction/romance for upper YA and adult readers. She also writes light and fun stuff under the name Elle Strauss. 

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The Silver Sphere by Michael Dadich

Title: The Silver Sphere

Author: Michael Dadich

Publication: November 19, 2012

Publisher: Evolved Publishing

Source: Publisher/Author

Genre: YA, Sci-Fi, Fantasy

Audience: 14 and up

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Synopsis:

Evolved Publishing presents a wild journey to a sister planet of Earth, in “The Silver Sphere” by Michael Dadich. [YA Fantasy/Sci-Fi] 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Shelby Pardow never imagined she could kill someone. All she wants to do is hide from her troubled father… when she is teleported to awaiting soldiers on the planet Azimuth. Here she is not a child, but Kin to one of the six Aulic Assembly members whom Malefic Cacoethes has drugged and imprisoned. He seeks to become dictator of this world (and then Earth by proxy).

His father, Biskara, is an evil celestial entity, tracked by the Assembly with an armillary device, The Silver Sphere. With the Assembly now deposed, Biskara directs Malefic and the Nightlanders to their strategic targets. Unless….

Can Shelby find the other Kin, and develop courage and combat skills? Can the Kin reassemble in time to release or replace the Assembly, overthrowing Malefic and restraining Biskara?

Author Bio:

I've been writing since first setting pencil to steno pad at age 8. A year later, I began developing the world of my current series-in-progress, and even created its title, The Silver Sphere. Now, with the support of years of experience, those early maps and back stories have progressed into what I hope is a fresh and entertaining take on the classic young adult fantasy adventure.

Despite my frequent escapes into parallel worlds, I root myself firmly in my very real family and community. When not pacing the yard maniacally after every few pages of writing, I spend as much time as possible hanging out with my studly 9-year-old son, and my inspirational wife Jenna. I also coach several local youth sports teams in Beverly Hills, and alternate between yelling at my two crazy Corgis and hiking with my trained German Shepherd.

For more, join me in my favorite fantasy worlds, from Lord of the Rings to the creations of C.S. Lewis, Anne McCaffrey and Terry Brooks. Even more importantly, stop by and say hello on my Facebook page at AuthorMichaelDadich, tweet me at @MichaelDadich, and stalk my website.

Review: What We Saw by Ryan Casey

Title: What We Saw
Author: Ryan Casey
Publication: November 26, 2012
Publisher: CreateSpace
Source: Author/Publisher
Genre: Mystery/Coming of Age
Audience: 15 and up
Rating: 3 of 5 

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Synopsis: 
If you stumbled upon a shocking mystery as a child, how would you react?

What We Saw tells the story of a young boy, Liam O'Donnell, his cousin, Adam, and their experiences at their grandparents' caravan site one summer. When the disappearance of their dog leads to a terrifying discovery deep in the nearby woods, Liam and Adam are plunged into a very adult world of morals and decisions, and find themselves trapped in the dark clutches of secrecy and suspicion, far transcending mere mystery.

What We Saw is a touching and thrilling British mystery novel that will have you hooked as the plot hurtles towards a shocking conclusion.

My Thoughts: Adam and Liam are spending the summer with their grandparents. They are both facing difficult family struggles. Adam and Liam think of themselves as detectives and spend much of their time solving mysteries. This inquisitiveness leads to a shocking discovery. Adam and Liam are determined to solve the shocking mystery on their own. Will their secrecy lead them to solving this mystery or down a disastrous end?

This story began slowly for me but it gradually increased momentum as the suspense was building. The boys have to grow up quickly and make adult decisions. It was difficult to know who to trust as it seemed everyone had a secret to keep. Casey weaves an elaborate tale that builds the relationship between Adam and Liam while allowing them to grow and come to terms with their situations. 

Review: A Tale of the Other Kind by Leandi Cameron

Kai Emery likes to be indiscernible; however, his infatuation for his classmate, Sienna Fynn, has made his invisibility status all the more impossible to upkeep. His world spirals out of control when he discovers that he is a shapeshifting were-leopard, and finds himself unable to control his newfound anatomy.

An unpredictable vampire enters his life, leading him down a path that soon reveals his destiny, and discloses another world, filled with magic and terrifying darkness. When he finds himself in danger from the god of magic and darkness for disobeying a curse bestowed upon his kind, forbidding him from falling in love with a human, he has to fight for survival, and protect everyone that he loves.

Thoughts:Sienna is in a bad relationship and Kai wants desperately for her to realize she can do better and possibly with a guy like him. Yet, soon as things begin to look hopeful for the two of them, Kai discovers that he is not entirely human. Now, he's afraid that his change will make the one girl he cares about turn away from him. Sienna just wants him to trust her and believe that she can hold her own. Kai meets another shifter Astrid who tells him that he needs to stay away from Sienna otherwise it will not end well. She informs him that all of their kind is cursed to lose those they love.

I think the story is interesting take on the shapeshifter lore. Kai is an okay male lead and the story is told from his perspective.He does come off a  little slow to process things when he discovers his new abilities and what they mean for his future. Sienna comes off as vulnerable but with a hint of ferocity simmering beneath. The romance between Kai and Sienna is cute with just a little heat. What I do like about Kai is his capacity to love and the fact that he wants to take his time to get to know Sienna without rushing into anything too quickly. Overall, an okay read filled with fantasy, romance and bit of action. 

About the Author

Leandi Cameron is the author of Young Adult Paranormal Fantasy A Tale of the Other Kind series, starting with A Therian Novel. She is an award-winning journalist who grew up in the South of Johannesburg, and now lives in Brakpan, Ekurhuleni, South Africa, where she also spends her days working at Caxton Newspapers as the Assistant Editor for the Boksburg Advertiser. She has an Honours Degree in Journalism from Tshwane University of Technology. Cameron also co-owns House of LeaVik with her sister Vikki Rostoll-Olivier where she also dabbles in publishing, fashion and graphic design.

Author: Leandi Cameron 
Title: A Tale of the Other Kind
Series: Therian Novel
Publication: September 18, 2012
Publisher:  House of Leavik
Source: Author via Orangeberry Book Tours

Guest Post: Witch Way Bends by Olivia Hardin

Title: Witch Way Bends (Book 1 of the Bend-Bite-Shift Trilogy)
Author: Olivia Hardin
Publication: December 2, 2011
Publisher: Create Space
Genre: Paranormal Romance

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Devan Stowe has only one thing on her mind when she teams up with Kent Crosby and his associates—putting an end to her father’s child trafficking business. Her determination takes her on a journey to discover her true strength and the… one man she was destined to love. In his arms, she’ll learn the meaning of trust, honor, and courage. Devan will unlock an amazing gift that will free her from her past and open up a future full of magic, faeries and more things than she ever imagined possible.

Be sure to check out Bitten Shame (Book 2 in the Bend -Bite-Shift Trilogy) and also Langton’s short story “Tell A Soul” In the Cupid Painted Blind Anthology both also available on Amazon!

Guest Post: 

If I could jump into a book…

by Olivia Hardin

If I could jump into a book, I’d live in a world of twenty known universes.   A world where a bit of magic… er complex mathematics, can open doorways between the planets and the galaxies.  A world where lesser villains may be forced to eat themselves while the “eater of souls” duels in riposte.

If I could jump into a book, I’d have journeys of adventure on a road less travelled.  I’d battle blood kites and horned ghosts and dragons, all with a tough gnome-like side-kick.  I’d have a little black box that could hold an almost infinite amount of provisions and I’d remind my fellow cohorts to be careful lest it get lost in the swamp.  I’d have a champion to lead the way with his “bump” of direction never failing.

If I could jump into a book I’d be a Princess with a strong and brave Hero at my side.  We’d jump a sword to seal a vow even as we search for a lost egg.  My Hero would fight for his Princess to the death if necessary and after all that, forgive her almost anything, even when she forces him to take her over his knee.  I’d have at my disposal an arsenal of wisdom to resolve any problem.  I’d be strong enough to use that wisdom even when my heart says no.

If I could jump into a book, I’d live in the world of Robert Heinlein’s creation.  I’d travel the Glory Road again and again, living the adventure, falling in love and roaming the twenty known universes.  And the best thing about living in that world, would be that I could “retell” the ending so that the glorious quest could continue with ever-changing, new roads to be traveled…