BLOG TOUR REVIEW: 15 Minutes by Jill Cooper

Today I have a review for this great time travel novel, 15 Minutes. Check out all the details and how awesome is this cover... PLUS enter to win a copy of Jill Cooper's paranormal fantasy novel at the bottom.

Title: 15 Mintues
Series: N/A
Author: Jill Cooper
Publisher: Self Published
Release Date: 15th June 2013
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction Thriller
Format: eBook
Source: from Author for review during the tour - Thank you!

I have 15 minutes to save my mother’s life….

15 minutes is all the Rewind Agency gives you in the past, but for Lara Crane it’s enough time to race through the city, find her mother, and stop her from being killed in a mugging that happened over ten years ago.

But that’s not how it happened. The story she’s been told all her life is a lie and when Lara takes a bullet meant for her mother, her future changes forever.

The love of her life acts like a stranger. Her simple life is replaced with a giant house, glamorous clothes and a new boyfriend.

Except someone knows her secret. And he will try to stop her at every turn as she races against the clock to unravel a dangerous conspiracy.

15 Minutes is an edgy high octane YA thriller that can be described as Back to the Future meets Inception where the people Lara trusts change in an instant. She is in a timeline she doesn't understand, and is about to make one fatal mistake as she faces an enemy so familiar, he’s family.

Check out the book trailer HERE!

My Review

Well, this is definitely a mysterious, suspenseful thriller with full on action and adventure; and of course a little romance to boot. I haven’t read a time travel novel since Lauren Kate and it was certainly an interesting read. I really enjoyed the writing style of Ms Cooper and will certainly pick up another one of her books. All the characters are strong and complex.

Lara Crane is an ordinary teenager, although her Mother was shot and killed when she was younger, so therefore she lives with just her Dad, John. There is new technology available that allows users to travel back in time to visit past memories. For her birthday, her Dad got her some sessions to visit memories that included her Mum. That’s when an idea struck; she could go back in time to when her Mum was shot and save her, so they would have a happy family.

Lara has a boyfriend, Rick and he is adamant that her idea is horrible. Rule number one in the time travel agency, Rewind is that you cannot change the past, the consequences would be enormous. But Lara only wants to save her Mum so they would be a family again and her Dad would be happy too. The other rule in Rewind is that you only have 15 minutes in the past before being taken back to the present. You appear as a hologram and cannot touch or change anything.

Lara finds out she is different though, special, during her sessions she was able to touch, bump and speak to the people in her memories and that is when she makes her decision; she will save her Mother.

Determined to make her Father happy and herself, Lara changes the past!

Waking up from her trip, Lara discovers that her changing the past has certainly changed the present. Waking in her bed in a mansion of a house in an expensive neighbourhood, Lara is excited to see her Mother again. Being a school day though, her Mother has already gone to work; so off to school she heads.

School is different as well, apparently Rick isn’t in the picture and Donovan is her boyfriend, but Donovan was not even acknowledged before the change. Things only get stranger.

Lara starts receiving new memories from the present and during which bleeding noses and massive headaches arrive as well. Lara has heard of travel sickness and this is another reason why the past isn’t to be changed. But Lara wouldn’t take it back if only she can see her Mother again.

The mystery only thickens when she arrives home from school and finds out she has a Step-Dad, plus twin siblings. Where is her paternal Father?

Who are the men following Lara in black suits? Why is her Father in prison? Why is her Mother working at Rewind and experimenting on people illegally? Who will Lara choose, Rick or Donovan?

Lara wants to know why her Father is in prison, she is finding clues all around for her and the memories come in short bursts. She may need some more time jumping in order to save her family, herself and find the truth.

I was a little confused towards the end, I didn’t know if Lara was in reality or memories; but the twisty path that you take with Lara and the ending is well worth the journey to get there. I really enjoyed reading 15 Minutes and recommend this to time travel readers.

4 TIME TRAVELLING GREAT BOOKS

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About the Author

I could write this in the third person. I could tell you what I like, where I was born, and what my favorite things are.

But instead, I'll say I don't want to write like everyone else. I don't want to craft stories you've read a thousand times before. I want my novels to be a cinematic experience, blending themes, genres, and situations unlike any you've ever read.

I want to break the rules. I want you to break out in a cold sweat as you read my books out of fear, love, and excitement. I want my books to be an experience. When you finish, I want you to feel something. Good or bad. If you do, then I'll have succeeded. If not, I'll keep trying.

~ Website ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~

Giveaway

Open Internationally
One (1) eBook copy of The Dream Slayer by Jill Cooper
Ends midnight 25th July 2013


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COVER REVEAL: Wings (Black City #3) by Elizabeth Richards

Today we are super excited to share the cover to WINGS, the third and final book in author's Elizabeth Richard's BLACK CITY series!

Check out this beauty! 

Wings (Black City #3) by Elizabeth Richards

Get the first two books in the series! 

OPEN INTERNATIONAL!!!

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DOUBLE COVER REVEAL: Demon Jack by Patrick Donovan and Persistence of Memory by Winona Kent

Title: Demon Jack

Author: Patrick Donovan

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Thriller

 

Title: Persistence of Memory

Author: Winona Kent

Genre: Sci-Fi, Accidental Time Travel, Historical Romance

Visit FABLE PRESS for more info! 

GIVEAWAY: The Broken Destiny by Carlyle Labuschagne

Today I have a giveaway via Sarah's Reviews for The Broken Destiny by Carlyle Labuschagne and it's open internationally. I really love this cover too!

Title: The Broken Destiny
Series: Broken #1
Author: Carlyle Labuschagne
Publisher: SBPRA
Release Date: 13th August 2012
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction/Fantasy

Ava knows much more, and feels much more than she is allowed to. When she starts questioning her origins and the destruction of Earth, things go horribly wrong for her. She is saved by a Minoan boy from an attempted kidnapping on her life – the perpetrators are evil Zulus and their dark ancient magic. Humans and Minoans are forbidden to interact with each other, and as she is taken back to their village she finds out why – they know of her, her kind and her destiny to save a dying race. Ava must rid them from the Council’s ruling and free the galaxy of The Shadow. Her destiny is to rise above the fall, because within her soul is the key to an archaic weapon that has been missing in the mix of a genetic code since the time of the ancients. As the prophecy unfolds she learns of her bloodline – a bloodline that makes her less human than she could ever have imagined. She alone has the power to destroy or save, but the mind-shift is a horrible thing. Ava will become what she hates to save the ones she loves. Beaten, poisoned, possessed and betrayed by her own emotions, she has no choice but to rise above it all… for that is her Destiny.

The Broken Destiny was voted #3 on the goodreads Debut list for 2012

Excerpt

Prologue
All my life, I had searched for something, something I thought I ought to be. I felt like I was living someone else’s life, waiting for the awakening of my own. I felt like an empty shell burning for life. That was, until the day I lay dying in the prince’s chambers. I could no longer feel the pain from the tear in my gut. The only sensation left was a hollowed-out feeling that I had made a huge mistake in assuming that taking my own life, would have stopped the ancestors’ spirit from raging out. I had given up. I didn’t want to see myself killing the ones I loved. I was the Chosen one, but I threw it all away for what I thought would save a life. Could you end a life to save a life? I did, and I have regretted it ever since. I realized then that things like me are not meant to exist. What had been missing my whole life? It was I. To find myself, I had to lose myself in the worst possible way. The consequences of my actions became the legend of The Broken.

About the Author

Carlyle Labuschagne is a South African Debut Author working her way into the hearts of international readers with her First Novel “The Broken Destiny. She is not only an author but works as PR and Marketing Manager by day. She holds a diploma in creative writing through the writing school at Collage SA. Loves to swim, fights for the trees, food lover who is driven by passion. Carlyle writes for IU e-magazine an inspirational non-profit magazine that aims at inspiring the world through words. The drive behind her author career is healing through words.

My goal as an Author is to touch people’s lives and help others love their differences and one another.

A firm believer in - YA saves!

~ Website ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ Blog ~

Giveaway

Two (2) Winners will each receive an eBook of The Broken Destiny & a sets of Bookmarks
Winners must respond to a congratulatory e-mail within 48 hours or new winners will be chosen
Open Internationally
Ends 31st July 2013

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COVER REVEAL: Pendomus by Carissa Andrews

Today I am helping to reveal this beautiful cover for Pendomus by Carissa Andrews. Check out the synopsis below.

Pendomus (Pendomus Chronicles #1) by Carissa Andrews
Release Date: 10th October 2013
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction/Fantasy Dystopia (with paranormal romance)

Humanity has colonized on a tidally locked planet known as Pendomus, a planet of extremes. Half eternal scorching desert and half perpetual arctic night. Surviving along the temperate band between the two, we've set up home in a complex known as the Helix. Within the Helix lies a highly sophisticated, highly technological society that seems to function solely on humans fulfilling their life's purpose. That purpose is determined and nurtured through a person's natural aptitudes, as read by their daily brain scans. Eating, sleeping, even procreation is handled by professionals. These basic concepts, no longer a part of society's every day norm.

Seventeen-year-old Runa Cophem longs to be more than part of the Helix machine. Her life inside is anything but fulfilling. She feels disconnected, and longs to be more than society dictates. Inside, no one socializes, no one interacts in a meaningful way. It's never set right with Runa. She would love nothing more than to reach out to her family, but not even her own mother can show any semblance of love for her. Instead, Runa has found solace in the ancient woods nearby, despite being strictly forbidden.

Seventeen-year-old Runa Cophem longs to be more than part of the Helix machine. Her life inside is anything but fulfilling. She feels disconnected, and longs to be more than society dictates. Inside, no one socializes, no one interacts in a meaningful way. It's never set right with Runa. She would love nothing more than to reach out to her family, but not even her own mother can show any semblance of love for her. Instead, Runa has found solace in the ancient woods nearby, despite being strictly forbidden.

Runa's life takes an unforeseen turn when she's brutally attacked, and left for dead in those woods near the Helix. Rescued by a stranger with blue hair, she's immersed into a surprising way humanity has survived. Fueled by a yearning to belong, and an attraction she didn't even know was possible, Runa wants desperately to make a new life. Yet, there's much she doesn't know about herself, about the planet and the forces controlling her from afar.

What she needs is some answers.

About the Author

Born and raised in central MN, Carissa Andrews has always loved books. She started her career at 15 in a bookstore, just to be able to afford her book fetish. By 19, she worked for a magazine publisher. At 22, she was working for printers to learn their trade. At 27, she went back to school for graphic design, and became an award winning designer. Little did she know all of her experiences would lead her to becoming a self-publishing power house.

At 31, a magical world on a planet far away, invaded her mind.

At 34, she's learned what she needs to make her work successful.

Pendomus (Book 1 of the Pendomus Chronicles) will be released OCTOBER 10, 2013.

~ Website ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~

Book Review: The Photo Traveler by Arthur J Gonzalez - BLOG TOUR

Today I am sharing with you my review of The Photo Traveler by Arthur J Gonzalez; a young adult science fiction about a boy that can time travel. Check it out and the giveaway at the bottom.

Title: The Photo Traveler
Author: Arthur J Gonzalez
Publisher: Fahrenheit Publishing
Release Date: 20th February 2013
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction
Format: eBook
Source: via Xpresso Book Tours for an honest review during the blog tour

Seventeen-year-old Gavin Hillstone is resigned to being miserable for the rest of his life. Left alone in the world after his parents died in a fire when he was four, he was placed in foster care, which for him meant ending up in an abusive home with an alcoholic adoptive father.

Gavin’s only escape is in taking and creating images. His camera is his refuge from the unending torture and isolation of daily life in his “family.”

Until he learns by accident that he isn't alone in the world after all. His father’s parents are still alive and living in Washington DC.

When he takes the plunge and travels 3,000 miles to find his grandparents, he learns that they—and he—are part of something much bigger, and more dangerous, than he could ever have imagined. Something that has always put his family at risk and that will now threaten his own life, while forever changing it.

He learns that he is one of the last descendants of a small group of Photo Travelers—people who can travel through time and space through images. But his initial excitement turns to fear, when he soon discovers that he and his grandparents are being pursued by the fierce remnants of a radical European Photo Traveler cult, the Peace Hunters. What Gavin has, they want!

His adventure will take him to past eras, like The Great Depression and the Salem Witch Trials. Gavin will have to discover who he really is and must make choices that spell the difference between life and death for himself, for the relatives he now knows and loves, and for the girl he will come to love.

For Gavin Hillstone, life will never be the same.

My Review

The Photo Traveler was a great read and packed with action, intrigue and some romance. This is such a fantastic and unique idea; the characters were strong, the storyline fascinating and there were twists along the way that kept me guessing. I cannot wait to read The Peace Hunter, part two.

Gavin Hillstone is an almost 18 year old boy that hasn’t had a very easy life for such a young age. His parents died when he was 4 and had believed there were no other living relatives. Put into the foster system, he was adopted by the family that took him in. Having a fairly normal life up until 8 years old, his foster mother, Leyla was killed in a tragic accident at a supermarket.

Gavin was full of guilt, guilt for his parents, and guilt for Leyla and even his foster father and foster sister, Mel blamed him for her death. After a brutal fight with his drunk foster father, Gavin decides that’s it, he is leaving. Finding that there are secrets everywhere, he does in fact have Grandparents and is determined to find them.

Not sure if they are even alive any more, Gavin sets out with his winnings from a photo competition. Gavin has always found photography has a calming effect on him and his camera is his most prized possession. Catching a bus to DC, he arrives at the house where his Grandparents used to live. Turning up on their doorstep was risky, but was his only choice. When they open the door, Gavin not only discovers his long lost Grandparents, but finds out he is a Photo Traveler. Any photo, picture, print, painting or anything with an image can be used to travel to that exact location. The only catch is that it must be a real place/person and had to have happened, so he couldn’t travel to visit the dinosaurs.

Gavin is excited about this new power; he goes experimenting and loving his new family. Feeling loved is something new to Gavin and everything is so strange, but very comfortable. Gavin has so many questions about everything, what really happened to his parents? Who are these people that are threatening his family for these infamous vials of purple liquid? Who are the Peace Hunters?

In the beginning there were five families and each one was given a purple vial of liquid that could give the power to travel, they were told to keep the vial safe and to hand it down with each generation. If somebody had all five vials, they would have the power to travel in time forwards and backwards. This is a dangerous ability to hold and each family was at war to keep their vial safe from the other families.

Gavin starts a new school and quickly makes a friend in his photography class. Visiting his friend’s house, he sees a beautiful photo of a girl and has an instant attraction and connection, but she is in the past. How can he fall in love with a girl in the past when she isn't in the present?

There is a lot going on in this book, but it keeps you on your toes and guessing who, what, when and why? With betrayal, love, family loyalty, romance, intrigue, mystery and action, The Photo Traveler has a lot to offer. This book has a lot of potential to become a huge series and one that will become popular as it has appeal to a lot of readers. Again, I cannot wait to read the sequel The Peace Hunters.

4 GREAT BOOKS

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About the Author

My name is Arthur J Gonzalez. I’m 28 years old, born and raised in Miami, FL. I graduated from the University of Florida. I am currently releasing my debut novel, The Photo Traveler. The premise surrounds 17 – year old Gavin, who discovers he is part of a small group, called Photo Travelers, who can time travel through photos and images.

~ Website ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~

Giveaway

Open Internationally

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Guest Post: Alicia Wright Brewster author of ECHO - BLOG TOUR

Today I have a guest post from author of Echo, Alicia Wright Brewster. Check out the synopsis and the giveaway at the bottom.

Title: Echo
Series: N/A
Author: Alicia Wright Brewster
Publisher: Dragonfairy Press
Release Date: 25th April 2013
Genre: Young Adult Science Fiction

The countdown clock reads ten days until the end of the world. The citizens are organized. Everyone's been notified and assigned a duty. The problem is . . . no one knows for sure how it will end.

Energy-hungry Mages are the most likely culprit. They travel toward a single location from every corner of the continent. Fueled by the two suns, each Mage holds the power of an element: air, earth, fire, metal, water, or ether. They harness their powers to draw energy from the most readily available resource: humans.

Ashara has been assigned to the Ethereal task force, made up of human ether manipulators and directed by Loken, a young man with whom she has a complicated past. Loken and Ashara bond over a common goal: to stop the Mages from occupying their home and gaining more energy than they can contain. But soon, they begin to suspect that the future of the world may depend on Ashara's death.

Guest Post

Elemental Powers, which would you choose and why?

In ECHO, I introduce six elemental powers: air, earth, fire, metal, water, and ether. The main character, Ashara, is an ether manipulator. But honestly, if I were picking one of these powers for myself, I’d be an air manipulator.

Ether manipulation is complex and abstract. Ether is the stuff between all the other stuff. For Ashara, controlling it is like controlling this matter she doesn't understand and has never seen. It’s also a very defensive power, although it turns out to work pretty well for offence as well. Air, on the other hand, is just so much fun!

I refer to my air manipulators as Breathers. They can run incredibly fast, jump incredibly high, and could probably fly if advanced enough in their practice. They control the wind around them to make themselves move the way they want. They’re a little like Storm from X-Men—except without the cape and all the striking-people-with-lightning.

On the downside, if I were a Breather, I probably wouldn't do much writing. I’d be out exploring the world, jumping over tall buildings, outrunning bullets, and so forth. So I guess it’s good that I’m just little ol’ me. I'm not a Breather in real life, and I prefer to keep my real super powers a secret. ;)

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About the Author

Alicia Wright Brewster is a mild-mannered lady of average height and above average paranormal obsession. By day, she works in an office. At night she is an author, an electronics junkie, and a secret superhero. (Please don't ask what her superpower is; that's not very polite.)

In her virtually non-existent free time, she loves to read, watch movies, and eat food. She is particularly fond of the food-eating and makes a point to perform this task at least three times per day, usually more.

~ Website ~ Goodreads ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~

Giveaway

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