CSFF: The First Principle by Marissa Shrock

Song Stuck on the Brain: O Worship the King, traditional hymn. It's been running through my head for days. :)

The First Principle 

by

Marissa Shrock

MY TAKE:

Marissa Shrock has written a gripping new YA novel that puts a unique spin on the dystopian genre. It's a bold look at a very possible near future. Some might say at first look that the premise is ridiculous, but I think the author has visualized a very realistic possible future, if our country doesn't remember the principles we were founded on. Is it a political statement? Absolutely, and that is part of what gives the story it's suspenseful, edgy feel. It's more than just politics though, it's also a story of love and discovery. Regardless of where you stand on political issues such as the Right to Life and Government Control, this is a story worth pursuing. Let it stir your emotions. Get angry, get sad, fall in love with it or not; whatever your final decision, it's guaranteed to make you think bigger and deeper about life. For me? I loved it. Great job, Marissa. I look forward to more.

Be sure to check out the author's website, at the time of posting, she's offering her free short story, "The Abduction", when signing up for her mailing list.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

In the not-too-distant future, the United Regions of North America has formed. Governors hold territories instead of states, and while Washington, DC, is gone, the government has more control than ever before. For sixteen-year-old Vivica Wilkins, the daughter of a governor, this is life as usual. High school seems pretty much the same–until one day, that controlling power steps right through the door during study hall.

When Vivica speaks out to defend her pregnant friend against the harsh treatment of Population Management Officer Martina Ward, she has no idea she’s sowing the seeds of a revolution in her own life. But it isn’t long before she discovers her own illegal pregnancy. Now she has to decide whether to get the mandatory termination–or follow her heart, try to keep the baby, and possibly ruin her mother’s chances at becoming president.

A rebel group called the Emancipation Warriors, who are fighting to restore freedoms once held unalienable, offer her asylum. Can Vivica trust these rebels to help her or will they bring everything crashing down around her? Accepting their help may come with consequences she isn’t ready to face.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:


Marissa Shrock is a writer and language arts teacher who enjoys working with her fun seventh grade students. She is a graduate of Taylor University and has completed the Jerry B. Jenkins Christian Writers Guild Apprentice, Journeyman, and Craftsman courses. She is a member of ACFW.

 Marissa has written articles for teens and adults in Evangel and Encounter. The First Principle is her debut novel.

 In her spare time Marissa loves spending time with family and friends, shopping for cute clothes, traveling, baking, and playing golf.


VISIT THE OTHER TOUR MEMBERS:

Julie Bihn
Thomas Clayton Booher
Beckie Burnham
Victor Gentile
Carol Keen
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Megan @ Hardcover Feedback
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Nissa
Jalynn Patterson
Chawna Schroeder
Jessica Thomas

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

CSFF: Storm Siren by Mary Weber

Song Stuck on the Brain: Do You Want to Build a Snowman? from Frozen

The CSFF Blog tour presents:

Storm Siren 

The Storm Siren Trilogy

by 

Mary Weber

MY TAKE:

I love the SciFi/Fantasy category. There are a lot of really cool imaginative minds in this world, Mary Weber's is one of them. No matter how much I like a genre, there are always a few stories that stand above the rest. Narnia, Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Firebird... Storm Siren did that for me. From the amazing, beautiful cover to the captivating characters. I. Am. Hooked. I can't help but wonder when is the movie adaptation? Surely someone in Hollywood has to see the big screen potential here.

I love the setting. This fantasy world had a touch of steam punk and I love the combination. The descriptions are fantastic. Nym is a unique character in a way that's hard to define. She's both powerful and humble, full of self-doubts and anger, yet also is full of love and compassion to others. She may have super powers but Nym feels like a very clear glimpse into the human nature of us all. The allegorical nature of the characters and story is beautiful.

That's just a small part of the beauty of this book. It's deepness is something that hits after the fact. While I was reading, I was completely caught up in the action, politics, fashion, romance and espionage. I'll admit being a Storm Siren sounds pretty cool if you can control it. :)

The only complaint I had with the book was that it ended too soon. I didn't realize it was a trilogy at first so when it ended with a lead in for Siren's Fury, I was both thrilled and frustrated. I'm not a patient person. BUT as a writer I know how hard the author's job is and how time consuming writing and publishing a book can be. So I think the fact that the sequel is releasing June 2nd is pretty amazing.

I'm very excited to dive into the next book.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

“I raise my chin as the buyers stare. Yes. Look. You don’t want me. Because, eventually, accidentally, I will destroy you.” 

 In a world at war, a slave girl’s lethal curse could become one kingdom’s weapon of salvation. If the curse—and the girl—can be controlled. 

As a slave in the war-weary kingdom of Faelen, seventeen-year-old Nym isn’t merely devoid of rights, her Elemental kind are only born male and always killed at birth—meaning, she shouldn’t even exist. 

Standing on the auction block beneath smoke-drenched mountains, Nym faces her fifteenth sell. But when her hood is removed and her storm-summoning killing curse revealed, Nym is snatched up by a court advisor and given a choice: be trained as the weapon Faelen needs to win the war, or be killed.

 Choosing the former, Nym is unleashed into a world of politics, bizarre parties, and rumors of an evil more sinister than she’s being prepared to fight . . . not to mention the handsome trainer whose dark secrets lie behind a mysterious ability to calm every lightning strike she summons.

 But what if she doesn’t want to be the weapon they’ve all been waiting for?

 Set in a beautifully eclectic world of suspicion, super abilities, and monsters, Storm Siren is a story of power. And whoever controls that power will win.

photo courtesy of Sarah Kathleen Photography

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Mary Weber is a ridiculously uncoordinated girl plotting to take over make-believe worlds through books, handstands, and imaginary throwing knives. In her spare time, she feeds unicorns, sings 80’s hairband songs to her three muggle children, and ogles her husband who looks strikingly like Wolverine. They live in California, which is perfect for stalking L.A. bands, Joss Whedon, and the ocean.
{Facebook: marychristineweber, Twitter @mchristineweber, Blog: maryweber.com}



Check out the other tour members at: 

Julie Bihn
Lauren Bombardier
Beckie Burnham
Vicky DealSharingAunt
George Duncan
Carol Gehringer
Victor Gentile
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Janeen Ippolito
Carol Keen
Emileigh Latham
Simone Lilly-Egerter
Jennette Mbewe
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Nissa
Jalynn Patterson
Audrey Sauble
Chawna Schroeder
Jojo Sutis
Steve Trower
Phyllis Wheeler
Michelle R. Wood

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. 

CSFF: The Fatal Tree by Stephen R. Lawhead

Welcome to the CSFF blog tour for:

The Fatal Tree 

(Bright Empires Series)

by

Stephen R. Lawhead

If you're even a somewhat regular reader of my blog, then you know that I LOVE Stephen Lawhead's writing. I've had a blast reading the Bright Empire Series and have been waiting on pins and needles for the final book in the series to release. I was quite excited to get accepted for the review list, but apparently the post office has been overcome by the holiday mail because my book has never arrived. :( I'm VERY disappointed and I'm extremely hopeful it will arrive soon. Until that happens, I unfortunately can't post a review. But, I will give you the down low on the book and hook you up with the other tour members that have reviewed it. I don't think I'll be exaggerating though if I promise I'll love this one. I can't imagine that I wouldn't. 

HOWEVER  - The publisher did send out some really fun promotional gear. Temporary tattoos of the symbols on the skin map. They asked us to post a few on social media before the tour. I posted to both Facebook and Twitter. Here's the link to see the pictures in my Twitter post.

ABOUT THE BOOK: 

It started with small, seemingly insignificant wrinkles in time: A busy bridge suddenly disappears, spilling cars into the sea. A beast from another realm roams modern streets. Napoleon’s army appears in 1930s Damascus ready for battle. But that’s only the beginning as entire realities collide and collapse.

The questors are spread throughout the universe. Mina is stuck on a plain of solid ice, her only companion an angry cave lion. Tony and Gianni are monitoring the cataclysmic reversal of the cosmic expansion—but coming up short on answers. And Burleigh is languishing in a dreary underground dungeon—his only hope of survival the very man he tried to murder.

Kit and Cass are back in the Stone Age trying to reach the Spirit Well. But an enormous yew tree has grown over the portal, effectively cutting off any chance of return. Unless someone can find a solution—and fast—all Creation will be destroyed in the universal apocalypse known as The End of Everything.

In this final volume of the fantastic Bright Empires series, Stephen R. Lawhead brings this multi-stranded tale to a stunning and immensely satisfying conclusion.

“In the sweeping style of George R. R. Martin and J. R. Tolkien, Lawhead has created a diverse universe and rich cast of characters. Multiple story lines weave to form a satisfying ending to this mythological speculative series.” —Library Journal

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: 

Stephen Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. He was born in 1950, in Nebraska in the USA. His early life was lived in America where he earned a university degree in Fine Arts and attended theological seminary for two years.

His first professional writing was done at Campus Life magazine in Chicago, where he was an editor and staff writer. During his five years at Campus Life he wrote hundreds of articles and several non-fiction books.

After a brief and unsuccessful foray into the music business—as president of his own record company—he launched his free-lance career in 1981. In the Hall of the Dragon King was his first novel.

In 1986 the Lawhead family moved to Britain so that Stephen could conduct research for the PENDRAGON CYCLE books. They settled there permanently in 1990, with some years spent living in Austria and a sabbatical in the United States.

In addition to his twenty-four novels, he has written nine children's books, many of them originally offered to his two sons, Drake and Ross. He is married to Alice Slaikeu Lawhead, with whom he has collaborated on books and articles. They make their home in Oxford, England.

Stephen's non-fiction, fiction and children's titles have variously been published in twenty-four foreign languages. He has won numerous industry awards, and in 2003 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the University of Nebraska.

His middle name is ‘Ray’.

Visit him on Twitter!

OTHER TOUR MEMBER REVIEWS: 

Julie Bihn
Thomas Clayton Booher
Beckie Burnham
Jeff Chapman
Karri Compton
Victor Gentile
Jason Joyner
Janeen Ippolito
Carol Keen
Emileigh Latham
Rebekah Loper
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Nissa Jalynn Patterson
Writer Rani
Nathan Reimer
Audrey Sauble
Jojo Sutis
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Shane Werlinger
Phyllis Wheeler

CSFF: Rebels by Jill Williamson

CSFF Blog Tour Presents:

Rebels 

The Safe Lands #3 

by 

 Jill Williamson

I'm a big Jill Williamson fan. I love her Blood of Kings trilogy (some might recognize it as the By Darkness Hid series.) She's a fantastic author! I wasn't able to get in on The Safe Lands Trilogy early enough to read the whole series for review in time for this tour, but I wanted to be sure everyone had a chance to check out what was new in Williamson's world and then take a spin around the rest of the tour. Enjoy!

ABOUT THE BOOK:

The remnant of Glenrock has been scattered. But they are not beaten.

The Safe Lands have long kept the true meaning of Liberation secret from their people. But after being sentenced to Liberation themselves, Mason and Omar soon discover the truth.

Levi watched his brothers’ public sentencing and tries to hold out hope they are still alive, He is forced to focus his attention elsewhere, however, when his new wife, Jemma, is captured and made the Safe Lands’ newest Queen. His only choice to save Jemma may be to take up Omar’s old role of undercover vigilante, leading the rebels in their quest to overthrow the government. But will Levi’s new role be enough?

Meanwhile, Jemma’s sister, Shaylinn, is ready to give birth to the “Safe Lands’” children … but not even Ciddah is sure they can be delivered safely in the midst of a rebellion. And Mason must face the fact Omar’s illness could be fatal.

If they can all unite their efforts, together they may be able to expose the Safe Lands’ lies to the people. But if they fail, they will all surely die.

Captives - The Safe Lands #1:

In a dystopian future, eighteen-year-old Levi returns from Denver City with his latest scavenged treasures and finds his village of Glenrock decimated, loved ones killed, and many–including his fiancée, Jem–taken captive. Now alone, Levi is determined to rescue what remains of his people, even if it means entering the Safe Lands, a walled city that seems anything but safe. Omar knows he betrayed his brother by sending him away, but helping the enforcers was necessary. Living off the land and clinging to an outdated religion holds his village back. The Safe Lands has protected people since the plague decimated the world generations ago … and its rulers have promised power and wealth beyond Omar’s dreams. Meanwhile, their brother Mason has been granted a position inside the Safe Lands, and may be able to use his captivity to save not only the people of his village, but also possibly find a cure for the virus that threatens everyone within the Safe Lands’ walls. Will Mason uncover the truth hidden behind the Safe Lands’ façade before it’s too late?

Outcasts - The Safe Lands #2:

Uncovering the truth could cost them their lives.

Since entering the Safe Lands, Mason has focused on two things: finding a way to free his village from captivity, and finding a cure for the disease that ravages many within the walls of the Safe Lands. After immune-suppressive drugs go missing in the clinic, Mason discovers his coworker, Ciddah, may know more about the Safe Lands than imagined … and may have an agenda of her own. At the same time, Mason’s brother Levi is focused on a way to free the remaining Glenrock captives, while Mason’s younger brother Omar decides to take the rebellion against the Safe Lands into his own hands as a vigilante.

Soon all three brothers are being watched closely—and when Mason stumbles onto a shocking secret about the Safe Lands meds, his investigation just might get those closest to him liberated.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jill Williamson is weird, which is probably why she writes science fiction and fantasy novels for teenagers. She grew up in Alaska with no electricity, an outhouse, and a lot of mosquitoes. Thankfully it was the land of the midnight sun, and she could stay up and read by the summer daylight that wouldn’t go away. But the winter months left little to do but daydream. Both hobbies set her up to be a writer. 

Her debut novel, a medieval fantasy called By Darkness Hid, won an EPIC Award, a Christy Award, and was named a Best Science Fiction, Fantasy, and Horror novel of 2009 by VOYA magazine. Jill has since published twelve books. 

Jill loves working with teenagers and encouraging them to respect their dreams. She speaks and gives writing workshops at libraries, schools, camps, and churches. She lives in Oregon with her husband, two children, and a whole lot of deer. Come visit Jill on her Facebook author page or on her website at www.jillwilliamson.com, where adventure comes to life. 

Visit the other members on tour at: 

Julie Bihn
Thomas Fletcher Booher
Beckie Burnham
Jeff Chapman
Vicky DealSharingAunt
Carol Gehringer
Victor Gentile
Rebekah Gyger
Jeremy Harder
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Melanie @ Christian Bookshelf Reviews
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Nissa
Writer Rani
Audrey Sauble
Chawna Schroeder
Jojo Sutis
Elizabeth Williams

CSFF: Merlin's Nightmare by Robert Treskillard

Today the CSFF is touring:

Merlin's Nightmare 

(The Merlin Spiral #3)

by

Robert Treskillard

MY TAKE:

Book 3 is finally here! I've been hooked on Robert Treskillard's Merlin saga since book one, Merlin's Blade. I'm a big fan of the Arthur/Merlin mythology and an even bigger fan of Celtic lore and history. It's not so uncommon to see the two linked together, but Robert did it in a truly new and unique way that has had me scrambling to keep reading ever since. Merlin's journey begins in book one with him as a nearly blind teen. Certainly not a version I'd imagined, but his path to courage and eventually guardianship of the prince Arthur is truly captivating. Book two Merlin is faced with some seriously dark choices and must once again battle evil to save the kingdom and still keep his faith. Now in this next book Merlin faces his biggest challenge yet. A nightmare coming to life, and a kingdom to help rally or watch it all be destroyed by evil.

It seems like with every book Merlin is faced with the same choice over and over. Choose faith and light, despite feeling like you stand alone, and fight the evil - Or give in to the darkness and let it take your soul and be miserable for eternity. Watch everyone sink into darkness. It's a tough challenge and although it seems like one only in fiction, it's one we all face everyday in ways we don't even realize. Merlin is a great example of each or us as humans, called to fight for Jesus and forced to face evil at every turn.

They're great, exciting reads but so much more than surface reads. If that's all you're looking for - you're good, the read is excellent. If you want something that can make you think, then look a little deeper. It's still there.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A King In Danger 

 Arthur, now eighteen, is missing, and Merlin must find him before a shadowy pursuer catches him first. With the high-king and his kingdom caught in a trap of sinister deceit, Merlin has to find a way out before all is lost.

A Bleeding Kingdom 

Having everything to fight for, and almost nothing to fight with, Merlin and Arthur must rally Britain’s warriors against three overwhelming enemies: Saxenow hordes in the south, Picti raiders in the north, and a chilling new enemy that has arisen in the west.

And Merlin’s Nightmare Stalks The Land 

 Mórgana brings Merlin’s deepest fear to life and sets it loose to destroy Britain. But when the secret purpose of this nightmare is finally revealed, will Merlin and Arthur find a way to survive—without unleashing an even greater evil?

To read a sample, Click Here.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Treskillard is a Celtic enthusiast who has been crafting stories from his early youth, is a software developer, graphic artist, and sometime bladesmith. He and his wife have three children and are still homeschooling their youngest. They live in the country outside St. Louis, Missouri. It all began when Robert’s son wanted to learn blacksmithing and sword-making. The two set out to learn the crafts and in the process were told by a relative that they were descended from a Cornish blacksmith. This lit the fire of Robert’s imagination, and so welding his Celtic research to his love of the legends of King Arthur, a book was forged—Merlin’s Blade, book one of The Merlin Spiral, now published by BLINK Young Adult Books and available wherever books are sold.


Please visit the other tour members for more great info and fun!

Beckie Burnham
Jeff Chapman
Vicky DealSharingAunt
Carol Gehringer
Victor Gentile
Rebekah Gyger
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Emileigh Latham
Jennette Mbewe
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirriam Neal
Joan Nienhuis
Nissa
Writer Rani
Nathan Reimer
Audrey Sauble
Chawna Schroeder
Jojo Sutis
Robert Treskillard
Phyllis Wheeler
Elizabeth Williams

CSFF: The Shadow Lamp by Stephen R. Lawhead

Song Stuck on the Brain: Roar by Katy Perry


Today, on behalf of the CSFF, I'm touring:

The Shadow Lamp

Bright Empires, Quest the 4th

 

by

 

Stephen R. Lawhead

 

 

MY TAKE:

Book 4 is here and the quest is nearly done, just one more book after this... I love me some Stephen Lawhead, so I'm both thrilled and a little sad.

Stephen Lawhead's writing is phenomenal and his Bright Empire series might just be the most complex and advanced of any of his work. It's a mixture of suspense, science, history and faith with a heavy dose of What if?

The plot is definitely complex with a heavy rotating cast of lead characters, but don't let that scare you off. Just be sure you start with the first book in the series. After that, I doubt you'll be able to put them down. The quantum physics and theories presented are intriguing, and whether I agree with the theories or not they are a blast to read about.

There were moments when there were enough different story lines going at once, that I began to wonder where it was going, but that is common with a series when it's the next to last book. It's setting up the big finish. It didn't make the book any less interesting. I'm very excited to know that the final story will be coming soon. So be sure to read up on the series and get ready for quests final answers.


To read more about the series, check out my previous reviews for the first three books: The Skin Map, The Bone House, The Spirit Well.
 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

 

The quest for answers—and ultimate survival—hinges on finding the cosmic link between the Skin Map, the Shadow Lamp, and the Spirit Well.

The search for the map of blue symbols began in a rainy alley in London but has since expanded through space and time and includes more seekers.

Kit, Mina, Gianni, Cass, Haven, and Giles have gathered in Mina’s 16th-century coffee house and are united in their determination to find a path back to the Spirit Well. Yet, with their shadow lamps destroyed and key pieces of the map still missing, the journey will be far more difficult than they imagine. And when one of their own disappears with Sir Henry’s cryptic Green Book, they no longer know who to trust.

At the same time, the Zetetic Society has uncovered a terrifying secret which, if proven, will rock the very foundations of Creation. The quest for answers is no longer limited to recovering an unknown treasure. The fate of the universe depends on unraveling the riddle of the Skin Map.

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Stephen Lawhead is an internationally acclaimed author of mythic history and imaginative fiction. He was born in 1950, in Nebraska in the USA. His early life was lived in America where he earned a university degree in Fine Arts and attended theological seminary for two years.

His first professional writing was done at Campus Life magazine in Chicago, where he was an editor and staff writer. During his five years at Campus Life he wrote hundreds of articles and several non-fiction books.

After a brief and unsuccessful foray into the music business—as president of his own record company—he launched his free-lance career in 1981. In the Hall of the Dragon King was his first novel.

In 1986 the Lawhead family moved to Britain so that Stephen could conduct research for the PENDRAGON CYCLE books. They settled there permanently in 1990, with some years spent living in Austria and a sabbatical in the United States.

In addition to his twenty-four novels, he has written nine children's books, many of them originally offered to his two sons, Drake and Ross. He is married to Alice Slaikeu Lawhead, with whom he has collaborated on books and articles. They make their home in Oxford, England.

Stephen's non-fiction, fiction and children's titles have variously been published in twenty-four foreign languages. He has won numerous industry awards, and in 2003 was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters by the University of Nebraska.

His middle name is ‘Ray’.


Visit Stephen's Facebook page
 

Check out the other tour members below:

 

Julie Bihn
Red Bissell
Thomas Clayton Booher
Thomas Fletcher Booher
Beckie Burnham
Jeff Chapman
Karri Compton
Theresa Dunlap
Timothy Hicks
Christopher Hopper
Becky Jesse
Becca Johnson
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Rebekah Loper
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Mirriam Neal
Writer Rani
Nathan Reimer
Chawna Schroeder
Jojo Sutis
Rachel Starr Thomson
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Rachel Wyant
Phyllis Wheeler
Deborah Wilson

In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. 

CSFF: Martyr's Fire: Merlins Immortals by Sigmund Brouwer

Song Stuck on the Brain: Radioactive by Imagine Dragons


Today I'm touring with the CSFF blog tour:

Martyr's Fire

         Book 3 in the Merlin's Immortals series           

 

 

by

 

Sigmund Brouwer

 

 

 

 

MY TAKE:

 

Merlin's Immortals has been a tremendous series. Set in 14th century England Thomas finds himself the unwitting pawn between two very secret organizations. SO secret, he doesn't even know why they're so desperate to haunt his every move. Spies, secret passages, magic like miracles to confuse and control the masses. Thomas has decided he is on his own to fight this and find the truth.

One of the things I love most about this series is the intricacies of the plot. Who's really a friend? Is this character a mere peasant or a secret Immortal or Druid? I also love that although the author brings in what seems to be magical or fantasy, he also explains the science behind it. Proving that often what seemed impossible was mere slight of hand or chemistry.

The series has been exciting, fast paced and addictive. I can't wait to see more.
 

 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

 

Will this dangerous quest lead the outcast Orphan King toward an ancient secret—or to certain destruction?
Posing as a beggar, Thomas escapes Magnus after fifteen men, who are calling themselves the Priests of the Holy Grail, arrive and take control of the castle through wondrous acts and apparent miracles. With the help of his longtime friend Gervaise, Thomas sets out on a journey that leads him to the ancient Holy Land. Unaware that Katherine and Hawkwood are watching over him, Thomas is tested in his beliefs and comes face to face with the ancient power that the Merlins and Druids have long been searching for.

Enter the world of Merlin’s Immortals, where ancient secrets and evil conspiracies take you on a breathless adventure of discovery, intrigue, and hidden knowledge.

 

If you haven't read book 2, Fortress of Mist, be sure to check it out HERE.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 

Sigmund Brouwer is a well-known author in evangelical Christian circles. He has written scores of books across many genres, from children's picture books to scientific thrillers, and more.

Born in 1959 as one of six children to a family with Dutch heritage, Brouwer is a native of Red Deer, Alberta, Canada. He is married to Christian singer Cindy Morgan and has two daughters. Brouwer divides his time between Nashville, Tennessee and Red Deer, Alberta, and enjoys sports such as ice hockey and golf.

A favorite cause of Brouwer's is to encourage non-readers to begin reading. He visits schools and speaks about writing often. He likes to tell people he had the worst grade in his English class at one point during his childhood, and that it took him ten years to get his first book published. - NewReleaseTuesday

Check out the other tour members at:

Red Bissell
Beckie Burnham
Theresa Dunlap
Emma or Audrey Engel
Victor Gentile
Nikole Hahn
Becky Jesse
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Rebekah Loper
Jennette Mbewe
Amber McCallister
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Writer Rani
Nathan Reimer
Jojo Sutis
Steve Trower
Phyllis Wheeler
Deborah Wilson
Rachel Wyant


In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.

CSFF: A Cast of Stones by Patrick W. Carr

Song Stuck on the Brain: Falling Slowly by Lee Mead

Today I'm helping to spread the word in conjunction with the CSFF about:

 

 

A Cast of Stones

 

 

by

 

Patrick W. Carr

 

 

 

Unfortunately, do to the mail gremlins, I didn't receive my copy of A Cast of Stones in order to review it. However, stay tuned because I did just recently download the e-book from Amazon.com and I'll be reviewing it along with the sequel, A Hero's Lot very soon. In the mean time, check this out, drop by the other reviewers sites to read their thoughts on what looks to be a VERY promising novel.

 

 

ABOUT THE BOOK:

 

 

An Epic Medieval Saga Fantasy Readers Will Love

In the backwater village of Callowford, Errol Stone's search for a drink is interrupted by a church messenger who arrives with urgent missives for the hermit priest in the hills. Desperate for coin, Errol volunteers to deliver them but soon finds himself hunted by deadly assassins. Forced to flee with the priest and a small band of travelers, Errol soon learns he's joined a quest that could change the fate of his kingdom.

Protected for millennia by the heirs of the first king, the kingdom's dynasty is near an end and a new king must be selected. As tension and danger mount, Errol must leave behind his drunkenness and grief, learn to fight, and come to know his God in order to survive a journey to discover his destiny.

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

 

Patrick Carr was born on an Air Force base in West Germany at the height of the cold war. He has been told this was not his fault. As an Air Force brat, he experienced a change in locale every three years until his father retired to Tennessee. Patrick saw more of the world on his own through a varied and somewhat eclectic education and work history. He graduated from Georgia Tech in 1984 and has worked as a draftsman at a nuclear plant, did design work for the Air Force, worked for a printing company, and consulted as an engineer. Patrick’s day gig for the last five years has been teaching high school math in Nashville, TN. He currently makes his home in Nashville with his wonderfully patient wife, Mary, and four sons he thinks are amazing: Patrick, Connor, Daniel, and Ethan. Sometime in the future he would like to be a jazz pianist. Patrick thinks writing about himself in the third person is kind of weird.


Visit the Other Tour Members:



Julie Bihn
Jennifer Bogart
 Keanan Brand
Beckie Burnham
Jeff Chapman
 Laure Covert
Pauline Creeden
Emma or Audrey Engel
Nikole Hahn
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Writer Rani
Nathan Reimer
Chawna Schroeder
Jojo Sutis
Steve Trower
Phyllis Wheeler
Rachel Wyant

CSFF: Merlin's Blade by Robert Treskillard

Today I'm touring on behalf of : Christian Science Fiction & Fantasy Blog Tour

Merlin’s Blade

by

Robert Treskillard

MY TAKE:

I'm a big fan of Merlin/King Arthur tales and there are a lot of them out there. Some better than others and each presenting Merlin in a completely different lights. Some as a druid, some as a magician or mystic, some as a bard. His age and beliefs vary as often as his part in the tale. I think in a lot of ways that's what makes his stories so intriguing. His story, fable or not, has made a deep impression on us and even after all of these years we're still trying to make sense of his role. Or, maybe because he is such a vivid figure, he makes a good allegorical character. A man that can both represent the common man and his challenge to overcome life's evils, and represent the hero/wise one that guides others to safety.

Robert Treskillard has started his trilogy with a truly unique look at Merlin. He's young and partially blinded, scarred from an attack and still carries those emotional wounds. He's not the hero yet we know and love. He's also a Christian. One of few in his community. Because of the druid's enchanting stone, his community is falling to evil and he must find the courage to stand up and fight for Jesu. That's hard for a young man who has a hard time even telling the girl he cares for how he feels.

It's inspiring and full of action and intensity. Merlin's faith is strong, but it's put to the test over and over. It's a journey that will lead him places he never imagined. I loved the story, the fresh take on Merlin's life as a young man. I highly recommend it to all ages and I can't wait for the next book.


ABOUT THE BOOK:

A Strange Meteorite

A meteorite crashes near a small village in Britain and brings a mysterious black stone. Two worlds collide—Druids and Christians—and the stone is at the center of the conflict.

A Sinister Enchantment

Its lurid flames tempt and ensnare everyone who see it. Only Merlin, the eighteen-year-old son of a swordsmith who is mostly-blind, is immune. Soon his family, his village and all of Britain will be under the control of the druids who seek to use the power of the stone for their own purposes.

And Only Merlin Can Destroy It

Merlin must face his fear, his disfigurement, and his blindness to take hold of the role ordained for him. But when he is surrounded by adversaries, with hope nearly lost, how will he save the girl he cherishes and rid Britain of this deadly evil … without losing his life?

The Author is holding a Contest! You could win your own Excalibur made by the author himself! There are other prizes available as well, be sure to visit his contest page for more details on how to enter.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Robert Treskillard is a Celtic enthusiast who holds a B.A. in Biblical & Theological Studies from Bethel University, Minnesota. He has been crafting stories from his early youth, is a software developer, graphic artist, and sometime bladesmith. He and his wife have three children and are still homeschooling their youngest. They live in the country outside St. Louis, Missouri.

Read more about the author at his website or visit his blog at http://www.epictales.org/blog/robertblog.php

VISIT THE OTHER TOUR MEMBERS:
 

Noah Arsenault
Beckie Burnham
Keanan Brand
Jeff Chapman
Laure Covert
Pauline Creeden
Emma or Audrey Engel
Victor Gentile
Ryan Heart
Timothy Hicks
Jason Joyner
Carol Keen
Krystine Kercher
Shannon McDermott
Meagan @ Blooming with Books
Rebecca LuElla Miller
Joan Nienhuis
Nathan Reimer
Chawna Schroeder
Kathleen Smith
Jojo Sutis
Robert Treskillard
Steve Trower
Phyllis Wheeler
Shane Werlinger
Nicole White


In conjunction with the CSFF Blog Tour, I received a free copy of this book from the publisher.