Author Cassandra Clare Discusses Her Audiobooks

http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1

Watch a short video of Cassandra Clare talk about the Clockwork Angel audiobook and narrator Jennifer Ehle

By: Cassandra Clare  • Narrated by: Jennifer Ehle

 

http://www.simonandschuster.com/

 

Interview: author, PC Cast

Mills & Boon Nocturne

Visit Author, PC Cast on~line

• *Can we expect the same mix of ancient and modern mythology that have become such an integral part of your other novels?

Yes, sort of.  In THE AVENGER my modern heroine travels back to 60 AD Briton and Boudicca’s time.  I very loosely follow historical events, with a touch of magic and mysticism.

• *Would you call yourself a student of ancient history and myth? Do you enjoy the research necessary to keep the characters “honest?”

I would call myself a fan of mythology.  I am intrigued by certain periods of history, and I do enjoy researching, but I would by no means call myself a historian.  I think history translates more easily onto the page through mythology, and much can be learned about a people through the myths they tell.  For instance, what you learn about me through the myths I create is that I believe in empowering and valuing women.

• *The Avengers is hotly anticipated – many writers have said this type of anticipation makes them very nervous – fear of not measuring up to the “hype” – how do you feel?

I’m used to being a bestseller and have found that it works for me not to pay attention to hype or critics.  Every time I write a book I set out to tell the story I’d most want to read.  I believe in doing my best each time and letting the cards fall where they may…

• *The series centers around strong, female lead characters that return to ancient periods to retrieve pieces of a medallion that could alter history – how did you come to select Briton?

I was approached to write one of the Time Raiders novels for Nocturne because I am a military veteran (all of the authors of the TR series are vets).  I was interested because the idea of vets writing with military heroines sounded fun, and then when I saw that Boudicca was one of the choices proposed for time travel I was intrigued as I had been researching her because I decided her daughters would begin the House of Night Dark Daughters.  So I happily signed on!

• *Do you find it easier to write as part of a team or solo?

Actually, I don’t really co-author with Kristin.  She serves as my teen voice editor.  I do all the writing, and when I’ve finished she goes through the manuscripts and comments on voice and pop references

• *If you had a chance to work with any writer (living or dead) who would it be and why?

Ray Bradbury!  He’s a genius and I’d love to observe his writing process.

• *What’s the best advice you have ever been given by another writer?

Just sit down and write the damn book.

• *Here’s the: “on a deserted island question” – If you were stranded on a deserted island and could have 3 books to read for the rest of your life, what three books would you select?

Well, first of all, three wouldn’t be enough so I’d have to write lots of my own.  But let’s pretend like a series counts as one book, so I’d choose:
1) Diana Gabaldon’s OUTLANDER books,
2) All of Christopher Moore’s books,
3) Tanith Lee’s THE SILVER METAL LOVER

• *Can you give us a hint about what is next for PC Cast?

Beginning in December my Goddess Summoning Series will be released in the UK, starting with GODDESS OF CAMELOT.  I love this books and hope my UK fans will enjoy them, too! I’m working on pre-production for a film adaptation of one of my Goddess Summoning Books, GODDESS OF THE ROSE, which is a retelling of Beauty and the Beast.

Thank you, for stopping by The Den and sharing a few minutes with us – Can’t wait to dive into “The Avengers!”

Visit PC Cast Online

Visit UK Publisher - Mills & Boon

“You are about to enter a place of power, a place beyond imagining.”

Alex thought communicating with the dead was the worst of her troubles. She couldn’t have been more wrong!

She’s just been sent to 60 AD by a secret army unit to recover missing pieces of a medallion that could change the world.

Alex must use her gifts to entice Druid Caradoc into helping her. Yet soon she’s torn between duty and the man who’s been haunting her dreams. Returning to the present is the noble thing to do, but her heart tells her to stay in this enticing new world of goddesses and warriors.

TIME RAIDERS
Only they can cross the boundaries of time; only they have the power to save humanity.

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Celebrating 50 Years of Literary Excellence - To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee – pick up your copy today!

Breathing Water by Timothy Hallinan

Breathing Water
A Bangkok Thriller

Timothy Hallinan

ISBN 10: 0061672238
ISBN 13: 978-0061672231
Hardcover, 352pages

www.timothyhallinan.com

William Morrow
an Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers

A Nail Through the Heart (book 1) {review}
The Fourth Watcher (book 2) {review}

Breathing Water is the third novel in the Bangkok Thriller series from best selling author Timothy Hallinan, and the story keeps getting better and better…for the reader…which translates to fictional chaos and danger for our favorite travel writer, Poke Rafferty, his beautiful wife Rose and their adopted daughter, Miaow. As with the two previous installments, Breathing Water stands alone, independently strong, full of colorful characters and real world dilemmas delivered with a degree of realism that reaches off the pages into the heart of the reader. However, as a series, each book builds upon the last, taking you deeper into the lives, psyche and history of the characters, for this reason I highly recommend reading all three.

The scene opens on a late night poker game, orchestrated by Poke’s friends at the police department. Unbeknownst to some of the players the game was set up as a training exercise. When Khun Pan joins the table, he is not amused and a misunderstanding puts Arthit’s career on the chopping block. To save his best friend, Poke makes a bet with Khun Pan and wins! The prize? Pan’s biography, sought after by Thai journalists and writers for years, Pan had never before agreed to allow, much less participate in such a project. Making this a once in a lifetime opportunity. A flamboyant and controversial figure, Khun Pan is loved and admired by those who view him as a champion of the poor and absolutely despised by the affluent, many of whom are threatened by his political ambitions. Of course nothing is ever easy for Poke and word travels fast about the impending biography – While one side is paying for the book to be written, Poke is contacted by the opposing side and informed the cost of writing this book will be the lives of his beloved Rose and their daughter Miaow. Thus pitting the Rafferty family against some of Bangkok’s most powerful and influential people. And these ruthless people will do whatever it takes to maintain their status and keep their secrets hidden…whatever it takes!

In the background of this high stakes face-off is yet another link in the organized crime chain, stolen babies, modern-day-slavery and sex tourism. It is within this web we meet a young farm girl named Da and are reunited with Miaow’s long lost friend, Boo.  Captured and forced to beg on the streets of Bangkok, Da is dumbstruck when she’s given a baby to care for. Bewilderment gives way to fear when she discovers the baby, she named Peek, will only be with her temporarily, used on the streets as a prop until it is sold to a wealthy family. Boo, a tough, young lad we met in A Nail Through The Heart (first novel) as “Superman,” now, a few years older and much the wiser, is the leader and protector of a group of street kids and holds the key to Da’s escape.

Hallinan merges the two storylines effortlessly, as he reunites Boo with the Rafferty family.
Together with Arthit and his friend Kosit, they formulate a complex, multilayered plan that has no room for error, each step must be executed with military like precision in order to be successful…all of their lives depend on it.

Breathing Water is an exceptional novel – showcasing Hallinan’s appreciation and understanding of Thai culture which is masterfully translated through the narrative, allowing readers a front row seat on a 300 page journey through Bangkok. (For many, like me, this is as close to Bangkok as we will ever get.) His portrayal of Bangkok brings the city right into your living room, which is no simple task as this is a city of fluid contradictions, where you can visit a message parlor type of establishment and pray on your way out at one of the many beautiful statues. For years Thailand has been teetering on the brink of civil war or total collapse, awash in every conceivable type of corruption, as organized crime bosses maneuver, manipulate and control all aspects of Thai life, from the street vendor to the political arena, but because of its dependence on tourism and this underworld control we are not likely to see such reports on CNN. Hallinan delivers the story with an unbridled passion that is intoxicating, addictive and incredibly entertaining. If you are looking for a genuinely good book, written with heart and doesn’t assume the reader lacks intelligence, look no further…Breathing Water is a rock solid selection you will not regret! (And pick up the first two installments while you’re at it! You won’t get much sleep for the next several days, but it is so worth it!)

I could say the third time is the charm – but that would insinuate that the two previous books were in some way lacking – and lacking is something you will not find in a Hallinan novel. The characters are drawn with such meticulous detail that it is impossible to distinguish fiction from fact, the emotional attachment the reader forms with the characters and your involvement with the story itself becomes a part of your life, a relationship that is missed with the closing of the cover. But is quickly rekindled with each new release…So, until the fourth installment…I wait and wonder what’s next for the Rafferty’s…

A Nail Through The Heart
(book 1 – Bangkok Thriller series)
Read our review of “Nail”

The Fourth Watcher

(book 2 – Bangkok Thriller series)
Read our review of “Watcher”

Breathing Water
(book 3 – Bangkok Thriller series)

William Morrow an Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers

Book 4 coming Summer 2010

New from Brad Thor

* * * COMING JULY 2008* * *

From Simon & Schuster Publishing

Visit Brad Thor’s high-tech website - click here

Spellman Files by Lisa Lutz

The Spellman Files: A Novel 
Lisa Lutz
ISBN 10: 1416532404
ISBN 13: 978-1416532408
Simon & Schuster
Feb 12 – 2008 (reprint)
Fiction/384 pages
www.simonsays.com 

 www.lisalutz.com

Lisa Lutz’s first novel, “The Spellman Files,” introduces readers to the lovable, albeit highly dysfunctional Spellman family. Be prepared to adore this zany cast of characters, that will butt their way right into your heart and have you laughing a long the way. A strong female protagonist with a meddling family may, at first glance, seem a bit blase’, but don’t be fooled, the writing, narrative and perspective work together like a well oiled machine generating the ideal reading experience…

Secrets, scheming and sneaking are all part in parcel of a good days work for a private investigator. Albert and Olivia Spellman have been spying on people for a living since shortly after they wed and their three children have been immersed in this environment all their lives. Even though David, the Spellman’s oldest son, left the family business to pursue a career in law, he can’t avoid occasionally being lured into one of his parents schemes. The youngest daughter, Rae, has been honing her spy skills from the tender age of six, when she convinced her parents to allow her to tag along during surveillance operations. Now a mischievous teenager, she utilizes this unique knowledge to conduct “personal surveillance,” on her friends.

Isabel, 28, is the stereo-typical middle child still trying to rebuild the bridge of trust destroyed during her rebellious teens. A sure-footed investigator, with sound judgement,  when it comes to business; however, the same cannot be said for her choices in men. Criticized by her perfect older brother, emulated by her younger sister and hounded by her parents, Izzy’s life borders on the edge of insanity, which she desperately wants to escape.

Sharp-tongued, Izzy Spellman has even reduced her failing love life to a list of wise-cracking facts- name, age, relationship length and ‘famous last words.’ Izzy discovers potential ‘ex-boyfriend #9′ while working the case of Daniel Castillo. Izzy is quite smitten with the Guatemalan dentist and knows the importance of keeping her family in the dark about her new love interest. And in a family of snoops that’s impossible! When she discovers her parents have Rae following her, it is the straw that broke the proverbial camel’s back and Izzy quits.

Of course, this hard-nosed, scheming family isn’t going to just wither-up and go away, so they offer Izzy a deal…solve this one last case and she is free of her contract. Catch? Oh certainly- there’s a big catch…The case they choose is that of a missing teen from Marin County that disappeared near Lake Tahoe some twelve years ago. Izzy hoped her grit and determination would light a fire under this cold case and thus dissolve the contract that had held her hostage in the family business. So she literally throws herself into this decade old case. However, while digging into the unsolved case, her little sister, Rae goes missing. She seems to have vanished into thin air and although Izzy and Rae bicker, as do all sisters, she loves the nosey little hellian and will stop at nothing to find her.

Sassy, witty and loaded with sarcasm, this fast-paced story swirls around the outrageously dysfunctional Spellman Family. Even in a house where it’s normal to find triple locks on bedroom doors, the Spellman’s hide their fair share of secrets. Lisa Lutz’s debut novel, “The Spellman Files” explores the inner workings of the family dynamic, from Izzy’s perspective. Revealing how just below the surface stuff… the snooping, scheming and wire taps, there’s a deep, heart-felt sentiment. Cleverly layered throughout the story is that familiar ”something” we can all recognize…that “thing” bonds and unites families despite all the shortcomings and misunderstandings. “The Spellman Files: A Novel” is an entertaining read that unfolds with deliberate precision. Kick and crunch action is followed by off-the-wall, whip-smart punch lines that will have you laughing out loud more than once. Original, kooky and delightfully dysfunctional, Lisa Lutz gives readers a fresh new way to enjoy comedic crime novels. And readers can rejoice, there’s more zaniness to follow. So get acquainted with the Spellman’s and settle in for a truly enjoyable series.

Happy Reading!
   ~ RJ

 

Re: Cynthia’s Attic books 1 & 2

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Review: Let’s Get Ready for First Grade

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Let’s Get Ready for First Grade
Stacey Kannenberg & Linda Desimowich
ISBN-13: 978-1933476-100
ISBN-10: 1-933476-10-9
Cedar Valley Publishing

www.cedarvalleypublishing.com

“The Cedar Valley Kids” are back in the second installment of this nationally recognized children’s series, with a new teacher, Mrs. Best, in Let’s Get Ready for First Grade. This is an absolute must have for parents with children preparing for elementary school. Age appropriate, thorough, colorful and entertaining, Mrs. Best guides the ‘reader’ through a myriad of activities which are all taken from the standard first grade curriculum. From vowels and consonants, proper pronunciation of short and long sounds, to the always tricky ‘silent e’, children will laugh while they learn. Lessons build upon themselves, utilizing that which was mastered yesterday as the base to build something new today. For example the lessons dealing with numbers begin with counting, differentiate between odds and evens, skip counting, and finally addition and subtraction of small sets. (1+2 or 7-3)

The Let’s Get Ready series demonstrates that learning can be fun and exciting. And with parents being the single most influential person in any child’s life, it only makes sense that establishing a positive attitude towards learning, education and books in general starts at home. It’s now easier than ever for busy parents to spend quality time with their children, building the basic skills necessary to succeed, while at the same time reinforcing the family bond. I have heard many parents say “I would do anything for my child”… all the work has been done, organizing the information that meets the standard guidelines, presenting it in an informative, exciting and entertaining way, via a reusable format (high gloss, non-stick, dry erase compatible pages) at an affordable price — what more could parents and educators ask for? Of course…. Let’s Get Ready for… Second….Third…

Happy Reading!
RJ xx
3Rs-Real Reader Reviews

Note: Don’t forget to keep an eye out for Mrs. Best’s assistant, “Yodie Coyote”, hiding throughout the book! There are plans to expand the series to include all elementary grades.

Parents should get involved with their local schools and contact their representatives, to make the Let’s Get Ready for First Grade available to children preparing to enter elementary school, regardless of socio-economic status.

Better Together

  Buy this book with Let’s Get Ready for Kindergarten! (Let’s Get Ready Series) (Let’s Get Ready Series) by Linda Desimowich today!

Buy Together Today: $33.92

Re: Carpe Demon by Julie Kenner

Carpe Demon
Julie Kenner
ISN-10: 0-515-14221-2
Jove Books, published by
   The Berkley Publishing Group, a division of Penguin
www.penguin.com
www.juliekenner.com

Somewhere amid the picket fences and well manicured lawns is not exactly where you expect to find a butt kicking demon hunter. Which sets the stage for a unique adventure that will have Moms from coast to coast occasionally day dreaming about turning in the diaper bag for some holy water and a sharp object!

Kate Connor is certainly not the average stay-at-home Mother of two she appears to be. Keeping her past a secret from her husband and children became a lot harder on the eve of an all important dinner party. As a retired demon hunter, she should have paid more attention to her senses, when she noticed the strong stench of the undead while running through the local Wal-Mart. Much to her chagrin, the senior citizen demon would crash through the kitchen window as she prepared dinner for a group of eight that could easily make or break her husbands future political aspirations. While the perfect wine and proper table setting are essential to a successful dinner engagement – disposing of the body in the kitchen quickly became priority number one.

Julie Kenner does an excellent job bringing the reader into the world of Kate Connor. With a great deal of personality we come to understand Kate on a deeper level. Examining her hopes and dreams, as well as, the regrets and inner turmoil created by the death of her first husband, it is easy to see that even butt-kicking demon hunters feel fear. Surrounded by secrets and concerned for the safety of her family, Kate worries that her carefully constructed cocoon cannot withstand an onslaught of demon assaults.

I found a few minor glitches with the book. At times the plot line seems at odds with the characters. For example, the fact that Kate is a super-demon-slayer but was caught off guard by the demons that have infested San Diablo. The family’s all too easy acceptance of a stranger into their lives, introduced as Kate’s father-in-law from her first marriage, although she had previously stated that Eric had been an orphan And while not detracting from the story, the few typographical errors could easily be remedied.

Julie Kenner is a talented writer that has taken the mundane daily to-do list of Mom’s everywhere and spiced it up! After all is said and done the most important aspect of any book is the entertainment value – and Carpe Demon certainly has that! Filled with genuine laugh out loud moments, I enjoyed the book immensely and look forward to the second installment – “California Demon”. I am anxious to be reunited with this cast of characters.

On a personal note, I haven’t laughed out loud so many times while reading a book, in a very long time! This book is a lot of fun and I feel sure the adventures will only get better from here!

Happy Reading!
RJ xx

Re: A Nail Through the Heart by Timothy Hallinan

A Nail Through the Heart
Timothy Hallinan
Fiction/ 336 pages
July 2007 release
ISBN-13: 978-0-06-125580-9
ISBN-10: 0-06-125580-7
William Morrow an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com

www.timothyhallinan.com

Poke Rafferty is a character that all suspense lovers will know by name after June 2007. With “A Nail Through The Heart” being the first of a Bangkok based series from Timothy Hallinan, there is much to be excited about! Unlike many of today’s best sellers, Hallinan holds nothing back! This is a fast paced, thrilling journey filled with mystery and intrigue. To say this is one of those books that is hard to put down would be the understatement of the century. Hallinan has delivered a summer blockbuster, that will no doubt have fans lining up at book stores from the Far East to New York City. Wanting nothing more than a normal life with Rose and Miaow, Poke finds that trying to do the right thing has slowly initiated him into a world he would never have knowingly chosen to visit. Rose, the beautiful Thai woman he loves dearly and hopes to marry, is struggling with her own inner demons. Conflicted about her future, as a result of her past, she doesn’t seem capable of letting go of what was and accepting the love of a good man. However, as with real life, this is the surface trouble. Trying to do the right thing leads Rafferty onto a path filled with a darkness that he never knew existed.

I do not want to divulge many details, because this is one of the most amazing books I have had the pleasure of reading in a very long time. Three choices, that initially seem completely unrelated, lead Rafferty into a world of chaos and danger that threatens everything he holds dear. I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves a good read. The time just flies by and suddenly you are closing the cover, wishing the second book in the series were available. Timothy Hallinan has discovered the perfect blend of mystery, murder and chilling suspense to satisfy even the pickiest reader.

Happy Reading!

RJ xx
3Rs©

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The Fourth Watcher   *A Novel of Bangkok

CLICK HERE to read our review of “The Fourth Watcher”

Hardcover

The Fourth Watcher (paperback)

(book 2 – Bangkok Thriller series)
Read our review of “Watcher”

Breathing Water (hardcover)
(book 3 – Bangkok Thriller series)

William Morrow an Imprint of HarperCollinsPublishers

Book 4 coming Summer 2010

Re: Anansi Jr & the Mango Truck by Don Hooper (children’s)

Coomacka Island: (book 2)  
Anansi Jr and the Mango Truck
Written by: Don P. Hooper
Illustrated by: Darnel Degand
Children’s Adventure/Fiction
$12.95 US
ISBN: 1-4251-0143-7
Trafford Publishing
www.coomacka.com

Anansi Jr and the Mango Truck is the second installment in the Coomacka Island series. Based in part, on Afro-Caribbean folklore, Anansi was the great trickster and somewhat of cult hero to islanders. For hundreds of years, folk tales about the Macka Tree and the spirits dwelling within roots have been passed down through the generations. As with many cherished stories, the fictional fires erupted from a spark of truth.

The story begins with AJ tending his garden, filled with beautiful plants, including his award winning Monkey Tail Shrub. There was only one thing that he loved more than gardening and that was eating. However, he was a very greedy spider and had never experienced the joy of sharing. Nevertheless, on this day, he would learn a valuable lesson about the spirit of giving and friendship.Once again, Hooper and Degand have delivered a fictional tale, filled with life lesson of immense importance. From the first colorful page, the reader is transported to the heart of the Caribbean. The emotion-filled drawings bring the words, as well as, the island itself to life. Introducing names with various origins, such as Swahili or Haitian, offers children an opportunity to expand their vocabulary, while embracing cultural diversity. Although Coomacka Island is an uncharted, fictional Island, the morals and values found here have universal appeal.Featuring an entertaining forward and fun facts at the conclusion, Hooper and Degand have created a multi-layered, multi-cultural series that will be cherished by children, parents and teachers the world over.

Happy Reading!   
RJ xx
3Rs-Real Reader Reviews© Book 1 – The Story of Spider & Ant
Book 2- Anansi Jr & The Mango Truck
Book 3- Lenox Lizard & the Kukamacka Duppy

Re: The Story of Spider & Ant by Don Hooper (children’s)

Coomacka Island: The Story of Spider & Ant
Written by: Don P. Hooper
Illustrated by: Darnel Degand

Children’s Adventure/Fiction
$12.95
ISBN: 1-4120-9107-1
Trafford Publishing
www.coomacka.com

The Story of Spider and Ant, is the first book in a series written by Don P. Hooper and Illustrated by Darnel Degand. Coomacka is an uncharted Caribbean Island, where each of the stories takes place. Although the Islands itself is a fictional place, much of the inspiration is based on Afro-Caribbean folklore.In this story, Spider manipulates Ant by being dishonest and pretending to be injured. Ant, believing his friend, enlists his family to help. After working all day for Spider, the ants were tired. However, the selfish Spider had no compassion for the ants nor did he appreciate all their hard work.

Reveling in his deception and trickery, the greedy spider celebrated. However, the truth was soon revealed. Realizing this is not how friends are supposed to interact; the ant sets out to teach the spider a lesson.

This beautifully written story has an important lesson hidden just below the surface. Books such as this, that teach silently, while entertaining loudly are rare finds indeed. In addition to the child’s bedside table, this series should be available at every preschool and daycare, elementary school and library. The rhythmic sounds of the island are beating within the colorful drawings. The expressive eyes of the characters convey genuine emotion. Hooper and Degand have delivered a fun, entertaining story that will keep children wide eyed and interested. And that’s exactly what a good children’s book should do!

Happy Reading! 
   RJ xx

Book 1 – The Story of Spider & Ant
Book 2 – Anansi Jr & The Mango Truck
Book 3 – Lenox Lizard & The Kukamacka Duppy

Re: Sir Edgar Font’s Search (book 1)by Patrick Doyle (youth)

Edgar Font’s Hunt for a House to Haunt:
Adventure One The Castle Tower Lighthouse
Author: Patrick H. T. DoyleI
llustrator: Patrick H. T. Doyle
Pages: 220
ISBN: 0-9786132-0-1
Price: $6.99 US/$11.99 CAN
Publisher: Armadillo Books
http://www.armadillo-books.com/
www.edgarfont.com

If I told you this story began with an old man pointing the way to a secret door in a dream, what would you say? Yet, that is exactly how Patrick H.T. Doyle discovered the leatherbound journal in the attic of his home. Inside he read the most wonderful stories, each describing the adventures of a trusted grandpa and two adoring grandchildren, Audrey and Garrett. Through his imagination and incredible storytelling abilities, Doyle has delivered a new kind of adventure book, that is destined to be a favorite for young and old alike.

The last time the kids had seen grandpa was three years earlier, at their Mother’s funeral. Garrett remembered his bushy moustache and that he lived in a tree house on an island somewhere. Audrey recalled the fantastic stories he had shared during their visits. How he explored pyramids in Egypt, surfed waves in Australia and climbed Mount Everest, twice. Yes, Grandpa was a true explorer. Now everyone referred to him as eccentric. Which of course to the kids simply meant he was weird. Now they would be spending the entire summer with him at his apartment in The Sterling Oaks Retirement Village. Translated into kids english – “boring, boring, and boring.” But, they could not have been more wrong. This would be a summer they would never forget.

Sir Edgar Font has lived an exciting life and certainly intends to continue his quirky ways after he passes from this world into the next. So begins his search for the perfect house to haunt. The Retirement Village was filled with lonely, bored ghosts and that was no place for him. As grandpa explained his plans to his wide eyed grandchildren he was met with skeptisim and questions.Later that night after having seen a ghost at the dinner table, they exited down the emergency steps and made their way to the “Adventure Wagon.” This wagon will take us anywhere we want to go and our first destination will be the Lighthouse, grandpa told them.

The Castle Tower Lighthouse holds many puzzles, secrets, and mysteries, each waiting to be discovered. Beyond all the games there are life lessons being taught through out this book. Dealing with the loss of someone you love, like the death of Audrey and Garrett’s Mother and learning to look beyond that which seems obvious, are only two of the many wonderfully woven stories that both entertain and teach. As a companion and beautifully complimenting the adventures within the book, the website offers many hours of fun and puzzle solving.

Patrick H.T. Doyle has delivered a truly new and refreshing alternative to the books currently available.This could easily be a review filled with all the raving adjectives, because each and every one has been earned. Excellent, engaging, suspense filled, action packed, I could list them all. However, it is far more important to point out that this is not just a children’s book or for young adults. For all the parents out there who have searched for a great story to read to your children before bed, this is it! I have no doubt, children everywhere will be asking, “is it bed-time yet”? For all the children looking for an affordable book that is entertaining and fun, here it is! And lastly for all the adults who enjoy discovering a new author that has truly created something different, look no further, you have found it! And with the second book in this adventure series available in July, this is the perfect time to get introduced to Sir Edgar Font.

Happy Reading!  
  RJ xx

Submitted & Acknowledged 

*Patrick H.T. Doyle’s imagination and ability to bring the true exploits of these three loveable characters to readers is an accomplishment in and of itself. When combined with the multi-layered experience of the book, adventure blog, and website this is truly a one of a kind experience.

Stop by Sir Edgar Font’s Website. There are lots of cool things to explore. And don’t forget to check on the “traveling 5″… Five copies of the book are traveling from reader to reader, around the globe.Visit the Story Tellers Adventure Blog where Patrick has answered questions, talks about the next book & lots of information.

Re: Absolute Fear by Lisa Jackson

Absolute Fear
by Lisa Jackson
Fiction$19.95 ($25.95 Canada)
ISBN-13: 978-0-7582-1182-8
ISBN-10: 0-7582-1182-1
Kensington Books, an imprint of Kensington Publishing
Kensington Books, imprint of Kensington Publishing
Visit the HomePage of Lisa Jackson -Best Selling author

In her stunning follow up to the 2006 best seller “Shiver,” Lisa Jackson has proven that there’s room for a little romance amid all the death and depravity. Absolute Fear is part of the Bayou series, which includes, “Hot Blooded, Cold Blooded, and Shiver.” The plot line is in depth and complicated yet developed simultaneously with the characters, in such a way that Absolute Fear stands on its own. This book has it all, child abuse, scandalous behavior within the church, unethical medical practices, sex, murder and mayhem. Having enjoyed this novel on every conceivable level, I have added all three previous titles to my list of must reads.

Absolute Fear opens three months after the ritualistic murder of Roy Kajak and the attempted murder of Eve Renner. Eve, still suffering from amnesia, returns to New Orleans. That very day, Cole Dennis was set free. It seemed like a life time ago that she had met Cole at her fathers farm house. A hot shot attorney that successfully represented Dr. Renner after his patient committed suicide. There was a part of her that had never been convinced that he had tried to kill her. On the night of her return, this belief would be tested, when Cole appears at her door.

They had to find a way to trust each other and work together. The irony of this uneasy alliance is yet another twist leading the reader deeper into the story. Everything that was happening was related to the asylum, where her father had been the head psychiatrist. As an adult she had heard rumors about Our Lady of Virtues and the horrors that occurred there. Now in order to regain control of her life she would have to go back where it all began. Because somewhere in the midst of that crumbling building were the shattered pieces of her memory. The key to the murders wasn’t the only secret Our Lady held. Oh no, there was more, much more. The subtle innuendos quickly place the reader into a frenzied state of near panic. Frantically reading as quickly as possible in hopes of finding a calm place to slow down and breathe.

Unspeakable madness had once been perpetrated behind the walls of Our Lady of Virtues – and he intended to revive that madness, just for Eve. She would pay for her sins, he would make sure of that. Then he would be deified, his god had said. The “Reviver” is a sick, twisted, ritualistic murderer. The tattooing, cryptic clues and murders are all part of his elaborate revenge. He knew they were all so blinded by sin that they were unable to interpret that which he had written in blood for all to see? He wouldn’t just spell it out for them – and yet that is exactly what he had done. As the true nature of his actions and extent of his manipulations are revealed, the skillfully coded clues scattered throughout become crystal clear.

Absolute Fear is an Absolute Best Seller! Lisa Jackson has continued her series, while creating a novel that stands tall on its own merit. Jackson’s ability to explore the inner workings of this characters depraved mind is an astonishing literary feat, that should not be overlooked. Successfully delivering to the reader a fright filled journey into the dark recesses of a madman’s desires, while maintaining a relationship filled with explosive passion places Lisa Jackson in the company of the best! This book has the perfect mix of secrets, lust and murder to keep readers coming back again and again. And with the door left open at the conclusion, we can hope that there will be another installment.

Happy Reading!
RJ xx

Submission acknowledged April 1 by Publisher – April 3 by author

Re: The Blue Zone by Andrew Gross

 Thursday, March 29th, 2007…e:14 am

The Blue Zone
Andrew Gross
Fiction $25.95 ($32.95 Canada)
ISBN 13: 978-0-06-114340-3
ISBN 10: 0-06-114340-5
William Morrow an Imprint of Harper Collins Publishers
www.harpercollins.com
www.andrewgrossbooks.com

Also available on CD from Harper Audio

Family secrets, skeletons in the closet, would you really want to know, if the truth would destroy everything? Such questions had never entered Kate Raab’s mind. Until she got the call from her Mom, that would devastate her life. Those words “your father has been arrested, come quickly,” made no sense. There had to be a mistake. Money laundering, connections to the Mercado Family, her father didn’t know anyone from Colombia. Or, did he?

With a steady flow of action, suspense, and strong family emotion, The Blue Zone follows Kate as she discovers her life has been a lie. Refusing to accompany her Mother, sister and brother, into the protective custody of the WITSEC Program, Kate’s communications with her family are limited and vague. After a year, she has married, and is trying to establish some semblance of a normal life. When her best friend is shot exiting the lab where they have worked together for several years. Kate is convinced the bullet was meant for her.

Is she paranoid, is she being watched? If so, by whom and what do they want from her? When agents return asking questions about her father, she learns he is missing. Their case handler has been tortured and killed. The implications were hanging in the air like smog over LA on a windless day. They thought her father was a murderer. Kate was convinced everyone was lying to her. She had to find her family and learn the truth. The strange photo, the necklace her Mother told her held secrets, what does it all mean? The questions would remain between Mother and Daughter for eternity. Silenced by the blast of a gun.Once again, the reader is thrust into a state of uncertainty filled with nervous anticipation as the conclusion nears. The husband, the old man in the park, the agents that surround her, or her Father, can anyone be trusted? The mind swirls with possibilities. Keeping the reader guessing, wanting to know more, reading just one more chapter.

Agents refer to those missing from within the Witness Protection Program, as being in the Blue Zone. Kate describes it this way, somewhere between love and hate, right and wrong, revenge and forgiveness……in this way, we all live within our own “Blue Zone.”

Andrew Gross doesn’t open the door to the concept of “The Blue Zone” – He literally kicks it down! Having collaborated with James Patterson expectations were high for his solo debut. Readers will not be disappointed. Gross weaves his plot lines together and maintains a high octane ride like a seasoned pro. I look forward to reading his novels for years to come. In a crowded genre, with many well known and loved authors, Andrew Gross has cemented his place among the best!

“Su deber es pagado aqui, Amigo. Your duty here is done.”As is mine. Reviewing this title was a real pleasure! I recommend it heartily and without hesitation!

Happy Reading!
RJ xx

Review submission acknowledged by Harper Collins March 22, 2007