Book Blog Tour: Tina Reviews Updrft

Title/Author: Updrift by Errin Stevens
Published November 2nd 2015 by Liquid Silver Books

Genres: Fantasy, Romance, 
Mermaids, Young Adult
Page: 269
Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Review by: Tina


Synopsis

Since her father died, Kate Sweeting’s home life has been in the pits, her well-being on life support. Her future looks desolate until she and her mother, Cara, decides to pack up and move. Now Cara can play small-town librarian and Kate can enjoy the quiet day to day of book reading, gardening, and cooking. But this small town in North Carolina is anything but quiet. There's something going on with the Blake household. No family is that big or full of mystery.
 
 

My Thoughts

What a compelling story! The minute I received this book from the author, I began to read it right away.

From the opening paragraph, the story captured my interest completely. The story begins with a little girl out boating with her mother when she was lured into the ocean to play with a little boy. He promises her adventure and to her mother's horror, she thought the little girl had drown. This is how the Sweetings fatefully met the Blakes that day. The two families befriended immediately as Kate Sweeting and her mother moved into the same town.

This book came as a complete surprise. It is unlike any Mer story I've read. Not only is the book really well written but the dialogue is fantastic. I couldn't tear away from the book.


My Review

Updrift is broken into three parts.
Part 1 is the initial meeting of Kate and Gabe as 5 year olds. They become fast friends and spends all their time together up until high school. I curiously waited for Kate to discover Gabe is a Merman (in another term Siren). The author made me wait a very long time. I would have been deliciously happy with Kate's discovery with the book ending at page 150 (part 2). Oh no... the book encompasses more than just fantasy and romance, it tosses in suspense, intrigue, and deceit (part 3). 

What just happened? I thought Mermen are honest good hearted people. It's against their nature to act deceitful, that's a humanistic trait.

I really appreciate how the story captures my interest right from the start. It is unassuming and unique. It brought adventure and intrigue. I love how fantastically the chapters changed from innocence to romance. I felt I walked with Kate and Gabe on their journey into adulthood. What a complete underdog story. I'm in complete awe. Updrift deserves a standing ovation.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Errin Stevens writes paranormal romance from her home in Minnesota, where she lives with her husband and son. When not wrestling with unruly narrative – or reading everything from mythology to contemporary romance to New Adult suspense – you’ll find her swooning over seed catalogs (winter), or digging in the garden (the other three days of the year). Visit the blog for release updates and random essays on writing and mothering.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website: http://errinstevens.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.errin.stevens

Twitter: https://twitter.com/errinstevens

Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/errinstevens

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GIVEAWAY

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/050c6a3b10/

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PLAYLIST:

    1      Echo & The Bunnymen "Lips like Sugar"

    2      The Stone Roses "I wanna Be Adored (Remastered)

    3      FAIRCHILD "Arcadia"

    4      Snow Patrol "Shut Your Eyes"

    5      Paul McLinden "Whether the Weather"

    6      Santana "Aqua Marine"

    7      The Hot Dark "Blossom"

    8      Rocket City Riot "Into the Night"

    9      Avinale “Azure"

 

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TOUR SCHEDULE:

September 19th:

Jordan (http://www.readbyroe.com)

September 20th:

Kathy (https://www.instagram.com/bookfoxes/)

September 21st: 

Jen (http://www.happylilbooknook.com)

 

September 22nd:

Rachel (http://rachiereads.wordpress.com)

 

September 23rd:

Yahaira (https://www.instagram.com/thejubilantreader)

 

September 24th: 

Gabriela (http://www.instagram.com/writingpromptsandotherstuff)

September 25th: 

Tangled N' Books (http://tanglednbooks.blogspot.com/)

Jackie (http://dauntlessbooksandpenguins.wordpress.com)

September 26th:

Charlotte (http://taleasoldastime31.wordpress.com/)

Tracy (http://www.thepagesinbetween.com)

September 27th:

Hannah (https://www.instagram.com/toallthebooks1)

 

September 28th:

Elizabeth (http://www.instagram.com/throneofshatteredbooks)

September 29th:

Madeena (http://www.instagram.com/mylittlebookobsession)

 

September 30th:

Jen E. (http://paperandpageblog.wordpress.com)

 

October 1st:

Gaby (https://www.instagram.com/gabbook_art_and_company/)

October 2nd:

Sarah (http://www.transientdrifter.blogspot.com)

Blog Tour Organized by: Happy Lil Book Tours

*Hosts were provided with a copy of the book for review purposes in exchange for their honest reviews and opinions.

Friday 56! September 23, 2016

The Friday 56 is a weekly blog meme hosted by Freda’s Voice. 

1. Grab a book, any book. 
2. Turn to page 56 or 56% in your eReader. 
3. Find any sentence, or few, just don't spoil it. 
4. Post it.

"My body tenses, waiting to hear something else. Maybe Sela isn't done and will start trying to call out to me through the door. Maybe she'll try to throw more fiction at me, and in fact, maybe that's why she's silent right now. Her brain is working up a new web of deceit in which she'll try to capture me." - Beck 

From the book Sugar Rush by Sawyer Bennett 

Happy Friday!

Comment down below your Friday 56!

Blog Tour: The Raven Trilogy: The First Journey by Melka Stansah

Title: The Raven Trilogy: The First Journey
Author: Melka Stansah
Published January 29th 2016 by Green Hill Publishing
170 pages
ISBN 9780992339265
Source: Review Copy


Add to Goodreads

Available for Purchase: Amazon // BN // TBD


Raven has lived as an outcast his entire life. When secrets are revealed to him, his world is turned upside down.

No mother, no father, he now stands alone.

His quest for revenge leads him on a path beyond his wildest dreams.

Filled with self discovery, love and heart-ache - this book will be sure to make you laugh and cry.

Will Raven find the answer he is looking for?

Chapter 1:
It was a cold winter night. Snow had fallen, covering the stone roads and rooftops of a quiet village, Kiolz. Each family stayed in their houses and sought the warmth of their fire places. It was an unsettled night for a man who was riding his horse in the cold, seeking shelter from the cruel winter weather. The night was getting dark and the wind started to change its demeanor into a horrible winter storm.

“It’s not looking good,” said the man to his horse, his only companion. “We have to find shelter for tonight.”

He focused his eyes, hoping to catch a glimpse of a light from a house. At this hour most of the villagers would be sleeping, but he had hopes that one or two would still be awake. He was grateful when he eventually saw a blurry light in the distance, in a window of a small house.

The man got off his horse and willed himself to knock on the wooden door. He did not have to wait long as the door was opened quickly by a blind man.

“I am sorry to be so impolite,” he said to the house owner. “A horrible storm is coming and I have nowhere to stay. Would you be kind enough to let me stay the night?”

“I am quite surprised to have someone knocking on my door on a terrible night like this; everyone should be staying in their homes where there is shelter. You must be coming from quite a far place.”

The house owner said. “Bring your horse to the barn and come in afterwards.”

The horse rider thanked him and did as he was told.

The house was warm and comfortable; the man could tell it belonged to a small happy family. The house owner invited him to a small round dining table where he was waiting with a lady. He then poured some rokha, a kind of fragrant wine, and served it to his guest.

“Let’s have a sip of this good rokha. This is a helpful friend on a winter night like this.” He then poured some for himself. “My name is Radeth and this is my wife, Vea.”

Vea was carrying a little baby who was sleeping soundly in his mother’s arms. “This is our son, he was born just five days ago and we are still deciding the best name for him.”

“Ah,” the man looked at Radeth’s son and smiled. “He is adorable.”

“He is a strong boy.” Radeth said with pride. “And like his father, he will be a great warrior.”

“I’m sure he will.” The man said. “My name is Nicholas and I am very grateful for the shelter
tonight.”

Vea soon took her baby back to her room while Nicholas and Radeth stayed for a few more sips of rokha.

“So where are you heading, warrior?” Radeth poured more rokha into his cup.

“Oh, how do you know I am a warrior?” Nicholas said ina shocked tone before he realised his question might offend Radeth due to his blindness. “Ah, I’m so sorry. I have no intention to offend you.”

Radeth smiled. “No, don’t be. I understand. How could a blind man tell who someone is whilst he can’t even see them? I know as I can sense the big sabre you are carrying. It’s not just an ordinary sabre; it is made of two layers of steel which have been forged together, this process makes it twice as strong. No man but a warrior is capable of carrying such a heavy, extraordinary weapon on a long journey through wild storms.”

“You are right to say it’s not an ordinary sabre and it’s very heavy.” Nicholas said, amazed. “But to be more precise, it was not only double layered but also forged three times.”

“You are the blacksmith?”

“Yes,” Nicholas said proudly. “One of my skills I am proud of.”

“Could I hold it for a second?”

Radeth held the sabre and felt the blade surface with his fingers then returned the sabre to Nicholas.

“It is a great weapon,” Radeth said. “But it’s too inconvenient for a battle.”

“It was never meant to be used in a battle,” Nicholas said, receiving back his sabre. “It is very precious.”

Nicholas silently observed his new acquaintances. He was delighted to meet Radeth as they shared something in common. Even though Radeth was blind he did not seem to have any difficulty doing things. He had brilliant senses; dark black hair and strong confident posture, there was no doubt he was born a fighter.

“So, where are you heading?” Radeth repeated his unanswered question.

“North.” Nicholas said.

“North? There is nothing there but deserted and murderous mountains.”“I have no choice.”

Nicholas said smiling. “I’m on a mission, and nothing is more important than accomplishing it.”

Radeth nodded, “Indeed.”

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About the Author:

Melka Stansah was born in Jakarta, Indonesia in May 1983. At just sixteen , Melka took the leap to move to Melbourne, Australia to study. Later she spent two years living in Singapore but returned to Melbourne where she now resides with her husband.

Her influences for writing are varied as her love of travel and culture has vastly enriched her life. Her childhood was spent reading Indonesian folklore, manga and novels written by famous authors all around the world.

Melka’s fantasy novels are influenced by her love of world history, historical literature and ancient mythology. “The Raven Trilogy: The First Journey” is her published novel in a series of three.

AUTHOR LINKS:

Website: http://theraventrilogy.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melkastansahauthor/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/msraven0905

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unravelthegems/


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TOUR SCHEDULE:

 
September 19th:
Jen (http://www.happylilbooknook.com)

September 20th:
Jordan (http://www.readbyroe.com)
 

September 21st:
Tracy (http://www.thepagesinbetween.com)

September 22nd:
Maia (http://silver-dagger-scriptorium.weebly.com)

September 23rd:
Tangled N' Books (http://tanglednbooks.blogspot.com/)

September 24th:
Brooke (http://www.brookebibliophile.wordpress.com)

September 25th:
Sarah (http://www.transientdrifter.blogspot.com)

September 26th:
Lisa (http://www.instagram.com/_the.bibliophile)

September 27th:
Katie (http://www.facebook.com/katiesbookblog)

September 28th:
Charlotte (http://writingsofa21yearold.wordpress.com)

 

Blog Tour Organized by: Happy Lil Book Tours
*Hosts were provided with a copy of the book for review purposes in exchange for their honest reviews and opinions.*

Our One Year Anniversary + Giveaway

📣GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER📣 Winner is @_elephant_tales! 🎉✨ Thanks to everyone who entered ❤💕 more giveaways coming soon!

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Today officially marks the anniversary of the journey we started a year back!  Thank you so much to everyone for everything. Your likes, your comments & your friendship means a LOT to us, that's why we are doing a small giveaway since we didn't want this to pass unnoticed. Thank you so much again!!!

Be sure to head over to our Instagram to enter the giveaway.

THE PRIZE 🎁:

• Cress by Marissa Meyer
• Funko POP Disney Tangled: Rapunzel & Pascal
• Crescent Moon Darbel tea from adagio.com
• 2 bookish candle
• other bookish items

 

For another extra entry, comment with your Instagram user name (if apply) in the comments. 

For full list of rules, see giveaway post on our Instagram.

Good luck and again, thank you so much for celebrating with us!

Waiting On Wednesday #7: Crooked Kingdom

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking The Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Title: Crooked Kingdom (Six of Crows #2)
Author:  Leigh Bardugo
Publisher: Orion Children's Books
Expected publication: September 27th
Genres: Young Adult, Fantasy
Buy: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | The Book Depository 



Synopsis

Kaz Brekker and his crew have just pulled off a heist so daring even they didn't think they'd survive. But instead of divvying up a fat reward, they're right back to fighting for their lives. Double-crossed and left crippled by the kidnapping of a valuable team member, the crew is low on resources, allies, and hope. As powerful forces from around the world descend on Ketterdam to root out the secrets of the dangerous drug known as jurda parem, old rivals and new enemies emerge to challenge Kaz's cunning and test the team's fragile loyalties. A war will be waged on the city's dark and twisting streets―a battle for revenge and redemption that will decide the fate of magic in the Grisha world. 


What's your "waiting on" pick this week?

Top Ten Tuesday #39: All About Audio freebie

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. This week’s topic is All About Audio freebie --  aka top 10 audiobooks you should listen to, 10 books I want to listen to on audio, 10 bands you should check out, 10 podcasts you should be listening to, 10 of my all time favorite albums, 10 songs I love, really whatever you can come up with.


Tina's Top 10 Audiobook & Narrator Recommendation

1. Harry Potter series - By far, without a doubt, Jim Dale's narration is the best. He created 134 different character voices and won 2 Grammy awards for Harry Potter <3.

2. Daughter of Smoke and Bone series - Khristine Hvam has such a sweet melodic voice. I've been listening to her since this series and I will continue to listen to every book she narrates simply because she takes me to a happier place.

 

3. Empire of Storms - this is by far, the best narration Elizabeth Evans has done to date. She lost the pretentious spiteful arrogance in her voice and gave the best performance. It was soothing and gave the read such a pleasant flow. I highly commend her performance.

 

4. The Raven Boys series - Will Patton's voice is like a breath of fresh air. He transports me into a magical world of make believe.

5. Mistborn series - Michael Kramer makes everything written by Brandon Sanderson powerful.

6. Grisha series - Lauren Fortgang brought The Darkling to life and I enjoyed every minute of the Grisha adventures.

7. Divergent series - soothing and fun, Emma Galvin made this series a very enjoyable read.

8. Grey - surprisingly Grey is actually really good because of Zachary Webber's narration; I would otherwise dismiss this book. Hmm I should look into what else he's read.

9. Shiver series - I enjoyed both the narration of David LeDoux's sexy masculine voice and Jenna Lamia's innocent wonder. They helped me enjoy Maggie's beautiful "book of poetry" that much more.

10. Ender's Game - my first audiobook. I remember learning about the world of audiobooks from my Intro to Business professor. He was nearing blind and that day made me dive heavily into the world of narrations. Opened my mind and forever changed my life.

What is your favorite audiobook?




 

The Ben & Jerry's Book Tag

The Ben & Jerry's Book Tag! We first discovered this tag on Lauren Stoolfire's blog. It looked a lot of fun and we can't wait to try it.


1. Vanilla Caramel Fudge - Pick a light and fluffy contemporary

Tina:  Dumplin' by Julie Murphy - truly a fast fluffy feel good read

Wendy: Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

2. Mint Chocolate Cookie - A new release that you wish everybody would read

Tina:  Paper Princess by Erin Watt - I devoured this book! Don't remember how I came across it, probably from reading Captive Prince reviews on goodreads. Then shortly after, Shon & Wendy followed and now we're huge fans.

Wendy: Twisted Palace (The Royals #3) by Erin Watt

3. Cherry Garcia - An ending that was bittersweet

Tina:  Mistborn and The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson - sigh, such a good story and the world building is beyond crazy. I know the ending is left open so more side stories can be written but I need something more conclusive.

Wendy: Crown of Midnight (Throne of Glass #2) by Sarah J. Maas 

4. Strawberry Shortcake - A book containing your OTP of OTP's

Tina:  Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater - most definitely Grace and Sam <3

Wendy: Twilight (Twilight #1) by Stephenie Meyer

5. Milk and Cookies - Two authors that if they collaborated, they would go perfectly together

Tina: What would this crazy world building look like if Brandon Sanderson can mash his genius expanse of intricate details in EVERYTHING with Orson Scott Card's plots and foreshadowing??? Anyone???

Wendy: Michelle Hodkin and Erin Watt. hehehehe

6. Boston Cream Pie - A book that had you turning the pages late at night

Tina:  Daughter of the Blood by Anne Bishop - pretty much the entire plot is given away in the beginning chapters but you want the characters to advance quickly so you end up burning the midnight oil.

Wendy: Currently... The Raven Boys (The Raven Cycle #1) by Maggie Stiefvater 

7. Chocolate Therapy - A book that makes you feel better after a long day of life

Tina:  My go-to-read-always. I like to drown myself in Karou & Akiva goodness.