Freak of Nature by Julia Crane Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway!!

Freak of Nature
(IFICS, #1)
by Julia Crane
Publication Date: February 2, 2013
Published by: Valknut Press
Formats Available: eBook, Paperback ~284 pages

Book Blurb:
Donate Body to Science. Check.

When seventeen-year-old Kaitlyn checked the box, she never suspected she’d have her life–and her body–stolen from her. She awakens one day in a secret laboratory to discover that her body is now half-robot and is forced to hide her own secret: that she still has human emotions and a human mind. If the scientists who made her find out, they’ll erase what remains of who she was.

Kaitlyn finds an unlikely ally in Lucas, a handsome, brilliant scientist who can’t get over the guilt he feels knowing she was once a vibrant, beautiful young woman. He never expected a science project to affect him the way she does. As he tries to help her rediscover her past, he finds himself falling for the brave girl struggling to find her place and acceptance between the human and computer worlds.

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Despite owning many of Julia Crane's novels, this is the first one I have actually read and I am so glad I did! The first thing that caught my eye about this novel was the cover. It seems that Julia Crane is incapable of having a less than stunning cover. I love cover and the picture of this pieced together girl who has been split at the seams. And the pale skin tone and teal colors, while I didn't know at first, have meaning to the novel. The second thing that caught my eye was the title: Freak of Nature. I know at times I have felt these very words and I had to see what they meant to this girl on the cover.

Within the very first chapter the author had me questioning the consequences of something that people contemplate everyday: to put the check the box or put the donate sticker on your driver's license or not. Well our main character Kaitlin checked yes. And that one tiny check mark changed her fate forever. Instead of dying like she should have, she was given to science and has been turned into something quite unnerving: a cyborg girl that still looks like Kaitlin, but there have been a few changes made. And after each operation to turn her into this thing, she lost more and more of what made her human.

"By the second operation she stopped laughing. By the fifth, she stopped smiling entirely."

She has no pain sensors or taste buds, but with her new body she can do extraordinary things: run like the wind, fire a gun with precision, and processes everything in her newly programmed brain with ease. However, there is still something left inside; a piece of Kaitlin is still inside and she has to hide it or else she may die a second time. But there are feelings left and that is something quite unacceptable. She shouldn't feel anything, not sadness nor happiness, not the way her skin tingles when she is around Lucas, or feel like she has a best friend with Quess. But it is there and she is keeping the one thing she has left of her old life to herself.

The IFICS and their experiment make me sick. And the people that worked for them were worse. How did they justify this experiment and how could you take a teenage girl do that to her without being a monster - or worse - someone who just cares about progress. But then there is Lucas, a super-smart kid who just wants to do cool things, but has a conscience - one that lacks in action, but it is there. He feels for Kaitlin and regrets the loss of a girl he never knew when she was truly alive. And I loved that we got to see what things are like through his eyes too. And through him we see his feeling for Kaitlin, ones that make him feel weak in the knees.

"How could you possibly think I'm beautiful? I'm repulsive - a freak of nature."

I loved the burgeoning romance between Kaitlin and Lucas. And though she finds herself a freak, they are both broken in some way. What I loved about Freak of Nature was that it wasn't just a Science Fiction novel or a YA Romance, there was more depth to it that is so hard to explain. Julia Crane has created a world full of mad scientists, hormonal teenagers (robot or not), and gave the readers something to think about well after they finish: what do our choices really mean? There is light action, but the book is about strength, love, and friendship. There are a few things I could get nit-picky about here and there. One of which is that Kaitlin is supposed to be super intelligent, but when given an iPhone or the idea of Facebook and she completely goes blank. Um. shouldn't the super machine know about technological advances? But aside from that I enjoyed reading Freak of Nature and am curious to see what will take place in book two.
*For mature teens due to some sexual content.

4.5 Candles for Freak of Nature

FTC Advisory: I was given a copy of this book from the author for an honest review as part of a blog tour. No backroom deals or whispered promises were made.

Q) Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

A) I do some research, but mainly I just go where my mind takes me. Ideas come out of nowhere it seems.    Like for Freak of Nature, I saw my daughter making a cyborg image on photoshop and I though I’ve got to write a book about a cyborg.


Q) Is there a message in your novel/novels that you want readers to grasp?

A) I don’t think of that when I write. I’ve always believe that any book opened there is at least once sentence written for the reader. I hope there is something that makes my readers think about it later even if it’s just one line that reached them.


Q) What were the challenges (research, literary, psychological, and logistical) in bringing your characters to life?

A) I can’t think that deeply into writing if I did it would freeze me up. I’ve gotten to know a lot of different personalities over my lifetime and I draw from that. I’ve also been lucky enough to travel extensively so I think that helps.

Julia Crane is the author of the Coexist: Keegan’s Chronicles. She has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Julia has believed in magical creatures since the day her grandmother first told her an Irish tale. Growing up her mother greatly encouraged reading and using your imagination. Although she’s spent most of her life on the US east coast, she currently lives in Dubai with her husband and three children.

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Reaping Me Softly Tour & Giveaway!

Welcome to my stop on the Reaping Me Softly Tour! This tour is brought to you by AToMR Tours. Thank you to Kate Evangelista and Omnific Publishing for providing the book to review. There is also a tour-wide giveaway for your very own eBook! Giveaway: The author is giving away (10) eBook copies of Reaping Me Softly! The rafflecopter link is below along with the linky to see other spots on the tour.

Reaping Me Softly
Book 1
by Kate Evangelista
Published October 30, 2012
Published by Omnific Publishing
Format Reviewed: eARC from Omnific (pre-edits)


Synopsis:
Ever since a near-death-experience on the operating table, seventeen-year-old Arianne Wilson can see dead people. Just as she’s learned to accept her new-found talents, she discovers that the boy she’s had a crush on since freshman year, Niko Clark, is a Reaper.

At last they have something in common, but that doesn’t mean life is getting any easier. All while facing merciless bullying from the most powerful girl in school, Arianne’s world is turned upside down after Niko accidentally reaps the soul of someone she loves. This sends them both into a spiral that threatens to end Arianne’s life. But will Niko break his own Reaper’s code to save her? And what would the consequences be if he did?

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My Thoughts:

I love the updated take on Reapers that Kate Evangelista has created. No longer are the days where the image of the reaper is a shrouded figure pointing the way to the afterlife with its scythe. Nope, now they wear Armani, or if they are truly demented, clothing that Madonna discarded in the 80s. And their scythes? They match the reaper's personality and are unique to each. And the biggest image squashed? That reapers are skeletons or something ugly to be afraid of. They are beautiful, just as Death is beautiful; a beacon to guide souls to their true homes. 

Arianne has had it rough for the past few years. Her sister Carrie's kidneys are failing, Arianne almost died while trying to donate her kidneys and woke up able to see dead people. Not your usual seventeen year old girl problems. To add to her distress, while she was coming to terms with her sister's illness, she turned to someone who continues to plague her even though things had been over for a while. For the most part, she only has Ben, her next door neighbor and best guy friend. And a huge crush on Niko, the hottest guy in school. But Niko isn't who he seems to be, and when Arianne finds out who he really is, she must decide what is more important: life or love.

Reaping Me Softly was an extremely engaging read. Once I picked up the book, I couldn't put it down. I couldn't help but feel for Arianne. She has a life that revolves around the hospital where her sister lives and everyday is a waiting game. She is being bullied by resident mean girl Darla (who reminded me a bit of the vampire Darly via Buffy, school girl uniform and all!) And then finally after years of gazing from afar, Niko notices Arianne and the chemistry is palpable. Both of them feel a connection and if it wasn't for Arianne, Niko may have let himself fade away - suicide for reapers. But now he has something or someone to live for. Until he reaps her sister. 

Arianne is an interesting character. She puts so much on her shoulders. And when Carrie passes, she just lets go. Part of it from losing her sister and another part losing Niko. I want to feel sorry for her, but at other times I want to smack her to remind her that she is still alive and can live the life Carrie could not. Letting herself waste away is selfish for so many reasons. Niko is a sexy conundrum. Why is he just now noticing Arianne? He has been in school with her for years and it isn't like she isn't noticeable; she has bright red hair that looks like flames. And why all of a sudden does he fall instantly for her? He risks his existence for her, but why? I would have loved a little more insight into what he sees in her other than her beauty. And then Ben. He is probably the most infuriating character of all. His actions are baffling.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Reaping Me Softly. I love Kate Evangelista's writing. However, even though they are completely different, I can't help but compare this book to her first novel, Taste. While the writing is more solid in RMS, Taste was a more memorable read for me. But that is just my personal opinion.  Kate has a way with building worlds and every image is crystal clear. She is very talented at putting the reader in the story. The last thing I will say is that I NEVER pictured the ending. Um, what?? But, it does leave the story open for the next book in the trilogy: Unreap My Heart. When is that coming out again??

★ ★ ★ ★ ½

FTC Advisory: I was given a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review as part of a blog tour. No backroom deals or whispered promises were made.

About the Author:

Website     Facebook      Twitter     Goodreads     YouTube

When Kate Evangelista was told she had a knack for writing stories, she did the next best thing: entered medical school. After realizing she wasn't going to be the next Doogie Howser, M.D., Kate wandered into the Literature department of her university and never looked back. Today, she is in possession of a piece of paper that says to the world she owns a Literature degree. To make matters worse, she took Master's courses in creative writing. In the end, she realized to be a writer, none of what she had mattered. What really mattered? Writing. Plain and simple, honest to God, sitting in front of her computer, writing.

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The Messenger Blog Tour & Tour Giveaway

Welcome to my stop on The Messenger Tour! This tour is brought to you by AToMR Tours. Thank you to Pamela DuMond for providing the book to review. There is also a tour-wide giveaway for some nifty goodies! Giveaway: The author is giving away (1) print copy of THE MESSENGER to US addresses. Open International giveaway is (5) eBook copies of THE MESSENGER.

The Messenger
(Mortal Beloved, Book 1)
by Pamela DuMond
*Formerly Titled: The Messenger's Handbook

Release Date: April 2012

Age Group: Young Adult

Genre: Fantasy, Romance, Sci-Fi, Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

Infinity. Life. Death. Rebirth. Some souls are meant to be together, but pursuing true love can be dangerous and often deadly. When sixteen-year-old Madeline falls in love with Samuel, a boy who lives hundreds of years before she is even born, she will risk her very existence to be with him.

Madeline’s from present day Chicago when she is pushed onto the train tracks, and accidentally time travels to a bloody war between the Natives and the colonists. She falls in love with a Native boy, Samuel. But, she’s living in the body of a colonial girl and their romance is a crime that carries harsh punishments.

Madeline discovers that she is meant to be a Messenger, a traveler who if properly trained, can slip through time's fabric at will. The Medicine Woman mentors her. But Madeline doesn't fit in this world. She’s different from the other colonists. Rumors of witchcraft and spying arise. Deadly Hunters, dark-souled predators as well as skilled time travelers, crave Madeline's powers. Can Madeline find the way back to her future? And will that future include her one true love, Samuel?

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My Thoughts:

I am a huge fan of time travel books and The Messenger did not disappoint! Madeline has had a hard time ever since her mother vanished in a car crash. Madeline was in the car when it crashed and only remembers the fear of the car falling and that her mother was no where to be found afterward. Her family had her mom legally declared dead so they could move on, but somewhere in the back of her mind, Madeline isn't sure of what really happened. On her birthday, her father gave her a book that her mother made for you ten years earlier; a book that she remembers her mother working on, but only finds it to be nothing more than an album. But it is so much more.

Madeline is a Messenger but she doesn't know what that is. It isn't until she is almost killed that she blacks out and wakes up nearly 300 years in the past. 1675 to be exact. Everyone thinks she is this girl named Abigail, except for one medicine woman who believes her story. I knew right then that this medicine woman was going to play a big part in the story because who just believes someone when they say they are from the future? As she lives the life of an upright colonial woman, she sees things that make her sick: a reverend who is supposed to be holy using his power unethically, people who jump to condemnation and live through fear and suspicion and the ravages of a war and the treatment of the local Natives. All of this makes Madeline angry, but she can't do anything about it. She just wants to get home.

Along the way, Madeline meets Samuel, a gorgeous boy with whom she falls for. However, they should not be together because he is part native and the fact that she isn't from his time. But despite the hindurances, they do fall in love and through that find enemies. Samuel promises Madeline that no matter where or when they are, they will find each other again. He is a Healer and they are part of a duo - a Healer to work with a Hunter. However, Hunters hunt Messengers. And the Hunter that appears in Madeline's dreams is there with them.

This is a fantastic story that I could not put down. The writing was easy and flowed well and I never once had to stop because of bad grammar. My main issue with this book is that there are so many questions left unanswered. I'm not sure if this was done purposefully so that we have to read on or if things were just glossed over. I would love to know more about what it means to be a Messenger. What are they, why are they and why are they hunted? And how do healers fit into the whole equation. Also, the idea of reincarnation is used and never discussed why or how. Are all souls reincarnated? Is there a reason people meet back up in other lives? You see, so many questions. And I want answers, dang it!

Despite my previous issues, I really found The Messenger to be an exciting and engaging read. I was enthralled by Ms. DuMond's characters and her vivid descriptions of the world around them. I will definitely be reading book two as soon as she presses print! For those who like The Immortals series by Alyson Noel, Timeless by Alexandra Monir, or The Eternal Ones by Kirsten Miller - The Messenger is a must read!

★ ★ ★ ★ ½

FTC Advisory: I was given a copy of this book from the author for an honest review as part of a blog tour. No backroom deals or whispered promises were made.

About the Author:

Website     Facebook-Book     Facebook-Personal     Twitter

Pamela DuMond is the writer who discovered, pitched and sold the real-life Erin Brockovich story to Hollywood. Erin Brockovich the movie was nominated for four Academy Awards.

In grade school Pamela was an A student but stuttered and was bullied. Reading became her refuge. She devoured every thriller and mystery she could get her hands on and eventually wrote her own. When she was twenty-two years old she finally started talking. Her brother swears she hasn't shut up since.

Pamela writes comedic sexy Cupcakes mysteries: Cupcakes, Lies, and Dead Guys (An Annie Graceland Mystery) was published by Krill Press in 2010. She published Cupcakes, Sales, and Cocktails – A Novella in 2011 and Cupcakes, Pies, and Hot Guys in 2012.

***Giveaway***

The author is giving away (1) print copy of THE MESSENGER to US addresses.

Open International giveaway is (5) eBook copies of THE MESSENGER.

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Nerve Blog Tour & Giveaway!

Thank you  to A Tale of Many Reviews for the opportunity to be a part of the Nerve Tour. Also, a big thanks you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing the ARC for review. Make sure to check out the Linky below to see the other stops on this tour.

Nerve
by Jeanne Ryan
Publication Date: September 13, 2012
Published by Dial Books (Penguin)
Formats: eBook, Hardcover ~304 pages

Synopsis:
A high-stakes online game of dares turns deadly

When Vee is picked to be a player in NERVE, an anonymous game of dares broadcast live online, she discovers that the game knows her. They tempt her with prizes taken from her ThisIsMe page and team her up with the perfect boy, sizzling-hot Ian. At first it's exhilarating--Vee and Ian's fans cheer them on to riskier dares with higher stakes. But the game takes a twisted turn when they're directed to a secret location with five other players for the Grand Prize round. Suddenly they're playing all or nothing, with their lives on the line. Just how far will Vee go before she loses NERVE?

Debut author Jeanne Ryan delivers an un-putdownable suspense thriller.

Author Link          Amazon           Barnes and Noble 

My Thoughts: 

Vee is your average girl. She isn't the star of the school play, she doesn't have a hot boyfriend, or have much of a life since her parents grounded her for the "incident". One night after finishing her back stage gig with the school musical, she decides she no longer wants to be the girl on the sidelines and participates in a dare...

Nerve. A game. A reality show. A way for Vee to do something more. To be a part of Nerve, all you have to do is participate in a dare on a live streaming video feed. If said dare is popular with the online crowd a new dare is given. The prizes run from cash to trips to gorgeous shoes - pretty much anything you want that you can't have. Each round the dares get more and more difficult. If you want to watch the games, be a watcher, either in person or online, you have to pay for it. 

As Jeanne Ryan's debut novel, Nerve will be a hit with gamers and Hunger Games fans alike. However, the idea of doing anything for a few things was hard to believe. Vee is sucked into round #2 by shoes and the next by more things - all of which were on her social media site. Some of Vee's choices were also questionable. I understand her need to do something and get out of her regular existence, she just gets into the game deeper and deeper. With her partner who is turning into a friend and maybe something more, Vee is thrust into a place where she will have to ask herself where is the line she won't cross?

Nerve is a fast-paced, frantic ride that takes you into a new world - one where nothing you do is ever private and someone is always watching. Kudos to Ms. Ryan for creating a creepy, suspenseful story. Definitely give this book a chance; your adrenaline will be pumping right along with Vee's! I have high hopes to see this on the big screen! 

★ ★ ★ ★ ½

FTC Advisory: I was given a copy of this book from the publisher for an honest review as part of a blog tour. No backroom deals or whispered promises were made. Please note that this was an ARC and things may have changed in final edition.

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Dreamwalker Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway!!

Thank you A Tale of Many Reviews for the opportunity to be a part of the Dreamwalker Tour. Also a big thank you to Andrea Heltsley for stopping by and for providing the book to read and review. Make sure to check out the Linky below to see the other stops on this tour.

Dreamwalker

Persephone's League of Immortals, #1

by Andrea Heltsley

Published May 23, 2012

Formats Available: Paperback, eBook ~434 pages

Synopsis:

Noel Kennedy lost her boyfriend, her job and her dignity all in one week. Then something happened and she began to dream of this stranger she had never met. She couldn’t resist the man of her dreams named Jared especially when she met him in real life. Entranced, she slowly unraveled a world she was meant to stay out of. Her life was not what she thought it was once a sexy Boone stepped into the mix and shook things up. Can she escape a life of servitude or immortality for a chance at love?

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My Thoughts:

First, let me say how gorgeous this cover is! I have a love affair with all of Andrea's books. The cover makes me swoon; it sparkles and is ethereal and I just want to pet it. Another beautiful creation by PhatPuppy. 

After having read another book by Andrea Heltsley, I was hesitant going into Dreamwalker. Boy were my fears unfounded! While I couldn't get into the last book, I was instantly sucked into Noel's story. Just within the first chapter Noel's heart is broken and I felt every bit of her hurt. Noel is told by her boyfriend - of three years - that she just isn't the one for him. He wants someone more adventurous and she just doesn't cut it. Understandably, Noel spirals into a deep depression, even ditching work. One night Noel starts having these really crazy, vivid dreams. A sexy man who is the epitome of her dream man. She even thinks that she sees the man in her dreams on the street, but when she looks again, he is gone but a coin is left in his place. That coin turns out to be a magical item of protection. One that Noel needs, but why?

Then, while Noel and Autumn were out blowing off steam, Noel meets him, Jared, the man from her dreams. But then he disappears. Then a new totally sexy man, Boone, (Jared's partner) shows up and asks Noel if she knew where Jared went. After that the plot really starts to unfold. Not to mention a love triangle, that will have you choosing teams! Noel is part of something bigger and more important than she could have ever imagined. And her dreams? Not really dreams, but real events. She is a Dreamwalker and can enter into people's dreams. A whole new world is opened up and supernatural creatures are everywhere and they are out to get her because Persephone wants her for her Dreamwalking abilities. 

Noel is not who she thought she was either. Not only is she a Dreamwalker, but she has a life that doesn't remember because her memories were wiped by a witch (who is someone she knows) when she was just a girl. She also has a sister that she hasn't seen in years and is reunited with. Along with some rogue agents from Persephone, Noel, her sister and the witch work together to win their freedom from the underworld and from becoming a slave to Persephone herself. Wow! There is so much going on in this book and I could not put it down until I knew what was going on!

There were a few quirks that could have been fixed; grammar issues, POV changes were not clear, and dialogue was lacking. Another problem is that characters are not fully fleshed out, but they were so much better than the first book I read by the author. Despite the cons, I still felt that Andrea created a very imaginative twist on the Persephone myth. Where most of them are focused on Persephone's plight, in Dreamwalker we see the Queen of Hell that she really is. I loved that there were so many types of supes used in the story: witches, fae, goblins, greek mythological creatures and so many more. I can't wait for more! I really found the imagery, especially that of the underworld, breathtaking. 

★ ★ ★ ★ ½

I am totally Team Boone!!

FTC Advisory: I was given a copy of this book from the author for an honest review as part of a blog tour. No backroom deals or whispered promises were made.

About the Author:

I am a biology nerd who decided it was more fun writing than dissecting. I have written two novels and my third will be out this summer. I live on coffee and read like a robot. My husband and two italian greyhounds usually have to tear me away from the computer...imagine that. :)

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