My Immortal The Vampires of Berlin Tour: Review & Excerpt

A big Thank You to Lee Rudnicki and Bewitching Book Tours for the opportunity to read and review My Immortal and be a part of the tour. Click on the picture above to see all the other stops on the tour.

My Immortal The Vampires of Berlin
By Lee Rudnicki

Genre:  Horror

Publisher:  23 House

Date of Publication:  March 9, 2012

ISBN-10: 0984645810

ISBN-13: 978-0984645817

Number of pages: 306

Synopsis:

A supernatural adventure set in present day and 1945 Berlin. Our heroine is Eva, a shell-shocked young vampire who is found wandering around in the ruins of Berlin Cathedral on the last day of the war by soldiers.

BARNES AND NOBLE     AMAZON    AMAZON KINDLE   

VAMPIRE BLOG – (SIGNED COPIES) 

Excerpt:

Eva sat on the riverbank as the sounds of battle resounded in the distance. She didn't say anything when Sebastian sat down next to her. Nor did he expect her to.

“Guten Abend,” he said. “Not the best time for a picnic on the riverbank, is it?”

Eva didn't respond.

Sebastian didn’t believe in vampires until he met one. Until one bit him. Now, the sight of blood excited him and his strength was growing by the hour. He knew what the other men only suspected. Eva was a vampire and he was turning into one himself. He also instinctively knew that their survival depended on Eva, for reasons known only to God—assuming that God was still in Berlin. Somehow, he needed to get through to her. He tried again.

“Eva. Do you understand me? Do you know where you are? Please, talk to me.”

If Eva heard him, she didn't show it. Opening the lines of communication with the young vampire was going to be far more difficult than Sebastian had anticipated. Discouraged, he turned her towards him. “Look at me. That Luftwaffe pilot over there...”

“Axel,” Eva said softly.

“Yes. Axel is about to die from burns he got when a vampire torched his face. He got hurt saving you.”

Eva blinked hard and then pointed to the sky. “It’s in the stars, Sebastian.”

Sebastian looked up. There were no stars, only a dark gloom lit by the flash of sporadic explosions. Before he could ask another question, an artillery shell exploded in the river. The freezing water that cascaded over them brought him crashing back to reality.

Sebastian got up and took Eva’s hand. It was time to go.

My Review:

I have been dying (no pun intended) to get my hands on My Immortal for a long time so I jumped at the chance to be a part of this tour. I have to say, it was not what I expected...in a good way. I expected the book to be about vampires - but it was so much more. My Immortal crosses many genres from Historical WWII Fiction to Horror to Fantasy to Mystery. Vampires are a part of the book no doubt, but I would say that it is a book about war with vampires as opposed to a vampire book set during the war.

We start in present day Berlin with a "Professor" known for his books on conspiracy theories. However, what he has in his brief case is so much more than what the pyramids represent or UFOs. What he carries is a dossier on Operation Tristan; Hitler's secret weapon. When a fan of the professor's hacks into his computer to find what he is working on, he is shocked by what he finds and alerts the United States government to the situation. No one can know what is inside the briefcase; in fact, the president doesn't even know what it entails. The CIA attempts to thwart the professor's plan to release the information publicly and a set of events occurs that has you wondering what is so important. What is Operation Tristan? The scene then changes to Berlin, 1945. The German army is losing the war and Hitler will do anything -anything- to stop the Red Army from taking over. 

Lee's writing is superb. He details the atrocities of the war in horrific detail without being overly gory. The interaction between the soldiers was realistic and reminds the reader that not everyone was an automaton; that people did what they had to in order to survive.  Hitler is portrayed as a manic, unstable man who wants nothing more than to see the world burn. The glimpse into his mind is frightening. The vampires were created in the traditional form: they had fangs, no reflection, and incredible speed and strength. And even though they looked human, they were anything but. The story is told from many points of view, which I am generally not a fan of, but Lee's transitions were clearer than some.

Overall, My Immortal was a suspenseful, thrilling read that will keep you on the edge of your seat, and if you are like me biting off all your fingernails in the process! Through war ravaged Germany, the story unfolds and you will find yourself immersed in Sebastian and Eva's plight. I recommend to history buffs, conspiracy theorists and horror fans alike. 

★ ★ ★ ★ ½ 

FTC Advisory: I received this book from BBT in exchange for an honest review. I am never paid or compensated in any way for my reviews. No backroom deals or whispered promises are made.

About the Author:

Lee Rudnicki is an entertainment lawyer, producer, and writer in Los Angeles. Lee has a law degree from the University of San Francisco, a music degree from San Jose State, a Certificate in Screenwriting from UCLA and studied international law at Trinity College, Ireland and Charles University, Prague. Before law school, Lee was a world-class rudimental drummer and drum corps instructor.

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Promo Tour & Giveaway: Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Flight

The Crescent Chronicles, #1

by Alyssa Rose Ivy

Genre: Mature YA/New Adult Paranormal Romance,

Publisher: Self-Published

Ebook & Print Formats (print available soon)

Words: 55,000

Synopsis:

Sometimes you just have to take flight.

A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad’s invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi.

Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.

Amazon (Kindle) | B&N (Nook) | Smashwords | 

Excerpt: 

Closing my eyes, I tried to block it all out. Convinced I was about to die, I was only partly aware of his arms around me.
“You said you wanted an adventure,” he said quietly, teasingly, as he tightened his hold.
My stomach dropped out as an intense and complete feeling of weightlessness engulfed me. The wind stung my face as memories flooded my mind. I thought of my parents, of all the things I wanted to tell them but never did, my friends from home, and the experiences I longed for. Quickly my thoughts changed to more recent memories, to Levi.
“Open your eyes,” he whispered, somehow knowing my eyes were clenched shut.
Against my better judgment, I listened. The scream died in my throat as we hurtled toward the water that had seemed so beautiful from the roof above.

About the Author:

Alyssa Rose Ivy lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write.

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The Syrenka Series Tour: Review & Giveaway

Promises
(Syrenka Series #1)
by Amber Garr

Synopsis:
Sometimes following your heart can end up destroying the ones you love.

 When seventeen-year-old Eviana Dumahl is faced with the responsibility of an arranged marriage and clan leadership, she is forced to choose between the life required of a mermaid and one of a teenage girl simply infatuated with the wrong guy. Kain, her devoted fiancé, would make a wonderful husband except that she’s been in love with Brendan, a shape-shifting selkie, ever since they were kids. Choosing to abandon her family, her clan, and her life with Kain will have dire consequences far beyond anything she could have imagined.

A war is brewing amongst the clans and Eviana unwittingly becomes a pawn in the intricate schemes of a twisted mastermind. With Brendan’s life on the line, she has no choice but to involve those she once considered friends. Amidst encountering senseless tragedies and immense loss, Eviana discovers that she is more valuable as a clan leader than anyone ever suspected. Her survival is not only dependent upon the loyalty of her friends, but also on her acceptance of a life she so adamantly tried to escape.

Amazon

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 Betrayal

(The Syrenka Series #2)

by Amber Garr

Synopsis:

Life as a mermaid can be suffocating.

Eviana Dumahl has returned home as a clan leader, an orphan, and a heartbroken teenage girl.  Her parents are dead and her boyfriend, Brendan, has decided that he needs some time away.  While battling her inner turmoil, Eviana is forced into the war that Lucian Sutherland has incited amongst her own kind.  With the help of Kain, her friend and formally betrothed, the two work together to prove that they deserve their birthrights as young merfolk leaders.

When The Council requests a demonstration of Eviana’s mermaid powers, she finds herself with an opportunity to win back Brendan’s heart.  But her orders to train with a repulsive merman and the presence of an attractive new suitor challenges Eviana to embrace her leadership and resist temptation. Lucian is after her, and no one seems to understand why.  Loyalties are tested as the casualties increase, showing Eviana that sometimes it is impossible to delineate between friends and enemies.

Amazon  

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Arise 

(The Syrenka Series #3)

by Amber Garr

Synopsis:

With power comes the responsibility to accept its consequences.

After the betrayal of those closest to her, Eviana Dumahl struggles to cope with her new reality. Kidnapped, broken, and confused, she is forced to engage in a war that will alter merfolk politics forever. With her estranged father leading the charge, Eviana has no choice but to stand by his side. Her continued existence hinges on the acceptance of the power growing inside her, even when that means embracing the family’s dark lineage.

Kain Matthew will sacrifice the world for Eviana. And he is not alone. As time runs out, her friends fight to save her life and theirs. An unlikely alliance gives them the edge they need to take a stand, although it keeps Eviana’s heart trapped in the past. A new discovery explains some of her previous mistakes, but it may not be enough to stop her father’s plans. Merfolk, selkies, and water sprites work together to save their kind, only in this final battle, not everyone will survive.

In the striking series conclusion, Eviana will learn the true meaning of power, sacrifice, and love.

Amazon

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**My Review of the Series**:

This is an enchanting series full of breathtaking images, heartfelt emotions and a new world to emerce yourself in. The Syrenka Series brought me back to my childhood when my sister and I used to pretend we were mermaids swimming in our pool. I loved the idea of a fresh take on the mermaid mythos. The mermaids in the Syrenka series were not bound to the ocean, but lived on land and transformed when they swam. The way the author Amber Garr described the experience of being in the water and the exhilaration that the main character Eviana felt when she was in her element was inspiring. 

The series revolves around Eviana (named after the water?) and she is to be in an arranged marriage to unite important families. However, Eviana is in love with someone else - and not a merman. Brendan is a Selkie and changes into a seal and their love is forbidden. Add teenage love, lust, and stubbornness and you can guess what happens next. Eviana runs from her family responsibilities, but by doing so has ignited a series of events that she couldn't even fathom.

What I really liked about the series was the idea that actions have consequences, even if you think you are doing them for the right reasons. Eviana is made to look at her choices and realizes that some things she should have done differently. Eviana eventually grows up and takes responsibility for herself and finds strength and courage to fight a war.

I really love Kain. He loves unconditionally and is always there for Eviana, even when she doesn't deserve it. There is more than just Kain and Brendan though, Graham is introduced in the second book and throws a wrench in the triangle. Romance is a very big element in the series, but more importantly the ideas of friendship and loyalty reign. 

There are so many twists and turns and each book will leave you gasping. I had a hard time dealing with certain events - no I'm not telling you what they are - and I cried, screamed, and wanted to chuck my Nook across the room. People are never who you think they are and betrayals abound. The deaths of characters along the way is heartbreaking, but no death is in vain.

The Syrenka series/trilogy is a fantastic ride. I was hooked after the first few pages of Promised and could not think of anything else until I finished Arise. Each book ends with a cliffhanger so be ready with the next book on hand! 

I loved that water creatures from all different myths and legends were combined to make up the Syrenka world. I especially like the water sprites, namely Abhainn for his wit and terrifying form. The characters Ms. Garr created were well rounded and fully fleshed out and the flow of the story never waivers. The prose is beautiful and written well. 

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

 I will happily read this series over and over; it is a keeper! I recommend this series for anyone who likes romance, mythology, mermaids, and general awesomeness!

About the Author:

Amber Garr spends her days conducting scientific experiments and wondering if her next door neighbor is secretly a vampire.  Born in Pennsylvania, she lives in Florida with her husband and their furry kids.  Her childhood imaginary friend was a witch, Halloween is sacred, and she is certain that she has a supernatural sense of smell.  She writes both adult and young adult urban fantasies and when not obsessing over the unknown, she can be found dancing, reading, or enjoying a good movie.

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"Waiting On" Wednesday: Spellcaster

 

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week's book that I am eagerly anticipating is...

Spellcaster

by Claudia Gray

Expected Publication Date: March 5th 2013
Published by HarperTeen

When Nadia’s family moves to Captive’s Sound, she instantly realizes there’s more to it than meets the eye. Descended from witches, Nadia senses a dark and powerful magic at work in the town. Mateo has lived in Captive’s Sound his entire life, trying to dodge the local legend that a curse has been placed on his family that will cause him to go insane. When the strange dreams Mateo has been having of rescuing a beautiful girl—Nadia—from a car accident come true, he knows he’s doomed.

Despite the forces pulling them apart, Nadia and Mateo must work together to break the chains of his family's terrible curse, and to prevent a disaster that threatens the lives of everyone in the town. Shimmering with magic and mystery, New York Times bestselling author Claudia Gray’s new novel is sure to draw fans of the Hex Hall and Caster Chronicles series, and fans of the hit CW TV show The Secret Circle.

**********

I love witchy books. There haven't been a whole bunch of book out there lately that focus on witchcraft or magic, at least not as many as I would like there to be. I read and loved Claudia Gray's Evernight series and am hoping for another amazing book from her. I have high hopes for this series (might be a trilogy?) and it can not come out soon enough.

What are you waiting on this week?

Tell Me Something Tuesday #34

It is that time of week again! You guessed it -Tell Me Something Tuesday; a weekly meme hosted by the fabulous author of the Heven and Hell series, Cambria Hebert. If you would like to participate, visit her blog and grab next week's question and add your link. This week's question:

Do you like social media? Why or why not? What is your favorite social media to use (FB, twitter, GR, etc.)?

I didn't even know what social media was until my middle school students told me I needed to get a MySpace page. My friends has them, but I had no desire to have something else to do. Then I realized how addicting it could be. Not only could I connect to family I hadn't seen in years, I could play games! I loved Sorority Wars.

Actually, the only reason I got my Facebook page in the first place was so I could be my mom's neighbor on Farmville, lol! The gaming has fallen to the wayside and I now use FB for networking. 

Currently, I have a personal Facebook page and am working on a page for this blog. I think my MySpace page is still up, but I haven't touched it in years. I finally have a Twitter account and use it to promote my blog, authors, books, contests, etc... But I don't really keep up with Twitter like I do Facebook - it moves to quickly.

Goodreads is an interesting one. I only made an account because I could semi-organize what I have and have not read and get new ideas of what to read next. I had no idea what kind of drama that could ensue. I stay away from all of it! I am a member of a few groups, but they are uplifting, promotional groups and the second I see anything otherwise I am out. 

The Breakdown: I like the idea of social media and have benefited from the opportunities it has given me. I don't like drama in any form and try to stay away from it at all possible. 

What do you think about social media?

Cover Reveal: Iridescent by Carol Oates

IRIDESCENT

 (Ember #2)

 by Carol Oates

Published by Omnific Publising
Expected release is October 2012

Candra Ember used to dream of saving the world one person at a time. She never expected to become an angelic weapon and the last hope in the battle against ultimate darkness.

Falling for a Nephilim wasn’t part of Sebastian’s plan. Distraction is something he can’t afford when his rival, Draven, wants what Sebastian has.

Lies, manipulation, and corruption are twisting the lives of the citizens in Acheron. The Arch is missing from Heaven, and a demon is intent on claiming the city. At a time they should be growing closer, grief and paranoia is driving Candra and Sebastian apart.

If the price of restoring the Watchers to Heaven is a human soul, who deserves to be saved?

Author Information:

Website          Facebook          Twitter 

Carol Oates has never been one to remain still for long. After her mother’s mad dash to the hospital through the empty city streets of Dublin, Ireland, Carol made her debut into the world in the early hours of Christmas morning. Since then her pace has not slowed down in the least.
Carol was introduced to the world of supernatural books when, as a child, her family moved to a coastal suburb of north Dublin known as Clontarf; famous as the birthplace of Bram Stoker, the prolific author responsible for breathing life into the legendary story of “Dracula.” This stirred in Carol an early passion for reading about all things supernatural. When that passion was combined with a deep interest in the history and folklore of Ireland, as well as an active and vivid imagination, Carol Oates, the author, was born. Carol’s love of writing about anything not entirely “human" emerged.

   Cover Reveal organized by AToMR Tours

"Waiting On" Wednesday: The Sweetest Dark

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. This week's book that I am eagerly anticipating is...

The Sweetest Dark

by Shana Abé

Expected Publication Date: April 2, 2013
Published by Bantam

For fans of Lauren Kate and Libba Bray, The Sweetest Dark is filled with thrilling romance, exciting adventure, and ancient magic. Shana Abé brilliantly captures the drama of post-Victorian England, while unfolding a passionate love story that defies time.

“With every fiber of my being, I yearned to be normal. To glide through my days at Iverson without incident. But I’d have to face the fact that my life was about to unfold in a very, very different way than I’d ever envisioned. Normal would become forever out of reach.”

Lora Jones has always known that she’s different. On the outside, she appears to be an ordinary sixteen-year-old girl. Yet Lora’s been keeping a heartful of secrets: She hears songs that no one else can hear, dreams vividly of smoke and flight, and lives with a mysterious voice inside her that insists she’s far more than what she seems.

England, 1915. Raised in an orphanage in a rough corner of London, Lora quickly learns to hide her unique abilities and avoid attention. Then, much to her surprise, she is selected as the new charity student at Iverson, an elite boarding school on England’s southern coast. Iverson’s eerie, gothic castle is like nothing Lora has ever seen. And the two boys she meets there will open her eyes and forever change her destiny.

Jesse is the school’s groundskeeper—a beautiful boy who recognizes Lora for who and what she truly is. Armand is a darkly handsome and arrogant aristocrat who harbors a few closely guarded secrets of his own. Both hold the answers to her past. One is the key to her future. And both will aim to win her heart. As danger descends upon Iverson, Lora must harness the powers she’s only just begun to understand, or else lose everything she dearly loves.

Filled with lush atmosphere, thrilling romance, and ancient magic, The Sweetest Dark brilliantly captures a rich historical era while unfolding an enchanting love story that defies time.

**************

There are so many reasons that this book made it on my TBR list. I love everything about the cover - gorgeous! Magic, Boarding schools, Gothic castles, Victorian era, and romance? I am swooning now and I haven't even read the book yet!

What is your pick this week? Does The Sweetest Dark spark your interest?