November 24, 2012

Reckoning Blog Tour: Review & Giveaway



Reckoning (Dark Prophecy #1)
Author: Molly M. Hall
Genre: YA Paranormal/Fantasy
Release Date: October 2, 2012

Description:

"They say the truth can set you free. I found out it can kill you."

Seventeen-year-old Kat Matheson has never revealed the dark secret that sets her apart from everyone else: She can see and hear the dead. Until now, she has been able to ignore the strange apparitions and whispering voices. But it may not be that simple anymore. Haunted by eerie visions and increasingly frightening nightmares, Kat begins to fear she may be the target of a dark and ominous force from beyond the grave. Complicating matters is the arrival of her new neighbor, a young man she instinctively distrusts but is inexplicably drawn to. Gorgeous and mysterious, he seems to hold a disturbing knowledge of her long-held secrets.

As she desperately tries to maintain control, events take an unexpected and violent turn. Discovering that nothing is what it seems and that her psychic abilities may involve far more than just communing with the dead, Kat may be forced to confront her worst fears and the powerful curse that controls her destiny.
  




I step into the pool of light beneath the streetlamp, anxious to leave the darkness behind. Suddenly, the light flickers, an odd sizzling sound emanating from the globes. I stop and stare, watching as several sparks shoot out the sides. The bird, the largest crow I have ever seen, swoops down from the trees, one shining, jet black eye looking directly at me. Sound disappears and time seems to fold in on itself, slowing to half-speed. The same weightless feeling I’d experienced at school creeps over me, and I tense, fighting off the panic.

I stare at the bird, watching it descend lower and lower. It’s wings beat once, moving slowly down and back up again. Sparks continue to jet from the streetlamp, each brightly pointed flash of light spewing out in a torpid, glowing trail, before dropping slowly and silently to the ground. The bird is nearly on top of me. It sweeps past, close enough that I can feel the rush of air beneath its wings, gently lifting my hair. Then it arcs upward, higher and higher, before turning and diving back toward me again, it’s beak open in a silent cry. 




Reckoning is a really interesting first book in a young adult paranormal/fantasy series. The book focuses on Kat Matheson, whose life has been plagued with the strange ability to see the dead for as long as she can remember. Only now, the visions are becoming more vivid, the voices more persistent, and the nightmares more real. On top of her increasing problems and fear for her soul, she must deal with the arrival of her mysterious and gorgeous new neighbor, which only serves to complicate her life further. Kat must figure out what her visions mean and what powers she actually wields before it's too late and the curse that controls her fate wins.

I found the description and concept of this book to be very interesting and unique. The story had a great mix of mystery, action, romance, and adventure. The writing was well done and flowed effortless with the plot being fast paced. The characters were intriguing and really likable - I could easily identify with Kat and her struggles and I liked the character of her best friend, Rachel too. I liked the unique history and story behind Kat's gift and her curse, as well as the paranormal world that the author creates. I think it added an unique aspect to the book and sets it apart from other YA paranormal books. This will be a fantastic series for fans of paranormal fiction and I'm excited to see how the story progresses in the next book.






I’ve spent most of my life in Colorado and currently live just outside of Denver. I write my books on a laptop perched atop a rather creaky desk, surrounded by two crazy and loving cats. I love to travel and have visited 27 of the 50 states, as well as Canada, Ireland and England. And there are still a lot of places I want to go.

I spent entirely too many years in the gray dullness of the corporate world, imagining something more exciting as I punched numbers on a keyboard. During that time, I worked on a degree in English Literature, but never quite managed to complete it. Mostly because I was too busy reading and creating fantasy worlds in my head. It’s actually my love of reading and imagining that led me to take up writing full time. I thought I should finally give all the characters in my head a voice.

Music is a huge part of my life and plays a big role in the creation of my books. Although I listen to everything from Johann Sebastian Bach and Dvorak, to Glen Miller and Bobby Darin, to Rihanna and Nox Arcana, as well as movie and video game soundtracks, there are two bands whose music is practically my lifeblood: Daughtry and Linkin Park. I will listen to or see them live anytime, anywhere.

I’m a fan of British television, Doctor Who (favorite doctor? David Tennant. Let the debate begin!), The Vampire Diaries, Japanese animé, Ghost Hunters, MI-5 and Eureka. And anything featuring James McAvoy. And I probably would never be able to unwind without That 70′s Show.

When I’m not reading and writing, you'll probably find me listening to music, practicing yoga, working on my very inadequate French, playing piano, enjoying a lovely glass of red wine or champagne, or looking for inspiring landscapes to photograph.

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Giveaway: 5 signed copies of Reckoning. US Only!
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

11 comments:

  1. I want to read this book so much, thanks for hosting this giveaway.

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  2. Love the cover, sounds like a great book. Looking forward to reading it. Thx for the great giveaway.

    blinkysthebest at aol dot com

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  3. Thank you so much for your review, Stephanie! Your time and input are greatly appreciated!

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  4. This sounds like a great book. And finding new one's to read like this one peak my interest. Thanks for the giveaway!

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  5. This sounds great! Yes, I am a US resident! Thanks for sharing!

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  6. Thank you for the great giveaway! I would love to read your book.

    Julie K
    kornhsl@yahoo.com

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  7. Nice excerpt! Looking forward to reading this, thanks for the giveaway! :)

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  8. USA!! yay. :D wow. from what im reading so far, this sounds great. :)

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  9. US/yes, Thanks for the great giveaway! Adding it to my to-read list now:)

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  10. US/Yes
    Thank you so much for having this giveaway!! I have seen this book on a lot of blogs and have entered giveaways trying to win this book. It looks soooo good!!! Cannot wait to read this one!!

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