Showing posts with label JeanBookNerd Tours. Show all posts
Showing posts with label JeanBookNerd Tours. Show all posts

July 21, 2023

The Zone Blog Tour: Spotlight + Giveaway


 
Author: Stu Jones
Publication Date: July 11, 2023
Publisher: Dropship Publishing

Blade Runner meets Judge Dread and The Running Man in this no-holds-barred cyberpunk thriller from Dragon Award Nominee Stu Jones. Start this neon-soaked thrill ride today!

In a tech-addicted dystopia, a young cop struggling to survive is forced into a high-octane gladiatorial grudge match, where sinister corporate overlords pull the strings and humanity’s fate hangs in the balance.

ONE WAY IN. NO WAY OUT

In the super-city of Neo Terminus, millions of tech-addicted fans surround a walled-off inner-city wasteland to watch nano-boosted gladiators called Enforcers fight to the death in the Conglomerate-controlled event known as The Zone. Enforcers are promised wealth and celebrity—if they survive.

Officer Chance Griffin fights to clean up the mean streets of Neo Terminus, and scrape together enough money for his infant son’s vital surgery. Driven by his family’s need, Chance signs on as an Enforcer for The Conglomerate.

As Chance rises to the top of the Enforcer ranks, The Glom’s mysterious Founders coerce him into competing in the greatest Zone trial ever conceived. Chance knows he’s the favorite to win. He believes his family is safe. He believes his son will get the medical care he urgently needs.

Chance is wrong.

Too late, he uncovers a plot by The Glom to rig the trial and enslave the citizens of Neo Terminus, ensuring obedience—forever.

Blinded by fame and fortune, and used as a pawn by the corporate machine, Chance resists. But he is about to discover that every deal with the devil has its price…

You can purchase The Zone at the following Retailers:
        

Photo Content from Stu Jones

A veteran law enforcement officer, Stu Jones has served in patrol, narcotics, criminal investigations, as an instructor of firearms and police defensive tactics and as a team leader of a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team. He is trained and qualified as a law enforcement SWAT sniper, as well as in hostage rescue and high-risk entry tactics. Recently, Jones served for three years with a U.S. Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force - hunting the worst of the worst.​

A Dragon Award Nominee, Jones is the author of multiple sci-fi/action/thriller novels, including the multi-award-winning It Takes Death To Reach A Star duology and Condition Black, written with co-author Gareth Worthington (Children of the Fifth Sun, A Time for Monsters).

Known for his infectious storytelling and blistering action, Jones strives to create thought-provoking reading experiences that challenge the status quo. When he’s not chasing bad guys or writing epic stories, he can be found planning his next adventure to some remote or exotic place.

Jones is represented by Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo Helin & Fountain literary. He lives in Alabama with his wife, two children, and a golden-doodle who thinks he's human.
        
 
WEEK ONE
JULY 10th MONDAY Cover2CoverBlog EXCERPT
JULY 11th TUESDAY JeanBookNerd EXCERPT
JULY 12th WEDNESDAY A Bronx Latina Reads REVIEW
JULY 13th THURSDAY fundinmental REVIEW
JULY 14th FRIDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW

WEEK TWO
JULY 17th MONDAY TTC Books and More REVIEW
JULY 18th TUESDAY FUONLYKNEW REVIEW
JULY 19th WEDNESDAY Rajiv's Reviews REVIEW
JULY 20th THURSDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
JULY 21st FRIDAY Insane About Books REVIEW

WEEK THREE
JULY 24th MONDAY Movies, Shows, & Books REVIEW
JULY 25th TUESDAY Laura's Bookish Life REVIEW
JULY 26th WEDNESDAY #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee REVIEW
JULY 27th THURSDAY Living in a Bookworld EXCERPT

 

July 20, 2023

The Genes of Isis Blog Tour: Spotlight + Giveaway


The Genes of Isis
Author: Justin Newland
Publisher: Matador
Publication Date: May 21, 2018

Description:

Akasha is a precocious young girl with dreams of motherhood. She lives in a fantastical world where most of the oceans circulate in the aquamarine sky waters.

Before she was born, the Helios, a tribe of angels from the sun, came to Earth to deliver the Surge, the next step in the evolution of an embryonic human race. Instead they spawned a race of hybrids and infected humanity with a hybrid seed.

Horque manifests on Earth with another tribe of angels, the Solarii, to rescue the genetic mix-up and release the Surge.

Akasha embarks on a journey from maiden to mother and from apprentice to priestess then has a premonition that a great flood is imminent. All three races – humans, hybrids and Solarii – face extinction.

With their world in crisis, Akasha and Horque meet, and a sublime love flashes between them. Is this a cause of hope for humanity and the Solarii? Or will the hybrids destroy them both? Will anyone survive the killing waters of the coming apocalypse?
 
Praise for THE GENES OF ISIS:

“The book is exquisitely written, with good characterization and a compelling plot… Thoroughly recommended.” —Jennifer’s Reviews

“The novel is creative, sophisticated, brilliant! I couldn’t ask for a more Egyptian-esque book!” —Lauren, Books Beyond the Story
 
 
You can purchase The Genes of Isis at the following Retailers:
        

Photo Content from Justin Newland

JUSTIN NEWLAND’s novels represent an innovative blend of genres from historical adventure to supernatural thriller and magical realism. His stories explore the themes of war and religion, and speculate on the human’s spiritual place in the universe. 

Undeterred by the award of a Doctorate in Mathematics from Imperial College, London, he conceived his debut novel, The Genes of Isis (Matador, 2018), an epic fantasy set under Ancient Egyptian skies. 

The historical thriller, The Old Dragon’s Head (Matador, 2018), is set in Ming Dynasty China in the shadows of the Great Wall. 

The Coronation (Matador, 2019) was another historical adventure and speculates on the genesis of the most important event in the modern world – the Industrial Revolution. 

The Abdication (Matador, 2021) is a supernatural thriller in which a young woman confronts her faith in a higher purpose and what it means to abdicate that faith. 

His work in progress is a two-book series, The Island of Angels. Set in the Elizabethan era, it’s an epic tale of England’s coming of age. The Mark of the Salamander (to be published September 2023) takes us across the open seas of discovery with Sir Francis Drake while The Midnight of Eights culminates the series with the repulse of the Spanish Armada. 

Author, speaker and broadcaster, Justin appears on LitFest panels, gives talks to historical associations and libraries and enjoys giving radio interviews and making podcasts. 

Born three days before the end of 1953, he lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.
      
 
 
WEEK ONE
JULY 10th MONDAY JeanBookNerd EXCERPT
JULY 11th TUESDAY Cover2CoverBlog EXCERPT
JULY 12th WEDNESDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
JULY 13th THURSDAY FUONLYKNEW REVIEW
JULY 14th FRIDAY A Bronx Latina Reads REVIEW

WEEK TWO
JULY 17th MONDAY Rajiv's Reviews REVIEW
JULY 18th TUESDAY fundinmental REVIEW
JULY 19th WEDNESDAY TTC Books and More REVIEW
JULY 20th THURSDAY Insane About Books REVIEW
JULY 21st FRIDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW

WEEK THREE
JULY 24th MONDAY Laura's Bookish Life REVIEW
JULY 25th TUESDAY Movies, Shows, & Books REVIEW
JULY 26th WEDNESDAY #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee REVIEW
JULY 27th THURSDAY Living in a Bookworld EXCERPT

 

January 18, 2023

The Old Dragon's Head Blog Tour: Guest Post + Giveaway

 



The Old Dragon's Head
Author: Justin Newland
Publisher: Matador
Publication Date: October 8, 2018

Description:

Constructed of stone and packed earth, the Great Wall of 10,000 li protects China’s northern borders from the threat of Mongol incursion. The wall is also home to a supernatural beast: the Old Dragon. The Old Dragon’s Head is the most easterly point of the wall, where it finally meets the sea.

In every era, a Dragon Master is born. Endowed with the powers of Heaven, only he can summon the Old Dragon so long as he possess the dragon pearl.

It’s the year 1400, and neither the Old Dragon, the dragon pearl, nor the Dragon Master, has been seen for twenty years. Bolin, a young man working on the Old Dragon’s Head, suffers visions of ghosts. Folk believe he has yin-yang eyes and other paranormal gifts.When Bolin’s fief lord, the Prince of Yan, rebels against his nephew, the Jianwen Emperor, a bitter war of succession ensues in which the Mongols hold the balance of power. While the victor might win the battle on earth, China’s Dragon Throne can only be earned with a Mandate from Heaven – and the support of the Old Dragon.

Bolin embarks on a journey of self-discovery, mirroring Old China’s endeavour to come of age. When Bolin accepts his destiny as the Dragon Master, Heaven sends a third coming of age – for humanity itself. But are any of them ready for what is rising in the east?
  

Praise for THE OLD DRAGON'S HEAD:

“A stand out novel that ticks all the boxes – murder, mystery, treason, glorious villains, reluctant heroes and more than a touch of the supernatural.” —Discovering Diamonds

“The author is an excellent storyteller.” British Fantasy Society. “History meets magic, culture meets supernatural… I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys historical fiction with a twist.” —Books Beyond the Story

“This is an exceptionally well-written book which takes one back to the China of 1400.” —That’s Books and Entertainment

“I absolutely loved the mix of fantasy elements well-rooted in Chinese history.” —Jessica Belmont

“I enjoyed the different perspectives and the magical realism.” —Rosie Cawkwell

“This book was part murder mystery and part fantasy with some fabulous villains and heroes.” —Over the Rainbow

“This isn’t your typical coming of age story – it’s filled with tough choices, unexpected surprises, and a destiny that’s bigger than anyone can imagine.” —The Faerie Review

“This epic story has it all – adventure, mystery, villains, the supernatural, and at its heart a true coming of age journey.” —Books and Emma

“This is a book of historical fantasy, but in terms of the fantasy, it is subtle, and firmly rooted in cultural beliefs and superstitions within the time period covered in the book.” —Book Mad Jo

“This is not just a fantasy book, this is a fantasy with history, murder, mystery, legend, myth and of course the supernatural. There are villains and heroes and action and adventure.” —Bookmarks and Stages
 
  You can purchase The Old Dragon’s Head at the following Retailers:
 
          
 

Ten facts about THE OLD DRAGON’S HEAD

1. The Old Dragon’s Head is a story about a wall, as it is set on the far eastern end of the Great Wall of China. The germ for the novel was a short story I wrote called, ‘Vallum Hadriani’,

set on another famous wall, namely Hadrian’s Wall. At the time, I also re-read Franz Kafka’s The Great Wall of China. I remembered that I loved reading in my youth.

2. Some of the non-fiction I read to research the novel included The Art of War by Sun Tzu, The Book of Chung Tzu by Lao Tzu, The Book of Mencius and the T’ao Te Ching.

3. Some of the fiction I read for the research included The Chinese Maze Murders, a Judge Dee Mystery by Robert van Gulik, The Story of the Stone aka The Dream of the Red Chamber, a Chinese Classic, vol. 1., The Golden Days by Cao Xueqin, and Stories Old and New, a Ming Dynasty Collection, Compiled by Feng Menglong.

4. The Old Dragon’s Head was my second novel and took me about a year and a half to write, edit, polish and finish. It was my first historical novel and has four point of view characters.

5. As part of the research into China in the 14th Century, I visited the China sections of the British Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, as they hold some fascinating artifacts of the period. I also corresponded with the curators of the museums about their artifacts.

6. To promote the novel, I wrote and developed an illustrated talk entitled “The Great Ming Code; How the Law Book of the Ming Dynasty attempted to harmonize human society with the will of heaven.”

7. The cover artwork for the book The Old Dragon’s Head was done by Jim Burns, who lives not far from me in Trowbridge, Wiltshire. He has done the covers for all four of my novels now, and a wonderful job he has made of them too.

8. The Old Dragon’s Head is a real place at the far eastern end of the Great Wall of China. In Chinese, Laolongtou is the Chinese word for Old Dragon’s Head. The name of the town there is Shanhaiguan. I would have liked to have visited the area but wasn’t able to do so.

9. To keep out the Mongols, the founder of the Ming Dynasty, the Hongwu Emperor, had a fortress built across a ten-kilometer pass between the Yellow Sea and the Yanshan Mountains in 1381.

10. The biggest gate in the fortress was the Zhendong Gate, above which hangs the famous inscription, “The First Pass Under Heaven,” a sentiment which tells you everything you need to know about the Chinese mind set. One of the ironies of history is that in 1644 a Chinese soldier, disillusioned with the emperor of the time, opened the gates of the fortress and let in the Mongols.


Photo Content from Justin Newland
  
Justin Newland is an author of historical fantasy and secret history thrillers - that’s history with a supernatural twist. His stories feature known events and real people from history which are re-told and examined through the lens of the supernatural. He gives author talks and is a regular contributor to BBC Radio Bristol’s Thought for the Day. He lives with his partner in plain sight of the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England.
 
Author Links: 
 
 
 
 
WEEK ONE
JANUARY 16th MONDAY JeanBookNerd PODCAST
JANUARY 17th TUESDAY TTC Books and More INTERVIEW
JANUARY 18th WEDNESDAY Mythical Books GUEST POST
JANUARY 19th THURSDAY The Candid Cover EXCERPT
JANUARY 20th FRIDAY #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee EXCERPT

WEEK TWO
JANUARY 23rd MONDAY A Court of Coffee and Books EXCERPT
JANUARY 24th TUESDAY Lady Hawkeye GUEST POST
JANUARY 25th WEDNESDAY A Bronx Latina Reads REVIEW
JANUARY 26th THURSDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
JANUARY 27th FRIDAY J.R.'s Book Reviews REVIEW

WEEK THREE
JANUARY 30th MONDAY The Momma Spot REVIEW
JANUARY 31st TUESDAY Laura's Bookish Corner REVIEW
FEBRUARY 1st WEDNESDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
FEBRUARY 2nd THURSDAY Movies, Shows, & Books REVIEW
 
 
 
 
  

November 18, 2022

Book Blast + Giveaway: Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet by Barbara Dee


Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet
Author: Barbara Dee
Publisher: Aladdin
Publication Date: September 27, 2022
Language: English

Description:

Twelve-year-old Haven Jacobs can’t stop thinking about the climate crisis. In fact, her anxiety about the state of the planet is starting to interfere with her schoolwork, her friendships, even her sleep. She can’t stop wondering why grownups aren’t even trying to solve the earth’s problem—and if there’s anything meaningful that she, as a seventh grader, can contribute.

When Haven’s social studies teacher urges her to find a specific, manageable way to make a difference to the planet, Haven focuses on the annual science class project at the local Belmont River, where her class will take samples of the water to analyze. Students have been doing the project for years, and her older brother tells her that his favorite part was studying and catching frogs.
 

But when Haven and her classmates get to the river, there’s no sign of frogs or other wildlife—but there is ample evidence of pollution. The only thing that’s changed by the river is the opening of Gemba, the new factory where Haven’s dad works. It doesn’t take much investigation before Haven is convinced Gemba is behind the slow pollution of the river.

She’s determined to expose Gemba and force them to clean up their act. But when it becomes clear taking action might put her dad’s job—and some friendships—in jeopardy, Haven must decide how far she’s willing to go.


Praise for HAVEN JACOBS SAVES THE PLANET:

"A powerful depiction of the impact of climate change on a young activist’s mental health." —Kirkus Reviews

 
You can purchase Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet at the following Retailers:
        
Photo Credit: Carolyn Simpson

Barbara Dee is the author of twelve middle grade novels including Violets Are Blue, Haven Jacobs Saves the Planet, My Life in the Fish Tank, Maybe He Just Likes You, Everything I Know About You, Halfway Normal, and Star-Crossed. Her books have earned several starred reviews and have been named to many best-of lists, including The Washington Post’s Best Children’s Books, the ALA Notable Children’s Books, the ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project List, the NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People, and the ALA Rainbow List Top Ten. Barbara lives with her family, including a naughty cat named Luna and a sweet rescue hound named Ripley, in Westchester County, New York.

 
 
 
 

November 8, 2022

Discovery of the Five Senses Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway



Discovery of the Five Senses
Author: K.N. Smith
Publisher: Two Petals Publishing
Publication Date: September 29, 2015

Link to Purchase
 
Description:
 
Welcome or unwelcome. Fate has arrived.

“A captivating and poetic tale of mystery, fantasy, and reality tied together by action!” 5-stars, Lars Jackson, Amazon Customer

A suspenseful incident in a forbidden preserve heightens the senses of five friends. Sight, sound, touch, taste, and smell become super-gifts that forever change the world. But furious battles confront the boys as they try to understand their sensory super powers in a race to save mankind. With light beings and mysterious strangers complicating their plight, can the boys defeat the evil Druth before it’s too late? Get prepared for the twisting and grinding of this award-winning, action-adventure story — an edge-of-your-seat narrative for young and mature readers alike. 

Praise for DISCOVERY OF THE FIVE SENSES:

"Brilliantly crafted and written!" —Megan King, Indie Book Reviewers

"An energetic adventure debut with stellar action sequences. Smith's writing is intelligent and often lyrical. Her exuberant prose never fails to dazzle." —Kirkus Media

"Author K.N. Smith uses her mastery of the written word to weave an entrancing, yet powerful tale of adventure that keeps you turning pages in an unquenchable desire to find out what happens next." —Publishers Daily Reviews

"Well written and very creative, 'Discovery of the Five Senses' is an absolute must-read for fans of novels such as Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, etc." —Anabella Johnson, Indie Book Reviewers

"K.N. Smith has an incredible way with words; her descriptions are vivid; you see what the characters are seeing, you feel what they are feeling; you feel like you are there." —Cody Brighton, Indie Book Reviewers

"A wonderful and deeply written emotional adventure." —Self Publishing Review

"K.N. Smith's articulate word imagery is all that is needed to transport readers to a mysterious world. Make the time to connect with this piece of literary prowess. You will not regret it." —V. McDermott, Educator, English Teachers Association of Queensland, Australia


You can purchase Discovery of the Five Senses at the following Retailers:
        
Discovery of the Five Senses is an original young adult novel that blends science fiction and fantasy with action and adventure. The plot was unique and had great potential, but it felt like it got buried under too many other things going on. We're introduced to a ton of characters right off the bat, and we don't even know who the main characters are for awhile. The author wrote the story in the third person, so it was even harder for me to make a connection to any of the characters. The writing was well done and had lots of vivid imagery and detailed descriptions. I felt that the imagery was a bit overdone and was part of the reason the main story line got lost for me. The author combined several different genres to make a unique novel, but it felt like too much at once. The plot was jumping all over the place - from the reserve and the light beings there (fantasy), to the neighboring town that was being overtaken by a dark character (science fiction), and then there were the narratives of each character mixed in. I got confused quickly and because I couldn't connect to any of the characters, my mind wandered and I lost focus multiple times. Please remember that this is my own personal experience and opinion and isn't meant to reflect poorly on the book or the author. Lots of other readers will enjoy all the elements that the author wove together to create this novel. I'd recommend it to fans of YA fiction, fantasy, science fiction, contemporary fiction, and action/adventure.
Photo Content from K.N. Smith 

K.N. Smith, winner of the “Best of” in the category of “Outstanding Young Adult Novel” at the Jessie Redmon Fauset Book Awards, and Readers’ Favorite “Gold Medal” honoree for “Young Adult - Mystery”, is an author and passionate advocate of literacy and arts programs throughout the world. Her lyrical flair sweeps across pages that twist and grind through action-adventure and urban fantasy in edge-of-your-seat narratives. K.N. has over twenty-five years’ experience in communications and creative design as an award-winning consultant. Reading is still her foremost hobby. K.N. inspires people of all ages to reach their highest potential in their creative, educational, and life pursuits. Visit K.N. Smith at www.knsmith.com.
 
WEEK ONE
NOVEMBER 7th MONDAY JeanBookNerd REVIEW
NOVEMBER 8th TUESDAY A Dream Within A Dream REVIEW
NOVEMBER 9th WEDNESDAY Living in a Bookworld REVIEW
NOVEMBER 10th THURSDAY Insane About Books REVIEW
NOVEMBER 11th FRIDAY Laura's Bookish Life REVIEW
NOVEMBER 12th SATURDAY #BRVLBookReviewVorginiaLee REVIEW
NOVEMBER 13th SUNDAY Nay's Pink Bookshelf REVIEW

WEEK TWO
NOVEMBER 14th MONDAY Casia's Corner REVIEW
NOVEMBER 15th TUESDAY Haney Hayes PR REVIEW
NOVEMBER 16th WEDNESDAY J.R.'s Book Reviews REVIEW
NOVEMBER 17th THURSDAY A Bronx Latina Reads REVIEW
NOVEMBER 18th FRIDAY Movies, Shows, & Books REVIEW
NOVEMBER 19th SATURDAY Crossroad Reviews REVIEW
NOVEMBER 20th SUNDAY Cover2CoverBlog REVIEW