Showing posts with label Kristin Cast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kristin Cast. Show all posts

October 25, 2019

Forgotten Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

https://fantasticflyingbookclub.blogspot.com/2019/09/tour-schedule-forgotten-house-of-night.html



Forgotten (House of Night Other World #3)
Author: P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal
Release Date: October 29, 2019
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
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Synopsis:



Before he was freed by Neferet, Kalona was imprisoned within the earth for centuries because of the Darkness in his heart. But what happened to the Other World’s Kalona? It’s as though he’s been forgotten, or maybe he never existed at all … 



In the present, Other Neferet may have left her House of Night, but she has far from given up her goal of immortality and world domination. As she operates in secret to gain access to Old Magick, the new High Priestess, Anastasia Langford, works toward peace and acceptance for the vampyres of the Other World. But just as Other Kevin’s broken heart will take time to heal, peace in that world will also take time and work—and not all of the Other World vampyres want peace. After all, why should they return to being shunned by humans, especially when they’ve had a taste of how it feels to be in power? 



Meanwhile, Zoey is desperate to help rid the Other World of Neferet once and for all, and not knowing what’s going on over there is eating away at her. But, as the Nerd Herd warns, it’s far too dangerous to call on Old Magick time and again. As a distraction, she throws herself into her work and attempts to bring the humans and vampyres of Tulsa closer together with the first human-vampyre swim meet in history! It’s too bad that something always seems to go wrong whenever the stakes are high. 



What happens when worlds clash and powers that should be left alone are awakened? Can Other Kevin and his world heal from the wounds Neferet continues to inflict? Can Old Magick ever truly be harnessed and used for good? Or will Darkness extinguish Light and leave our heroes broken, hopeless, and as forgotten as Kalona of the Silver Wings? Don’t miss this second to last volume in the House of Night Other World saga!
Forgotten is another enchanting installment in the young adult fantasy House of Night Other World series. I have read several books by these authors, including the original House of Night series, so I had a pretty good idea of what to expect when I started reading. I guess it had been too long since I last read one of the HoN books because I was blown away by all of the wonderful aspects the story contains. The world building is stunning and so intricate. One of the big reasons why I love these books is because there is so much care and detail used in creating the world(s) the characters inhabit. I loved the vivid imagery and descriptions used to bring these worlds to life before our eyes. At any time during the book, I felt like I could close my eyes and be transported to wherever the characters were at that moment. The authors have created a massive world throughout this series - with multiple time lines, periods of time and space, and now even multiple worlds. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I felt like I was right inside the story with the characters experiencing everything along with them.

Another major aspect of the book and the series is the wide array of characters. We meet and get to know so many main and major characters over the course of the series. Each one is unique with their own positive qualities and flaws - which makes each and every one of them realistic and easy to connect with. We're introduced to not only normal characters, but now "Other" characters that exist in a different world than the mainstream ones. It sounds confusing, but if you read the books you'll understand and it won't be an issue. I loved getting to know these other versions of characters and how they are both similar and different from the ones I got to know in the other books. Again, the amount of characters and all of their realistic traits and flaws is quite amazing if you take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Not many authors can pull off such a wide array of characters and an enormous world and timelines - but these ladies definitely did it. Quite spectacularly, in my opinion. That being said, I do have one small issue that is wholly personal on my part. It's the writing style the authors chose to use for the book. I almost always prefer the first person point of view when reading because I feel it allows for a deeper and more personal connection between the reader and the narrator. However, this book was written in the third person and that did have a bit of a negative impact on me personally. I completely understand why this writing style was used, but I'm stubborn when it comes to my POV preferences and this just fell a little short. Don't get me wrong - I loved the book and everything about it. I just personally feel like it would've been a lot better if it had been done in the first person instead of the third person. Again - this is a weird personal issue of mine that applies to every single book and not just this one, and most readers won't give it another thought.

I don't want to go into the plot very much because I don't want to accidentally give anything away, but I do highly suggest reading at least the other two books in the House of Night Other World series before this one or you might get confused. I think it would be a much better experience if you were already familiar with the world, the characters, and the larger over-arcing plot. That being said, I'm so glad that there's still another book left in this series! I definitely don't want to say goodbye to Zoey and the Nerd Herd yet and I can't wait to see where the next book will take us. Definitely recommended for fans of the House of Night series, YA fiction, fantasy, and paranormal.
P.C. Cast
PC was born in the Midwest, and grew up being shuttled back-and-forth between Illinois and Oklahoma, which is where she fell in love with Quarter Horses and mythology (at about the same time). After high school, she joined the United States Air Force and began public speaking and writing. After her tour in the USAF, she taught high school for 15 years before retiring to write full time. PC is a #1 New York Times and #1 USA Today Best-Selling author and a member of the Oklahoma Writers Hall of Fame. Her novels have been awarded the prestigious: Oklahoma Book Award, YALSA Quick Pick for Reluctant Readers, Romantic Times Reviewers’ Choice Award, the Prism, Holt Medallion, Daphne du Maurier, Booksellers’ Best, and the Laurel Wreath. PC is an experienced teacher and talented speaker. Ms. Cast lives in Oregon near her fabulous daughter, her adorable pack of dogs, her crazy Maine Coon, and a bunch of horses. House of Night Other World, book 1, LOVED, releases July 11th. SUN WARRIOR, book 2 in the Tales of a New World series releases October 17th. 

Kristin Cast
Kristin Cast is a #1 NY Times and #1 USA Today bestselling author who teamed with her mother to write the wildly successful HOUSE OF NIGHT series. She has editorial credits, a thriving t-shirt line, and a passion for all things paranormal.



When away from her writing desk, Kristin loves going on adventures with her friends, family, and significant other, playing with her French Bulldogs (Grace Kelly and Sir Laurence Olivier), and discovering new hobbies. This year she'll work on handstands, gardening, and taking her new puppy (Baloo) to puppy classes.


#HoNLoved releases July 11th.
Win (1) of (2) HOUSE OF NIGHT OTHER WORLD bundles: a copy of LOVED, LOST and FORGOTTEN by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast and some swag (US Only)
Starts: October 23, 2019
Ends: November 6, 2019

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June 16, 2015

Amber Smoke Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

http://www.memyshelfandi.com/2015/03/mmsai-tours-presents-amber-smoke-by.html
Hey everyone! Welcome to my stop on the official blog tour for Amber Smoke by Kristin Cast! I'm so excited to be a part of this amazing tour!! Today I'll be sharing my review of the book - and don't forget to enter the awesome giveaway! To follow the rest of the tour stops, click on the banner above.


Amber Smoke (The Escaped #1)
Author: Kristin Cast
Genre: New Adult Fantasy/Mythology/Romance
Release Date: June 9, 2015
Publisher: Diversion Books
ISBN: e-9781626815520 | p-9781626815537
Price: ebook - $9.99 | paperback - $14.99

Description:

There is a world that runs parallel to our own, a world in which the souls of the damned are caged, where they are looked over by the Furies, and where they spend eternity in torment, mirroring the devastation and mayhem they created when alive.

Someone has opened the cage.

The worst of terrors has crossed the barrier that separates our world from theirs, and the Furies send a great, albeit untested warrior—their only son, Alek—to try to bring those souls back. He is young and handsome, headstrong and impulsive, and he won’t be able to do it alone.

Eva has grown up, beautiful and beloved, but surrounded by secrets. First, she will be hunted in an ancient feud that will threaten her life. Then, she will become the hunter.

With the police closing in and two worlds on the verge of crumbling around them, Alek and Eva must find each other, discover the limits of their powers, and work together to save everything they hold dear, including one another. Blending elements of mythology with the dazzling storytelling that her fans have devoured through the House of Night series, Kristin Cast weaves a spellbinding and passionate tale that starts a thrilling new series with an explosive charge. 

PRAISE:


"Amber Smoke is thrilling and funny with just the right amount of magic. Brilliant job, Kristin Cast!" —Kresley Cole, #1 New York Times bestselling author

"I love Kristin Cast! In Amber Smoke, Cast's wit, creativity and talent shine! I turned the pages at lightning speed, ready for more! What a tasty treat!" —Gena Showalter, New York Times & USA Today bestselling author 

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24795823-amber-smoke?ac=1
Amber Smoke is the electrifying first book in a New Adult fantasy romance series that will leave readers breathless and begging for more. It melds together Greek mythology and the present day in a truly unique story. I've always enjoyed reading mythology and the trend in the YA genre shows its popularity. This book deals a lot with the Furies - three sisters who watch over both Tartarus (the Underworld) and the Mortal Realm. They keep everything in order and will reign down justice when needed. They also help keep all of the damned souls trapped in the Underworld so they can't escape back into the Mortal Realm. The book opens with a short background on the different Greek myths - especially the Furies - and it also introduces us to Alek, one of the main characters in the book - and also an immortal son to the Furies. We learn that the evil beings trapped in the Underworld have escaped and are now wreaking havoc in the Mortal Realm. If it's not stopped, the curse that was created will destroy both Tartarus and Earth. Alek is trained his entire life to be the warrior whose destiny it is to break the curse and save both worlds. He learns that in order to win this war, he can't do it alone. He must work alongside a descendant of Pythia - the original Oracle of Delphi. He doesn't see how some human girl is going to battle by his side, but he must do as he's told. Eva is our other main character and, obviously, the descendant of Pythia that Alek must find. She has no idea about her heritage and her otherworldly powers are only awakened after she has died - only to be brought back to life by Alek. Once Eva begins to understand who she is, what is happening in both worlds, and what she and Alek must do to stop it - she dives in with a fierce determination. And so, their journey begins.

As I said, I loved reading up on the Greek mythology included in the book. It was fascinating and wasn't a topic that's been overdone. The entire plot was original and truly mesmerizing. It took me a little while to get immersed into the book, but once I was able to slip inside the author's worlds, I didn't come up for air until I had finished it. The pace starts off sort of slow with some background on the characters and the tale of how all of the terrible things began. Once the plot picks up speed - it doesn't slow back down. There's some suspense in the story that made things really thrilling and I was reading as fast as I could to see what was going to happen. The two main characters - Alek and Eva - are wonderful and they complement each other in the best of ways. It's obvious when you read the description that there's going to be some romance going on - and it involves Eva and Alek. Even though I knew that it was going to happen at some point in the book, I still really enjoyed watching them meet for the first time and then seeing their relationship grow into something more than just friendship or camaraderie. Since this is a New Adult book, there were definitely some steamy scenes throughout the story - not that I'm complaining! They were hot and really showed the chemistry between Alek and Eva. It almost seemed like the whole steamy romance aspect was a bonus inside of the main plot - like a sexy surprise for the reader. 

The plot was gripping and authentic - I've never really read anything like this before. It definitely brings a breath of fresh air into the mythology trend that's been happening lately. The writing was incredibly well done with acute attention to detail and vivid imagery - to the point where I could easily shut my eyes and see myself alongside the characters. Even though the book is written in the third person and the narration is divided between focusing on Eva and Alek, it was done in a way that didn't confuse me as a reader and allowed me to follow the story through each of the two characters. I always prefer first person point of view because it gives the reader such a more personal connection with the character(s), and I feel that it would have been sensational if the author had done the book in this style. That sort of held me back from really connecting and empathizing with the characters - because I wasn't able to get a look inside their minds at all the thoughts and emotions we don't normally get to see otherwise. The author did an incredible job of making the characters realistic. There's so much that happens throughout the book - several smaller story lines that finally merge into the main plot. It would take forever to touch on all of these, so I'll just say that all of the subplots come together effortlessly with the overarching story in a way that felt natural and seamless. I could continue talking and fangirling for a really long time, so I'll have to leave it at that. I'm so excited that this is just the first book in the series! I'm already dying to read the next installment to see where the author will take us and what will happen. I very highly recommend this book to fans of mythology, fantasy, and romance - along with readers who like suspense and action, as well as those who want a thoroughly riveting novel that brings fresh air into the genre.

Kristin Cast is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author who teamed with her mother to write the wildly successful House of Night series. She has editorial credits, a thriving t-shirt line, and a passion for all things paranormal. When away from her writing desk, Kristin loves relaxing with her significant other and their dogs, and discovering new hobbies. This year she'll work on swimming, yoga, and adding to her Doctor Who collection. 

Author Links:
Website: http://www.kcastauthor.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KristinCastAuthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KCastAuthor
Instagram: https://instagram.com/kcastauthor/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/KCastAuthor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChPBs3smg3T5HubzW-H_qfA 

Book Links:
Booklaunch 
Pinterest Book Page 
Amazon 
Barnes and Noble
iBooks 
Kobo


One winner will get: (1) signed copy of the book (print), $50 Nook gift card, temporary tattoo metallic (book inspired object). Open to US only!





 
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January 27, 2015

Cover Reveal + Giveaway: Amber Smoke by Kristin Cast



Amber Smoke (The Escaped #1)
Author: Kristin Cast
Genre: New Adult Paranormal
Expected Release Date: June 9, 2015
Publisher: Diversion Books

Description:

The door to the massive New York Times bestselling HOUSE OF NIGHT series has closed.  Now, Kristin Cast kicks down a new door to welcome her millions of fans to her latest sizzling series.

There is a world that runs parallel to our own, a world in which the souls of the damned are caged, where they are looked over by the Furies, and where they spend eternity in torment, mirroring the devastation and mayhem they created when alive.

Someone has opened the cage.

The worst of terrors has crossed the barrier that separates our world from theirs, and the Furies send a great, albeit untested warrior—their only son, Alek—to try to bring those souls back.  He is young and handsome, headstrong and impulsive, and he won’t be able to do it alone.

Eva has grown up, beautiful and beloved, but surrounded by secrets.  First, she will be hunted in an ancient feud that will threaten her life.  Then, she will become the hunter.

With the police closing in and two worlds on the verge of crumbling around them, Alek and Eva must find each other, discover the limits of their powers, and work together to save everything they hold dear, including one another.  Blending elements of mythology with the dazzling storytelling that her fans have devoured through the HOUSE OF NIGHT series, Kristin Cast weaves a spellbinding and passionate tale that starts a thrilling new series with an explosive charge.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23946098-amber-smoke?ac=1
Kristin Cast is a NY Times and USA Today bestselling author who teamed with her mother to write the young adult House of Night series. She has stories in several anthologies, as well as editorial credits, and a thriving t-shirt line. The first book in her new adult paranormal romance series releases June 9th, 2015!

Author Links:
Pre-Order Links:


 





What do you think of the cover? Are you as excited for this book as I am? Leave a comment!