Othersphere Blog Tour: Series Review + Giveaway

Welcome to my stop on the official blog tour for Othersphere! Today I'm reviewing the entire series and don't forget to enter the giveaway at the bottom of the post! To follow along with the rest of the tour, click on the banner above!

Otherkin (Otherkin #1)

Author: Nina Berry

Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal

Release Date: July 31, 2012

Publisher: Kensington

Description:

Dez is a good girl who does as she's told and tries not to be noticed. Then she rescues a boy from a cage, and he tells her secrets about herself. Now inside her burns a darkness that will transform her.

Everything is about to change--and neither Caleb, nor the Otherkin, nor those who hunt them, are prepared for what Dez will unleash.  

Otherkin is a fantastic start to what promises to be an amazing YA fantasy/paranormal series. I haven't read any shifter books in quite awhile, so I was really interested when I picked these up for review. Let me tell you - I was NOT disappointed! This book went far beyond any hopes or expectations I may have had for it. The characters were well formed with distinct personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. I loved the main character of Dez. She's down to earth, smart, and a girl who doesn't get into trouble - she's realistic. We definitely get to see her character grow throughout the book as she begins to change into her "real" self and as she learns who - and what - she really is. I absolutely loved the background and history of the Otherkin. I wanted to know as much about them as I could, and I'm really hoping the author shares more of it in the next book. The plot was intriguing with a solid backstory and tons of action, adventure, fantasy and even some romance mixed in. There's something for every genre fan in this book, which really makes it appeal to a wide audience. The writing was incredible with a natural but fast pace and vivid details that made me feel like I was experiencing everything right alongside Dez. Definitely highly recommended for fans of the genre as well as those who want something fresh and different.

                                                        Othermoon (Otherkin #2)

Author: Nina Berry
Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal
Release Date: January 29, 2013
Publisher: Kensington

Description:

Everyone has secrets. I had no idea mine would lead me into shadow. Dez has found the place where she belongs. With the otherkin. With Caleb. Or so she thought. As the barriers between our world and Othersphere fall, a wall rises between Dez and Caleb, leaving her fiercest enemy her only friend.

And maybe something more.

Now Dez must make a devastating choice: keep the love of her life, or save the otherkin from annihilation. 

In Othermoon, Dez is at it again with new obstacles to face and more mysteries she must solve about herself and her new world. This was a solid sequel in a wonderful YA fantasy series that keeps the reader coming back for more. The characters continued to be interesting and well written with realistic personalities. Dez's character continues to grow and change throughout this book, and I really enjoyed watching her coming into her power and place with the Otherkin. There's definitely more romance in this book than the first, but I feel that it only added to the story and made things more interesting - it didn't detract from the main plot of the book at all, but intertwined with it. I continued to enjoy reading as much as I could about the Otherkin and their world. The author writes about them with such vivid descriptions and detailed histories that I get completely sucked into the story from the start. The plot for this book was definitely as interesting as the first, but contained more action and romance - which definitely kept me reading as fast as I could to see what was going to happen. The pace was fast but not rushed, and the writing was again incredibly well done. Very highly recommended for fans of shifter series and fans of YA fantasy/paranormal fiction.

Othersphere (Otherkin #3)

Author: Nina Berry

Genre: YA Fantasy/Paranormal

Release Date: December 31, 20213

Publisher: Kensington

Description:

Dez thought she knew who her mother was, who she was. Thought she had friends, a boy who loved her, and a school where she finally fit in.

But across the veil linking our world and the next lurks a monster which can annihilate. . .or liberate her. Now she must confront it there with help from one boy who loves her and one who can't stand the sight of her.

Dez thought she understood her tiger form, her deepest self. But in this treacherous place, she'll have to choose between the two halves of her soul--and determine which world survives.

Othersphere is the third and final installment in Nina Berry's acclaimed young adult Otherkin series, which blends romance, fantasy, and action in a powerful story of friendship and self-acceptance.

"Filled with suspense, action, friendship, and love, this book will have you on the edge of your seat until the end, when you'll cry out, 'I need more!'" - ParanormalReads.com review of Otherkin, book 1 

Othersphere is the final installment in the Otherkin trilogy and a magnificent ending to Dez's story. I was immediately sucked back into the world that the author created as soon as I started reading this book, and I didn't come up for air until I was finished. There's a ton happening in this book, but it flows very well together and doesn't overwhelm or confuse the reader. Dez continues to be a great leading lady - realistic but with flaws such as self doubt. I really loved her as the main character in this series - she's definitely a strong female lead that makes a great heroine. The other characters were well written too, all with distinctive personalities along with their own strengths and weaknesses. By the end of the series I felt like I knew each of the major characters on a personal level - which made me all the more invested in the outcome of the story. The plot in this final book was fantastic - it was full of action, fantasy, adventure, and romance, but it also deals with more serious issues like loyalty, love, family, and accepting who you really are. It sends a great message underneath all the shifter action. The writing was nothing less than wonderful, which isn't always the case with the last book in a series. I've found that some books in a series get increasingly worse - whether it be the plot, the writing, or both - as the end draws near, but this series is an exception. Every book in this trilogy was exceptionally well written and engages the reader in the world that the author creates. This final book has it's own plot with obstacles, romance, and the final outcome, but it also ties up loose ends for the series and doesn't leave the reader hanging with unanswered questions. It was a great ending to an awesome series that I highly recommend to everyone who enjoys YA fiction, especially fantasy and paranormal.

Nina Berry is the author of the acclaimed YA paranormal OTHERKIN series from KTeen and the upcoming historical thriller PAGAN JONES series from Harlequin Teen. She grew up bodysurfing in Hawaii, learned to throw snowballs at the University of Chicago, and now lives and works in Hollywood, pretending to lead the glamorous life.

When she’s not traveling, reading or tweeting links to save the tiger, she writes all kinds of things, some of which might surprise you.

Nina blogs at ninaberry.com, and you can follow her on Twitter @Ninaberry or hang out with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/writerninaberry.

Purchase Links:

 

AMAZON | BARNES AND NOBLE | INDIE BOUND | SONY READER STORE | POWELL’S 

 

Must be 13+ To Enter | Open to Internationally for only the bookmarks. Other 2 prizes ship in US only. 

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The Ferryman and the Flame Blog Tour: Series Review & Giveaway

Surrender (The Ferryman and the Flame #1)
Author: Rhiannon Paille
Genre: YA Fantasy
Release Date: October 2, 2012

Description:

How far would you go to save everything you ever loved?

Kaliel was warned about her love for the Ferryman. One day he will marry the land and leave Avristar forever. She doesn't listen, and because of what she is-- a Flame-- one of nine apocalyptic weapons, she sparks a war. In a desperate attempt to save her home and her love, Kaliel tries to awaken Avred, not knowing she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.  

Lantern & Poison (The Ferryman and the Flame #1.5)
Author: Rhiannon Paille
Release Date: December 11, 2012

Description:

This is SURRENDER from the villain's POV.

Hadwen is no more. The Daed have no choice but to travel to Avrigost to awaken Crestaos. They're thrown into a whirlwind quest for the Flames, not knowing how ruthless and sadistic Crestaos can be.

Meet Isadora The Iolite Flame, Lotesse The Emerald Flame, Cossisea The Ruby Flame, Shezeel The Quartz Flame and Tiki The Carnelian Flame in this novella that dives deeper into Kaliel and Krishani's nightmare. 

Justice (The Ferryman and the Flame #2)
Author: Rhiannon Paille
Release Date: January 22, 2013

Description:

How far would you go to destroy yourself?

Krishani always knew he would have to go to the Lands of Men, but he never thought it would be like this. Enemies everywhere, an ancestor he can't respect, elders he can't trust, a curse he can't stop and friends he can't help but hate. Desperate to end the pain, he sets out on a quest to find the other Flames and face the enemy that took everything from him.  

Blood & Gold (The Ferryman and the Flame #2.5)
Author: Rhiannon Paille
Expected Release Date: June 2013 

Description:

This is JUSTICE from the villain's POV.

The Daed are pawns to one of the most powerful members of the Valtanyana. Crestaos is insane, his hunger for the Flames insatiable. The closer the Daed get to achieving his goal, the more expendable they become.  

The Ferryman and the Flame series is an completely intriguing and enthralling young adult fantasy series. I haven't read much serious fantasy fiction before, so this series was a great experience to break me into the genre. The world that the author has created is epic in its scope, detail, intricacy, and depiction. Every description is vivid and I could easily shut my eyes and see what was happening as though I were right there alongside the characters. The various peoples and places described throughout the series really fascinated me and I loved learning more and more about them as the series continues to progress. The individual characters that we get to know are realistic - they are complicated and flawed - yet easy to identify and empathize with. Even in the novellas, which are both told from the villain's POV, it's hard to keep yourself objective and unwavering while reading. The novellas really bring a unique aspect to the story because the reader gets to see and experience events and characters from a completely new and different viewpoint. It's really hard for me to attempt to describe the vastness and yet the intimate nature with which this series has been written. It's truly a work of great talent and fans of fantasy novels shouldn't pass these books by. The writing of the books was impeccable and flowed effortlessly from one scene into the next. The books even pick up seamlessly where the others leave off - so it keeps the timeline intact and fresh in the reader's mind. I don't want to go into a lot of detail concerning the plot of the books, because I want to avoid spoilers and an excessively long review. So, I will cut myself off before I begin to rattle on by saying that this is definitely a series that should be read by readers who enjoy all sorts of genres. It has something for everyone and the writing itself, along with the amazing storyline, will appeal to readers of all ages and genre preferences. Highly recommended - don't miss out on this series!!

Rhi was never a normal girl. Her life was an urban fantasy wrapped in a paranormal romance and served with a side of horror. To escape her everyday weirdness she began writing fantasy. She studied at U of Sedona and MIMT, obtaining a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. She's married to a chef/comic book shop owner and has a fondness for architecture. She frequents twitter and facebook, but if you really want to get to know her you should visit her site: www.yafantasyauthor.com
 
Author Links:
Website: http://www.yafantasyauthor.com/
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4653530.Rhiannon_Paille
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RhiannonPaille
Twitter: https://twitter.com/rhiannonpaille 

Giveaway: (1) person will win the entire ebook series of The Ferryman and the Flame! Open Internationally!

 

Don't forget to enter the tour-wide giveaway too! You can enter both giveaways below!

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Madly Series Tour: Series Review & Giveaway!

 

MADLY (Madly #1)

Madly is your average nearly-eighteen year old girl—for a princess, that is.

Madly James is thoroughly enjoying her internship in the small town of Slumber when the unthinkable happens—there’s a prison break in Atlas, the magically-protected home of Madly’s race. A traitor has set free eight Lore, the spirits of what humans know as fairy tales, and they are making their way to Slumber to awaken their descendants. 

In order to save her home, the lives of her family, and all of humanity, Madly must learn to wield her exceptional powers and recapture the Lore before it’s too late and all is lost. But Madly’s only help are her two best friends and the Sentinel, Jackson Hamilton, that threatens both her heart and her destiny. Madly has loved Jackson as long as she can remember, but he is the one thing even a princess can’t have. Can she resist love to become the queen she was fated to be? Or can she find a way to have both?

This novelette introduces you to Madly and prepares you for the quest of a lifetime.

MADLY & Wolfhardt (Madly #2)

Madly James is thoroughly enjoying her internship in the small town of Slumber when the unthinkable happens—there’s a prison break in Atlas, the magically-protected home of Madly’s race. A traitor has set free eight Lore, the spirits of what humans know as fairy tales, and they are making their way to Slumber to awaken their descendants. 

The first spirit to arrive is that of Ulrich Wolfhardt, a man that was once obsessed with wolves and a young maiden he would follow through the woods. After a bite from a wolf, Wolfhardt’s obsession with the girl became an unnatural hunger and the young maiden’s grandmother cursed him with a fate worse than death. And now he’s back…with a vengeance and a bite that can infect others as well.

Madly must learn the identity of Wolfhardt’s descendant and stop him before he kills again and spreads his curse across the earth. But the only person strong enough to help Madly is Jackson, the Sentinel who vowed to protect her and the one person capable of breaking her heart. Can Madly resist forbidden love long enough to save the world from Wolfhardt? Or will she have to sacrifice her heart and her destiny to save the ones she loves?

MADLY & The Jackal (Madly #3)

How deep does love run? Deeper than the ocean? Deeper than memory? Deeper than magic?

Following their plan to save Atlas, Madly and Jackson return the spirit of Wolfhardt to his prison beneath the sea. But even the best laid plans couldn’t account for the surprises they find. This time, Lore aren’t their only challenges. 

Madly is special in ways no one could have guessed and dark forces seek to control her. They want her power, but first they must weaken her. They need her beaten. Vulnerable. Near death. And alone. But that task isn’t an easy one with Jackson at her side. The strongest of their kind, the only way to separate Jackson from Madly is to destroy his love for her, to erase it from his mind. And his heart. 

Is it possible to steal Jackson’s love from Madly? Or is their love the only truly unbreakable thing?

Series Review:

The Madly series is some of the best mermaid fiction I've ever read. I'm not a huge fan of mermaid fiction, but this series has endeared itself to me. The first book in the series, Madly, is a short novella that introduces the reader to the characters, the world of Atlas and Slumber, and to the back story of the series. Even though the first book is really short, I immediately fell in love with the storyline and the characters. Madly is a fiesty heroine who also happens to be Mer royalty. Her relationship with Jackson is super intense and only gets better as the series develops. 

The second and third books in the series were full length novels, which made me excited. The story continues effortlessly from each book into the next, which makes for great flow. The characters grow and gain more depth with each novel, which makes them all the more realistic and easy to root for. As I mentioned, the romance between Madly and Jackson is really steamy. I normally don't care for a ton of romance in young adult fiction because it comes off as corny, but this relationship was spot on for me. The scenes between Madly and Jackson are so well written that my toes were tingling and I had butterflies in my stomach. I rarely get physical reactions from novels, and when I do - I know that it is something really well done. 

I really liked how the author explained the back story of the Mer culture and history, as well as the history of Slumber and its inhabitants. She went above and beyond by not just writing about mermaids, but including other interesting beings - such as the Lore and Seers, which I thought added a ton of uniqueness to the series. The series deals with serious issues that all readers can identify with; ones like family, friends, fate, courage, love, and responsibility. It's definitely a fresh voice in the mermaid and young adult genre. I honestly can't say enough about this series. It captured my imagination, my mind, and my heart early on. I couldn't stop reading the books, and I certainly didn't want them to end. This is honestly one of the best young adult series I've ever read. Highly, highly recommended!

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Before you enter for the giveaway, make sure you get your ebook copy of MADLY - it's currently being offered for FREE on Amazon and Barnes and Noble!!

 

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