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Saturday, February 1, 2014

Take a look at Author Elise Stokes excitings YA series, appropriate for readers ages 12+



Featured Book of the day-

Cassidy Jones and The Secret Formula 
(Cassidy Jones Series)

 

Featured Author-  Elise Stokes


~Bio~

Elise Stokes lives with her husband and four children. She was an elementary school teacher before becoming a full-time mom. With a daughter in middle school and two in high school, Elise's understanding of the challenges facing girls in that age range inspired her to create a series that will motivate girls to value individualism, courage, integrity, and intelligence. The stories in Cassidy Jones Adventures are fun and relatable, and a bit edgy without taking the reader uncomfortably out of bounds. Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula, Cassidy Jones and Vulcan's Gift, and Cassidy Jones and the Seventh Attendant are the first three books in the series. Book Four, Cassidy Jones and the Luminous, will be released in 2014.

Description- Cassidy Jones and The Secret Formula

One Girl. One Accident. One Incredible Superhero.  
        
Cassidy Jones is your typical fourteen-year-old-- that is, until a seemingly harmless accident in the laboratory of a world-renowned geneticist turns her world upside down.

Discovering incredible strength, speed, and enhanced physical senses that defy logic, Cassidy embarks on an action-packed adventure that has her fighting for answers...and for her very life.

Excerpt-
Chapter Nine: A New Friend
Summary: Cassidy takes Emery into her confidence.

We sat on opposite benches, our knees a foot apart. 
Emery watched me curiously while I considered 
how to start. I resorted to small talk. 

 “Uh, Emery, so where do you live?” 

 “We rent a condo near Wallingford,” he answered 
patiently, making no attempt to elaborate. 

 “Oh.” I touched my forehead. “Were you born in 
Seattle?” 

 “No, Washington, D.C.” Placing his forearms on 
his knees, he leaned forward. “How did you hurt your 
forehead?” 

 I dropped my hand. “Funny. That’s what I want to 
talk to you about.” 

 Intently looking at my face, he waited for me to 
continue. 

 I touched my nose. “Before yesterday, I had freckles. 
They were light, but they were there.” 

 Narrowing his eyes on my nose, he attempted to 
decipher. 

 Taking a deep breath, I continued, “Sorry, that didn’t 
make any sense. Let me put it this way—I had freckles 
when I went to your mom’s lab with my dad.” 

 His expression became so intense, frightening 
almost, that I hesitated. My feelings about him were 
conflicted. He made me uneasy. Everything about him 
was so foreign. 

 Emery’s voice took on a soothing tone. “I understand 
that you injured your head in my mom’s lab. Please, tell 
me how. You can trust me. I want to help you.” 

 I searched his eyes. It was difficult to penetrate 
through the blackness, adding to my unease. “I don’t 
think you can.” 

 Impulsively, or maybe intentionally, he grabbed 
my hand, holding it between his. “Please, tell me,” he 
repeated. 

 I took another deep, tortured breath. “Your mom 
had something cooking in beakers on that Bunsen 
burner near the coffeemaker. While Dad interviewed 
her, I sat on a stool next to them. The stool collapsed 
and I fell, knocking everything over onto the table. 
When the liquids ran together, they formed this white 
cloud, and I breathed it in. It’s difficult to explain exactly 
what happened. My whole body felt like it was on fire, 
melting from the inside, and then everything went 
black. I guess I passed out or something. Afterward, I 
was…changed.” 

 “What do you mean by ‘changed’?” he asked, slowly 
and calmly, squeezing my hand. 

 Pulling my hand from his grip, I lifted it to my fore- 
head. “When I passed out, I hit my head on the edge of 
the counter. My forehead split, or at least, that’s what 
Dad and Ben said, and with all the blood, I don’t think 
they were wrong.” My fingers trembled against the 
gauze. “The doctor at the ER said it was only a surface 
wound. He thought Dad and Ben had been fooled by 
the blood, thinking it was worse than it really was. He 
put a bandage over it and this gauze.” 

 Emery’s gaze fixed on my unsteady fingers, watching 
as I pinched the surgical tape and hesitantly pulled the 
gauze away, exposing my forehead. His eyes filled with 
disbelief. 

 “How did this happen, Emery?” 

 Shaking his head, his gaze dropped to his hands in 
his lap. 

 Quiet minutes ticked by. With each passing one, 
I sank deeper into despair. When I couldn’t take 
the silence anymore, I pleaded, “Please, Emery, say 
something.” 

 “Be patient. I’m thinking.” 

 “Well, think out loud.” 

 Smiling slightly cock-eyed, he said, “Trust me, you 
don’t want me to do that.” 

 Does he think this is a joke? Furious, I slapped the 
gauze on my forehead. “Trust you? Apparently that was 
a mistake.” Abruptly, I stood up, causing the swing to 
sway. 

 “Cassidy, sit down,” Emery commanded calmly. 

 Glaring, I sat. I had nowhere else to go. 

 “Trusting me is the right thing to do. Aside from 
my mom, I’m the only other person who understands 
anything of depth about Formula 10X.”

 “Formula 10X?” I said with hope. “That’s what was 
in the beakers?” 

 “Yes, or at least, a variation of it. I don’t know for 
certain, because she kept her latest experimentation 
with the formula undisclosed.” 

 “Why would she keep it a secret from you?” I asked, 
truly interested. 

 He smiled to himself. “That’s the way she is. I assume 
she wanted to prove out her new theories before bring- 
ing me back in.” 

 Strange, I thought. He says this like he didn’t ask her 
about it. Why wouldn’t he ask? “Well, she did it. It works. 
I’m living proof she succeeded.” 

 “No, I don’t think she did,” he disagreed, sounding 
regretful. “How the formula has affected you would not 
have been her intention.” Pausing, he looked thoughtful. 
“However, it’s premature for me to come to that con- 
clusion until I know precisely how you’ve been affected, 
or changed, as you put it. Tell me everything.” 

 “Everything” poured out at once. I ended my 
twenty-seven-hour saga with this: “At the police station, 
I thought you’d figured it all out. The way you looked 
at me all intense, it seemed like you guessed everything 
that was going on.” 

 Shaking his head, Emery smiled. “Though I admit I 
did find your behavior odd, I wouldn’t have guessed this 
in a million years.” 

 Despite the situation, I laughed. He found my behavior 
odd? I also thought the “million years” was an exaggera- 
tion. I had a feeling Emery wasn’t in the dark about 
anything for long. “Okay, now you know everything. 
What do you think?” 

 Silence was his only response as he studied my face. 
His scrutiny reminded me of his mother’s—clinical, 
detached—like he observed me under a microscope. 
This was disturbing, to say the least. 

 My brow furrowed. “Stop staring at me like that. I 
know I’m a freak.” 

 “Cassidy, you are not a freak,” he contradicted, his 
expression softening. “Don’t ever say or think that. I 
certainly don’t view you that way. I’m only astounded 
by how you’ve been affected. From a scientific perspec- 
tive, it’s impossible.” 

 “It can’t be.” My eyes welled. “Look at me.” 

 Alert to the coming despair, Emery placed a reas- 
suring hand on my shoulder. “But that doesn’t mean we 
won’t find a solution. I promise you, we will.” 

 Emery spoke with such earnest confidence that I 
couldn’t help but believe him. Nodding agreement, I 
dabbed my wet eyes with my sleeve. 

 Dropping his hand from my shoulder, he said in a 
formal tone, “Allow me to tell you about Formula 10X. 
It’s a type of gene therapy containing a variety of animal 
DNA, among many other components. My mom’s goal 
is to find a way to manipulate these DNAs to benefit a 
human recipient by choosing genes that represent dif- 
ferent strengths of the nonhuman and infusing those 
genes into the weakened cells and tissues of the human. 
For example, a human who is crippled would perhaps 
be infused with puma genes, since they are known for 
their agility and strength. The goal is not to make the 
human like the puma, but to restore the human’s func- 
tion and health within a normal range.”

 “Well, why am I like a puma, then?” 

 “I don’t know exactly. Obviously, by your intense 
physical reaction when initially exposed, something in 
the formula overloaded your nervous system. Maybe 
10X affected you so extremely because you’re a young, 
healthy girl who received the formula in its entirety. 
What I mean is, you would have never been a 10X 
candidate, since you suffer none of the disabilities and 
ailments an appropriate candidate would. Also, the 
recipient would have been administered the formula 
in small doses, tailored to their needs. Your exposure 
was radical, and now you’re experiencing the full potent 
affects of 10X. Do you understand?” 

 I nodded. “I think so. It’s like a glass half filled with 
water, slowly having more added until it reaches the rim. 
I was already a full glass, and 10X was an entire pitcher 
poured into me at once.” Dread brewed inside me as I 
continued. “And now that the water has spilled, there’s no 
way to tell where it will go or what will happen to it.” 

 “That’s one way to look at it,” Emery said, dismally 
looking at the woods. For several seconds he didn’t 
speak, lost in thought. 

 During those quiet seconds, I stared at the ground, 
not thinking, only waiting. When I felt his eyes on my 
face, I looked up. His expression was determined. 

 “None of this makes sense, but obviously, it isn’t 
impossible. As you pointed out, you’re living proof. 
Since it isn’t impossible, there is an answer and solution. 
Tell me again, in detail, what you experienced when the 
liquids converged.” 

 Quickly, I explained again. Finishing the account, I 
held my breath expectantly. 

 Smiling slightly, he shrugged. “I have nothing.” 

 My breath rushed out in an offended gust. “What? 
Do you think this is a game or something?” 

 “No,” he quickly clarified. “I’m sorry, Cassidy, that 
came across as glib. I truly have nothing, and it frus- 
trates me. I understand the compounds turned to a gas, 
but I have no idea why. And I have no idea what they 
formed or why your nervous system reacted so violently 
when you inhaled the gas. There has to be an unknown, 
a catalyst that pushed everything over the edge. What 
that catalyst is, again, I haven’t a clue…Cassidy, are you 
listening to me?” 

 Actually, I wasn’t. A black cat near the path leading 
to the woods had caught my eye. Low to the ground, 
it focused intensely on something in the tall grass. 
I recognized what it was doing because I had done it 
myself. The cat was hunting, stalking its prey. After 
commando-crawling toward its victim, it sank low in 
the grass, anticipating the kill. Opportunity arrived. 
Black fur gracefully glided through the air. The cat 
easily landed on the unfortunate victim: a brown field 
mouse. 

 I watched the cat excitedly toss the mouse in the air, 
remorselessly tormenting its victim. Dread slid through 
my stomach. “Emery, you mentioned pumas. Do you 
think there was cat DNA in that stuff I sucked in?” 

 Turning back to him, I saw that he had been watch- 
ing the cat, too. He replied, “She experimented with 
feline DNA.” 

 I took this as a yes. Oh, geez. 

 “There is another thing I’ve noticed different about 
me,” I began hesitantly. Emery looked back at me, and 
I could feel my cheeks warm under his gaze. I really 
didn’t want to bring this up, but thought I should after 
what he witnessed at the sports field. “I don’t usually 
have meltdowns. I’m not one of those emotional girls… 
at least, I wasn’t…I have no idea why I started bawling 
like that.” 

 His response wasn’t hesitant at all. “The changes 
you’ve experienced are not only physical, but chemical, 
so it stands to reason you will be more prone to mood 
swings and extreme reactions. And it will be more diffi- 
cult—how should I say it?—to shove feelings down.” 

 I stared at him in surprise. He had pegged me. I 
was the queen of shoving down unwanted feelings. “If 
you’re right, Emery, poor me—poor everyone.” 

 To this, he only smiled, and then said, “It’s about 
time you showed me what you can do.” Glancing across 
the sprawling lawn, his eyes settled on a couple lying 
together on the grass. They were far enough away that 
their facial features were indistinguishable. “Tell me 
about them.” 

 Rising to the challenge, I adjusted the couple until 
they appeared a few feet away. On their stomachs, they 
turned their heads in so they were nose to nose. 

 “Okay, the guy has shoulder-length, brown—” 

 Emery interrupted, squinting his eyes. “You’ll have 
to do better than that. Even I can see his hair.” 

 “Well, can you see he has a silver hoop through 
the right side of his bushy, black unibrow? And there’s 
a mole smack in the middle of his left cheek.” I gri- 
maced. “Geez, he should have that removed. Okay, his 
girlfriend has multiple piercings. She looks like a pin 
cushion. There are three small hoops through her left 
eyebrow. One. Two. Three. No, four diamond studs on 
the left side of her nose. Gross. A gold hoop hanging 
between her nostrils—” 

 With a look of distaste, Emery cut in. “You’ve con- 
vinced me with vision. All right, they appear to be 
talking. Can you hear what they’re saying?” 

 “No prob.” I smiled confidently, weeding through 
surrounding noise. After a moment, I tuned into the 
man’s husky whispers. “Okay, got them. He’s saying—” 
My jaw dropped. Immediately, I severed the connec- 
tion, but not before turning bright red. 

 Emery laughed hysterically. 

 Still blushing, I watched him sternly. Every time he 
looked at me, he laughed harder. Child prodigy or not, 
ultimately, boys will be boys. 

 Taking a deep breath, he suddenly composed 
himself. “Sorry, Cassidy, but your expression was hys- 
terical. You’ve convinced me that you heard them.” He 
grinned. 

 In response, I scowled. 

 “Again, I apologize,” he repeated with an amused 
grin. “All right, let’s move on to another test.” Scanning 
the park, his gaze settled behind me. “Don’t turn around. 
Behind you, that toddler is now eating something.” 

 Closing my eyes, I sniffed the air. There were so 
many competing scents. “Is it sweet?” I asked. 

 “Yes, it is.” 

 Nodding, I took in a deep breath. Distinguish- 
ing scents, I pinpointed a sweet, edible one close by. 
Opening my eyes, I grinned. “My, you’re tricky, Emery. 
First of all, that isn’t called eating. That’s called drink- 
ing, and he’s drinking apple juice.” 

 Emery gave me an impressed look. “I can’t see the 
juice box from here, so I’ll take your word for it.” Grab- 
bing my hands, he stood up, pulling me to my feet. 
“Now, let’s test strength.” 

 “Are you asking me to toss you off here or break 
your fingers?” I teased, slightly squeezing them. 

 Grinning, he pulled his hands away. “Definitely not 
the fingers, and I think tossing me from this swing is 
too public, though I admit it would be a good show.” 
He nodded to the woods. “We’ll find something more 
discreet in there.” 

 While following the path through the woods, 
Emery’s eyes roamed for that something discreet. About 
a hundred feet in, he suggested, “Let’s get off this main 
path. Over there.” He pointed to a thinly trodden trail 
cutting through thick growth. 

 Following Emery, we pushed our way through the 
growth. Obviously, no one had come down this over- 
grown trail in a while. I got the brunt of the overgrowth 
as the branches Emery pushed forward sprung back at 
me. After getting slapped in the face with one, I was 
prepared to demand that I lead, when Emery said, “Yes, 
this will work.” 

 Stepping into a clearing, he pointed to a fallen tree 
twenty feet ahead. 

 Smiling, I decided to show him leaping before 
strength. “Stand back,” I warned, pushing him aside. 
Then, running forward, I leaped for the target. Leading 
with my right foot, my body glided easily through the 
air. The exhilaration I had felt while speeding around 
the school track returned, and that strange, pent-up 
feeling released. For whatever reason, this very unnatu- 
ral thing felt as natural as walking to me, and incredibly 
freeing, as if I had been meant for this. 

 My right foot touched the top of the massive trunk, 
and my left pulled in next to it. The landing had been 
perfect, steady and strong, without even a hint of 
balance loss. Pivoting on the trunk to face Emery, I 
smiled smugly. 

 Walking toward me, he exclaimed, “That was incred- 
ible. You move like a cat.” 

 His praise wiped the smile off my face. “Cat,” I 
grumbled to myself. “What’s up with the cat theme?” 
With a sigh, I hopped down next to him. “I suppose you 
want me to move this.” I patted the thick tree trunk. 

 Emery examined the area around the tree. “It appears 
safe. I don’t see any danger if you disturb it. First, make 
sure there isn’t anyone nearby.” 

 My ears quickly searched. “All clear,” I announced, 
moving up to the trunk. 

 Emery stepped back, his face shining with anticipa- 
tion. 

 Resting my palms against the trunk, I prepared to 
move the giant tree. Pulling in a breath, I pushed. The 
tree was heavy, but with exertion, the giant’s resistance 
gave way. I rolled the trunk up out of the indented 
ground. From underneath, something scurried up the 
trunk near my left hand. Squealing, I jumped back. The 
thick trunk rolled back into its resting place.

 Emery grinned. “It was only a lizard.” 

 “I hate lizards.” I shuddered. “The nasty thing almost 
ran over my hand.” 

 “Ironic. You can push fifteen hundred pounds, and 
you’re scared of a little lizard.” 

 I gasped. “One thousand five hundred pounds?” 
 Surveying the tree, he nodded thoughtfully. “At 
least.” 

 The information stunned me. “Okay, then. What do 
you want me to do next?” 

 For the next couple of hours, Emery sought out all 
kinds of challenges, from moving boulders and leaping 
into trees, to distinguishing sounds and scents. He even 
had me describe in detail what tree bark looked like 
microscopically. 

 Something else took place during this time. My 
unease around Emery disappeared. In fact, it amazed 
me just how comfortable I felt around him. Though he 
was my age, he had none of the uncertainties we teens 
are usually plagued with. For the most part, I walked 
on eggshells around girls my age. Saying or doing the 
wrong thing could trigger an instant “girl war.” Even 
though my friends weren’t petty, instinctively, I was 
careful. The boys weren’t as sensitive but were every 
bit as gossipy. So in general, I watched my back, never 
letting my guard down. It was exhausting. With Emery, 
I believed I could be myself, say the wrong thing, do the 
wrong thing, and he wouldn’t hold it against me. He 
really was a breath of fresh air. 

 After testing senses, strength, and agility, Emery 
announced, “It’s time for speed. Let’s see how fast you 
can go through these woods.” 

 Back at the main path, we parted ways. The plan was 
for Emery to go to one entrance and me to the other. 
After listening to be sure the coast was clear, I would 
tune in to him where he would be looping a countdown 
out loud. From my end of the path, I tuned in to the 
woods. All I heard was Emery’s looping countdown. 
Positioning myself to run, I listened. 

 “. . . Three, two, one—” 

 I took off at a mind-boggling speed. Within seconds, 
I stood before Emery. Wide-eyed, he stared at me like 
he’d seen a ghost. 

 “Unbelievable,” he uttered above a whisper. 

 His reaction made me edgy. “How fast do you think 
I ran?” I asked, attempting to sound casual. 

 “My guess would be forty miles per hour. Imagine 
how fast you would be on a solid, straight surface. I’ve 
never witnessed anything like this.” His mouth pulled 
down in the corners. 

 With an anxious feeling in my gut, I studied him. 
His face held no expression, as if he wore a mask to hide 
real emotions. The more I looked at him, the more I 
believed the emotion he hid was fear. If he’s terrified of 
me, everyone will be, I anguished. 

 “What  do  you  want  me  to  do  now?”   I  said 
sheepishly.   

 “Nothing,” he answered, distracted. “Let’s head 
out.” He motioned for me to walk ahead. 

 With Emery following silently behind, I walked in a 
daze. I assumed he had me walk ahead to keep an eye on 
me. I am the most dangerous thing out here, I bitterly told 
myself. I’d make me walk ahead, too, and—

 Something scratchy brushed my cheek, interrupt- 
ing the thought. Reflex kicked in, and before a second 
passed, I was crouched on a tree branch, looking down 
at Emery. Smirking, he waved a dry tree branch in his 
hand. 

 “What’s the big deal?” I snapped, hopping down. 

 Tossing the branch, he stated, untroubled, “I 
assumed you would react that way when startled. We’ll 
have to work on those involuntary reflexes.” With a 
grin, he added, “We can’t have you jumping up in trees 
in public.” 

 Glaring hard, I grumbled, “Nice. Real nice.” With 
my shoulder, I shoved past him, stomping down the 
path. 

 “I couldn’t have taken you off-guard if I warned you 
beforehand,” he called after me. “For your protection, 
I needed to know how you would handle it.” 

 I spun around. “For my protection? Don’t you mean 
for yours or for the innocent public’s?” 

 He grinned with understanding. “Oh, you think I’m 
afraid.” Walking toward me, he continued, “Cassidy, I’m 
fascinated, hardly afraid. Not of you, at least. I am con- 
cerned about you being exposed, though.” He stopped in 
front of me. 

 Glancing up at him, I asked, “So you think I should 
keep this a secret?” 

 Alarm washed over his face. Abruptly, he grabbed 
my upper arms. “Cassidy, you can tell no one about this. 
Absolutely no one.” Bending close to me, he searched 
my eyes. “Do you understand? No one can know. Not 
your parents, not anyone. Keeping this a secret is not 
only for your safety, it’s for your family’s safety, too.” 
 My eyes widened. “Why would my family be in 
danger?” 

 “Think, Cassidy. Whoever has my mom will want 
you. You are Formula 10X, and they would view you as 
a nonentity, something to be acquired. Your personal 
value and rights would mean absolutely nothing to 
them. You would become a lab rat. Imagine what they 
would do to you.” 

 I tried not to. 

 “If they become aware of your existence, they’ll do 
anything to get you. People like this have no bound- 
aries. Everyone and everything becomes free game 
for them to get what they want. That includes Nate, 
Chazz—” 

 “Stop,” I interrupted, shaking my head to dislodge 
the terrifying images. “I get it. I won’t tell anyone.” 

 After quick scrutiny, Emery released my arms. Calm 
replaced the alarm on his face. I believed this expres- 
sion was his standard mask. For a moment, I studied the 
mask that showed no signs of strain or worry. As far as 
facades go, it was a solid one, but I wasn’t fooled. I knew 
the turmoil that had to be going on underneath. 

 “Emery, I’m sorry about your mom,” I said for the 
first time. 

 Tightening his lips, he nodded acknowledgment. 

 “Do you know who has her?” 

 He stared off into the woods. “No, but I know she’s 
alive.” 

 “Please forgive me, Emery.” The words wanted to 
stick in my throat. It was wrong to ask, but I had to. 
“But how do you know?”

 Looking back at me, he stated matter-of-factly, 
“She’s too valuable to kill. They abducted her because 
she has something they want. The fact that I’m here 
talking with you means she must be cooperating to 
some degree. It’s unfortunate.” 

 It took me a moment to decode his meaning. “You 
don’t want her to cooperate, even if it means she’s pro- 
tecting you? What is it they want from her?” 

 His smile was a mix of sadness and resentment. “I’ve 
already told you. They want you. Formula 10X. It is 
incredibly lucrative, and yes, I want her not to cooper- 
ate, no matter the sacrifice. In the wrong hands, 10X is 
detrimental to the world. Visualize an army of you.” 

 “But they don’t know about me.” 

 “And I plan to keep them ignorant.” 

 Staring up at him, I let his words sink in. He plans to 
protect me. I’m not alone. With this realization, I threw 
my arms around his neck, like he was a life preserver. 
“Thank you,” I said in one grateful breath, tightening 
my arms. 

 Grabbing my biceps, he attempted to loosen the 
hold. “A little tight,” he choked. 

 “Oh.” Blushing, I released him. 

 Rubbing his neck, he smiled with ease. “You have 
quite a grip.” Noting that my cheek shade deepened, he 
continued, “Please, don’t feel embarrassed. I understand 
how scared you are. I promise you, though, everything 
will be all right. You will be all right.” 

 “Thank you,” I whispered, believing every word. 

 As he continued to smile, a curious glint appeared in 
his black eyes. “My mom will shed light on the situation 
when we get her back,” he said in a casual tone. 

 Knitting my brow, I rewound his previous state- 
ments to figure out what I had missed. 

 Reading my expression, his smile broadened. “Oh, 
I didn’t I tell you, did I? You and I are going to find 
her.”



Reviews-

"Brimful of danger, secrets, a bit of romance and fun, this debut author's entertaining plot and well-drawn characters not only is all it promises to be, but will leave readers looking for more.." -- Gail Welborn, Examiner

"Elise Stokes ranks up there with other YA masterminds!" -- Kitty Bullard, Great Minds Think Aloud

"Can I vote now for a movie on this series? With the adventure, the mystery and Cassidy's super powers, Elise Stokes has delivered everything that a young reader could hope for." --Stephanie Laymon, Five Alarm Book Reviews

Amazon geo links-
Cassidy Jones and The Secret Formula - http://ow.ly/sDyhv
Cassidy Jones Vulcan's Gift - http://ow.ly/sDy9K
Cassidy Jones and the Seventh Attendant - http://ow.ly/sDyqI


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r3yNIs4s44A 

Check out this Fantastical Reads Event February 1st - 8th

I'm involved in a fantasy event from February 1st through February 8th.  I have the privilege of hosting the event and find myself surrounded by some of the most outstanding authors you could find, both in their excellent writing skills, their drive to ensure their novels are immaculately edited, and as the friends they have become.  I am very glad to be among this company and hope you will join us on the facebook event page throughout this event.  I will be posting interviews, excerpts, reviews, etc daily for this event, so please check back to find out more about these great books and the people who author them. 

Friday, May 24, 2013

~Today's The Day! Check out Author Wenona Hulsey's New Release~



It's Release Day!

A Warrior's Blood—Blood Burden Series Bonus Story

Blurb:
Before the war, before the powers, and before the world crashed in on him Luke met a mortal woman.  Go back to the beginning of it all and take a look at Nicole through the eyes of Luke's hardened heart.
Luke steps out of the shadows and plants himself into the police department to watch over Nicole who is new to the force. Loyal to his mission he keeps his distance but a missing girl brings them onto the same case.  Together Luke and Nicole unravel the dark underbelly of a small town putting their lives on the line.   Luke can handle criminals, crooked officials, and crazy town people but will he risk his mission for a chance at love or will Sage make sure the warrior walks a line?
About the Series:
The Blood Burden Series is a fantasy/paranormal romance that is different from anything you've read before.  You will not find any vampires, werewolves, or a soft spoken woman waiting for a man to save her in this adventure.  But you will find a head strong woman who will protect those she loves with her last breath and a new paranormal element that is unique to the book world.
Reviewers are raving about the series:
"The thrills start from page one and continue to the very end. I absolutely loved it and am looking forward to (the next book)." 5 STARS! -Kim Norris-The Kindle Book Review
"How can you resist a story set in the South that treads on Irish folklore? You can't!!"
5 STARS! -John Ross, Author of "Another Lousy Day In Paradise"
"A Surefire winner by an author to watch!!"  5 STARS!-Hotmaja54

Reading Order:
1. Blood Awakening (Prelude) ** FREE almost everywhere e-books are sold.**
2. Burden of Blood (Novel  1) (Available in paperback and e-book)
3. Blood of Fire (Novel 2) (Available in paperback and e-book)
4. A Warrior's Blood (Bonus Story Novelette e-book)
Find them on Amazon, Barnes & Nobel, Kobo, IBooks, and Smashwords.
Buy Links:

Links to Author:
Twitter handle: @wenonahulsey

Monday, December 17, 2012

Today's interview is with Florizel of Bohemia, who is a protagonist in Sophronia Belle Lyon's 'A Dodge,a Twist, and a Tobacconist'

I'd like to introduce you to, Florizel of Bohemia.  Florizel is the protagonist of The Alexander Legacy Book One: A Dodge, a Twist, and a Tobacconist, a Steampunk Literary Tribute by Sophronia Belle Lyon.

How do you feel being the main character of a book?

It is rather embarrassing. I worked hard at not drawing attention to myself so I could secretly carry on my work of fighting villains who take advantage of those robbed of hope. But Phoebe Moore Campbell discovered me in the most remarkable way and asked me to join the Alexander Legacy Company.

Who is the most interesting side character you’ve met and why?

Oliver Twist is both a delight and a puzzle to me. His absent-minded manner must be partly due to his absorption in his scientific projects. His ability to do without sleep is enviable. And his rebounding from the brutal attack he suffered, which may have been helped my humble words of comfort and counsel, but was in truth God's doing, staggers me.

Do you think anyone in your world is crazy? How do you deal with this?

People have said I am mad for leaping off the roof of the country house after the stealth glider and for flying it to London in the dark. You must be the judge of that. Zambo declared Twist mad when he tried to climb out the window of the hotel penthouse to collect pieces of the ruined glider after my crash-landing, but he has always thought him so.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

I have been up before dawn to see Doctor Mackenzie Campbell off at the docks. I have visited Uncle Vanya's coffee shop well after midnight. The criminals we seek do not keep schedules.

Why did you choose your current profession?

I became a tobacconist with a small private club because I sought to provide an enjoyable place for fellowship and relaxation. It also assists me in my other career as a seeker of justice by giving me insight into London life on many levels. My second career is simply unavoidable because I cannot see the helpless or even fools taken advantage of.

How long did it take you to explain your predicament to the author?

Sophronia Belle Lyon is the most obdurate meddler in existence. She had no respect for my privacy -- Look at her brazen communication of my difficult history in Bohemia! She may have permanently destroyed Ambassador Newsome's career. My desire was to remain obscure. My only consolation is that her bringing me into this odd association with this strange group of people has allowed me to expand my ability to seek out evildoers and bring them down. Acting alone is not always the best plan, as I have learned through Madame Phoebe's wise guidance. These people have taught me to value friendship and cameraderie again.

If you could work in any profession outside of what you're doing now, what would it be and why?

It would be pleasant to spend more time repairing pipes and choosing fine tobaccos for my patrons. I would even wish to indulge the interest I have developed in these devices Doctor Twist and Sluefoot Sue create, but duty calls.

If you could change one thing that the author wrote (or told) about your life, what would it be?

Perhaps she should not have been so quick to have me propose to my little vessel, Kera Mion. As much regard as I have for her, there is so much danger, so much wrong to right, it may have been a hasty decision to engage her promise. She is so much younger than I an has had so little chance to be free.

What is your favorite pastime?

Repairing pipes, hunting, and eating Uncle Vanya's breadballs. I beg your pardon. That was three past-times, but I cannot establish a hierarchy.

What's one thing you've always wanted to do, but just didn't have the guts, courage or strength to follow through with?

Perhaps one day I shall take Tod's place in the pilot seat and fly the airship myself.

What's your greatest strength?

Since you have been courteous I will try to answer. I am loathe to speak of my own abilities, but the strength I believe I bring to the Alexander Legacy Company is the ability to think quickly and put together pieces of information. I specialize in making a whole picture out of bits and ends. It permits me offer a solution while others remain puzzled.

What's your greatest failing?

I tend to act hastily, and to act alone. Those who tried to aid me in the past were harmed by our association. I thought it best for a time not to have associations. I still struggle to be one with the members of the Legacy Company.

Who is your favorite relative and why?

Oh, that I could see my little sister Sophia again, with her violet ribbons tinting the family gray eyes. We were all to each other once. She must be fully a woman now, and perhaps my mother's poisoning her against me has not fully taken root. 

How do you overcome life's obstacles?

Prayer and the study of the Word of God emboldens me to push on, whether I overcome or not. His is the victory and His the glory for any success.

Do you have any pets? If not, which pet would you choose to own if you could?

I once had a fine pair of hunting dogs. I miss them. Would that I could hope to some time again possess a dog.

If you could change one thing about another character in the book, who and what would it be?

Spring-heeled Jack must one day discipline himself to learn to speak clearly and plainly, instead of making street-cant riddles of everything.

What makes you happiest?

My little vessel being filled up with the joy of the Lord.

What annoys you most?

That leopard of Mowgli's will sniff me as if I were a dead animal each time we must work together. One cannot teach an animal manners, even when it lives in a five-star hotel.

Can we look forward to reading about you again anytime soon?

Madame Lyon is determined to make a series of the Alexander Legacy Company's exploits. I am told I am to be included but that the future books shall have different characters relate the tales. That is most agreeable, since I never sought the limelight.

Is there a secret you’d like to let readers know about you? One that isn't in the book perhaps?

You have presumed upon my good nature too far, sir/madame, but, with great reluctance, I shall state clearly what the book implies but does not spell out. I admit I had more than just admiration for Madame Phoebe early in our association. When we thought her husband would die ... well ... for a moment ... just a moment, mind you, my baser nature rose at the prospect of this magnificent, angel-voiced, brilliant woman being ... alone.

Where can readers find your book(s)? (links)

A Dodge a Twist and a Tobacconist http://amzn.to/W3iCNI
Illustrated Dodge a Twist and a Tobacconist http://amzn.to/TUxj1m

~About the Author~
Sophronia Belle Lyon grew up in the Catskill Mountains of upstate New York, reading HG Welles, Jules Verne and other classics. She dressed up and acted out scenes with friends much like Louisa May Alcott's beloved "Little Women," and got to be a cauldron spirit in Macbeth in fourth grade. She traveled to Italy by way of Iceland and Luxembourg. She's taken apart her share of clocks to study the gearworks and feels well-prepared to enter the Steampunk genre. Hundreds of cat friends informed her about Bagheera's attitudes and manners. Oliver Twist's oblivious, eccentric habits came from the Science-absorbed men in her life, and her love for weapons translated into the well-armed members of the Alexander Legacy Company. She travels widely, shoots when she can, collects swords and knives, but is so far too shy to be photographed.

This series melds some better and lesser-known characters of classic literary fiction: A literary dream team of crime fighters including nods to Dickens, Stevenson, Alcott, Austen, Kipling, Doyle, and other writers across the pond, with plenty of homages to great books sprinkled throughout. Prowl the foggy London streets on the track of a ruthless enslaver of souls. Travel the Thames in a Giant Catfish. Soar over London in a stealth glider, and witness true redemptions and restorations no one ever imagined.

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

CHECK OUT TODAY'S CHARACTER INTERVIEW WITH KAYDEN, WHO IS A MAIN PROTAGONIST IN AUTHOR CALINDA B'S 'WICKED' SERIES



I'd like to introduce Kayden, one of the main protagonists in the Wicked Series. Kayden is Cherie’s Man of Mystery in A Wicked Awakening and a most mysterious man he is. He can appear or disappear at will and loves to make love in the galaxy.
Hey Kayden.   How do you feel being the main character of a book?

What a stupid question. I exist. I am amazing. I would be the main character in any venue if I chose. 

Right.  Okay, so do you think anyone in your world is crazy?

Honestly? Most humans are crazy. 

How do you deal with this?

I simply disappear when I am around them and don’t wish to be. I tolerate my beloved Chérie coming to Earth and assuming human form because I adore her and it keeps life interesting.

How long did it take you to explain your predicament to the author?

There’s nothing to explain. She either gets it or she doesn’t. I simply tell her what to write about me, and as long as it’s fantastic and flattering, she can write what she will.

What's your greatest strength?

Everything about me.

What annoys you most?

My beloved Chérie has this Earth guy that she keeps assuming form to be with. She and I cannot conjoin physically or else we’d disappear. We and all our kind (we’re Galaxy Dancers, consorting throughout the cosmos to seed life and passion) would be sucked into a black void. When she concocted this little desire to conjoin with an Earth guy, I allowed it since I love her so much. Since we share the same mind, heart and soul, I get to experience everything that she experiences. It’s been a most interesting experiment. However, Cam Tyson, her choice of humans – the man I call the Neanderthal – I find tedious and most annoying.

Can we look forward to reading about you again anytime soon?

Since I am essential to the Wicked Series, the answer is YES. I understand Calinda B has another WIP about the Wicked Series in the works, and is contemplating writing an irreverent series tentatively entitled the Star Sucker series or Screw the Cosmos series. Calinda has a wild imagination.

Who is the most interesting side character you’ve met and why?

I do enjoy Chérie’s best Earth friend Zuri Davidson. Zuri is a sexy wench whom I find most appealing. Plus, she recognizes my awesomeness which is always a plus. Yes, Zuri is someone whom I would like to get to know even better. As long as Chérie doesn’t mind, of course. Chérie is my heart, my love, and my soul. I would never do anything that hurt my precious Chérie.

Are you an early bird or a night owl?

Another ridiculous question. I EXIST, Michael Lorde. I am whatever kind of person I choose to be.

My bad, dude.  So what is your favorite pastime?

Mmm, it involves a particular fiery redhead, a certain desire and our endlessly creative imagination.

As far as fictional characters go- would a counselor call you passive, or aggressive, or passive aggressive, and why?

It doesn’t matter what opinion of me a counselor has. Counselors are mundane little twits who know nothing about a mind as vast as mine.

I appreciate your honesty.   So, do you have any pets? If not, which pet would you choose to own if you could?

(Laughing uproariously) The Neanderthal… (pauses to catch breath and tries to cease laughing) The Neanderthal is a fascinating pet (doubled up with laughter). I do enjoy messing with that Earthling. He gets so mad it’s hilarious to watch.

Uh, thanks for the interview Kayden.  And thank you Calinda B, for introducing us in order to do it.  It's not likely to be one I will soon forget.  (Hopefully, neither of us mere humans will end up as one of his pets.)    

~ABOUT THE AUTHOR~


An award-winning web designer and certified SEO specialist, Calinda B has worked in the Internet industry as a web page designer/developer since the early 1990's. She has also taught web site design and computer graphics at community colleges in Northern California. In addition to writing, Calinda B creates fine art and music, and enjoys scuba diving, kayaking, and bike riding. Calinda B makes her home in the Pacific Northwest with the love of her life and her two cats. She is currently working on the fourth book in The Wicked Series, tentatively entitled A Wicked Ending. You can find out more about her and her books at www.calindab.com