Showing posts with label Excerpts. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Excerpts. Show all posts

Thursday, January 26, 2017

Happy Birthday, Rhosyn




Giveaway!


It's Rhosyn's birthday! To celebrate, we have a special GIVEAWAY message from this amazing author, Morgan Sheppard (an amazing lady and writer):

"I am offering three copies of the Young Adult, Fantasy novella that started it all - Marella. This is the prequel which leads onto Water Weaver.

"The winners will receive a Smashwords coupon with which they can download the eBook for free in any format they require. A review would be appreciated, but not necessary!"



Blurb for MARELLA

Marella has grown up on the island of Wraidd Elfennol, where humans, animals and the very Elements live in harmony together.

Since she was a youngling, the draw towards Water has always been the strongest. It is one of the reasons Marella wants nothing more than for that Element to be her Primary, so she can become a Water Weaver, gifted in hydromancy. Each youngling goes to the main village of Charon for the Test to find out which of the Elements they are strongest in, which in turn, will determine their futures.

Marella’s best friend since childhood, Daren, is also going for his Test. They have been best friends since childhood, getting into many adventures together, as their families spend rest days together.

Yet when the day comes where their fates will be decided, doubts and insecurities creep into Marella’s mind. What happens when you don’t get what you wish for? And what happens if you do? At this time of their lives, when their paths are about to take Marella and Daren to different places, will they get what they wish for?




Excerpt:

Bradan gave Marella a beaming smile, “I knew I liked you for a reason. Orabel may be mischievous, but I couldn’t have asked for a better Partner. I know you will be happy with yours, even if you aren’t lucky enough to have a duck,” he said, all the time smiling.

Marella laughed and said, “Somehow I don’t think it’s just Orabel that is mischievous. I think she’s a lucky duck.”

Riva gasped, Edlin laughed, and Bradan coughed, as he tried to get his laughter under control.

“Oh, I bet you’ve had your hands full with this one,” he said to Edlin and Riva. “No chastisements necessary, Riva,” he added. “You’re quite right, Marella. In my youth, I did get up to some pranks, which I really couldn’t tell you about now that I’m a mature and sensible adult,” he said hurriedly, as he saw Riva looking at him with a gleam in her eyes.

“Hmmm,” said Riva and continued down the hallway.

“Come and see me later and I’ll tell you some stories,” whispered Bradan to Marella, eyes twinkling and a smile across his face.

“I heard that,” said Edlin with a serious look. “You’ll do no such thing, Marella…,” he added and paused. Then as a smile broke free, he whispered to both Bradan and Marella, “…unless I can come with you.”


Blurb for WATER WEAVER

The young maiden, Marella, was born to the island of Wraidd Elfennol, a place balanced by the four elements of nature – Earth, Air, Fire and Water. The essence of each element contained in sacred artefacts ensuring the balance of life.

Every year, the community from across the island gather for the Summer Solstice. It is at this celebration the Lords and Ladies of Wraidd Elfennol make an astounding announcement. The sacred artefacts are missing. They then proclaim that four individuals, along with their animal Life Partners, will be selected to restore the balance.

Marella and her otter, Nixie, are chosen because of their link to the element of Water and along with her, three others – each in-tune with a different element.

Together they embark on a quest to either find the missing artefacts or somehow create new ones. As the world around them changes, danger lurks with every challenge the group face. They must hurry as the elements need to be restored before a year and a day have passed.

Failure is not an option or the world as they know it will cease to exist.




Goodreads - Purchase Your Copy





Excerpt:


“Wow, you really know how to get the party started,” said a voice mockingly from nearby.

As Marella looked around she saw a man leaning on the tree next to them. They had been so engrossed with what Lani was saying; none of them had noticed him standing there. He was quite tall and well-built but lean, with dark brown hair that was short and spiky and deep brown eyes. He was leaning back with one knee bent up, his foot resting against the trunk, and his arms were folded across his chest.

He cocked an eyebrow sardonically at Marella as she looked at him. “Have you seen enough now?” he asked.

Marella felt a slight glow on her cheeks as she looked away.

He pushed himself away from the tree and sauntered over to them. He sat down with his legs folded and gave them all a sarcastic smile.

“Who are you?” asked Daren calmly. He didn’t like how this stranger had interrupted them, but he thought he might have some idea as to who he might be.

“I’m Kai and I complete this little… circle,” he said, moving his finger around. “I’m Fire.”

“You mean you represent Fire,” said Marella, lifting her face slightly into the air.

“No, little girl, I mean I am Fire so you’d better make sure you don’t get burnt,” Kai answered her.

To his surprise, Marella burst out laughing. “Oh please, do you practice saying that to get the ultimate effect?” she chuckled.


Author Bio & Links

​​I am a wife, a mother, a sister, a daughter, a friend, and a lover. I am many things, been given many labels, but I can say that I am just ‘simple complicated me’. Always a prolific reader and dabbler in my younger days with short stories, poems, and limericks, I am now creating my own fantasy worlds.



Favourite quote is “You have to “aim high and reach for your dreams”

Favourite colour is rich purple

Favourite food would be chocolate!

Favourite time of day is nighttime and I love the moon in all her beautiful phases.

Favourite season has always been Autumn/Fall. I love the rain and thunderstorms.

And join in the fun with my Book Group here:



​I welcome your company as I walk my path.


AmazonAuthor Page – Book Group - BookLikes - Facebook - Goodreads - Google+ - Smashwords - Twitter - Website



Tuesday, November 10, 2015

New Release Tour - Change of Heart




Title: Change of Heart
Author: Jennifer L. Allen
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: November 6, 2015





Casey Evans and Decker Abrams have been best friends since they became neighbors at the age of six. After high school, Casey abruptly leaves
their hometown of Charleston, South Carolina for the west coast, leaving Decker wondering where she went and why she left.

Three years later the two are reunited, both harboring some old resentment towards the other. Not to mention, Casey has been hiding a pretty big secret from Decker all those years. Not willing to risk losing Casey again, Decker follows her back to California in an attempt to save their friendship.

Will Casey and Decker work out their issues and be best friends again? Or will they finally become something more?







“Have you kissed anyone, Casey?” Decker asked after we spread out the blanket and sat down cross-legged at the end of the dock.
I laughed. “No, Deck. Guys don’t want to kiss me.”
“That’s not true,” he said.
“Then how come I’m seventeen and I’ve never been kissed?”
He looked down at his hands, fidgeting in his lap.
“Decker?” I asked sternly. What did he do?
“I may have threatened a few of the guys on the team.”
“What?! Why? How?” I couldn’t believe he did that. No wonder guys never talked to me, let alone kissed me. I knew I was plain and all, but still. There’s someone for everyone, right? All
those guys that talked to me and he chased away…
“None of those guys are good enough for you.”
“Shouldn’t that be for me to decide?” I cross my arms over my chest, downright pissed off now.
How dare he?
“I’m sorry, Case.”
“Hmmf.” I stared off into the water, ignoring him.
Decker sighed. “You know what? I’m not sorry. I don’t want you kissing other guys and that’s that.”
My eyes snapped back to his. “Excuse me?”
“You heard me,” he said, looking down at his hands again.
“Yeah, I heard you. That’s a bunch of crap, Decker. You can’t just run interference all my life.” If I wasn’t sitting, I would have stomped my feet.
“Wanna bet?”
I rolled my eyes. Arguing with him was useless. He was the most stubborn person I knew, next to myself of course.
“Whatever, Decker.”
He sighed again. “I want to be your first kiss,” he whispered, so quietly I barely heard him.
“What did you just say?”
He looked up at me. “I said I want to be your first kiss.”
“What? Why? Decker?” I didn’t know what to say. Where was this coming from? Decker wants to kiss me? Why?
“Because when I think back to my first kiss, I want it to be a happy memory. And Casey, all my memories with you are happy ones.”
I felt tears well up in my eyes. Well, if that wasn’t the sweetest thing Decker Abrams had ever said to me. And I’d be his first kiss, too? Gorgeous Decker Abrams has never kissed a girl?
He groaned at the tears. “Don’t cry, Case.”
“Happy tears, Deck. Happy tears,” I smiled at him.
He grinned that boyish grin I loved so much that always got him out of trouble…with me and every other female in his life.
“So you’ve really never kissed a girl before?” I still found that hard to believe, but Decker had never lied to me before. 
He shook his head. “No. I wanted it to be special, you know?”
I nodded, “Yeah, I know.”
“So can I?” he asked, scooting closer to me on the blanket.
“Can you what?” He moved even closer.
“Kiss you?” I could feel his breath on my face, he was so close.
“Please,” I whispered, closing my eyes.
His lips brushed mine and I felt tingles all over my body. His lips were so soft, yet so firm. Suddenly his tongue was pressed against the seam of my lips. It was such a strange sensation. I wasn’t sure what I was supposed to do, but I wanted to taste him, too.
I opened my mouth and our tongues danced against one another. Touching and twisting, each sampling what the other had to offer. He finally put his arms around me and pulled me close to him. The kiss was amazing and seemingly never-ending, despite the awkward position we were twisted into. He eventually ended it with three short pecks on my lips.
As he pulled away we both opened our eyes. He smiled, so did I.
“Wow,” I said.
“Wow,” he agreed.
“Can we do that again?” I asked.
“Definitely,” he wasted no time, leaning in again.
Decker and I made out under the stars for hours that night. Never letting the other get too far away.
It was the start of something beautiful. 
But it was also the beginning of the end.
 



 

Jennifer lives in South Carolina with her husband and their four fur-kids. She is in grad school, pursuing a Masters in Psychology for Clinical Counseling. When she is not at work or taking classes, she is either reading or writing. Books have always been a passion. She also enjoys spending time with her family, traveling to new places, and music. She released her debut novel, Our Moon, in June 2015.




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Saturday, August 1, 2015

New Cover Release: The Throne of Hades by Ann Snizek

Finally! The Throne of Hades has finally got a new look! I've been wanting to change the cover for some time now and I've finally done it!

I think everyone will agree that it's a drastic improvement! 


SO.... HERE IT IS!!!



The Throne of Hades
A ShortBook by Snow Flower
Originally published May 2013

Back cover:
Lynnton Wor watched as her world crumbled around her, wishing she could stop the evil realities that few, other than herself, saw. When a demon shows up in her apartment, he tells her a tale that conflicts with all she's ever believed.

He also tells her that he isn't the only one looking for her, but what makes her so special?




Buy your copy today! 


Note on print edition availability:

"This is a fantastic short story." -- Lynn Worton, 
(Winner of a ShortBooks giveaway and inspiration for The Throne of Hades through the ShortBooks questionnaire.)








Thursday, July 16, 2015

Kirkus Review is in! (part 2)

Alright... As promised, here is the entire Kirkus review copied directly from the pdf they sent me. It's also available at the Kirkus website. Please stick with me till the end... it was a long process. LOL

First... let me say that I'm not upset about the actual review itself. It's an opinion. I don't agree with all of it, but it's not a bad review. I'm slightly annoyed about one comparison, but I can live with that. The errors and treatment by Kirkus, however... That's the issue.



Entire Review

TITLE INFORMATION
TO ERIS - HUMAN
Payton Chronicles Book 1
Snizek, Ann
$15.99 paperback
ISBN: 978-1-4823-5141-5; March 15, 2013

BOOK REVIEW
In Snizek’s (Secret of the Shielded, 2014, etc.) latest YA fantasy, a 16-year-old looking for ways to reinvent herself finds out that she’s a genetic hybrid.

Eris Payton is an ordinary teenage girl…almost. Her whole life, she’s felt awkward and friendless, as she and her mother are constantly moving from place to place. Her misery is compounded by the fact that her dad left the family when she was little and her mom is an abusive drinker and drug abuser. One day, Eris sees a mysterious boy in a convenience store—a boy that no one else can see. At first she thinks he’s a ghost, but the truth turns out to be even stranger: he’s actually two beings combined. One of them is Matt, a human who disappeared a while ago; the other is Nelson, an electric being called a lucent, who’s able to join with humans in a kind of symbiosis. When Matt ran away from home and nearly died, the lucent joined with him to save his life, and now the two exist as one being. Nelson tells Eris that a virus has been killing lucents, but he was told that she could help—although he doesn’t know how. It all sounds crazy to Eris, but after a particularly bad night at home, she decides to go with Nelson to his underground community. It turns out that something in her blood might hold the cure to the lucent virus; she also aims to finally find out what happened to her dad, who genetically engineered her before her birth. Snizek creates an engaging world in her portrayal of the lucent community. The book is sometimes slow-paced, however, and there are occasional flashes of other popular YA novels: for example, lucents have skin that glows in the sunlight (à la Twilight), and they must undergo an aptitude test to learn to control their flow of electricity. However, the romance between Eris and Nelson is sweet and believable. Eris herself is a likable protagonist who always comes across as smart and capable, even when she doesn’t understand the new world she’s discovered.

An entertaining, if occasionally slow, read for fans of the paranormal and fantasy genres.



~~~~~~~~~


When I first read this, I had concerns.

  1. The Secret of the Shielded isn't even part of the same series. So, why is it referenced?
  2. 2014 isn't the year To Eris - Human was published OR the year The Secret of the Shielded was published. (see pics at the bottom)
  3. To Eris - Human is NOT a fantasy. It is a sci-fi/paranormal.
Now... These points have NOTHING to do with the actual review part. They are simply facts about the book that are wrong. This DOES however, cause me to think that perhaps the rest of the review may not be the honest and thorough review that I've always expected from Kirkus Reveiws. I've always dreamed of having my books reviewed by this company that has "The most authoritative book reviews, recommendations and author interviews in publishing." according to their advertising.

These errors have shaken my confidence, but I'm doing my best to accept the actual review part at face value.


So, what I did was email them. I thought perhaps it's an error as humans do (after all, look at the title of my book!)
Here is my email to them on July 8, 2015:

Dear Kirkus Reviews,

I have an issue with my review. It's not about whether the reviewer liked the book or not. But the reference within it. It shakes my confidence in the reviewer and causes me to question the thoroughness and attention to a review that was paid for. 

At the top of the review it shows the following:

TO ERIS - HUMAN 
Payton Chronicles Book 1 
Snizek, Ann 
$15.99 paperback 
ISBN: 978-1-4823-5141-5; March 15, 2013

BOOK REVIEW
In Snizek’s (Secret of the Shielded, 2014, etc.) latest YA fantasy... 

~~~~

Secret of the Shielded is one of my books and is a YA fantasy. However, it's in a completely different series even. Also, while To Eris - Human does have paranormal elements, I list it as a sci-fi/paranormal, not a fantasy.

I do disagree with one part of the actual review, because it seems the reviewer didn't understand what was written. I realize that will not likely change the review and I'm fine with this, but I believe I need to call this to your attention. 

"there are occasional flashes of other popular YA novels: for example, lucents have skin that glows in the sunlight (à la Twilight)" - Kirkus Review

Now, I realize the Twilight series is very popular and I do not entirely mind being compared in a good sense. However, here is an excerpt of my story that this comment is referring to. One line mentions the protagonist thinking about "glittery vampires", but the skin glowing itself is described in a manner that is not like Twilight and I feel it's misleading. 

Excerpt from To Eris - Human:

Nelson began to talk about the music and other small talk and gradually I relaxed to the smooth sound of his voice. He told me things about the area, both outside and within the trees. Something about the way he spoke drew me in. His face almost glowed as he mentioned his favorite spot to sit in the forest. Then I realized he kind of was glowing with the sunshine falling on him. It reminded me of sticking a flashlight to my skin when the power went out, only not so red.
Thoughts of glowing angels, phantoms, and even glittery vampires from various books and movies went through my mind, and the bowl slid out of my hands onto the floor. Thankfully, it only dumped a few chips out. My jaw hung open and my eyes bulged as I stared at him. When he noticed, he stopped talking and looked at me in confusion.

I hope you will resolve the error in referencing the wrong book as I wish to publish and use the review I paid for. I'd appreciate any information about resolving any of these concerns. I hope this isn't a reflection of the standards that I am to expect in future reviews. I, like so many others, hold Kirkus Reviews to extremely high standards and my faith has been shaken by this.


Thank you for your time,

Ann Snizek


~~~~~~~~~

After sending this, I waited. With this tour quickly approaching and wanting to share my review I'd waited so long to get with the world, the wait was excruciating for me. Six days later, I still hadn't heard anything. So, I sent another email on July 14, 2015 at 8:16 am.

Dear Indie department of Kirkus Reviews, 

Is there any particular reason why mentioning a completely different book, different copyright year, and different genre than the book submitted for review would be considered professional?

I'm shocked at the lack of response as well as the unprofessional "review" I received. If this is what I can expect from Kirkus, I'm seriously reconsidering submitting any future works to you. Or is this simply the Indie section of Kirkus? Are there lower standards for reviews of Indie authors?

I'm very disappointed in Kirkus Reviews quality at this point. 

Sincerely,
Ann Snizek



~~~~~~~~~
FINALLY... at 4:52 pm on July 14, 2015, I received a response from one of their interns. I've purposely left off the name of the intern.


Hi Ann, 

Thank you for your patience. I discovered your first message in my junk mail today and I apologize for this belated response. 

It is part of Kirkus’ established style to reference an author’s previous title in the review, regardless of whether or not we’ve reviewed other titles by the author. If you look at the other reviews published by Kirkus, you will see that this is standard for us. The intention is to give the reader some context and to highlight an author’s other work. We will not remove the parenthetical reference in the first line of your review. 

Let me know if I can clear anything else up for you. 

All the best,

~~~~~~~~~
My jaw just about hit the floor! They ignored most of my concerns. I do understand now why they referenced my other book. However, I looked up other reviews as suggested. Here are a few links to other books I found. These are random selections and I have not read any of the books.

Indie book reviews by Kirkus:

Heroes and Giants by Douglas B. Ashby (No mention of any other possible works or statement of it being a debut.)

Mind Over Bullies by D. K. Smith (It does have the same type of book reference, but it reads more clearly to me that it's not identifying the other book as the reviewed book)

GreyNet by DS Kane (The reference to other works here is very clearly referencing another work. There is no doubt that the book in parenthesis is NOT the book reviewed)

Traditionally published books reviewed by Kirkus:

Never Ending by Martyn Bedford (Starred review; published by Random; no mention as to whether this is a debut or not, but no reference to any other works)

The Golden Specific by S.E. Grove (Published by Viking; Grove's other work is mentioned, but not formatted in the same manner)

Playful Pigs from A to Z by Anita Lobel (Published by Knopf; No mention of other works or statement of it being a debut)

~~~~~~~~~

My point is that NOT all of them are listed the same way. Even if they were, the copyright year is still incorrect for either book. I publish my books through Smashwords.com and Createspace.com ...

Both of my books referenced were published in 2013. In fact, of my 19 published works, I published all of them in 2013 with the exception of the first one (Tunuftol's Fortress of Light) which was published 12/12/12 on Smashwords then in January of 2013 through Createspace.

So.... While I did find a few comments in my review that I feel are "quotable" and I intend to use them so as not to feel the money spent was a COMPLETE waste, I seriously doubt that I will ever use Kirkus Reviews again. In fact, I will now look upon ALL of their reviews as questionable and possibly biased.

I definitely feel reviews of my books by individuals are far more valuable to me than the one I've paid for.

My experience is just that... my experience. I cannot speak for others who have or will receive reviews by Kirkus. In my opinion, they did not behave in a respectful, professional manner. This is what I have issues with.

NOTE: For those of you who have read (and especially those who have reviewed) To Eris - Human, you may find it interesting that you can comment on the Kirkus Review page.











Please check out today's other stop at: 
and see her review.

I hope you'll come back tomorrow and also continue following the tour. Tomorrow's stop also has a review. So, please stop by tomorrow to see what they have to say about...
To Eris - Human





Giveaway will have the current cover, not the old cover displayed on Goodreads. 
(current cover released June 2015)

Goodreads Book Giveaway


To Eris - Human by Ann Snizek

To Eris - Human

by Ann Snizek


Giveaway ends July 18, 2015.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway





Saturday, June 13, 2015

New Cover Reveal! To Eris - Human





To Eris – Human
Payton Chronicles 1

YA soft sci-fi/paranormal

By Ann Snizek

 


Synopsis:
Sixteen year old Eris Payton has led a difficult life and struggles to reinvent herself. When she meets Nelson, her life changes in a way she would never imagine. Nelson needs Eris to follow him back to Downside before the epidemic gets worse, otherwise his brother will die. But he must convince her that he’s real and that her DNA holds the key in time to save his brother. How can he convince her to trust him? Facing truths that challenge everything she thought she knew, Eris discovers the hidden world of lucents and her own mysterious origins. She finds herself and uncovers answers to questions she never thought to ask. 









Ann Snizek

About the Author
Originally from Vermont, Ann now lives in Virginia with her husband. She enjoys exploring nature and the freedom to pursue the dreams of her imagination through writing. Her love of books from childhood continues today as she nurtures that love others -- always encouraging their imaginations.

Along with writing books Ann actively participates in the community, fighting illiteracy with the founding and facilitating of a creative writing club and volunteering as a certified ProLiteracy tutor at her local adult learning center. She also serves on the advisory board, marketing committee, and the committee for their used book store.

Struggling with disabilities of her own, she knows the thrill of triumphing over adversities. Her dry, sarcastic, and often corny wit finds its way into her writing where she pulls from life's experiences for inspiration... always sharing, growing, and learning.




Author links:

for events, tours, and merchandise.




Join us for our upcoming blog tour also!




 Excerpt









Thursday, May 28, 2015

A to Z: Payton Chronicles

AYTON CHRONICLES


YAY!!! I love this book and I'm excited about everything happening around it. 

  1. I have submitted it for a Kirkus Review due on or before July 13th!
  2. I have a book tour I'm setting up for it. Still plenty of space for more bloggers. (If you'd like to review it, but don't have a blog, let me know and we'll work something out.)
  3. I'm working on the second book in this series. Yesterday I even added over 7,000 words to it! 
  4. It has it's own page on Facebook now
  5. I'm working on getting it recorded and made into an audio book!
  6. I have a 5 book giveaway on Goodreads during the tour.


OK... enough of that. You probably want to know what the big deal is with this book. What's so special about it?


Blurb:


Eris needs to discover what’s in the shadows of the forest before she moves yet again, otherwise insanity awaits her. But what she finds challenges everything she thought she knew. Why would her father leave a message for her labeled “To Eris – Human”? 

Nelson needs Eris to follow him back to Downside before the epidemic gets worse, otherwise his brother will die. But he must convince her in time that he’s real and that her DNA holds the key. How can he convince her to trust him? 

Invisible people, hidden cities, and secret genetic engineering. Can 16 year old Eris Payton handle it all or will it finally break her? 




More tidbits:

Eris is incredible. She's 16 and had a very rough life, barely ahead of the authorities as she and her mom move from place to place. Despite the hardships she faces, she's not surrendering to a fate less than she deserves. She longs for more, for better, and is determined to make it happen.

Lucents are a species that has been on Earth as long as humans have. The thing is, humans can't see them, except for Eris. They have learned how to control the electrical impulses of things around them and generally live their lives in the parts of the world that humans don't. Sometimes they may interact, provide inspiration to humans and communicate through electronic devices. (Do we really know where all our emails come from?)


Read this incredibly fresh, amazing YA SciFi and I'm certain you won't be disappointed!



In the second installment of the Payton Chronicles...
For: Giva de Vine

Eris is now on a mission of her own. She must find Giva and deliver the box labeled "For: Giva de Vine" before the rants stop her. Otherwise, she may never get the answers her heart needs.

Is her dad still alive? What does the strange item he left her mean? Does Giva know about her? Did Drs. Payton leave Giva the same thing?

We'll find some answers and ask more questions. Why is Eris the only human that can see the lucents? How can her genes enable her to do what she does? Will she ever be whole?





Today's amazing collection of blogs!!!
  1. The Book Zone (for boys) - Love it! Focusing on boys, a much needed blog!
  2. Death, Books, and Tea - Cool looking site. Interesting layout and like the review style. 
  3. Queen of Contemporary - It lives up to its name, and has some great stuff. Actually covers a larger range of books than I expected.









Thursday, December 19, 2013

XGeneration: You Don't Know Me



Blurb

In the fall of 1984, Cold War tensions between Washington and Moscow are close to breaking.

But in sleepy Gainesville, Florida, fourteen-year-old Janis Graystone is mainly worried about starting high school, earning a spot on the varsity soccer team, and keeping her older sister from running her life. And then there are her nighttime experiences. Experiences where she awakens in her backyard—out of her body—with the disturbing sense that someone is watching her.

For Scott Spruel, the start of high school means the chance to start over. And he’s willing to ditch everything—computer hacking, Dungeons & Dragons marathons, even his comic book collection (well, except for his X-Men)—if it means getting closer to Janis, the secret love of his life. But will Scott’s past be so easy to shed. And what about the eerie delay on his telephone, a delay he senses through powers he is only beginning to understand?

Welcome to the gripping new series, XGeneration: part The X-Files, part Freaks and Geeks, and totally '80s.

Rated 16+ for language.

Purchase your copy at AMAZON for 99 cents during this book blast!



Meet the Author
Brad Magnarella grew up in North Central Florida. As a boy he discovered Marvel Comics, text-based gaming, Bruce Springsteen, and Stephen King, roughly in that order. The prize, however, was a creek that wound through his neighborhood, providing him and his friends a wooded sanctuary in which to lose themselves, while discovering natural Florida.

A graduate of the University of Florida and American University, Brad has long aspired to write the kind of fiction that colored his childhood. His books include The Prisoner and the Sun trilogy and the first in his new young adult series, XGeneration.

Brad lives in Washington, D.C. When he's not writing, he's somewhat hard to find.
His latest book is XGeneration 1: You Don’t Know Me.

Sign up to Brad's mailing list for new releases: http://bit.ly/bdmlist.
Connect & Socialize with Brad!



Excerpt

“Do you ever think we’re being watched?” Janis asked.
She lifted her head from her soccer ball and squinted past her toes, still slick with sunblock, to where the beach crowd thinned near the crash and rumble of the ocean. For the first time, she and Margaret had the beach blanket to themselves, and she knew it wouldn’t last. Beyond her feet and off to the right, her sister’s three friends squealed and pranced from the water’s edge, breasts bobbing inside new bikinis. The bright pastel colors made them hard to miss. They would probably be running back this way any minute.
“Well, we are at the beach,” Margaret said.
Janis turned onto her elbow. In contrast to her airhead friends, her older sister lay in quiet repose, brunette hair tucked into a neat bun that cushioned her head and opened her lithe neck to the sun. Black Wayfarers hid her eyes. When the breeze stirred, the strings of her apple-red bikini fluttered against her hip.
“Not here, I mean,” Janis said. “In the neighborhood. At home. I keep having this feeling that we’re—”
“Being watched? Like the song?”
Janis groaned. She had walked right into that one. “Somebody’s Watching Me” had played on the boom box a half hour before, the deejay at I-100 FM using a creepy ghoul’s voice when he recapped the song and artist. And it was a creepy song. The video was even creepier. But no, that’s not what Janis was talking about.
“Not funny,” she said.