Book Promo [#17]: Dream Cast for Hidden series.

Ooh, Book 3 in the Hidden series is out soon is it?...
Clare & I have joined the YA blog tour: Countdown to 7th August
Some of you may be reading this may know already... I not, then thank you for reading my blog post today anyway! You can check out more of the countdown tour at countdownya.com
I've got the pleasure of having Clare Davidson as my special guest! Together, we've created a dream cast for characters which appear throughout the series.

Here's the wraparound cover which includes the blurb, spine & the cover- its absolutely stunning!

RELEASED 7th August 2014! (didn't you already guess?)

Series: ☑   Shrouded Soul is a young adult urban fantasy, with a large dash of mystery set in modern day England...

Reviewing... [67] Broken Bargain

The series continues, and the world builds up, now...

you may have to expect some comparisons between this book, second in the Hidden series, and the first book... while it doesn't contain anything I view as a Reaper's Rhythm spoiler-and certainly not for Broken Bargain- if this bothers you or you'd rather get the picture from the first book, please feel free to instead check out my Reaper's Rhythm review (link in box below), either way... thank you for checking out this post!

You may be wondering, if you're still here reading, whether to continue the series, having read RR, and I'd suggest you do, in short! Why? Read on!

Reviewing... [67] Source: Received in exchange for an honest review (thanks Clare!) Author: Clare Davidson Recommended for: Those who like plots which are particularly aided by driven characters, but aren't just controlled by characters... (wait, does that make sense? I hope it does?)If not, I said in the Reaper's Rhythm review:

Reviewing... [47] Reaper's Rhythm

Reviewing... [47] Source: Recieved for review... Author: Clare Davidson Recommended for: ...better to say who it's not recommended for. It tells you more. Like, not young children or... yup, that's all I've got.

This book is essentially about Kim, and her family, dealing with elder sister Charley's death... Kim isn't there to grieve like her family, or get irritated because suicide is selfish (he knows who I'm talking to here :P) she is literally on her own little murder mystery. When a girl wants to find out what happened to her sister, and is sure it wasn't suicide, you wouldn't expect it to unravel to Reaper's Rhythm. Actually, a saga: The Hidden Series. You can expect to relate to Kim, no matter what age you are; it's not about age. I think her Mum's reaction is, and even Chris' is. But I think some of the reactions of grief are not likely to happen just to teenage girls (this means Kim's, Amy's & other peers of Kim and her deceased sister, Charley). Obviously, they are ones I can imagine (and totally would not want to experience...) best but you will relate to other characters too, besides Kim. You may not ever react like that yourself, or hopefully be in a situation as stressful & upsetting, but you will.

(to be precise, this).

Kim just has what lots of people have: Faith in family and… curiosity. Why shouldn't she investigate? Sure, it's going to be sad & it can even beg the question regarding revenge.  I expected it to be about justice but this series is going to be so much more. It's sensational- there is a mix of themes & I'm not sure which ones I need to cover. You do need to know that they all fit, there's space for all of them, as they develop & mature, forming lovely diverse, dynamic characters & reactions suitable for them. At least in my opinion, I recognize all this "crafting" & would happily read more about this family, and even the other characters (OK! Especially Matthew) as Davidson has really made them jump out from the age. If I was basing on the ending, you wouldn't expect sequels! In series, it's hard to get the right ending. For the first book(s), where cliffhangers are common place & also to the last book where you have to try & wrap up the book, all the last books & tie all the strings together. Quite a lot of authors leave loose ends in a few of their books! But I loved the ending of Reaper's Rhythm a lot; I liked the whole thing but it was the ending that settled it for me. It was just: WOW. If I was just basing on the ending, 5 stars. But, I've got to be honest. I wouldn't tire of that ending, had I read it a dozen times. I could read it over & over. It's tempting to just leave it at that, if I rated books when I'd just finished them I'd honestly be basing it mainly on the ending (the part that can make or break you). However, even though there was a lot of tension & lots of drama- highs and lows- there were even some fabulous paranormal aspects I hadn't seen coming at all... *spoiler* (you know I mentioned that Matthew guy- if not, look up & then get the blurb up, well...) The paranormal aspect is kind of, in short, angels. In long, Kim is confused too & I have proof: In the list of insane things, flying with an invisible not-angel is probably quite low down (loc 2134 of RR). I said it was a spoiler FYI *spoiler* Reaper's Rhythm it isn't quite worth 5 stars. There were only tiny bits when I wasn't 100% satisfied, or I didn't enjoy it as much. Overall, it's mainly the beginning. It was a little bit of a slow burner & I wasn't that interested in Matthew or Kevin or a certain horrible character *cough* Tee *cough* A... Bitch (quite a common word in this book, but if you don't mind it half a dozen times over 200+ pages then that's OK!)

I ended up liking them (well no, I didn't like Tia... she did seem mean-spirited from page 1, or whichever page she was introduced!) I guess. So, why should you read this?

Cos, overall it was...

(according to Amy Bookworm, and that's still pretty amazing, trust me).

You will especially like it if (goes with recommended for):

* Books which end up having quite a fast pace but take a while to go there don't bother you, or you like them (some like that build up, I know).

* You like serious issues being touched upon (ones that mean this book really is a teen read & a bit gritty at that :D)

* You are good at turning pages fast.

* You need more book boyfriends. Be warned: you can't actually have him as a book boyfriend... You'll find out, if you read it (not that you actually date them).

* You devour series like they're going to go out of fashion (slim chance of that, dude).

Book Promo [#12]: Reaper's Rhythm (Pre-Release!)

Ooh, look! It's something new by the cat-loving, highschool-teaching Clare Davidson (if you missed my interview with her feel free to pop over & check it out here. Where else can you find this author?S ClareDavidson.com | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | New releases mailing list S

 Here's the wraparound cover which includes the blurb, spine & the cover- its absolutely stunning!

RELEASED 26th July 2013!

Series: ☑   Reaper’s Rhythm is a young adult urban fantasy, with a large dash of mystery set in modern day England...
  

WHEN everyone thinks your sister committed suicide, it’s hard to prove she was murdered... Both cover and this image by Bramasta Aji. Sound intriguing? Here's a snippet: “ An oversized photograph of Charley stands on an easel at the front. I freeze and stare at her charming smile, unable to squeeze a breath out of my lungs. I recognise the photo. It was taken the evening of her year 11 prom. She was wearing a peach ball gown with a sequined bodice that wrapped tightly around her torso. The skirt splayed out like a waterfall. Her blond curls were piled on top of her head and her makeup was expertly applied to accentuate her angular cheek bones and her full red lips. It’s exactly how I remember Charley: beautiful and confident.     ” ~Reaper's Rhythm

Book Promo [#10]: Trinity (and Interview with Clare Davidson)

Guys, this is the second author interview I’ve had @ Amy Bookworm. Today’s it an indie UKYA author & that’s fabulous!
So, can you please give a big welcome to Clare Davidson? *nods* I know you can!

I’ll just quickly tell you the first interview question:

For the readers, what’s your name & where do you call home?
The easy bit: Hi, my name is Clare Davidson.
The not so easy bit: I’m from the UK, but I’m honestly not sure where I’d call home. I was born in Northampton and spent some time in Birmingham, before moving over half way across the world to live in Malaysia for four and a half years. After that, I lived in Leeds until I left home for university. Then I ended up in Lancaster and never left… until this summer, when I will be leaving and heading back to Leeds. So where do you think I should call home?

Where do you think Clare calls home? To contact her, find out more about her books & or just generally connect you can visit her @ her: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | New releases mailing list

Sorry for that brief pause- firstly in the "official" interview,
True or False?

You use your real name. True.
You've had to do research for at least one of your novels. True.
You tend to write fast-paced novels. Both true and false. I think books need to be fast paced, but have moments of calm.
Your characters end up leading the novel to places you hadn't predicted... True. Don’t everyone’s characters?
You don't leave negative reviews. For books, that’s true. I’ve blogged about why I don’t leave negative reviews at length here (as we said, that's a good way to connect!)
Your books are closer to sad than funny. True, but there are always lighter moments.
Knitting is better than stitching. True. I love knitting. I can crochet and spin as well. I can also sew, but I prefer knitting.
Cats are better than dogs. So true!
Pink is better than black. False, but only because my 4 year old daughter insists on dressing head to toe and pink and her bedroom is bright pink. Pink overload!
Timelords are better than Werewolves. Every time!

Ooh, only one proper false! Win to the teenager (especially as I found another cat person, anyone else snap to that?)

Is there anything you'd like to say to your teenage self- would you mention being a published author? Would they expect your home to be where it is (I’d say the UK for that BTW!)?
I would definitely tell my teenage self that I had the guts to put my writing out there. I was very shy and introverted and, although I joked along with my classmates who said I’d never make it as a writer, their comments knocked my confidence A LOT. I think my past self would be pleased that all those hours spent writing longhand and dreaming up new worlds and characters would someday mean something to readers.
When I was looking at going to university, I was convinced I’d move back home as soon as I’d finished, rather than fourteen years later!

Is there an issue/topic you would like to see more of in YA? Why?
Now that’s a tough question. There are some very brave books in YA, which already cover serious issues and topics, such as suicide, rape, abuse, grief and racism. I suppose if anything it would be good to see books looking at cyber bullying or even grooming, as these are both problems relevant to modern teens. I’m sure they both have been covered in YA fiction, just not in books I’ve encountered yet.

Real life worlds, fictional film/TV worlds or bookish ones?
Real life. I write, read and watch film/TV to escape, but ultimately I wouldn’t want to live in any of those worlds. I’m happy in the real world with my husband, daughter and friends. Does that sound really cheesy?
Do you have any book trailers for your books? If not, describe your book in 10 words or less instead!
I have a book trailed for Trinity, which you can find here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0OfIk4jfZY) and I’ll be making one for Reaper’s Rhythm shortly.

Awesome. Do you think these help the reader to understand the world and book?
I think book trailers are useful for providing a visual interpretation of a book/world. They can be good for hooking readers in enough to read a sample or buy the book.

If you could only do one hobby for a day, what would it be?
Erm… writing? Or maybe knitting if I wanted a relaxing day!

What are some of your books on your TBR and which are the ones you’re most looking forward to? Also pick your side: sad books or funny books?
I like books which have both funny and sad moments. I don’t tend to read all out comedies and books which never have moments of relief can be a little depressing to slog through. I guess I just cheated there!

As for my TBR list…
I have an eARC of ‘One’ by Leigh Ann Kopans
‘Blood Roses’, by Jason T Graves
‘Sky Song’, by Sharon Sant
‘Stars in Her Eyes’, by Clare Marshall
‘Nightingale’, by David Farland
‘A Monster Calls’, by Patrick Ness

There’s more… but those are on the first page of my Kindle! I’m looking forward to reading them all for different reasons. Yes, I cheated a second time!

Reaper’s Rhythm is set to be released this summer… Can you tell us a little about this upcoming book?
Reaper’s Rhythm is a young adult urban fantasy, with a large dash of mystery. It’s set in modern day England, very loosely in the area I currently live (and I do mean loosely). Here’s the blurb:
Devastated and unable to accept her sister, Charley’s sudden death, Kim sets out to prove it was murder. Not an easy task when everyone is convinced it was suicide. Crippled by an unnatural amnesia regarding her sister’s death, Kim starts to investigate, but at every turn, she comes up against the unexplainable. As she starts to doubt her own sanity, she realises her investigation is putting her and those around her in danger.
The only person who seems to know anything is Matthew, an elusive stranger who would rather vanish than talk. Kim needs to convince Matthew to help her, if she’s going to find out what happened to Charley and protect her family. 

~Reapers Rhythm

We're not just here to promote the upcoming novel by Clare, and as much as I love interviewing her (it was fantastic to do that) we're moving on...

RELEASED July 2012!
Series: ý   Clare Davidson's debut novel. It is an epic fantasy, targeted at young adult readers, with strong crossover appeal into the adult market.
  

Also Available at Amazon (UK linked above), Smashwords, Sony, iTunes & Barnes and Nobles KIANA longs to walk through a forest and feel grass between her toes. But she is the living embodiment of a goddess and has enemies who wish to murder her. Her death will curse the whole of Gettryne. Locked away for protection, she dreams of freedom. Her wish comes true in the worst possible way, when her home and defenders are destroyed. Along with an inexperienced guard and a hunted outcast, Kiana flees the ravages of battle to search for a solution to the madness that has gripped Gettryne for a thousand years. Pursued by the vicious and unrelenting Wolves, their journey will take them far beyond their limits, to a secret that will shake the world. ~Trinty