“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep.”
~ Robert Frost
*Evie’s family has been holding out on her …
Big time.
On an unexpected visit to her grandparents’ house in New Hampshire’s secluded North Woods, the sixteen-year-old literally runs into the truth of the long-hidden family secrets, and finds herself thrust without warning into the clandestine world of the Great North Pack—a wild and exhilarating world of rugged beauty, heart-pounding adventures, and long nights running under a sea of stars … but as she’s set to discover, a world also fraught with potential dangers lurking in the shadows.
Praise
"Simply put, this book was amazing. I've read more fantasy novels than than I can count, but this one is certainly one of the best. The heroine isn't some wishy-washy pansy that screams at everything, and the focus of the story isn't on some unbelievably beautiful teenage girl who suddenly becomes the biggest, baddest member of her species falling in love with some big, bad, sexy member of her newfound species. It's about a girl becoming something she never knew existed, finding her place within the pack family she values more than ever before, and an age-old feud that threatens everything she loves." ~Morgan
Shawn is a part-time writer from New Hampshire, where he spends his free time hiking in the mountains, camping, racing dirt bikes, or anything else that keeps him outdoors. Dogs are his very favorite people. He is also the author of the novel All Things Different.
BookBlast $100 Giveaway
$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 2/13/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Welcome to Author Rachel McClellan Rachel McClellan was born and raised in Idaho, a place secretly known for its supernatural creatures. When she's not in her writing lair, she's partying with her husband and four crazy, yet lovable, children. Rachel's love for storytelling began as a child when the moon first possessed the night. For when the lights went out, her imagination painted a whole new world. And what a scary world it was...
Interview Is there a song you could list as the theme song for your book or any of your characters?
Llona's them song would be "Fight Inside" by Red and Christian's would be "I will Follow You Into the Dark" by Death Cab for Cutie.
What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Their are two writing motto's I live by. 1. When in doubt, cut it out. This means that if there is a particular sentence or paragraph giving you grief and you're spending too much time on it, cut it. 2. Never begin a novel without knowing the ending. I can't tell you how many stories I have that are half finished. Once I discovered this trick, I easily finish novels and I don't get writers block. Knowing the end goal keeps me focused.
If you could choose only one time period and place to live, when and where would you live and why?
Since watching Downton Abbey, I'd love to live in that time period. But I'd want to be rich. I don't think it would be fun if you didn't have money...unless you married the hot, spirited Irish chauffeur. :)
What do you do in your free time?
Before kids, I loved to snowboard and play all kinds of sports. After kids, I still like playing sports like racquetball and volleyball, but snowboarding requires all day babysitting and lift tickets are expensive enough!
If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
"Is that all you got?"
What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you'd be embarrassed to admit?
I love watching Vampire Diaries, Supernatural, Being Human, The Walking Dead. But I'm not embarrassed to say it. Oh, wait. I have one. I like to watch America's Next Top Model. You know what would be a great show? To mix The Walking Dead and ANTM. Now that would be entertainment!
If you could invite any 5 people to dinner who would you choose?
Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Robert Louis Stevenson, Sherlock Holmes and Will Ferrell. Someone's sure to die in this crowd, but Holmes will solve it and Ferrell will make everyone laugh about it.
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
I love it when my husband makes eggnog and toast.
How long do you generally let a story idea ‘marinate’ in your brain before you start the book?
I usually have at least three ideas simmering at any given moment, but like I mentioned before, I won't start one until the ending comes to me.
Do you prefer to write in silence or with music?
Must. Have. Music. I write everything to music. I find it makes the whole process much easier.
Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
In March I have a humorous memoir titled CONFESSIONS OF A CEREAL MOTHER coming out. And I just finished a YA novel titled UNLEASHED. It's a twist on the Jekyll and Hyde story line. Currently I'm working on the third Fractured Light book, FRACTURED TRUTH.
Fractured Soul
Llona will do whatever it takes to protect her new found friends and home, but the dark plot threatening Lucent Academy, a school that’s supposed to be a safe place for Auras, may be too powerful for even Llona to defeat. This fast-paced tale of love, loyalty, and overcoming the darkness will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page!
Giveaway Details
1 copy of Fractured Souls
Open Internationally
Winner's choice of Print or Ebook
Ends 2/26/13
Got Great Giveaways is a weekly feature hosted here on I Am A Reader, Not A Writer. This feature will be posted each week usually on Wednesdays but I'm sometimes early and often late.
I've got a lot of Great Giveaway going on here on my blog so be sure to check them out! Most are linked in my right sidebar half way down. I love book giveaways. Enter enough book giveaways and you are going to win them. Just be sure to follow the giveaway entry rules so you have a valid entry and don't get disqualified.
To win a giveaway you've got to be able to find it and enter it. Thus I created Got Great Giveaways! If you are hosting a giveaway on your blog or come across a great giveaway you want to share please link it up here.
Got Great Giveaways? Book Giveaway Link Up Rules: Giveaways must be book related (books, gift cards to stores that sell books, swag, etc.) Please do not link up to Blog Hop Giveaways that are hosted on this site. Link directly to your giveaway post. Please include as much info as possible such as the genre, book title & ending date of your giveaway, shipping info, etc.
Example: Young Adult - In The Forests of Night by Kersten Hamilton ends 5/28 (US)
You are welcome to grab the code for this linky and add it to your site, just be sure to mention it is for book related giveaways only so it doesn't get spammed with unrelated giveaways. BOOK & BOOK RELATED GIVEAWAYS ONLY - others will be deleted.
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Stunning coming-of-age drama set during the Great Depression and Prohibition
When Eve Marryat's father is laid off from the Ford Motor Company in 1931, he is forced to support his family by leaving St. Paul, Minnesota, and moving back to his Ohio roots. Eve's uncle Cyrus has invited the family to live and work at his Marryat Island Ballroom and Lodge.
Eve can't wait to leave St. Paul, a notorious haven for gangsters. At seventeen, she considers her family to be "good people," not lawbreakers like so many in her neighborhood. Thrilled to be moving to a "safe haven," Eve soon forms an unlikely friendship with a strange young man named Link, blissfully unaware that her uncle's lodge is anything but what it seems.
When the reality of her situation finally becomes clear, Eve is faced with a dilemma. Does she dare risk everything by exposing the man whose love and generosity is keeping her family from ruin? And when things turn dangerous, can she trust Link in spite of appearances?
Ann Tatlock
Ann Tatlock is the author of the Christy-Award winning novel Promises to Keep. She has also won the Midwest Independent Publishers Association "Book of the Year" in fiction for both All the Way Home and I'll Watch the Moon. Her novel Things We Once Held Dear received a starred review from Library Journal and Publishers Weekly calls her "one of Christian fiction's better wordsmiths, and her lovely prose reminds readers why it is a joy to savor her stories." Ann lives with her husband and daughter in Asheville, North Carolina.
I'm setting up a blog tour for The Silver Sphere by Michael Dadich. This is a YA Fantasy novel.
The tour will run from April 4th to 19th and is mainly a review tour.
The Silver Sphere
Shelby Pardow never imagined killing someone. That's about to change.
While hiding from her troubled father in the local library, Shelby stares at a flashing instant message on her computer: YOU ARE NEEDED. She discovers a portal that opens and teleports her to the planet Azimuth, where soldiers await. Here, she is not a child but a warrior, Kin to one of the six Aulic Assembly members imprisoned by Malefic Cacoethes, the daunting leader of the Nightlanders.
Malefic, the evil spawn of the demon Biskara, razes towns and cities in his quest to rule Azimuth, and yearns to turn his forces against Earth. Yet every time Biskara gets close to achieving his malevolent goals, the Assembly uses the Silver Sphere, a sophisticated armillary device, to thwart him.
With the Assembly deposed, Biskara directing Malefic's conquests, and the Silver Sphere out of reach, Shelby is thrust into an unforgettable quest with her fellow Kin. She must learn to kill and lead an army into battle, or Azimuth—and Earth—will fall.
Author Michael Dadich
I’ve been writing since first setting pencil to steno pad at age 8. A year later, I began developing the world of my current series-in-progress, and even created its title, The Silver Sphere. Now, with the support of years of experience, those early maps and back stories have progressed into what I hope is a fresh and entertaining take on the classic young adult fantasy adventure.
Despite my frequent escapes into parallel worlds, I root myself firmly in my very real family and community. When not pacing the yard maniacally after every few pages of writing, I spend as much time as possible hanging out with my studly 9-year-old son, and my inspirational wife Jenna. I also coach several local youth sports teams in Beverly Hills, and alternate between yelling at my two crazy Corgis and hiking with my trained German Shepherd.
For more, join me in my favorite fantasy worlds, from Lord of the Rings to the creations of C.S. Lewis, Anne McCaffrey and Terry Brooks. Even more importantly, stop by and say hello on my Facebook page at AuthorMichaelDadich, tweet me at @MichaelDadich, and stalk my website at http://www.thesilversphere.org.
Jeff Gunhus grew up in Cyprus, Greece, and Saudi Arabia where there was a distinct lack of television. He quickly found books were the gateway to incredible adventures, fascinating characters and unbelievable discoveries. Now, with five children of his own (all who watch too much television, in his opinion), he has enjoyed revisiting his old books and reliving those adventures all over again.
Interview If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
The power to not sleep. There are never enough hours in the day. Not having to sleep would be like living 20 years longer.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Whichever flavor is in front of me! Ice cream is my major weakness.
Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
Jack Templar Monster Hunter grabs you by the scruff of your neck and hooks you into a fast-paced, monster-filled romp that will make you cancel whatever's on your schedule so you can keep reading to see what happens next.
Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
I just finished the first draft of book two. My process is to stick it in a drawer for a week before reading it. I actually love the first rewrite so it's hard for me to wait. Jack Templar is envisioned as a seven book series, so that should keep me busy.
Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
A lot of my kid's friends have read the book and are big fans. This makes me slightly less uncool in my kid's eyes...so that's a plus.
If you could jump in to a book and live in that world, which would it be?
My first and greatest love was Middle Earth. I would live in the Shire with the hobbits. The Elves just take themselves too seriously.
What's one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Read Stephen King's book, On Writing. You don't need to be a King fan. Just read the book and be transformed. Other than that, your first responsibility is to get your backside in the chair and work. Every day. Writers write. Period.
When you were little, what did you want to be when you "grew up"?
I wanted to be an author or Indiana Jones. Once I found out that archeology is all about lab time and digging out artifacts with toothbrushes instead of dynamite, I settled on writing.
What's the craziest writing idea you've had?
I wrote a screenplay which was supposed to be the "real" story of Romeo and Juliet. I read that the story predated Shakespeare by a few hundred years, so I thought it would be interesting. What is turned into was people saying, "So, you think you rewrote Shakespeare and made a better version of the greatest story every written?" I still like the screenplay, but its probably better off in a desk drawer.
Favorite Food?
Pizza with pineapple and pepperoni.
Favorite Candy?
M&Ms poured into a bag of hot popcorn. Try it. You'll never have popcorn by itself again.
How do you react to a bad review?
I read all bad reviews out loud to my older kids and hopefully model how to look for constructive feedback in someone's opinion. They take it more personally than I do, but I think it's a good exercise.
What do you do in your free time?
What's that? Lol. With five kids, books to write and a national business with thousands of employees to run, I stay pretty busy. Any spare moment I just like to hang with my kids.
If someone wrote a book about your life, what would the title be?
Good Thing For His Wife
How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?
A great dinner with my wife and friends. It was a sale to Hyperion back when advances were still pretty healthy. We were happy for the book, but happier that we finally had a down payment for a first house.
Do you prefer a bunch of small gifts or one big expensive one?
Like most parents, my favorite gifts are the handmade ones from my kids.
What is you favorite way to spend a rainy day?
Writing next to a fire or watching movies with the kids.
Do you prefer to write in silence or with music?
I have earbuds in and have movie soundtracks cranking.
Favorite/most influential teacher?
Mrs. Harvey, a very proper British woman, who taught me the importance to a good vocabulary, how to write clearly and the importance of sitting up straight in one's chair.
Do you write as you go or do you have the book all planned out from page 1?
A by-product of writing screenplays with a writing partner is that I now do detailed outlines of my books. I find this to be the best way to avoid writer's block. I wake up every day knowing where I'm going. How I get there is still fun and exciting.
What drives you insane about the writing process?
Editing. I love the rewriting process but hate the line editing stuff. Fortunately, I have great editors to help me, but after seeing something thirty times, I'm just not going to see that glaring typo any more.
What drew you to writing this genre?
I wrote this book to get my reluctant reader 11 year old excited about reading. This genre seemed the best way to reach a young boy. I'm excited that so many girls like the book.
This or That
TV or Movies? Movies Hot or Cold? Cold Black or White? Black
Night owl, or early bird? Early bird Print or Ebook? Print Chocolate or Vanilla? Chocolate Regular or Diet? Diet Coke or Pepsi? Coke Horror or Romance? Horror Action or Drama? Action Pizza or Pasta? Pizza Skittles or M&Ms? M&Ms Sweet or Salty? Salty Summer or Winter? Winter City or Country? Country Harry Potter or Twilight? Harry Potter Gum or Breath Mints? Gum Spontaneity or Planning Ahead? Spontaneity PC or Mac? Mac, of course Beach or Pool? Beach Shoes or Sandals? Sandals Cats or Dog? Dog Apples or Oranges? Oranges Cause or Effect? Cause Heads or Tails? Heads Facebook or Twitter? Facebook Truth or Dare? Truth Text or Talk? Talk
Introvert or Extrovert? Both
Jack Templar: Monster Hunter
Orphan Jack Templar has no memory of his parents and only the smallest details from his Aunt Sophie about how they died. The day before Jack's fourteenth birthday, things start to change for him. At first it's great: A sudden new strength helps him defend his nose-picking friend "T-Rex" from the school bully, and even his crush, Cindy Adams, takes notice. But then a mysterious girl named Eva arrives and tells him two facts that will change his life forever. First, that he's the descendent of a long line of monster hunters and he's destined to be in the family business. Second, that there's a truce between man and monster that children are off-limits...until their fourteenth birthday! Jack has only one day before hundreds of monsters will descend on his little town of Sunnyvale and try to kill him.
As if that weren't enough, things get even more complicated when Jack discovers that the Lord of the Creach (as the monsters are collectively known) holds a personal grudge against him and will do anything to see that Jack has a slow and painful death. To stay alive and save his friends, Jack will have to battle werewolves, vampires, harpies, trolls, zombies and more. But perhaps the most dangerous thing he must face is the truth about his past. Why do the other hunters call him the last Templar? Why do they whisper that he may be the "One?" Why do the monsters want him dead so badly? Even as these questions plague him, he quickly discovers survival is his new full-time job and that in the world of monster hunters, nothing is really what it seems.
Kirkus Reviews
"Gunhus brings young readers a monster-filled romp to read at their own risk. In the first few pages, Jack, the storyteller and main character, warns readers not to read about these real-world monsters that would seem to only exist in fiction. The tone is set--sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek and likable; rooting for Jack is easy...Gunhus masterfully introduces fully realized characters with whom readers can connect almost instantly. The pacing is quick but not rushed, and events seamlessly progress, complete with action, cliff-hangers and surprise reveals. "
Amazon Reviews Watch out Percy Jackson here comes Jack Templar
Move over Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, there's a new kid in town - Jack Templar, and he will take you on a wonderful adventure of good vs evil, with friends and enemies at every turn. The twists and turns keep the reader on a roller coaster of entertainment in the way of JK Rowling and Rick Riordan. ~ Penny Brein
Fast paced adventure through and through
Written for middle school aged students, this book is action-packed from the beginning and will hold the attention of young readers. Not only that, as an adult reader, it was hard to put down, so parents will enjoy it as an easy read. ~ bluejellybean
Kids will love it!
Not only will kids love it, adults will too! I don't want to give the plot away but this is a book worth reading. This book is creatively written drawing in the reader to be a participant in the story. There is lots of action with enough blood and guts to be interesting without being gross. Girls will like it too with the strong female role models and the hint of romance. Even though this is a children's book, I couldn't put it down. I will definitely be adding this to my classroom library. I am looking forward to reading the book in this series and sharing it with my students. Awesome book! ~ pixiep
Yeah, you read it right. I’m a monster hunter. Back before I actually became one, I would have thought that sounded totally awesome. And don’t get me wrong, in a lot of ways it is. But most of the time, I’m either running for my life or hiding in the shadows, praying the monster chasing me doesn’t pick up my scent. And I’m almost always scared to death. In a few pages, I think you’ll see why.
But there are a few things I need to warn you about before I tell you my story.
First, this isn’t a cartoon. These are bloodthirsty creatures who will stop at nothing to kill. They are scary. Very scary. Second, the only way to stop them is to kill them first…and that gets gross and messy. Third, this is all real.
You think I’m kidding, don’t you? I can almost see you smirking as you read this. But this isn’t a joke. Monsters are real and the story I’m about to tell you really happened. If you’d rather walk through life believing that monsters are only found in books or on the movie screen, then you should shut this book right now and go do something else.
I give you these warnings because the story I’m about to tell you isn’t for everyone. Not everyone can handle it. The blood. The gore. The monsters.
This life was thrust onto me. I had no choice but to take up a sword and fight. But you can still walk away and pretend this dark world doesn’t exist. Or you can walk through the door that I’m about to open and find out the truth about the world around you.
But I warn you (and this is a big warning), if you read this book, if you learn about the monsters that roam among us and the hunters who fight them, if you decide to learn the truth, then you will become fair game for the monsters to chase.
Make sure you understand what I’m saying.
If you read this book, you will be part of this world and the monsters will come after you too. You will start to see things that no other humans can see. The shadows will move when you walk near them. The creatures of the night will seek you out, testing the doors and windows of your house, looking for a way in.
And, at some point, they will find you, just like they found me, and you will be forced to defend yourself.
So, think carefully before you turn the page, because once you do, there’s no turning back.
Ever.
Once a monster hunter, always a monster hunter.
See you on the other side.
If you’re brave enough.
Blog Tour $50 Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash + Swag
Ends 2/18/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
I wish I could say yes to every author who approaches me to review their book. Unfortunately there are not enough hours in the day to read as much as I want and with the number of amazing books out there to read it's impossible to read everything I would like to.
When I can't accept a book I like to provide the author or publisher with a list of bloggers who are accepting books for review.
If you'd like to be included on the spreadsheet that will be given to authors/publishers looking for book reviewers just fill out the form below. They can check out your site to see if it's a good fit for their book and contact you. Please be aware that I simply send them the entire spreadsheet and allow them to choose who might be a good fit for them. If you are approached by someone who has obviously not read your review policy feel free to ignore their request.
This is a new updated spreadsheet. If you filled out my previous form you must update your information on this one if you still wish to have your information shared.
If you are an author or publisher and would like to view this list just send me an email.
Welcome to the Entwined Publishing Birthday Bash! Yhis is the third stop along the Scavenger Hunt.
It is a ten day event and to find the answers to all of the questions, you’ll
have to dig down in Entwined’s books to pull out the answers. We do have a
couple author questions and publishing questions along the way as well. For
more info, please visit Uniquely Moi
Books for all the details and a full schedule of all the stops.
There will be two winners. The EASY
question will count as three points. The HARD
question counts as five points. Choose your question wisely, as points will be
added up!
The grand prize will be seven novels from Entwined Publishing, swag, and a $25 Gift Card of Choice. The second prize is four books of choice, swag to go with, and a $15 Gift Card of choice.
Today’s question comes from GENERATIONS 1: Book of Enlightenment by
Mia Castile.
Generations 1: Book of Enlightenment
Ellie Solomon has always been sort of a loner. Between her brother(who is the only family she has left) and a few friends (that are more his friends than hers) she lives a boring life. The one person she confides in is her Guardian Angel who visits her dreams. He is her best friend, too bad he's not real. When strange wolves with red eyes begin chasing her one evening, a mysterious boy and his dog saves her, catapulting her into the secret of Her parents fate and who she really is. Together, with her new friends she embarks on a journey that leads her to the destiny of her Generation.
Easy: Where does Ellie get a job at?
Hard: What are the two animal forms that Gideon shifts into?
From January 27th through February 2nd, we are having a contest on twitter where everyday one winner will be chosen to win a prize from Entwined Publishing. Follow @EntwinedPublish And to enter, just tweet one of the following:
#Happybirthday #Entwined @entwinedpub I want to win a free ebook today #Happybirthday #Entwined Follow @entwinedpub tweet and win a free ebook #Happybirthday #Entwined @entwinedpub is giving away a free ebook a day or make up your own tweet
Just be sure to include #Happybirthday #Entwined and @entwinedpub
Still not finished!
All Entwined Publishing novels are on sale for only $.99 during this event!
My Giveaways Giveaway #1 - 5 Books Open to US only Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage My Name is Mina by David Almond A Girl Named Willow Krimble by Giuseppe Bianco Swipe by Evan Angler The Apothecary by Maile Meloy
Giveaway #2 A Crimson Frost by Marcia Lynn McClure: A Crimson Frost. Paperback open to US only, ebook open Internationally.
A Crimson Frost
Beloved of her father, King Dacian, and adored by her people, the Scarlet Princess Monet endeavored to serve her kingdom well—for the people of the Kingdom of Karvana were good, and worthy of service. Long Monet had known that even her marriage would serve her people. Her husband would be chosen for her—for this was the way of royal existence.
Still, as any woman does—peasant or princess—Monet dreamt of owning true love—of owning choice in love. Thus, each time the raven-haired, sapphire-eyed, Crimson Knight of Karvana rode near—Monet knew regret—for in secret, she loved him—and she could not choose him.
As an arrogant king from another kingdom began to wage war against Karvana, Karvana’s king, knights and soldiers answered the challenge. The Princess Monet would also know battle. As the Crimson Knight battled with armor and blade—so the Scarlet Princess would battle in sacrifice and with secrets held. Thus, when the charge was given to preserve the heart of Karvana—Monet endeavored to serve her kingdom and forget her secreted love. Yet, love is not so easily forgotten…
Each of these blog is hosting a giveaway for a young adult book. The linky will be accurate on Tuesday morning. As giveaways go live I update the linky by adding a ~ before the blog name.
Orphan Jack Templar has no memory of his parents and only the smallest details from his Aunt Sophie about how they died. The day before Jack's fourteenth birthday, things start to change for him. At first it's great: A sudden new strength helps him defend his nose-picking friend "T-Rex" from the school bully, and even his crush, Cindy Adams, takes notice. But then a mysterious girl named Eva arrives and tells him two facts that will change his life forever. First, that he's the descendent of a long line of monster hunters and he's destined to be in the family business. Second, that there's a truce between man and monster that children are off-limits...until their fourteenth birthday! Jack has only one day before hundreds of monsters will descend on his little town of Sunnyvale and try to kill him.
As if that weren't enough, things get even more complicated when Jack discovers that the Lord of the Creach (as the monsters are collectively known) holds a personal grudge against him and will do anything to see that Jack has a slow and painful death. To stay alive and save his friends, Jack will have to battle werewolves, vampires, harpies, trolls, zombies and more. But perhaps the most dangerous thing he must face is the truth about his past. Why do the other hunters call him the last Templar? Why do they whisper that he may be the "One?" Why do the monsters want him dead so badly? Even as these questions plague him, he quickly discovers survival is his new full-time job and that in the world of monster hunters, nothing is really what it seems.
Author Jeff Gunhus
Jeff Gunhus grew up in Cyprus, Greece, and Saudi Arabia where there was a distinct lack of television. He quickly found books were the gateway to incredible adventures, fascinating characters and unbelievable discoveries. Now, with five children of his own (all who watch too much television, in his opinion), he has enjoyed revisiting his old books and reliving those adventures all over again.
"Gunhus brings young readers a monster-filled romp to read at their own risk. In the first few pages, Jack, the storyteller and main character, warns readers not to read about these real-world monsters that would seem to only exist in fiction. The tone is set--sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek and likable; rooting for Jack is easy...Gunhus masterfully introduces fully realized characters with whom readers can connect almost instantly. The pacing is quick but not rushed, and events seamlessly progress, complete with action, cliff-hangers and surprise reveals. "
Amazon Reviews Watch out Percy Jackson here comes Jack Templar
Move over Harry Potter and Percy Jackson, there's a new kid in town - Jack Templar, and he will take you on a wonderful adventure of good vs evil, with friends and enemies at every turn. The twists and turns keep the reader on a roller coaster of entertainment in the way of JK Rowling and Rick Riordan. ~ Penny Brein
Fast paced adventure through and through
Written for middle school aged students, this book is action-packed from the beginning and will hold the attention of young readers. Not only that, as an adult reader, it was hard to put down, so parents will enjoy it as an easy read. ~ bluejellybean
Kids will love it!
Not only will kids love it, adults will too! I don't want to give the plot away but this is a book worth reading. This book is creatively written drawing in the reader to be a participant in the story. There is lots of action with enough blood and guts to be interesting without being gross. Girls will like it too with the strong female role models and the hint of romance. Even though this is a children's book, I couldn't put it down. I will definitely be adding this to my classroom library. I am looking forward to reading the book in this series and sharing it with my students. Awesome book! ~ pixiep
Yeah, you read it right. I’m a monster hunter. Back before I actually became one, I would have thought that sounded totally awesome. And don’t get me wrong, in a lot of ways it is. But most of the time, I’m either running for my life or hiding in the shadows, praying the monster chasing me doesn’t pick up my scent. And I’m almost always scared to death. In a few pages, I think you’ll see why.
But there are a few things I need to warn you about before I tell you my story.
First, this isn’t a cartoon. These are bloodthirsty creatures who will stop at nothing to kill. They are scary. Very scary. Second, the only way to stop them is to kill them first…and that gets gross and messy. Third, this is all real.
You think I’m kidding, don’t you? I can almost see you smirking as you read this. But this isn’t a joke. Monsters are real and the story I’m about to tell you really happened. If you’d rather walk through life believing that monsters are only found in books or on the movie screen, then you should shut this book right now and go do something else.
I give you these warnings because the story I’m about to tell you isn’t for everyone. Not everyone can handle it. The blood. The gore. The monsters.
This life was thrust onto me. I had no choice but to take up a sword and fight. But you can still walk away and pretend this dark world doesn’t exist. Or you can walk through the door that I’m about to open and find out the truth about the world around you.
But I warn you (and this is a big warning), if you read this book, if you learn about the monsters that roam among us and the hunters who fight them, if you decide to learn the truth, then you will become fair game for the monsters to chase.
Make sure you understand what I’m saying.
If you read this book, you will be part of this world and the monsters will come after you too. You will start to see things that no other humans can see. The shadows will move when you walk near them. The creatures of the night will seek you out, testing the doors and windows of your house, looking for a way in.
And, at some point, they will find you, just like they found me, and you will be forced to defend yourself.
So, think carefully before you turn the page, because once you do, there’s no turning back.
Ever.
Once a monster hunter, always a monster hunter.
See you on the other side.
If you’re brave enough.
Book Blast $50 Giveaway
Ends 2/15/13
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