The "World's Beneath" Blog Tour {+ review of "The Blood Race"!}

Oh, hey, yeah, I have a blog!  Lookie there.

Hi people!  I know, I know, I haven't posted anything since July 6 and I'm so very sorry about that.  BUT I am back and I ready for this super exciting blog tour! 

 
What is "World's Beneath", you ask?

Well, let me tell you.

It's the newly-released sequel to the awesome book "The Blood Race",

 which I just read and now I get to review for you!

Title: The Blood Race
Author: K.A. Emmons
Genre: Sci-fi/Fantasy
Content: Several curse words throughout, one character's backstory includes her being raped, and a good bit of violence.

Synopsis:
I’ve been running from my past for one hundred years. And I’m still just a teenager.  
I was selected by my teacher, Sensei, to train in The Dimension: a secret place of refuge for the ‘anomalies’ of past, present, and future earth. Here I would learn to connect to my ‘warrior within’ as Sensei calls it - to channel energy orbs, commute between realms, and even shape-shift into an alternate form. But never did I guess that my training would include taking on an anomaly student of my own: a loose cannon of a college guy named Ion.
Late one evening, I invite him over to Sensei’s house for a little chat; one that will turn his life upside-down. Shoving him into the broom closet turned portal, I drag Ion into the Dimension, opening his eyes to his true homeland: a realm of anomalies. His kin.
As we train to become Protectors of future Earth, battling each other as well as our own demons, I begin to realize that there’s more to Ion than I originally thought: a darkness he’s spent his life running from. And beyond that, a looming threat hidden in plain sight - something that could destroy me, him, and the future of Earth.

Placement in Series: 1 of 2

What I Thought:
Wow.  That ending though.
I had heard glowing reviews of this book from several friends, and when I started I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about it.  There's quite a lot of language at the beginning, and I wasn't the hugest fan of Ion as a character.  But once I got past the first few chapters and into the plot, ooh boy was it hard to put down.  The character development, the fascinating originality of the Dimension, the Christian allegory woven through, it was really good.
The only downside was the language.  I don't normally have an issue with language in books, and I wouldn't have in this one if I had been warned about it.  It caught me off guard, and thus I was annoyed by it, so I'm making you aware so you don't end up like me xD
But other than that it was awesome.  When I finished, the first thing I said was "whoa". 

My rating: 4 hawk feathers out of 5

About the Author:

When she’s not hermiting away in her colorfully-painted home office writing her next science fiction, passionate story-teller and adventurer Kate Emmons is probably on the road for a surf or hiking trip, listening to vinyls, or going for a power run.
Emmons’ debut novel The Blood Race is the first book in her YA science fiction/fantasy thriller series.
You can connect with Kate on her website, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and her blog!

You can pick up a copy of The Blood Race here and a copy of World's Beneath here!

The blog tour was put together by Livy Lynn - for more information check out this link!

Huge thank you to both Livy and Kate for letting me participate and read such an awesome book! :D
~ Abby

The Thief, The Damsel, and The Dragon Blog Tour {+ book review!}

Today's the day!  Angela Watts has written a book and it's PUBLISHED!!!!!

And because she was sweet enough to let me participate in her blog tour, I get to give y'all a review!


The Thief, The Damsel, and the Dragon


(also, sidenote, isn't this cover just gorgeous?)

Author: Angela Watts
Genre: Christian contemporary
Content: None

Synopsis:
“... the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.” ~ Psalms 91:13
Edward Prosner is going to steal from the small town mayor of Fall Springs, North Carolina. He’s got a flawless plan of action and is determined to return honor and justice to his father’s good name. The problem he faces? He needs a date for the mayor’s dinner party.
Lucy Levitt is a huge romantic at heart, but with her family’s ranch and her part-time job, she has no time for dating. She believes God will place her soulmate in her life when the time is right. When the new man in town asks her out, how can she say no?
The first date seems ordinary enough, but then they begin to realize that they can’t fight their dragons alone.

What I Thought:
I love Ed and Lucy's love, okay?  Those two were the cutest.  Even though, obviously, they go through rough patches, I sincerely hope that they have a long and happy relationship together. 
I also just enjoyed all of the characters.  They were so well fleshed out; I love how supportive the supporting cast was.  Lucy's family was realistic, Sean was fun and funny, and not gonna lie, I kinda want to meet Ed's parents, they seem awesome.
I did like how much Christian content was in here.  Ed's arc with his relationship with God was great.  And Lucy's faith is probably the most relatable portrayal of faith I've seen in a long time.
I'd definitely recommend it to people who want a sweet Christian-centered romance.

Favorite Quote:

My Rating:  4 trophies out of 5

About the Author:
Angela R. Watts is a sinner saved by Yahweh's Grace and she strives to glorify the King in all she does. She’s a homeschooled highschooler who lives with her loving family and ranch animals at Step By Step Sanctuary, Tennessee. She’s been writing stories since she was tiny and hasn’t stopped since, though she also enjoys ranch and housework, painting, babysitting, and watching sunsets.

There's also a fabulous giveaway going on over at Angela's blog!  Go check it out, and make sure to pop over to the other blog tour stops (some pretty awesome folks are participating :D)!

(Also, my personal apologies to the author for this going up later than I intended.  Life is just... the worst.  So, sorry, Angela ;))

You can add the book on Goodreads here and grab a copy on Amazon here!

~ Abby

Discerned Cover Reveal!

If you've been around these parts lately, you probably know of my love for Sarah Addison-Fox's Allegiance Series.  And that is part of why today I am SO excited to get to show you the cover of the fourth installment of the series, Discerned!

Are

you

ready?

It's

pretty

great!

Here

it is!



ARE YOU SCREAMING?  BECAUSE I'M SCREAMING!!

Look at how pretty they all are together!



Here's a bit about the book so you can get HYPED with me!

Discerned, Book Four of the Allegiance Series by Sarah Addison-Fox

Releasing August 2018.

The war may be over, but the battle for peace has just begun.

When newlyweds Mick and Celeste Haynes accept the offer to search for rogue agents inside Kyraenea, what should have been one final adventure becomes Torrance Kyle’s worst nightmare.

Amaya Mason may no longer be an agent, but there is no way she’ll allow a mistake from Torrance’s past to wreck their happy ending. No matter the cost. No matter what she might lose.

For Mick Haynes, marriage isn’t the simple solution he thought it would be. Torn between wanting to shelter the woman he loves and accepting she is no longer a frightened slave, he’s struggling with his own expectations and with every secret she reveals.

Celeste’s confidence and her faith are growing, but when she confronts the father who abandoned her as a child, he threatens to destroy the happiness and acceptance she’s only just found.

Can Torrance let go of the past and embrace his future?

Is peace even possible for those who’ve spent their lives in constant battle?

I'm excited, are you excited?  If you haven't caught up on the series yet, this book's August release gives you plenty of time!

~ Abby

Kiera Blog Tour {+ book review!}

Hello!  I am happy to report that my family is safely home and I'm writing this on my laptop and all is well with the world.

Today, I come bearing a review because Kate Willis has released her new novel and I'm very excited about it!

So let's jump on into the review!

Kiera



Author: Kate Willis
Genre: Futuristic Christian... I guess? xD
Content: A few intense subject matters are discussed.

Synopsis:
Kiera is looking forward to her eighteenth birthday. The official end of school, a party with her best friend, and chocolate cake. A sudden military draft, no possible exemptions, had never crossed her mind.
Kiera is terrified! Getting drafted would mean leaving her family, her little friend Jade—life as she knows it.
A surprising offer from Brennan Stewart just might be the answer to her prayers, but an even worse trial leaves her with one question…
If God truly loves her, why did this tragedy happen?

What I Thought:
I think my feelings can be summed up in the fact that when I finished, I squealed a bit, flapped my hands, and said, "I'm fine, I'm fine," over and over.  Oh my word, I loved this.  It's such an original story that took so many turns I didn't expect.  I just.  You guys.
But seriously, I think if you liked "Andora's Folly" by Abigayle Claire, you'll enjoy this.  That's what it reminded me of most.
Also Kiera and Brennan.  New OTP, y'all.

Favorite quote:

My rating: 4 strawbewwies out of 5

About the Author:
Kate Willis has been homeschooled her whole life in a loving family that values the Gospel of Jesus Christ, creativity, and thoughtful conversations. She is inspired by red shoes, a good story, little children, and chai tea. It is her desire to serve God in the home having a family of her own in the future. She is the author of The Treasure Hunt, The Twin Arrows, Kiera, and two short stories Enjoy the Poodle Skirt and Red Boots.

You can add Kiera on Goodreads here and purchase a Kindle edition here!  (The Kindle price goes up on Monday, so be sure to snag your copy now!)

Congrats on the release, Kate!  Thanks for letting me be part of your tour!

~ Abby

I Don't Dance Blog Tour {+ book review!}

Hello again, my friends! I'm writing this on my phone (because my computer won't connect to the wi-fi >->), sitting in a hotel room on our way home.  But it's my day to participate in the blog tour for this adorable novella, which you can purchase right now via this link!

And because Jesseca was super kind to let me participate, I have a review for you!

I Don't Dance



Author: Jesseca Wheaton
Genre: Conteporary Christian
Content: One kiss between a married couple

Synopsis:
Ty and Jen have been friends for nearly as long as anyone can remember. But when Ty goes off to college and leaves her behind, he has to face the reality that he cares for her as more than just a friend.
As graduations approaches and with only one summer left before he begins basic training, Ty must make a decision. Military life is never easy; is it fair to force it on the one he loves?
In the midst of wrestling with the question and coming to the realization that summer is quickly drawing to a close, Ty struggles to face questions he cannot answer, and is forced to examine his own heart.
Is it possible that God has a future for him with Jen? Or will the summer close with only memories of days gone by?

What I Thought:
This was so. stinkin'. cute.  I needed a bit of fluff and this delivered.  Ty and Jen's relationship was so adorable; the friends-to-lovers trope, particularly childhood friends, is one of my absolute favorites, ahh.  It was in full swing here and I loved it.  Ty and Mike's relationship was so good- this is good friendship here, y'all.  I just loved it all.
There was just the right amount of "angst" with the fluff to bring a sweet Christian message into the story.  Jesseca's love for Jesus shines through.  I look forward to reading more of her writing in the future!
(Also, I was reading this while driving through the mountains of North Carolina, and it was a fabulous experience, highly recommend.)

Favorite quote: It was a night that was too beautiful to be ruined by saying goodbye.

My rating: 4 ice cream cones out of 5

About the Author:
Jesseca is a daughter, sister, and a child of God. Her days are spent reading, cooking, spending time with siblings, or playing piano. And writing, of course! At an early age words fascinated her, and her love for the printed page has only grown. She lives with her parents and seven siblings in the sunny state of Kansas, and she’s convinced there’s no place like home.

There's also a fabulous giveaway going on over at Jesseca's blog!  A chance to in a paperback of "I Don't Dance", which I think is the perfect summer read!

Add it on Goodreads here!

Congrats to your new release, Jesseca!  Thanks for letting me be part of your awesome blog tour!
Be sure to check out the other stops on the tour, and get yourself a copy of "I Don't Dance"!

~ Abby

I'm On My Way

*sings under my breath* new friends and new places to seeeeeee…

Brother Bear, anybody?  (it's the ultimate road trip song, okay, bear with me)  (haha, bear pun)  (okay I'm done now)

Guess what? 



Or rather, I'm going on vacation.

And as the place I am going has little to no wi-fi... I will be absent for the duration of my trip.

But never fear, my fellow adventurers!  I shall return!  And when I do, I will bring with me not one, not two, but three exciting reviews for three lovely authors and three awesome blog tours!



((I mean, mainly it's because I have no restraint when it comes to signing up for blog tours... but whatever it's fine it's all fine

I'm seriously very excited about all three of the books and road trips mean reading time so yay))


So all of this to say, if I don't respond to your comments, or I seem to disappear for this length of time, just know that I still love you, and I will respond whenever we decide to visit the local library (which I'm very excited to see, by the way, I love libraries so much).

Okay that's all, bye, I'll see ya on the 22nd with a review in hand <3



~ Abby

The Mid-Year Freak Out Book Tag

Hello, my name is Abby, and I'm freaking out because 2018 is almost halfway over.

So to somewhat sate my freaking out, I'm going to do this tag and take a look at the books I've read so far this year!  Let me know in the comments below what your answers for some of these questions would be, I'd love to hear about what you've been reading!

1) The best book you've read so far this year.
Oh no this is way too hard.  I've read a lot of great books this year.  So, here, compromise, I'll list a few of my faves so far. 

2) The best sequel you've read so far this year.

I've read a ton of sequels this year, but I think this one continued the story perfectly!

3) A new release you haven't read yet but want to.

I've loved a lot of Korman's books that I've read so far, and I've heard really good things about this one!

4) The most disappointing book you've read this year.
Actually, looking at the list, I haven't been disappointed by any books I've read this year. 


5) The most surprising book so far this year.

I think that has to go to this one.  It was creepy, but perfectly so, and the plot twists were so well done.  I really enjoyed it after not knowing what to expect.

6) A new author you've discovered this year.

Not only is this gal new to me, but this was her debut novel!  It was such a powerful story, and I highly recommend it and the audiobook. 

7) Your newest fictional crush.

Can I say Mick?  Because Mick.

8) Your newest favorite character.

I loved all twelve princesses in this book.  Azalea and Lord Bradford in particular are going to stick with me for a long time, I think.

9) A book that made you cry.
I'm going to say The Science of Breakable Things again for this one, because the ending had me laying in bed, listening to the audiobook, bawling my eyes out.

10) A book that made you happy.

This book just made me ridiculously happy.  I adore Percy and Frank and Hazel with all of my heart and I loved reading this again.

11) Your favorite book-to-movie adaptation you've seen this year.

I watched the mini-series of Emma this year and I enjoyed it far more than I anticipated I would.  I also watched the mini-series of Pride and Prejudice, but I liked Emma just a smidge more *shrug*

12) Your favorite review you've written so far this year.
Idk why, but I'm still rather fond of this one.

13) The most beautiful book you've bought this year.
Technically I bought this last year but it's still my fave and one of the prettiest books I own so yeah.

14) The books you want to read in the rest of the year.
Well, I want to finish my Riordan re-read, which means finishing Trials of Apollo, reading Percy Jackson's Greek Heroes, and re-reading Magnus Chase.  I also really want to read some of the Star Wars books I've had on my unread shelf for way too long.

And there you have it!  What are some of your favorite books you've read this year?

~ Abby