The Gatekeeper's Bride by Eva Pohler Release Day

The Gatekeeper's Bride:

 A Prequel to The Gatekeeper's Saga

by: Eva Pohler

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Unrest brews among gods and mortals alike when Hades makes a deal with the Fates to end his loneliness in the Underworld. But when Persephone proposes to conspire with him in a plot against Demeter, things get out of hand. Soon, the war among the gods is as critical as the one playing out among the Achaeans and Trojans on Earth. 

Find out the truth of how Hades and Persephone met and fell in love and the impact it had on the rest of the pantheon during these tumultuous times. Learn how their children--Hypnos, Thanatos, Megaera, Tisiphone, Alecto, and Melinoe--came into being. Discover why they were assigned their respective duties as Sleep, Death, the Furies, and the goddess of ghosts. Find out the real reason why the Olympians possessed such profound disdain for these Underworld gods. 

This prequel to The Gatekeeper's Saga is more than a retelling of the Persephone myth. Many more of the ancient myths are woven together to reveal the conflict, tension, and relationships among the gods in one of the most beloved pantheons in human history. The Gatekeeper's Bride can be read before or after The Gatekeeper's Saga, but readers might find more enjoyment from it after having met the characters by reading the saga first.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

FACEBOOK ~ WEBSITE ~  TWITTER ~ PINTEREST ~ 

Eva is a wife and mother of three living in San Antonio, Texas. She earned her B.A. in English from Trinity University, her M.A. in English from St. Mary’s University, and her Ph.D. in English from Texas Tech University. She wrote her dissertation on narrative strategies, in which she analyzed the use of voice, point of view, character, plot, and other narrative devices used in twentieth-century British and American literature, informed by narratologists such as Tsvetan Todorov, Gerard Genette, Vladimir Propp, Seymour Chatman, Wayne Booth, and James Phelan. She also took as many classes in creative writing as was allowed at every university she attended and had the honor of studying under Robert Flynn, Nan Cuba, and Walt McDonald.

She currently writes fiction for teens and adults and teaches writing and literature at the University of Texas at San Antonio. For years she was a den leader and cub master for her sons in Boy Scouts and a troop leader for her daughter in Girl Scouts. She loved those years, but they are behind her, leaving her with more time to read and write.

She’s also an avid reader. Her favorite authors are Tracy Chevalier, Ann Patchett, J.K. Rowling, J. R.R. Tolkien, Suzanne Collins, and Stephanie Meyer. She’s also read everything by Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Faulkner, and other literary giants whom she also loves. She’s read single books she adores by authors like Elizabeth Wein, Diane Setterfield, Philippa Gregory, and Katherine Stockett. And her favorite book of all time, though she never read anything else by her, is Poisonwood Bible, by Barbara Kingsolver.

Her books include The Gatekeeper’s Saga, The Purgatorium Series, The Vampires of Athens Series, and The Mystery Book Collection.

You can keep in touch with Eva by email at eva@evapohler.com.

She’s also part of an amazing hub for authors and readers called Indie-Visible: Defending Literary Justice for All.

From Gods by Mary Ting Book Highlight & Giveaway

About From Gods
Series: Descendant Prophecies #1

Did you just see a flash of lightning across the sky on a clear sunny day? Don’t blame Mother Nature.

Skylar Rome should have been having the best summer ever, before heading off to college. Suddenly her whole life changes while visiting her cousin, and meeting the Grand brothers; Mason, in particular. Though she’s sure he is someone she should stay away from, the attraction was undeniable.

Strange things begin to happen, throwing Skylar’s life into turmoil. Implausibly, she gets caught up in a world where the descendants of ancient gods have super powers, and evil beings are after her. Not only are her discoveries difficult to accept, but now she is running out of time and running for her life, while trying to unravel the mystery of what they want from her.

Forced into a battle set into motion long before she was born, will Skylar find the answers she seeks, or will she die trying?

Purchase for just 99¢!

Amazon | BN

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Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

Website | Facebook | GoodReads | Twitter

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From Deities by Mary Ting Excerpt & Giveaway

Title: From Deities
Author: Mary Ting
Series: Descendant Prophecies #2
Expected Publication: October 13th, 2014

A mysterious stranger enters Skylar’s inner circle, throwing her life out of balance. As secrets are revealed, she learns of the New Olympus; a dwelling for the descendants of the Gods. The Grand family must strive to work together with these descendants to discover the key to their rescue from the clutches of the growing evil vultures of Hades. As the threat increases, Skylar must learn to control her newfound powers before it’s too late.

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From Gods

(Book #1 in the Descendant Prophecies series)

Read chapters 1-3

Purchase

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Teaser

(Skylar’s point of view)

Mason squeezed his eyes shut and took a deep breath, then opened them while exhaling a puff of air with an adorable frown. “Okay, but I’m texting you every hour, so you’d better have the phone right next to you.”

“Deal.” I smiled, placing out my thumb. “Seal the deal, Mace.” I had no idea why I had said that, except for that fact that I had done this with my dad when I was a little girl, so I was a bit shocked that the words came out of my mouth. I hadn’t said that since I was eight years old. Out of habit … maybe?

Mason let out a soft chuckle. “Did you just call me Mace? It sounds hot coming out of your mouth. I’ll seal the deal with my love shock.” Positioning his thumb near mine, small illuminating sparks flew out from it. They looked like small, glowing branches, yet moved like long spider legs. Slowly, he moved it closer. It sizzled and crackled first, then it wrapped around my thumb. It was the coolest sight. Where our thumbs were touching glowed. The longer the light touched me, the warmer it got in that area. Then it continued to weave from my hand down to my arm, making my arm shimmer.

Watching in awe, I gave him the biggest smile I could. Suddenly, my body jerked and I dropped my hand. “Ouch.”

Mason captured it and rubbed the area. “Shit! I’m so sorry. Sometimes I can’t control it around you.”

I formed my lips into a wicked, sexy grin. “Sometimes, I don’t want you to.”

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Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

Website † Facebook † GoodReads † Twitter † Instagram † Pinterest 

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Hosted by Good Choice Reading Blog Tours

From Deities by Mary Ting Excerpt Tour & Giveaway

Title: From Deities
Author: Mary Ting
Series: Descendant Prophecies #2
Expected Publication: October 13th, 2014

A mysterious stranger enters Skylar’s inner circle, throwing her life out of balance. As secrets are revealed, she learns of the New Olympus; a dwelling for the descendants of the Gods. The Grand family must strive to work together with these descendants to discover the key to their rescue from the clutches of the growing evil vultures of Hades. As the threat increases, Skylar must learn to control her newfound powers before it’s too late.

Purchase

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Kobo | Google Play

From Gods

(Book #1 in the Descendant Prophecies series)

Read chapters 1-3

Purchase

 Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA

B&N | Kobo | Google Play

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Teaser

(Skylar’s point of view)

That kiss not only made me forget where I was, it awakened every inch of me. Lost in his arms and those soft, kissable lips taking mine in, I kissed him back. When it intensified, Mason pulled back with ragged breaths and held me tenderly in his arms. “I’m not sure if it’s working for you, but I forgot where we were for a moment,” he said, still catching his breath.

“Believe me, your lips are like magic. I did forget. I’m just glad you didn’t shock me.” I let out a small laugh.

“I’m learning to control it around you, Echo, but I don’t know if I ever will. You excite me way too much for me to handle.”

I blushed from his compliment. “I feel the—” I started to say when my body tensed from the chime of the doorbell.

With one tight but tender squeeze, Mason murmured, “I’m right here. It’ll all be okay. Just say the word and he’s out the door.” Then he released me.

In a fast, fluid motion, Mason was at the door. Oh how I loved to see him move with such speed. Cautiously, he looked into the small peephole. After confirming who it was, he opened it.

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Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

Website † Facebook † GoodReads † Twitter † Instagram † Pinterest 

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From Deities by Mary Ting Cover Reveal & Giveaway

FROM DEITIES by Mary Ting

Descendant Prophecies #2

A mysterious stranger enters Skylar’s inner circle, throwing her life out of balance. As secrets are revealed, she learns of the New Olympus, a dwelling for the descendants of the Gods. The Grand family must work together with these descendants to discover the key to their rescue from the clutches of the evil vultures of Hades, whose numbers are growing. As the threat increases, Skylar must learn to control her newfound powers before it’s too late.

Read chapters 1-3

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FROM GODS by Mary Ting

Descendant Prophecies #1

Amazon US | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | B&N | Google Play

Order signed copies of Mary's books!

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About Mary

Mary Ting resides in Southern California with her husband and two children. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Writing her first novel, Crossroads Saga, happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she once had as a young girl. When she started reading new adult novels, she fell in love with the genre. It was the reason she had to write one-Something Great. Why the pen name, M Clarke? She tours with Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book-No Bullies Allowed.

Website † Facebook † GoodReads † Twitter

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The Black Pool by Jennifer Willis (4.5 stars)

About The Black Pool
(from GoodReads)

THE MORRIGAN IS AWAKE 

Sally is taking a break from magick-or trying to. Leaving her runes behind, she's studying in Ireland and doing her best to ignore her roommate's reckless, witchy-wanna-be experiments. But the presence of the Norse Moon Witch on Irish soil rouses the dark and dangerous Badbh-the slumbering keeper of the Black Pool cauldron and a sister goddess of The Morrigan-and Sally once again finds herself at the epicenter of supernatural doom. 

LOYALTIES WILL BE TESTED 

With the treaty between the Vanir and the AEsir hanging in the balance, Thor, Heimdall, and the Vanir twins Freyr and Freya travel to Dublin to face The Morrigan-and to contend with rampaging faeries, a shape-shifting pooka, shutterbug tourists, and marshmallow pixie trinkets exploding from leprechaun hammers. The time has come for Freyr and Freya to choose between Odin's Lodge and their own kin. And Thor is missing another fondue party. 

THERE CAN BE NO PEACE WITHOUT BLOOD 

As AEsir, Vanir, and mortal come to grips with the dark chaos around Dublin's Black Pool, one of their own must make the ultimate sacrifice to prevent Paranormal World War.

Buy on Amazon

Review

After the perils of Iduna's Apples, Sally is taking some time away from magic to study in Ireland. As fate would have it, her roommate is obsessed with magic; she's just knowledgeable enough to be dangerous. 

A simple mistake, a moment where Sally lacked judgement over irritation, brings forth a great evil.--an evil that threatens a long-in-place treaty and new family bonds. Freyr, Freya, Thor, and Heimdall head to Ireland to help Sally (along with the often-meddling Loki). Can they save the world from the evil unleashed? What losses will they suffer in doing so?

I love this series, and The Black Pool is an excellent third installment--I say this with great hope that the series will continue (it certainly ended in a way that begged for it to). Although loaded with action, the characters and their reactions to the action are forefront. Plus, there's humor and wit to boot. Thor and Loki are as entertaining in this series as they are in the movie franchise--although Jennifer Willis definitely creates her own unique world and traits for these characters. 

A good book touches on as many aspects of our lives as it can: humor, excitement, fears, sadness, happiness, love, friendship, and so on. This book does that in spades. I laughed, I screamed, I cried. I highly recommend it to readers who love mythology books with well-written action scenes and character development. 

Note: My 13-year-old daughter read the first three books in this series over a long weekend and loved them (she's a mythology nut and has read most YA mythology books).

Rating: 4.5 stars

Check out my reviews of the first two books in the series: Valhalla and Iduna's Apples.

About Jennifer Willis

On the fiction side, I write kooky stuff -- frustrated witches, vampires, old gods having to get jobs as photocopier repairmen. It's simply my nature. Apparently, my work is in that popular YA/mainstream crossover category inside the urban fantasy genre, which is really just a happy accident.

I'm a native Virginian living in Oregon, and my fiction is frequently set in one of these locales.

As a freelance journalist and essayist, I specialize in sustainability, religion/spirituality, health, history, and living. I've written for The Oregonian, The Christian Science Monitor, Salon.com, The Portland Tribune, The Writer, Ancestry Magazine, The Lund Report, The Jewish Review, Skirt!, Heeb, InterfaithFamily.com, Aish.com, HGTV's FrontDoor.com, Spirituality & Health, Vegetarian Times, and other online and print publications at home and across the globe.

Oh, and I really like dogs. And trees. And bellydancing.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not guaranteed or requested; the opinions expressed are my own.

Medusa's Desire, E.B. Black (4 stars)

About Medusa's Desire

** The Fate of Eros Series: Book 1 * Exploring the Dark Side of Love **

When Medusa was beautiful, finding a man to love her was easy. Poseidon fought for glances from her heavy-lidded eyes against suitors who proposed whenever she left her house. Even goddesses weren't treated with such worship.

Athena grew jealous. She allowed Medusa to be violated in the Parthenon and turned her into a monster for her indiscretion.

Now when Medusa stares into the eyes of men, they scream as their skin hardens into stone. A caress against her cheek will be rewarded with the poisonous bites of the snakes that slither on her head.

No man is brave enough to approach her, until Perseus is ordered by the gods to kill her.

When they meet, desire sizzles between them. They are willing to risk it all-death, the wrath of the gods, the destruction of their families-if it means they can spend one more night together.

Review

As a teenager, I watched Clash of the Titans so many times that my father threatened to take the television out of the house and give it away. One of the most fascinating parts of the movie was Medusa, so I was intrigued by the idea of this book. At first, I kept thinking, "Wait, that's not how the story goes." But then, the author won me over.

In Medusa's Desire, Medusa gets a story worthy of her bad reputation with the twist of showing her vulnerability and insecurity. There's something so intriguing about discovering what makes the villain tick. But, who knew Medusa could steal my heart? I found myself rooting for her and wanting her to find a way out of her curse.

I must note that this is NOT a young adult novel--there are some gritty scenes inappropriate for younger readers. Some of those scenes were hard for me to read, but they helped illustrate the depth of Medusa's pain and mistreatment. Kudos to E. B. Black for not shying away from the underbelly.

If you like mythology, especially with a twist, take a chance on Medusa's Desire. Just know--it's not for the faint of heart.

Rating: 4 stars

About E. B. Black
(from GoodReads)

Growing up, I was sheltered from fantasy, paranormal, and science fiction novels. Now that I've tried them as an adult, I've become addicted! I like to escape to other worlds so much that I had to create my own.

In junior high and high school, I read romance novels all day long. It frustrated my mother and teachers because I'd neglect my homework in order to squeeze more reading time in.

I became an author because I enjoy reading and daydreaming. I wanted to share my passion for these things with all of you!

I live in Southern California with my boyfriend and two dogs. If you'd like to contact me about anything, please do so at deathauthor@live.com.

For more information, please visit the author's website, on Facebook, on GoodReads, and on Twitter.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not requested or guaranteed; the opinions expressed are my own.

Iduna's Apples, Jennifer Willis (5 stars)

Summary of Iduna's Apples
(from author's website)

Iduna’s Apples is the second book in the Valhalla series of urban fantasy/YA fiction.

Thor and his kin are depleted by the battle for the White Oak Yggdrasil and are in desperate need of Iduna’s apples—the sacred fruit that grants immortal strength and long life to the Norse gods.

But Iduna’s Grove in modern-day Norway comes into harvest only once every four hundred years—just in time for retreating glaciers to free the dreaded Frost Giants from their icy prison. The gigantic and eerily courteous Frost Giants hold the harvest ransom and demand wives: Freya, Saga, Heimdall’s girlfriend Maggie, and even teenaged Norse Witch Sally Dahl.

Will Heimdall and Thor track down the Frost Giants and the apples before succumbing to sudden mortality? Can Sally atone for accidentally calling up an army of old lady Berserkers to stand against Odin? Is that Thor in a wedding dress? And is there a darker, more sinister enemy on the loose, targeting both the Norse gods and their Frost Giant foes?

Also check out the online glossary of Valhalla characters, terms, places, and more!

Review

Too often I love the first book in the series only to be disappointed by the second, or what I like to refer to as sequel slump. As excited as I was to read Iduna's Apples, the sequel to Valhalla (a 5-star read, see review here), I was nervous. Would I love it as much?

I opened the first page with a bit of trepidation. But my nervousness did not last long, because the story and characters pulled me right in.

The Norse gods of old are still living within the constraints of the human world. After a fierce battle at the end of Valhalla, they need the renewing lifeforce from their sacred fruit--Iduna's apples. Unfortunately, an old enemy stands in their way. One they thought was safely imprisoned and no longer a threat.

When Heimdall, Thor's brother, and his girlfriend, Maggie, go on vacation to his native Norway, the Frost Giants take them by surprise and kidnap Maggie. They need to grow their numbers and demand wives in exchange for the apples. As the gods become increasingly weaker, other long-forgotten enemies come forward. Will the gods be able to survive and keep their immortality? Can they keep their loved ones safe?

What I love best about this series... the humor. The scene where Thor disguises himself as a possible bride for the Frost Giants had me in stitches. Literally, I was laughing out loud. Jennifer Willis has an amazing ability to create vivid images, and she's equally gifted with action and humor scenes. Not a small feat.

I'm so excited for more books in this series, and I highly recommend both Valhalla and Iduna's Apples to all readers--not just the ones who love mythology and the young adult genre, but all readers who appreciate good writing, great story, and memorable characters.

Plus, Iduna's Apples raises a really intriguing question... if you were offered the chance at immortality, would you take it? The decision is not as cut and dry as one might think.

Rating: 5 stars

About Jennifer Willis

On the fiction side, I write kooky stuff -- frustrated witches, vampires, old gods having to get jobs as photocopier repairmen. It's simply my nature. Apparently, my work is in that popular YA/mainstream crossover category inside the urban fantasy genre, which is really just a happy accident.

I'm a native Virginian living in Oregon, and my fiction is frequently set in one of these locales.

As a freelance journalist and essayist, I specialize in sustainability, religion/spirituality, health, history, and living. I've written for The Oregonian, The Christian Science Monitor, Salon.com, The Portland Tribune, The Writer, Ancestry Magazine, The Lund Report, The Jewish Review, Skirt!, Heeb, InterfaithFamily.com, Aish.com, HGTV's FrontDoor.com, Spirituality & Health, Vegetarian Times, and other online and print publications at home and across the globe.

Oh, and I really like dogs. And trees. And bellydancing.

Note: I received a complimentary copy for review purposes. A positive review was not guaranteed or requested; the opinions expressed are my own.

The Penelopiad, Margaret Atwood (3.5 stars)

From Amazon: In Homer's "Odyssey", Penelope - wife of Odysseus and cousin of the beautiful Helen of Troy - is portrayed as the quintessential faithful wife, her story a salutary lesson through the ages. Left alone for twenty years when Odysseus goes off to fight in the Trojan War after the abduction of Helen, Penelope manages, in the face of scandalous rumours, to maintain the kingdom of Ithaca, bring up her wayward son, and keep over a hundred suitors at bay. When Odysseus finally comes home after enduring hardships, overcoming monsters and sleeping with goddesses, he kills her suitors and - curiously - twelve of her maids.

In a splendid contemporary twist to the ancient story, Margaret Atwood has chosen to give the telling of it to Penelope and to her twelve hanged maids, asking: 'What led to the hanging of the maids, and what was Penelope really up to?' In Atwood's dazzling, playful retelling, the story becomes as wise and compassionate as it is haunting, and as wildly entertaining as it is disturbing. With wit and verve, drawing on the storytelling and poetic talent for which she herself is renowned, she gives Penelope new life and reality - and sets out to provide an answer to an ancient mystery.

(Part of The Myths series. Details from the book: The Myths series brings together some of the world’s finest writers, each of who has retold a myth in a contemporary and memorable way. Authors in the series include: Chinua Achebe, Margaret Atwood, Karen Armstrong, AS Byatt, David Grossman, Milton Hatoum, Victor Pelevin, Donna Tartt, Su Tong, and Jeanette Winterson.)

Review

Prior to this, I had only read one Margaret Atwood book, Oryx and Crake. I was enchanted with her writing and interesting view of the world. When I found The Penelopiad at the bookstore not long after, I knew I had to read another Atwood book. This might not have been the best pick, however.

Although the story is entertaining and witty, I felt like I needed a better background in mythology or at least should have read Homer’s Odyssey to more fully engage. But, this book has one of the better opening lines I’ve read recently: Now that I’m dead I know everything.

Penelope, and at times the twelve maids, narrates the story about her long-suffering wait for the return of her husband, Odysseus. In a twist, Penelope tells her tale from Hades and in a more modern setting, as she has been dead for centuries. This added an intriguing element, particularly when Penelope comments on modern ways and the diminished role of gods and goddesses. Better yet, Penelope is there with Helen of Troy, her cousin and the well known beauty who enjoys watching Penelope squirm. The fact that they are still fighting centuries later is hilarious.

I wanted to love this book, but it felt choppy and rushed. I think if I had read Homer’s work and brushed up on my mythology facts, I would have enjoyed it so much more. At 193 pages, it felt more like a novella/short story. With such an intriguing concept, I wanted more details as well as an increased anticipation on how it would unfold.

If you are a mythology guru and love a quick, interesting read, you should pick this book up and consider it more of a 4.5. Otherwise, I’d look into some of Atwood’s other works. I know I will.

Rating: 3.5 stars

Note: The story was closer to a 4 than a 3, so I will list it as a 4-star rating on GoodReads and Amazon.

This book was part of my 2012 TBR (To Be Read) Pile Challenge. Now, I only have ten more to read the rest of the year. No pressure!