Interview with Steven Shrewsbury and a Review of Overkill

It is my pleasure to introduce you all to Steven Shrewsbury, author of Overkill, a Gorias La Gaul tale. He has graciously agreed to stop by my blog today and answer a few questions for us. So, let's get started.

1- Tell us a little bit about yourself and what makes you tick.

SS: Just a rural fella telling tales, blue collar worker and singer of songs. Ok I can't sing, but...I've been telling yarns my entire life. It keeps me from dreaming while asleep. I work hard every day and the writing is a great release, but I write because I have to let it out, not because I think it makes me cool or taller. 

2- What got you started on your road to writing?

SS: Hearing tales from an audio version of the Bible and Tarzan on alternate days as a 5 year old. I think I decided to retell the tales and discovered I could go to hell and get sued for doing that, so, I made up my own stuff. In time, it got better. I read comics a great deal as a kid and teen. not so much now. When my brother came home from the army he left a slew of books by Robert E. Howard, Karl Edward Wagner and Louis L'Amour. I had no choice. 

3- Who or what is your biggest inspiration?

SS: Robert E. Howard, bar none. He still speaks to me. Joke has been for years I'm his reincarnation, yeah with all the hell that brings. My invalid controlling mother is still alive so, here's hoping for a brighter tomorrow. 

4- What has been your biggest obstacle as a writer?

SS: Breaking through to a larger audience but that is changing. Maybe listening to bad advice. 

5- What was your inspiration for Gorias La Gaul?

SS: A bluegrass song by Ralph Stanley (that was around at the time of Shakespeare) and an old Carter family mountain tune had him step into my mind. he just showed up all grizzled and tough.

6- How many books will be in the Gorias La Gaul series? Can you give us a hint what is coming in the future?

SS: I really don't know how many there will be. I don't have a set design or order. I'll write them as they come to me, as Gorias life is long and full of mystery. The next one will be BORN OF SWORDS where Gorias is interviewed and reflects on 2 episodes in his past. I have several more in mind that are simmering. 

7- Do you have any other projects in the works or are you just concentrating on Gorias La Gaul?

SS: Oh, I shift genres all the time. I have horror novels as well due out, HELL BILLY and LAST MAN SCREAMING, plus have a massive epic fantasy done too, unrelated to Gorias. I have several irons in the fire and need to get to honing them. 

8- What and who do you read when you have the time to read for enjoyment?

SS: I'm always searching for a new author to get behind. Joe Abercrombie is good for me now. I find lots of old books at used shops, love doing that. I read Star Wars novels sometimes, but they are sorta tame for me. If someone suggests a new author or title, I;m there. I just read Brady Allen's BACK ROADS & FRONTAL LOBES collection, very good stuff. Eric S. Brown is doing great things as well. At times, I'll lie back with Raymond Chandler and relax. Author Randy Chandler is damn good, too. There are so many great authors in the small press, Bob Freeman, Angie Hawkes Fulbright, I hate to leave any out.

Overkill

Steven Shrewsbury

Seventh Star Press 2012

ISBN 9781937929800

   Once upon a time, the world was a place of witches and warriors and until they were destroyed, dragons. A great flood turned the earth into a place that time forgot. In this world, fallen angels spawned evil offspring, man could live for centuries, and many men found enjoyment in a brothel.

   In the area known as Transalpina, a new religion is spreading and men of importance are dying mysteriously from what looks like the fire of dragon's breath; but aren't dragons no longer alive? Queen Garnet summons Gorias La Gaul to find her granddaughter, the rightful heir to the throne, before someone else claims the throne. Deliverance will come for Gorias; but first, he has some women to love, secrets that he needs to discover, and killing that must be done.

   This is a fantastic book of adventure, fantasy, and a stud man bigger then life, Gorias La Gaul. This story starts off with a bang and doesn't let up until the mind boggling conclusion that has you saying, "how in the heck did that happen?" This story is not for the faint of heart. There is hard core, gruesome killing throughout and Gorias has no remorse about any of it. Then again, he wouldn't be Gorias La Gaul. He also loves the ladies and has no problem sating his appetite with anyone who asks. Mind you, this is some feat for a seven hundred plus year old man. He does not lack in the virility department. I think I may have fallen in love with Gorias myself. 

   The story is full of twists and turns that keep you on the edge of your seat and has you begging for more. An elite member of the Queen's guard, Alena, along with her servant, Orson, accompany Gorias on the adventure to find the missing heir. They are forced to fight pirates, monsters, and magic before they can deliver Nykia to her grandmother. Treachery and deception are afoot and it is up to Gorias to save the day.

   If you are a fan of fantasy, dragons, magic and the like, you will love this book. If you just enjoy a great story that is fast paced and keeps you guessing till end, this one is for you. 

   I wish to thank Seventh Star Press for providing me with a copy for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not compensated in any way except to receive the book to review in exchange for an honest review.

I give Overkill 5 out of 5 stars 

   

Review of The Voyagers Series: Europe

The Voyagers Series: Europe

Will D. Rhame

Strength Through Communications

ISBN 9780984974511

   The series takes our two protagonists on various travels into adventures related to the specific time and places involved in the story. The brother and sister duo, Erin and Drew, want to travel, and as they journey into the various stories, find themselves immersed in other eras and cultures. They are anxious to read the adventures and find themselves learning in the process.

   This is a fantastic series for elementary and middle school aged children. Not only are the stories full of adventure; but children will learn in the process. This is a multi-media approach to learning that uses a four step method. There are questions at the end of each chapter, crossword puzzles that require the use of underlined words in the chapter, on line games for each chapter that uses a code from the crossword puzzle, and each chapter provides a life lesson. Children have to read each chapter to go from one phase to the next. Not only that, but they have to put on their thinking caps to get the life lesson from each chapter. The adventures are purely fiction; but the geography, science, math, social studies, and such that is injected into the story line is completely factual. 

   If you have a child who does not like to read or is having difficulty with reading and learning comprehension, I highly recommend this series. At present there are two books available, with several more in the making. The second book is about Africa. They have everything that can help maintain a child"s interest including pictures and as noted previously, the games. I encourage parents to check out the website for additional information.  www.thevoyagers.net  

    I wish to thank the author for providing me with a copy for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in any way except to receive the book to read and review.

I give The Voyager Series: Europe 5 out of 5 stars

Interview with Sara Danielle and a Review of Visions

It is my pleasure to welcome Sara Danielle to my blog today. She is the author of Visions, the first book in the Holly Nather Trilogy and the soon to be released Secrets, the second book in the series. Please help me give her a warm welcome.

1.)    How did you come up with the idea for The Holly Nather Trilogy?

I have a huge imagination and read a lot!  I can’t pinpoint what actually inspired the trilogy.  I always say it all came about from my crazy imagination mixed in with all the books I’ve read and movies I’ve watched.

2.)    Tell the readers a little bit about your book, Visions.

Visions is about a girl named Holly in her first year of college.  She is so consumed with classes and trying to get used to college life that she doesn’t really have time for anything else.  She tries to date – with no success.  She is a magnet for horrible guys.   She gets back to her dorm after another horrible date and receives a text from an unknown number. Holly is scared – yet curious.  Her curiosity wins and she texts the unknown number back.  Holly’s life is in danger instantly.  She will have to make choices that she never thought she would have to make.  Holly makes decisions that –in a normal situation – would have thought more into before agreeing to things.  Holly finds unexpected love and a new life in a new world.

3.)    Is Holly based on anyone you know or is she completely fictional?

Completely fictional mixed with a little bit of my sarcasm.

4.)    Tell us a little bit about Sara Danielle.

I am married to my wonderful husband (almost 9 years!) and we have two daughters – ages 6 and 6 months.   It is obvious that I love to write but of course that is not all I like to do.  I love to spend time with my family, read, travel (when we actually have the time), and teach. 

5.)  Who or what has inspired your writing the most and why?

 My crazy imagination and all of the wonderful books I’ve read.

6.)  Who is your favorite author and why?

Bonnie Lamer.  Not only is she a awesome writer, she is also a great person.

7.)    What do you do for fun or relaxation?

Spend time with my family, it doesn’t matter what we do, when I’m with them I’m happy.  Also, to read, write, and take naps!

8.)    I believe I read on your blog that you are a college student.  What are you studying?

Social Science with a concentration in Education.  I am going to be a teacher.  I teach pre-school right now but want to teach the 7th or 8th grade. I graduate on the 30th of this month!

I just wanted to attach the cover of the second book in the series that is due out the end of the month.

Review of Visions

Holly Nather Trilogy Book #1

Sara Danielle

Smashwords Edition

   Holly is in her first year of college. The most exciting thing about her life is her classes. She has few friends and she has absolutely no luck with guys. To quote Holly, "Every guy I seem to date ends up resembling the reeking material that janitors and plumbers both deal with on a daily basis. You get my metaphor. In summary, it is safe to say that my dating life really, really sucks." 

   She receives a text message from an a stranger who she is convinced is a nut case. The life that Holly knew will never be the same again. She finds herself falling in love with someone from another planet. 

   This is a unique and somewhat amusing tale of the extremely dull Holly Nather who has the fortune or misfortune, depending on how you look at it, of answering a text message of a complete stranger and then agreeing to meet him. He basically kidnaps Holly and she is convinced he is a killer. Nope, no killer just a prince who does magic and is from another planet. Okay, he escaped from the nut house. That is Holly first thought. To make matters worse, his three friends claim to be from another planet also and they too can do magic. Oh, yes. Did I mention, Luke is in love with Holly. Yep, just like that!

   Holly is a sarcastic young teen who I fell in love with from the start. Luke is a cute and also very likable guy. He seems a bit over the top at times; but hey, he is a prince, so I guess it is okay. He starts on several  different occasions to make out with Holly and abruptly stops because he wants to wait until he is married. Oh, yes. We can't forget the fact he left his planet because he was supposed to marry someone else. There is a lot of treachery going on in this story. It gives a new meaning to the saying, "Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive."

   If you enjoy a different type of tale that has magic, love, treachery and deceit, with some fantasy mixed in, you will surely like this one. It is primarily a YA read but adults will enjoy it also.

   I received this book free from Smashwords for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in any way except to receive a copy of the book.

I give Visions 4 out of 5 stars

   

  

Interview with Sherri Rabinowitz

It is my pleasure to welcome Sherri Rabinowitz to my blog today. Sherri is not only an author, but has worked as an actress and still does so from time to time. Lets get to know Sherri a little better.

1- Tell us a little bit about Sherri Rabinowitz. Well I've lived in California most of my life. I have traveled all over the country with my family and lived in Ohio and New Jersey as well. That put me in the position of being the new kid a lot. When you are in that position, you day dream, a lot.  I became a story teller and dreamer. That led to me becoming an actress and writer.   2- Tell the readers about your new book Fantasy Time Inc.. Its a fun story about a travel agency in the future but instead of booking a trip to Europe you book a trip to the past or future.  There are three threads to the story, one is a young woman who wants to escape the present to the romance of the past. The second thread is about an alien trying to find herself in the excitement of the Roaring Twenties. And the last thread is about the guide and co-owner of the agency who keeps running to a handsome stranger and can't understand who or what he is. 3- What was the inspiration for the book? There was several inspirations. One of them is that I have always loved the past and find the time periods fascinating. The main plot line came to me in a dream. 4- Who has been your biggest inspiration as far as your writing is concerned and why? Agatha Christie was a great influence because I just loved the way she wrote and I am still addicted to her stories. But the biggest inspiration isn't a writer. It was my Dad, he inspired  me to read and led me to write. When he saw I couldn't contain my imagination he said I should write it down. Create my own stories. When I started to get published he was my biggest cheerleader. When my first book came out he told everyone he knew and passed out flyers to everyone in the building where he worked. Better then a P.R. representative. 5- What is Sherri's Jewel Box and how did it come about? I love jewels and design. It came about because I wanted to share my love for beautiful pieces. I also wanted to share how designers come up with the inspiration for their pieces. I think the history of gems and jewels are fascinating. I love that gems have meaning and that design is pure passion. 6- You are obviously a people person as your various careers shows. Can you tell the readers some of what you have done? I have been an actress in the 80's and at the same time I was a travel agent. I worked in retail and insurance. I loved being an actress and still do it from time to time. I loved being a travel agent but the internet and 9/11 changed the industry to the point that I wouldn't want to touch it any more. 7- Who is your favorite author and why? Its hard to pick just one. I love different authors for different reasons. I love Jane Austen because she is funny and romantic.  I love Agatha Christie because I love the puzzles of her books and the time periods are so alive in them. I love Jo Rawlings because she lights my imagination. Sorry, its hard to pin it down. 8- What does Sherri do for fun and relaxation? Hmm, I do read a lot. I go to the theater and movies. I do yoga and swimming. I have just joined some book clubs in my local  area.

Review of I Would Rather Have a Root Canal

I Would Rather Have a Root Canal Once a Week for

the Rest of My Life Than Ever Buy a House Again

A True Story: Unfortunately

Joel Samberg

Amazon Digital Services 2012

   It is almost impossible to give a brief synopsis of this book. Let's just say this is a true story of the author's journey from selling his house in New Jersey to purchasing a house in Connecticut. It is the most disgusting thing I have read in a long time. This is an example of the real estate industry, real estate attorneys, inspectors, and the entire system at it's lowest form. This is not to say the writing is bad. The story in and of itself is awesome. The disgusting part is the fact that this is a true story and the author and his wife were put through months of  working with such inept individuals. How they kept from shooting the lot of them is beyond my comprehension.

   This book is extremely well written and is full of humor despite the horrors that the author and his wife went through. If you are looking to buy or sell your home, I would strongly recommend you reading this before you do. That is not to say, I would suggest you change your mind; but it may save you some aggravation in the long term. I for one think this book should be required reading for anyone in the real estate industry and any attorney who is thinking of taking up real estate law. That does make me chuckle because that term is dubious at best. This story gives a whole new meaning to the words "buying a home." I give the author and his wife a tremendous amount of credit for not totally cracking up during their months of  "HELL." I say bravo to you both. 

   I wish to thank the author for providing me with a copy for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in any way except to receive the book for reviewing purposes. 

I give this book 5 out of 5 stars 

Review of Song of My Heart

Song of My Heart

Kim Vogel Sawyer

Bethany House

ISBN 9780764207860

   Sadie Wagner is devoted her family, so, when her step-father is injured and unable to work she leaves home to work in Goldtree, Kansas. Her cousin, Sid, has found her a position working for the Baxter twins in their mercantile. He has also arranged for her to sing in the local opera house; but the opera house is nothing like she imagined it to be.

   Thad McKane goes to Goldtree to investigate reports of illegal bootlegging. He plans on staying long enough to earn money so he can become a minister. He finds himself drawn to the lovely Sadie until he hears her practicing bawdy songs. He wonders if she is who she appears to be. Then he discovers she just may be involved in the bootlegging crime he is there to investigate. 

   This is a nice Christian story of love, devotion, and putting your trust in the Lord and following the path that he has set for you. The story was good in and of itself , but there were a few places in the story where it did not flow very well. At times, I was left wondering where the story was going because it seemed to shift gears. It became a bit wordy and seemed to inject details of unimportant things like saying Sadie was pouring tea from a blue speckled pot. 

   Sadie was a very insecure young woman who never seemed able to make a decision on her own until she finally decided at the end what she should do. Her cousin, who is not actually her cousin, was so enamored with Sadie that he almost seemed a stalker. He changes his attitude abruptly at the end also. Thad was the most level headed one in the story. He was almost too perfect. He was the consummate gentleman and treated Sadie with respect, kindness, and understanding. He did become a bit aloof when he thought she was part of the crime ring.

   If you enjoy a good Christian story, this is one for you. This was my first read of this author, and even though it did not stand out for me, I would still read another one of her books. This just may be one not to my complete liking.

   I wish to thank Bethany house for providing me with a copy for reading and reviewing purposes in exchange for an honest review. I was not compensated in any way except for receiving the book to review.

I give Song of My Heart 3.5 out of 5 stars

Review of Universal Mirror

The Universal Mirror

Gwen Perkins

Hydra Publications 2012

Kindle Edition

   On the island of Cercia, the gods are dead, killed by their very own followers and replaced with magic. The magic has very strict rules. No one is allowed to leave the island on penalty of death. No one can use the magic on another human being for harm or for healing. Do these laws apply to all? 

   Quentin, a young nobleman questions these laws. He along with his best friend, Asahel, set out to test these laws. How far will they go to prove their ultimate quest? Will their discovery get them what they want or will they risk their souls in the process? The Universal Mirror is the journey these two friends take in order to find the knowledge they seek.

   This is an excellent fantasy story. A bit unusual in that magic cannot be used on humans for good or evil. Quentin, the main instigator in this book is determined to help his wife return to her former physical beauty that was lost due to scarring from the plague. He hopes to get her to love him as he does her. Throughout most of the book she is indifferent almost to hating him. My only problem was how she suddenly turns her feelings when she discovers him in danger and finds out why he is using his magic. There was little communication between the two  which I would have liked to seen more of. Quentin, on the other hand, considered Asa his best friend; but yet he was never permitted into his home. 

   Felix, another nobleman, had been cruel and unjust to Asa in school. Asa turns to him now and Felix seems a better friend then Quentin. He is freely welcomed into his home all hours of the day or night. Felix willingly helps Asa when asked even without knowing the whole story. Felix turns out to be a major player in this story and helps to bring the story full circle.

   If you are into fantasy and magic, I highly recommend this story. Even if you are not into fantasy, I think you will still enjoy this book. There is a bit more involved in this story then just magic. It is a story of friendship and love and the extremes that some people will go to to get what they desire in life. The story is well written from the beginning until it culminates at the end. It ends in such a way that you are led into what hopefully will be the next installment.

   I wish to thank the author for giving me a copy for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in any way except for receiving the book to review.

I give Universal Mirror 4 out of 5 stars

On Little Wings free today on Kindle

Check out On Little Wings by Regina Sirois and get your free copy on kindle today. I have attached the link for your convenience. Below you will find a description of this awesome book.

http://www.amazon.com/On-Little-Wings-ebook/dp/B006MITQRC/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top 

This is a story of the countless ways we get love wrong. And why, despite every disappointment, we keep fighting to get it right. 

Jennifer must do the impossible – bring her mother home. When a family is torn apart by death, two sisters take violently divergent paths and the story of their family appears to end terribly and abruptly. Two decades later Jennifer never dreams that the photo she finds stuck between the pages of a neglected book will tear open a gaping wound to her mother’s secret past. Abandoning her comfortable life with her parents and best friend in the wheat fields of Nebraska, Jennifer’s quest for a hidden aunt leads her to the untamed coast of Maine where she struggles to understand why her mother lied to her for sixteen years.

Across the grey, rocky cove she meets Nathan Moore, the young, reluctant genius surrounded by women who need him to be brother, father, friend, provider, protector and now, first love. The stories, varied, hilarious, and heartbreaking, unfold to paint a striking mural of the shattered past. As Jennifer seeks to piece together her mother’s story, she inadvertently writes one for herself.

Release of A Good Man on Kindle

 A new release for kindle on April 15. It is a vampire screen play that is currently in pre-production with Radowski Films.

 Louis Caron is a good man – he is a vegetarian,
feeds homeless people, takes care of animals and is concerned with the
ecological well-being of the planet. But his altruism has a sinister
edge – he's a vampire – and local detective Taglioni becomes
increasingly suspicious of him. Louis' attempt to escape the police
will take him on a journey into his own private hell where he is not
only forced to confront his worst fears, but where he will also
destroy the lives of those he cares about.

Review of Abide With Me

Abide With Me

Ian Ayris

Caffeine Nights Publishing

Kindle Edition

   John is a streetwise young boy who lives for football. Kenny is a cold and seemingly unreachable boy who is intellectually impaired. The story starts in 1975 in the heart of London's East End. Times are hard for everyone; but football has a way of bringing the masses together. While celebrating a Hammer's football game on television, John sees his neighbor Kenny come out of his house after getting a beating of a different kind. He is compelled to reach out to Kenny. Even though he gets no response from him, it is the start of a strange and unusual friendship between the two. Because of Kenny's unusual behavior and appearance, he is the brunt of jokes and is constantly bullied by his peers. John, for whatever reason, takes it upon himself to protect the boy.

    Life is hard at times for John especially when his dad loses his job. Even so, his mom manages to save enough money to buy John and his dad tickets to a Hammer's game. What starts out as a celebration and some real bonding time between father and son, turns into a life changing event for John. As time goes on, John is adrift and gets himself in trouble that results in him being jailed. While incarcerated, John is brutalized. The notorious gangster, Ronnie Swordfish, makes amends for him. No one should get connected with Ronnie Swordfish, no one. Not unless he plans on paying back in full with interest.

    This is a debut novel for the author and I have to tell you a fantastic book it is. It is written in a first person through the eyes of John in an East End Vernacular. I am not a fan of first person but in this novel it works beautifully. John has a gutter mouth but believe it or not, it works also. Despite John's mouth and his verbal attitude, he is deep down a kind and caring person. No one can ever say he doesn't love his family. He also cares for his neighbor Kenny. Even though he has issues with Kenny and the fact that Kenny is distant and non speaking, he is more of a friend to Kenny then John's so called friends are to John.

   I had the impression from what I had read before starting the book, I was embarking on a story of football. Now, if you know me, football ranks at the bottom of my list. I did not find football to be a central theme of this story much to my satisfaction. Football was just a part of who John is. I found it to be a story of love, friendship, choices, and hope. A story of two unlikely boys turning into men when the world around them casts nothing but darkness. If you enjoy a fast paced story that tells it like it is, you will definitely love this book. Be open minded with the language and the vernacular, it opens your eyes to what the story truly is. 

   I wish to thank the author for providing me with a copy for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in any way except for receiving the book to review.

I give Abide With Me 5 out of 5 stars

   

   

   

  

Redemption Day Free on Kindle for 4 Days

Redemption Day is free on kindle from today, April 15- April 19. April 19 has a great significance in the book and is explained below.  Take a moment to read what Steve has to say and pick up your free copy.

Here is a little write up from Steve about April 19 and its significance in Redemption Day.

 April 19 has become a date marking horrific violence in this country's history.

The date is not well known like September 11 or December 7, the bombing of Pearl Harbor.

Unlike dates that commemorate great military victories or the end of World Wars, April 19 is about a different kind of violence.

Violence between citizens of this nation and the government itself.

Like most traditions it began as a coincidence, but later transitioned into a date of significance for members of sovereign citizen groups like the Posse Comitatus.

It began in 1985. Jim Ellison was the leader of a sovereign group called CSA (The Covenant, the Sword and the Arm of the Lord. On April 19, 1985, three hundred federal officers surrounded his compound in northern Arkansas. Ellison surrendered and was later convicted of conspiracy and weapons charges. Aside from traditional firearms, the federal officers rounded up hand grenades, plastic explosives, blasting caps, land mines and even a US Army anti-tank rocket. One of Ellison’s men, Richard Wayne Snell was charged with murder and his execution took place ten years later as fate would have it, on April 19.

April 19, 1993 the FBI stormed the Branch Davidian complex outside Waco Texas, killing seventy six members, including seventeen children. David Koresh, the leader of the Branch Davidian group was sought for illegal weapons charges, something sovereign groups adamantly believed was not a crime, but a right. This came on the heels of the Ruby Ridge shootings which had enraged members like Tim McVeigh. Terry Nichols and McVeigh saw Waco as yet another illegal intrusion by a corrupt government.

Following Waco, April 19 became a date of significance for sovereign groups. They would use the date as a symbol and cause to retaliate against the government.

On April 19, 1994 militia leader Linda Thompson issued a call for sovereign citizen groups  to assemble in Washington DC, armed and in uniform. The purpose of the assembly was the forced repeal of the Brady Bill and the arrest of Congressmen and Senators for treason. She identified herself as the acting adjutant general of the Unorganized Militia of the United States. Although later rescinded, her call to arms became known as the Thompson Ultimatum.

At nine pm April 19, 1995, CSA member, Richard Wayne Snell, was put to death by lethal injection in Arkansas. Twelve hours earlier, Tim McVeigh and Terry Nichols had ignited a truck bomb outside the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City killing 168 people.

For McVeigh and Nichols the date was not a coincidence.

Review of Sela

Sela

Jackie Gamber

Seventh Star Press 2012

ISBN 9781937929893

   Sela, the dragon born child of Riza and Kallon, is forced to leave her home and family to live with her Uncle Orman who is her only protection. She is trapped in a human body and has no idea how she got there. She sees the disappointment in her father's eyes and is convinced she is causing both of her parents pain. While visiting her parents, she decides the only thing left for her to do is flee.

   Venur Vorham Draven Riddess has his sights set on crystal ore buried at the base of Leland Mountain. His plan is to marry a Leland maiden so he can have complete access to it. When the maidens are taken to Vorham's castle, it sets off a chain of events that no one will be able to stop. In addition, evil and betrayal lurks at every corner of the castle and no one can be trusted.

   This is the second book in the Leland Dragon series and it is even better then the first. Sela is young and just as stubborn as her mother. She frequently does things without thinking of the consequences and finds herself in need of rescuing on a regular basis. As the story progresses, Sela finds herself involved with a conflict that spans the decades and gets drawn into danger that she has no idea how to solve. Will she ever discover how to return to dragon form and will her true path ever be found?

   When Sela is taken to the castle, she wants to remain unnoticed. She is one of those people who in the process of trying to go unnoticed, is always noticed. This gets her involved with some very unlikely people. One is a self declared wizard who ends up causing more problems then she eliminates, much like Sela. Sela finds herself married, jailed, accused of murder, all the while managing to escape several times. Each time she ends up returning to where she escaped to begin with.

   We once again encounter Whitetail and Fordon Blackclaw. They have been scheming for years to regain what they lost. Is war inevitable? This is another    wonderful YA fantasy read where dragons truly live, wizards are normal, and magic is part of everyday life. Follow young Sela as she tries to discover what she is meant to be and hopefully find her destiny in the process. If you enjoy dragons and magic, you will surely love this book. Even if you are not a big follower of fantasy stories, I think you will enjoy this one. 

   I wish to thank the publisher for providing me with a copy for reading and reviewing purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. I was not compensated in any way except to receive the book to review.

I give Sela 5 out of 5 stars