Small Update: Rough Synopsis for My Next Project!

I started this project a while ago but it was put on the back burner because of two other projects I was working on at the time: Putting together my second poetry collection and editing My Heart is Yours (which I'm still doing). When the idea for this project came into my head I sat down and started writing (longhand). I put it aside and when I picked it up again I typed it up and inserted chapter breaks and I had the first two chapters. It got put aside again (due to the projects I mentioned).

A few days ago I saw a video on YouTube (from MelissaBooks) about Camp NaNoWriMo. I've wanted to do NaNoWriMo and I was going to do it this year but I only knew about NaNoWriMo taking place in November. As I found out in another YouTube video (from Katytastic) for the past couple years or so they have had three sessions: one in April, one in July and one in November. I decided that I was going to dive in and do it! The novel I will be working on I'm classifying as a Young Adult, Supernatural, Thriller, Romance novel. It will also be part of a series. 

While I'm not sure I'll hit the 50,000 word mark (due to other projects going on at the same time) I know that by the end of this I will have a good chunk of that novel written. Even if it isn't 50,000 words.

So, when you go on to the NaNoWriMo website you plan your novel and there is a place to put in a synopsis. I hadn't come up with a synopsis yet so this kind of forced me to do so. And here it is:

Rough Synopsis - A centuries old vampire crosses paths with one of the most powerful witches in existence. With the help of another vampire an a couple of her friends they must figure out why the demon that has come to her town wants to destroy it. And stop it from succeeding. 

During their trials the vampire finds himself experiencing human emotions for the first time in centuries - for the witch. And she finds herself feeling things for him she wishes she could forget. After all, witches serve nature and vampires defy it. It is taboo for them to fall in love.

(Note: my Camp NaNoWriMo profile says something slightly different for the synopsis because when I tried to update it it kept saying "error: server unavailable" or something like that).

Let me know what you've been up to! What you've been reading, writing, if you're participating! I'd love to know!

<3 Amanda Leigh

Mini Review ~ First Aid for a Teenager's Soul: quotes compiled by Marc Anello, illustrations by Amy Dietrich

 

Title: First Aid for a Teenager's Soul

Author: quotes compiled by Marc Anello, illustrations by Amy Dietrich

Release Date: January 1st 1999

Published By: Peter Pauper Press

Page Amount: 80 pages, hardcover

Blurb:

This little book is filled with words of wisdom and quotes from various famous authors and celebrities. A little 24k gold plated charm is included with the book.

Review: 

Yes, I know I am not a teenager. :) I got this book when I was a teenager. I flipped through it reading quotes here and there but never sat down to read all of it until a couple of days ago. I love books like this. Books with quotes collected in them. (And having artwork enhances it.) This one is targeted towards teenagers but I think people older than their teenage years can enjoy it too. Perhaps even younger readers. (In their pre-teen years. 10 and up maybe? Maybe even younger than that. Children may need to hear these things too.)

It is split into sections: Introduction. Be What You Feel. You're Not In This By Yourself. Believe It - It Becomes Real.

I think many people could relate to many of the quotes in this book. The quotes in "Be What You Feel" are about being yourself. Something many of us have trouble with as teenagers but we may still have trouble with today.

Some of my favorite quotes from this book:

"I [don't] want to be the next anybody. I [want] to be the first me!" - Natalie Imbruglia

"People who don't want to weather some of the rough periods miss out on something even better." - Lisa Niemi

"I think that you are serving others when you share pieces of yourself with other people." - Angel Grant

"[Nelson Mandela] told me that people should use their power, whatever it is, to help others." - Naomi Campbell 

"Talking helps alleviate the sadness. It helps you understand how you feel and find a way to resolve your problems." - Rita Garon, clinical social worker

"Persistence is the key. Determination, hard work and good intentions are all brought together with persistence. Ignore the pessimists who want to bring you down and stand in the way of your dreams." Joe McCullaugh

"Just think love." - Lauryn Hill 

As I said, I love books of quotes. This is another great one. Although this says it's for teenagers I would recommend this to anyone. 5 stars!

<3 Amanda Leigh

Cover Reveal ~ Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott!

Victoria Scott has another book coming out in March 2014 from Scholastic called Fire & Flood!! I was so excited yesterday when I got the e-mail with the cover saying that we could post the cover to our blogs on Tuesday! Which is today! I really like it and I'm excited to share it with all of you!

 

Over at Scholastic they wanted the cover to be simple and be able to attract all genders and readers of all ages. I think that they succeeded. It is simple and striking. I'm drawn to it. I think other genders would be as well. I love the colors and I LOVE the burning feather! Congratulations Victoria Scott! I can't wait to read the first excerpt of Fire & Flood! 

<3 Amanda Leigh

Manga Review ~ R. O. D. (Read Or Die #1) Story by Hideyuki Kurata, illustrations by Shutaro Yamada

 

Title: R. O. D. (Read Or Die #1)

Author: Story by Hideyuki Kurata, Illustrations by Shutaro Yamada 

Release Date: March 21st 2006 (first published October 2000)

Published By: VIZ Media

Page Amount: 224 pages, paperback

Rating: Rated for Young Adults

Blurb:

Not Your Average Bookworm

Yomiko Readman's love for literature goes far beyond any run-of-the-mill-bookworm's! In fact, she has a supernatural ability to manipulate paper in the most amazing ways. From turning a tiny scrap into a lethal throwing dagger to making a single sheet hard enough to block bullets, she's only limited by her imagination. She uses her phenomenal power to seek out legendary books containing secret information that, in the wrong hands, could be dangerous. Backed by a Special Operations Division in England, Yomiko has her hands full battling evildoers, saving the world, and trying to find time to curl up with a good book.

Review:

This is definitely different than any manga I have read. I used to read manga more often in high school. In high school I mostly read what I suppose you would call high fantasy manga. I have a feeling there is a proper name for such manga. . . Shojo? (Or at least that's what it said it was inside this manga). I'm not sure. 

Anyway, I enjoyed this manga a lot. This may because I'm a bibliophile as well. My favorite line in this would have to be "She can't go a day without books."  This line sums me up. This manga also had a lot of action in it. More than I was expecting. 

There is an element of magic as well - with Yomiko Readman being a Paper Master (she has the ability to manipulate paper. See blurb above). But the conflicts that arise, for the most part, do not have their main roots in magic. I don't want to say what the main conflict is because I don't want to give away any spoilers. Maybe I can give you a hint though. Hmmm. . . Stephen King. That's all. I'll leave you to ponder that. If you figure it out please don't leave it in the comments so as to not to spoil anyone. 

The only negative thing I can say is that at times the action seemed a bit disjointed. I did figure it out, but I had to stop and think about what was happening. Other than that, I really enjoyed this. I would say it is very close to 4 stars, but, only because of that bit with the action, it gets 3.75 stars! (Still, a very good rating! I really enjoyed this!)

<3 Amanda Leigh

Character of the Month! (#1)

Character of the Month is one of the new features I'm starting on my blog! I will feature a character I think is a great character! This does not exclude villains or "bad guys" or characters where there is no clear good or bad (often my favorite kind of character). "Good" characters and "bad" characters are welcome to be featured. So let's get right into it! This month's character of the month is. . .

 

Heathcliff from Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte!

Yes, that is right. I chose Heathcliff. Like I said these characters don't have to be "good" people. I also said that characters who are not necessarily "good" and not necessarily "bad" are often my favorite kind. And Heathcliff absolutely fits that description. 

Wuthering Heights is one of my absolute favorite books in the world. And one of the things I love most about it is that almost no character is clearly "good" or clearly "bad". I don't know about you, but I find that fascinating in books. Largely because, it is a lot like real life - people are not just "good" or "bad", things are not always black and white. 

Heathcliff is awful. He really is. He does awful things all throughout this book. But of course the part of me fascinated with psychology has to ask myself "Why does he do these things?" And I don't want to spoil anything for anyone so I will jut say that there is something you find out near the beginning of the book which could help explain why Heathcliff is, well, kind of messed up. 

Also, most of the things he did through the book I really think that he thought he was doing for love (for those of you who watch The Vampire Diaries this is not unlike Damon in the first season, huh? Or even Damon in the early Vampire Diaries books.) Some of them he was doing because he was hurt. I don't think I'm spoiling anything by saying Heathcliff was hopelessly in love with Catherine (just like Damon was hopelessly in love with a character named... Katherine! Another parallel! Ha!) So when Catherine hurt him he would lash out. Yes, he would do it in awful ways. (Again, Psychology - if we looked at Heathcliff today would we find something really wrong with him?) But Catherine had a tendency to treat him horribly (Catherine often acted like a spoiled brat.) So I can't help but feel bad for Heathcliff. Especially towards the end of the book - where a scene took place that made me burst into tears for him. 

I think Heathcliff absolutely deserves to be character of the month. I think the man deserves a little more understanding. He is not "good" but he is not "bad" either. I will admit it, I love Heathcliff. He's a wonderful character!

P. S. I have not yet done a review of Wuthering Heights but if you would like me to I will absolutely do it sooner than I'd planned.

<3 Amanda Leigh

Romancing the R. A. by Ashelyn Drake ~ Book Blitz!

Romancing the R.A. (Campus Romance #1)

by Ashelyn Drake

Release Date: 05/28/13

Summary from Goodreads:

Noelle Buckman is looking forward to making a fresh start in college, one that doesn’t involve immature high school boys. The second she steps on campus for freshman orientation, she can sense the possibilities. Especially when she spots Andy, a resident advisor who’s not just hot but also thoughtful enough to open doors for a girl. 

And Andy has his eye on Noelle. Even when her nerves take control and she thinks she comes off as a hillbilly with no direction, Andy can see what she’s really like and he’s more than a little interested.

But orientation is less than two full days and there’s an entire summer between Noelle and Andy. Will her attempt to romance the R.A. be as short-lived as college orientation?

 
(only $.99!)

***Excerpt***

He’s stunned at first and doesn’t move. I start to pull away, thinking I’ve made a huge mistake, but then I feel Andy’s hand on my lower back, pulling me closer. His lips part, and he deepens the kiss.

Every inch of me is on fire. Andy’s an incredible kisser, but the position we’re in is awkward. I reach my hands up and bury my fingers in his hair, which prompts him to lift me onto his lap. Much better. Our bodies are pressed so close I can feel every inch of him. My lungs are screaming for air, but I’m not willing to give in to them. I’ve been dying to kiss Andy ever since he first smiled at me, and I’ll be damned if I’m backing away that quickly.

His hands move up my back to my hair, and he pulls my head back gently exposing my neck. His lips trail down my jaw and to the nape of my neck. I bite my lip to stifle a moan, but it manages to slip out anyway. Andy slowly eases off, opening his eyes to see my reaction. I debate pulling his lips back to mine, but for the moment I drape my arms around his shoulders and just stare into his baby blue eyes.

“Wow.”

He can say that again. “Yeah.”

“I can honestly say that’s the first time I didn’t have to make the first move.”

“And it’s the first time I ever made the first move.”

           

He smiles. “Then I’m honored.” He leans forward and places a single kiss on my neck. His hips rise under me, and I know exactly where he’s hoping this is going to lead. My body is screaming for his touch, but I don’t want to be that girl. The one who goes off to college and sleeps with the first guy she meets. As much as I want Andy, I can’t do this right now.

About the Author

Ashelyn Drake is a New Adult and Young Adult romance author represented by Lauren Hammond of ADA Management. Look for her debut New Adult romance, Romancing the R.A., from S.B. Addison Books!

*Author Links*

Website│Twitter│Goodreads│Facebook

***GIVEAWAY***
Signed Romancing the R.A. postcard and $10 gift card to Amazon or Barnes & Noble (INT)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Happy One Year Anniversary to Thousands of Mornings ~ GIVEAWAY!!

Can you believe that today is the one year anniversary of when Thousands of Mornings was published?! It's been one year! And I'm working on another poetry collection (to be out this summer!)! So exciting! My dreams have come and are coming true! So in celebration of these events I've decided to host a giveaway! 

Terms and Conditions:
Must be a follower of my blog OR Facebook page to enter. This giveaway is only within the continental United States. (This giveaway goes until my next book will be out.) If you could leave your e-mail below as well, that would be great too. Not required, but it would be great. Thanks! Once a winner is chosen I will post the winner here and notify them by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to reply. 

Have fun guys! And good luck! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

<3 Amanda Leigh

Mini Review ~ Reach for the Stars: Quotes Compiled by Janet Terban Morris, Illustrations by Steve Haskamp

 

Title: Reach for the Stars

Author: Quotes compiled by Janet Terban Morris, illustrations by Steve Haskamp 

Release Date: January 1st 2002

Published By: Peter Pauper Press

Page Amount: 64 pages, hardcover

GoodReads Blurb:

Meaningful sentiments in a small, elegant package. Here are quotations to inspire you to rise above fear and timidity. If you dare to believe, you will accomplish things you never thought you could. In the words of Annie Oakley, "Aim at a high mark and you'll hit it."

Mini Review:

I received this book as part of a gift for my college graduation and 22nd birthday. It is filled with inspirational quotes about following your dreams, not giving up, what "success" really means and attaining happiness. I enjoy books like this; books with quotes compiled in them. Particularly when those quotes are inspirational. I thought these quotes were great. And especially great for the college graduate or someone who is going after their dreams, no matter what their age.

Some of my favorite quotes from this book:

"Cherish your friends and family as if your life depended on it. Because it does." - Ann Richards

"While we are influenced by circumstances, we, too, can have an influence."  - Jonas Salk

"The dictionary is the only place where success comes before work." - Arthur Brisbane (quoted by Bennett Cerf)

"True miracles are created by men when they use the courage and intelligence that God gave them." - Jean Anouilh

"You have a right and a responsibility to lay claim to what touches you and effects change for the future." - Jodie Foster

"We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we get." - Norman MacEswan 

It was hard to keep the list short. A lot of these quotes are really great. This is a great for a little inspiration and a little lift. It reminds us that no matter who we are, we can bring about change in the world, make ourselves happy and achieve real success. I would recommend this to everybody. 5 stars!  

<3 Amanda Leigh 

My Top 5 Music Artists to Listen to While Reading!

I got the idea for this post while watching a video BooksAreLovex3 made on the same topic. So I thought "I should do a blog post on that!" So, here they are, in no particular order: My Five Music Artists to Listen to While Reading! 

1. Florence + the Machine

I love Florence + the Machine. And for me, their music is great to listen to while reading. It has a beautiful, slightly haunting quality in some of the songs, so it goes very well with a beautiful, haunting read.

2. Paramore

Paramore is great. Most of their songs are fast paced so I will listen to them for a fast paced read. Sometimes it makes me read the book faster if I listen to them. They also have a few slower songs so I listen to those when the read is a bit slower paced. "The Only Exception" is good to listen to at a more romantic point in the book. :) (Note: I believe here Hailey Williams is pictured with the two remaining members: Jeremy Davis and Taylor York).

3. Ed Sheeran

Ed Sheeran has a wide array of music, the lyrics to his songs are really great and I find his voice so soothing. His music is great to listen to for nearly any type of book.

 

4. Adele

Adele is a great artist and her voice is so beautiful. I like to listen to her while reading. :)

5. The Vampire Diaries Original Television Soundtrack

So this isn't one specific artist it is various artists. And different genres. Some of these songs are fast, some are slow. There is something for every mood on this soundtrack. :)

I also like to listen to the scores from movies or television shows while reading (as well as while writing.) What about you guys? Do you listen to music while reading? If so, what do you listen to? :)

<3 Amanda Leigh 

SWOON Thursday #3!

SWOON Thursday is a weekly meme hosted by YA Bound. Here are the rules:

"From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the steamy button above and share it on your blog. We want to know!"

The swoon I picked is a strange one. It's really quite sad. (Heart-wrenchingly sad if you know the whole story.) So I threw in another happy one. :) I try to keep mine spoiler free, but it's hard to do. This one could possibly be a spoiler. So I would advise:  If you read or plan to read The Vampire Diaries books, do not read on!

 

The Vampire Diaries: The Hunters: Vol. 1: Phantom

#1. "He put a gentle hand beneath Elena's chin and tilted her head up so that her eyes met his again. 'I know you loved him, Elena. It's okay. You don't have to pretend.'

Elena gave a little gasp of pain.

It was like there was a dark hole inside her. She could laugh and smile and marvel at the restored town; she could love her family; but all the time there was this dull ache , this terrible sense of loss.

Letting her tears loose at last, Elena fell into Stefan's arms.

'Oh, my love,' he said, his voice catching, and they wept together, taking comfort in each other's warmth."

#2. " But then Alaric spotted Meredith, dashed over, and took her in his arms, pulling her off her feet as he swung her into a hug, and she visibly relaxed. In a few moments, they were both laughing and talking, and they didn't seem to be able to stop touching each other, as if they needed to reassure themselves that they were actually together again after all this time."

<3 Amanda Leigh

Waiting on Wednesday!

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine! Here we show a book that we cannot wait to come out! The book I'm about to show is a part of a series. So if you haven't read the first one and plan to don't look at the synopsis. ;) To be quite honest, I haven't read the first one yet either. So I haven't read the synopsis to the second one. Haha. Yes, I can be a little nutty when it comes to books. ;)

 

The Dream Thieves (The Raven Cycle # 2) by Maggie Stiefvater 

(the first one is called The Raven Boys)

GoodReads Blurb:

The second installment in the all-new series from the masterful, #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Maggie Stiefvater!

Now that the ley lines around Cabeswater have been woken, nothing for Ronan, Gansey, Blue, and Adam will be the same. Ronan, for one, is falling more and more deeply into his dreams, and his dreams are intruding more and more into waking life. Meanwhile, some very sinister people are looking for some of the same pieces of the Cabeswater puzzle that Gansey is after...

What books can you not wait for? Let me know! :)

<3 Amanda Leigh

Hamlet On the Green Review!! (September 2012)

I saw this production of "Hamlet" a while ago ("Hamlet" is my favorite play EVER!) and I never put the post up. There was a lot of stuff going on. I just found this review. This was published in Pace's English Department Newsletter. It's a review of the production of "Hamlet" that the Globe Theatre put on on the lawn outside of Miller Hall. I'll include a couple of pictures as well. Here it is!

Hamlet On The Green

The weekend of September 28^th 2012 is sure to be the highlight of any English majors’ semester. Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre came to the Pleasantville campus to put on a production of "Hamlet, Prince of Denmark". There were performances Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Several of the English majors attended two or three performances. Personally, I could not get enough of this production. Reading the words on the page is one thing. Seeing them acted out right in front of you is another.

The production, directed by Dominic Dromgoole and Bill Buckhurst, kept the set to a bare minimum. Thus allowing the audience to focus in on the words and the story. The simple wooden stage was outside on the Miller Lawn and even the weather seemed to be getting into the show. During Friday’s performance, at some of the most somber moments a light drizzle would start to fall.

 "Hamlet" has it’s share of somber moments to be sure. What I was pleasantly surprised at was the amount of comedy they managed to bring to the play. For instance, King Cladius, played by Dickon Tyrell, tripped over Rosencrantz and Guildenstern’s names more than once. Despite this play’s somber themes it had a vibrancy to it. Much of it was brought to the play by Hamlet himself, played by Michael Benz. Hamlet had a boyish charm and energy. During his most touching lines he’d often include a youthful smirk, engendering even more sympathy for this poor young man on the stage. This production was wonderful and I would be happy to see it again. 

Pictures:

Hamlet with Yorick's skull.

Hamlet at Ophelia's grave.

Hamlet and Laertes dual. 

Hamlet dying. :(

After the play was over. The cast danced. Here is Hamlet and Ophelia. 

The whole cast dancing.

Michael Benz (who played Hamlet) gets a standing ovation. 

Me after getting Michael Benz's (Hamlet's) autograph after the show. 

I hope you enjoyed this post! It was a wonderful time and a wonderful production! Out of the three times they put on this production I saw it twice! I hope you go read or see some Shakespeare (Hamlet, perhaps?) very soon!

<3 Amanda Leigh

My Life Story in 250 Words or Less

This blog is mostly about books and writing, but I saw someone I know participated in the event Blog Every Day in May. Which was hosted by Story of My Life. I didn't have time to blog every day in May but I wanted to put up one of  the challenges. Also, I want to start talking more about my life on this blog  And to start that off, this challenge is. . . My Life Story in 250 Words or less.

Whew! My life story in 250 words or less! Here we go!

My Life Story in 250 Words or Less

I seemed like a healthy baby. I weighed 18 pounds at 3 months. Then I started losing weight. I showed other symptoms. After 2 weeks in the hospital I was diagnosed with Nephropathic Cystinosis at 9 months. The doctors told my parents I wouldn't live to my sixteenth birthday.

I was a happy child. I couldn't play the way the other children did so I found my own way. I made up stories. Whether it be with my dolls or reciting the stories to my mom (and then me drawing the pictures), that was my playtime. That and my mother read to me often. At eight I decided I wanted to be an author. I was in the hospital a lot as a child. I was lucky to find friends who understood.

 Two years of high school are a blank to me because of all the pain medicine I took. I had major corrective surgeries on my legs those two years. Against all odds I made it to sixteen. That was a big celebration.   

I went to Pace University and was in the hospital several times during college as well. Summer 2012 I  published my first book. That December was my worst hospital stay. Tetany, hallucinations. . .After I got out I met someone who completely understood. He has Cystinosis too. He’s now my boyfriend. I graduated college in May. Again, against all odds. I’m 22 years old now. Six years older than doctors thought I would ever be.        

<3 Amanda Leigh

Cover Reveal ~ Of Darkness and Crowns by Trisha Wolfe!!

Of Darkness and Crowns (Goddess Wars #2)

by Trisha Wolfe

Release Date: September 1, 2013

Cover artist: Steven Novak

Cover Reveal Organized by: YA Bound Book Tours

***WARNING: MAJOR SPOILERS IF YOU HAVEN’T READ BOOK ONE***

Summary from Goodreads:

The moon goddess has taken up residency within Prince Caben, darkening his mind and soul. Now he hunts the very women he sacrificed his life to save, his conflicting desires for love and power raging a battle within him. Kaliope possesses the key to setting Bale free, and Caben will stop at nothing to see his goddess restored. Even if that means destroying the kingdom he’s sworn to protect, and the infuriating woman who torments his thoughts.

Kaliope, now the leader to the newly formed Nactue Guard, has vowed to save Caben. But with a traitor lurking among her people, and powers she’s unable to fully control, Kaliope’s mission becomes shrouded with doubt. Her new role as watcher over Caben’s kingdom brings a burden she’s unable to bear alone, and appointing the right person in charge of the prince’s affairs has turned a kingdom against the Nactue leader. Saving her stubborn, willful prince from the darkness overtaking him will be the battle of her life, and she needs people she can trust by her side. But bad blood between members of the Nactue obscure Kaliope’s journey, while her feelings for Caben cloud her judgment.

When the time comes to do what she must to destroy the goddess of chaos, will she be able to if it means losing Caben forever?

Book two of the Goddess Wars is told in dual point of view from Kaliope and Caben. New Adult Dark Fantasy, intended for readers 17 years of age and older. 

***Excerpt (Caben’s POV)***

The Crusher grinds to a halt. I’m propelled forward, and my head smacks the low-hanging ceiling of the front compartment.

“Damn, you fool!” I palm my throbbing forehead, eyeing the driver of the Crusher—the machines I now call by their Otherworlder name.

“Sorry, my liege,” he says, backing against his seat, farther away from the glowing ribbons circling my fingers. 

Ignoring him, I study the luminous white—like the surface of the moon—crawling beneath my skin, and marvel at the power. My power. Had I possessed it that day the Cavan Army forced me from my home, they never could have done so easily. But then, I never would have obtained this power. Ironic.

 “Just drive,” I tell him. I take a seat on the front bench, away from the foul stench emanating from the back compartment—our diversion tactic that will gain me entry into my palace, where I know she’s being kept.

The glow beneath my skin illuminates brighter, reminding me of her skin. I curl my fingers into a tight ball.

The battle up ahead is only part of my plan, one that I know Kaliope will fall for. I need the reserves away from the palace. Then we’ll take care of her Nactue once we’re inside. My back molars clamp down hard at the thought of her—a mix of something like fire and nausea invading my stomach.

At one time, I felt things for the black-haired beauty. I chuckle to myself. Well, at least my groin did. Just thinking of her body makes me ache, and I have to adjust myself. But that was when I was weak, when I only thought and felt with that weakness. As much as I hated my father for thinking me too feeble to rule, he was right. I was pathetic.

Bale freed me. Released the part of me that I kept buried, locked away deep down, and I no longer fear anything. I think of everything that once made me shudder or quake with dread and laugh. It’s so simple.

Without fear, there is only freedom.

Power.

And if I free Bale completely, releasing her from within my being and making her corporeal, she’ll bestow me with even more power. I don’t care what the dark goddess does or where she goes once I restore Empress Iana’s relic. I don’t give a damn what happens to the maggoty Otherworlders or their realm.

I just want her out of my mind. And I want the power.

Then I’ll set my sights on Perinya, and on gaining what’s mine.

A deep cackle fills my head, deep and sultry.

“Quiet, woman.” I roll my eyes. We’ve come to a compromise, the goddess and I, that she may remain within my mind, but she’s to keep quiet. I got tired of her constant lectures and angry rants about her sisters. She does stay silent…for the most part. But the sooner I get her out of my head, the better.

Having a woman fill your thoughts is a weakness in itself. A sudden flash of a smiling, laughing Kal blurs my vision, and I shake my head.

There’s only one way to rid my thoughts of that woman.

Kill her.

“Burrow, leach,” I command the driver. “We’re coming up on the battle. Go underground.”

“Yes, my liege.”

Tonight, I plot. Find a way into the capital of Perinya and into my home. And then take back what’s mine. The goddess can have what she wants. I’m only interested in claiming what’s mine.

No one will ever take anything away from me again.

Don’t get in my way, Kal.

I shake my head harder, trying to quiet the pesky thoughts that always spring up when I think of her. Something left over from before—a residual feeling, an effect she has on me.

It won’t be there much longer. I smile, and Bale laughs.

***

Of Silver and Beasts (Goddess Wars #1)

by Trisha Wolfe

Release Date:  April 19th 2013

Summary from Goodreads:

In the sand-covered queendom of Cavan, the goddess once saved a young Kaliope’s life, preventing the mercury her father attempted to hide in her blood from reaching her heart. Now, a cybernetic clamp filters it, but the silver streaks swirling faintly beneath her skin are a constant reminder that she’s different.

When nineteen-year-old Kaliope is chosen as head of the Nactue Guard, she becomes the sworn protector to her empress. In the midst of an invasion on a neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in charge of guarding Prince Caben, the last heir to his kingdom. But when they’re attacked by the feared Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are abducted and taken below to a realm where they must fight for their life in a caged arena.

Kaliope struggles to protect her princely charge, keeping him and herself alive while battling inhumanly opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic that will restore her empress’s life force and all of Cavan. And if she can somehow awaken the goddess within her, she may save what’s most important.
New Adult Dark Fantasy: Intended for readers 17 years of age and older.

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***Bonus Material***

Don’t miss out on the bonus scene of Astarte’s Wrath – Bath Scene in Xarion’s POV