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Girls*Heart* Books: April 2012

Monday, April 30, 2012

The Immortal Rules by Julie Kagawa: Review

In a future world, Vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.


Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for
.
(from Goodreads)

The Immortal Rules is the first book in the Blood of Eden series by Julie Kagawa. The story takes place in a dystopian future where most of the human population has been decimated by a new viral plague-The Red Lung virus. Vampires now rule the world and humans are 'registered' blood donors in exchange for food and shelter. It's chilling, to say the least. 

The story is told from the point of view of Allie, our main character. She's a teen-aged Fringer, someone who lives outside the protection of the vampires; unregistered, she's no one's blood bag. She is determined to find a way to help the humans take back their world. Allie is a very strong, loyal and emotionally tough character; she's had to be to get by in life. You can't help but admire her loyalty and strength as she struggles in this strange world she lives in. 

Allie tells her story in a frighteningly clinical, somewhat graphic manner. Alternating between terrifying, heartbreaking, sweet and sometimes even funny, this book will lead you on an emotional roller coaster ride. It's most definitely a page turner with a few fantastic twists and, I think, a new and original take on the old standby vampire genre. I loved this book, I never knew what was going to happen next. 

All the characters are fleshed out and they really jump off the page at you. My favorite one of all is Zeke. He has an innate goodness & purity of heart that drives him to take charge and care for people whether they are known to him or not.  You really want him to find his happily ever after ending as he battles on when everything he's ever been taught is being challenged. I just love him. 

I have heard many wonderful things about Julie Kagawa's work, though this is the first book of hers I've read and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it. Now I truly see what all the fuss is about. Kagawa takes you away to a whole new albeit terrifying world with her wonderfully flawless storytelling. I can't wait to read the rest of her work while I wait for book 2 to come out! 

My Rating: 


Sunday, April 29, 2012

Great Contest Going on NOW! Enter here for your Chance To WIN!

Hey guys! I came across this great contest while perusing Sassy Book Lovers Blog and its really a great opportunity for you guys to win some money! Just think of all the books you could buy with $500! Good luck everyone!



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Saturday, April 28, 2012

Hunger Games Giveaway

In honor of our first group review we've decided to put together a little giveaway for you guys!  Please follow the instructions in the rafflecopter form. If you don't do all the mandatory tasks, your entries will be forfeit.  Good luck!! 

Up For Grabs! 
ALL BOOK THONGS MADE BY RHONDA @ CRAZY CREATIONS



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Group Book to Movie Review: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with everyone out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she is forced to represent her district in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival.
Elizabeth Banks as Effie Trinket and Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss

We all have our own unique view and opinion on things we see and read. Therefore, each month Tammy, Lana and I will read & review a book (and sometimes a book to movie adaptation) and share our thoughts with you guys. This month we chose The Hunger Games due to the movie release last month. Without further ado, here are our reviews. 

~Mel's Book Review~
When I first heard about The Hunger Games I was dead set against reading it. It didn't sound like anything I would be even a little bit interested in.  Then one day, I was at the local library and the librarian there talked me into giving it a try. I am so very glad she did. I devoured the book in 4 hours without moving once from my couch. I was drawn in from the first page and I literally could not put the book down. 

Katniss Everdeen, our narrator,  is such a strong and complex character.  She may not be the easiest girl to get to know, but it's very easy to admire and get behind her as you read. I think you have to look closer to see the real Katniss. She has no idea how to respond to kindness or show her true feelings (or sometimes even know her true feelings) without putting on a brave face and doing what she thinks she has to in order to survive.

There were a few twists I definitely didn't see coming when I read this book and it is a very fast read. You simply must know what will happen next. This was my first dystopian novel and it really opened up my mind to a whole new genre. I could honestly discuss this book forever but I don't want to spoil anything for those who haven't had the chance to read it yet. By the way, if you haven't read it yet-get going to get yourself a copy and you'll see what all the fuss is about. I promise. 
My Rating: 

~Movie Review~
I have to be honest and say I was highly doubtful when I heard the casting decisions that had been made for this movie. To me, they all looked all wrong with the exception of Woody Harrelson as Haymitch; I thought he'd be perfect. When I heard that Suzanne Collins was a producer on the movie, I was relieved and started to really get excited about seeing it.  By the time they started showing the trailer on tv, I was getting chills just thinking about seeing it. 

I'm really happy to say I was not at all disappointed with the movie. They proved me wrong with the casting; it was absolutely perfect in their roles.  I was especially surprised with Josh Hutcherson; he brought Peeta to life brilliantly.Jennifer Lawrence really became Katniss in my eyes; amazing performance by her as well. And my absolute favorite was a tie between Elizabeth Banks as Effie and Woody Harrelson as Haymitch. I love Haymitch, anyway, and I thought Woody brought the perfect blend of drunk and snark to the role. 

I felt the omissions and changes were few and necessary when done,  frankly. I think they made Katniss a little more likable in the movie than she came across in the book but I didn't have a problem with it, because the true nature of her character was still showcased flawlessly. And yes, the end was a little different BUT I think that if you read closely you'll see it's not so drastic as some are making it out to be. 

I have to rave about writer/director, Gary Ross; he got right to the heart of everything important in the book and told the story beautifully. I'm very sad he won't be returning for Catching Fire, but I admire his reasons. I really hope whomever comes in will take a leaf from his book and consult with Suzanne Collins on any changes they want to make from the canon. 

I have to mention the amazing job that was done on all the sets, the costumes and the hair and make-up. Everyone looked absolutely perfect and exactly as I imagined them while reading the book.  It was like the book literally came to life as I watched the movie.  I simply adored everything about this movie; I've seen it three times and plan to go again before they stop showing it.  I can't wait for the dvd release. 

My Rating:
Woody Harrelson as Haymitch and Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss 

~Lana's Book Review~ 
The Hunger Games is the first novel in the trilogy by Suzanne Collins. I got this book, actually, because my friend told me her and her cousin were competing to see who could finish the series first. Curious, I asked her what books she was talking about, and she blanched because I hadn’t recognized the names “Peeta” and “Katniss”. Needless to say, I was interested when she told me it was about 24 kids being put into an arena to fight to the death.

The book is told from the Katniss’s point of view, and even though at times I disagreed with her thoughts, it was very easy for me to step into her thought pattern and feel what she was feeling. The book was very well described and I could feel the pain Katniss felt the whole way through.

This book made me scream and cry and laugh and sometimes “aw”. Her relationship with Peeta was very well orchestrated, and her conflicted thoughts were quite easy to tap into.

The story in general is very dark, and yet, I can actually see America turning into this place. Though it’s a little morbid of me to think that, it’s quite believable.

All in all, this is a deliciously frightening and heartbreaking story, and I loved it!

My Rating:

~Lana's Movie Review~


The Hunger Games movie was suspenseful and startling. Though I must say, if I hadn’t have read the books, I’d have no idea what was going on. There was a lot left out, when I look at it like a critic, but it was very good for those of us who have read the books.

We got to see Rue, and Peeta’s alliance with the other kids perfectly. We got a closer look into the capital that I LOVED, and Effie, Cinna and Haymitch were exactly how I pictured them, attitude wise.

To be honest, I was a little confused by the ending. Since I’m not sure if everyone reading this has read the books, I won’t give away the ending, but it was changed in the movie, and it makes me wonder where Catching Fire will take off.

All in all, it was a good movie. Though I will still be more loyal to the books, like with most book-to-movies. Even so, I will definitely be buying it once it’s on DVD.

My Rating: 


Lenny Kravitz as Cinna and Jennifer Lawrence as Katniss 
~Tammy's Two Cents on The Hunger Games Book to Movie~

I absolutely LOVED this series; read it cover to cover, start to finish in less than a week. This was one of the most graphic book series I've ever read and yet I was engrossed the entire time. I think what made this series so good for me was that I could actually envision this happening in our not so distant future.

In this fast paced dystopian novel by Miss Suzanne Collins the reader is taken on a wild ride to Panem through our heroine, Katniss Everdeen’s, eyes. I love this strong woman as a lead character; she has volunteered for her sister, taking her place in what one can only call a modern day Gladiator's tournament; a fight to the death with only one survivor in which she will likely die. Collins definitely brought us into her world with vivid descriptions of The Capitol and truly likeable characters like Peeta, Katniss, Cinna and Rue (just to name a few). Hell, I even loved Effie and Haymitch.

Again, as I've stated in past reviews, I like that the characters are real. They are, in actuality just teenagers and Collins keeps true to that in her story, especially with the love triangle. Peeta's journey to save Katniss whatever the cost, knowing full well that he will die in the process; it's gut wrenching and powerful to say the least. I found myself in tears several times through all the books; when the realization sets in for Peeta that Katniss loved her sister so much she volunteered for her and his brothers did not even attempt for him, when he admits during the interview that he's in love with Katniss, and oh my god my poor Rue (snot slinging tear fest for that part!). I was, however, on my feet cheering when Cato got his; I actually found myself cursing Katniss for putting him out of his misery.

The Hunger Games was one of my most anticipated movie releases for 2012, right up there with Breaking Dawn II.... My favorite line from the first book did not disappoint in the movie; I have seen the movie twice now and both times it gave me chills "I VOLUNTEER!" I really only have two complaints about the movie: 1.Not enough Cinna (I'm team Cinna all the way!). 2.I didn’t feel there was any romance between Katniss and Peeta. I would have liked to have seen more of what I read in the book translated on screen between them; it was there with Peeta but, not so much with Katniss. 

I am already itching with anticipation for the next movie in this series; I am getting myself mentally prepared for my least favorite part of all the books. (Too many spoilers to post, sorry Tammy!~Mel) I was so GD mad when it happened that I threw the book at the wall, and let me tell you books do bounce! Thank goodness it wasn't my Kindle!!

If you haven't read this series, you must be living under a rock. It is fan-friggin-tastic; a must read!

My Book & Movie Rating: 


Thursday, April 26, 2012

Treasured Thursdays: Treasured Characters



Treasured Thursday is a weekly event created by Touya over at The Reader's Garden that is all about our most treasured. I'm hosting it here now, for those of you who are interested in joining me. This week our topic is our most treasured book characters. 


Characters in books can touch our lives in ways characters from movies just don't come close to, in my opinion. I know I made my first friends, fell in love, and learned about losing a loved one all through the characters I connected with in books. 






The first character I read and just loved automatically had to be Anne Shirley from Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. She is such a wonderfully vivid character. Intelligent, brave & funny, she is everything I yearned for in a best friend. Anne didn't let anything stand in her way; ever. I think the thing I most admire about her, even today, is how she was always true to herself, no matter what. She never changed who she was to fit in better with the other kids. She was simply herself and that's a message I think more girls, of all ages, need to embrace. 




Jo March from Little Women by Louisa May Alcott is what I would call a kindred spirit. Her love of the written word is something I completely understand. She is strong, independent and brilliantly creative. I just adore her. I think she is a character that continues to be a positive role model for girls today. We need more Jo's in the world, in my opinion.

These are my most treasured characters of all time, who are yours?




Wednesday, April 25, 2012

"Waiting on" Wednesday: City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a weekly event hosted by Jill over at Breaking the Spine that spotlights upcoming releases that we're super excited about. This week, my pick is: 


City of Lost Souls 
Mortal Instruments Book #5
By: Cassandra Clare
Publication Date: May 8, 2012 

The demon Lilith has been destroyed and Jace has been freed from her captivity. But when the Shadowhunters arrive to rescue him, they find only blood and broken glass. Not only is the boy Clary loves missing–but so is the boy she hates, Sebastian, the son of her father Valentine: a son determined to succeed where their father failed, and bring the Shadowhunters to their knees.

No magic the Clave can summon can locate either boy, but Jace cannot stay away—not from Clary. When they meet again Clary discovers the horror Lilith’s dying magic has wrought—Jace is no longer the boy she loved. He and Sebastian are now bound to each other, and Jace has become what he most feared: a true servant of Valentine’s evil. The Clave is determined to destroy Sebastian, but there is no way to harm one boy without destroying the other. Will the Shadowhunters hesitate to kill one of their own?

Only a small band of Clary and Jace’s friends and family believe that Jace can still be saved — and that the fate of the Shadowhunters’ future may hinge on that salvation. They must defy the Clave and strike out on their own. Alec, Magnus, Simon and Isabelle must work together to save Jace: bargaining with the sinister Faerie Queen, contemplating deals with demons, and turning at last to the Iron Sisters, the reclusive and merciless weapons makers for the Shadowhunters, who tell them that no weapon on this earth can sever the bond between Sebastian and Jace. Their only chance of cutting Jace free is to challenge Heaven and Hell — a risk that could claim any, or all, of their lives.

And they must do it without Clary. For Clary has gone into the heart of darkness, to play a dangerous game utterly alone. The price of losing the game is not just her own life, but Jace’s soul. She’s willing to do anything for Jace, but can she even still trust him? Or is he truly lost? What price is too high to pay, even for love?

Darkness threatens to claim the Shadowhunters in the harrowing fifth book of the Mortal Instruments series.


I LOVE this series, (didn't love the 4th book like I had the rest, but I have high hopes!) and I can't wait to see what happens next for Jace, Clary, Izzy and Simon & most especially Alec & Magnus!! This is my pick, what's yours? 


Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Teaser Tuesday: Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood



Teaser Tuesday is a weekly event hosted by MizB at Should Be Reading. Anyone can participate! All you have to do is:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!


This weeks teaser is from "Getting Revenge on Lauren Wood" by Eileen Cook!

"Although I hadn't yet achieved the complete and total revenge that I had been hoping for, clearly things were starting to move in the right direction.
In theory I should be thrilled, so it wasn't clear why I felt like crying."
Page 180
That's this weeks teaser! What's yours?


Monday, April 23, 2012

The Great Inara Scott GIVEAWAY




If you've read any of my reviews, you know how much I adore Inara Scott, and I decided to show some love to you guys since we've reached over 300 followers on our facebook page & I'm giving away some ebooks of hers. 


The giveaway will run until Saturday April 28th! Good luck guys! And thanks for all your support! 




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The Marked by Inara Scott: Review


In her second semester at a boarding school for teenagers with special powers, Dancia Lewis faces danger from both inside and outside of Delcroix Academy.

All of her life, Dancia Lewis has wanted to use her powers for good. And now that she’s learned the truth about Delcroix Academy—and herself—she may just get the chance. But being part of Delcroix’s top secret Program isn’t anything like Dancia expected. She has to ask herself: what happens to the Talented kids who refuse to pledge their loyalty to the Program? And why did her friend Jack run away rather than join? Dancia’s adorable boyfriend Cam insists they need the help of every Talented student to defend Delcroix from dangerous enemies outside their gates. But Dancia has to wonder: what if Delcroix’s most frightening enemies come from within?

The Marked is the second book in The Talents series by the wonderfully talented Inara Scott. I love all of her work, for young adults or otherwise, so it's not surprising that I adored this book. I read it in 3 hours without moving from the couch once; I couldn't put it down. From the very first line, I was hooked. 

We see the action through the eyes of our main character, Dancia and she tells the story with humor and insight. I love her character; she's fantastically real. She may not know the whole story about everything going on around her, but she is on a mission to find out the truth. If Dancia is unsure about the organization she has sworn her allegiance to, she knows she can count on her friends, even as it seems they're drifting further away from her. 

I have to be honest and say I was never crazy about Cam. Jack seemed to be a better fit for Dancia, in my opinion. I have to say that's all changed now. I'm still not overly happy with the way Cam handles things sometimes but he is trying to be the person Dancia needs him to be now and I'm totally ok with that! 

I flew through this book, the plot is fast paced and interesting and the book is loaded with action, romance and some fun new characters (and even some not so fun ones) for us to get to know. I can't wait to see where Dancia's path goes from here! 

My Rating: 

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Author Spotlight: Monique Morgan


I was lucky enough to be able to ask Monique Morgan, author of Pursuer a few questions! 
BUY NOW ON AMAZON.COM!



Can you tell us a little about yourself?
Sure! I am married with three children, two girls and one little boy. I have always been an avid reader since I learned how to read, commonly referred to as a bookworm, never anywhere without a book in hand. I use to write stories when I was younger, even attempting to write a book in my late teens, but I never finished it. An interesting tidbit is that the main character’s name in that book was Zanas.

Life went on, I had my girls, went to college and the only books I had time to read were textbooks. It wasn’t until I had my son, and became a stay at home mom, that I began to read and eventually began to write again.

What inspired you to write the Alwahi series? 
I got a Kindle Fire for Christmas (love love love it) and I was reading all these awesome books, Divergent, The Hunger Games, Matched, and I kept thinking “Wow, I love these worlds!” But they all had one thing in common, a great world that is then torn down. I was also reading the Mysterious Island and Dr. Monroe’s Island. These combined made me start thinking of the Alwahi Series, a mystical world where the characters embrace the culture and make it their own.

Can you tell us if we'll see Zanas (& Dressdon) in Dreamer? 
Yes, they will be seen in Dreamer and Alchemist as well, the main story involves all three of the clans. However, the point of view will not be from them, but from each of the unique characters. There was actually an epilogue to Pursuer that I cut out, because it made it seem as though their story was finished, and in reality, it will continue through the eyes of others. The second book, Dreamer, is told from the point of view of Asenya and her experiences in the clan of Dreamers. The third book will be about another female character, who at this time is a secretJ After all, the Alchemists are a secretive clan, and we will have to wait an learn their secrets.

If you could spend one day with any literary character who would it be and why? 
Right now, I would have to say Beatrice Prior from Divergent. I loved this book, and her courageous character. Although I hope the factions stabilize and we get to see more of the Dauntless.

What clan would you belong to if you landed on the island with Zanas and her sister?
It would be a tossup between Pursuer and Dreamer. I love the wild thrill of the Pursuers, but I also like the raw power of the Dreamers.

Thanks so much Monique! Can't wait for Dreamer!
Thanks for having me! I loved your questions.

Pursuer by Monique Morgan: Review

When her plane crashes into the ocean, Zanas is dropped into a brutal world of survival. She soon learns that this is no ordinary place, as the land mutates all that live within its borders. Her sister is kidnapped and taken beneath, thrusting Zanas into the middle of a primitive society, where she will find her death, or her destiny. (from Goodreads)

The first thing I noticed about this book was the cover. It is arresting, to say the least. It caught my attention and I found myself wondering why does the girl have blood on her lips? What are those marks around her eyes? I knew I HAD to read this book, if only to find out the answers to those questions. 

Pursuer is the first book in the Alwahi series by Monique Morgan. I found this book on the IndieARCs page on facebook & big thanks to Michelle Warren, (creator of the IndieARCs page), because I really enjoyed it! Monique Morgan offers up a completely unique idea with some amazing characters to bring it to life. I was very glad to learn that this is the first in a series. 

We see the story unfold from our main character, Zanas' perspective; direct and concise the story is very exciting. The attention to detail is astounding and really helps pull everything together for the reader. There's lots of action , intrigue and even a little romance mixed in there. I was riveted through the whole book. This is the type of book where you never really know what's going to happen next and you love every minute of it. There is no lull in the action and conflict is everywhere Zanas turns. The conflict is really what moves the plot along at hyper speed.

Zanas is my very favorite part of this book. She is unlike any character I've ever read before; strong and capable and not afraid to show it. Her whole world has been flipped upside down and she stays strong and true to who she really is. It is very easy to admire her and her absolute determination to follow her destiny, regardless of where it leads her.

Pursuer is a great, fast read; a unique idea very well executed, I highly recommend it.


Tammy's Two Cents: Tim O'Rourke Review, Interview & Giveaway!



 

Detective Chief Inspector John Walker hasn’t a suspect or motive for the murders at Black Hill Farm. That is until sixteen-year-old Ben McCloud walks into Beechers Hope Police Station, asking to be arrested for the killings. During twelve police interviews, Ben gives a disturbing confession about his relationship with Andrea and how his love for her became a dangerous obsession.
Finding themselves alone on a remote farm and desperate to stay together, Ben and Andrea’s world spirals out of control. And as they fight for survival, every step they take leads them into an ever darker world of despair and murder.

But who is Ben? Where has he really come from? And can his confession be believed?

A dark psychological romance with a deadly twist.



This book is definitely a turn on all the lights and crawl under the covers whilst being freaked out kinda book!  I loved it; just when you think you know where the story is going your thrown in a different direction.  O'Rourke keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout both books in anticipation for what awaits around the next corner.
In this dark tale of Romance, Murder and Mystery you will be kept guessing right up until the very end when you will be shocked and blown away at the ending.
Our two main characters, Ben and Andrea, form an almost unbreakable bond in a relationship that is doomed before it even begins.  Quickly getting out of their control and ultimately leading to Murder as they struggle to stay alive and stay together.  It is difficult to say much more without giving something away!  You simply must read these books; Black Hill Farm book 1 is the beginning and ending of their journey together BUT it doesn't explain their entire story.  Black Hill Farm book 2, Andy's Diary, really brings the story to a climatic ending explaining some things that may have left you wondering in the first book.  The same story, told from 2 different POV and yet, it's almost as if O'Rourke has written a 2 book series here.
I am excited to read Tim O'Rourke's other works as the BHF books left my mouth watering for more! 
5 Feathers people, be warned, this is NOT a YA book.. it is an Adult Murder Mystery, sort of Twilight Zone-esque!

And now, the fun part!  Tim was kind enough to do and Interview for me and offer up a LOT of goodies for our Bloggers...  here is my Interview with the intriguing Tim O'Rourke (contest details to follow). 


*Tell me a bit about yourself.  I started writing when I was fourteen and haven’t stopped since. I have boxes of the stuff tucked away beneath the stairs in my house. I have written many novels, plays, most of which will never see the light of day. For many years I kept my work to myself although my family was always saying that I should share it. I was given a kindle last year for my birthday and I discovered that you could publish your work onto Amazon. I published my first book onto the Kindle last March and have loved every minute of the indie author experience. 

*Where were you born and where do you call home?  I was born in England and I live in Buckinghamshire. This where I feel most at home. 

*What was your inspiration for Black Hill Farm?  I wanted to write a dark paranormal romance that left the reader guessing right until the end of the book. I’d always wanted to write a good murder mystery, but with a difference. I’ve read lots of books where the young couple have a typical romance or a love triangle – but I wanted my story to be different. I wanted the relationship between Andrea (Andy) and Ben to be really intense. It needed to be quite suffocating and that’s why I used the remote setting of the farm.
*Was there a particular person that was the inspiration for Ben or Andy?  There was no one in particular that inspired those two characters, but I did want their roles to be reversed from other books that I had read. I didn’t want Andrea (Andy) to be one of those gushing young female leads that hangs off every word of her boyfriend. I wanted her to be strong, dominant and independent. I wanted Andy to lead and not to be led.   

*What are some of the Pro's and Con's to being an Indie Author?  The Pro’s and Con’s of being an Indie author? That’s a good question. The best thing about being an Indie author is that I have complete freedom over what I write – which is great. I can publish the books when I feel that I’m happy with them. I can release a book every six weeks if I wish, and that really helps when you are writing a series. I can keep the cost down and sell my books at low prices as there aren’t many overheads although I do pay for editing and cover designs. The thing about being an Indie writer for me is that I try and write the best books that I can and share them with as many people I can. It’s about getting my stories out there which can be hard without the aid of a big publishing company behind you. But you can do it. I’m really happy with the success that I’ve had as an Indie author.  I do love being an Indie author, but I still don’t rule out being published via the traditional route as that would be exciting too and open up other avenues for my work.

*For those who are unfamiliar with your novel; Black Hill Farm, how would you introduce it?
Black Hill Farm will keep you guessing until the end. I receive a lot of emails from people saying that they just didn’t see the twist coming. A lot have said that once reading both ‘Black hill Farm’ and ‘Andy’s diary’, they’ve gone back and read the books again to try and spot the clues. The clues are all in there I promise. The book is dark in content, but ultimately it is a love story – a tragic love story. The book does have a paranormal edge to it but I don’t want to give too much away. 
 

*Whom in your life would you say has influenced you the most?  A friend of mine called Patrick – he definitely had the biggest influence on me. He died some years ago, but as a boy he taught me that you can be anything that you want to be if you’re prepared to put in the work. He also told me that you should always follow you dreams even if people tell you that those dreams aren’t achievable.  

*What has been the most interesting comment (or review) about your book?  I had a review left for me on Amazon saying that the reviewer couldn’t finish the book because a dog died in the story. The dog wasn’t real! Most reviewers say that they were left shocked by the end of the story and that they never saw it coming. I’ve had emails from people stating that once they had finished ‘Black Hill Farm’ and ‘Andy’s Diary’ they couldn’t get the story out of their head and that they kept think about Andy and Ben. That’s nice to hear as a writer. It’s nice to know that you’ve created characters that people really believed in. 

 *Who is YOUR favorite Author?  Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is my favourite author and has been since I was about fourteen.

*What are you reading right now?  ‘The Others’ by James Herbert 

*Tell us your latest news.  I’m currently working on the first book in the second Kiera Hudson series. The book is called ‘Dead Flesh.’ Once I’ve finished that I’m going to go back and write the second book in my ‘Doorways’ series.  The Kiera Hudson series really took off for me and I owe the characters in that series a great debt of thanks as they brought attention to my work. Not only in the number of people that were kind enough to buy a copy but also to those book bloggers that wrote about the series and all the kind reviews that I received. 

*Please, do tell why we should read your book.  Why should people read ‘Black Hill Farm’? From all the reviews and feedback that I received most people say that they have never read a book like it before. The book is made up of twelve police interviews and notes made by the investigating officer. I think that’s a pretty unique way of telling a story and everybody who has read the book seem to have liked that. As I’ve said before in this interview, the characters are different and so is their love story. It is very dark in places and some people haven’t liked that and have left reviews saying that they were disturbed by the story. But if they were, I kind of take that as a compliment in the sense that the writing was strong enough to make them feel like that. 

*Black Hill Farm is not your only series...  The Kiera Hudson series, books about Vampires, looks very interesting as well.  Would you like to end by giving us a sneak peek, tell us why we should read this series as well.........   The Kiera Hudson series are the books that most people know me for. They are the books that get most of the attention and a lot of that is because of the vampires in them.  The vampires though are not like other vampires. They are different. There are six books in the first series and there is a mystery that runs throughout all six books. I get most emails about Kiera and Potter. For some reason those two characters caught the readers imagination. Just like Andy in ‘Black Hill Farm’, Kiera Hudson is her own person. She is strong willed, determined and confident.  She is smarter than most of the guys in the books and funny too. Potter became so popular that I wrote a book just about him which is linked to the series.  I’ve never had so much fun than when I was writing the Kiera Hudson series. Every time I sit down to write about Kiera and the other characters it’s like getting together with a group of old friends!

Thank you for taking the time to interview me and giving me such interesting questions to answer. 

And Thank you Tim, for taking the time to answer my questions and share your innermost thoughts with our followers!






 

Giveaway will run for 2 weeks (May 6th) and once chosen the winner's will have 24 hours to respond. Good luck guys, be sure to check out all Tim's books via Amazon or Smashwords!!