Interview with Beth Bowland, Author of Polaris + Giveaway

Welcome to Beth Bowland, author of Polaris. She is joining us today to answer a few questions about her novel and writing life.

Tell us about the main character. Who is Aaron? Aaron is a smart but typical 13-year-old. Aaron thinks he’s being a Good Samaritan by inviting a nearly-frozen visitor into his home, but he soon learns the stranger is not from here.

The plot of Polaris sounds so intriguing. How did you come up with the idea for The Game? I played around a few different ideas, but there was something about two celestial teams competing against each other, and having no regard for the humans they are toying with.

Will this be an ongoing series? No.

What type of research did you do while writing? I read up on the Roswell, New Mexico UFO landing conspiracy. It’s fascinating. I also had to research the planet, surface temperature, atmosphere, etc. Also, I had to figure out which stars were considered to be in the northern and southern hemisphere.

If you could visit any fictional place, where would you go? Wonka’s Chocolate Factory! 

What’s your favorite movie of all time (more than one is okay- because I know I can’t come up with just one)? My favorite movie is Enter the Dragon with Bruce Lee J I can seriously just about quote the entire movie!

What was your favorite book as a child? That’s a hard question. Since I’m a children’s author I will name a few of my favorite children’s books.  The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett, A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle, Chronicles of Narnia, The Hobbit, and I grew up on all the Judy Blume books, love them!

Where can readers find you online?  www.bethbowland.com My other social media links are listed under “Contact”.

Polaris

Beth Bowland

Middle Grade Fantasy
Month9Books
August 16, 2016

Google Play | BAM | Chapters | Amazon | B&N | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

Bixie, Montana, is in the middle of nowhere, not connected to any place, and not used as a pass through to get anywhere. But one snowy evening, a lone visitor walking down an old country road changes 13-year-old Aaron Martin’s life forever. Aaron thinks he’s being a Good Samaritan by inviting the nearly-frozen visitor into his home, but he’s unwittingly initiated The Game. A group of Elders, known as the Council of the Legend, come together from time to time to enjoy a rousing event they playfully call “The Game.” Now, Aaron’s town is the playing board and he and his fellow townspeople are the players. The rules are simple. Win. Because if Aaron loses, he won’t just lose his family . . . he’ll lose his very identity.

About the Author

Beth Bowland, a native Ohioan, has always enjoyed reading and creating stories of her own. As a child she devoured every book she could get her hands on and spent numerous hours at the library each week. She loves writing stories for tweens and young teens and her characters are often described as quirky and fun, but always relatable. When she’s not writing, she loves watching HGTV. She has one daughter and resides in Arlington, Texas with her husband, Phillip. 

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

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Cover Reveal: The Dragon's Ring by Debra Daugherty

The Dragon's Ring

Debra Daugherty

Upper Middle Grade/YA Fantasy/Fairytale/Romance

Clean Reads

Coming: August 28, 2016

Sir James Trueblood is determined to capture a unicorn so he can marry Princess Isadora. The knight begins his quest, not realizing the Princess is following him in disguise. On his journey Sir James tangles with a witch and fights a dragon. With the dragon’s ring the knight’s mission is a success, but then he learns the unicorn will die if not set free. Now he has a dilemma, marry the Princess or free the unicorn.

Excerpt:

A loud, deafening roar pierced his eardrums, and he felt the ground beneath him shake. James whirled around and found himself face to face with the most ferocious creature he had ever seen.

He had never encountered a dragon before, but he had heard all the stories about them from other knights at the castle. Nothing he had been told prepared him for this sight.

An enormous and fierce green dragon with thick, scaly skin glared at him. The dragon, at least twenty feet tall, swished its long tail back and forth, and each time the tail hit the wall of the cave, the room shook. James noticed that the tail ended in a sharp point, just like a spear.

The dragon roared again, and flames spewed from its mouth, while huge puffs of smoke seeped out of its nostrils. When the dragon opened its mouth, James saw that its teeth were sharp and jagged. His legs trembled. He could hear his knees as they knocked together, and for a moment he thought he was going to faint.

As the dragon inched closer, James took a step back and then moved to the left. The dragon did the same. He dashed to the right and so did the dragon.

James decided to run and hide from the dragon until he could devise a plan on how to defeat it. He ran as hard and as fast as he could, but the dragon was right on his heels.

Deeper and deeper into the cavern James went until he could go no further. He had reached a dead end. There were no more tunnels to explore, and the dragon was blocking his only way out. James was trapped and the dragon knew it.

About the Author

Debra is from Central Illinois and a member of SCBWI. She enjoys living in the country with her two dogs, a Chihuahua named CeCe, and a rescued American Stratford Terrier named Honey. Besides writing children stories, Debra loves to travel, browse through antique shops and spend time with her family. Publishing credits include CALAMITY CAT, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, found at www.CuriousWorld.com. She’s also had two short stories published in Guardian Angel Kids’e-zine.

Debra Daugherty's social media info:

Website: http://www.writing-for-children.webnode.com

Facebook author page: http://www.facebook.com/DebraDaughertyauthor

Twitter: @dmddeb

Pinterest: http://pintereest.com/ddaugherty329

Goodreads Author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7579797.Debra_Daugherty

Princess Plume by Dean Lombardo

I'm pleased to welcome Dean Lombardo, author of Princess Plume, to the blog today. I was lucky enough to work on the edits for the novel, and I fell in love with Sara and her kitty, Princess Plume. This is an uplifting read for all ages!

The Protective and Therapeutic Power of Animals on Our Children and on Us

by Dean Lombardo

I’m a firm believer that domestic animals provide a social and emotional support system for people in need, particularly children. A pet seems nonjudgmental to a child, and is perceived as comforting, raising the child's self-esteem and making it easier for the child to express his or herself.

Whether it’s a cat or dog, horse or pony, or even a pig or goat, pets literally provide that warm and fuzzy affection that a troubled child might need when he or she gets home from a bad day at school or team practice.

You’ve heard that dogs are man’s best friend, and this is true with children as well. Our canine friends follow us around, play with us, beg from us, lay with us, and protect us by barking, growling, and acting as a deterrent against home entry or attack.

Cats play with us, entertain us, cuddle with us, soothe us with their purring, and keep our homes safe from rodents and other pests.

Horses, ponies, and donkeys, in addition to serving as steeds and work animals, are beloved by the majority of owners, adult and child alike. Riding these animals not only gets us from one place to another but also gets us outside and in tune with nature, away from an addictive digital world that would otherwise hold us prisoners.

Horses can have a magical effect on people, especially kids, which is a major reason they are used in child enhancement programs such as PEGASUS. Horses don’t care who were are, what our background is, or how popular we are in school. Children with disabilities benefit from the emotional, motor, and sensory sensations that come with horseback riding, and the child can learn to care for the animal through patting, petting and brushing.

And then there’s the donkey. Donkeys make us smile, and they make us laugh. Many of us grew up on Eeyore from Winnie the Pooh, and my own kids were entertained by the hilarious character from Shrek known simply as Donkey, voiced by Eddie Murphy. Donkeys also are said to be able to predict the weather, and provide protection for farm animals from predators such as coyotes. Like horses, they can kick pretty darn hard and even mountain lions have been dispatched by their hooved blows.

Adults, too, can benefit from animal therapy. Dogs can provide a sense of security, serenity and healthy exercise for PTSD sufferers, including soldiers and victims of violence, abuse, and other traumatic experiences. Dog can be trained to respond to the needs of the PTSD sufferer, preventing further physical and emotional harm, bravely leading the way around the unknown corner, quelling our fears. The elderly enjoy the companionship of pets, such as dogs and cats, and the physically handicapped can be guided and otherwise assisted by their canine friends.

My own outlook toward life has changed for the better since I provided a home for a feral, barn cat, now named Padme. With definite Turkish Van genes in her bloodline, Padme displays all of the characteristics of the breed: she likes water and is loyal to one person in the household: Me. When I’m brooding late at night, she leaps on the bed and falls asleep on my chest and she soothes my troubled mind and soul.

In my novel, “Donkey Sense,” eleven-year-old Timmy Unterkanz has lost his father to illness, is in a strange new town, and suffers from extreme teasing and bullying. There’s no Fairy Godmother to come to this boy’s rescue, but there is a rather special donkey named Pedro. Pedro offers Timmy companionship and confidence, and helps him to relate better to other children, such as Kelly, who finds similar comfort in the ponies she rides.

So whether it’s under the fluff of a purring cat, against the greedy but reassuring bed-hog pressure of a dog, or atop the sheen or mangy coat of a member of the equine family, each one of us can ease our troubled minds and hearts with the companionship of a pet.

Princess Plume

Dean Lombardo

Middle Grade Contemporary

Clean Reads

June 22, 2016

Amazon | Goodreads

Eleven-year-old Sara Massey feels neglected and depressed. After a haunting near-crippling crash from the uneven bars years earlier, Sara can’t return to her favorite sport of gymnastics without risking death or complete paralysis. Or can she? In a flicker of her desperate heart and soul, she adopts the kitten of a wild barn cat, and the feisty kitty gives Sara all she can handle, plus a jolt of confidence.

But as Sara begins her risky comeback in gymnastics and life, an imposturous Turkish sultan calling himself Orkhan Hamid arrives to claim the kitten for his own. Desperate for the kitten’s rejuvenating power, Hamid will even steal to turn his fortune around. Can broken-hearted Sara stop him and keep the cat of her dreams?

A fun and meaningful read for all novel readers.

Connect with the Author

Amazon author bio and bibliography:

https://authorcentral.amazon.com/gp/profile

Facebook author page

https://www.facebook.com/Dean-Lombardo-365281923557248/

Twitter

@DeanLombardo1

Dean Lombardo blog site, aka Dean's Den:

https://authordeanlombardo.wordpress.com/

BlackMyst Trilogy by Kelly Hess

Eyes of the Enemy

BlackMyst Trilogy # 1

By- Kelly Hess

Genre- Middle Grade Fantasy

Published By- Booktrope Publishing 

When a rogue band of the dreaded Sorak attacks his village, twelve-year-old Beynn Firehand escapes into the darkness of BlackMyst Forest to find help. During his quest, Beynn discovers his own powerful magic abilities. The price of his newfound powers, however, may be higher than he ever imagined.

 

The Green Dagger

BlackMyst Trilogy # 2

By- Kelly Hess

Genre- Middle Grade Fantasy

Published By- Booktrope Publishing

Tensions rise between Delvengard and Sorak as the Sorak queen demands the return of the Blade of Torrill. As Delvengard scrambles to locate the mythical weapon, many fear war is inevitable.

Fritz, who secretly possesses the dagger, is tormented by its evil. Eager to take control of its power, he journeys in search of a mysterious being who may be able to help.

The Green Dagger, Book Two of the BlackMyst Trilogy, continues the adventure, five years after the events of Book One, Eyes of the Enemy.

 

The Third Power

BlackMyst Trilogy # 3

By- Kelly Hess

Genre- Middle Grade Fantasy

Published By- Booktrope Publishing

The struggle for the Dagger of Torrill has brought Delvengard and Sorak to war. But a long forgotten third power has risen, scheming to bring destruction to both kingdoms.

Meanwhile, Beynn and Fritz learn the full extent of the green dagger’s third power as they journey through BlackMyst and through time itself in this exciting conclusion to the BlackMyst Trilogy.

  

Excerpt from The Third Power

“Time is like a river,” Etach said as they walked along the edge of a grassy pasture. “And like a river, with some knowledge and effort, one can move up and down its currents as one likes. However, the farther you move, the more effort is required.”

Fritz paused and leaned against a rock. Beynn and Etach stopped as well while Etach gave a brief explanation of time travel. “So I can go into the future too?” Fritz asked excitedly.

“It is possible to move forward in time, but it’s extremely difficult. Just like on our metaphorical river, you can expel a mountain of energy to move faster than the river is carrying you, but you still won’t get much farther than if you had used no energy at all. So in short, stepping into the future is not recommended.”

“How far back can you go?” Fritz asked.

“As far as you can withstand,” Etach said.

“Withstand?” asked Beynn, who was also listening to Etach with exceeding interest.

“Yes,” said Etach. “As I said, it takes lots of energy to step through time. As you are aware, Beynn, magic is tiring, and advanced magic can be exhausting. Well, time travel is about as advanced as it gets.”

About the Author-

Kelly Hess grew up with a love of reading science fiction and fantasy, which inspired him to write his BlackMyst trilogy. Kelly currently lives with his wife and son in Vacaville, California.

Links-

Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4831969.Kelly_Hess

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hess_kel

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Kelly-Hess/e/B004R6ER84 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kelly-Hess-Author-Page-104185506330076/?fref=nf

Sale Alert! Sophie's Quest by Sonja Anderson - Author Interview & Giveaway

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Sophie's Quest

By Sonja Anderson

Sophie's Quest is currently only 99¢ for Kindle!

Interview with Author Sonja Anderson

1. What is your motivation behind Sophie’s Quest? Why did you want to write it? 

The character of Sophie Topfeather popped into my head many years ago when I was teaching a multi-faith class at St. Mary's International School in Tokyo, Japan. According to many stories, owls are supposed to be wise, and it felt like we could use a wise owl in our class to help me answer all the kids' great questions about God. Then, about fifteen years ago, my five-year-old daughter got into heated discussion about God on the playground with two other students from different religious backgrounds, and my wise owl popped back into my head again. I wanted to write a story that would help her understand others better in our diverse community, and for her friends to also understand her.

2. What do you hope readers take with them after they’ve read it? 

I hope that first of all, they take away the feeling that they have made some special friends on the journey, and want to know what happens next! I also hope and pray that readers will have developed compassion for others who believe differently than they do, and an increased desire to know the true Sky Painter--Jesus, Immanuel, God with us.

3. Do you have a favorite scene? 

I love all the scenes with Sophie and Timley, but some of my favorite scenes are between the Great Wise Horned Owl and Timley's very frightened mother. Their love for their missing children helps them forge a strong bond that is very special.

4. What is something about you that is unique?

I write from home with a view of Puget Sound. While writing Sophie's Quest, I would watch container ships go by and imagine Sophie and Timley on board.

— Sonja

Sophie's Quest

by Sonja Anderson

Middle Grade Adventure
Paperbook & ebook, 260 Pages

June 7th 2015 by Sunberry Books

Sophie Topfeather loves to collect people-things with which to decorate her life and home. When she finds a golden necklace, she is intrigued by its shape and shows it to her grandfather, the Great Wise Horned Owl of the Park. His reaction only stirs her interest even more; he calls it a holy symbol, and then a ‘t’ for ‘trouble’! All of which sets our young owl off on a Quest to learn its true meaning. Little does she know that a day-dreaming, over-protected, adventure-seeking Pirate – er, mouse – named Timley has leapt into the brim of her hat as Sophie flies off on her Quest! And suddenly, their adventure takes its own turn as they find themselves on board a ship bound for the Holy Land. Thorns and thistles! Has the trouble started already? Can Timley convince Sophie she should not—I repeat, NOT—eat him?

This is also the story of the mysterious Sky Painter, who seems to be with them—no, leading them—on their Quest. So, why is he always leading them straight into trouble? Was the Great Wise Horned Owl right all along? Come along on the Quest to find out! Cross oceans with Sophie and Timley to a land of mosques and synagogues, markets and Bedouin tents, and, like our unlikely friends, you may never be the same again!

Amazon - Barnes & Noble - Amazon UK

Author Sonja Anderson has a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in History, has worked as an elementary school teacher, a resident counsellor in a children’s home, taught Sunday School, and has served for 12 years as the Christian Formation Coordinator for the North Pacific Conference of the Evangelical Covenant Church. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators and the NW Christian Writers Association. Married with two daughters, she has called Seattle home for over 20 years.

Website - Facebook

Connect with the publisher, Sunpenny Publishing Group, on their website, Facebook, or Twitter.

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Review: To Catch a Cat Thief by Sean Cummings + Giveaway

To Catch a Cat Thief

Sean Cummings

Middle Grade Mystery/Humor
Rebelight Publishing
September 15, 2015

Amazon | B&N | Chapters | Kobo | TBD | iBooks

Hundreds of cats are missing! Fear not-Penelope Ann Pickersgill and her hippie grandma are on the case. While her friends go to cool camps, twelve-year-old Penelope has to spend the summer with Grandma Bev, who is convinced that cat-eating aliens are beaming the town's furry friends aboard their mother ship at night. Lights in the sky point to UFO's, but Penelope is sure there's a more logical explanation. With a little help from Sherlock Holmes, she and Grandma Bev set out to find the cats. Will they be able to solve the mystery before all the cats in Thornhill disappear?

Review: I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

To Catch a Cat Thief is an adorable story with fun characters and an intriguing mystery. This novel is perfect for middle grade readers as the fast pace will keep them immersed. I adored Grandma Bev- such a quirky character. She made the book for me. I couldn't get enough of her conspiracy theories!

I really appreciated the emphasis on family. Penelope was expecting a boring summer with her grandma and envied her friend at Cosplay camp. But Penelope ended up having the time of her life sleuthing with her grandma. Priceless.

Cat lovers and mystery lovers alike will enjoy this entertaining story.

About the Author

Sean Cummings is a mutli-published author with works ranging from urban fantasy (Shade Fright, Funeral Pallor) to dark fantasy and superheroes. (Marshall Conrad) 2012 saw the publication of Sean’s first young adult novel. Poltergeeks is a rollicking story about teen witch a race against time to save her mother’s life. The second book Student Bodies, hit stores in 2013. In 2014, he published The North, a gripping post-apocalyptic thriller for teens. To Catch a Cat Thief is Sean's first middle grade novel.

Sean lives in Saskatoon Canada with his wife, two lazy cats and a spotted dog named Stormageddon. You can learn more about Sean and his books at www.sean-cummings.ca.

Connect with the Author:  Website | Twitter | Goodreads

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New Release Alert: Dragon's Future by Kandi J. Wyatt - Giveaway

Welcome to the release event for Dragon's Future by Kandi Wyatt! This is the book 1 of the middle grade fantasy series and it's now available for sale!

About the Book:

Every child of Woolpren dreams of becoming one, but only a few are chosen. Now, ten-year-old twin brother and sister, Ruskya and Duskya, have been selected to join an elite group of riders: dragon riders. Full of awe and excitement, the twins leave their mother, and their home, to train for their new lives.

Fifteen years later, dragons are becoming extinct and riders are rare. One day, Ruskya is at the general store in town when a man announces that he is recruiting new dragon riders. Ruskya goes undercover, and discovers that there is another colony of riders with their own agenda—a quest to find a mysterious plant that could restore the dragon population, or destroy it. When a battle erupts between the two colonies, it’s up to Ruskya and his friends to fight for their dragons’ future, and their lives.

Follow Ruskya’s quest as he finds courage and friendship in this exciting middle grade fantasy series by new author Kandi J Wyatt.

Goodreads | Amazon | B&N

About the Author:

Kandi J Wyatt is a wife, mother of five, teacher, artist, and author. In her free time, she enjoys writing fantasy stories and Christmas programs, and drawing with graphite and colored pencils. Portraits are her specialty. Kandi also enjoys photography, thanks to her photographer husband who has let her join his journey as both his model and apprentice, and she occasionally serves as his assistant when he needs a “light stand with feet.” To learn more, visit kandijwyatt.wordpress.com.

Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram | Google+ | Goodreads | Amazon

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GIVEAWAY:

One (1) paperback copy of Dragon's Future (US only)

Ends Aug. 25th

Prizing provided by the publisher, hosts are not responsible in any way.

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Meet the Characters: Ennara and the Fallen Druid by Angela Myron

Ready to meet more characters? Today Angela Myron, author of Ennara and the Fallen Druid, joins us to share more about her pre-teen novel's chracters.

Ennara and the Fallen Druid won a silver medal at the 2013 Moonbeam Chlidren's Book Awards for best pre-teen ebook!

Meet the characters of Ennara:

​Ennara

She's more than a little annoyed that she's been singled out as "special". Being special, thus far, has meant that she isn't allowed to visit interesting places, like the city, that she has to cover the stupid tattoo on her hand, and study texts when she'd rather be outside. When she's asked to help a wizard find a sword, she's pretty sure she can't help. And the whole bringing the dead back to life thing just creeps her out.

Kithe

He's the hero who hasn't grown into it quite yet. A boy with an incorruptable heart and a wisdom beyond his years. Thankfully, he follows Ennara when she mysteriously leaves town, and helps her get out of a heap of trouble. Also, he's kind of funny.

Smoos

What would an adventure be without a giant cat? Smoos would be the most beloved pet on the pirate ship Cissonius, if she wasn't so moody and did anything more than catch fish for herself. When she gets a chance to leave the gold grubbers, she jumps to it, lands squarely in Ennara's adventure, and becomes one of the story's favorite heroes.

Gevin

A lost prince of a long-forgotten kingdom, Gevin adds the intelligence, resources, and strength of a teen to the group. He's a bit mysterious, and might have a thing for Ennara...

I bet you can guess my favorite character! Isn't Smoos adorable?

Ennara and the Fallen Druid

Angela Myron

Middle Grade/Young YA Fantasy

A witty and charming book written for young readers, ages 11-14.

October 31, 2014.

Amazon

Won a silver medal for best pre-teen ebook at the 2013 Moonbeam Children’s Book Awards

Eleven year-old Ennara Gaern has a serious grudge against the dragon on her right hand.

Born with a mask that foretold magical powers, she was immediately inked with the fiendish, fire-breathing tattoo that forces her to study boring texts, cover her hand continuously, and worst of all, keeps her from visiting the beautiful capital city, Dordonne. But her quiet life changes when one night she is attacked by a shadowy demon.

Tork, an old friend and wizard, is enlisted to help. But when he arrives, he informs Ennara's parents that she is her world's only hope of finding the legendary Sword of Gisilfrid, which is needed to destroy the curse that is creating the demons. Ennara doesn't want to leave on the dangerous quest, but when she learns the curse threatens her world, she reluctantly agrees.

Ennara and the wizard begin a perilous journey to the Sunken City, pitting them against dangerous oceans and pirates intent on claiming Ennara's magic as their own. With only her friends at her side, including the intelligent, aquatic cat Smoos, Ennara must defeat monsters guarding the sword and servants of the Fallen Druid. When her world is covered in darkness, will she know how to dispel the curse?

Praise:

“What a charmer of a book! The author does a wonderful job portraying this world and the dangers that lurk. She does an equally good job in making all the characters live--not just the main characters, but the secondary characters as well are fully developed. There are some laugh out loud moments when Ennara first starts working her magic. I'm very glad this is the first book of the series. I'm looking forward to Ennara's next adventure!” —Librarian Judith at Straight from the Library

“Great story. Ms. Myron has a fantastic way with words that just easily picks you up and drops you in the middle of this magical place. Fun for that awkward age of 8-12 where finding good, clean books is hard. If you're looking for a take-me-away story, you've found one here. ” —Autumn at The Bearded Scribe

Angela Myron

Review: Sleepless by Michael Omer

Sleepless
Narrowdale #1

Michael Omer

YA Paranormal Thriller
January 10, 2015

Amazon | Goodreads

Don’t fall asleep. Don’t dream. Don’t get caught.

At the beginning of her freshman year of high school, Amy can think of nothing worse than moving to the boring, suburban town of Narrowdale. And that’s before she starts having the same nightmare over and over again, waking up every night to a creepy whistle outside her window and being haunted by a mysterious, menacing presence. Getting used to the new school becomes the least of her problems.

As she delves deeper to uncover the truth, she unknowingly edges closer to mortal danger. Terrible events that took place years ago threaten to happen again, but now Amy’s life is on the balance. Unfortunately, the one guy who is supposed to protect her, nineteen year old Peter, doesn’t believe her.

Some things seem to happen only in Narrowdale, where dark secrets hide beneath the surface…

As she confronts the mysteries of Narrowdale, Amy documents her experiences in her blog. The book contains live links to this blog.


I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

Billed as a YA paranormal thriller, Sleepless, reads closer to lower YA or even middle grade. The plot, the characters, and even the writing have a very young feel to them. Not surprising since the main character is a freshman in high school.

Narrowdale is an odd town where strange things seem to happen to some of the residents. One of the first scenes in the novel, when Amy was listening to an odd exchange in a clothing store, was so intriguing that I can't stop thinking about it.

I liked the story idea but felt the execution was lacking at times. The pace was lightning fast which is great for younger readers, but I felt there were times when things were just too rushed. The characters came across rather one-dimensional. Don't get me wrong, I liked Amy and felt for her, but in a superficial way. Shane, Coral, and Peter are barely developed at all.

A sense of eeriness was pervasive throughout the story as Amy loses sleep night after night. Her desperation comes through quite well, and her behavior, especially at school is well-written. I enjoyed the links to Amy's blog posts-- it added something different to the mix. In the beginning the suspense was building quite well. Toward the end, however, everything happened so fast-- like BAM, and it's over.

I think this paranormal series has lots of potential because Narrowdale seems like an interesting town. While I didn't find this read scary or creepy at all, I think young YA and middle grade readers would.

About the Author

My name is Michael Omer, and I’m a writer, journalist and game designer. I wrote and published my first novel when I was sixteen, and figured I’d keep at it. Since then, I have published two more novels, and wrote… who can even count how many? I’m happily married to a woman who keeps pushing me to write more, and have three kids who insist I should stop writing and come play with them. I also have two dogs.

Author links:
http://strangerealm.com/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/12576598.Michael_Omer