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Fields of Elysium by A.B. Whelan

How can love mend a heart full of hate?

Small town girl, Molly Bennett, moves to Los Angeles where she becomes an outsider while attending Beverly Hills High School. It seems life cannot be any more dreadful. Then one day after school, something magical happens. On a secluded hike in the Hollywood Hills, Molly chases her disobedient mutt and only friend into a hidden cavern. She stumbles upon a strange glimmering gateway that transports her to Arkana, a planet that is the cradle of an advanced human race. There, teenagers navigate amazing flying vehicles, compete in perilous games for glory, and possess supernatural powers. While Molly tries to wrap her mind around this unbelievable discovery, she meets the alluring and mysterious Victor Sorren. He is a Sentinel Apprentice, whose hatred toward people from Earth is beyond understanding. Yet every time Victor unpredictably saves Molly’s life, his heart draws closer to hers, no matter how much he tries to fight against it. It further complicates things that their growing friendship is strictly forbidden. Earth people are prohibited in Arkana, yet Molly continues to cross through the portal to Arkana to see Victor. Torn between their double lives, they go down a dangerous path, from where there is no return and multiple endings.

Fields of Elysium is a suspenseful, romantic tale full of forbidden secrets, unimaginable danger, deception, and the never-ending fight for true love.

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PRAISE

“The novel’s take on otherworldly travel is a compelling one, and the romantic plot will likely appeal to Twilight fans.” – Kirkus Reviews

“I expected a good love story with a paranormal twist. I got so much more. I think you should take the chance and read it. Let this book take you on the adventure, fall in love.” – Young Adult and Teen Readers

“Fields of Elysium is a fabulous read. … Whelan paints her faith into the fabric of her story with deft, light brushstrokes, making her work accessible to all, no matter their spiritual beliefs or background.” – Readers Favorite

“I escaped into this fantasy world, author, A.B.Whelan, created and I didn’t want Molly to go. From detailed descriptions, to sweet romance, and to all the twist and turns in the story, it had me captivated from page one.” – Mary Ting, author of the Crossroads Saga

“Whelan’s writing is very vivid and descriptive. It’s more formal than the average YA novel, but I enjoyed the lyrical and mesmerizing quality to it. I thought the overall story read like a fairy tale–very sweet.” – Megan Thomason, author of Daynight

Author A.B. Whelan

A.B.Whelan is a Hungarian born, American writer. She currently lives with her husband and two children in Southern California.
While growing up in a wealthy Eastern European family, she had a chance to travel Europe. Later as an adult, she visited Africa and the Middle East and lived in Ecuador and in Crete.

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$25 Tour Giveaway

To Enter Click Here!

Ends 5/15/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://www.iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Oblivion - my movie review

Average rating: 3.7694

Oblivion2013NR

High above a war-torn future Earth, Cmdr. Jack Harper is maintaining the planet's defensive drones when a crippled starship enters his territory. Its sole occupant, a mysterious woman, leads Harper to shocking truths about humankind's legacy.

Cast:

Tom Cruise, Morgan Freeman, Olga Kurylenko, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau , Melissa Leo, Zoe Bell, Andrea Riseborough, James Rawlings

Genre:

Action Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Sci-Fi Thrillers, Sci-Fi & Fantasy

My Review:

If I Am Legend, and Matrix had a son who always disappoints, I’d name him Oblivion.  

Being a fan of Tom Cruise and sci-fi movies, I headed to Edwards Cinema with my hubby this Sunday night with high expectations, only to leave three hours later quite disappointed. While the visual effects were absolutely stunning, and watching Tom Cruise fly over the destroyed and deserted Earth twisted my heart with sadness, the rest of the movie’s elements were dull. The build up to the final conclusion was way too long, filled with repetitive scenes (Tom Cruise flying, Tom Cruise fixing a droid, Tom Cruise talking to his wife, etc.), and even the climax fell short and was very predictable. Don't get me wrong; the plot was believable and interesting; only the execution was questionable. With no real villains or scary aliens to hate, I didn't feel inclined to root for anybody really. Nevertheless, Tom Cruise was outstanding as always, trying to bring the best out of the script, and Victoria was perfect as a android-like wife, while the spaceship survivor Julia was a bad replica of Kristin Stewart in Twilight (open mouth, trembling lips, mechanical facial expressions, etc.). Had Oblivion been made as a teen movie, or were it an hour shorter, I might not have been so disappointed. Even The Hunger Games had more action than Oblivion had, and that's not what you expect from a high budget sci-fi movie. 

New Age Mama: Book Spotlight and Interview with A. B. Whelan, Author of Fields of Elysium

New Age Mama: Book Spotlight and Interview with A. B. Whelan, Author of Fields of Elysium

Interview with Rosanne Rivers, author of After the Fear

What was the craziest thing you have ever done?

Decide I wanted to become a writer? I’m not sure, but one of the most daring things was to fly to Italy for a job that I lied to get... I said I spoke Italian... I didn’t.

What impact does a bad review have on you?

Great question! It depends really. If it’s a simple ‘I didn’t like it’, or if the reviewer comes across as a tad biased, then it doesn’t affect me at all, because you can’t hope to write a book which everybody in the world loves. However, if the reviewer is fair and raises some good points, then it will make me think. I take on board the comments and strive to make sure I don’t make similar mistakes in my next project. Basically, constructive criticism is harder to take because it’s actually highlighting where you’ve gone wrong, but then at least you can learn from it!

How would you describe your protagonist?

Sola is ultimately a caring, resourceful person. She’s not a natural survivor, but she’s so desperate to live that she will curb her morals and work hard to make sure that she does survive. At the beginning, she is very naive and full of self doubt, but she has a slow awakening throughout the book.

What is your dream for yourself as an author?

There’s so many! To write great stories, and for the reader to experience/feel an emotion or reaction they weren’t expecting as they read. To create worlds in which people don’t want to leave. And, to be successful enough that I don’t feel guilty for sitting down to write while my partner goes off to work.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

I actually do. It might not be ‘love’ as in that connection which means you’ll do anything for that other person, but I believe that if you are going to be attracted to someone’s personality, you’ll find them instantly attractive/enticing. 

Do you have a favorite author? Why is he or she your favorite author?

I don’t have a firm favourite, but some authors I love are: Maria V Snyder, Kristen Cashore, George R R Martin, Margaret Atwood and Rebecca Hamilton.

What inspired you to write After the Fear?

I got the idea for the society from what was happening around me. For example, from seeing where Facebook was heading (tagging you into locations, recognising your face in pictures, tagging other people in your statuses etc), I knew I wanted to explore a society in which social networking was mandatory, and everyone, everywhere knew where you were ALL the time. This social networking site became ‘Debtbook’ in After the Fear. The ‘trigger cameras’ are a version of CCTV cameras here in the UK which activate upon hearing certain words. Even the Demonstrations could be seen as an extreme form of the way certain criminals are sensationalized in the media.

Do you have a favorite YA novel?

Probably Poison Study by Maria V Snyder.

If you could have only one wish, what would it be?

Ah, that’s hard! Something unselfish to do with peace and happiness… 

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

I really want to go to Japan! As soon as I conquer my fear of long haul flights I’ll be there.

If you could go back in time and change something in your past what would it be and why?

I believe all your mistakes and regrets help to shape you, so I wouldn’t change anything from my past. Instead, I would go back in time and take a tour through history: fight a gladiator in Rome 100BC, see a tragedy in Ancient Greece, stir up some trouble in the Middle Ages, and watch King Henry fall in love with Anne Boleyn in the Tudor period.
Oh man that would be so cool. 

Now that you read criticisms about your work, do you wish you could re-write it and start over or not and why?

Sometimes I think ‘ah why didn’t I put that bit in to make such and such more obvious’, and ‘this has happened too fast!’ but then I remind myself that the book has come out exactly as it should have come out. It shows where I was in my writing at the time, and I’m really proud of what I’ve created!

Can readers expect more books from you in the future?

Yes! I’m currently working on a YA fantasy with a twist, and then I’ll start the sequel to After the Fear.

About the author:

Rosanne lives in Birmingham, UK and considers it one of her favourite cities, second only to Rome. She delights in writing for children and young adults and hopes to bring readers to an unfamiliar yet alluring setting. Rosanne was inspired to write when she read the Harry Potter books, and at age fourteen, she wrote romance fanfiction on just about every pairing you could dream up from the HP series. She currently lives with her partner and two bunny rabbits and is working on a New Adult fantasy novel.

Synopsis:

You have not attended a Demonstration this month.

In Sola’s city, everyone obeys the rules. Stay away from the trigger cameras and regularly update your Debtbook, and you just might survive. But having to watch the way criminals are dealt with—murdered by Demonstrators in the Stadium—is a law Sola tries to avoid. When a charming Demonstrator kisses her at a party, however, she’s thrust into the Stadium and forced into the very role she despises.

Armed with only natural resourcefulness and a caring nature, Sola narrowly survives her first bout. Her small success means she’s whisked off to a training camp, where she discovers a world beyond the trigger cameras and monitoring—a world where falling in love with a killer doesn’t seem so terrible.

Yet life as a Demonstrator has no peace. Sola must train her way through twenty-five more Demonstrations before she can return home to her father. At the end of each battle, only one survivor remains.

Sola could face anyone in the Stadium . . . even a loved one.

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Guest Post by Laura DeLuca: Art Imitates Life -- Even When its Not Intentional

If you've read any of the books in the Dark Musicals Trilogy, you'll notice the basic theme is life imitating art. In Phantom, Demon, and Hyde, Justyn and Rebecca find their lives start to mirror the world of the characters they portray on the stage. However, this duality can also work in reverse. Sometimes art can imitate life--even when it's not intentional.

 A few weeks ago, something miraculous happened in my life. The kind of thing that normally only occurs on soap operas or old episodes of Unsolved Mysteries. The younger brother I spent the last few years searching for finally made contact. Ironically, I was sitting at my desk, writing a chapter in Hyde when he replied to an email I sent him over a year ago on facebook. Because we weren't "friends" it had gone into his junk folder. My fingers trembled as we chatted back and forth and I made so many type o's my editor would certainly have narrowed an eye. It was an amazing moment because not only had I found my brother Omar,  I also found a kindred spirit.

So this might be a touching story of reunited siblings, but what does it have to do with The Dark Musicals Trilogy? Let me explain. Lord Justyn, the hero in the series, has a special place in my heart. He was a character that has always felt real to me on a level I couldn't quite explain. Now I think I figured out why Justyn was so special. I think I was channeling my brother when I created him.

The first and most obvious similarity between Justyn and Omar is their passion for music.  Omar plays a variety of instruments including guitar, bass, keyboard, drums, and sitar! Yes, I said sitar, an instrument that makes an appearance in more than one of the Dark Musicals books. Strangely enough, I had literally just added a sitar player into a scene in Hyde the exact moment I received his email. I always say, there are no coincidences. But best of all, my brother Omar is an amazing singer!!! He has even performed on stage in musicals, just like Justyn.

Where wardrobe is concerned, Omar's taste runs more to punk than goth, but he certainly wears a lot of black from what I've seen. He also has the same style of black hair, the same physical build, and certainly the same charming mannerisms as Justyn. Neither of these guys are an alpha male, but personally that is how I prefer it. However, music and physical appearances are not the only common denominator between Omar and Justyn. While their spiritual paths are very different, Justyn being Pagan and Omar practicing Sufism, their basic philosophy is similar. They both embrace diversity and free thought in all aspects of life, and express this through their art. With heart and minds open, they see that the things that make us different aren't as important as the humanity that unites us.

Finally, and probably most importantly to fans of Lord Justyn, Omar shares Justyn's unique sense of romance. So many people have told me the scenes where Justyn sings to Becca make them swoon. A few others have rolled their eyes and claimed no man would ever be that charming in real life. Now I can prove those doubters wrong. This was my brother's status on face book just a few days ago. Of course, with Justyn it would have been an opera song instead of Queen, but still...

"There use to be a gazebo here, fifteen years ago I slow danced with a beautiful girl under it, there was no music, so I just sang, it was a queen song ...still one of my favorite memories, I should write a poem about it."

So yes, and you can see, art can imitate real life, even when you didn't intend it to happen. I started writing Phantom years before I ever knew Omar existed, and yet you'd think I had based Lord Justyn on him. But there really is a deeper connection  here than what is happening in my fictional world. Lord Justyn might be a guy, but a lot of his thoughts are MY thoughts. In many ways, Justyn is a masculine version of myself which tells me that, even though Omar and I only recently met, we have more in common than most of the relatives I've known all my life. Omar is an amazing artist who embraces spirituality and is the type of man I can be proud to call my brother.  This  journey between us has only just begun, but it's one I am looking forward to exploring.

If you are interested in learning more about Omar, check out his music pages. Sarmust, his mystical dance/ punk activist/ indie rock group, are taking the Washington DC underground by storm. Evil Art Form is his other project which offers electronic music with a bit of a dark side--just one more way he's like Justyn. Listen to the lyrics, let them embrace your soul, and let our story be a reminder that there is always something magical waiting around the corner just when you least expect it. 

Demon, Book Two in the Dark Musicals Trilogy, inspired by Sweeney Todd is available now!

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When Justyn and Rebecca set off for the New York School of Performing Arts, they think their dreams are about to come true. To their dismay, they aren’t in high school anymore, and the competition is steep. Rebecca must compete against accomplished singers for a role in the production of Demon Barber, including a stunning Gothic diva with her sights set on Justyn

It doesn't help that things keep disappearing from their apartment or that Rebecca's father refuses to accept that Justyn is an essential part of her life. Yet, all this seems minimal in comparison to the serial rapist terrorizing the campus.

Consumed by fear and obsessed with revenge, Rebecca and Justyn start living the story of Sweeney Todd—both on and off the stage.

 Head to face book to join the Demon Release Party.  You can also add Demon to your shelf on good reads.

If you haven't read the first book in the series, now is a great time to get your copy. To celebrate the release of Demon,  Phantom is now on sale for only $1.99 exclusively on Amazon!

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Phantom, Dark Musicals Book #1

The “Phantom” was a musical phenomenon that Rebecca had always found enchanting. She had no idea that her life was about to mirror the play that was her obsession. When her high school drama club chooses “Phantom” as their annual production, Rebecca finds herself in the middle of an unlikely love triangle and the target of a sadistic stalker who uses the lines from the play as their calling card.

Rebecca lands the lead role of Christine, the opera diva, and like her character, she is torn between her two co-stars—Tom the surfer and basketball star who plays the lovable hero, and Justyn, the strangely appealing Goth who is more than realistic in the role of the tortured artist.

Almost immediately after casting, strange things start to happen both on and off the stage. Curtains fall. Mirrors are shattered. People are hurt in true phantom style. They all seem like accidents until Rebecca receives notes and phone calls that hint at something more sinister. Is Justyn bringing to life the twisted character of the phantom? Or in real life are the roles of the hero and the villain reversed? Rebecca doesn’t know who to trust, but she knows she’s running out of time as she gets closer and closer to opening night. Only when the mask is stripped away, will the twenty first century phantom finally be revealed.

About the author 

      Laura “Luna” DeLuca lives at the beautiful Jersey shore with her husband and four children. She loves writing in the young adult genre because it keeps her young at heart. In addition to writing fiction, Laura is also the editor of a popular review blog called New Age Mama. She is an active member of her local pagan community, and has been studying Wicca for close to eight years. Her current works include Destiny, Destiny Unveiled, Phantom, Morrigan, Player and Demon. She also has short stories featured in two anthologies called Her Story and A Celtic Tapestry.


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An Interview with Devri Walls, author of the Solus series

What was the craziest thing you have ever done?  

Weeeeell. . . Once upon a time I started dating this guy. We had been friends for a while and he flew up from California to visit me in Idaho. Our relationship immediately switched from friends to a whole lot more, and when it was time for him to go home he said that we should date long distance and see how it goes.

But, I knew what I wanted—and it did not involve long distance dating. So me, being insane at the time, told him no. I told him I knew what I wanted and he needed to figure it out. We could either get married or not date at all; I wasn’t going to waste my time with long distance nonsense. Yes, I really did—and it totally worked. Been married ten years to the most amazing man I know. ;)

What impact does a bad review have on you?

In the beginning it was really hard. I would look back at my writing and try to see what I could have done differently to make that person happy. And then. . . I woke up. I realized that everyone was hating or loving different things and whatever someone hated on Tuesday, someone else would love on Wednesday. I can’t make everyone happy, and that is normal. If I get a particularly stinging review I usually read back over my positive reviews. Then I head over to Amazon, pick out one of my favorite books, and read one of their nasty reviews. That always helps put it in perspective for me.

How would you describe your protagonist?

She is sensitive, can be emotional, but has a well of strength within her.

What is your dream for yourself as an author?

I love doing this. I would like to bring in enough income that it can be my only job. I think we should all get to do what we love.

Do you believe in love at first sight?

Yes and no. I believe in an initial and immediate draw at first site. It happened to me. But love develops. However, those initial feelings can still be powerful.

Do you have a favorite author? Why is he or she your favorite author?

Gah! Most dreaded question ever. I am not a ‘favorites’ kind of person, and I really don’t become obsessed with things. I don’t have a favorite food, band, book, etc. I do however really enjoy Cinda Willams Chima and Cassandra Clare, to name a couple. 

What inspired you to write Wings of Arian?

Wings of Arian was inspired by our societies exposure to things that would have made people horribly uncomfortable 100 years ago. Murder, rape, sex—everything we see coming though our television on a day-to-day basis. I wondered what it would be like to be exposed to all of this at once instead of being slowly desensitized—how traumatizing that would be. Wings of Arian is the story of a society who had known no evil for a thousand years and what happens as it suddenly returns.

Do you have a favorite YA novel?

Oh no! Here we go again with the favorites. ;) No, I really don’t. The Mortal Instrument series is up there though.

If you could have only one wish, what would it be?

My immediate response was, to be a successful author. I then of course immediately felt guilt for not wishing for something nobler.

What was your most embarrassing moment in life?

Uh—I am not sure. I tend to block out particularly traumatizing events. Truly—it’s kind of freaky. But here is a funny one: I met my husband when I was twenty-two. He walked into a meeting we were both attending with a bag of candy. I proceeded to ask him if he was going to share his booty with me.

 For those of you completely at a loss as to why I would say that—I was thinking pirate’s booty. I swear, I was!

He paused, slowly swiveled to look at me, (mind you, this was the FIRST time we had ever met) and with a smirk says slyly, “I don’t think you can say that to me.” I turned about fifteen shades of red stammering about pirate’s booty while he grinned and walked to his seat.

If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?

Europe, starting with Germany. My mom was adopted from there and I have always wanted to go.

If you could go back in time and change something in your past what would it be and why?

Nothing. Truly. There was a time where I wished I could. I was horribly bullied in middle school. But one day I realized all of the traits I truly loved about myself had been learned through one experience or another. To go back and change them would change who I have become.

Now that you read criticisms about your work, do you wish you could re-write it and start over or not and why?

 Yes. There is for SURE some work I would do on Wings of Arian. I just understand so much more now. But, it is done and I will always be learning more so I can’t look back. However, I am much happier with the next two in the series, Wings of Tavea and Wings of Nestor.

Can readers expect more books from you in the future?

YES! Now that I have turned on the center in my brain that has allowed me to do this I can’t shut it down. I turn into a lunatic if I can’t write. Literally, I have paced around my house like a caged lion if I don’t have something I am working on. It is kinda out of control. 

About the author

Devri Walls lives in Kuna ID with her husband, two kids and one very bouncy lab. After suffering from an abundance of creativity with not enough places to put it, she turned to writing. Which in the end, turned out to be exactly where she should have been putting it all along.

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