IE Reviews: The Selkie Spell

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It’s time for another review of an indie author who, though they are not one of the Indie Elite, they are worthy of recognition. Today I bring you The Selkie Spell by Sophie Moss. Both the description and the lovely cover of this novel drew me in but it was the beautiful writing that kept me reading. The very first page immersed me into a watery world of tragedy that I didn't want to leave, and it deepened from there. My heart ached for Tara and the ghosts of her past. And the descriptions, ah the descriptions! The author made me feel as though I were in Ireland, breathing the salty air, feeling the sand between my toes. You won't want to put this one down until you've read the last words!

There was only one hang up that kept me from giving it five stars. The author switched points of view from one main character to the other, within the same page. It was a bit disconcerting and confusing at times. Normally such an issue would have made me stop reading and refuse to do a review. But the rest of the writing, and the story, were so compelling that I simply couldn’t stop reading. I hope you’ll give it a try despite this issue because if you don’t, you’ll be missing a fantastic story by an artist of a writer. For a debut novel it was excellent.

IE Reviews~Breathkept

I have to admit, Saundra Mitchell is one of my favorite authors, like ever. I know what you're thinking, "she isn't indie, she's with Houghton Mifflin!" Ah, then you're in for a surprise. Saundra's novel, Breathkept didn't find a home so she went indie with it. "Why, since she's such a brilliant author?" you might ask? It saddens me deeply to say, because her book is, let's say, diverse, and couldn't find a fit in the market. But you know what else? It's AMAZING, just like her other novels.

I gave it:

*****

My review: Saundra's sojourn into contemporary does not disappoint. Despite my need for all things sci-fi, fantasy, or paranormal, I truly loved this novel and there aren't many contemporary novels that can have that effect on me. From the very first chapter we are drawn into a mystery within a rich setting that is filled with deep characters you'll be rooting for.

Here is a bit about it:

Parker Nixon has never been away from home. She’s never been in love. And she’s never been wanted for murder… until now. The boy Parker got caught kissing last night turned up dead this morning, and there’s no shortage of suspects. Her reclusive father leads a double life, and the people at Stone Well Ranch have their mysteries too. But then there’s beautiful, broken Brandon Beauchamp. He saved Parker’s life once, and holds her heart in his hands. But he may be hiding the darkest secret of all. 

Where to find Breathkept:

Goodreads, Amazon. 

It isn't currently on B&N but I bet if you contact Saundra, she'd be happy to get it on there!

IE Reviews~Beautiful Demons

It’s time for another non-Indie Elite member (but fabulous indie author) short review. Today’s review is of the first novel in the Peachville High Demons trilogy, Beautiful Demons by Sarra Cannon.

My thoughts:



There aren't many books that can suck me in so immediately and keep me engaged, but this one definitely did. The mystery, the characters, the hint of paranormal, it was all perfectly balanced and wonderfully executed. I'm reminded of another series by a famous author, something about secrets and circles, that will remain unnamed ;), and I've got to say Beautiful Demons is BETTER.

If you enjoy a little magic, a lot of intrigue, and a story that sucks you right in, don’t miss this one. My only complaint, it was a little short. But that’s probably because I was enjoying it so much that I wasn’t ready for it to end.

The Goodreads blurb:

Harper Madison isn't like other girls. She has extraordinary powers, but her inability to control them has gotten her kicked from so many foster homes she's lost count. Shadowford Home is her last chance, and she hopes Peachville High will be the fresh start she needs. But when evidence ties her to the gruesome murder of a Demons cheerleader, Harper discovers this small town has a big secret.

You can find it at these links (and more):

Goodreads, B&N, Amazon


~Heather

IE Reviews~Become

It’s time for another non-Indie Elite member (but fabulous indie author) short review. This week’s review is of Become by Ali Cross.

My thoughts:
*****
This novel was not at all what I thought it would be, and that’s a very good thing. I was expecting another angels and demons book and was honestly kind of dreading it because I already have my favorite angels and demons book (Lacrimosa of course) and I feared I wouldn’t like another nearly as much. Well angels and demons this was NOT. It’s actually a brilliant meld of Norse legend (which I completely love) and angels and demons. My official blurb on it:

From the depths of Helheim to the lofts of Asgard, this novel propels us on a breathtaking journey of self-sacrifice and redemption. The author takes characters that should be impossible to sympathize with and makes you fall in love with them. I was completely swept away and utterly surprised at how much I enjoyed this story.

Here is the Goodreads blurb on it:

Sixteen-year old Desolation Black wants nothing more than to stay in Hell where it’s cold and lonely and totally predictable. Instead, she’s sent back to Earth where she must face the evil she despises and the good she always feared.

When Desi is forced to embrace her inner demon, she assumes her choice has been made—that she has no hope of being anything other than what her father, Lucifer, has created her to be. What she doesn’t count on, is finding a reason to change—something she’s never had before—a friend.

You can find it here:

Goodreads, B&N, Amazon

And the sequel, Desolate just released on Amazon!

~Heather

IE Reviews~Destiny's Fire

We’ve decided to bring you a new reoccurring feature on the Indie Elite, short reviews of excellent indie books (both through small presses and completely independently published) from authors who aren’t Indie Elite members. Today’s review is of Destiny’s Fire by Trisha Wolfe, published through the small press, Omnific Publishing.

My thoughts:



This is the first steampunk novel I've read and wow, just wow. I'm totally a fan of the genre now! It takes a talented author to introduce so many characters with big roles in a novel and have each of them be compelling, and Trisha accomplished that beautifully. I felt for each of these characters and was pulled into the wonder of the story from the very first page. Magic, secrets, cool devices, and a world I didn't want to leave, Destiny's Fire has it all. I can hardly wait for more from this author.

Here is the Goodreads blurb about Destiny’s Fire:

It’s the year 2040, and sixteen-year-old Dez Harkly is one of the last of her kind—part of a nearly extinct race of shape-shifters descended from guardians to the Egyptian pharaohs. Her home and her secret are threatened when the Council lowers the barrier, allowing the enemy race to enter the Shythe haven.

As the Narcolym airships approach, Dez and her friends rebel against their Council and secretly train for battle. Not only is Dez wary of war and her growing affection for her best friend Jace, but she fears the change her birthday will bring. When Dez’s newfound power rockets out of control, it’s a Narcolym who could change her fate... if she can trust him.

Dez’s guarded world crumbles when she discovers why the Narcos have really come to Haven Falls, and she's forced to choose between the race who raised her and the enemy she's feared her whole life.

You can find it at these links:

Goodreads, B&N, Amazon and more. 


~Heather

Happy Book Birthday Mea Culpa

Today Compass Press is releasing Christine Fonseca's latest novella in the Requiem series, Mea Culpa, for FREE on Smashwords. This novella is a bridge between the first full-length novel, Lacrimosa, and it's sequel, Libera Me which is due out later this year. You can download Mea Culpa on Smashwords in all digital formats (Nook, Kindle, and more). They will be listing it directly with Amazon and Barnes and Noble as well but it takes them a bit longer to list a book as free so if you'd like a free copy, they are asking that you please go to Smashwords. Also, to celebrate, for a limited time, they're also offering Christine's first novella,~the one that launched the series~Dies Irae for free on Smashwords as well.

Here is a bit about Mea Culpa:

Everything has a price, especially duty. And love.

Azza's attacks are always deadly...ALWAYS. But that was before Nesy. And before Mikayel and Zane. Now, death has a new enemy. But, what's the cost for saving a life?

MEA CULPA follows one angel's quest to save his best friend.

Don't forget, Dies Irae is only available for free for a limited time so hurry and get your digital copies of both Mea Culpa and Dies Irae from Smashwords. We at the Indie Elite will be downloading our free copies, spreading the word, reviewing, liking, and all of the above. I mean how could you not? Just look at that picture of Zane. Okay no licking the screen...

Review Of Open Minds In Prep For Launch Party

Time to pour the champagne and pull out the noise makers because the virtual launch party for Open Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn is almost here! In celebration we've brought you a fantastic review by our very own Heather McCorkle.

Heather's Review: Wow. It seems woefully inadequate, but that is the first word that comes to mind when I think of this book. I was blown away. This is one of those books readers devour and authors wish they had written.

Imagine a world where everyone can read each others minds. Being able to read minds and send thoughts is the norm. Gives you the shivers doesn't it? Kira is what is called a zero. She can't read minds or send thoughts which makes her an outcast, someone with no future. But it turns out Kira is something entirely different, and unexpected.

I inhaled this book. The writing is compelling and the world building is done so natural and seamless that I was immersed from the very first page. And the characters, both wonderful and flawed, drew me in the moment I met them. I can hardly wait for a sequel! This is on my list of best books of 2011. I hope you'll join us in celebration with Susan during the launch party which starts November 1st.