Guest Post & Giveaway: The Prince of Powys By Cornelia Amiri

From the pages of the ancient codex, The Anglo Saxon Chronicles, the warrior kings of Wessex and Mercia fought each other while they both battled the welsh king of Powys. Elisedd, the king of Powys’s deeds and genealogy is honored by a monument his great grandson Cyngen map Cadlel erected, the Pillar of Eliseg, which stands to this day.  Welsh poems from bygone days mention Elisedd’s unique crown, fashioned from thick, twisted links of gold. He also adorned himself with gleaming armlets and anklets of pure gold. This great king was succeeded by his son Brochfael, also a character in The Prince of Powys. The legend of these eighth century AD warrior kings, Celtic mythology, and the mystic hill fort of Dinas Bran where Elisedd ruled inspired me to write The Prince of Powys. It’s a young adult novel of an ancient god, a magic sword, and a brave prince named Blaise.

I created the heroine, Branda, the youngest daughter of Ethelbald of Mercia and the hero, Blaise, the youngest son of Elisedd of Powys.

Blurb:

In an age of heroes, Branda, a Saxon princess helps Blaise, a prince of Powys, escape her father’s stronghold. In turn, he vows to escort the princess to her sister in Scotland so she can escape an arranged marriage. Instead, he holds her captive as his hostage in the unbreachable hill fort of Dinas Bran, where she captures his heart. Will Blaise be forced to throw away his honor for love or tear out his heart for honor? 

GIVEAWAY:

I’m having a blogging contest and giving away three PDF Ebooks of the Prince of Powys to three lucky winners. Please fill this form and include your email so I can contact you if you are chosen. The winners will be randomly selected. Ends 20th March. 

For more on my young adult fantasy/romance, The Prince of Powys, please visit my publisher’s site at  http://www.eternalpress.biz/book.php?isbn=9781615725823

and my website at http://CelticRomanceQueen.com

Here’s a short excerpt:

IRON FEY SERIES ( THE IRON KNIGHT ) BY JULIE KAGAWA

Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a girl… and all for nothing.

Unless he can earn a soul.

To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had. Or so he thought.

Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.

With the (unwelcome) company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.

To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.

And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

Expected publication: October 25th 2011 by Harlequin (first published October 18th 2011)

 

For some really strange reason and foolish reason I never picked up the Iron Fey books though the reviews were always great. Maybe the word Iron turned me off. I am weird like that. Then I saw The Iron Knight on Netgalley and before I could say

Hottest Guy Ever

On The Cover

I had requested the book. Of Course now I had to go read the first three books before I could start with The Iron Knight and OMG am I glad I did! BEST.DECISION.EVER.

To those uninitiated in The Iron Fey series let me paint a picture of what these books are all about.

Magic. Humour. Romance. Action. And above all ADVENTURE.

Adventure that is missing in YA books these days.

JKagawa’s imagination and creativity is stupendous. Her writing is vivid and detailed and completely transported me to Nevernever. I was constantly left mesmerized by the sheer beauty of the setting she had created- be it the Wyldwood or Tir Na Nog.

For me The Iron Fey series is The Lord Of The Rings for teens. Lord Of The Rings is a book I famously tried to and could not finish reading. (Okay I am officially hiding my face now! I love the LOTR movies..okay..maybe "love" would be an exaggeration but I did like them...I mean I loved golum and his "my preciousss" and do I even need to mention Orlando Bloom!!Again however I could not finish this book.I read it when I was a kid and all I remember is that there was like A LOT of description of trees. And barely any females. Or for that matter even humans. O.o)

Now I feel like I don’t need to since The Iron Fey is just as awesome and especially tailor-made for me! :D

Iron Fey series also happens to be influenced by my favorite Shakespeare play- A Midsummer Night’s Dream. There’s the CHERRY on top.

Another thing I loved about the series were the different magical creatures. Each of them from trolls to goblins to mermaids to jack o’lanterns played an important role and were well-developed.

While the endearing Meghan Chase was the protagonist for the first 3 books, The Iron Knight is from the point of view of Prince Ash. The Ice Prince. Cold, brooding, dark and absolutely YUMMY. There is also the delightful Puck but I am hard-core TEAM ASH. The Iron Knight gets a new feel, offers glimpses of the past and answers many questions as we get into the mind of the winter prince as he embarks on an EPIC adventure along with Puck and Grimalkin.

Grimalkin- the finest and the best part of The Iron Fey books.

Grimalkin is a CAT and there totally awesome. With his snarkiness and witty one-liners he shows us exaclt why EVERYONE WANTS TO BE A CAT.

Honestly best cat in literature since the Cheshire Cat.

The Iron Fey series is gonna end up right alongside Chronicles Of Narnia, Alice Wonderland and Wizard Of Oz. It is a must read for fans of the faery and just about everyone who loves fantasy.

The ending was unexpected and breath-taking. I don’t wanna divulge the plots too much because it’s always fun discovering that on your own!

Go pre-order The Iron Knight NOW! 

And if you haven't started this series yet, What are you waiting for? Go buy The Iron King. You have a week or so to catch up!

I'd like to thank Netgalley and Harlequin teen for providing me with a galley.

You can now win The Iron King at my 100 FOLLOWERS INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY!

A Beautiful Dark by Jocelyn Davies

On the night of Skye’s seventeenth birthday, she meets two enigmatic strangers. Complete opposites—like fire and ice—Asher is dark and wild, while Devin is fair and aloof. Their sudden appearance sends Skye’s life into a tailspin. She has no idea what they want, or why they seem to follow her every move—only that their presence coincides with a flurry of strange events. Soon she begins to doubt not just the identity of the two boys, but also the truth about her own past.

In the dead of a bitingly cold Colorado winter, Skye finds herself coming to terms with the impossible secret that threatens to shatter her world. Torn between Asher, who she can’t help falling for, and Devin, who she can’t stay away from, the consequences of Skye’s choice will reach further than the three of them could ever imagine.

A Beautiful Dark is the first book in a captivating trilogy by debut author Jocelyn Davies.

Expected publication: September 27th 2011 by HarperTeen

Skye – Hey I am your typical YA protagonist.  And I cause guys to fall head over heels in love with me. 

*smiles nonchalantly*

Asher -  I am THE bad boy yo.

Devin- I am the brooding one.

Asher – I am cocky. And a flirt.

Devin- I am the good guy. 

*broods*

Asher – I love me some Skye.

Devin- Ditto.
Asher & Devin - We both are incredibly hot. 
*glare at each other* 

Skye – Ooh la la who do I choose!? 

*confused*

Ian – I am a mere mortal . BUT I LOVE SKYE BECAUSE IT WOULD BE SO STUPID IF ONLY 2 GUYS WERE IN LOVE WITH HER! Love triangle is a thing of the past! We got a love square.

 *swoons*

Skye- *doesn’t throw a bone*

AGNESPINK -*Interrupts*

Why should we read this book? It sounds awfully like the other angel books out there!

A Beautiful Dark – I have fresh and intriguing angel mythology woven into the book.

Also,

If you hadn’t guessed already I am on my way to become an international BESTSELLER.

AGNESPINK - *sigh*

Well I did enjoy reading you.

A Beautiful Dark - *gets devoured by YA PARANORMAL ROMANCE fans*

AGNESPINK- It was a pretty entertaining read. Mmmm.. I couldn’t put it down either….

A Beautiful Dark- You might have rolled your eyes aplenty but you did love me! ACCEPT IT!

AGNESPINK- AACK! GO BUY THE BOOK ALREADY!

FORBIDDEN LOVE, MYSTERY AND A CAPTIVATING PLOT. WHAT’S NOT TO LOVE!?

Devin and Asher – We’d like to thank Netgalley and HarperTeen to let us spend a wonderful month with AgnesPink.

AGNESPINK – With that cliffhanger at the end we’ll see each other again. Toodles till book 2 comes out!

Wanna win A Beautiful Dark?

Enter My Giveaway - 100 FOLLOWERS INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY!


Similar Books: Hush, Hush ( Hush, Hush #1) By Becca Fitzpatrick

Spellbound by Cara Lynn Shultz

What's a girl to do when meeting The One means she's cursed to die a horrible death?

Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Connor, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to—Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.

But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives—visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else.

Published June 28th 2011 by Harlequin Teen

I would like to thank Netgalley and Harlequin Teen for providing me a galley of this beautiful book.

I didn’t know what to expect when I started the book but the writing completely mesmerized me.  The protagonist’s voice was snarky and funny and so reminiscent of Meg Cabot books.

Unlike the usually brigade of YA paranormal protagonist’s Emma was brave and down-to-earth. She was  so sarcastic and loyal and I found her endearing. I really loved and cared about her and honestly that probably made me enjoy the book so much more! Protagonist’s sometimes have a far superior part in the book then the plot itself.

Not that the plot was a problem!

The plot was fresh and unique and the past legends completely captivated me! The high school drama and the NYC setting were added perks. Like a delicious cake with cherry on top! There were also pop culture references made and many a witty jokes cracked in this book.

Brendan Salinger had me drooling and his attitude was just irresistible! My parents kept shooting me these rather suspicious looks as I could not keep the grin off my face while reading all the Emma-Brendan romance scenes. It was just so relatable and I don’t know why but the book just made me happy!

I really don’t want to give any anymore of the plot because I know how much fun it will be discovering it on your own as you keep the pages turning.

Fans of star-crossed lovers and YA paranormal will devour this book.

A fantastic and enthralling read!

Go buy this book now because trust me, doomed love was never this FUN!


Similar Books: Fallen By Lauren Kate

Between the Land and the Sea (Marina's Tales #1) by Derrolyn Anderson

Something extraordinary is lurking in the deep ocean waters off the coast of Aptos, California. In just a few weeks after moving to the small beach town, sixteen year old Marina has nearly drowned twice, enchanted the hottest guy in high school, and discovered a supernatural creature. If she can only manage to survive her increasingly dangerous encounters with unpredictable mermaids, she might just be able to unlock the mystery of her past to learn how to appease the mysterious forces that seem to want something from her...and maybe even find true love along the way.

Between The Land And The Sea is the first book in the series "Marina's Tales". Her story continues on in book two, The Moon And The Tide.

This was the first book I read by an indie author so I honestly didn’t know what to expect but I was entranced from the prologue!

Also, I totally have a thing for books that deal with sea creatures, so that helped!

I love the setting of beach communities and Aptos seemed like such a beautiful and picturesque place.

Derrolyn’s writing was very descriptive and I could imagine everything so clearly.

However, there were parts that were anecdotic and I thought they could be omitted as they had no relevance to the plot!

Other than that little glitch the story flowed smoothly and I finished the book super fast.

The protagonist Marina was an extremely likable if somewhat bella-esque character.

Ethan is a total hottie. He is a surfer and the perfect guy.

I would have liked the romance to be a little more intense. I hope we get more making out scenes in the next book! Haha! Are you listening Miss. Anderson?

I loved the way mermaids were portrayed in this book. It was a fresh and interesting take.

All the secondary characters were three-dimensional and I don’t find that often in a book! There were characters mentioned barely twice and even they were unforgettable and interesting.

Ooh and I have to mention that there were several TWSS (That’s what she said) jokes that had me laughing at loud.

I am definitely gonna read the second book in the series.

Altogether, a light, enjoyable and summery read.

Recommended to all lovers of YA paranormal.

You can buy this book from amazon or check out http://www.derrolyn.com/Site/Home.html

Between The Land And The Sea (Marina's Tales)

Aptos is a real place in California and the cement ship in the photos below features prominently in the novel.

Similar Books :Siren ( Siren #1) By Tricia Rayburn

                      Sea Change By Aimee Friedman


Xo

Hush, Hush ( Hush, Hush #1) By Becca Fitzpatrick

For Nora Grey, romance was not part of the plan. She's never been particularly attracted to the boys at her school, no matter how much her best friend, Vee, pushes them at her...until Patch comes along. 
With his easy smile and eyes that seem to see inside her, Nora is drawn to him against her better judgment, but after a series of terrifying encounters, Nora's not sure whom to trust. Patch seems to be everywhere she is, and to know more about her than her closest friends. She can't decide whether she should fall into his arms or run and hide. And when she tries to seek some answers, she finds herself near a truth that is far more unsettling than anything Patch makes her feel.
For Nora is right in the middle of an ancient battle between the immortal and those that have fallen - and when it comes to choosing sides, the wrong choice will cost her life.

I still have no clue what Hush Hush stands for.

Everytime I thought of this book I remembered the PCD song Hush Hush.

And let’s just say I am less than fond of the Pussy Cat Dolls.

Also while I do enjoy urban fantasy/paranormal romance at times I am more into contemporary reaslistic fiction.

And I had never read a book on Fallen Angels.

These are the reasons why I read Hush Hush now and not say 2-3 years back.

It wasn’t the best book I have ever read. It wasn’t a book I couldn’t stop gushing about.

It is not one of my favorites.

But I enjoyed the book immensely and finished it in one sitting!

I found the Protagonist Nora Grey likable enough but nothing shone through her personality.

She was the totally generic and at times very stupid.

Her BFF Vee on the other hand was awesome. She was perky and fun and had all these little personality quirks that I would have loved to see in Nora. Vee added all the humour to this book.

I don’t know if anyone else has noticed this but I find that in most YA books the female protagonist’s BFF’s happen to be perkier and funnier!?

Also I soo want Vee as my best friend! And while the topic of what I want, I must mention a certain hot fallen angel.

Patch was the star of this book.

All the girls are gonna be swooning over him.

He is dark, mysterious, cocky and the epitome of bad boys.

And he has a AC/DC Highway To Hell CD!!

I LOVE AC/DC!!

:D

Okay so maybe we can’t really blame Nora for being so stupid and careless. And not even freaking out when she found out he was a fallen angel.She barely even thought of it!

The romance was hot and steamy. Only how majorly overused is the guy-teaches-girl-how-to-play-pool-while-their-bodies-touch sequence? I remember loving it in The OC years ago.

Anyways I thought that their romance was more to do with physical attraction. Okay, it was completely to do with physical attraction. But again I don’t really blame Nora .Patch is worthy of protagonist lust-inesss.

I loved the suspense and mystery aspect of the book. That is what made me keep turning the pages. Also I am definitely going to read the sequel.

I highly recommend this book to lovers of the Twilight Saga.

They are bound to devour this book.

And while it wasn’t an amazing profound book, It at least got me warmed up to the idea of Fallen Angels and well it was a really fun read.

The Book Trailer 

Xo