Category Archives: Dystopian

#WOTR19 #NewRelease #SpinOffSeries #Review #Paranormal – Uprising: Dark Horizons 1 (Eternally Mated Book 7) by Valerie Twombly

Uprising: Dark Horizons 1 (Eternally Mated Book 7)

“We can’t fight evolution, only ride it out and hope the ending is in our favor.” Ryder Mattis

As a former Navy Seal, beating the odds is something Ryder excels at. However, the world has changed and his transformation into a vampire gives survival a whole new meaning. If that isn’t enough to ruin his life, a plague unleashes utter destruction on humanity. He knows he has what it takes to protect those who survive even if they don’t like his rules. What he doesn’t count on is a female with stormy eyes and a will to live getting under his skin.

Kayla has lost everyone she loves to the red death. Surviving the plague is one thing, but a vow made to her dying father puts her under the protection of a predator. Surprised at how her body reacts to Ryder when he feeds, she has a hard choice to make. But when tragedy strikes and forces the vampire to give her his blood, she morphs into something no one could ever predict.

The new world doesn’t come with a handbook and when fate brands them as potential mates, they are not prepared. They can either battle each other, or band together in a fight for survival. The future holds no guarantees, but being alone might be worse than death.

This is a spin-off series and can be read as a standalone or, with the Eternally Mated series.


Goodreads


I received this book from the author for an honest review.

I know I saw this every time I read a paranormal but It’s my JAM!!!  I love love love me some paranormal.  I love shifters, vampires, demons, angels, and all the possible additions to a storyline.  This book, which is a spin off series, was just what I needed and loved.

I am going to start by saying I have NOT read the Eternally Mated series.  However, I will be rectifying that soon.  I did not feel I missed anything or was lost at any point of the story.  I think the storyline was filled in during this book about what happened in the other series.  SHEW right!!!!

So this book is taking place during the end of the world essentially.  Ryder and his group of Navy Seals are set to protect the last few remaining humans to help repopulate the world after The Red Death has destroyed everyone. He is one of the original vampires and he has turned a few of his trusted men into vampires to help get the job done.  He only asks that females who do stay with them, help feed his men to keep them alive.  Pretty decent trade off…surviving death for a few sips of your blood right???

Ryder is getting ready to leave when a sassy, pink haired beauty who is also a pain in his ass shows up and informs him he needs to protect her.  Seems Ryder and her dad were Navy buddies.  From the start of Kayla and Ryder meeting, the sparks and chemistry sizzle!!  I mean they are so hilariously attracted and annoyed by the other it makes for great reading.

Kayla has lost everyone and is bound and determined to make it to this Ryder guy for protection.  She surely did not plan on the attraction to the alpha male and his over the top protection of her.

Kayla and Ryder plus another couple soon find a strange mark that they have no clue what it means.  Kayla and another soon find out they too have another secret about why they have survived the Red Death when everyone else has died.

On top of all the couple drama, we are dealing with rogue vampires, gross looking demons running amuck annnnd the portal to hell being opened to rid the Earth of humans in general….Yup LOTS happening in the story!!!

I can not wait to read the next story but I will be trying to get the other 6 books of the other series read ASAP too.

Award winning and bestselling author Valerie Twombly grew up watching Dark Shadows over her mother’s shoulder, and from there her love of the fanged creatures blossomed. Today, Valerie has decided to take her darker, sensual side and put it to paper.

When she is not busy creating a world full of steamy, hot men and strong, seductive women, she juggles her time between a full-time job, hubby and her two German Shepherd dogs, in Northern IL.

Valerie is a member of Romance Writers of America and Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal Romance Writers. She is also the founder of Sexy Scribblers, a group of romance writers who bring readers new and fresh stories every month.

#NewRelease – #Review – Beacons in the End (The End Saga #3) by C.L. Zelle

Beacons in the End (The End Saga #3)

 

Book Three in the Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian Epic The End Saga.

I’m alive.
Gideon’s out there somewhere with Missy, looking for me. The monsters are evolving, but we are, too. We’ve come so far, survived the miraculous, defeated the evils that have tried to keep us from each other, and we’ll do it again.
We’re alive, and that’s a good start.
Strange, how finding each other in a dead world full of rabid predators with no cell service is the easy part. The hard part is what comes after. What will happen now that Gideon knows my truths? What will happen when he tells me his? Will we get our second chance? Will we have our happily ever after?
Things won’t be perfect when we reunite, we’ll have obstacles to overcome. But I believe in Gideon, I believe in us. We’ve found each other in this world twice before, and we will again. I just hope we can figure out what to do . . . next. To make things right again.

* * *

I won the first round, but this game isn’t over yet—it’s only just begun. There’s a stopwatch ticking somewhere, and the cool barrel of a nine against my temple says it’s go-time, there’s no backing down now.
It’s too quiet—as if somebody set the world on “peaceful” mode for a while. But I know better than to get too comfortable. There’s always been more to Vine’s games than meets the eye.
Time to level-up.
L1: Keep Missy safe
L2: Find Grace
L3: Protect the people I love
L4: Get that plane and get the f*ck out of Dodge
L5: Heal mankind
All in a day’s work on the Bright Side, right?

*****

This is the third book in The End Saga. This series will appeal to those who don’t mind some diverse adult content in their reading. Due to certain triggers, this series may not be suitable for everyone, and is advised for ages 18 and up.

 

Goodreads

 

“To know who you are now, you have to remember how you became.” THIS!!! This is the perfect line for this book! This is the perfect line for life! This series is EPIC! The author writes very passionately, heartfelt and super fierce. This isn’t a zombie book. This is so much more! Every emotion whether it is something funny, scary, amorous….every single emotion is felt down to your core. Oh the feels!!!! Be prepared because it is beautiful and gritty and pure raw! Intense just does not do this book…or the series….justice.

Both of our groups are now on the run. Both groups have taken on others to care for…a lot of children! Now they are racing for survival. Grace and Logan are with one group and Gideon is with the other group. Grace and Gideon are so in sync that they just know exactly how to send the beacon to each other. Here is your spoiler….yes, the groups find each other. But they don’t find each other without some crazy scary situations ahead of them. Grace and Gideon were made for each other but they both have indiscretions that they don’t think the other will forgive them for. Nothing is perfect but this is The End afterall. Does everything have to be the same as before. The monsters are evolving, why can’t they? “How do you choose the correct answers when there aren’t any?” The whole crew is faced with many obstacles with which most involve themselves. But every single character is complex, strong and beautifully flawed. All of the characters are finding themselves again and it is absolutely breathtaking watching it unfold. Oh and did I mention all the hawtness?!?! Cuz guess what?! It’s super sexy in all the right places!!! So buckle up biotches cuz it’s time for another wild ride!!!

Bravo CL Zelle!!!! You rocked this! P.S. This is at the top of my favorite series ever!!!!

 

 

 

C.L. Zelle

Christina L. Rozelle is the author of the bestselling YA Dystopian Scifi series, The Treemakers Trilogy, which includes her groundbreaking debut, “The Treemakers,” and its sequels, “The Soultakers,” and “The Seeker’s Keys.” Hailed for its strong, believable, and relatable characters, original and complex plotting, and phenomenal world-building, The Treemakers Trilogy appeals to lovers of dystopian literature who are looking for something refreshing and new.

Christina also writes adult post-apocalyptic dystopian under the nom de plume C.L. Zelle, with her first foray into the adult world, The End Saga (formerly The Night Blind Saga) releasing this year. Books one and two, “Willows in the End,” and, “Ravens in the End,” are now available, and book three, “Beacons in the End” releases Nov. 21, 2018. Proving to be quite the polarizing series, Rozelle shows her true prowess as a teller of tales with this no-holds-barred approach to a popular genre, showcasing her ability to evoke powerful emotions from her readers, be they positive or negative. She says, “as long as they’re thinking and feeling, my work here is done.”

When asked if she had plans to pull back on those wild reigns of her dark NA world, she just giggled, scrolling through her impressive backlog. Though she may not go any darker than this series, she says she’s created a lot of “wiggle room” between the YA world of The Treemakers, and the dark and taboo world of Grace and company, and she plans to fully employ every bit of that space (though, admittedly, she’s terrible at coloring inside the lines).

Rozelle’s writing roots sprouted with poetry and prose in countless journals in her early years, continuing through her tumultuous teenage years, and well into her turbulent young adult life. Though her younger self dreamed of scribing non-fiction and poetry someday, when she discovered the magic in creating fiction she never looked back. Overcoming countless obstacles of her own, the wisdom gained along her personal path through healing breathes life into her beautifully dark, yet hopeful tales of triumph. Filled with an array of emotional triggers, not many topics are off limits in her works. Rozelle’s exceptional storytelling dives deep into the survival and growth journeys of diverse, broken characters and unlikely heroes. Authentic, gritty, intricate, and wildly imaginative, her stories also offer hope–a light in the dark–as her characters discover their own inner strengths and worth in the midst of debilitating adversity.

Though her wanderlust calls her to a nomadic life of traveling the world in planes, trains, ships, and RVs, Christina currently resides in a small town in Texas, USA, with her four wonderful children and a bunch of furbabies, where she’s blessed to be able to do what she loves every day.

If you’d like to stay in touch, and get up-to-date info on new releases, as well as giveaways and promotions, sign up for her mailing lists: (Adult works) C.L. Zelle’s Dark Army: https://www.subscribepage.com/CLZellesDarkArmy (YA works) The Rozelle Army: http://bit.ly/RozelleArmy

If you’ve enjoyed any of her books, please “hug” Christina by leaving an honest review of any length on Amazon.

For more information, and to check out Christina’s books, follow the links below:
Website: http://christinalrozelle.com/
Rozelle’s YA Reader Fan Group: http://bit.ly/RozellesYAReaders
Christina L. Rozelle’s Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/CLRozelleFBpage
C.L. Zelle’s Reader Lounge: http://bit.ly/CLZellesReaderLounge
C.L. Zelle’s Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/CLZellesFBpage
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CLRTweet
Instagram: christina.l.rozelle
Spotify: http://bit.ly/CLRoZelleonSpotify

#New Release – #Review – Gen One by Amy Bartelloni

Gen One

 

Generations after robots conquered Earth, the remaining population survives in the ash of their defeat. Within their walls in Authority City, bots test and develop super soldiers. Rumors of horrible experiments are enough to keep humans in line. At least, most humans.

Eighteen-year-old Delilah O’Connor scavenges the ruins with her friend Zane, and Gen, a generation one bot they repaired off the grid. Gen’s curiosity gives Delilah hope for the future, but not enough hope to go against the Authority. She finds Zane’s dreams of a human resistance pointless, and it’s enough to keep their on-and-off relationship mostly off.

When they discover two dead guards in a shady trading stop known as the Banks, everything changes. Framed for the murders and pursued by Authority bots, Zane takes Delilah to the only safe space he knows—the headquarters for the Human Coalition. Even there Zane isn’t safe. When he’s captured, Delilah and Gen must join an unlikely alliance of bot and human to go in to Authority City and save him before he becomes another casualty. Things in Authority City aren’t as they seem, they’re worse. And Delilah might lose more than her friend within its walls.

 

Goodreads

 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

 

“Sometimes you had to get dirty to survive. It was a trick she’d learned in the Banks.” This is a post apoc thriller full of the human spirit along with super bots that may have souls. Delilah’s life goes from a life of plain grimness scavenging in the outer lying areas with her best friends Zane and Gen (a generation one bot) to being an outlaw with everyone trying to kill her. Her life just went from one extreme to the next. After she and Zane find a couple of bodies that were murdered she is abruptly brought into the life of the human coalition and once she is in and understands what they are fighting for she has no other desire but to join them after Zane has been taken. Zane has been trying to protect her and not have her get in the middle of the fighting between the humans and the bots but now that she is in she comes to the realization that this is bigger than her and she must fight to help save humanity for the humans and bots alike. She has come to realize that some of the bots may have souls as she sees this with Gen everyday with her curious nature and human feelings. Not all bots are bad. Delilah has a dormant strength that comes out in full force as she is forced to decide what the right thing to do is. She goes from being fragile and needing protection to being a brave and fearless protector. The transformation was amazing! There is tons of action as they have to infiltrate Authority City where the bots reside and maintain the rule over humans. As they are basically planning a suicide mission they have to get as much intel as possible. As more of the plan comes forth she finds that more people are involved than she ever thought they would. It is so full of twists and turns that you absolutely have to keep reading just to get to the next part and find out what else is going to happen. I can’t tell you any more about the actual story because I don’t want to give anything away but the plot twist is INSANE!

 

The author does an amazing job with the world building and character building as well. This is one of those stories that you can’t help but being able to feel like you are there right in the middle of the action. You start to feel like you really know the characters and that they are real.  The emotions run strong and are heartfelt. The story is rather mind-boggling and a little scary (in a good way) because it makes you think about all of the what-ifs as our technology advances….just something to think about, haha! The end of the story is set up perfectly for a second book. Amy Bartelloni is a new author for me and she has me hooked! I can’t wait to see what happens next. Bravo!

 

Amazon

 

Amy Bartelloni


Amy Bartelloni is a reader, writer, & coffee addict who lives with her husband, 3 children, and various animals in the northeast US. When she’s not playing mom-taxi, you can find her with her nose in a book or her head in the clouds. A people watcher and science fiction junkie, she still believes dreams can come true. Some of her favorite authors include Neil Gaiman, Jasper Fforde, Paulo Coelho, and Stephen King.

#Review – Ravens in the End: Book Two in the Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian Epic (The End Saga – 2) by C.L. Zelle

Ravens in the End: Book Two in the Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian Epic (The End Saga - 2)

Sex, power, control, Yes—that’s the name of the game now.

Or, wait—maybe it’s always been that. But is this what Vine had in mind when he conned billions into injecting his lies? Was this end game part of his master plan all along? Now, the whole world is his, and it was way too easy. He’s the liar’s liar, the ultimate gamemaker, the grand wizard behind the curtain that would snuff the light of the world out in a single day.

And I helped him do it.

My name is Gideon Tyler, and I’m a liar, too. But it’s not who I am anymore. I once believed love made a man weak, but my love for Grace makes me strong in ways I’m not used to. Strong enough to break free from the compliance; strong enough to be defiant. Strong enough to risk my life for what’s right, despite who I was before, and the mistakes I’ve made.

But dying isn’t on the agenda today.

I have unfinished business to attend to. I wanted to tell Grace the truths of my past because I love her, but she’s already so damn wounded. How could I hurt her more? I didn’t want to . . . But it’s too late now. My lies caught up with us, took me away from her, and now she’s alone out there, and in more danger than she realizes. The undead are the least of her worries—as screwed up as that is. They’re saints compared to these monsters. But I’ll do what it takes to save her, my songbird, my phoenix. I’ll keep her safe. I’ll wear the mask of a monster, the man I was before, make them believe I’m compliant, reformed, I’ll tell more lies.

I’ll put a stop to their games once and for all, and we’ll survive, fly free from the depths of this hell. We’ll find each other in the dark again, because love is our light, our strength, and it’s strong enough to win this game. . .
in the end.

* * * * *

This is the second book in The End Saga (formerly The Night Blind Saga). If you read the books formerly titled Dysphoria and Grace, Murray’s Law, and Tunnels and Planes, then this would be the next installment of the story for you. Those three books have now been combined into one full story, which is the new first book of the series, titled “Willows in the End.” This series will appeal to those who don’t mind some diverse adult content in their reading. Due to certain triggers, this series may not be suitable for everyone, and is advised for ages 18 and up.

 

Goodreads

 

The truth? You can’t handle the truth! The games have begun! I honestly can’t tell you if I liked Willows in the End or Ravens in the End better. They are soooooo different and soooooo incredible! I mean honestly, sometimes sequels can’t live up to the originals but Ravens is standing tall!

Willows was the story told from Grace’s point of view. Ravens is Gideon’s point of view. Ravens starts right where Gideon and Grace were ambushed at the church and Gideon was taken. A LOT of questions about Gideon are answered in this installment and boy you better hold on because he has been through the ringer. You will see a side of Gideon that is going to piss you off and another part that is going to have you rooting for him right to the very end. In Willows we know that Gideon was closed off about his past, not necessarily telling lies but definitely omitting information. In Ravens he is placed right back into his own personal hell. Here he will have to continue the charade of the old Gideon with more lies and acting. He has a lot of turmoil because, even though he knows some of his actions and words are lies, they are coming way too easy to him. Almost as if he doesn’t trust himself with the truth. But one thing that Gideon does know is that he has to find Grace. He has to find the woman that made him want to live again. Here is the only spoiler that I will give. He does find Grace and has to watch her make some really difficult decisions. But when I say he finds her, that is really all he does. He can’t actually get to her….yet. He has had to make some very difficult decisions as well and you will see why, more than ever, they need to find each other.

The End Saga is very raw. It’s full of turmoil and twisted emotions. Along with the characters dealing with the virus that has given us the zombies they also have to deal with the actual human villain that uses his brain and his own crazy logic to justify what is being done to all these children and women. The End Saga is super intense, very emotional, and beautifully raw. An absolute must read!

 

 

 

Christina L. Rozelle

Christina L. Rozelle is the author of the bestselling YA Dystopian Scifi series, The Treemakers Trilogy, which includes her groundbreaking debut, “The Treemakers,” and its sequels, “The Soultakers,” and “The Seeker’s Keys.” Hailed for its strong, believable, and relatable characters, original and complex plotting, and phenomenal world-building, The Treemakers Trilogy appeals to lovers of dystopian literature who are looking for something refreshing and new. Christina also writes adult post-apocalyptic dystopian under the nom de plume C.L. Zelle, with The End Saga (formerly The Night Blind Saga) as her first foray into the adult world.

Rozelle’s writing roots sprouted with poetry and prose in countless journals in her early years, continuing through her tumultuous teenage years, and well into her turbulent young adult life. Though her younger self dreamed of scribing non-fiction and poetry someday, when she discovered the magic in creating fiction she never looked back. Overcoming countless obstacles of her own, the wisdom gained along her personal path through healing breathes life into her beautifully dark, yet hopeful tales of triumph. Filled with an array of emotional triggers, not many topics are off limits in her works. Rozelle’s exceptional storytelling dives deep into the survival and growth journeys of diverse, broken characters and unlikely heroes. Authentic, gritty, intricate, and wildly imaginative, her stories also offer hope—a light in the dark—as her characters discover their own inner strengths and worth in the midst of debilitating adversity.

Though her wanderlust calls her to a nomadic life of traveling the world in planes, trains, ships, and RVs, Christina happily resides in a small town in Texas, USA, with her four wonderful children, three rescue kitties, and a rescue puppy, where she’s blessed to be able to do what she loves every day.

If you’d like to stay in touch, and get up-to-date info on new releases, as well as giveaways and promotions, sign up for her mailing lists:
(Adult works) C.L. Zelle’s Dark Army: http://bit.ly/CLZellesDarkArmy
(YA works) The Rozelle Army: http://bit.ly/RozelleArmy

If you’ve enjoyed any of her books, please “hug” Christina by leaving an honest review of any length on Amazon: Amazon: http://bit.ly/CLRoZelleonAmazon

For more information, check out the links below:
Website: http://christinalrozelle.com/
Rozelle’s YA Reader Fan Group: http://bit.ly/RozellesYAReaders
Christina L. Rozelle’s Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/CLRozelleFBpage
C.L. Zelle’s Reader Lounge: http://bit.ly/CLZellesReaderLounge
C.L. Zelle’s Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/CLZellesFBpage
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CLRTweet
Instagram: christina.l.rozelle
Spotify: http://bit.ly/CLRoZelleonSpotify

#Review – Willows in the End: Book One in the Thrilling Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian Series (The End Saga – 1) by C.L. Zelle

Willows in the End: Book One in the Thrilling Post-Apocalyptic Dystopian Series (The End Saga - 1)

 

They’re all dead.

Now, as my own body decides whether to live or die, I replay my entire life over and over in my mind. No longer do I want it to end, something has changed in me. Somehow, through all of this, I’ve found a will to go on, even if it’s in darkness. For the first time since I’ve been alive, I want to live.

Gideon says my scars will fade with time, but they don’t bother me. As if their absence would change what happened. They’re a badge of honor, reminding me what I went through, how brave I was, and that I made it out. That I can heal. If anything, these scars remind me every day that I’m still alive, and that things can change.

And they will.

My name is Grace Anne Vincent. I took the world, the people in it, for granted. I didn’t realize how precious my life was until someone turned off the lights, stripped it away from me. Until the men with needles came. They stole it all, leaving nothing but monsters, darkness, and death in their wake.

But I’m getting stronger every day. And though Gideon has his dark side, he’s growing stronger, too. We’ll make it together. We’ll create our own light, even if it’s hidden in the darkness.

Something out there beckons me, a desperate cry of a siren from the wreckage. It tells me to survive, to have hope. To love. To make things right again.

And I will.

* * * * * *

This novel contains the first three books in what was formerly The Night Blind Saga (Dysphoria and Grace, Murray’s Law, and Tunnels and Planes). This fully remastered, less explicit version of the story will appeal to those who don’t mind some adult content in their reading. Due to certain triggers, this series may not be suitable for everyone, and is advised for ages 18 and up. The second book in this series, Ravens in the End, will be available June 1, 2018.

 

Goodreads

 

Holy effing what?!?! It’s an epic journey! This is definitely not what I expected. Mind bending and maddening! Be ready to be wrecked, and I mean this in the best possible way. This is a twisted ride into a new age zombie apocalypse. Grace is our main character and boy, has she had a past. This makes her extremely likeable and relatable. The setting is intense from jump. There are drugs, partying, witchcraft, and zombies…I mean, what more could you ask for? But lets be real for a moment. Grace has experienced hell growing up. She has come to terms and feels she is stronger for it.  Nothing slows down. The story is extremely action packed and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time.  This is all about having your quality of life leveling up on a permanent f’ing opposite day with some giggly trips down memory lane. Grace is an amazingly flawed character that is continually growing emotionally and mentally. Gideon saved her and they have fallen in love. This author knows how to make the apocalypse romantic and STEAMY! As a matter of fact, all the characters that are introduced into this story are all fighting some sort of demon, their own apocalypse.  I was a mess reading this….but it was totally, absolutely worth it. Don’t let this discourage you. Once I hit this bump in the road the story just got better and better. I felt like I was right there and her shoes. This is an epic page turner and has made it to the top of my favorite reads. I. Can. Not. Wait. for the sequel. Bring it on! I am so ready!  I absolutely could not put this down. So many plot twists!  This series has made it to my top favorite, ever. If you like beautifully flawed characters with intense, action packed, and HAWT plots then you will love this just like I do. This author! SMH….LOL! I AM HOOKED! THIS IS MY ADDICTION!  This series is taking it to the next level.

 

 

 

Christina L. Rozelle

 

Christina L. Rozelle is the author of the bestselling YA Dystopian Scifi series, The Treemakers Trilogy, which includes her groundbreaking debut, “The Treemakers,” and its sequels, “The Soultakers,” and “The Seeker’s Keys.” Hailed for its strong, believable, and relatable characters, original and complex plotting, and phenomenal world-building, The Treemakers Trilogy appeals to lovers of dystopian literature who are looking for something refreshing and new. Christina also writes adult post-apocalyptic dystopian under the nom de plume C.L. Zelle, with her first foray into the adult world, The End Saga (formerly The Night Blind Saga) releasing this year. Book one, “Willows in the End,” is now available for preorder, and book two, “Ravens in the End,” will release on June 1.

Rozelle’s writing roots sprouted with poetry and prose in countless journals in her early years, continuing through her tumultuous teenage years, and well into her turbulent young adult life. Though her younger self dreamed of scribing non-fiction and poetry someday, when she discovered the magic in creating fiction she never looked back. Overcoming countless obstacles of her own, the wisdom gained along her personal path through healing breathes life into her beautifully dark, yet hopeful tales of triumph. Filled with an array of emotional triggers, not many topics are off limits in her works. Rozelle’s exceptional storytelling dives deep into the survival and growth journeys of diverse, broken characters and unlikely heroes. Authentic, gritty, intricate, and wildly imaginative, her stories also offer hope—a light in the dark—as her characters discover their own inner strengths and worth in the midst of debilitating adversity.

Though her wanderlust calls her to a nomadic life of traveling the world in planes, trains, ships, and RVs, Christina happily resides in a small town in Texas, USA, with her four wonderful children, three rescue kitties, and a rescue puppy, where she’s blessed to be able to do what she loves every day.

If you’d like to stay in touch, and get up-to-date info on new releases, as well as giveaways and promotions, sign up for her mailing lists:
(Adult works) C.L. Zelle’s Dark Army: http://bit.ly/CLZellesDarkArmy
(YA works) The Rozelle Army: http://bit.ly/RozelleArmy

If you’ve enjoyed any of her books, please “hug” Christina by leaving an honest review of any length on Amazon.

For more information, and to check out Christina’s books, follow the links below:
Website: http://christinalrozelle.com/
Rozelle’s YA Reader Fan Group: http://bit.ly/RozellesYAReaders
Christina L. Rozelle’s Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/CLRozelleFBpage
C.L. Zelle’s Reader Lounge: http://bit.ly/CLZellesReaderLounge
C.L. Zelle’s Facebook Page: http://bit.ly/CLZellesFBpage
Twitter: http://bit.ly/CLRTweet
Instagram: christina.l.rozelle
Spotify: http://bit.ly/CLRoZelleonSpotify

#Review – Ultraxenopia (Project W. A. R. #1) by M.A. Phipps

Ultraxenopia (Project W. A. R. #1)

Title: Ultraxenopia

Author: M.A. Phipps

Genre: YA Dystopian Thriller

Cover Designer: Nathalia Suellen

Editor: Catherine Stovall (CLS Editing)

Publisher: Seven Sisters Publishing

Hosted by: Lady Amber’s PR

PART ONE OF THE YOUNG ADULT DYSTOPIAN TRILOGY PROJECT W. A. R.

Don’t stand out. Blend in. Remain invisible. Those are the rules I lived by – the rules I thought would keep me alive.

I was wrong.

Wynter Reeves is a law-abiding citizen of the State, a willing conformist whose daily life is haunted by terrorism and oppression. With the constant threat of death hanging over her like a shadow, she forces herself to live by a strict set of rules, all in the hope of ensuring she is never noticed. However, on her twenty-first birthday, as she prepares to take the placement exam that will determine her future within society, she begins to show symptoms of a rare and debilitating illness – ultimately attracting the attention of the State. Taken into the custody of the feared research facility known as the DSD, her worst nightmare becomes reality.

Ripped away from the life she knew, Wynter is forced to become the test subject of the mysterious Dr. Richter. Through him, she learns the true and terrifying nature of her condition: a disease called Ultraxenopia.

 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/33806043-ultraxenopia

Book Trailer: https://youtu.be/zGZIFOMur1w

 

“This isn’t how it looks,” I stammer.

A sarcastic laugh explodes from his lungs, echoing through the otherwise soundless bar.

“Really? Because, from where I’m standing, it looks like you’re one of them.”

“I’m not.” The words sound weak and unconvincing.

He pushes the barrel of the gun against my temple, and our faces are so close now that I can feel his heated breath against my lips.

“Why should I believe you?” he growls.

I tense my jaw, spitting my next words through clenched teeth. “If I was one of them, they would already be here,” I hiss back.

The State doesn’t play games. He must know that better than anyone. They wouldn’t waste time sending in a single person when they could more efficiently get the job done by sending a whole team. If I was one of them, the Enforcers would already be here. The State wouldn’t bother with this game of charades.

His expression doesn’t change, but I can see his true reaction in his gaze—the doubt that appears there. He seems to grasp that what I’ve said makes sense, but at the same time, can’t wrap his head around any other reason why I’d be here.

He wavers, and I can feel his uncertainty in the way the point of his gun wobbles against my skin. His eyes remain fixed on mine, making my heart race even faster. I only glance away when I notice a movement to my right. Looking up, I see another man now standing beside us.

“We can’t take any chances,” the man grumbles before spitting on the floor in front of me. “We should kill her to be sure.”

A deep-rooted panic washes over me, the fear like a smoldering and inextinguishable ember. Despite everything I’ve seen, I still have my doubts as to what’s really happening, and I can’t help worrying that this won’t end well. How can it? I won’t even be given the chance to defend myself.

He presses the gun even harder against my forehead, causing me to suck in a sharp breath. Our eyes lock once again.

“How do you know my name?”

I stare at him, trying to figure out the best way to answer his question. His hazel eyes are probing, but I find myself losing focus on his expression. His face has gone hazy, the bar even darker. The nausea from before returns with a vengeance, consuming my entire body and pressing down on me with a force that threatens to pin me to the floor.

I sway, lightheaded.

A strange trickling resonates around us, the sound deafening in the hushed bar. At first, I think I’m imagining it, but then I see the alarming change in his face.

His eyebrows pull together as he looks down, and suddenly, he’s taking a reflexive step back. I follow his gaze once more, my own vision doubling as I take in the tremendous pool of red that seems to surround me.

I watch the blood as it drips from my open wrist, the bandage soaked through and unravelling from its hiding place in the no longer white sleeve.

His eyes snap back to mine, and my every movement feels delayed as I glance up to meet them. The moment I do, the images from my vision flash through my thoughts, reminding me why I’m here.

I see his face. His hazel eyes.

I see his tears.

“I’m sorry, Wynter.”

Any and all light that the bar possessed vanishes in an instant, and the pain I had managed to forget hits me all at once. I gaze at him, concentrating on his face as much as my increasing blood loss will allow. Focusing on his eyes, which continue to stare back at me.

My lips pull into a smile as the darkness rushes to overcome me.

“I saw you,” I breathe.

 

A fascinating dystopian read! Regardless if you are a dystopian genre buff or not, you won’t be disappointeed. I don’t normally like to compare books in my reviews but I felt like this was a cross between Hunger Games and Divergent (I love them all). The world is set up so you feel like you are right there. The background for the characters is beautifully flawed. This author gives you just enough to be sure you continue to find out more about the others. Perfect!

Wynter is about to take her placement test when something happens to her. She is having hallucinations and is taken to the DSD and is told that she has a disease, Ultraxenopia. She is told that she will be safe but ends up being tortured by Dr. Richter for “the greater good”. She keeps seeing this man in her visions. She escapes and finds this man who is part of the rebellion group PHOENIX. As if her head wasn’t spinning while with the DSD, her whole world is turned upside down. Fear, confusion, disbelief, questioning of morals, and trying to figure out what is right and what is wrong….This story will have you all over the board and trying to figure out exactly what is going on and what the next step is. Truly captivating!

“When I enter the corridor, I notice Jenner leaning up against the wall next to the door. He’s whistling a soft tune and his eyes are closed. He looks serene, beautiful even. At peace. I envy him, wishing more than anything that I could know what that feels like.”

“Sympathy— or I guess, in this instance, empathy— can alter a person’s mindset toward just about anything, regardless of the circumstances. Or, in our case, because of the circumstances.”

“From the day I was born, I’ve been told to suppress my emotions —that by doing so I would successfully integrate into a society that it’s taken me my whole life to realize is poisonous. Humans are meant to feel. We’re meant to love. We aren’t meant to shut any of that out, and what I never grasped before is that you can’t. One way or another, they’ll find their way to the surface. One way or another, they’ll find a way to break through. Holding back all of those feelings for twenty-one years leaves me unprepared for the onslaught that attacks me now. Each emotion tears through me, burning into my soul until there’s nothing left but a pile of ashes. From those ashes, what rises up is the new me.”

This is a new author for me and I’m hooked. There is a cliffhanger and I am anxiously awaiting the next installment. A must read!

 

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2uZ0fPJ

Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/ultraxenopia-ma-phipps/1126583754?ean=2940154402023

iBooks: https://itunes.apple.com/gb/book/ultraxenopia-project-w-a-r-1/id1245702057?mt=11

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/ultraxenopia

 

M.A. Phipps

M.A. PHIPPS is an American author who resides near the ocean in picturesque Cornwall with her husband, daughter, and their Jack Russell, Milo. A lover of the written word, it has always been her dream to become a published author, and it is her hope to expand into multiple genres of fiction. When she isn’t writing, you can find her counting down the days until the new season of Game of Thrones.

 

Author Links:

Official Webpage: http://www.maphipps.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/authormaphipps/
Official Fan Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/436191730095124/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/authormaphipps
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/13682371.M_A_Phipps
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormaphipps/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MAPhipps
Pinterest: https://uk.pinterest.com/authormaphipps/
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2sF4HC5
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/m-a-phipps

#NewRelease – Murray’s Law: (Urban Post-Apocalyptic Thriller) (The Night Blind Saga Book 2) by Christina L Rozelle

Murray's Law: (Urban Post-Apocalyptic Thriller) (The Night Blind Saga Book 2)

 

“You ever heard of Murphy’s Law?”
“Uh, yes. I think so. Everything that—”
“Can go wrong, will,” he finishes for me. “Yessir. But let me tell you a little something about Murray’s Law. When you’ve lost it all and you have nothing left to lose, when you’re stripped of all choices but to live or die, that’s when you get to choose whether to rise above or fall, defeated. That’s what you get to do now. It’s time to go back and make it right, Grace.”

I was broken before I was reborn, rebuilt from the ground up.
I was a devastated plane with no hope for life.
A toxic wasteland with no human survivors.
But I made it out, miraculously.
And I know who I am, now.
I’m Grace Anne Vincent, daughter of Eileen and Henry Vincent, sister to Corbin Michael Vincent, and best friend to Lucy Eve Davisson. I’m in love with a mystery named Gideon, and I have a will to live, lit by a fire deep in my soul.
The fire comes from loss.
It comes from longing and pain and thirst for vengeance.
It comes from agony and passion and loneliness.
I’ll survive.
I know I will, because I have, and I’ve even been given a second life. A life where I know who I am and what’s right.
I see the light of truth,
even in the darkness
of mental
collapse.

“It’s what we’ve all become now: hidden lights in the dark.”

**Content Advisory/Trigger Warning** 

Murray’s Law/The Night Blind Saga is a dark apocalyptic romance series with some very steamy, sometimes rather dark F/F scenes, M/F scenes, and other mixes (later books in series). In these books you will find a buffet of language, gore, drug use, violence, assault/abuse, and a bunch of other stuff of this nature. If you don’t ingest your literature occasionally (or often) on the edge, gritty, in the dark, and/or possibly in a random stairwell, this series may not be right for you.
*Recommended for mature readers 18+
*Those sensitive to the topics of angel babies and sexual assault should read at their own risk.
*Not recommended for those with PTSD (though the main character herself suffers from PTSD, so… your call)
*The books in this series may contain possible cliffhangers
*HEA
*Book three releases in the fall, and book four release late winter. There will be six books in the series. To be notified as soon as they become available, sign up for my newsletter (and get a free book!) here: http://bit.ly/TTMIF

 

Goodreads

 

OMFG! I can’t begin to tell you how incredible this story is! This is all about having your quality of life leveling up on a permanent f’ing opposite day with some giggly trips down memory lane. 🙂 Just like the first story, Murray’s Law stays INTENSE! No matter what obstacle Grace is up against she remembers Murray’s Law. She has a choice. Not always an easy choice but a choice nonetheless. Grace is an amazingly flawed character that is continually growing emotionally and mentally. Gideon saved her and they have fallen in love. This author knows how to make the apocalypse romantic and STEAMY! As a matter of fact, all the characters that are introduced into this story are all fighting some sort of demon, their own apocalypse. I absolutely could not put this down. So many plot twists! I can’t really go into what happens because I will end up writing a book report and I am sure you want to know what happens without being told. With that being said, this story compliments Dysphoria and Grace perfectly. Even though Murray’s Law is the second in this series it is just as great, if not better, than the first. This series has made it to my top favorite, ever. If you like beautifully flawed characters with intense, action packed, and HAWT plots then you will love this just like I do. Well done, Christina Rozelle!!!! I’m hooked!!!!

 

 

 

Christina L. Rozelle

Ever since I can remember I’ve observed life, people, and things with a sense of awe and wonder. The stories I write are a conglomeration of my life’s observations, experiences, heartbreaks, and triumphs, bits and pieces of the beauty and devastation inherent all around us, and inside each of us. But for many years I thought I was broken. My “overactive” imagination was seen as a defect by me and those around me. Through my struggles with PTSD, BPD, suicidal depression, and debilitating addictions, I clawed at the earth in my hole, gazing toward the sun high above me. Would I ever make it out alive? Would I one day be able to walk beneath that blue sky a free woman, and share that gift with others? For a long time I doubted that would ever happen for me . . .

One day, my eleven-year-old came home from school, excited that they had just started reading “The Hunger Games” in her fifth grade class (teacher skipped the kissing parts—GASP!). Having been newly sober, and looking for ways to rebuild my relationship with my daughter who’d been through so much during my sickness, I brought up the idea of writing a YA novel of my own, and she’d help with the plotting and characters. I’d been writing poetry and prose forever, and never pictured myself as a fiction writer, but if it meant strengthening my bond with my child, I was willing to give it a try. What happened as I began this story about orphaned angel-humans, reptilian antagonists, and shadow-animal people, was . . . well, I scrapped that and started something else. Haha

My first full-length novel, “The Butterfly Prophecy,” was unpublishable, riddled with plot holes and a plethora of other errors, and ultimately ended up in a box. As a high school dropout with little college under my belt, I took to the local library and Google to learn how to (really) write a novel, and I was soon on my way to creating a work of art I’d be proud to share with the world. Though The Butterfly Prophecy wasn’t published, many elements, themes, settings, and a few characters from that story were used in the Treemakers Trilogy, which was really cool! Micah Greenleigh, Ms. Ruby, Emerson, Ty, and Aura (Joy’s mom) were so real to me that I couldn’t help but transplant them into their forever story home.

During the nine months it took to write that first book, I realized that writing was medication for me. When I wrote, my life made sense, I had purpose, I could breathe, and think clearly. I could use my tattered past to create a beautiful work of art, and that alone turned my life around completely. Two novels later I gave birth to “The Treemakers” during NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month in November)2013. I scrapped that and rewrote the whole thing, publishing The Treemakers a year later. During its creation, I realized this was what I was put on this planet to do. Creating these characters for you to experience and feel, to love and hate, to laugh and cry and escape from reality into remarkable worlds with, brings me immense joy and fulfillment. So, thank you for your part in my journey, for being the receivers of this gift that was so freely given to me. You complete me. (Cheesy, but true! 😉 I’m continually amazed at the outpouring of love and support for me and my work, and I promise to do my best to continue creating quality stories for you to get swept away into.

I’m an eclectic writer with books and works-in-progress in many genres. My goal as an author is to make each series distinctly different from the last, so if one of my series’ isn’t for you I’d encourage you to give the others a try! Thanks again for all you do, and I wish you the very best in all of your endeavors.

Happy reading!
Xoxo Christina

Works by Christina Rozelle/Christina L. Rozelle

The Treemakers Trilogy:
Book 1- The Treemakers
Book 2- The Soultakers
Book 3- The Seeker’s Keys

The Night Blind Saga:
Book 1- Dysphoria and Grace
Book 2- Murray’s Law
Book 3- (late 2017)
Book 4- (early 2018)
Book 5- (mid 2018)
Book 6- (late 2018)

The Truth About Mud: Book One in the Mangleblood Rose Series
(This series will resume upon completion of The Night Blind Saga)

For a free book, as well as news on exciting upcoming events and subscriber-exclusive promotions, sign up for my mailing list! http://bit.ly/MudIF

You can also visit my website for more information: http://christinalrozelle.com/

#Review – RUGOSA: A survival story from Omaha to London by Creek Stewart

RUGOSA: A survival story from Omaha to London

 

Follow Omaha on his survival journey to save the one girl he can’t survive without.

America doesn’t exist – at least not as most remember it.  The decision to trade insurmountable debt for sovereignty has led to an oppressive rule by the World Union Government (WUG).  Cities are being destroyed and stripped of resources.  Citizens are being captured and forced into labor camps. Until now, Omaha, age 17, has been able to avoid the WUG’s reach by homesteading with his mom and sister in the mountains of West Virginia.  But when a WUG General gets between him and his childhood sweetheart, London, Omaha must face the reality of this new world once and for all.

When London moved away two years ago, it was the saddest day in Omaha’s life.  He’s loved her for as long as he can remember and now faces nearly impossible circumstances.  Just a young man himself, he is doing everything he can to provide for his mom and sister in an increasingly unstable world.   Now, he must leave them and make the dangerous 400 mile journey across hostile lands to save the one person he can’t survive without.

Omaha grew up in Boy Scouts and spent his childhood learning timeless survival skills from his father and American Indian grandfather.  Now, with both mentors gone, he must call upon those skills if he has any hope of surviving the gauntlet ahead.  Armed with only a backpack of survival supplies, a sling shot, and his grandfather’s machete, this journey will test every aspect of Omaha:  his physical and mental strength, his faith in humanity, his own will to survive, and the one thing he thought would never falter – his love for London.

 

Goodreads

 

Very intriguing read. I am a fan of the dystopian genre. I wasn’t really sure what to expect with this story coming from a survivalist. I was pleasantly surprised! The beginning moved a little slow for me but was needed to get the world building right. Basically Omaha has been taking care of his mother and younger sister after the collapse. They are very low key and try and stay off of the radar from the WUG. Things turn for the worst and Omaha needs to go to the city to save London. This is where it got intense for me. Going with Omaha on this journey to save his friend truly puts him to the limit. He comes across many different people and situations that most people would never experience in their life. Once the trip starts for Omaha he is truly tested. It’s fast paced and lots of action at this time…and it doesn’t stop until the very end. I found this to be a very intriguing coming of age type story. I am looking forward to a sequel. Crossing my fingers!

 

Amazon

 

Creek Stewart

Creek Stewart is a survival skills instructor and author based in Central Indiana.  He is the author of six previous non-fiction survival guides which can be found anywhere books are sold.  Learn more about Creek and his work at http://www.creekstewart.com or http://www.facebook.com/creekstewart

 

 

#Review #NewRelease – Lux and Lies (Whitebird Chronicles, #1) by Meg Collett

Lux and Lies (Whitebird Chronicles, #1)

Mr. Robot meets UnReal in a story of celebrities and anarchists, reality shows and evil corporations, romance and self-discovery.

Nineteen-year-old Wren Iver is nothing more than a dying girl with cancer, but when megastar Sloan Lux dies right before filming starts on the year’s most anticipated reality show, producers scramble to secretly replace her—with Wren. She’s swept into Hollywood and promised a cure by VidaCorp, the nation’s richest pharmaceutical company, for simply replacing Lux. It’s a deal Wren can’t refuse.

The decision could get her killed, because she isn’t the only cast member with ulterior motives.

The Whitebirds, a social anarchist group, has infiltrated the show, and they’ll stop at nothing to use Sloane Lux’s fame to derail VidaCorp’s efforts to legalize their controversial, life-changing drug—a drug that might kill more people than it saves. Caught in the middle of a game between a powerful corporation and ruthless anarchist group, Wren will do anything to survive.

Will Wren secure the drug she needs to survive, or will she become another casualty in the anarchists’ fight against VidaCorp?

Goodreads

I was sucked in right from the beginning. This is a futuristic type thriller with twists in the story that will keep you guessing what is going to happen. Nothing about what is going on in the story is normal, in the best possible way. Wren is sick with lung cancer and is dying with no cure in sight. She rolls with all the other poverty stricken people in her area when all of sudden the tides change. She is given the opportunity of a lifetime….to survive. VidaCorp is going to cure her and all she has to do is replace Sloane Lux. Sounds easy, right? Lux is the biggest star of her lifetime. She is placed into the unreal world of Hollywood where everyone is watching you. She is training to be Lux and is brought into this crazy, intense world. She is given the enormous task of not only being Lux, but also is trying to find out who the insider is with the Whitebirds (a gang that has been after VidaCorp) as they have infiltrated this world. After many lies have been thrown around in this intricately carved society, there are also many truths that come forward. Some of these truths are absolutely unthinkable and the lies that have been strung throughout them are super intense. All throughout the story I kept thinking “this is the best twist” but then there is another turn. It’s like playing CLUE. Constantly trying to figure out who did it and how. I never saw the ending coming. Which in my eyes is one of the most important things about a story. Constantly kept me on the edge of my seat guessing. Cannot wait to see what happens with our girl, Wren!

 

Amazon

Meg Collett

Meg Collett is from the hills of Tennessee where the cell phone service is a blessing and functioning internet is a myth of epic proportions. She and her husband live in a tiny house with three dogs and not enough couches. She’s the author of the bestselling Fear University series, the End of Days trilogy, and the Canaan Island novels. Find out more at her website www.megcollett.com.

#Review – The Amber Project (The Variant Saga #1) by JN Chaney

The Amber Project (Volume 1)

In 2157, a mysterious gas known as Variant spreads across the globe, killing or mutating most organic life. The surviving humans take refuge in an underground city, determined to return home. But after generations of failures and botched attempts, hope is beginning to dwindle. That is, until a young scientist makes a unique discovery—and everything changes. Suddenly, there’s reason to hope again, and it rests within a group of genetically engineered children that are both human and Variant.

Terry is one of these children, modified and trained to endure the harsh conditions of a planet he cannot begin to understand. After years of preparation, Terry thinks he knows what to expect. But the reality is far stranger than anything he can imagine—and what he will become is far more dangerous.

Goodreads

Holy dystopia! The Amber Project is a great dystopian journey. This is a genre I love to read and sometimes get a little iffy on how much it will differ from others in the same genre. The author sets the setting so that you are right there. The characters all feel incredibly real. You will connect with them very quickly. Humans are trying to keep their race going while living underground. The earth has been destroyed by the gas, Variant. During the entire story you are given snippets of audio recording from past and present regarding Variant and the various experiments the scientists and the military have been working on. During all of this you live and feel what the genetically altered kids are going through. You see why and how they are taken from their homes and sent to a place where they are trained like soldiers. And finally you experience the changes that they face internally and externally. They are forced to go to the surface for a mission. Many things are unknown and very dangerous. The journey they take and the uprisings going on below the surface are sure to keep you stuck on the story. The ending is very well written. It’s enough to wrap up this story but more than enough to keep you waiting on pins and needles for the next. This is my first story by JN Chaney and absolutely, under no circumstances, be the last. Well done!

Amazon

JN Chaney

Get a FREE book from the author right here: http://jnchaney.com/stay-up-to-date/

JN Chaney is the author of the Variant Saga and several other books. He gets his kicks from playing Mario, watching old movies, and going for long hikes. He loves chatting with his readers, who are consistently awesome in all the best ways.

Chaney moves around a lot, but right now he’s in Florida, living in an isolated bunker waiting out the inevitable zombie apocalypse that’s sure to get us all.

Books by JN Chaney:

The Variant Saga – follow a group of genetically engineered children as they struggle to survive in a desolate future where humanity is on the verge of extinction and a new age has already dawned.

The Other Side of Nowhere – A collection of strange tales, each focusing on a completely different concept. Between werejackals in Africa, the first sentient AI, and a Georgian farmer who transcends reality, this bundle of stories will keep you on the edge.

Their Solitary Way – The story of Genesis like you’ve never seen it. Adam Kadmon is the captain of the Eden, a colony ship escaping a dying world. He and his fellow survivors must find a new home, and quick, if they hope to give humanity the second chance it so desperately needs.