This has been a roller coaster of a time! I never knew how much work it took to get my book in front of people after all the writing was done. I feel so thankful to have gotten this far. Not Even If: You Told Me I Was Chosen is the first book in the series and I am so happy with the way it came out! The series will be updated weekly! I hope everyone enjoys it!
Feel free to read the first book for free: https://bit.ly/2T80nv3
(reblogged from OkayAfrica)
Can't say anything about the book quality - this is just on my "check for sale" list. Most of what I know about this history comes from the Gary Cooper movie Sargeant York - and then film history books. So take this with a grain of salt.
Sgt. York: His Life, Legend & Legacy: The Remarkable Untold Story of Sgt. Alvin C. York
by John Perry
Price $ .99
(As usual, probably only a sale at Amazon US.)
Wikipedia: Alvin York
The Cooper movie is all about a man who's a Christian pacifist joining the fight to save/fight for his country. While the events of York's life are during WW1, the Cooper film is all about pointing out to Americans why the previously isolationist US should fight WW2. (Aside from the Pearl Harbor part - that attack happened when this movie was playing in US theaters. Many Americans don't know that the US got into the war late - after France was occupied, and after the worst of the UK bombing. So loads of US films in the WW2 era are trying to convince people that the country should be involved and why there was a threat to the US.)
So again, no idea about the quality of this book - it's just another on my list of things to read for more historical background. What York accomplished in WW1? In any war situation going up against guns is amazing (to me anyway) - but knowing that the soldiers of that era were walking into a bloodier type of carnage and gunpower than previous war tech had offered - well, that always makes all WW1 history different. (Not to mention the part where he and seven others escorted 132 captured German prisoners.)
And now for something completely different.
Time for the penguin on top of your television set to explode! (youtube)
Sorry, I can't help myself when I do random topic shifts.
10 Lesser-Known Egyptian Gods That Are Absolutely Terrifying
io9, Katharine Trendacosta, Feb 17, 2015
Worth reading not as much for the random weird gods (Egyptian mythology is always fun for that) but for the comments - someone who recently visited Egypt shares some photos of the architecture, and mentions what it's like to be a tourist in Egypt at the moment. (Spoiler, there aren't many other tourists.) That's the sort of thing I love comments for - personal stories related to the subject. ...Oh to get to those comments you do have to scroll through a bit of Stargate discussion. Because it's io9. Heh. (Also 1975 Doctor Who reference to Sutekh the Destroyer in there too.)
So I know my review is a little late but OH MY GOODNESS... this book is worth it! I reviewed book 1 on Monday and totally fell in love with this series...
Series: Descendants of Isis #2
Publication Date: 02 May 2014
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Source: Dark World Books (In exchange for an honest Review)
Audio or Book: ebook
Length: 292 pages
Overview:
“. . . the Sons would never just let him go—alive.”
Seth O’Keefe has broken the laws of his god. He never thought he would sacrifice his own future to protect a Daughter of Isis. But when the Sons of Set discovered Natti is the Secret Keeper, he had no choice. Now, Seth and Natti are on the run from his father, who wants nothing more than to see Seth dead. With no allies, Seth turns to the Daughters of Isis for help, hoping they would protect Natti. But when they meet the Daughters, he discovers a secret that puts both their lives in more danger. Low on options, Seth sees only one possibility for survival. He must help Natti solve an ancient puzzle and find the secret name of Ra.
Natara “Natti” Stone is having a hard time swallowing the truth. She can’t believe what she has learned in the past twenty-four hours: Seth is a Son of Set blessed with charm; she is a Daughter of Isis blessed with a sliver of Ma ‘at; the locket her grandmother gave her holds an ancient Egyptian secret linking to Osiris and Isis. That along with being tortured and brutalized by the Sons of Set, she can hardly hold herself together. Thank God for Seth’s touch! That warm, tingling sensation that drowns it all out. Yet her heart struggles to stay focused. She must quickly embrace her destiny before the secret name of Ra falls into the wrong hands.
*Note: Content for Upper YA*
Previous Review:
Daughter of Isis (#1)
*Please note:There might be spoilers for book 1 in this review I will try my best to avoid them*
This book was AMAZING.... It was so good I have already tweeted to find out when the final book, The Name of RA, is going to be released. This book has everything in it: friendship, love, loyalty, heart-break, adventure, puzzles, challenges and so much more.
Characters & Storyline: 5/5
Son of Set picks up right where Daughter of Isis ended. You dive right into Seth and Natti being on the run - things are tense and there are so many unanswered questions floating around.
Seth and Natti are stuck with each other. Seth realises over the course of the story exactly what he feels for Natti and Natti is trying to figure out what is going on, what she feels and if it is real or just Seth's charm swirling around in her head and heart.
I really felt like we got a lot more from Natti this time round. Things are tense between her and Seth, which keeps it exciting! Kelsey tugs at your heart strings at every step of this journey and you cannot help but fall in love with these characters every step of the way.
Seth is such an amazing swoon-worth character that he deserves his own little segment... He has grown so much and has sacrificed more than we realise initially! He stole my heart in this book and I think Kelsey has a few secrets and twists up her sleeve.
Natti is an amazing character! I connected with her so easily and loved her from the beginning. She is reasonable, reliable and honest. Natti really starts coming into her 'role' from about half way through the book and I cannot wait to see where this goes in 'The Name of Ra'.
Plot, Pace, Writing style: 5/5
The plot is intense and the pace is perfect. Kelsey has an easy writing style that just sucks you in at every turn. I can definitely see and appreciate how much hard work and research went into this series. Kelsey has such a beautiful way of weaving the Egyptian mythology theme with the modern day storyline. Kelsey throws in so many great twists that keep you on the edge of your seat!
The ending... wow... it had me going: YES FINALLY!
Cover talk: 5/5
I love the covers in this series. The cover models are exactly how I picture Seth & Natti. Hmm wonder who will be on the next cover... both of them?
Final Thoughts:
This is an awesome series and has definitely made my list of top reads for 2014 so far. If you love Egyptian Mythology and adventure.. Get this series now!!!
Author Bio:
During her high school years, Kelsey Ketch could always be found tucked away in a little corner of the hall or classroom, writing her fantasy worlds and creating illustrations and maps. Today is no different, except now she’s writing in the break room at her office building or at the tables of the Barnes and Noble Café in Cary, North Carolina. She is also an avid reader, a part-time book blogger at Ketch’s Book Nook, and lives with her two orange tabbies and awesome and humorous flat-mate. Daughter of Isis is her debut novel.
Author Links: Goodreads l Website l twitter
Love
Chanzie
Series: Descendants of Isis #1
Publication Date: 26 October 2013
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Source: Dark World Books (In exchange for an honest Review)
Audio or Book: ebook
Length: 272 pages
Overview:
“Her mouth parted slightly, waiting for Seth to breathe life into her own body, just like in the story. She wanted him to awaken her senses.”
Their worlds collide in California’s high desert.
The last thing Natara “Natti” Stone wants to do is to start anew at Setemple High School. She wished she had never left London. Yet the brutal murder of her maternal grandmother has made her life very complicated. The only clue related to her murder is an ancient, encrypted necklace Natti discovered after her grandmother’s death. And if trying to adjust to American life is not enough, Natti is being stalked by a mysterious, charming high school senior, Seth O’Keefe, who is annoyingly persistent in his attempts at seduction.
Seth O’Keefe is secretly a member of the Sons of Set, an order that worships the Egyptian god of chaos. Seth’s blessing from Set, his “charm,” never failed, except with one person: Natti Stone. Her ability to elude him infatuates and infuriates him, and he becomes obsessed with the chase. But the closer he gets to her, the more his emotions take a dangerous turn, and he risks breaking one of the most valued covenants of his order. The punishment for which is a fate worse than death.
The adventure this unlikely couple becomes engulfed in could cost them their lives and their souls.
*Note: Content for Upper YA*
Official Trilogy Book Trailer
My Review:
Wow what a book! I first saw The Daughter of Isis a while ago and though, I must try read this book sometime. Then I saw the tour for Son of Set and jumped at the opportunity to be a part of the tour! I love books with strong Egyptian themes and this book did not disappoint.
Characters & Storyline: 4/5
Kelsey does a wonderful job creating unique, strong and interesting characters. Natti & Seth were the most well developed out of all the characters. They were easy to connect to and care about. I enjoyed the fact that Natti could resist Seth's charm and see what a jerk he was initially, but I also enjoyed the fact that she could see the person beyond the facade. I was initially a bit frustrated that Natti knew so little about her heritage but it is definitely worth the wait to find out more. I do wonder why her grandmother did not leave her more answers and hope to find out more in the next book. Seth is totally swoon-worthy and the story has so many memorable moments. Natti is feisty - I love british persona and humor that she brings to the story. She is smart, quick and observant.
The storyline was captivating and you couldn't help but get caught up in the story!
Plot, Pace, Writing style: 4/5
The plot was great and the pace was perfect. Kelsey has an easy and enticing writing style and really does a great job bringing this story to life. Kelsey ends with so much suspense that I am so glad i can just pick up Son of Set and see what happens next!
Cover talk: 5/5
What a gorgeous cover! It did catch my attention when I first saw it and I definitely would have picked this one up in a book store!
Final Thoughts:
This is possibly the best Egyptian theme book I have read so far and that is huge since I really have high expectations from books like this. If you love mythology.. get this book now!
My Rating:
Series: Descendants of Isis #2
Publication Date: 02 May 2014
Genre: Paranormal Romance, Fantasy
Source: Dark World Books (In exchange for an honest Review)
Audio or Book: ebook
Length: 292 pages
Overview:
“. . . the Sons would never just let him go—alive.”
Seth O’Keefe has broken the laws of his god. He never thought he would sacrifice his own future to protect a Daughter of Isis. But when the Sons of Set discovered Natti is the Secret Keeper, he had no choice. Now, Seth and Natti are on the run from his father, who wants nothing more than to see Seth dead. With no allies, Seth turns to the Daughters of Isis for help, hoping they would protect Natti. But when they meet the Daughters, he discovers a secret that puts both their lives in more danger. Low on options, Seth sees only one possibility for survival. He must help Natti solve an ancient puzzle and find the secret name of Ra.
Natara “Natti” Stone is having a hard time swallowing the truth. She can’t believe what she has learned in the past twenty-four hours: Seth is a Son of Set blessed with charm; she is a Daughter of Isis blessed with a sliver of Ma ‘at; the locket her grandmother gave her holds an ancient Egyptian secret linking to Osiris and Isis. That along with being tortured and brutalized by the Sons of Set, she can hardly hold herself together. Thank God for Seth’s touch! That warm, tingling sensation that drowns it all out. Yet her heart struggles to stay focused. She must quickly embrace her destiny before the secret name of Ra falls into the wrong hands.
*Note: Content for Upper YA*
I haven't quite finished the book in time for this post but I can tell you it is just as good and exciting! Seth and Natti are now on the run and Son of Set is full of exciting steamy moments, tender ones that make you heart melt as well and quite a few surprises!
Guest Post: The Influence of Dreams
I’m in my old high school, after hours. My old backpack hangs over one shoulder as I walk through the familiar halls. The school is completely empty, just how I like it. I would usually find a little hidden nook to do homework, or sketch, or write. Easy-peasy. I know this place like the back of my hand.
So why can’t I find the exit?
I pass through several classrooms and even several bathrooms, but there aren’t any doors leading to the outside. Not even the enclosed courtyard! And the halls are starting to lead into dead ends I never knew existed.
It was like the school was becoming a labyrinth.
I finally stumble to my locker, which is weird. I don’t remember it being across from the girl gym lockers before, but at least it’s something familiar. I go to open it, entering a random combination I seem to know by heart, when sudden I’m pulled away and forced to turn around.
A boy stands in front of me. I know him as someone I don’t like or trust. Yet his smile, I can’t seem to pull my vision away from it as he talks too rapidly for me to understand a single word he says. Besides, I’m too freaked by how close he is to me. He’s definitely in my personal space, but I don’t know how to feel about it. Should I just go with it? Should I shove him away? Maybe even kick him in the balls? Before I can make a decision, his lips are on mine in an awkward kiss, which sends my head spinning. My entire body cringes, and nausea take hold of my stomach.
Unfortunately, I’m also paralyzed. My brain has completely shut down for some unknown reason and I just can’t think straight. I watch him pull away with a gleeful grin, holding my backpack in his hand, and still, I don’t move. I know I should yell, shout, maybe even tackle him, but I’m still in shock from the kiss that still tingles my lips.
I watch him take off with my things and the next thing I realize is I’m on the floor, the entire building on fire around me. I call for help, but my throat is too dry and too sore to even cry a harsh whisper. I cough, try get to my knees and crawl, only to collapse again. I can’t get out. I have no clue where I am or where an exit might be. So I let myself fall back to the floor, praying for someone—anyone—to help.
What I didn’t expect was see the boy who just used a kiss to deceive me. He kneels over me, speaking once again. I think he’s even saying my name, but I can’t make it out. I head is too fogged over to concentrate. I can only tell by his expression that he’s in a panic as he desperately tries to pull me to my feet. Yet my body has already given up the fight. So, in a last ditch effort, he lifts me up and carries me out, finding the exit which I had failed to find before . . .
Dreams are such funny thing. Not only do they reveal truths about your thought process—which in that case, I’m sure Sigmund Fraud would’ve loved me as a case study—but they help inspire the imagination.
To those who have read Daughter of Isis already, this dream actually should sound somewhat familiar. In fact, it’s the one that started it all. This is the first scene I ever wrote for the Descendant of Isis Series before the concept was even fully developed. Interesting, right? I mean, who would’ve guess that a full trilogy could stem from just this one dream?
Yet it did, and it wasn’t so much the dream itself that captured my attention. These sorts of dreams (labyrinths, feeling lost or chased by some sort of danger, never finding a way out, being an inch from death before waking up) are typical for me. I still get them, even today. But there was one new anomaly I couldn’t get out of my head: the boy who saved me.
I’m sure my dream books could have told me what it meant, but honestly, I wasn’t interested in the meaning of the dream. I was interested in the boy’s backstory. Apparently, I knew who he was in my dream, but I wanted to know who he really was? What was he looking for in my things? And why come back to rescue me after he had clearly gotten what he wanted?
Slowly, I started answering my own questions, writing them in a journal. The story just blossomed from there. A day later, I brought in the Isis and Osiris story into play, along with the tale of Ra’s secret name. Kind of amazing, really. I never had a book hit me quite like this one. All because of a boy—one I obviously didn’t fully like, ironically—in a dream.
Author Bio:
During her high school years, Kelsey Ketch could always be found tucked away in a little corner of the hall or classroom, writing her fantasy worlds and creating illustrations and maps. Today is no different, except now she’s writing in the break room at her office building or at the tables of the Barnes and Noble Café in Cary, North Carolina. She is also an avid reader, a part-time book blogger at Ketch’s Book Nook, and lives with her two orange tabbies and awesome and humorous flat-mate. Daughter of Isis is her debut novel.
Author Links: Goodreads l Website l twitter
Love
Chanzie
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