It’s that time of the week again when I bring you the Top 5 Wednesdays, created by gingerreadslainey. If you want to know how T5W works you can go to the Goodreads group by clicking here. This week theme is Favorite Self-Published Books. When I first saw this theme I thought I would have a hard time in finding self-published books that I’ve read but after looking to my read shelves on Goodreads I actually found a few. Because I’ve read most of these books as ARCs I won’t be talking about any of the books but I’ll leave the link for each review (and also the remaining books of the series) on this post. Here’s some of my favorite self-published books 🙂 Continue reading
Tag Archives: True Calling
Blog Tour: Destiny Rising by Siobhan Davis – Review & Excerpt + Giveaway
This is my stop during the blog tour for Destiny Rising by Siobhan Davis. This blog tour is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours. The blog tour runs from 1 till 21 September, you can view the complete tour schedule on the website of Lola’s Blog Tours.
This series contains 3 books: True Calling (True Calling #1), Beyond Reach (True Calling #2) and Destiny Rising (True Calling #3). And two novella’s: Lovestruck (True Calling #0.5) and Light of a Thousand Stars (True calling #2.5).
Destiny Rising (True Calling #3)
By Siobhan Davis
Genre: Dystopian/Science Fiction/Romance
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: August 30, 2015
Blurb:
Every choice has a consequence.Once again, the world is on the brink of momentous change. As revolutionary organization Saoirse prepares to battle the government for control of Earth and Novo, Ariana and those she loves must join humanity’s fight for justice and freedom.
As haunted memories resurface, old discoveries and new realities conspire to shatter her world forever.
Torn in one direction by her unique connection to childhood sweetheart Zane, and pulled in the other by a relentless passion for her fiery fiancé Cal, she must make the hardest decision of all. While embarking on a road to self-discovery, her psychic gift evolves and the full extent of her powerful ability is revealed.
Then fate lands another savage blow and she faces the most horrific choice of all. Forced into striking a deal with the enemy, she must make the ultimate personal sacrifice or risk everything she holds dear.
When destiny finally rears its head, what will the future hold?
Review:
This is the last book from the True Calling trilogy and after the way that Beyond Reach ended I needed to read this book. This book was full of action and drama. When something would be resolved something else would happen and sometimes I couldn’t even breath when some stuff would happen. Basically this book was a rollercoaster .I loved to see how everything ended but sometimes I would get mad to the characters because they’re just teenagers and teenagers sometimes make stupid decisions. One thing I absolutely loved was Ari’s development. We go from this girl who doesn’t know what to do to someone who makes really hard decisions without having problems with that. I understand the need to send her away so that she could develop her psychic abilities but that also let her grow up. Another thing I loved about the end of this series was the epilogue. I love epilogue and seeing what the characters are doing a few years after and I loved to see that. Something that I would like was that the book was focused a little bit more in the fight for freedom and not about the romance. It’s not that I didn’t like the romance but for me the final fight was just too fast and I like to have it a little bit more developed.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was a great way to finish this trilogy. If you like sci-fi young-adult series you should give a try to this one.
Rating:
Excerpt:
We exit on the lower level and hurry to keep up with his brisk pace. Walking through a succession of winding corridors and endless passageways, we eventually stop in front of two large, vaulted steel doors. Dad taps in a code on the keypad and the doors retract.
We step into the vast Operational Command Center set over two levels. The outer glass window doubles up as a screen, and a barrage of information floats in front of my eyes: coordinates, maps, images, graphs, and other military data sweep across the wide screen in rotating grids. I count four rows of technicians seated at uniform square desks. Some have their heads bowed, eyes firmly fixed on digital screens. Others converse lowly between themselves or communicate via small digital earpieces. A steady thrumming sound resonates in the room, and the air of urgency is palpable.
A large rectangular table takes center stage on this level, and I spot several familiar faces seated or standing in close proximity. Separate digital pods line the back wall. Two enclosed rooms are off to the right.
A deadly hush descends over the room, and my heart spikes in anticipation. Swiveling around, I focus on the screen as an image loads. “What’s happening, Dad?”
Gently, he clasps my shoulders. As I sense his mounting fear, a cold sweat forms underneath my clothes. He presses his mouth to my ear. “The government is moving in on the Clementia Connecticut compound.”
My eyes widen as the image of the familiar woodland materializes on the screen in front of us. A solid block of Rangers stands shoulder to shoulder outside the main entry hatch, weapons raised and ready. A fleet of stealth-craft hovers ominously overhead.
My breath hitches in my throat as I stare trance-like at the screen. “Zane.” The word is a whisper on my tongue as my eyes latch onto Dad’s face. He grips my hand and we both stare, horror-struck as the stealth-craft simultaneously release a slew of missiles into the air.
Standing motionless, united in our fear, we watch as the underground facility explodes in a massive fireball that illuminates the entire night sky.
You can find Destiny Rising on Goodreads
You can buy Destiny Rising here:
– Amazon
– Amazon.co.uk
– Amazon.ca
– Amazon.au
– Barnes&Noble
– Apple/iBooks
– Kobo
Praise for Destiny Rising:
“It was beyond brilliant, totally unputdownable, wildly entertaining, edge of the seat action, full of suspense; it totally rocked. Loved the ending, loved the book.” Karla. Goodreads Reviewer.
“This is without a doubt the best book this author has written so far. I loved it from the start until the end. This series shows how a love triangle can be done right. Destiny Rising evoked so many emotions in me … and the ending, wow, so powerful. I highly recommend this series.” Lola’s Reviews.
“I cannot believe all of the whammy that this author packed into her book. It’s insane how quickly she’s put out these three books, and the quality is so incredibly good.” Danielle. Paraeducator and Goodreads Reviewer.
“The events in this book, especially the ones I thought I could handle, left my heart and mind racing. Siobhan Davis is an exceptional writer and she knows how to wrap a reader around her fingers.” Khayzelle. Written Arts Blog.
“Suspense, and the urge to turn the page were almost overwhelming, resulting in quite a few long nights. The story is complex, but solidly built. Good to the last page.” Patricia Hamill. Author Blogger. Puretextuality. @PatriciaHamill2
“I cannot put my love for Siobhan Davis’ True Calling series into words – it’s easily one of my favorite series. Destiny Rising tugs at your heart strings and messes with your feelings, but it is so wonderful. The writing is brilliant and flows wonderfully. Davis’ brings the series to a close with an epilogue that ties everything perfectly together. What a fantastic ride…”
Danielle. RamblingB00ks Blog.
“True Calling was great, and Beyond Reach was awesome, but Destiny Rising took the series to a whole new level. This series deserves to become as well-known as popular series such as The Maze Runner, The Hunger Games, Divergent, etc… It’s that good.”
Rose. Paranormal Books Blog.
First two books in the series:
True Calling (True Calling #1)
By Siobhan Davis
Genre: Dystopian/Science Fiction/Romance
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: August 1, 2014
Blurb:
Two Different Worlds. One Shared Dream.Planet Novo, nestled in space twelve hundred miles above the surface of the Earth, is the new home of 17-year-old Cadet Ariana Skyee. Confused by the government-sanctioned memory erase and distressed at her impending forced marriage and motherhood, Ariana’s plans for the future are thrown into complete disarray.
As the traumatic events within her family life enfold, Ariana grows increasingly alarmed at the authorities apparent pre-occupation with her and feels progressively more isolated and alone.
Her growing feelings for fellow Cadet Cal Remus intensify as the recently announced pageant, ‘The Calling’, gets underway. Struggling to comprehend the continuous, inexplicable dreams of the mysterious Zane, discovering the past helps shape her future, with devastating personal consequences.
You can find True Calling on Goodreads
Start the series for free! Grab your copy of True Calling for free here:
– Amazon
– Amazon UK
– Barnes & Noble
– iTunes/iBooks
– Kobo
Beyond Reach (True Calling #2)
By Siobhan Davis
Genre: Science Fiction/Dystopian Romance
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: April 30, 2015
Blurb:
Some Secrets are worth fighting forBack on Earth, Ariana is caught in a dangerous crossfire between clandestine rebel organization Clementia and the power-hungry government. Refusing to divulge the location of the secret information entrusted to her by her late father, she desperately tries to bargain for her Mom, Lily, and Cal’s rescue. She’s fighting a losing battle, and the clock is ticking.
Presented with evidence of her fiancé Cal’s apparent betrayal, she loyally defends him despite her concerns. With her emotions in turmoil, matters become even more complicated as she grows closer to her ex-boyfriend Zane.
When the stakes are raised, a succession of shocking revelations rocks her world, setting her on a path that will not only change her destiny but the fate of humanity.
Confronted by a memory so abhorrent comes a truth she would do anything to forget.
But some things just can’t be undone.
***
Beyond Reach is the gripping second novel in the True Calling trilogy, continuing the story of Ariana Skyee in the weeks after she arrives back on Earth.
You can find Beyond Reach on Goodreads
You can buy Beyond Reach here:
– Amazon
– Amazon UK
– Barnes & Noble
– Kobo
– iBooks
About the Author:
Siobhan Davis is the author of YA science fiction romance series True Calling.
A self-diagnosed ‘teenager forever’—at least when it comes to books, music and movies; Siobhan is totally addicted to teen fiction and superhero/blockbuster movies. Siobhan loves baking, crime novels, shoes, bags, make-up, anti-wrinkle cream, anything pink, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, and Robert Pattinson (definitely Team Edward).
Siobhan has forged a successful corporate career, in Human Resources, over the last twenty years.
Siobhan resides in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons.
Contact Siobhan at: http://www.siobhandavis.com
You can find and contact Siobhan here:
– Website
– Blog
– Facebook
– Twitter
– Google +
– Goodreads
– Amazon
– Newsletter
Sample chapters, quotes, reviews and book excerpts are all available to download from the authors website
Join Siobhan’s mailing list to receive a free copy of Lovestruck.
There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Destiny Rising. These are the prizes you can win:
– e-copies of the whole True calling series by Siobhan Davis. Which is the following books: True Calling, Lovestruck, Beyond Reach, Light of a Thousand Stars and Destiny Rising.
– one 10$ amazon gift card
For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Cover Reveal: Destiny Rising by Siobhan Davis
Today is the cover reveal for Destiny Rising by Siobhan Davis. This cover reveal is organized by Lola’s Blog Tours.
Destiny Rising (True Calling #3)
By Siobhan Davis
Genre: Dystopian/Science Fiction/Romance
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: August 30, 2015
Blurb:
Every choice has a consequence.Once again, the world is on the brink of momentous change. As revolutionary organization Saoirse prepares to battle the government for control of Earth and Novo, Ariana and those she loves must join humanity’s fight for justice and freedom.
As haunted memories resurface, old discoveries and new realities conspire to shatter her world forever.
Torn in one direction by her unique connection to childhood sweetheart Zane, and pulled in the other by a relentless passion for her fiery fiancé Cal, she must make the hardest decision of all. While embarking on a road to self-discovery, her psychic gift evolves and the full extent of her powerful ability is revealed.
Then fate lands another savage blow and she faces the most horrific choice of all. Forced into striking a deal with the enemy, she must make the ultimate personal sacrifice or risk everything she holds dear.
When destiny finally rears its head, what will the future hold?
You can find Destiny Rising on Goodreads
You can pre-order Destiny Rising here:
– Amazon
– Amazon.co.uk
– Amazon.ca
– Amazon.au
– Barnes&Noble
– Apple/iBooks
– Kobo
Start the series for free!
True Calling (True Calling #1)
By Siobhan Davis
Genre: Dystopian/Science Fiction/Romance
Age category: Young Adult
Release Date: August 1, 2014
Blurb:
Planet Novo, nestled in space twelve hundred miles above the surface of the Earth, is the new home of 17-year-old Cadet Ariana Skyee. Confused by the government-sanctioned memory erase and distressed at her impending forced marriage and motherhood, Ariana’s plans for the future are thrown into complete disarray.As the traumatic events within her family life enfold, Ariana grows increasingly alarmed at the authorities apparent pre-occupation with her and feels progressively more isolated and alone.
Her growing feelings for fellow Cadet Cal Remus intensify as the recently announced pageant, ‘The Calling’, gets underway. Struggling to comprehend the continuous, inexplicable dreams of the mysterious Zane, discovering the past helps shape her future, with devastating personal consequences.
You can find True Calling on Goodreads
Start the series for free! Grab your copy of True Calling for free here:
– Amazon
– Amazon UK
– Barnes & Noble
– iTunes/iBooks
– Kobo
About the Author:
Siobhan Davis is the author of YA science fiction romance series True Calling.
A self-diagnosed ‘teenager forever’—at least when it comes to books, music and movies; Siobhan is totally addicted to teen fiction and superhero/blockbuster movies. Siobhan loves baking, crime novels, shoes, bags, make-up, anti-wrinkle cream, anything pink, Kelly Clarkson, Katy Perry, and Robert Pattinson (definitely Team Edward).
Siobhan has forged a successful corporate career, in Human Resources, over the last twenty years.
A member of the IWI writers group, Siobhan resides in the Garden County of Ireland with her husband and two sons.
Contact Siobhan at: http://www.siobhandavis.com
You can find and contact Siobhan here:
– Website
– Author blog
– Book website
– Facebook
– Twitter
– Google +
– Goodreads
Sample chapters, quotes, reviews and book excerpts are all available to download from the authors website
There is a cover reveal wide giveaway for the cover reveal of Destiny Rising. These are the prizes you can win:
– e-copies of the whole True calling series by Siobhan Davis. Which is the following books: True Calling, Lovestruck, Beyond Reach, Light of a Thousand Stars and Destiny Rising.
– one 10$ amazon gift card
For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
The Coffee Book Tag
Hi! I’m back today with another book tag. I wanted to write a review today but someone is in a reading slump and that’s something that doesn’t help when you want to write reviews. But let’s forget about that. Today I’m answering to the Coffee Book Tag that was created by BangadyBangz from booktube. So let’s start it.
1. Black: Name a series that’s tough to get into but has hardcore fans.
Probably The Selection by Kiera Cass. It’s not that I don’t like the books but it took me a long time to get into the story and most of the times America annoys me. I think that’s one of the reasons why I haven’t read The One yet.
2. Peppermint mocha: Name a book that gets more popular during the winter or a festive time of year.
These books are already pretty popular but the true is that everyone reads or re-reads Harry Potter in the winter. I understand. I started reading it last winter. It’s something that almost everyone does.
3. Hot chocolate: What is your favorite children’s book?
Probably The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. The ones that I’ve read so far are amazing (But let’s just forget that I never read them when I was a kid. It’s something that started only 1/2 years ago =P).
4. Double shot of espresso: Name a book that kept you on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
Well, that happens with a lot of books but I think that most recently that happened with Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas. That book is a rollercoaster from the beginning to the end.
5. Starbucks: Name a book you see everywhere.
There is a book series that everyone talks and that’s everywhere I go and that books are Fifty Shades of Grey. It’s everywhere and it was worse when the movie was released. And the worst part: just because you love to read people assume that you’ve read it even thought you didn’t. And now everyone talks about the new book that is going to be released.
6. That hipster coffee shop: Give a book by an indie author a shoutout.
The True Calling trilogy by Siobhan Davis. The first two books are out and I had the opportunity to read them. They are amazing. You can read reviews for True Calling and Beyond Reach here and here.
7. Oops! I accidentally got decaf: Name a book you were expecting more from.
I have to say Gone Girl. I have heard amazing thing about this book but it was a big let down for me. I think that Dark Places is better than Gone Girl but everyone talks about the last one and I don’t understand why.
8. The perfect blend: Name a book or series that was both bitter and sweet but ultimately satisfying.
Let’s be real. You didn’t think that I would answer a tag and not talk about Cassandra Clare, right? Because I always talk about Cassandra Clare. The Infernal Devices is one of the best series that I ever read and while reading I went through a mix of feelings. These books have everything and the ending is just amazing. And let me tell which series is the runner-up. Obviously The Mortal Instruments. Cassandra Clare is a genius and her books are incredible.
These are my answers. But before I end this post I’m tagging:
Warisha at Warisha Reads
Panda at Panda’s Books
Saba and Hafsa at BookMates
Trey at Trey Schnarr Books
Analee at Book Snacks
And I also tag everyone who wants to answer to this tag. If you do it just tell me in the comments so I can see your answers.
Beyond Reach (True Calling #2) by Siobhan Davis – Review (SPOILERS)
Publication Date:
April 30th 2015
Publisher:
Independent
Goodreads Synopsis:
SOME SECRETS ARE WORTH FIGHTING FOR
Back on Earth, Ariana is caught in a dangerous crossfire between clandestine rebel organization Clementia and the power-hungry government. Refusing to divulge the location of the secret information entrusted to her by her late father, she desperately tries to bargain for her Mom, Lily, and Cal’s rescue. She’s fighting a losing battle, and the clock is ticking.
Presented with evidence of her fiancé Cal’s apparent betrayal, she loyally defends him despite her concerns. With her emotions in turmoil, matters become even more complicated as she grows closer to her ex-boyfriend Zane.
When the stakes are raised, a succession of shocking revelations rocks her world, setting her on a path that will not only change her destiny but the fate of humanity.
Confronted by a memory so abhorrent comes a truth she would do anything to forget.
But some things just can’t be undone.
Review:
First I would like to thank Siobhan Davis and NetGalley for giving me an ARC of this book for an honest review.
I have to say to you… I liked True Calling but this one was even better. This book starts where True Calling finished and with Ariana back to earth without her family and without Cal. Throughout the book you can see her development as a character and her struggle about who she should trust and how she feels about Cal and Zane. So yeah, it was great to see her growth in this book. However, there were sometimes that I wanted to scream at her for some bad decisions. If you read my True Calling you might know that I didn’t trust Cal but meanwhile I’ve read the novella Lovestruck and I actually thought that I was wrong and I was happy about that. But then I’ve read this book and I wasn’t totally wrong about not trusting Cal. He did some stupid things but I now understand why he did it. And then there’s Zane. I love his bond with Ariana and how we can see how much he loves her with his actions. Also, after the cliffhanger that this book had I’m really excited to see the story is going take Ariana, Zane and Cal and I’m mostly excited to know what Ariana remembered. I’m pretty sure that it’s going to be a big part of the next book. Another thing is that there is so much happening in this book that there isn’t a boring part in this book because there is always something that happens that changes the direction of the story and I really liked it. My only problem with that was that sometimes it was a little bit rushed but overall I was really happy with this book. There were moments that I couldn’t leave my book because something would happen and I needed to know what was coming next. I’m talking to you Chapter 11 last sentence… I was thinking that this thing could happen but I really thought that I was wrong so that wasn’t expected at all.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I’m really excited to see how it’s going to end. The plot was amazing and the author’s writing was pretty good. I actually think that Siobhan Davis writing improved in this book. If you like this type of books and if you like to be surprised read this book.
Rating:
Have you read this book? If so, what did you think about it?
True Calling by Siobhan Davis – Review
Publication Date:
July 28th 2014
Publisher:
Independent
Goodreads Synopsis:
Planet Novo, nestled in space twelve hundred miles above the surface of the Earth, is the new home of 17-year-old Cadet Ariana Skyee. Confused by the government-sanctioned memory erase and distressed at her impending forced marriage and motherhood, Ariana’s plans for the future are thrown into complete disarray.
As the traumatic events within her family life enfold, Ariana grows increasingly alarmed at the authorities apparent pre-occupation with her and feels progressively more isolated and alone.
Her growing feelings for fellow Cadet Cal Remus intensify as the recently announced pageant, ‘The Calling’, gets underway. Struggling to comprehend the continuous, inexplicable dreams of the mysterious Zane, discovering the past helps shape her future, with devastating personal consequences.
Review:
First of all I would like to thank Siobhan Davis for providing me a digital copy of this book for an honest review.
The book follows Ariana, a 17 year-old girl who was relocated in another planet with her family two years ago. Everything is fine until she starts dreaming about a guy named Zane that she doesn’t recognize. To complicate her life even more the “Calling”, a pageant where everyone under a certain age is going to be placed with the best match to marry and have kids, is announced. I had already heard about this book and I was really interested in reading it but this plot accentuated my interest in reading it even more and didn’t disappoint me. Not only I liked the plot but I also liked the characters even though I never completely trusted Cal (and believe me, I wanted) especially towards the end of the book when he started to be violent towards everyone. Another thing that I liked in this book was the fact that the author included a few chapters in Zane’s POV. This was really interesting because we only knew Zane from Ariana’s dreams so it was cool that we could see what was happening with him and who really was.
Overall I really liked this book and I’m excited to read the remaining of Ariana’s story (I also need to know if I can trust Cal because I really want to but I don’t know if I can). Although this book is similar to other YA books you can see that in some ways it is also unique. So, if you like type of books you should give it a try.
Rating:
Have you read this book? If so, what did you think about it?