Book Review: A Hidden Element- Donna Galanti

Title: A Hidden Element

Author:  Donna Galanti

Publisher/Year: Imajin Books/2014

Genre:  Fantasy, Paranormal

Format: ePub provided by author in exchange for an honest review

Other Books By Author:  A Human Element

The Juicy Stuff:

Evil lurks within…

When Caleb Madroc is used against his will as part of his father’s plan to breed a secret alien community and infiltrate society with their unique powers, he vows to save his oppressed people and the two children kept from him.

Seven years later, Laura and Ben Fieldstone’s son is abducted, and they are forced to trust a madman’s son who puts his life on the line to save them all. The enemy’s desire to own them—or destroy them—leads to a survival showdown.

Laura and Ben must risk everything to defeat a new nemesis that wants to rule the world with their son, and Caleb may be their only hope—if he survives. But must he sacrifice what he most desires to do so?

Editorial Reviews:

"Chilling and dark, Donna Galanti’s A Hidden Element is a twisty journey into another world, where fathers and sons fight the ultimate battle, and ghostly strangers manipulate those left behind on Earth. Don’t miss it." —J.T. Ellison, New York Times bestselling author of When Shadows Fall

"A Hidden Element is a fascinating look at the bleak and graphic world of the Elyon Destroyers, a humanoid race with special powers and a strong drive to endure and procreate at all costs, and other Elyons who struggle to stop them and save humanity. It is also a haunting story about just how far parents will go to protect, or destroy, their children in the name of love." —Rebecca Cantrell, New York Times bestselling author of The World Beneath

"Donna Galanti's A Hidden Element expertly mixes genres, combining sci-fi with mystery, thriller and romance. The result is a pulse-pounding read that will keep you up long past your bedtime, turning pages as fast as you can. If you love suspense, do yourself a favor and make Donna Galanti’s Element series your next read." —Allan Leverone, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of Final Vector

"A darkly fresh take on the paranormal genre." —Scott Nicholson, international bestselling author of The Red Church

"An intoxicating blend of sci-fi and suspense! Donna Galanti brings together all my favorite elements—psi-powers, aliens hiding among us, sex as a weapon and secret rebellions that could change worlds. A Hidden Element is an edge-of-your-seat read that had me holding my breath and crossing my fingers…at least until I had to turn the next page!" —John Everson, Bram Stoker award-winning author of Siren

"A compelling page turner! A Hidden Element is an evocative mirror on humanity as seen through the eyes, hearts, and desires of a dying alien race. Bone-chilling suspense with a tantalizing palpable menace readers will devour." —Jordan Dane, bestselling author of the Sweet Justice series

ABOUT DONNA:Donna Galanti writes murder and mystery with a dash of steam as well as middle grade adventure fiction. She is the author of books 1 and 2 in the paranormal suspense Element Trilogy, A Human Element and A Hidden Element, the short story collection The Dark Inside, and Joshua and The Lightning Road (Books 1 and 2, 2015). She’s lived from England as a child, to Hawaii as a U.S. Navy photographer. She now lives in Pennsylvania with her family in an old farmhouse. It has lots of writing nooks, fireplaces, and stink bugs, but she’s still wishing for a castle again—preferably with ghosts. 

Website: http://www.ElementTrilogy.com
Blog: http://www.elementtrilogy.com/blog/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/DonnaGalanti
Facebook: www.facebook.com/DonnaGalantiAuthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5767306.Donna_Galanti

BUY THE ELEMENT TRILOGY BOOKS:Purchase Book 1 in the Element Trilogy, A Human Element: http://amzn.to/1mNcyCO
Purchase Book 2 in the Element Trilogy, A Hidden Element: http://amzn.to/1p1YD1o

How It Made Me Feel:

I love sequels that are a fabulous continuation of the previous book.  Sometimes, you get a sequel that comes way out of left field and you're left sitting there going, "Uh, where did that come from and who the HECK are these people?!"  Never fear, Donna Galanti does not fail to impress.  This book is a great continuation of the characters in this world.  I really got into a deeper view of the characters, whether they were positive or negative to the storyline.  This book kept me guessing in all the right places and I couldn't stop reading it! 

What I Thought Worked:

I really enjoyed Donna Galanti's colorful writing and diverse word choice.   I enjoy a book that can make me think but isn't so hard to understand that I don't get the book.  I have found that with some authors, I am not pulled into the story right away and I hesitate to read anything else by the author.  That wasn't the case with this book.  I was sucked in and Donna's writing was beautiful and attention grabbing.   She definitely has pulling her audience in down pat!

What I Thought Didn't Work:

Oh my goodness, I didn't want it to end!  UGH, talk about wanting to just keep reading.  There wasn't anything that jumped out at me that I didn't enjoy in the book.  

Rating

Why It Got That Rating:

This book.  I don't even know what to say! Haha.  I loved it.  I can't wait to have a chance to buy a physical copy to place on my bookcase.  I want to have it there so I can read it whenever I want.  I am just a big fan!

Who Would I Recommend To:

I would recommend to anyone who loves paranormal and/or fantasy books.  I mean, aliens? HECK YEAH! Mind control? EVEN BETTER! It's worth the read! I would, however, suggest reading the first book in this trilogy, A Human Element first for a better understanding of some of the characters!

Book Review: Forsaken- Sarah Ballance

Title:  Forsaken

Author: Sarah Ballance 

Publisher/Year: Samhain/2014

Genre: Mystery, Romance, Suspense

Format: Mobi, Free from publisher in exchange for an honest review.

The Juicy Stuff:

Her past is back to haunt her and this time, it s got a gun.When Gage Lawton finds his brother shot to death on his back porch, every shred of evidence points to one person: Gage's ex-lover, Riley Beckett. The only gun in town that fires a bullet of that caliber belongs to her.Certain the shooting is payback for his part in the loss of her parents, he abandons his promise to stay out of her life and confronts her, his rage backed up with a revolver. Yet when she steps through the door, all thoughts of revenge burn to ashes.A year after Riley unwillingly walked away from Gage, she enters her home to find him sitting in the dark, gun pointed at her head. One look into those achingly familiar blue eyes reminds her how wrong she was to let him go. But now there's more standing between them than their heated past.A twist of fate and a hail of sniper bullets puts them in the cross hairs of a killer, leaving Riley with just two slim options: trust her greatest betrayer, or face a murderer alone.This book has been previously published.Warning: Prepare to get caught in a crossfire of profanity, danger, and desire. Intense violence may trigger the desire to wear body armor and take it off. Very, very slowly

How It Made Me Feel:

From the prologue to the last page of the book, I was in, hook, line and sinker.  I was drawn in with the action, suspense, and the characters and I was not disappointed.  The story starts out with an unnamed character staring down the barrel of his gun and it leaves you wondering what is going on.  No worries, the explanation isn't far behind.  Riley and Gage set off on a fear based run, set on discovering the truth for why Gage's brother was shot.  It was a fast paced book and an easy read, but it kept my attention from the beginning to the end.  I really enjoyed how the characters were developed and the supporting characters added to the story. There were parts of the book I knew were coming, but I was a bit blindsided towards the end.  It kept me guessing and I was able to easily continuing reading. There was an equal mix of action, suspense, romance, and mystery that kept me wanting more.  

What I Thought Worked:

I greatly enjoyed the supporting character of Maverick, Gage's boss.  I wasn't sure at first if I was going to like his character, but it didn't take long for his exasperation and short wit to win me over.  Gage did remind me of someone who would cause someone to loose their patience very easily and Maverick handled it amusingly and well.

What I Thought Didn't Work:

I almost wish there had been another 10-15 pages for the book.  I wanted to hear a little bit more about Colt, Riley's brother, and see how his relationships had changed and why.   There wasn't much of a lead up at the beginning of the story, before he was thrust in as a pretty major character.

Rating

Why It Got That Rating:

Every once in a while, I find a suspense book that starts out great and then begins to drag.  It wasn't the case with Forsaken.  It was fast paced, easy to follow, and entertaining.  I enjoyed reading it and know I will be reading it again as well as recommending it.

Who Would I Recommend To:

I would recommend to someone who is looking for a quick read with a touch of romance and suspense.  

Last Impressions/Remarks:

At 153 pages, Forsaken offers a brief respite from the everyday world, taking a step into dodging bullets, stealing cars, and coming clean about your past.  A great read.

Virtual Blog Tour: For Love of Livvy-J.M. Griffin

For Love of Livvy

 (Book1 Esposito Series)

by J.M. Griffin

Lucky for all of you, this book is free everywhere it's sold.  So go download it, read it, and let us know what you think!

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After her favorite aunt is found dead and an alarming box is mysteriously left on the doorstep of her aunt’s house now legally hers, Lavinia Esposito wants explanations. But, having cleared the package of explosives, the local cops are dumbounded by the precious stones which came without an explanation, just an address─her Aunt Livvy’s. Frustrated by the cops’ refusal to share their theories, criminal justice instructor Lavinia Esposito, a.k.a. Vinnie, takes investigation matters into her own hands. Vinnie is soon dragged into situations beyond her control, finding herself in hot water with the law, the crooks, and her Italian father. Willing to put her life at risk to find out what really happened to her beloved Aunt Livvy, and why jewels would be addressed to her aunt, Vinnie plunges ahead with her usual tenacity, bravery, and keen wits to solve and survive this mystery.

The trooper turned to leave and I stepped forward.

“Uh, I’d like to know what’s in the box, if it’s not too much to ask.” My hand snuck up to my hip as my cocky Italian attitude slid into place.

Tall and Curious stiffened at my tone and turned to stare at me. It seemed he wasn’t used to being spoken to in this manner, which wasn’t any big surprise. Women tend to respond differently to men in uniform, especially a man such as this luscious creature. Well, not this chick.

I teach guys like him all year long and the “I’m so wonderful” thing gets old fast.

“I’ll be sure to let you know, Miss Esposito. If we have any questions, you’ll hear from us right away.”

I gawked a moment and my eyes narrowed. His opened wide in contrast and he waited, his body tense. Maybe he thought I’d pitch myself off the steps onto his perfectly toned frame and pummel the daylights out of him or something. It was a thought, but I really wanted to know what was in the package. Besides, his muscles were bigger than mine.

In an effort to change tactics rather than be handcuffed and dragged off to jail, I smiled and spoke in as nice a manner as I could muster.

“I’d appreciate any information you could give me officer, since the package was left in such an alarming way. Should I call headquarters tomorrow?”

His look narrowed. I suspected he was unsure of where this was headed. There was a moment’s hesitation before he answered the question.

“Sure, that would be a good idea.” He gave a nod of the stiff brimmed campaign hat that covered cropped brown hair.

“All right then. I’ll call the colonel first thing.” My voice remained light and sweet, and the smile was charming, at least I hoped it was.

The colonel runs a strict police force and is a tough disciplinarian with an intense dislike for any

impropriety, implied or otherwise. I’d gleaned that much from the cops in my criminal justice classes.

A tight lipped smile crossed his face. I figured he couldn’t decide whether I really knew the colonel or if this was a ploy. To be truthful, I lied by omission. I hadn’t said I knew the colonel, I just said I’d give him a call.

“That won’t be necessary ma’am. As soon as there’s any information, I’ll get in touch with you.” With a nod of his head, he turned and left.

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

J. M. Griffin is a student of the human condition, wielding the written craft to stimulate the imagination much like she wields her paint brush. The pages are a blank canvas on which J.M. draws vivid characters. J.M. is the author of the popular Vinnie Esposito mystery series featuring the sexy sleuth Vinnie Esposito and the engaging Deadly Bakery mystery series featuring the sassy baker/sleuth Melina Cameron. J.M. lives in rural Rhode Island, a state she considers colorful and interesting.

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Luckily, for all you readers, our author, J.M. Griffin will be awarding winner's choice of an eBook from Lachesis Publishing to a randomly drawn winner via the rafflecopter at the end of this post during the tour!  Be sure you follow the tour from the beginning to the end and comment on the blogs throughout the duration.  The more often you comment, the better your chances of winning.  Wanna check out the tour dates?  CLICK HERE

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Keep on reading, Lovelies!

-Jess