Technology and Medicine in Violet Storm by Anna Soliveres + Giveaway

Please welcome today's guest author Anna Soliveres!  Anna is the author of VIOLET STORM.  She will be sharing a special guest post on technology and medicine in her new young adult novel, Violet Storm.

Keep reading for a chance to win a $25 Amazon Gift Card and other fabulous prizes!

Technology and Medicine in Violet Storm

In Violet Storm I introduce the concept of modification, a cure of sorts for a deadly disease called vaincre. Modification is a procedure whereby a patient's infected (or non-infected) parts are replaced or melded with synthetic materials and biological tissues to create a stronger, durable, and more powerful human. So now, in this new world, exists extraordinary augmented people known as Modi's.

I was first inspired by the idea of creating stronger humans (by using synthetic materials) when I first began to imagine what a stronger "me" might look like. When I was young, I was bullied from elementary all the way up until freshman year of high school. Back then I used to dream of being taller, stronger, faster. One of the ways I saw my dreams being fulfilled was by being genetically modified, but I also wondered what it would be like to be "rebuilt" with synthetic materials, making me inhumanly strong. The latter idea is where modification came from. I didn't want to label Modi's as a type of cyborg or venture into that territory. I wanted to create something a little more unique (without any robotics or programming). I had a really hard time forming or even explaining this kind of technology. It wasn't until I visited my local tech museum where I saw an exhibit on amputees and prosthesis. It was called biohybridization. And there it was: the starting point for modification.

Violet Storm (Modi #1) by Anna Soliveras.

Several hundred years into the future, The Cleansing, known to some as the End of Days, forced the government to create Arks to shelter its people. When Earth became habitable again, new territories rose up from the ashes: Agria, the City of Light, and the Outer Boundaries. For a while, they lived in peace.

A brilliant surgeon known for his invention of Modi’s—the only cure for the deadly disease, vaincre—has gone rogue with his experiments, and the Monarchy is desperate to shut him down. That's where Aeva Storm comes in, a champion athlete with an ego to match. Aeva is the surgeon's secret weapon against the Monarchy. And they'll never know what hit them. After reconstructing her body to become a Modi unlike any he's ever created, Aeva is forced into a fight against all odds. She'll have to break loyalties, hurt family, and turn her back on newly awakened love. Thousands of lives hang in the balance in a battle that will set forth a new era.

Join Aeva on her quest to see whether she's got what it takes to go up against the most powerful humans ever created.

Release Date:  March 28, 2014
Genre:  Science Fiction, Young Adult
Add to Goodreads.

Thank you Anna for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

If you would like to learn more about Anna Soliveras and her books, please visit her website.

Violet Storm Giveaway

The author is giving away a signed copy of Violet Storm, promo card (swag), $25 Amazon gift card, a Fitbit Zip!

To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below.  This is a tour giveaway, so winners will be randomly selected by the author or publisher.  This giveaway is open to US mailing addresses only.  Giveaway ends October 14, 2014.

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Good luck!

Shannon Delany Guest Post + Giveaway

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Shannon Delany.  Shannon is the author of the 13 to Life series (13 to Life, Secrets and Shadows, Bargains and Betrayals, Destiny and Deception, Rivals and Retribution) and Weather Witch.

Keep reading for a chance to win a prize pack from Shannon Delany.

Guest Post: Shannon Delany

You know I have a love of the paranormal, I mean, my debut series was all about hot Russian-American werewolves... So where's the paranormal in this steampunk novel WEATHER WITCH? It's everywhere and nowhere.

WHAT?! Well, if you live in our world (which I expect you do if you're reading this) anything beyond what science interprets as normal is paranormal, so many of the characters in this novel are of paranormal origin. The Weather Witches, Wardens and Wraiths, all of the Wildkin (including merrow, pooka, kelpies, gytrash, oisin, wolfkin, and kumiho). BUT. If you live in the world of WEATHER WITCH, none of those characters or creatures are paranormal. They're all distantly linked through heritage (thank you, Darwin for clearing such things up) although you probably wouldn't invite most of them to a family reunion because you might suddenly find yourself served up.

So, normal or paranormal, WEATHER WITCH is somewhat about getting along with your kin. Before they kill you.

Weather Witch by Shannon Delany.

In a vastly different and darker Philadelphia of 1844, steam power has been repressed, war threatens from deep, dark waters, and one young lady of high social standing is expecting a surprise at her seventeenth birthday party–but certainly not the one she gets!

Jordan Astraea, who has lived out all of her life in Philadelphia’s most exclusive neighborhood, is preparing to celebrate her birthday with friends, family and all the extravagance they might muster. The young man who is most often her dashing companion, Rowen Burchette, has told her a surprise awaits her and her best friend, Catrina Hollindale, wouldn’t miss this night for all the world!

But storm clouds are gathering and threatening to do far more than dampen her party plans because someone in the Astraea household has committed the greatest of social sins by Harboring a Weather Witch.

Release Date June 25, 2013.

Thank you Shannon for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Shannon Delany and her books, please visit her website and don't miss our interview with Shannon here at From the Shadows.

Weather Witch Tour Giveaway

We are giving away a prize pack including:

•     a signed copy of Weather Witch
•     a Weather Witch coffee mug with special goodies
•     signed copies of 13 to Life and Secrets and Shadows
•     a handcrafted mask
•     a special metal and crystal bookmark
•     a mini top hat
•     a silhouette of their own profile cut and matted by the author (Author note: it'll take a few weeks after getting their profile before I can get it to them, of course).

To enter, use the easy peasy Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway is open internationally. 

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Rebecca Hamilton Guest Post + Her Sweetest Downfall Giveaway

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Rebecca Hamilton.  Rebecca is the author of Her Sweetest Downfall.

Keep reading for a chance to win an ebook copy of Her Sweetest Downfall by Rebecca Hamilton.

Food in Fiction

I love food. It probably shows in my writing, too, as many people who read my books tell me certain scenes made them hungry, or that I must be an amazing cook (I’m not. I’m awful. I’m an amazing eater, though!) I try to keep the foods my characters eat appropriate them, though. For example, in one book I am working on (or rather, is sitting in my drawer waiting for me to return to…) my character is big into baking and comfort food. One of the most memorable scenes in the book, so I’m told by my beta readers, is toward the beginning, when she is baking a rhubarb pie.  Have you ever HAD rhubarb pie? Oh, you need to.

Oddly, my recent work in progress (Book 2 of the Forever Girl Series: Come, the Dark) doesn’t have my usual “food” touches. I blame pregnancy. I’m too busy eating food to think about it. But still, there are a few mentions. Fruit and bread, mostly, the occasional stew. What is it about food that I can’t seem to leave it out of my books?

I think food is one of those things everyone can relate to. You might not like the same foods as a character, but you can relate to liking foods and needing food to survive. Surely many people have even bonded over a shared favorite dish. It’s only human for characters to eat . . . though I guess it really depends what they are eating.

Years ago (I think I was 16, so I guess I should say over a decade ago…) I would visit my friend at work. She worked at Wendy’s at the time. She used to make these double fried crispy chicken sandwiches with cheese, which I still eat to this day, and I still think of her every time I eat one. Well, one day while I was visiting her, I noticed an elderly couple on the other side of the restaurant both eating burgers. The man took the onion off his burger and gave it to his wife (leaving her with extra onion) and the woman gave the man her tomato (leaving him with extra tomato) and I remember thinking right then, that’s what love is.

Sounds silly, right? How could love be onions and tomatoes? Or food at all for that matter. But it was about more than food. It was about how opposites attract and about how liking different things can sometimes work out in everyone’s best interest. It was about being different parts of the same puzzle, and how a puzzle can’t make a picture if all the shapes are the same.

So I think food in books is like that, too. Food is a part of life for all of us and at the same time, unique to all of us. I always read social media advice articles saying, “Stop tweeting about what you had for lunch. No one cares,” when actually, the opposite is true. People like talking about food, and food brings people together.

Some of my favorite foods are tacos and pie. What about you?

Her Sweetest Downfall by Rebecca Hamilton.

Ophelia’s been successful at hiding her true identity, until the mark of the serpent appears on her neck—a death sentence, should it be seen by anyone in her town. Hiding the mark might save her from falling victim to the witch hunts of her era, but the scorching sensation it carries can’t be ignored.

When the mysterious Ethan is sent to collect her for a life of something more, she learns concealing the mark is the least of her worries. She’s destined to don a new mask—to join a dark, supernatural world and protect the future of people she may never meet.

What she doesn’t know—what she learns too late—is that her initiation won’t be complete until she kills the man she loves.

Set in an alternate Regency England, Her Sweetest Downfall is a standalone novella in the Forever Girl series, written as a gift to fans of the Forever Girl series.


Thank you Rebecca for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Rebecca Hamilton and her books, please visit her website.

**Her Sweetest Downfall Giveaway**

We are giving away one ebook copy of Her Sweetest Downfall by Rebecca Hamilton.

To enter, leave a comment on this post.  Please include your email address so we may contact you if you win.  This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.  Giveaway ends March 29, 2013 midnight EST.

Guest Post: Suzy Turner + The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw Giveaway

Please welcome today's paranormal guest author Suzy Turner.  Suzy is the author of Raven, December Moon, The Lost Soul, and The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw.

Keep reading for a chance to win fabulous prizes!

The man who inspired The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw

Earlier this year, I was invited to work on a movie called The Right Juice. It was a 'Brit flick' being filmed in the Algarve, where I've lived since I was ten (26 years). I was incredibly nervous but super excited at finally doing something I could only dream of, after all, it's not every day you get the chance to work on a movie. I was the Script Supervisor. It was a tough job for such a newbie but very satisfying.

Why am I telling you all this? Because it is where I got the inspiration to write my latest book, The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw (a Morgan Sisters novel). It wasn't my experiences behind the scenes that inspired me but a guy I met. Granted, I did have some awesome experiences that would make a great book... but that'll be another story altogether!

Mark Killeen is an English actor who is buff, gorgeous and one of the most down to earth people I've ever met. A guy who loves to laugh, and to make people laugh. We instantly became pals and shortly afterwards I knew I wanted him to be in my next book. Okay, perhaps that wasn't quite possible so I'd have to create a character based on Mark, a character living in the capital of England. Declan Alexander isn't the leading man, per se, but his role is a crucial one.

Like the man he's based upon, Declan Alexander is a proud Londoner, in every sense of the word. But he's not your average guy, no. Declan is half angel and he spends much of his time helping those in need in London, England and beyond.

In the very first Morgan Sisters novel, Declan volunteers to look after the two adopted daughters of his close friend Patrick Morgan. But what Patrick doesn't know, is that Declan is, in fact, helping the girls join an ancient foundation that helps fight crime...

The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw (Morgan Sisters #1) by Suzy Turner.

Adopted sisters Lana Beth and Emma Jane are polar opposites, but when the same strange 'tattoo' suddenly appears and winds its way up their bodies within days of each other, they soon realise there's more to their relationship than they could ever have imagined.

Sent off to London for two weeks of 'work experience', the Morgan Sisters soon find themselves being initiated into the ancient Praxos Foundation, one that protects the innocent while fighting evil, both human and supernatural.

At the same time, Lana Beth and Emma Jane must also investigate why the sweet but sometimes pesky ghost of Josiah Grimshaw just won't leave them alone.

Thank you Suzy for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Suzy Turner and her books, please visit her website.

**The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw Tour Giveaway**

Author Suzy Turner is giving away fabulous prizes to celebrate the release of The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw.  Enter the Rafflecopter form below for a chance to win a bracelet, keyring, Amazon gift card, and copies of The Ghost of Josiah Grimshaw!

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Unusual Creatures

Join E.J. today at Wren Doloro as she discusses the unusual creatures from her writing.

Lauren Hammond Guest Post + Insanity Giveaway

Please welcome today's guest author Lauren Hammond.  Lauren is the author of Famished, If I Can't Have You, He Loves Me...He Loves You Not, Love Sucks, The Aloria Chronicles, Asphodel (The Underworld Trilogy), A Whisper To A Scream (The Sociopath Diaries), Pride, and Insanity.

Keep reading for a chance to win an ebook copy of Insanity by Lauren Hammond.

Five Unknown Facts about Lauren

First of all, thank you so much for having me today! Second, what a fun topic!

Five things you don’t know about me…

1.    I have two tattoos; a snowflake on my back and the word family in polish on my wrist in my grandfathers’ handwriting.

2.    Sometimes I am too honest and people get offended. (I know you can’t always tell it like you see it. It’s something I’m working on, lol.)

3.    When I was three I told my mom I wanted to be a gas station attendant. (Ahhh, the goals and career choices of a toddler.)

4.    I can’t stand bullying. (More people should learn to appreciate and respect every individual for who they are. Inside and out.)

5.    I am a history freak. It fascinates me. Every time I take a vacation I have an itinerary planned for all the historical landmarks. (I also love to travel and have a goal to see every historical landmark in the world. I know it’s a longshot, but hey, I’m willing to try.)

Insanity (Asylum, #1) by Lauren Hammond.

Sometimes love...can drive you crazy.

Adelaide Carmichael and Damien Allen couldn't be more opposite. Adelaide's mother abandoned her when she was ten years old, leaving her to be raised by her abusive and alcoholic father. Damien on the other hand came from a wealthy family, was a local celebrity, and seemed to have a bright future ahead of him. Despite their differences, Adelaide and Damien were young, wild, and fiercely in love.

And they had a plan.

They were going to run away. Be together forever. And their plan was set in motion, until tragedy struck and for some reason, Adelaide wound up in The Oakhill Institution for the insane. Adelaide has no idea what she did to wind up at Oakhill, but she knows one thing for sure...

She wants out.

And after Damien follows her there to aid her in escaping, Adelaide slowly begins putting together the pieces of her memory that are missing. And it doesn't take Adelaide long to figure out that sometimes...

That one true love never dies.


Thank you Laura for joining us here today at From the Shadows!

To learn more about Laura Hammond and her books, please visit her website.

**Insanity Giveaway**

We are giving away an ebook copy of Insanity to one lucky winner!

To enter, please leave a comment on this post (including your email address so we may contact you if you win).  This giveaway is INTERNATIONAL.  Giveaway ends June 14, 2012 midnight EST.