Audiobook Review: Whisper by Heather Hildenbrand!

• Written by: Heather Hildenbrand
• Narrated by: Devin Crowe
• Length: 10 hrs and 27 mins 
• Unabridged Audiobook
Release Date:05-12-17

Publisher: Heather Hildenbrand

Whisper Grant, a descendant from a line of Cherokee warriors, is scarred and broken by the death of her parents. An only child, she is unable to pull herself from her grief. She drops out of senior year, withdraws from her friends, and spends all of her time caring for her rescue animals at the Grant family farm in the mountains of Colorado. After five months at a grief counseling center, she reluctantly returns to her old life.

But in the wake of such a loss, nothing is the same. When Whisper stumbles across a dying boy in the woods, she can't turn away. Just like her affinity for stray animals, she is determined to do whatever it takes to save him. But when he wakes, with no memory of who or where he is, Whisper doesn't want to just save his life, she wants to become a lasting part of it.But the mysterious boy with no name isn't the only one vying for Whisper's attention. Taregan, a volunteer at the animal shelter, has his eye on Whisper. And he has for centuries. Hundreds of years ago, a curse was cast. Taregan can live forever as long as he provides the key ingredient every few decades; something only Whisper can give. And he'll stop at nothing to get it. Whisper must learn who and what she really is and figure out how to break the curse before the moon sets on her next birthday. In the meantime, her new friend begins to regain his memory, starting with visions of events that haven't happened yet. Whisper realizes he may be more connected to her past than she ever could have guessed. In fact, she can't break the curse without him. Will Whisper's discovery of her past be enough to change her future? Or will love be lost once again?Whisper is an Upper YA/New Adult Paranormal Fantasy; a cursed love story with a modern day twist!

My Thoughts: 

Why have I not read this before!!! I have the ebook, but for some reason was hesitant to read it because I thought is was a contemporary novel. This book was all kind of amazing.

Whisper is just getting back to herself, after the deaths of both her mother and father. She isn't the Whisper she once was, but she is finding herself again. Her BFF is trying to get her out there a bit and has asked her to come to a bonfire, despite her reservations, she goes. Whilst there Taregan approaches her but she is in no mood for his flirting so goes to find some much needed solitude in the woods. There she stumbles across an unconscious man, she rings for help and stays with him till they come. At the hospital, he finally comes too but can't remember anything. Being who she is, Whisper can't let someone and offers her home to him. Dylan agrees and what follows changes both their lives forever!! 

That is just a tiny bit of what happens. There is so much....soul to this book, so much everything, that I absolutely devoured it!! I'm a massive fan of this authors and this book just shows why. It's extremely well written and developed, the Cherokee magic and lore was well handled and intriguing and the characters were amazing!! Pretty much everything about this rocked. 

I loved Whisper, she is going through something that emotionally crippled her, but she is slowly finding herself again. Her grief is raw and had me crying, but she is a tough cookie. Dylan was amazing. The author definitely knows how to write swoon worthy heroes. Seeing him and Whisper together was so sweet. They help each other throughout and it was amazing. Love them both!!!

In all, this was such an amazing read. This author knows how to write and never fails to deliver. This one just had so much to love and really captivated me. I loved the mystery and suspense throughout and the twist at the end was awesome!! I didn't see that coming!!! I want to read this all over again, just to enjoy the breathtaking world and characters this author has created. 

Devin Crowe did an amazing job with Whisper. She captured her perfectly. She really brought across her personality amazingly and nailed the performance. She did a great job with the male voices too. She just captured your attention right at the start and didn't let go! 

I was voluntarily provided this audiobook for free from the author, narrator, or publisher. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.

Story:  

Narration:   

Rise of Princes by Janell Rhiannon Book Blitz and Giveaway!

Rise of Princes
Janell Rhiannon
(Homeric Chronicles, #2)
Publication date: May 1st 2017
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Historical

In the Song of Princes, the western Greek world is set afire by the brazen escape of Helen of Sparta with Paris, the Forgotten Prince of Troy. As their ship plows east across the Aegean, the Great War trails close behind them. Not even the gods could silence the thundering shields and singing arrows following the lovers back to Troy.
In Rise of Princes, Agamemnon and his horde lay siege to Trojan allies for nearly nine years, but it is Achilles, the Golden Warrior, who brutally ravages the Troad lands becoming the Sacker of Cities. His fierce onslaught prompts the gods to intervene on behalf of the Trojans and their allies. Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love and Beauty and patroness of Troy, sends the Princess Briseis to calm the bloody fury of Achilles.
Hektor, the Golden Prince, leads the Trojan army against the western invaders, keeping Troy safe behind the Great Wall. As Defender of the Citadel, he grants sanctuary to thousands of refugees seeking safety from the death and destruction sweeping the land. Behind the solidarity of the royal family, tensions over the continued presence of Helen of Sparta threaten to topple the empire. When the fate of Troy appears most grim, a ray of hope is offered by a new prophesy. Despite his private losses, Hektor vows to remain the strength his people need.
Across the Aegean, the Greek kingdoms struggle with disturbing news from Troy. Queen Clytemnestra of Mycenae, reeling from Agamemnon’s ruthless betrayal, loses faith in the gods and plots her revenge. Queen Penelope of Ithaka, young and uncertain, prays to Athena for her husband’s swift return. And Tyndareus, the former king of Sparta, works to usurp Menelaus’ throne.
Trojans and Greeks face heartbreak as the war, sparked by the vanity and greed of men, continues with no end in sight.

Goodreads / Amazon

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You can also grab a copy of book 1 – Song of Princes – for FREE on Janell’s website here!

—

EXCERPT:

The battle cry, a thunderous roar of thousands, carried on the wind, warning the people of Methymna that death was coming for them. Those seeking safety within the city walls waited far from the gore upon the ramparts. From high above, fear gripped their bones and souls as they watched the soldiers with Black Shields move through their army like a plague. It was impossible to ignore the warrior-god, standing tall among his men, gleaming golden and ferocious in Apollo’s light. His menacing sword slashed flesh and cracked bones and split heads with every stroke; behind him, bodies fell like broken flowers crushed by a beast in the field. As the western tribes lay waste to the Methymnaan army, the princess pulled the pin from the knot holding the gate’s massive latch in place. The devastation could now consume the city for lust and gold and geras untold.

Achilles stood amidst the carnage, blood dripping from his arms and face, as his eyes locked on the commander of the enemy. He watched as Hypsipylos smashed his blade and rammed his shield against his foes; he stood almost as tall as Achilles and almost as broad.
A worthy opponent and a good day for the Methymnaan commander to die. The Golden Warrior’s roar rose above the din of battle and Hypsipylos turned, knowing instinctively who challenged him in mutual combat. He plunged his sword deep into an invader’s chest, pulled it free with fresh blood dripping down the blade, and bore down on Achilles like an enraged bull catching the scent of an enemy afield.
The mighty warriors clashed. Shield against shield, blade against blade, Achilles and Hypsipylos unleashed their fury on each other. Dust clouded around them like a swirling storm. The harsh scraping of metal on metal sang through the air. Citizens from above watched in fascinated horror, while men on the battlefield ceased their fighting and circled the combating champions. The warrior-god of the west arched his sword in a flash of silver, smashing the pommel into Hypsipylos’ cheek. The Methymnaan hero stumbled back, dropping his shield guard momentarily. Achilles, lunging forward, used his shield as a battering ram and smashed its edge into Hypsipylos’ shoulder. The dark hero’s sword arm faltered with the blow. Achilles moved in for the kill with the strength and skill of a lion.
At last Achilles’ blade, glinting cruelly in Apollo’s light, caught the enemy’s exposed chest and slashed ferociously through Hypsipylos’ armor. The gash split his chest open, spilling his guts and blood on the ground. The commander of the Methymnaan army fell hard on his knees in the dirt, kneeling awkwardly at Achilles’ feet. He gasped as dark red blood oozed from the corners of his mouth down his chin and neck. “My city … Peisidike …”
Achilles sneered down at the dying commander. “That whore gave up your city.”
“No …” He grimaced, stiffened, and then fell over, blood still welling up from his throat and spilling through his open mouth. His dead eyes stared at nothing.
A mighty cheer rose among the united Greeks. The enemy turned to retreat, finding escape impossible. Achilles wiped the muck of blood and dirt from his blade. The fighting left his throat parched, so he spat. The bodies of his enemy lay heaped around him. The entire city lay slaughtered and scattered in the dust.

Author Bio:
Janell always had her nose in a book, reading by flashlight when it was "lights out" time. Her love of reading turned to a curiosity about writing. She now writes in all the spare moments she can squeeze out of a day. She also writes fiction and fantasy with some romantic spice for good measure. Janell adores Mythology and Fantasy. Anything magical and mystical. And dragons. And gargoyles. Her guiding motto: "I tell stories, not genres."
She currently lives in CA.

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Hound's Bite by E.J.Stevens Audiobook Feature and Giveaway!

Happy Audiobook Month!  We're celebrating Audiobook Month and the highly anticipated HOUND'S BITE audiobook release with a HUGE giveaway.  Keep reading for details on how to win a Hound's Bite Prize Pack with gorgeous earbuds and swag signed by the author and narrators.

Hound's Bite (Ivy Granger Psychic Detective #5) by E.J. Stevens.  Narrated by Melanie Mason and Anthony Bowling.

Ivy Granger thought she left the worst of Mab's creations behind when she escaped Faerie. She thought wrong.

In a cruel twist of fate, Ivy has unleashed a powerful horde of Unseelie beasts upon her city, turning her homecoming into a potential slaughter of innocents. Now Ivy must gather her allies to fight a reputedly unstoppable force—The Wild Hunt.

Will the training Ivy received in her father's court be enough to save her city, or will Harborsmouth be forced to kneel before the Lord of the Hunt? She is willing to risk her own life, but some sacrifices come at a cost worse than death. When an ally is bitten by one of The Wild Hunt's hounds, Ivy must face the possibility that winning this battle may mean killing the one person she has come to love most.

Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal Mystery, Supernatural Suspense

Buy now and unleash the Wild Hunt!

Audible | Audible UK | Amazon | iTunes

Haven't started listening to this series?  Now is the perfect time!  Don't miss the limited-time Shadow Sight price reduction beginning June 5th.  Whispersync for Voice Ready.  Grab Shadow Sight for 99 cents and add audio for just $1.99.

Shadow Sight (Ivy Granger #1) on Kindle | Audible

Want a chance to win custom earbuds and signed swag?  We've got you covered.

Hound's Bite #AudiobookMonth Giveaway

We're giving away an Ivy Granger Prize Pack to one lucky winner.  Prize pack includes:

• Custom Earbuds
• Hound's Bite Poster (signed by author)
• Ivy Granger Passport (signed by author and narrators)
• Ivy Granger Flashlight Keychain
• Button
• Pen

To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below.  This giveaway is open to US/CA/UK.  Giveaway ends June 31st midnight EST.

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Want more freebies?  Visit the Ivy Granger Freebies page for free ringtones, wallpapers, and more!

Happy Audiobook Month!

Darkside Blues by Ambrose Ibsen Audio Book Tour and Giveaway!

Author: Ambrose Ibsen
Narrator: Jake Urry
Length: 5 hours 43 minutes
Publisher: Ambrose Ibsen 2017
Series: The Ulrich Files
Genre: Horror

"Ghosts don't simply latch onto places, investigator. People can become haunted, too." A missing person. A city plunged into unforgiving winter. A dangerous spirit. Though enjoying an increase in business following his last case, life isn't all roses for private investigator Harlan Ulrich. His newest job, another missing person's case, is unlike any other he's ever taken on. Local businessman Michael Poole hires Ulrich to find his estranged daughter. The problem? She's been dead for a decade. Join Ulrich on a trip into the darkness, into the frostbitten underworld, as he seeks out a hateful phantom with only a cat and a thermos of good coffee on his side.

Buy on Audible⎮Amazon

Limited copies of the first two installments of The Ulrich Files audiobook are available for interested reviewers on The Audiobookworm's Adopt-An-Audiobook page.

My review of book 1

My review of book 2

My Thoughts:

So, P.I Harlan Ulrich's business is finally taking off and his life is pretty good, and when Michael Poole approaches him and tells him that he sometime sees his daughter, who has been missing for 10 years, Ulrich thinks it's a simple case and happily takes it because Mr. Poole is willing to pay handsomely. But things aren't as they seem and Ulrich quickly realises that this isn't a simple case, someone is lying to him and things are about to get out of hand when Ulrich starts being followed by.... something. 

Harlan Ulrich has quickly grown on me! He is just such a nice character, whose reactions to events feel "real". He is scared of a lot of things, and has to talk himself into investigating anything unusual, which is what I like most about him. So often, nothing phases the protagonists, but Ulrich isn't like that!! His inner monologues are the best ;) 

This, like the other 2, isn't primarily a ghost story. It's a paranormal mystery that will keep you on the edge of your toes, and constantly guessing what's what! I love how the author is so good at making his books so atmospheric and spooky. He doesn't just tell us, he shows us and makes our imagination take over!!

Jake Urry is the perfect narrator for these books. He can bring across the creepiness so well!!! He has plenty of tones and cadences and knows how to tell the story so you get shivers at certain parts!! Brilliant narrator :) 

I received this audiobook at no-cost from Audiobookworm Promotions. This in no way affected nor influenced my thoughts.

Story: 

Narration: 

About the Author:

Once upon a time, a young Ambrose Ibsen discovered a collection of ghost stories on his father's bookshelf. He was never the same again. Apart from horror fiction, he enjoys good coffee, brewed strong. Ambrose Ibsen has penned numerous horror and thriller titles, including The Ulrich Files, Transmission, The Demon-Hearted Series and the Winthrop House Series.

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About the Narrator:

Jake Urry has been narrating and producing Audiobooks since February 2016, and in that time has released 17 titles, including The Cryptic Lines by Richard Storry, White is the Coldest Colour by John Nicholl, and the PI Harlan Ulrich series by Ambrose Ibsen. His narration work is often dark and suspenseful, and he developing a reputation for Mysteries, Thrillers and Horrors. In 2017 Jake will be working on more work by John Nicholl and Richard Storry, along with a sprinkling of Fantasy adventures.

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Audio Excerpt:

   

Giveaway:
     
Darkside Blues

Schedule: 

May 31: Reading for the Stars and Moon (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Giveaway) Audio Audits (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt) 
Jun. 1: Book Lover's Life (Review & Giveaway)
Jun. 2: Lomeraniel (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Giveaway) Seitenwinde (Review & Giveaway)
Jun. 3: Dab of Darkness (Review & Giveaway)
Jun. 4: Ronelle Antoinette (Spotlight & Giveaway)
Jun. 5: CGB Blog Tours (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt)
Jun. 6: Blogger Nicole (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Giveaway)
Jun. 7: A Book and A Latte (Review)
Jun. 8: The Book Addict's Reviews (Review, Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)
Jun. 9: Read Day and Night (Review)
Jun. 10: Ali the Dragon Slayer (Review & Giveaway)
Jun. 11: Spunky-n-Sassy (Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)
Jun. 12: The Autumn Bookshelf (Spotlight + Audio Excerpt, Giveaway) Shhh I'm Reading (Spotlight & Audio Excerpt)
Jun. 13: Life at 17 (Review)

 

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Fate of the Stars by Arwen Paris Book Blitz and Giveaway!

Fate of the Stars
Arwen Paris
Publication date: September 1st 2017
Genres: Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Young Adult

When the fate of the world rests upon you…
Allison Delaney wants to spend her senior year healing from the loss of her father, to leave the shadows of his death and her junior year break-down behind. A Labor Day beach party seems like a good place to start…but there’s more danger lurking than anyone could imagine. Death is coming to Earth if the pods of infectious creatures aren’t stopped. But only one human can help…
To live or die is no longer a choice.
Eenoki is a protector of life but must have a sentient host to fight the invasion. A teenage girl would not be the best choice, but out of desperation Eenoki invades Allison’s mind and body, granting her unnatural abilities and strengths – and helping her escape certain death when the first wave of pods land.
As destruction rains down on Earth’s population, Allison realizes to save everyone, she must make the ultimate choice: Reject her human side and bond with Eenoki to become the Earth’s Priestess – or be killed along with the rest of humanity.

Add to Goodreads / Pre-order

—

EXCERPT:

Why would they come out here?

I stagger back, shaking as I remember my narrow escape from town, and the aliens’ hissing reaction to sound. I hobble to the pilothouse. “Pete!” I shout, twisting the handle. It refuses to turn. “Shut off the engines.” I beat on the door.
“What the hell this yellin’ about?” he shouts, throwing the door open at me. The other passengers scream. Pete turns toward the shore. “Oh my God.” He runs inside. Revving the motor, he swings us back out into the bay. A loud screech jabs my eardrums as metal grinds on metal, and the engines come to an abrupt stop.
“No. No!” Pete shouts, turning the key. There’s no reaction at all.
Over the wind and waves, an odd clicking sound makes my flesh crawl. We all stand motionless trying to identify it. The clicks grow louder, overlapping until they become shrill. Something strikes the hull with a heavy thud, and everyone jumps. Then another pound on the boat, and another. I can’t decide whether to search for the source of the noise or hide below. But I have to know, so I follow the sound to the rear of the ship. Bobbing on the waves is a human, his face streaked with a black oily residue that’s oozing from his nose and mouth. It resembles the oily residue I saw on the back of Bob’s neck. His eyes are opaque and dead. Nausea rises in my gut.
They didn’t die. I’m not sure what they are now, but they’re no longer human.
I’ve put everyone here in danger with my selfish request to go to shore, attracting their attention. I grow limp and drop my head back, staring up at the sky.
So close, a thin voice says, seemingly right in my ear. It’s the voice that warned me to run. Clenching my jaw, I lash out through my mind at the voice. So close to what, dying?
Discordant memories churn in my head. I close my eyes to still the illusions. A glow illuminates the back of my eyelids and warmth spreads through me.
You must see, Allison. The only way left to explain in time.

Author Bio:
Arwen Paris is the author of young adult fiction. Her debut YA Sci-fi Urban Fantasy novel FATE OF THE STARS releases September 1, 2017. The actions packed pages of her novels are filled with characters that are forced to face fears they never expected. When she's not writing, you can see posts of her (too many) vacations that keep her sane. Arwen lives in Washington, has a big crazy family & after the day job, she writes Fiction For the Fearless - #F3Fanatic

Website / Goodreads / Facebook / Twitter / Instagram

GIVEAWAY!

Blitz-wide giveaway (INTL)

• $100 Amazon gift card

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Damned Either Way by Erin Hayes Book Blitz and Giveaway!

Damned Either Way
Erin Hayes
(The Harker Trilogy, #3)
Publication date: May 31st 2017
Genres: Adult, Paranormal, Romance

The thrilling conclusion to The Harker Trilogy
I’m finally free of my family’s curse.
Except now, the world is ending. FML.
Anthony, the vampire that killed my sister and my brother-in-law, has won. I’ve lost everything. I no longer have my powers. I have no idea where Amelia is. And the vampire I love has surrendered to the hunger that is throwing the world into chaos.
The worst part? I can’t do anything about it, because I’m no longer the Harker. Sure, I’m not dying anymore, but I’m barely living at this point.
But there may be one last chance to save us all. If only I can find it in me to make one final sacrifice.

Goodreads / Amazon

The complete trilogy is on sale for only $0.99 until June 5th!

Previous books in the series:

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EXCERPT:

The Twinkie is mushed and some of the cream is coming out, but as I pull it out of the wrapper, I can’t help but be gentle.

I found the single-serve pastry in a hollowed-out convenience store in downtown Birmingham a few days back. It’s the only thing resembling a cake that we’ve found on our way to Austin. In the aftermath of the apocalypse, all the grocery stores are empty as everyone panicked and stole every little thing they could get their hands on. Many of them are now hiding out in their houses during the night.
Those that are alive anyways.
I could make a cake myself, but we are never in one place long enough for me to find an oven and make one. With one arm, it’s a little…hard.
Besides, this is just a small ritual that I want to do myself. I don’t need to decorate it. I just need to…pay tribute. With the only kind of food that would survive the apocalypse.
I light the candle that I stuck in it, its soft glow flickering in the dying light. I give a small smile, feeling my heart break.
“Happy birthday, Amelia.”

Author Bio:
Sci-fi junkie, video game nerd, and wannabe manga artist Erin Hayes writes a lot of things. Sometimes she writes books.
She works as an advertising copywriter by day, and she's an award-winning New York Times Bestselling Author by night. She has lived in New Zealand, Hawaii, Texas, Alabama, and now San Francisco with her husband, cat, and a growing collection of geek paraphernalia.
You can reach her at erinhayesbooks@gmail.com and she’ll be happy to chat. Especially if you want to debate Star Wars.

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• $50 Amazon gift card

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Author Interview: Martyn J. Pass and Giveaway! #MayhemFeature

Please welcome Martyn J. Pass to the blog! Martyn is an indie author and though I haven't read any of his books, yet, they sound like something I'd enjoy!! 

Martyn J. Pass works as a metal worker in the United Kingdom. He's the father of two children and is the author of over 10 books including 'Project 16', 'The Brink' and 'The Wolf and the Bear'. Apart from adding to the ever growing 'Tales from the Brink' post-apocalyptic series, he's also penned romance, crime and detective fiction.

Blog: http://mjpass.blogspot.ie/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bear191182

Twitter: martynjpass

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6200565.Martyn_J_Pass

Author Interview: 

Where do your ideas come from?

I'm never quite sure to be honest! As a writer it's important to read A LOT but I also enjoy movies and video games so the well of ideas is constantly being replenished with new images, thoughts and words. I also try to live as varied a life as I can and gather new experiences I can draw upon.

How do you develop your writing ideas?

I try to spend a lot of time thinking and processing an idea once I've had it. That happens a lot when I'm walking the dog and listening to music. Having a well stocked Spotify account is vital to developing my characters and stories.

Where do you find inspiration for your characters?

I don't. They find me. ALL of my characters seemed to appear out of nowhere, demanding that I tell their story and I'm happy to oblige. Some days I'm really shocked by what one of my characters says or does - it's like they have a life of their own.

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

When I was about 14. That's not some cheesy cliche - that's the truth! I used to rewrite movies I'd seen on sides of A4 paper and my first go with a keyboard was on my mum's old typewriter. Been doing it ever since.

What makes you unique as a writer?

I think all writers are unique - they have their own individual perspective on life that no one else has. For me, I'm character driven in every book. I never plot a story, I start with a person or people and go from there. I think that gives my books likability and a connection to the reader that you might not otherwise get with most writers.

Describe your book in 140 characters or less.

The last Englishman meets a former US Ranger who join forces to stop a terrorist attack in post-apocalyptic Britain.

Tell us about the main character(s)

Miller has lived on his own in the ruins of England for most of his life. He was trained by his father to thrive in that environment and work on behalf of the US Government to rescue looters from within the country. This life is turned upside down when former US Ranger Claudia Riley arrives on the scene and needs his help.

Where do you find/come up with your characters names?

Most names usually have a link to someone or something in my life. Other times they're just random. 

What writers inspire/d you?

Mark Twain and Cormac MacCarthy. Legends in their own right.

How has your writing career changed since you started?

It got harder! Building a fan base has its price to pay and keeping a series like 'Tales from the Brink' from turning into a disaster has been both exciting and terrifying. People love these books and I don't want to let my readers down!

What does your writing process look like?

It looks like a weird, angry man sat in his chair trying to block out the rest of the world. Everything and everyone around me is put on hold until I've completed the first draft on my tablet. 

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

My quirk is that I tend to put references for friends and family to find in each book.

What are your writing goals for the next year?

To get at least four more books out in 2018. I'm on target for four this year so I'd like to keep the pace going.

What is the most useful tool you use as a writer?

A word processor!!! I don't know how people write books in long hand and ever finish. Bah!

Name the five biggest distractions from your writing.

1) Human beings 2)Work 3)Money problems 4)My phone 5)The internet

What character would you most like to be stuck in an elevator with?

Gandalf from Lord Of The Rings. That would be funny and life changing. If I had to pick one of my own then it'd be Riley. She's a legend.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I get some great emails from my readers and of course I read all my reviews. If they've taken the time to read and write something nice then the least I can do is check it out. When a reader says that they've connected to a character in a big way then I know I've done my job. A lot of people relate well to Alan Harding and his dog Moll. I love that! The whole point of being a story teller is to improve someone else's life if only for the duration of the tale. To have this kind of impact is very special.

I do get the odd one star reader who's just out for blood. Those guys don't get more than a glance from me.

Some Get to know me Questions

What do you like to do when you're not writing?

I spend a lot of time outdoors. I hike, camp and play paintball. I also hit the gym a lot and keep trim. Of course, I'm always reading and I fit a few movies in now and again.

What’s the best vacation you ever had?

Wales. Any of the times I've been in Wales. I love the countryside there and a lot of it appears in my books.

What’s your favourite rainy day movie?

Bladerunner. 'Nuff said.

If you could be any age again for a week, which would you choose and why?

I kind of like being 34 right now. I feel like I've hit my prime. Keep me here as long as possible!

If you could have personally witnessed one event in history, what would it be?

I'd have liked to have seen my mum and dad meet if I'm honest. Knowing how important that moment was to me would make it strange and interesting to witness.

What's you favourite place to read?

In my study in an old leather chair with the sunlight coming in through the window and a faint summer breeze. Bliss.

When you walk into a book store, where do you head first?

The sci-fi section just on the off chance any of my books are there.

If you had a million dollars, what would be the first thing you would buy?

The enormous farm house at the end of my road I've dreamed about for years. It's where I want to retire to write more.

Some of Martyn's books, click the picture to go to Goodreads.

  

These sound awesome and I can't wait to read them all!! Which one do you think you would read?? Don't forget to enter the giveaway, and keep commenting because winners will be chosen at random from the commentators during May!

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Blogger Interview: Paul from Audio Book Reviewer and Giveaway! #MayhemFeature

Welcome to another blogger interview. This time I'd like to introduce you to Paul, from Audio Book Reviewer. I found his website about a year and a half ago and visit it regularly for recommendations. He and his team always have something reviewed that catches my attention!! 

About Paul 

Paul is a quiet man who shares his passion of books through reviews assisting others select books through honest and professional reviews. Having built a team of professional reviewers, Audiobookreviewer (ABR) is the result of his passion of reading/listening of books. His family consists of a wife, 2 cats, and 2 African Grey parrots (https://www.facebook.com/tuckertheafricangrey). More frequently than not, you will see Paul plugged into the audio of his technology listening to books while riding his bike 100+ miles, tending to a huge fruit and vegetable garden, growing bonsai trees and operating his own largest online bonsai magazine (http://ofbonsai.org).

Website: https://audiobookreviewer.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AudioBookReviewer
Twitter: http://twitter.com/AudioBookRev
Audible: http://www.audible.com/listener/A1XJZCJTQFEU8D?mode=Reviews

Blogger Interview: 

1) Tell us a bit about yourself?

I am a former meat eating vegetarian with vegan tendencies. I am a quiet man who shares my passion of books through reviews assisting others select books through honest and professional reviews.  Having built a team of professional reviewers, Audiobookreviewer (ABR) is the result of my passion of reading/listening of books.  His family consists of a wife, 2 cats, and 2 African Grey parrots (https://www.facebook.com/tuckertheafricangrey). More frequently than not, you will see Paul plugged into the audio of his technology listening to books while riding his bike 100+ miles, tending to a huge fruit and vegetable garden, and growing bonsai trees.

2) How and why did you get into reviewing audiobooks?

I was blogging for years on different subjects and loved it. Mostly because it helped me keep my web design and coding skills up to date. I stumbled across Patient Zero by Jonathan Maberry and devoured it. I couldn't get enough. I went looking for sites to help me decide on the next one I should get and found very few audiobook review blogs. So I started one.

3) Can you tell me some of your strengths that really helped you in blogging?

Somehow, even though I thought I was being a rebellious punk rocker, had a ridiculous work ethic instilled into me from my parents. Along with the ability to lead people along a mutual beneficial path. Even though this is also my downfall. Sometimes I work too hard and get tunnel vision and forget to respect others.

4) How do you manage time to run your blog efficiently?

Just go, go, go, almost non-stop. I am very fortunate that my day job allows me to be on the interent all day and take a few moments to do personal things. In the beginning I spent a lot more time than I do now on the blog.

5) Tell me about your reviewing style and how long it takes you to write up a review?

My style has evolved a lot over the years. But a couple of general things has stayed constant. 1. HONESTY, without being mean, I am not out to make friends. I am here to help other find an audiobook that they might like. Then I always try to go over these four things about each book. 1. My thoughts, or preconceptions, going into the listen. 2. A very very brief plot summary. 3. The narration, I am reviewing audiobooks and the narration is just as important if not more so than the writing. 4. Anything that stood out to me as particularly brilliant or surprising or the like. Oh and 5. No spoilers if at all possible.

6) Who has impacted you most in blogging and how?

When I first started I followed The Guilded Earlobe (https://theguildedearlobe.wordpress.com/) he helped me immensely. He pushed me to promote ABR in places I didn't know about such as The Audiobook Jukebox (http://audiobookjukebox.com). He also helped me get connected to publishers for review copies of audiobooks.

7) What is your greatest achievement outside of blogging?

Really, with the life that I lived in my youth. I should be dead or in jail. Not sure how either of those didn't happen. So I guess my greatest achievement may be the huge number of experiences that I have had. I mean I went from being homeless to a business owner. I have traveled over seas. I have been part of many questionable situations.

8) What was the most challenging moment in your blogging journey so far?

Trying to keep the blog fresh and interesting. Not getting bogged down with review requests. Managing all those requests. Managing others. Making connections. As most bloggers know. Blogging is not easy. Some days it is a challenge to think about blogging other it is hard to stop.

9) What do you find the most frustrating aspect of blogging?

Finding like minded enthusiastic folks that love audiobooks.

10) Did you have any professional help or did you created the blog yourself?

I created ABR out of my imagination and continue to develop it in different ways. The only help I get is from the team of reviewers that contribute their reviews to the site.

Favourite book/s?

The entire Joe Ledger, Adrian's Undead Diary, Zombie Fallout series and The Martian. To name a few.

Favourite narrator/s?

Oh man, I know I am going to forget a couple but here are my go-to's: RC Bray, Luke Daniels, James Foster, Stefan Rudnicki, Ray Porter, Julia Whelan, Cassandra Campbell, 

What do you like to do when you're not reading?

Honestly not very much.

Some Get to know me Questions:

What’s your favourite rainy day movie?

I have quite a few, movie are my next favorite next to audiobooks. My wife and I watch several every weekend. Here are some that I own and will watch with very little prodding.

Star Wars, any of them.

Highlander

Road House

Dredd

True Lies

If you could be any age again for a week, which would you choose and why?

Nope, somehow I made it this far and am still alive. And maybe that is my reward, so no going back for me.

What's you favourite place to read?

This is almost a trick question. I do not read, I can, but I prefer to listen. So, my favorite place to listen in on my bike. Either to or from work, or around town, racing down the bike path with not a care in the world except for what is right in front of me and right in my ears.

When you walk into a book store, where do you head first?

Honestly, I do not do this very often. But when I do, I usually head to the cookbooks. Because I love to cook or the magazines, because there is so much variety.

If you had a million dollars, what would be the first thing you would buy?

I would probably start some sort of animal sanctuary. Either pigs or parrots or farm foul or something. I just know that I love animals in a way that few others seem to. Then I could work there and continue to listen to my fill of audiobooks.

Thank you Paul for stopping by!! You should check out his blog and reviews! Paul also publishes his grandfathers books, check them out here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/368044.Bill_Stokes. 

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