High Summer Read aThon

Goldie by KC Shaw, Perchance to Dream by Peter Lukes, The Number by Sheenah Freitas, Moonlight Mayhem by Sherry Soule, The Vampire, The Witch, and The Werewolf by Louisa Bacio, The Guardian of The Seventh Realm J.W. Baccaro

Michelle, The True Book Addict, is hosting High Summer Read-a-Thon July 16 through July 22 with twitter chats, challenges, prizes, and giveaways.


On Twitter using the hashtag #HSreadathon
Wednesday from 4 to 5pm CST
Friday from 8 to 9pm CST
Sunday from 12 to 1pm CST

A week for summer reading is never enough! Though I am late as always getting my start, you can see the TBR book pile has been existing and growing quite well. How am I spending my summer you ask? Thirteen cats, one dog, one bearded dragon, Mom, gardening, working on my first book How The Dragon Bleeds, and reading these wonderful titles with their amazing authors.

Happy Summer everyone and Happy Reading!!!!


As I begin my High Summer Read A Thon I have already been reading....


The Number (Book 2 Zincian Legend ) by Sheenah Freitas.

Kaia disappeared for five years. Now she's back and her planet is on the brink of war. Kaia's friend, Catrina, refuses to take part in the "Numbers" program, and that makes her the most dangerous Number of all. It's Kaia's duty to gather and protect the treasures of the gods. But neither the treasures nor Catrina are what they appear to be.



 ~~~~~
What's next? I am not sure which one I will pick up next, but they all look amazing to me :)

Goldie by KC Shaw

Goldie dreams of a better life for herself, out of Colburn Supreme Steamworks plant. When a stranger turns up in her shift, Goldie wonders if he’s her ticket out. Ben is obviously more than he’s trying to appear. But when a venomous ghost rat attacks it sets off a chain of events. Now she just has to decide what, and who, she really wants.





Perchance to Dream by Peter Lukes

The Boston Police Sub-Net unit is an experimental department that lets cops invade the subconscious minds of criminals via their dreams, where they unearth criminal plans and gather information. Officer Manuel Corr is the best of the best. Until one night while on patrol, when the dream world around him suddenly collapses.Leaving him trapped.





The Vampire, The Witch, and The Werewolf: A Threesome Wedding Adventure by Louisa Bacio
(Book 3)

 Planning a wedding can be stressful and crazy-making.  Planning three weddings at the same time? That’s insanity. While The Vampire, The Witch & The Werewolf embark on a nuptial excursion, Silver & Nick hold down the home fortress in New Orleans.

And as if everyone doesn’t have enough to deal with, the Voodoo King comes calling with a magic elixir that diminishes sexual inhibitions and an eerie quiet spreads across the French Quarter. Life as they know it may never be the same.

The threesome is forced to put off honeymoon bliss in order to banish the demons of their past, and embrace the uncertainty of the future.



Moonlight Mayhem by Sherry Soule
(Book 2 of Spellbound Series)

Shiloh Ravenwolf thought she was getting used to the supernatural events of Whispering Pines, but the full moon has brought another surge of threats to her coastal town. Ferocious wolves, deadly necromancers, and shambling zombies have descended upon the neighborhood, and Shiloh must gain control of her magical abilities—fast! But it sucks that Shiloh has a crippling fear of the dark. As a demon slayer, this can be an epic problem.

When her classmates are attacked by a mysterious animal and her father is murdered, Shiloh vows vengeance. Forcing her phobias aside, she forms an unlikely coven of supernaturally gifted teens to help her eradicate this menace, but Shiloh’s battling a different monster within herself. She’s struggling not to become the very thing she fights: evil.

But with demon blood inside her—anything can happen…



 The Sword of Righteousness by J.W. Baccaro
(Book 4 Guardian of the Seventh Realm)

Darshun Luthais-Nasharin warrior and chosen Guardian of earth, continues his journey across the arctic land of Syngothra, seeking to destroy Abaddon's Unholy Altar of Power, and bring the Second Great War to an end. But when a new and deadly sorcerer working for Abaddon discovers his plan, he sets up a trap for Darshun and his five companions, a colossal army of darkness lying in wait among the frozen elements, ready to unleash its fury once the intruders are in sight.
Now it is up to King Loreus-ruler of Loreladia to unify the scattered races of Light, and charge into Syngothra before the trap is sprung. For Loreus wields the Golden Sword of Purity, a weapon forged long ago by the Five Holy Races, before darkness had separated them. With little time to spare, the Loreladian King must stop the Elves from another civil war, gain their trust and then encounter the Centaurs of Cestmir, a pious Matriarchy and self-righteous race, where if they do not remember the Sword, they may prove to be more of an enemy than Abaddon.



Rise of the Guardian by J.W. Baccaro
(book 5 Guardian of the Seventh Realm)

While the Demon Lord Abaddon prepares to cast the Spell of Destruction and wipe out the glories of the earth for his own void of evil, Darshun Luthais, after a long oppressive journey, attempts to eradicate the source of his dark magic, the sacrificial Unholy Altar. But when the Dragon Gods unleash their barricade of fire the Delibious-a mystic realm of darkness, flames and witchery, Darshun must find a way through without burning his soul out of existence, and save the earth from the coming annihilation.

Book Review: The God King

The God King (Book One: Heirs of the Fallen)
James A. West (Author)

Heroes are not born, they are forged in the fires of apocalypse...

For gold enough to buy a throne, mercenary Kian Valara agrees to guard Prince Varis Kilvar during a dull excursion across the realm. He should have known better than to trust a highborn.

Driven by a lust for supremacy, Varis sunders the lost Well of Creation, the veil between his world and the dominion of the dead. He steals powers never meant for mortal hands, at once transforming himself into a living god and unleashing a cataclysm that will change humanity and the face of the world forever.

In the heavens the three moons collide, fire scorches the firmament, and the seas rage as the face of the world trembles. Chaos reigns from the king's city of Ammathor to the forbidding walls of the Black Keep, as a demonic host released from the bowels of the Thousand Hells seeks to possess the flesh of the living.

Bound to Varis by powers he neither wants nor understands, Kian is forced onto a path of defending a world that has ever turned its back on him. As Kian hunts after Varis, his love grows for a Sister of Najihar, who knows in her heart that she is preparing him for a battle no man can win.

About The Author

Biography of epic fantasy writer James A. West! If you like leaner, fast-paced fantasy, you've come to the right place.

When James was thirteen years old he read The Talisman, by Stephen King and Peter Straub, and a seed of an idea was planted that someday he, too, would create different worlds and realities.

After a stint in the US Army, a year as a long-haul truck driver, and a couple as a log home builder, he enrolled at the University of Montana. There, he majored in Psychology and, by chance, took a creative writing course that allowed him to revisit that old seed of an idea of creating worlds. Words started to flow, and worlds were born.

After college, he started a small woodworking business with the express purpose of using it to fund his writing journey.

James lives in Montana with his wife and his bodyguard, a Mini-Schnauzer named Jonesy.

Connect with James A. West:
Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook



~~~~~

My view and review:  The God King is beautifully written. Though that is a simply put statement, it is one of the utmost truth. It really felt like a perfectly thought out and ingeniously designed world of fantasy literature. Not only is the reader taken away with an epic fantasy, but also with intricate and eloquent wording.

West has built a demigod world and allowed us a front row seat to the heroic action and fast paced story line. The characters are richly defined and easy to be drawn to.

Although it is clearly fantasy, the under lying facts are about defending one's beliefs, finding belief in one's self, and finding personal courage with strength through everything. There is also an emotional influence that cuts deep into the plot of things, adding another valuable and tremendous layer to the fantasy world of The God King.

We are also reminded that nothing is ever really free, not even a gift and especially when a God is the one gifting. I think James has taken a long lived lesson by most and turned it into a spectacular adventure.

I loved reading this book 'The God King', and I am genuinely impressed with James A. West as a wordsmith.

Mr. West has been very kind to offer two of his books as free downloads. You can find them at Smashwords. You will have to purchase his sequel to The God King, but I am certain you will do so gladly after reading this wonderful author's work.

I highly recommend this book to older teens and adults. Everyone can enjoy this book due to its literary quality. Fans of high fantasy adventures are going to swoon over this one and will be adding James A. West to their favorite authors lists.


~~~~~

Visit James at Smashwords where you can download The God King and Night's Hun by James A. West for free.

The sequel to The God King is also available at Smashwords
Crown of the Setting Sun - Book Two: Heirs of the Fallen by James A. West

Book Review: Trapped on Draconica

Trapped on Draconica by Dan Wright
Awesome and highly recommended!

Trapped on Draconica
Dan Wright (Author), Alexis M.Centeno (Illustrator)

Ben was just your typical teenager – loud, obnoxious and always getting himself into hot water. Coming from a troubled household, it’s no wonder Ben’s been on the wrong side of the tracks lately. Ben thinks that his troubles can't possibly get any worse.

How wrong he was...

Not long after being mysteriously teleported to the world of Draconica, Ben gets caught up in a Baalarian invasion – who are hell-bent on capturing him. But what did Ben ever do to upset them?

With no idea how he got here – and with intentions only on getting home, Ben embarks on a fantastical journey. Joining forces with the Dragonkin sisters Daniar and Erowin, Ben must help them take down the Empire before their dark grasp tightens across the land.

BUY NOW Trapped on Draconica available at Smashwords


+++++++++++++

About the Author

Born in Canterbury, Kent, UK, Dan has always dreamt of being a writer. From a young age, he loved to read and hear about fairy tale stories that involved knights and dragons. Trapped on Draconica is his first book, written over 5 years, which is inspired by those very stories - but also including Manga style humour and action, of which Dan is also a fan. Though a fan of all genres, Dan considers his real passion for writing is fantasy and science fiction, he is also a fan of comic books. His favourite authors (which inspired his writing) are Douglas Adams, J.R.R Tolkien, Harlan Ellison, Alan Moore, Joss Whedon and Hiromu Arakawa.

Meet Dan:
On Smashwords, on Facebook, on Twitter, at PDPublishing, Trapped on Draconica,

I have been excited about Trapped on Draconica for several months and Dan Wright has been a guest at The Wytch's Mirror previously. Read our Interview and Dan's Guest Post

+++++++++++++

My View and Review: When I first saw the cover for Trapped on Draconica, I knew I would love this book, and I did. Dan writes with a certain and defined creative voice, giving his characters their British accents and charm. The journey is taken by a group of teenagers doing normal every day things that young people do and reminding the reader of places they most likely have been at one time or another in their own life, and those places that some of us can only dream about.

For most books that I pick up, I expect that story to take me away to a place that can only be found in the author's mind. In addition, any thing with dragons is going to peek my interest and this one did not fail me one bit. The high energy of the activity, and the group of characters in this story with their high adventure is absolutely thrilling.

Literature takes on an entire new way of translating when art is involved and Alexis M. Centeno has incredibly illustrated Dan's world of Draconica. To say that I loved this book is really putting it mildly. Trapped on Draconica is appropriate for all ages and I recommend Trapped on Draconica as a suggested read for all ages too, especially for those of us that get into reading high fantasy literature.

I like to see things in color, however my nook is black and white. Trapped on Draconica still looks amazing on my nook and I am absolutely blown away with Alexa M. Centeno's artwork and Dan Wright's writing style.

Piece of Cake

This was my first cheesecake ever that I had to bake in oven. Cheesecake is one of my absolute favorites but I have only made no bake recipes before now. It was not incredibly easy but it was worth it. Only after I had added my maple flavor did I realize I had the wrong bottle in my hand. We still liked it, and it is true, that making it a day early brings out the flavors.

___________________________

CHEESECAKE

Filling

    2  8oz boxes cream cheese
    1  cup sugar
    5 large eggs
    16 ounces sour cream
    1/4 cup flour
    2 teaspoons vanilla extract
    2 teaspoons lemon juice

Crust
     2 Cups Graham Cracker Crumbs
     2 Tablespoons butter melted

Cream the boxes of cream cheese and add each ingredient one at a time while mixing, adding the sour cream last.

Mix Graham Cracker Crumbs and melted butter in a separate bowl, and press the mixture into a deep dish. I layered only the bottom of my glass casserole dish.

Pour the filling over the crust.

Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour and 15 minutes. It sets best if allowing to cool before completely removing from oven. After turning off my oven, I opened the door and pulled out rack a little, leaving the cheesecake to cool on the rack. Once it has cool, cover and refrigerate. The taste is richer if made a day before eating.

I added a can of cherry pie filling over the top.

Sheenah Freitas

The Number (Zincian Legend #2)
Sheenah Freitas

Kaia disappeared for five years. Now she's back and her planet is on the brink of war.

The new "Numbers" program, created by the Tueors’ leader, tracks and isolates demigods. Kaia's friend, Catrina, refuses to take part, and that makes her the most dangerous Number of all.

It's Kaia's duty to gather and protect the treasures of the gods. But neither the treasures nor Catrina are what they appear to be.

As the day a dire prophesy foresees draws near, will Kaia reverse the gears of fate, or will everything she's ever loved be burned away by the flames of war?

BUY The Number by Sheenah Freitas as Smashwords

Suggested reading for those that enjoy reading, vampires, adventure, fantasy, young adult, epic fantasy, series, ya, mermaids, ya fantasy, demigods, zincian legend 

The Chosen (Zincian Legend #1)    by Sheenah Freitas

Kaia’s entire life has erupted in flames after an assassin appears and burns her village down. She’s rescued by a god from another planet who requests her help because she’s the descendant of their last savior. Together with Reeze — the only other survivor from her village and her appointed guardian — they set off on a quest to find the treasures of the gods in hopes of preventing a dire prophesy.

Kaia and Reeze quickly meet the Tueors, a group of people many thought extinct, who are searching specifically for Kaia. Their intention: to protect the truth. As Kaia discovers more about the truth and her family’s past, she also learns of the Tueors’ bloody secret. Will Kaia be the savior the gods have been waiting for? Or will she let the prophesy come true?

BUY The Chosen by Sheenah Freitas at Smashwords

Suggested reading for those that enjoy reading adventure, young adult, gods, mermaid, epic fantasy, ya, fantasy adventure, high fantasy, merman, demigods







Author Sheenah Freitas

~About The Author~

A neek at heart, Sheenah Freitas has a love for the whimsical and the magical. She looks to animated Disney movies and Studio Ghibli films for inspiration because of their innovative twists on fairytales, strong story structures, and character studies. When not writing, you might find her in a forest where she's yet to find any enchanted castles.

Website/Blog: http://sheenahfreitas.com
Twitter: SheenahFreitas

The Heart of Faerie Oracle

The Heart of Faerie Oracle

The Heart of Faerie Oracle (Hardcover) By Wendy Froud, Brian Froud, Robert Gould

From the renowned team of Brian and Wendy Froud comes a delightful and spiritual guide that offer believers a chance to connect with and experience the love and wisdom that comes from the hearts of faeries. The Heart of the Faerie Oracle box set includes 68 oracle cards, illustrated by Brian Froud. The accompanying book provides detailed instructions reading the cards and for the believer to relate to the Faerie World and learn valuable relationship information.Pairs well with How to See Faeries

How to See Faeries

How to See Faeries (Hardcover)By John Matthews, Brian Froud 

International bestselling artist Brian Froud and New York Times bestselling author John Matthews come together for the first time to create a spectacular interactive book that opens the doors to the enchanted world of Faerie. How does one discover faeries in one’s backyard or a garden, forest, or meadow? Through insets, hidden messages, magical signs, reflective mirrors, and other paper mechanics, Froud and Matthews reveal how anyone may discover the way to the land of Faerie. Pairs well Heart of Faerie Oracle

+++++++++++++

Thanks for visiting The Wytch's Mirror! 

It is my hope that you have found something of interest and that you do return again soon. Until then, like The Wytch's Mirror on Facebook, and follow Cynthia on Twitter for updates.  

WytchsMirror.com thanks to GoDaddy.com 


 
Blessed Be

A Declaration of Independence

IN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776.

The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America,

When in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.

The American Flag

The American Flag
By Joseph Rodman Drake
(August 17, 1795 – September 21, 1820)

When Freedom from her mountain height
Unfurled her standard to the air,
She tore the azure robe of night,
And set the stars of glory there.
She mingled with its gorgeous dyes
The milky baldric of the skies,
And striped its pure celestial white
With streakings of the morning light;
Then from his mansion in the sun
She called her eagle bearer down,
And gave into his mighty hand
The symbol of her chosen land.