Wednesday, 22 June 2016

Book Blitz: Archfiend Kinship by Kaiden Klein




Title: Archfiend Kinship

Author: Kaiden Klein

Series: The Psychic and the Priest #2

Release Date: 14 June 2016

Publisher: --




Summary: 


Annie continues to unravel painful truths of her past while discovering she’s even more powerful than she could have ever imagined. Although, even with her newfound abilities, her intense love and insatiable desire for Asha is her weakness, yet he is also her strength.
Asha took a vow to serve God. But, since discovering Annie was more than a dream, a deeper destiny unveils itself, and he’s forced to re-evaluate his choices. Making the right decision won’t come easy.
However, hidden truths and new found strengths, have brought this unlikely pair together, and together Annie and Asha are a powerful duo. But will their magic be enough to take on an evil seeking vengeance and a mother who wants the power to control all that exist? Both threats willing to do anything to get what they want, even if it means making a deal with the devil himself.
Annie is forced to choose, risking her life to save Asha, or risking his life to protect all those who now depend on her.
Join Annie and Asha in part two of this action-packed paranormal adventure filled with steamy scenes and supernatural twists at every turn.




~ Excerpt~


“Oh my god. Asha!”
Annie peeked through a window of the old run down building. Asha was in the center of a magic pentagram, tied up to a pole. Lucinda stood in front of it with her hands in the air, reciting some type of chant.
There were four large canine shifters stationed at each corner. Up until now, she hadn’t considered a plan but she was sure emotions were the key to unleashing her power. It was how she’d gotten away from Zury.
Asha’s eyes were barely open and sweat ran down his face as his head shifted in one direction and then the other. She was sure Lucinda’s chant had everything to do with his current state.
Sensing someone was coming up behind her, she quickly turned around, pushing her hands forward, Bison fell to the ground.
“Bison, I’m so sorry.” Annie reached down to help him up. “I’ve only somewhat figured out how my powers work.”
“Wow.” Bison rose to his feet, shaking off the shock of being knocked to the ground without warning.
“I told you not to come.”
“You did. So, what’s the plan?”
“I’m not sure but I’m going in.”
“If you’re going, so am I.” Bison followed closely behind Annie who refused to allow him to lead the way.
They walked around to the side.
“No!” Asha hollered out in pain.
Once again, Annie’s powers were triggered by emotion. This time, it was Asha’s pain. Their surroundings began to shake as the door flung open.
Lucinda quickly turned, giving off a wicked smirk.
The canine shifters swiftly leaped, approaching the open door where Annie and Bison stood. Bison jumped in front of Annie with his bow in hand.
“I knew you’d come.” Lucinda stood in front of Asha, addressing Annie.
“Let him go.”
“I’ll trade his life for yours.”
“He’s your son, Lucinda.”
“Yes and he’s the love of your life. I’m doing what you can’t do. You’re so blinded by emotions; you’re willing to sacrifice the lives of your people to save the man you love. I’m doing this for the greater good. We need Damarcus here and whether or not my people know it, they need me also. Besides, I knew you’d come to his rescue.”
Had Asha saved her life only so his could be taken and by his own mother? No…this couldn’t be the way things were supposed to end. They were to take on this challenge together.
Was Lucinda right? Perhaps her feelings for Asha was blinding her judgment. Still, in his weakened state, he would not stand a chance against her evil doings. However, she just might.
“I’ll give you my life for his.”
Asha moaned, expressing his disapproval of what Annie was willing to do. He was barely able to get out no in between his groans.
“You’re all I’ve ever wanted. Come.” She extended her hand.
“No, Annie.” Bison tried to stop her as she walked in front of him.
She stopped on the outside of the pentagram. “I’m here. Now release, Asha.”
Waving her hand, Lucinda released Asha, tossing him outside the pentagram. Bison rushed over to help him up.
“Annie, I’m not leaving without you,” mumbled Asha.
“Tell him to leave or I’ll kill him.”
“Please, Bison, just take Asha and leave.”
The pentagram had debilitated him, but Asha was now coming around.
“No, Bison. Leave me, not Annie.” Asha struggled to get the words out as he put up some resistance, making it nearly impossible for Bison to move him.
As Asha became more coherent, Bison gave up the struggle. Asha managed to stand up, turning to face Lucinda.
“Lucinda, let Annie go.”
Infuriated by his attempts to stop her, with a simple glance, she motioned the canines to attack.
“Here.” Bison tossed Asha the blade given to him by Annie.
All four shifters attacked at once. Two on Asha and two on Bison. Asha aimed the knife at one, putting him down. Bison’s bow struck one in the heart before it could attack him. Another shifter knocked him to the ground, biting into his flesh.
“Enough.” The sound of Annie’s voice roared through the air. It caused a loud, brutal, ringing noise that sent the other two canines running.
Asha turned to Annie, stunned at the affect she’d had on them.
“You can’t stop me,” screeched Lucinda as she seized Annie and they elevated into the air. The windows started to rattle as the room vibrated with great force, making the roof partially collapse, narrowing missing them all.
Annie looked up. “Vadik!”
“Let her go, Lucinda.”
“I won’t.”
Vadik descended from the air, stopping at eye level with Lucinda.
An injured Bison and Asha stood off to the side, looking at the three of them levitating in the air.
“Annie, I need you to focus your energy on breaking free. You can do it. You’ve accessed it before, and I need you to do so now,” said Asha firmly.
Annie wasn’t able to, no matter how hard she tried.
Vadik turned to Asha, raising his hands palm up. Asha fell to the ground. His skin tightened, like a blood pressure cuff, causing his veins to bulge from the inflicted pain.
“No. Stop!” Annie yelled, her anger, enabling her to free herself from Lucinda’s grip. Falling to the floor, she quickly ran over to Asha as Vadik seized Lucinda. The two went through the open roof, leaving Bison, Asha, and Annie behind in the abandoned building.

~About the Author ~ 


Kaiden Klein enjoys writing and keeping her fans updated as characters develop, even behind the scenes. She loves creating complex characters whose lives are filled with drama, and a great deal of time is put into developing her characters, including the ones who seem to go in their own direction.
Kaiden also writes compelling mystery, suspense, crime, and contemporary romance stories under the pen name Eva Winters. Although her works are fiction, some of her stories may be based on actual events. Her stories will go beyond entertaining you; they’ll leave you wanting more.
You can find out more about the author @

~ Other Books by this Author ~ 




Title: Kindred Souls

Author: Kaiden Klein

Release Date: 24 May 2016

Publisher: Self-published



Summary: 

Raised in a church orphanage, Annie never knew her parents or where she was from, nor did she know who or what she was – only that Father Francis would always tell her she was special...never did she dream he meant it literally.
Annie can read minds, connect with the dead, and even see the future, but the only clues to her own past are vivid sensual dreams about a mysterious and alluring man. When this familiar stranger (The Priest) suddenly appears in her downtown shop, Annie not only discovers their inexplicable connection is extremely powerful, but he also becomes the key to unlocking her complicated past and uncertain future.
Will Annie and Asha be able to fulfill their fated destiny, or will the challenges ahead be too much to bear, leading to their ultimate demise? There's no doubt, the choices made will be life-changing.

Title: Arms of Danger

Series: Destined Guardians

Release Date: 16 February 2016



Summary: 


A Thrilling Story of Life After Death
12,000 word Short Story Standalone
More Books to Come under Destined Guardians
After having been granted a second chance following her untimely demise in her former life, Helena has dedicated herself to protecting humans. Haunted by revelations from her past life, Helena is torn between the life she’s dedicated herself to and to those she left behind. Her dedication to humankind has afforded her the opportunity to learn a great deal about the evil that exists in the world, but nothing could prepare her for the newest threat.
Betrayed by Barak, the leading commander of their municipal’s army, Helena must defend the community against the new bloods, treacherous vampires, bent on overthrowing the king and taking control of the monarch. But doing so will not come without risk, especially since she’s sleeping with the enemy who knows her deepest secrets.
A future of violence and enslavement gets closer and closer to becoming a reality in the presently peaceful town.
With the threat growing, Helena finds herself facing a different challenge. The promise of love enters her life, but in order to fully embrace it, she must save the people of Wyden first.
Will Helena be able to save the ones she’s dedicated her life to protecting or will greed win by using her secrets against her?
This is a story of greed, lies, lust, and betrayal.
A standalone paranormal romance story about guardians and vampires.


~ Participating Blogs ~ 

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Monday, 20 June 2016

Manga Review: Wedding by Yu-Chin Lin



Title: Wedding
Original Title: Wedding
Author: Yu-Chin Lin
Artist: Yu-Chin Lin

Year of Release: 2006 - 2008
Genres: Comedy, Historical, Shoujo, Romance,

Status: Completed
Chapters (Translated in English): 14

Volumes & Chapters: 

2 Volumes in Total


Summary


Who ever said that if your life is too fortunate, you have to marry an ugly person?!
Because of a fortune teller's silly prediction, Yang Mimi suffers with awful suitors. The faces of the men her father bring home grow more and more startling... 
Does Mimi really have to give up her happiness in this way? As if she'll let that happen! 
If Mimi is to find happiness, she'll have to find her own husband! It doesn't matter who, as long as his face doesn't make her gasp!


My Thoughts


Review covers 14 chapters 

Do you believe in destiny or prophecies? What would you have done if a fortune-teller said that you will be happy only with an ugly man? I would have fought that destiny with all my might and hopefully like our main character would have succeeded. But let me start from the very beginning.

I both loved and hated this story. It’s short o, only 14 chapters long and to say the truth it would have been better if it was a bit longer, but well the author made a sequel and it is going live this Saturday in the mini review section. I loved the heroine – Mimi a lot. She was fantastic, her fight to change her destiny. The story ended not like any other shoujo romance and even though I might have been a bit disappointed I loved the realistic ending, but then again I believe because of either numerous complains the author wrote the sequel.

For me it was still a mystery if Mimi actually fell in love with her husband and if he did too. The answer lies in the sequel. But he was an interesting character. Quite calculating but at the same time fascinating. The story is an absolute let down on the romance part as we don’t even see a single kiss. And that wedding night, I seriously doubled over with laughter. Kids are coming from hugging. I would have really loved to see when Mimi’s face when their actual first night happened, but we only got to see when she’s already pregnant.

Another thing that I really wanted to see was the face of the young man in the very beginning of the story. It should have been something absolutely fabulous. But then again the story is very fast paced, has a good sense of humor and is very enjoyable to read. Enjoy it to its fullest and don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos. Don’t miss your next favourite book or manga! Happy reading!

XOXO

Katie

Rating



Saturday, 18 June 2016

We're moving to a new email address!


Hello, everyone!

As you have guessed by now, (I should have seriously made this post earlier, but this idea came to me recently, so I am just combining everything today)

Okay, so, first of all, I'm taking a break from my break, meaning Katie's Corner is back to nearly full power during summer holidays. And while I was on it, and getting the emails from authors, I finally understood that my email was too loaded with everything. That's why I thought that it was time to move to a different email account, so I could skim the traffic a bit. This way I hope I won't be able to miss any of the emails and well, everything is going to be much more organized.

So, now, if you check the blog, you'll only see the new email: info.katiescorner (at) gmail (dot) com 
Another thing that you should know as I have mentioned, my break of the break will be only during the summer period, and once September hits I will stop blogging for a short while until I graduate and will have time to return to my blog. But don't despair, those who love my blog (do such people even exist? *laughs), when summer 2017 hits, Katie's Corner and KC Book Promotions will return with more features maybe even some new stuff! 

And for those who would like to know about the new schedule of the blog, and that schedule will even hold for when I come back in Summer 2017. 

Monday - Manga Review
Wednesday - WOW (not every week... sorry)
Friday - Book Review
Saturday - Mini Manga Review (not every week... like usual)
Sunday - Book Haul & Blog Weekly (not every week... sorry)

Have fun reading books, mangas and of course my blog!

XOXO

Katie 

Friday, 17 June 2016

Book Review: Seeress by Ednah Walters (Runes #3)



Summary (from Goodreads)

Title: Seeress 

Author: Ednah Walters

Publication Date: April 2014

Publisher: Firetrail Publishing







Summary:


I love Torin St. James...
I need his strength…
But someone from his past wants me dead.


Raine Cooper is certain of two things: her love for Torin St. James and her destiny to be a powerful seeress. But when she starts having premonitions, they are unclear and disturbing. Worse, they involve Torin. With her mother gone, her father dying, and her best friend in Hel, she is not sure who to talk to.

But when the visions become more personal and she foresees her future with Torin threatened by someone from his past, Raine becomes desperate for answers. Just her luck two new students arrive at her school and they seem to have answers. When with them, her powers are enhanced and her visions become clear. There is only one problem: Torin forbids Raine to see the two girls.

Can their love survive without trust?


My Thoughts:


Have you been missing Runes series? I sure was. In essence this review should have been completed back in 2014 or at least early 2015. But that was the time stuff happened. Then came my read-your-started-books campaign, which again ignored this book, reason being I wanted to get all books so I didn’t have to hang on a cliff-hanger until the next one came out. However, right now (when I’m writing this review) I still need to get some of the books, but I just had the urge to read about Raine and Torin.

Because at least a solid year has passed between me reading the last book and ignoring this one, my memory was a bit hazy. And because I was too lazy to re-read 41% of the book I just went with whatever I could remember. Apparently after two or so chapters my memory cleared out.  Not completely but I remembered some major stuff! Oh, and if by any chance I will spoil some major events here I apologize beforehand. *sorry. So, if you are new to the series, well welcome to the north mythology world. It’s different but altogether fantastic and Ednah’s writing is as captivating as ever. But before checking out this book you could also check how everything started. I believe you can find the review for Runes, Immortals, Grimnirs on the blog.

This time we get to learn quite a lot about Torin’s past and you’ll surely be shocked by some of it. Raine will unleash her real powers and once again there’s going to be confrontation between her and the Norns. But the hags are getting trickier and trickier; and I really have an ominous feelings about their real motives. We’ll be finding out another grave secret about Raine’s family and of course Eirik is going to make an appearance. Will it be good or bad, that’s for you and I nearly returned to the whole I-hate-Eirik attitude. Are you ready to get to know more about Ragnarok? I sure hope you are as there will be some hints scattered around! Enjoy it to its fullest and don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos. Don’t miss your next favourite book or manga! Happy reading!

XOXO

Katie


My Rating:





Monday, 13 June 2016

Manga Review: Daytime Shooting Star by Mika Yamamori


Title: Daytime Shooting Star
Original Title: Hirunaka no Ryuusei
Author: Mika Yamamori
Artist: Mika Yamamori

Year of Release: May 20, 2011 - Nov 5, 2014
Genres: Comedy, Romance, School Life, Shoujo, Slice of Life

Status: Completed
Chapters (Translated in English): 86

Volumes & Chapters: 

12 Volumes in Total 


Summary


A 15-year-old country girl has to move to Tokyo to live with her uncle due to her father’s transfer. She bumps into a mysterious man who ends up taking her to her uncle’s place after she gets lost. Turns out, she will be seeing him a lot more often once she starts school because... he’s her homeroom teacher!?

My Thoughts


Review covers 86 chapters 

Before I start this review, let me ask you all a question. It’s quite simple and if you have been following my blog you’ll know the answer. Do you remember me reviewing Paradise Kiss by Ai Yazawa? I reviewed it as one of the first mangas back in February 2015. But do you remember me mentioning today’s story? Yes, this is one of the stories where the unbreakable shoujo rule of relationship is broken! The heroine stays with the second choice. But let me start from the beginning.

I remember the story left me with deep imprinting only because of the heroine’s final choice, but the again I was following the story for quite a long time hence a lot of stuff was forgotten. I do not know why, but I had this strange urge to reread it again, so here I am writing the review after rereading the story. To say the truth I enjoyed it, but at the same time, I had this feeling that it lacked something. I read it quite fast, though the story is progressing not that fast. It has all the attributes of a good shoujo manga, but I wanted more passion from it. No matter what you say the relationship between Suzume and Shishio-sensei needed more passion. It was bland, and I never has a second thought when Suzume chose Daiki. He’s the character that goes through the biggest character development, and you just adore what he turns into.

Are you up to see the life of a country bumpkin going to Tokyo, find friends and even love? Enjoy a romance of a high schooler and a teacher, though nothing happens it’s still there! Enjoy it to its fullest and don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos. Don’t miss your next favourite book or manga! Happy reading!

XOXO

Katie

Rating



Friday, 10 June 2016

Book Review: Bitter Harvest by Oliver Phipps



Title: Bitter Harvest

Author: Oliver Phipps

Publication Date: 29 February 2016

Publisher: Gray Door

Goodreads | Amazon 

Summary:



The year is 1825, and a small Native American village has lost many of its people and bravest warriors to a pack of Lofa; huge beasts humanoid in shape but covered with fur. The creatures are taller than any normal man, and fiercer than even the wildest animal. 

Rather than leave the land of their ancestors, the tribe chooses to stay and fight the beasts. But they're losing the war, and perhaps more critically, they're almost without hope. 

The small community grasps for anything to help them survive. There is a warrior on the frontier known as Orenda. He's already legendary across the west for his bravery and honor.

Onsi, a young villager, sets out on a journey to find the warrior. 

Orenda will be forced to choose between almost certain death, not just for himself, but also his warrior wife Nazshoni and her brother Kanuna, or a dishonorable refusal that would mean annihilation for the entire village. 

The crucial decision is only the beginning, and Orenda will soon face the greatest test of his life; the challenge that could turn out to be too much even for a warrior of legend.


My Thoughts:


I remember I got my very first book by Oliver Phipps around a year ago. It was “A Tempest Soul” and after reading the first 2 chapters I knew that the author would become one of my favourites. I have read nearly all books by him and am always excited when he publishers new books. When I received the news that Bitter Harvest was out, I forgot anything that I was doing and started it right away.

Oliver Phipps never disappoints, he tries new genres, but his fantastic way of telling the story, keeping the tension on maximum and making us turn the pages very fast to know what is going to happen next is ever present. The story throws us into 1800s native Indian village. We get to know how hey lived and the dangers they faced.
As a mythology and native legends junkie, this story was a fresh view on native legends and trust me I was hooked as soon as I read the words “demon” and “Lofa”. However, do not forget that we are talking about Oliver Phipps here, and we will not be just seeing a supernatural story. You’ll get to see what it means to be a warrior. We are shown on the example of Onsi, that sometimes a person needs to be a warrior, sometimes a leader, and maybe sometimes even a follower.

This story is less than 100 pages, however, it holds much more for such a short story. I hope everyone will read it as it shows a different view on many aspects and the realism of fights is something that will make even a total action junkie impressed. Enjoy it to your fullest and don't forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos. Don't miss you next favourite book or manga! Happy reading!

XOXO

Katie


My Rating:





Monday, 6 June 2016

Manga Review: Dear Friends: Rina & Maki by Yoshi & Ayu Watanabe




Title: Dear Friends: Rina & Maki
Original Title: Dear Friends
Author: Yoshi
Artist: Ayu Watanabe

Year of Release: 2005
Genres: Drama, Mature, Psychological, Shoujo, Slice of Life, Tragedy

Status: Completed
Chapters (Translated in English): 4

Volumes & Chapters: 

1 Volume in total


Summary


There's the affectionless father and the overly affectionate mother, and then there's the beautiful 18 year old high schooler Rina.
"Friends are just meant to be used," is what Rina says when she is caught having sex with one of her friends' boyfriends. Rina has such a low opinion of friends, but when she is hospitalized her classmate from elementary school, Maki, appears before her, wanting to continue their free-of-charge friendship from long ago. In this day and age, just what is the meaning of friendship? A tale of friendship based on a true story, as retold by Yoshi (the same author as Deep Love).


My Thoughts


Review covers 4 chapters 

To say the truth, I do not really remember why I haven’t read this story the first time I was reading Yoshi’s works. As always the story explores the human’s deepest desires and emotions. You should be prepared to face the reality in its harshest and cruelest form available out there. In these four chapters, the author explores death and illness without my second thought. And if you are not ready to have your sanity questioned numerous times just do not take up this work. It might really break you.

The story is 4 chapters long and you’ll think how can someone actually encompass anything in such a short time? You have Yoshi here! An author that shows the ugliness of human nature without any second thought! Is it ugly? Yes, but it is also fascinating, how it makes you wonder if it might have been you in the place of protagonist! So, what’s the story about? Imagine a teenager a very pretty and popular with boys teenager, who lives her life, however, she seems fit: she parties, drinks, smokes, and fools around. But everything changes when one day she faints and is told that she has breast cancer. Yes, that’s how the story starts. What's our heroine going to do? Remember, I described her pretty well. Yes, the denial doesn’t even cover it!

Go through a journey with Rina to find herself and look at the word friendship. Yes, at the very end this story is not about cancer or life and death matter, though it sure is, but it’s about real friendship. How well do you know your friends? Or an even better question: are you sure they are your friends? Explore the tragic life or Rina and Maki, and once you do, ask yourself what would you have done? I hope you’ll find some time to read this fantastic story. Do not take it lightly as it has some issues worth reading carefully! Enjoy it to its fullest and don’t forget to share your thoughts below! Stay tuned for more reviews as well as promos. Don’t miss your favourite book or manga! Happy reading!

XOXO

Katie


Rating