Tag: #BooktagsBlogHop

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#BooktagsBloghop Excerpts

#BooktagsBlogHop No. 2: CassaStar by @AlexJCavanaugh #sci-fi #amreading

Booktagbloghop

The purpose of this blog hop is for readers and writers to share what they are reading, have read, are writing, or have written with others. This is not about promoting free or discounted books, though some of those may be featured. This is about book lovers sharing what they love about books. This blog hop is about the Joy of Reading and the Joy of Writing with tags of your choosing and is hosted by me, Toi Thomas, the third Monday of the month. Learn more here.

This month’s optional theme is: gratitude or acceptance.

Excerpt from Chapter 15

Reaching the last file in the database, he paused. Simply labeled ‘Byron,’ it gave no indication as to the contents within. Curious, he explored the file and discovered four separate areas. The first section contained information from his official and personal record. His complete history and profile were represented, and he frowned at the discovery. Noting his Cosbolt training record, Byron remembered that as his instructor, Bassa had enjoyed full access to his files. He’d apparently saved them for future reference.

Exploring the next file, Byron opened what appeared to be a journal chronicling Bassa’s personal experiences. Confused as to why this was located in his file, Byron scanned the entries. The first one was written not long after his arrival on Guaard. It described a pilot in training whose cocky, indifferent attitude stemmed from loneliness and insecurity rather than malice or rage. Bassa concluded his assessment that all the boy needed was a friend. Byron’s eyes widened in disbelief and he scanned the other entries. Every single one was about him.

Uncomfortable with the thought of invading Bassa’s privacy, Byron moved to the next file. A prerecorded video flashed on the screen and he leaned back in the chair. His chest tightened when Bassa’s image appeared, and he realized the recording had been made from his very position.

“Good day, Byron,” said Bassa’s image, a faint smile on his face.

Byron’s mouth fell open. Bassa had recorded a message for him.

242 words from: CassaStar (CassaStar #1) © 2010 Alex J. Cavanaugh

My Thoughts

I’m actually reading CassaStorm (CassaStar #3) right now and am behind on my review of CassaFire (CassaStar #2), but with this month’s theme being acceptance or gratitude, I had to revisit the first book in this series. There is so much happening in this story by the time this passage comes along and as much as I hate to give away spoilers, I can only hope the true meaning of this passage remains a bit vague.

The passage is a revelation of acceptance for Byron in a way I can’t elaborate on without outright spoiling, but it’s clear that he has discovered something and it’s affecting him in an emotional way. Before and after this passage, the gratitude Byron feels for the off-scene Bassa is difficult to process. These two character experience life and combat together, and to say that they are like brothers is an understatement- they are brothers at the very core of their souls.

I have many friends who care about me and a wonderfully loving and supportive family, but I haven’t had a friendship like what Bassa and Byron have since I was in high school. That kind of friendship is precious and rare.

Find this title at Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Goodreads

What are you currently reading? I’d love to know.
Next blog hop post date will be December 21, 2015.

Be sure to hop around and see what others are reading so you may continue to pile onto you TBR list.


Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

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IWSG

#IWSG November 2015: Fear & Gratitude

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Created and hosted by the Ninja himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh, the Insecure Writers Support Group posts the 1st Wednesday of every month. Click the image to learn more or sign up.

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Hi there all. This will be a short post of mostly pictures, but I will share my current insecurity and my current source of gratitude. Hopefully my words will encourage someone.

As the first leg of my 3-part virtual book tour for It’s Like the Full Moon launches, I find myself in a constant state of jitteriness (not even sure if that’s a word, oh well). I guess what it all boils down to is that after all this planning and time and effort, I fear people will reject my story. I’ve put together some really fun activities to pique people’s interest, but I’m afraid no one will try them because I’m no one special. I’m not a big name. There is a chance that those who’ve agreed to review it may not like it. My concern with that is will they be constructive or cruel in their review?

On the other hand, though, I’m so grateful for everyone who signed up for my tour and are helping me spread the word. I’m grateful for all the FB group members who I know will help spread the word because that’s what they do. As much as I fear the unknown, I know I have so much more to be grateful for; including the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. I’m so looking forward to that special time.

Last month was my birthday and I promised to share some pictures, so here you are.

Vinyl Records Party – dress as your favorite musical genre, era, or artist(s)

Posted by Toinette Thomas on Friday, October 30, 2015

Also, I had a small book signing/meet & greet at a local indie bookshop. I kept forgetting to take pictures, but here are a few.

The first mini tour in my It’s Like the Full Moon, pre-order extravaganza has started and you can see the lineup or follow along over at the Author Promo Co-op blog. Please check it out if you have the time.

I’m trying to start a new bookish blog hop for anyone who might be interested. Last month was our first post and we all had a great time. It’s a great way to sample books and get an opinion on them without scouring their list of reviews. Please check out the BooktagsBlogHop.

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Do you ever worry that all your effort and planning will be rejected by others?
Is there something you are grateful for right now?

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After hanging out with Alex, be sure to stop by and visit this month’s co-hosts:
Tyrean Martinson,
Karen Walker,
Denise Covey, and
Stephen Tremp!

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Click here to visit other IWSG blogs and sites to receive and share more inspiration and support. (This month, I’m #98).

Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords

Categories
#BooktagsBloghop Excerpts

#BooktagsBlogHop No. 1: Raven by Stacey Rourke @Rourkewrites #paranormal #amreading

Booktagbloghop

The purpose of this blog hop is for readers and writers to share what they are reading, have read, are writing, or have written with others. This is not about promoting free or discounted books, though some of those may be featured. This is about book lovers sharing what they love about books. This blog hop is about the Joy of Reading and the Joy of Writing with tags of your choosing and is hosted by me, Toi Thomas, the third Monday of the month. Learn more here.

This month’s optional theme is: dark, night, or spooky.

Excerpt from Chapter 2

     “Edgar!” his mother called. “It’s time for lunch, my darling.”

     The toddler didn’t respond, but scooted one foot forward. In hopes of rousing the sleeping bird, he poked it gently with the toe of his shoe.

     “Edgar? Where have you hidden, my silly boy? I have berries and cream inside for you.” Mother’s tone was sweeter than the afore mentioned berries, her words slathered in love and adoration.

     Edgar turned towards her voice, even started to straighten and go to her, before temptation’s curling, coiling finger encircled his chin and lured his attention back to those bright blue feathers. With each blink, his impossibly long lashes brushed the tops of his cheeks. The birds high overhead sang such a lovely tune. More than anything he wanted this fallen vocalist to rejoin their choir.

     Extending one finger, stained with dandelion butter and grass, Edgar tenderly stroked the velvety breast of the still creature. To his surprise, the bird gave an involuntary jerk beneath his touch. Through the pad of his finger, Edgar could feel a soft thump begin to beat a steady rhythm within his winged friend. Warmth chased away the cold’s harsh hold. A succession of crackles and pops righted the bird’s twisted neck. Black eyes blinked, focused. Feathers ruffled, the once limp form giving a quick hop, and the bird was on its feet. Its head cocked with an avian twitch, considering the boy crouched over it.

     “Edgar, what have you done?”

     With a hot rush of blood rushing to his cheeks, Edgar whipped around. Mother had never spoken a cross word at him, never looked at him with anything except absolute adoration. Yet, in that moment, she stared at him like a lowly stranger.

286 words from: Raven (Legends Saga Book 2) © 2014 Stacey Rourke

My Thoughts

If you can’t tell what’s happening in this scene, there’s no way I can better describe it for you. I love the way Rourke sets this scene up, so cavalier and natural. This is just another day in this little boy’s life- that is until it isn’t. Even this little tike knows something has shifted, never to be the same again. “Mother had never spoken a cross word at him,” before that day.

This is the second book in the Legends Saga and as soon as I finish it, I’ll be posting my review, along with the long overdue review of Crane, and then start the third book Steam. Even though this scene is perfectly spooky and intricately enticing, I love the fact that the Legends Saga is filled with humor. Just when you’re set on closing the book and seeking out every light source you can find, a hint of comic relief lightens the mood, which is a staple in the works of this author.

Rourke’s YA Fantasy, Gryphon Series, was much the same offering action packed magic battles with a hint of comic relief. I’m really enjoying the more adult nature, of this New Adult, Legends Saga, and think others will like it to. It’s New Adult that doesn’t cross the line into Adult Only- very sophisticated and clever.

Find this title at Amazon | Barnes&Noble | Goodreads

What are you currently reading? I’d love to know.
Next blog hop post date will be November 16, 2015.

Be sure to hop around and see what others are reading so you may continue to pile onto you TBR list. 😉


Thank you for taking the time to read this post. If you like it let me know and share it with others. See you next time, Toi Thomas. #thetoiboxofwords