Spooktacular Annual Giveaway Hop 2013 – And the winners are…

   Spooktacular Winners  

Now that the blog hop of the year is over, it’s time to announce the winners of the Amazon Gift Card and the 3 paperback copies of Mungai and the Goa Constrictor

Thanks to all who visited and a special thank you to those of you who left a comment.  It was greatly appreciated.

In the spirit of true fair-mindedness, the names of those who entered were all put on pieces of paper and placed in a  hat.

 And the winners are…ta dah

The first name out of the hat won the Amazon Gift Card – Congratulations to:

Erika Messer

The next 3 names were the winners of the paperback copies of  Mungai and the Goa Constrictor – Congratulations to:

Jessica Snow – Amy Bowers – Lindsey V.

Please all email me at amelia(dot)curzon(at)gmail(dot)com with details of your mailing addresses. Many thanks ~ Amelia 🙂

Spooktacular Annual Giveaway Hop 2013

This is the Spooktacular Annual Blog Hop, hosted by   ‘I Am A Reader, Not A Writer’,  with almost 400 Bloggers participating.  Click on the link or the image above to find all the other Blogs and the masses of  other giveaways.

So… welcome Spooktacular hoppers et al.  Thank you all for dropping by.  I thought I would keep it simple, and  I know you all have a lot more Blogs to whizz over to. So here goes…

I AM GIVING AWAY one  $10 Amazon Gift Card and three Paperback copies of  Mungai and the Goa Constrictor .  The winners will be announced by November 3rd.  All you have to do is ‘LIKE’ my Facebook page or ‘Follow’ my blog.  Whichever you prefer; or both if you wish. I much prefer being followed by people who have a genuine interest in my blog, so there is no pressure to follow if it is not for you. (Oh! and please let me know in the comments below)

‘Beware of predators in the guise of friends’

Mungai, a jungle creature of indeterminate origin, happily ambles through life dreaming up scandalous get-rich-quick schemes. On his travels he meets Goa, an equally ruthless and selfish Boa Constrictor. Having explained to her  “the usefulness of the lesser species”,  and his latest highly profitable master plan, Mungai tempts Goa into joining him in his search for as many unsuspecting creatures as they can muster.  Successful in this quest, they set about stripping the rainforest of its valuable assets.

Told through the eyes of animals, the reader is taken on a compelling journey through the jungle; together with a wealth of colourful and enjoyable characters, conspiracies and the unlikely friendships forged between the various species of the animal kingdom.

A timeless tale for children and adults alike

An excerpt from Mungai and the Goa Constrictor

They journeyed on, getting deeper and deeper into the jungle, and then changed tack and veered towards the edge, but not in the direction of the two-legs. They were, in fact, quite far away from them when they eventually managed to track down the mysterious monkey.

They caught a fleeting glimpse of him, just as he caught a glimpse of Hogbog, and watched in awe as he disappeared with unparalleled speed into the branches above.

“Wow!” said Bodger. “Did you see that?” he asked anyone who was listening. “No wonder he’s never been captured.”

“Hogbog,” called Caw-Caw. “You’re on again.”

Hogbog scurried round in circles near the spot where they had last seen him, and within minutes was on the trail again.  He forged ahead, sniffing and snuffling after his quarry, refusing to be beaten (after all, he did have a reputation to uphold) until finally, there above him, high in the canopy, sat the Oracle.

Good luck with the Giveaway 

Off to Oz – Giveaway Hop

Welcome to all blog hoppers and other visitors
This week I am thrilled to be part of another fabulous event hosted by I Am a Reader Not a Writer and Angela’s Anxious Life

To celebrate this happening,  I am giving away three paperback copies of Mungai and the Goa Constrictor.
To enter;  all you need to do is follow this blog (right sidebar) or LIKE Mungai’s page on Facebook (left sidebar) – as simple as that  🙂

There are over 80 wonderful blogs participating and masses of prizes to be won.
Click here to view the list and follow the fun 

About Mungai and the Goa Constrictor

Mungai,  a jungle creature of indeterminate origin,  happily ambles through life dreaming up scandalous get-rich-quick schemes.   On his travels he meets Goa,  an equally ruthless and selfish Boa Constrictor.   Having explained to her “the usefulness of the lesser species”,  and his latest highly profitable master plan,  Mungai tempts Goa into joining him in his search for as many unsuspecting creatures as they can muster.

Very soon they meet and befriend some innocent animals of the woodland,  including Bodger,  an amiable and easily led badger.   With much flattery and tale spinning,  Mungai cajoles Bodger and his friends into joining forces with him and Goa in his latest ill-founded chicanery.

The gullible little creatures take it all in.   But,  will they come to their senses before their beloved environment is destroyed entirely?

“Great, great, great book!  Excellent lesson,  and almost a vicious-circle type ending,  which I find to be uncommon in most books”  (The Halulkos)

“This was a clever,  enjoyable,  different,  well-crafted story and one I’d love to see as an animated movie. Both the book (and the movie!) would appeal to older children and adults alike” (Beeshon)

“This ought to be a staple in family homes,  schools and libraries across the globe”  (Paul)

“Filled with endearing characters and plenty of action and adventure,  Mungai and the Goa Constrictor would make a perfect addition to any home library” (Bette Stevens)

Click on the menu in the left sidebar to read more review snippets, full reviews and chapter snippets.

Book Blast: John William and the Bandits of Basswood

John William and the Bandits of Basswood

We already know Alexander Drake’s story. His father, John William started it all years before when he entered Azra’s Pith. This is his story. John William was born an explorer; just like his dad before him. His adventure really began with the worst year of his life. He lived everyday in misery until his twelfth birthday. He set out to turn things around and find his smile again. A new friend gave him an invitation he could not turn down… follow me and change your destiny. He never imagined being captured by bandits and taken to a ship riddled with river rats was part of his fate. Not just any bandits – the Bandits of Basswood; known to be a ruthless and wild crew of thieves. Trying to escape would be a ridiculous idea. No one has ever escaped and lived to tell about it. Someone should have mentioned that to John William before he snuck off the ship. The chase out of Basswood was on. He took a chance to change his destiny and ended up on a wild ride to save his life.

Amazon

Author Elizabeth Parkinson-Bellows

Being the frizzy-haired tomboy with buck teeth gave me a slight case of shyness as a kid. A colorful imagination meant escape and adventure at the drop of a hat.

Over the years I learned that the insecurities I carried around were a waste of time. I still prefer a football game to a manicure any day of the week. That indispensable imagination has found its way into my writing providing a sense of joy and a true purpose.

Website * Twitter * Facebook

Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 7/10/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Spotlight: Matt Archer | Legend

Matt Archer | Legend
When Matt Archer was fourteen, he was chosen—by a magic, spirit-inhabited knife—to hunt monsters with a special paranormal division of the Army. When he was fifteen, he was thrown into a global war the rest of the world didn’t know existed.

Now Matt’s sixteen and the war has cost him more than he ever thought it would. He’s also learned that the knife-spirits have an agenda he doesn’t totally agree with. The only problem? The spirits have the upper hand, and they plan to control the fight—and Matt.

Then things get worse: the next lunar eclipse cycle is starting, a prominent physicist has gone missing, and Matt’s best friend is thinking about quitting the team. If he loses Will—after everyone else he’s lost—Matt’s not sure how he’ll fight alone.

As the source of his nightmares starts to creep out of the shadows, Matt knows he’ll need all the help he can get…because being alone could prove deadly.

Buy Links for Matt Archer: Legend

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Smashwords

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Matt Archer: Blade’s Edge
When Matt Archer was fourteen, he discovered monsters are real. As if that wasn’t enough to go on for a few decades, Matt also found out that he’d been chosen to hunt those monsters–with a sentient, supernatural knife. Now fifteen, Matt has spent the last year working with a clandestine military unit, trying to rid the world of monsters, demons and other vicious creatures, all while keeping it a secret from nearly everyone he knows back home in Billings.

Including his mom.

Add in a new girlfriend, family secrets, sibling drama and enough homework to sink an aircraft carrier, and Matt’s life has become more complicated than he ever imagined. Worse, the knife has developed some very definite opinions about Matt’s personal life and it interferes in his business whenever it wants. More and more, Matt’s coming to realize that sharing brain-space with a spirit kind of sucks.

When stories of decimated towns and hordes of zombies start pouring into the Pentagon from Afghanistan, Matt knows he’ll be called up soon. Between the new mission and the knife’s increasing control over his mind, Matt wonders if he’ll survive long enough to take his driver’s exam.

Buy Links for Matt Archer: Blade’s Edge

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Smashwords * iTunes

Matt Archer: Monster Hunter

Fourteen-year-old Matt Archer spends his days studying Algebra, hanging out with his best friend and crushing on the Goddess of Greenhill High, Ella Mitchell. To be honest, he thinks his life is pretty lame until he discovers something terrifying on a weekend camping trip at the local state park.

Monsters are real. And living in his backyard.

But that’s not the half of it. After Matt is forced to kill a strange creature to save his uncle, he finds out that the weird knife he took from his uncle’s bag has a secret, one that will change Matt’s life. The knife was designed with one purpose: to hunt monsters. And it’s chosen Matt as its wielder.

Now Matt’s part of a world he didn’t know existed, working with a covert military unit dedicated to eliminating walking nightmares. Faced with a prophecy about a looming dark war, Matt soon realizes his upcoming Algebra test is the least of his worries.

His new double life leaves Matt wondering which is tougher: hunting monsters or asking Ella Mitchell for a date?

Buy Links for Matt Archer: Monster Hunter

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * Smashwords * iTunes

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Author Kendra C. Highley

Kendra C. Highley lives in north Texas with her husband and two children. She also serves as staff to two self-important and high-powered cats. This, according to the cats, is her most important job. She believes chocolate is a basic human right, running a 10k is harder than it sounds, and that everyone should learn to drive a stick-shift. She loves monsters, vacations, baking and listening to bad electronica.

Twitter * Facebook

Pinterest * Goodreads * Website

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Book Blast Giveaway

$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 7/9/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Helga Book Blast

Wow!  Want to win an Amazon Gift Card worth $100 or PayPal cash!
Read on! – Courtesy of I am A Reader, Not A Writer

Helga: Out of the Hedgelands

Twelve-year-old Helga has more danger in her life than most beasts her age—Wrackshee slavers after her, a vicious attack by bandits that nearly kills her, a race against dragons pursuing her, and leading a daring rebellion to save her life and rescue friends and family from the insidious WooZan. And that is just the beginning. But what do you expect when you are a young beast who just can’t see the stupid rules of the world making any sense? Helga can’t accept things as they are and ends up taking on not just one, but two all-powerful, supreme tyrants in two different realms.

Helga never intended to lead a revolution. It just sort of happened because she wouldn’t go along with the “rules of normal” that keep tyrants in power and entire societies enslaved. Beginning on a dangerous quest to solve some mysteries in her own past, Helga leads her quirky comrades on a journey that will not only forever change them, but upset ancient civilizations.

As an author, I’m drawn to eccentric, unexpected characters: those who surprise because they hear a distant galaxy, see a different music, create their own fragrance rather than get hooked on a soundtrack; the child who has her own ideas about how the emperor is dressed; the lunatics and rebels who tell stories on the boundaries. Helga’s unusual story will take readers to worlds they never imagined—definitely a whole new ride.

Time and again, the unconventional heroine and her eccentric comrades overcome ominous tyrants and black-hearted slavers, not by battling to the last beast standing, but by being the first beast to think differently.

Helga: Out of Hedgelands is divided into three books which introduce the epic saga of the Wood Cow clan and their role in overturning centuries of slavery and tyranny. This story will continue in additional volumes of the Wood Cow Chronicles now in development. Over the series of current and future volumes, the entire history of the Wood Cow clan, the fall of Maev Astuté, and the coming of Lord Farseeker to the Outer Rings, will be told.

Amazon

Author Rick Johnson

I am a native of the Great Plains, having grown up on a farm in the Platte River Valley of western Nebraska. I love the wild beauty of the Plains and nearby Rocky Mountains–the too hot, too cold, too empty, too full of life extremes. Typically, the awesomely diverse and the awesomely stark are much the same, even as they are different. Although I have lived in Michigan, North Carolina, and British Columbia, the western plains, mountains, and desert are in my heart.

As my day job, for over thirty years I have been a faculty member and administrator in higher education. Teaching broadly in the liberal arts, including creative writing, my professional publications include educational materials, poems, and 28 stories for young readers. During my spare hours, I have also collected and carefully studied the records of former times upon which the Wood Cow Chronicles are based. It is my privilege to bring this astonishing saga to light.​

The Wood Cow Chronicles have been researched and written with the irreplaceable assistance of Barbara, my beloved wife of more than thirty-five years, and our children. Indeed, the essential research into the history of the Wood Cows has been conducted during the odd hours of family reading and storytelling “around the campfire” as we say–even when there is no campfire! This research continues and grows richer as our family expands across generations and continents.

Website * Twitter * Facebook * Pinterest

Book Blast Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card or PayPal Cash

Ends 5/1/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or PayPal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.