chasing destino

The Unadjusteds: #bookreview

How many times a day do you wish that you had a supernatural power like telekinesis or flying with your own wings? Some of us might be satisfied to have the ability to help our kids with their math homework. Doing math is like a super power all by itself.

Silver Melody is like a typical teenager is many ways, except that she is under constant supervision by armed guards. Plus, her nemesis isn’t just the clique of mean girls – it is President Bear, the leader of the country. President Bear is a mean evil bear who wants to control everyone, including Silver and her brilliant scientist parents. Imagine if Winnie the Pooh wanted to become a dictator and took pills to enhance his tyrannical ways. Is he really an actual bear though? I don’t even know anymore. I just cannot picture him any other way.

He is holding Silver’s parents hostage. The parents created the pills called nanites, which change a person’s genetic makeup. They originally created it to help people but like with many things, the nanites are abused and used for evil more than good.

With some help from her friend, Silver escapes the armed guards. While in the forest, she meets Joe and they find the cave where people escaping from the current regime are hiding. Besides being concerned about President Bear and saving her parents along with the rest of the world, Silver might have a crush on two people.

I think her love life might be a necessary distraction. Can you save the world if that’s all you think about – fighting the powers that be, organizing a coup, developing a new government. A person needs some balance in their life. Personally, I hope that she picks Joe. I’m only a few chapters from finding out. So don’t tell me.

If you are a fan of dystopian fiction with a love story on the side, then you will probably love The Unadusteds.

If you are too busy with conspiracy theories to read about love, then revisit The Unadjusteds later.

I read this book as part of The Write Reads book tour. I own my own copy. All opinions are also my own. Obviously.
Amazon affiliate links included in this post.

About the author:

Author Bio (from http://marisanoelle.com/ )

MARISA NOELLE is a writer of young adult and middle grade novels. She leans towards grounded science-fiction, urban fantasy and paranormal but mental health issues are important to her writing too. Published books include: The Shadow Keepers, The Unadjusteds, and The Mermaid Chronicles – Secrets of the Deep. You can find out more about them in the books section.

Growing up, Marisa had plenty of ideas for career and still regrets not moving to Hawaii to train dolphins and pretend the real world didn’t exist. Struggling with anxiety and anorexia lead her to the field of psychology. Heavily influenced by underdog movies such as The Karate Kid she realised her mission in life was to help other people, through any medium. Embarking on a psychology degree, she wanted to emulate her hero, Jodie Foster, from Silence of the Lambs and actually tried to secure work experience at Broadmoor. Thankfully she left the idea of criminal profiling behind, but uses many of these aspects in her novels.

The Diamond Rose: #bookreview

Boston resident Amanda Griffith had just graduated from medical school and beginning her residency. While on vacation, she and her friend, Lydia, were struck by a solar flare. The solar flare gave them both supernatural powers. Both women are flown to Prague from their beach vacation in Panama. Within 48 hours, Amanda and Lydia are inducted into a super secret supernatural society called The Committee as Sentinels.

Amanda puts her residency on hold while she is a Sentinel. She falls in love with this guy who everyone knows is bad news, like “Ted Bundy is my boyfriend” kind of news. The falling in love with a psycho and the use of pet names were the only things that I had a problem with in the book. Some people like pet names and psychopaths, I guess.

I know – smart women fall in love with psychopaths all of the time. Amanda knew he was a stalker and a killer before they were together. I would have rather seen her work on anything else, except getting sidetracked by love. I guess I enjoyed the paranormal aspects of this book more than the romance. Maybe I’m just at the point in life that I understand why TV characters have separate beds or bedrooms. Apparently, someone needs more paranormal romance and less snoring.

However, I am hoping that in the sequels that Amanda becomes empowered as a Sentinel and also as a human. It seemed like she might be headed in the direction of really learning about herself.

If you are a fan of paranormal romance and get swept away with sentimental feelings, then you might enjoy The Diamond Rose.

If you are a cynic who is against love or a realist against being obsessed with love, then maybe just wait for a paranormal novel with less romance.

Links:

B&N: http://bit.ly/3q5hZW6

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oJboAn

Author Information:

Author Name: Daniela Valenti

Author Bio:

Daniela Valenti is a Canadian psychiatrist with a penchant for the paranormal and a fascination with human nature’s dark side. Her knowledge of human behavior is translated into complex, multidimensional characters. Her narrative worlds are full of exciting supernatural events, international travel, and sexy alpha men. A graduate of McGill University, she is a book lover and chatty introvert who lives in Montreal.

Author Links:

www.sentinel10.ca

https://www.instagram.com/bookseries_sentinels/

https://www.facebook.com/the.sentinel.10

I received this ebook from InkSlinger PR. All opinions are my own. Obviously.
Amazon affiliate links included in this post.

Quarantine Interview, Part 1: Leaving Eden

Do you ever get that feeling that people can read your mind? It’s like – do they know about reviews that are in the unpublished section? Does someone already know that I am a fan of Leaving Eden? Well, regardless of who is a sorcerer/mind-reader or not – please welcome Eric Gynan of Leaving Eden to the blog.

Where have you been staying in 2020?

Hi, I’m Eric Gynan, Cofounder of the Rock band Leaving Eden from New England USA. We have Just been staying at home. I’d like To take this opportunity to introduce the band if I could. Leaving Eden Lineup: Eve, Lead Vocals; Alyssa Bailey White, Keys and Vocals; Jake Gynan, Drums; Eric Gynan, Guitars and Vocals; Rich Chouinard, Bass and Vocals.

What have you been doing during times of quarantine?

We’ve actually been doing quite a bit. We finished off one album and released it in May 2020 and finished our next album as well. Our next release titled Fable, Dark Star Records/Sony/Universal Release date: Jan 15, 2021

We also Released our album Dream with me in May, 2020. We have songs in a lot of movies. Tracks from this album and other Leaving Eden albums will be featured in Massimiliano Cerchi’s movies: Painkiller, Mayday, Lockdown and Penthouse and Bloodthirst starring Michael Pare (The Philadelphia Experiment, Eddie and the Cruisers). Newest movie and song Black Wolf Featured on Leaving Eden Fable Album.

We are excited about this new album also, because the entire album and lots of tunes from our previous albums will also be featured in a new fake reality comedy movie titled “The Nitwit.”

Watch the teaser trailer For THE NITWIT MOVIE

Website:

https://thenitwitmovie.com

Have you found or re-found any hobbies?

I was going to say something funny but I’ll probably just save that for myself. Seems people these days have a hard time appreciating a simple joke. I’ve done a lot of work around the Homestead Fixing this, changing that.

What have you been listening to lately?

Christmas music gets played a lot. Not Specifically by me, but it ends up on the speakers. Some Times will put in classic hits sometimes we will put in new rock. It depends on the vibe at the moment.

Has your songwriting process changed this year?

I can’t say that the process has changed but I can say that definitely the Times has a more powerful influence

Is there any message that you would like to convey to fans or soon-to-be fans?

Maybe when Bands can start touring again y’all can check us out if we come near your city.

Leaving Eden has toured the USA, UK & Canada sharing the stage with hundreds of the biggest national bands in the world including; 10 Years, 10 Years After (Woodstock Reunion), Adelitas Way, Alice Cooper, Alice In Chains, Anthrax, Apocalyptic Review (featuring members of Godsmack), Avenged Sevenfold, Big Brother and The Holding Company (Woodstock Reunion), Black Sabbath (Heaven & Hell), Blackstone Cherry, Bret Michaels, Buckcherry, Chevelle, Collective Soul, Country Joe (Woodstock Reunion), Damage Plan, (Featuring Dimebag & Vinnie Paul) Days Of The New, Disturbed, Dope, Dropkick Murphy’s, Drowning Pool, Five Finger Death Punch, Fuel, Gemini Syndrome, Gin Blossoms, Godsmack, Halestorm, HELLYEAH, Herman Rarebell (The Scorpions), Hinder, Hookers & Blow (featuring members of Guns ‘N’ Roses, Quiet Riot, W.A.S.P.), In This Moment, Jefferson Starship (Woodstock Reunion), Killswitch Engage, Kittie, Korn, Lacuna Coil, LA Guns, Lamb Of God, Lita Ford, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Marilyn Manson, Michael Schenker (UFO, MSG & The Scorpions) Motorhead, Mudvayne, Mushroomhead, Napalm Death, Nicko McBrain (Iron Maiden), Nonpoint, One Eyed Doll, Papa Roach, Pop Evil, Powerman 5000, Puddle Of Mudd, Queensryche, Ratt, Rob Zombie, Ronnie James Dio, Saliva, Saving Abel, Scott Stapp (the voice of Creed), Sebastian Bach, Seether, Sevendust, Shinedown, Slayer, Soil, Soulfly, Steven Tyler, Stone Sour, Taproot, Ted Nugent, Testament, The Butcher Babies, The Misfits, Theory Of A Deadman, Trapt, Tremonti (Creed/Alterbridge), Trixter, Uncle Kracker, Warrant, ZZ Top, Nickelback, Skillet & many more so maybe in the future we can hang out.

What is something positive that happened to you during 2020?

That’s a good question. It’s always nice to think of the good instead of the bad. It’s just that my heart really goes out to a lot of people who work in the Entertainment industry and other industries that have been flattened. A lot of people have had to put their lives on hold for a long time. I think that having our own studio has been quite positive in terms of being able to record and make music videos. Being able to release albums worldwide is always good. I think that hearing from a lot of friends through this time is always a good thing as well. And of course always thankful for our health.

Connect with Leaving Eden:

Instagram

Facebook

Twitter

Artist’s Studio: Mel Stringer

A few weeks ago, I found an artist that I wanted to tell you about and give you the links. Do you think that I wrote her name down or saved the links somewhere? Of course I did not because that would be incredibly easy.

So I was bummed that my memory failed. But then something amazing happened! Mel Stringer appeared on my Facebook feed. It was a happy moment! This time I saved her name everywhere, short of getting a Mel Stringer tattoo. The tattoo is not a terrible idea . . .

I’m so excited that I can share the art of Mel Stringer with you guys. Please visit the links and buy some art if you feel moved to do so. I’ve got my eye on the sticker of the roller skating lady.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Mel Stringer (@melstringer)

Connect with Mel Stringer:

Meet and Greet: Chantmagick

Who: Chantmagick, currently based in California

What: Indie Folk Vibes.

Why: Her YouTube channel also has some videos with spoken word and a video series called “Earth: Connect.” In one of the videos, Chantmagick shows viewers how to make a bow for a stringed instrument by using a palm frond. You might need Chantmagick in your life. Now you know where to find her.

Where: Facebook

The Cousins: #bookreview

The Cousins by Karen McManus is set on Gull Cove Island. Imagine the setting as being similar to the show Revenge but not quite as upscale as the Hamptons. There is a real Gull Island but no one lives there.

Three cousins – Aubrey, Milly and Jonah- from the Story family are invited to work at their grandmother’s summer resort on Gull Cove Island. Mildred Story disinherited her three children years ago without an explanation. She never saw them again. Then one day, the grandmother invites the grandchildren to Gull Cove Island.

Revenge may actually be on someone’s mind. I stayed up all night to find out who was behind all of the secrets. What else should I do when this mystery is keeping me awake?

There is a background story involving Kayla and Matt. Kayla and Matt were two young people from town. Kayla dated Anders Story, who is Jonah’s dad. Matt dated Allison Story, who is Milly’s mom. (There is a family tree at the beginning of the book, which is very helpful.) It didn’t end well for either Kayla or Matt. Both people met an untimely demise. Both deaths were ruled accidental but was that true?

The grandmother’s lawyer, Donald Camden, is a sneaky scumbag. I cannot shake that feeling. Call it intuition or whatever but he’s a creep. Was he involved with any of the reasons for the disinheritance or any other secrets? Apparently, he knows something. He wrote a letter to each of Mildred’s children stating that “You know what you did.”

The cousins are trying to put all of the pieces of their family puzzle together. They even have a few secrets of their own.

If you enjoys secrets and mysteries on top of more secrets, then you will love this book. Also, the scenery is probably like taking a little vacation. A mystery plus a beautiful setting. I call that a win.

If you are a scam artist or an impostor, then this book might hit too close to home for you. It is still worth reading.

I was supposed to get a copy of the ebook from The Write Reads. Things get confusing sometimes and I received a different book. Everything is cool. The Write Reads is still awesome! I got a copy from the library using the Libby App. It’s almost old-fashioned – getting a book from the library. Better return it or else I might get fined like I used to because I dislike returning books. I want to keep them forever and ever. (Honestly, I think Libby returns the book for you. So no worries . . . )

Week 1, January 2021: #fmsphotoaday

Well, I did 6 out of 10 of the prompts. It’s a start. 🙂

https://www.instagram.com/holleylolleyland/

Sleep Deprived Music Review: The Paranoias

In October 2020, The Paranoias and Profesor Galactico released a joint album, Nightmare/Hope to See You Next Year.

The music is like if Jack Skellington joined a Latin ska fusion band. The music has some spooky carnival vibes combined with Latin ska and a hint of lots of other genres. I’ve been listening to the album for a few months but have delayed writing the review until now.

There wasn’t a reason but I’m glad that I waited. I needed to listen to some music for getting motivated. My favorite song on the album is probably “Move It or Lose It.” I’m not quite ready to conquer the world. Heck, I don’t even want to go out into the world. So if people are going to leave the house, The Paranoias and Profesor Galactico should be on their playlist. (Note to self: Make a conquer the world playlist. Put the Paranoias/Professor Galactico on the list.)

It could be fun to listen to this album on the way to conquer the world, like in a making a new friend or getting a promotion kind of way.

Who is in the band?

Links:

Facebook – www.facebook.com/TheParanoias

Instagram – www.instagram.com/theparanoias

Website – www.theparanoias.com

Amazon. affiliate link

Flawless Friday Video: Storm Seeker

How do you guys feel about pirates? Personally, I don’t know if I will ever tire of pirate movies, pirate documentaries, pirate music. My favorite character in Spongebob is The Flying Dutchman.

Luckily, there is a band that shares my obsessive love of all things pirate. Storm Seeker of Germany could be just a regular symphonic metal band but they took the pirate route. They don’t look one bit sad about their life choices. Hmmm . . . . shouldn’t we all be a little bit pirate-like? Let’s steal less and live a life of no regrets on the high seas.

Sail the seas with Storm Seeker:

Amazon affiliate link included in this post.

Quarantine Interview, Part 1: Gentlemen Rogues

Who else could pull us out of our humdrum existence but Gentlemen Rogues? They have the right amount of rock, fun and mischievousness. What has the band been doing to stay out of trouble during all of the quarantining? Danny Dunlap of Gentlemen Rogues is here on the blog today to spill all of the tea.

Where have you been staying in 2020?

We (Gentlemen Rogues) all live in Austin, TX. Like most people, we’ve been staying home as much as possible. Most of us have shifted to working from home, so that’s made things easier and safer during these weirdo times we’re all trudging through.

What have you been doing during times of quarantine?

As thankful (and lucky) as I am to be able to work from home, I kinda feel like i’ve been working more than I usually do? During quarantine/a global pandemic that feels like a good problem to have, and I feel a bit guilty even remotely complaining about it. Other than that, just trying to stay optimistic about…life. As a band, we’ve been writing lots of new songs, and are hoping to record a brand new album in 2021. We have more song ideas brewing than we have time to work on them, which is another good problem to have. That beats having writer’s block any day of the week! I’m really loving the new tunes we are coming up with, and am super excited for people to hear them.

Have you found or re-found any hobbies?

I can’t think of any new hobbies that I’ve picked up? I’ve been listening to podcasts more than I normally do. Is that a hobby? I’m an avid trail runner, and tend to go running 3 or 4 days a week at a park near my house. Other than that, doing my usual obsessive hunting for records and left handed guitars.

What have you been listening to lately?

I think because i’ve been reflecting on happier times, I’ve found myself revisiting lots of music from when I was younger. I’ve been listening to lots of Adam and the Ants, as well as digging out records from some of the early 90’s era Lookout! Records roster like Operation Ivy, Mr. T Experience, Fifteen, and Tilt. That stuff has been fun to revisit. As far as new stuff goes, I’ve been loving the self-titled debut from, Spice. That’s one of Ross Farrar’s (singer from Ceremony) side bands. That might be my favorite record of 2020. The brand new one from The Cribs, Night Network, is also really great. I know lots of the guys in the band are really into the newest IDLES record.

Has your songwriting process changed this year?

At the risk of sounding up my own arse, I think I can write a pretty good song but I’m far from being prolific. This is a bad problem to have. Our songwriting process hasn’t necessarily changed, but we have been writing more (and a bit faster) than we normally do. We have half of a brand new record written, and enough new song ideas to flush out, to easily round out the other half of the album…and then some. Our songwriting process normally goes something like this. A song idea starts forming in my head at a very inopportune time, gets documented in my phone’s Voice Memos, and finally gets translated from voice memo to guitar. I’ll bang around on the guitar and work up the idea enough to where it resembles a decent song, and then i’ll show it to the band. We’ll all bang it around together in a loud room, and whip the song into a decent shape. That process results in a full band rough draft, and then we’ll spend a few weeks adding the bells and whistles.

Is there any message that you would like to convey to fans or soon-to-be fans?

Hmm? I don’t know. I’ve been describing Gentlemen Rogues as, Manchester by way of Minneapolis, so a message to potential, soon-to-be fans might be…if you like bands like The Smiths, the Replacements, or Husker Du/Sugar…maybe check us out? As far as current Gentlemen Rogues fans go…you already know what’s up! Ha! Thanks for liking us! But, for serious…thank you.

What is something positive that has happened to you during 2020?

We’ve all been staying safe and healthy, so far. So that’s positive. We recorded a new single back in February, about 3 weeks before the world shut down. Thinking all of this COVID stuff would blow over in a few weeks, we ended up sitting on the single for what eventually turned into several months. I started sending it out to record labels in hopes that someone would want to release it. To our shock, we had 3 labels interested in releasing it within 48 hours! So with that said, our new single “Do the Resurrection!” will be released by Snappy Little Numbers on Friday, December 4th. We’re really proud of the single and are really pumped for people to hear it. Thanks for reaching out!

Connect with Gentlemen Rogues:

Social media links:

www.facebook.com/gentlemenrogues

Tweets by GentlemenRogues

www.instagram.com/gentlemenrogues

www.gentlemenrogues.bandcamp.com

Official websites: