Book Reveal: Of Sea and Stone by Kate Avery Ellison

Of Sea and Stone by Kate Avery Ellison
Publication date: February 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Goodreads

Synopsis:

All her life, clever Aemi has been a slave in the Village of the Rocks, a place where the sea and sky meet. She’s heard the stories about the fabled People of the Sea, a people who possess unimaginable technology who live below the waves in the dark, secret places of the ocean. But she never dreamed those stories were true.
When a ship emerges from the ocean and men burn her village, Aemi is captured, and enslaved below the waves in Itlantis, a world filled with ancient cities of glass and metal, floating gardens, and wondrous devices that seem to work magic. To make matters worse, her village nemesis, the stuck-up mayor’s son Nol, was captured with her, and they are made servants in the same household beneath the sea.
Desperate to be free, Aemi plots her escape, even going so far as to work with Nol. But the sea holds more secrets than she realizes, and escape might not be as simple as leaving…

 AUTHOR BIO: Kate Avery Ellison

I've been making up stories since I was five years old, and now I'm thrilled to be able to do it as a full-time job. I have an obsession with dark fantasy, dystopian futures, and Pride and Prejudice-style love stories full of witty banter and sizzling, unspoken feelings. When I'm not writing, I'm creating digital art, reading funny blogs, or watching my favorite shows (which include TVD and BSG). I live with my geeky husband and our two bad cats in Atlanta, GA.

Author links:

http://thesouthernscrawl.blogspot.ca/

https://twitter.com/katiewriting

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4863270.Kate_Avery_Ellison

Let us learn all things from everybody

Obsidian Eyes by A.W. Exley

Obsidian Eyes
A.W. Exley
Published by: Curiosity Quills Press
Publication date: March 2014
Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult
(Goodreads)
1836, a world of light and dark, noble and guild. The two spheres intersect when seventeen-year-old Allie Donovan is placed at the aristocratic St Matthews Academy. More at ease with a blade than a needle, she finds herself ostracised by the girls and stalked by a Scottish lord intent on learning why she is among them.
She begins to suspect the underlying reasons when soldiers arrive to see her friend, Zeb, a mechanical genius. On the hunt for answers she breaks into his underground laboratory. There, Allie discovers he is not just constructing sentient mechanical creatures, he is building a devastating new weapon for the military.
The guilds want the weapon and Allie is trapped by ties of blood. She must obey the overlord of the guild and deliver up her friend, unless she can rely on bonds of friendship, to save both their lives.

Lost in Us by Layla Hagen

Lost in Us
Layla Hagen
Publication date: February 17th 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult, Romance
(Goodreads)
Serena has learned to live with her past, locking her secrets and nightmares deep inside her. But when her boyfriend of six years abruptly leaves her, she’s catapulted back into pain, nursing a broken heart. When indulging in mountains of chocolate doesn’t work, Serena decides the best way to deal with her shattered heart is to indulge in something else. A rebound . . .
The night she swaps her usual Sprite for tequila, she meets James. The encounter is breathtaking.
Electrifying.
And best not repeated.
James is a successful entrepreneur in Silicon Valley. A man who has amassed a fortune by taking risks. A man who has shunned commitment completely, and still does. He’s the exact opposite of Serena. But sometimes opposites attract. Sometimes they give in to burning passion. Sometimes opposites are perfect for each other.
James is everything her damaged soul could want. His kisses are intoxicating, his touch out of this world. He makes her forget. He grants her peace from her pain. But as they grow closer, Serena discovers she isn’t the only one with a past. James carries the scars of a past much darker than hers. One that has left him damaged, hurt, and wary of love. A past that gives him the power to shatter her.
Now James and Serena must find a way to mend one another. Or risk losing each other forever.

Book: I Wish They Taught Money in High School

ISBN: 978-971-95851-1-4

Goodreads

This book is a 2-Part book written by Sharon W. Que and Clarissa Sariñes-De La Paz.

Book talks about personal financial matters. From starting or putting up your own business from little or no capital at all to handling difficulties of managing your own business.

Sharon W. Que author of I Wish They Taught Money in High School  So I Can Start My Own Business Right Away  talks about how to prepare and what to do in putting up business. I also learned that having your Business Name registered is such a tedious thing to do.

The risks you have to take in doing business. The ups and downs of starting little or no capital at all. One must go through all the struggles of having a high and low times, and that it doesn't make any difference whether you're rich or not.

Sharon also emphasized the idea of saving, better start teaching the young once the essence of savings and having some "piggy banks" will do nothing but good. So this really encouraged me to pursue on teaching my daughters the art of saving (even just a small amount each day).

Clarissa Sariñes-De La Paz author of I Wish They Taught Money in High School So I'm Not Dependent on My Paycheck talks about terms and methodology about MONEY. Putting your dreams into reality. That even it seems so impossible, if you're determined you can make it to reality. 

It inspire me to invest on assets, learning the way of having a passive income, earning while having your money used by other people. Dare to take the risk of having loans and investing it to something that earns you money. 

Learned so much from this book that it made me realized I've still got a lot of things to do to have the "financial freedom" I've been dreaming of. It can be achieved! 

I am giving this book a rating of 5/5.

I love the comic-type graphics of this book, illustrated by GooglyGoeys.com

If you want to buy this book, you may order online via their site and you may visit their Facebook Page.

Rak Of Aegis in PETA Theater this January to March 2014

PETA closes theater season 

with “RAK OF AEGIS”

QUEZON CITY, Philippines - The music of the legendary pop-rock band Aegis conquers the local theater scene as the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) closes its 46th Theater Season with "Rak of Aegis", a Pinoy rock comedy-musical featuring the songs of Aegis. OpeningJanuary 31 at The PETA Theater Center, "Rak of Aegis" will run for 6 weeks, Fridays to Sundays until March 9, 2014.

The highly anticipated new musical will feature chart-topping songs of the 90s Pinoy rock band Aegis, such as "Luha," "Halik," "Sundot," "Christmas Bonus," and "Basang-basa sa Ulan" performed by a mix of talented theater artists led by Isay Alvarez-Seña, Robert Seña, Aicelle Santos, and Joan Bugcat.

Cast members include Kalila Aguilos, Ron Alfonso, Jet Barrun, Kakai Bautista, Popp ert Bernadas, Gimbey Dela Cruz, Neomi Gonzales, Pepe Herrera, Carlon Matobato, Julienne Mendoza, John Moran, Jerald Napoles, Gie Onida, Phillip Palmos, Myke Salomon, Paeng Sudayan, and Gold Villar.

A story of love, fame and resilience, the narrative revolves around the residents of the flooded  village of Villa Venizia.  At the center of the story is Aileen (Aicelle Santos alternating with Joan Bugcat) a young mall promodizer caught in the web of finding love and seeking fame to support her family.

Aileen's family like the other residents are greatly affected by the flood. Her father Kiel is in the brink of losing his job as baranggay captain Mary Jane (Isay Alvarez-Seña) plans to close her failing shoe factory. Knowing that her income will never be enough to make ends meet, Aileen decides to make a video of herself in the hopes of becoming the next YouTube sensation. Aileen's suitor Tolits (Jerald Napoles alternating with Pepe Herrera) posts the video online, unaware that it will put Villa Venizia under the spotlight and change their lives forever. 

"Rak of Aegis" is a musical filled with visual spectacle showcasing the Pinoy's natural love for music and innate resilience in the face of calamity. The musical is created by the same women behind PETA's hit comedy musical "Care Divas," PETA Artistic Director Maribel Legarda and Palanca Award-winning writer Liza Magtoto, with musical arrangement and musical direction by actor-musician Myke Salomon.

"Rak of Aegis" also consists of a talented artistic team which includes Gio Gahol (choreography), Jonjon Villareal (lighting design), Mio Infante (production design), Carlo Pagunaling (costume design), Maco Custodio (shoe design), and Joan Pamintuan (accessory design).  

The play runs from January 31 to March 9, 2014 at The PETA Theater Center located at No.5 Eymard Drive, New Manila, Quezon City. Shows are on weekends, Fridays to Sundays, Friday and Saturday at 3:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. and Sundays at 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M., except Feb 23 with shows at 10:00A.M and 8:00 P.M., Mar 2 at 3:00 P.M. and 8:00PM and Mar 6, at 8:00 P.M. 

Tickets are now available via www.ticketworld.com.ph, 891-9999. For more information contact PETA at 725-6244 or 0917-5765400, petatheater@gmail.com or visit www.petatheater.com

The Cast and Crew of Rak of Aegis during the Press Preview of the said musical. 

Robert Sena, Aicelle Santos and Isay Alvarez during the Presscon of the said musical. 

Book Excerpt: Finding What Is by Tabitha Vohn

Publication date: September 29th 2013
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult
(Goodreads)

Willie has always lived an unconventional life. Surrounded by the sensual, ethereal images of her artist-mother, she fantasizes about the half-wolf, half-human, but all-gorgeous face that stares out at her from her mother’s wall, and drinks in her mother’s stories of past lovers and adventures. She shares her home with a man who calls himself “uncle” (who stalks her through the house, naked). Her closest friends are a band of misfits who’ve forged their own way in life-including Xavier, who has carved his name in her soul- and her heart is torn between him and a college professor, a fellow artist who wants more than a student-teacher relationship.

Willie stands on the brink of womanhood poised to follow in her mother’s footsteps, with a gleaming future as an artist looming before her, and a maturity beyond her years that has enabled her to be the protector and caretaker of others, a mender of wounds. But as a devastating illness rips her mother from her life, Willie is left bereft of a home and of a sense of self. Guided only by her instincts, Willie wanders from her Professor’s arms to the home that Xavier shares with his live-in girlfriend Nicole (who insists that they can “share”). Her path becomes a search for peace, for family, for a love that’s real, and for her place in this world.

Finding What Is chronicles the journey that we all must take-to find ourselves, to reconcile our past, and to get back to that place we once called home.

Book: The Seacrest by Aaron Paul Lazar

They say it’s better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all. 

Finn McGraw disagrees. 

He was just seventeen when he had a torrid summer affair with the girl who stole his heart—and then inexplicably turned on him. Finn may have moved on with his life, but he’s never forgotten her. 

Now, ten years later, he’s got more than his lost love to worry about. A horrific accident turns his life upside down, resurrecting the ghosts of his long-dead family and taking the lives of the few people he has left. 

Finn always believed his estranged brother was responsible for the fire that killed their family—but an unexpected inheritance with a mystery attached throws everything he knows into doubt. 

And on top of that, the beguiling daughter of his wealthy employer has secrets of her own. But the closer he gets, the harder she pushes him away. 

The Seacrest is a story of intrigue and betrayal, of secrets and second chances—and above all, of a love that never dies. 

“The Seacrest is a poignant love story that will have you reaching for the tissues. Every woman needs a Finn McGraw!” – Victoria Howard, bestselling romantic suspense author of RING OF LIES. 

"At a time when many authors seem to crank out fiction by the numbers, Aaron Paul Lazar invests his whole heart in every book he writes. His stories shine with sensitivity, compassion, and the richness of deeply personal experience." – Michael Prescott, bestselling author of GRAVE OF ANGELS. 

“This book is about love – first love, young love, unrequited love, lost love, and rediscovered love. Simply put, it’s a good old-fashioned love story with an ending that will make your heart swell with joy.” - Cindy Guest Taylor, notable book reviewer. 

“I just finished reading Seacrest by Aaron Lazar. Let me tell you, ladies... you will LOVE this book! A love story of all love stories, and characters so easy to fall in love with! Aaron has a way of painting a world so descriptive you feel like you're really there. If I had a five star rating system to use, I would give him six!” Heather McLaren, author. 

The Seacrest is a fabulous read! Lazar's voice is honest and intimate, emotional without being melodramatic. His style is fresh and engaging. This story is a wonderful portrait of a young man who falls in love and never gives up in spite of all the barriers and tragedies that destiny brings his way. The characters are genuine and excellently drawn; the family dynamics poignant and compelling.

I just love how Aaron wrote this book. All the complexities, emotions and rage. I super enjoyed how the story goes. 

A rating of 4/5 for this book!

Win Tickets to the Red Hot Chili Peppers Concert

The year 2014 came in with a blast after the release of 12 Stone Records’ Omnibus Television Commercial and New Year Promo, which boasts of cool prizes and amazing treats.

Win Tickets to the Red Hot Chili Peppers Concert, Cool Gadgets, and DnD Guitars with 12 Stone Records New Year Promo!

To join and get a chance to win prizes, simply:

1. LIKE www.facebook.com/12stoneinc

2. SHARE 12 Stone Records' Omnibus TV Commercial (attached video below) with this promo status.

3. TAG @12 Stone Inc. on your shared status.

PS. You MUST tag 12 Stone Inc. ON YOUR SHARED STATUS OTHERWISE YOUR ENTRY IS INVALID AND WILL NOT BE TRACKED.

How to win?

Get your friends to like 12 Stone Inc., then like and share your shared status. More likes and shares (TOTAL) means more chance of winning a prize from one of our artists!

*Red Hot Chili Peppers General admin tickets from Rocksteddy

*a Devant Tablet and a Gift Pack from Barbie Almalbis (Shirt, Signed poster and album)

*a Devant Tablet and a Gift Pack from Kitchie Nadal (Shirt, signed poster and album)

*A Kindle Fire and a Gift pack from Absolute Play (Shirt, signed poster and album)

*2 Dnd Guitars from Save Me Hollywood

Promo runs til January 31, 2014

Like, Share and Tag away! :)