Tag Archives: Young Adult

Melissa Douthit, Author of The Return: On Tour

Posted on by

This post was most recently updated on November 27th, 2013

Publisher: Couronne Press (August 1, 2013
Series: Legend of the Raie’Chaelia, Book Three|
Category: YA Fantasy, Futuristic Fantasy, Fantasy
Tour Date: Mid October-November
Available in: ebook, 300 Pages

After the fall from the Maaldan cliff, Chalice is reunited with her friends on a journey that takes them to the coastline of Ielieria.  Little do Vlaad and his Fierain know what is in store for them as, bit by bit, their plans are thwarted by this blond-haired, blue-eyed beauty.

The small band of rebels then travels across the Realm, preparing it for war, while Chalice herself is brewing plans of her own that may just land her in the hot seat.  What will happen when she returns her father to the throne?  What will happen when he finds out what she has done?  And … what will happen once Dar’Maalda learns of the rebels’ location?

In the third and final novel of the trilogy, The Legend of the Raie’Chaelia, you find out.  It is a dramatic finish to an epic story of action, adventure, betrayal, forgiveness and love.

Praise for Legend of the Raie’Chaelia, Book One:

“Douthit’s love of words is apparent and her use of language highly inventive. She has a firm grip on believable dialogue.”–Kirkus Reviews

“Lively, fast-paced and satisfyingly complex! Can’t wait for the second in the trilogy!”– Diane Donovan, eBook Reviewer, Midwest Book Review

“I really liked this book! If you love adventure books and romance books this is the story for you!!! First off, the romance between Jeremiah and Chalice is super cute! They are really such a good couple. I like how after all the time that they hadn’t seen each other they still had feelings for each other. I also loved Buney! He’s so cute, he reminds me of a little stuffed animal. As for the adventure, this book is full of it! There are many twists and turns throughout the book that always keeps you wanting more. This is an adventure that will definitely keep you reading with a little romance thrown into the mix also. I can seriously see this as a movie.”-Books Ahoy Website

“This was SUCH an epic fantasy. I felt that same “childhood” feeling I’ve felt while reading countless fantasy books, such as C.S. Lewis’ and J.R.R. Tolkein.
This story was so original! Loved everything about it. I fell in love with the characters, the setting was INCREDIBLE, and the background story was so magical. You immediately get pulled in by the mystery and the curious feeling you get that there’s more to this story…
I really loved how Douthit described the scenery. I could imagine myself in the “ghost town” which Chalice travels to first, or the Chinuk village that they stay in overnight. Love the detail, you can really feel a part of the journey which Chalice and her friends take.
The Raie’Chaelia is an amazing journey of which one girl, with the help of her friends, finds out about her past. The ending, was AMAZING. God, I really want to find out more now! That was such a big cliffhanger. The Firelight of Maalda, the second book, will be coming out in maybe around October 2011. Can’t wait!”– Rabiah, I Live For Reading Website

“I really enjoyed The Raie’Chaelia. I liked both Chalice and Jeremiah. Especially Jeremiah. I’m not really sure why I think so highly of Jeremiah other than he is just a really great guy and an incredibly likable character. Chalice is quite likable too although she did do a couple of things that I thought were a little silly at times. The supporting cast were all very cool too.
The Raie’Chaelia is definitely a really intriguing story and I had a lot of fun reading through it.
 I definitely enjoyed reading The Raie’Chaelia and I had a little sneak peak at the next book in the series in the back of The Raie’Chaelia and it definitely looks interesting. I really enjoyed The Raie’Chaelia and I think that any fans of fantasy would definitely enjoy it.”– Rebecca, Everything To Do With Books

Praise for The Firelight of Maalda, Raie’Chaelia, Book Two:

“What I really like about these books is the amount of fantasy. It reminds me of (and I know I said this in the review of the first book) childhood fantasy stories, like C.S. Lewis. Completely magical, and Douthit has really created a fantastic world. You don’t see that too much in YA these days.
The romance in this book has improved since the last one! Chalice and Jeremiah develop even more from the first book, and I found it really sweet and not-rushed-into at all. The action and thrill of what’s to happen next is really amazing too. I had to keep reading to find out what happens next.
 I found that the story was great. Lovers of fantasy, with plenty of action, suspense and of course, the blooming romance, will definitely need to pick this one up. A great follow-up from the first book, this one will leave readers hanging on for more. Looking forward to reading book 3!” – Rabiah, I Live For Reading Website

“The Firelight of Maalda: A story that unites the real with the fantastical and turns science into magic. It is a tale of intrigue and wonder where two opposite worlds collide in an explosive journey that leads Chalice and her friends to the dark islands lurking just beyond the horizon of Ielieria, where the Firelight of Maalda sits … and waits.
This is a YA series for age 13 upwards. Having said that, I’m sure many ‘older’ readers will enjoy it as much as I did. The story continues the story begun in The RaieChaelia and reveals more of the characters and the wonderful world Melissa Douthit has created. I really enjoyed reading the first book, The Raie Chaelia, as well as the sequel.
This story continues Chalice’s journey to fulfil her destiny, and the growing romance between her and Jeremiah. She and Jeremiah knew each other as children, and meet up again at the beginning of The Raie Chaelia. Their friendship has grown into something deeper and in The Firelight of Maalda both characters, but especially Chalice, have grown and matured emotionally and I found it particularly satisfying that their love is not only acknowledged but their sweet romance seems completely natural and uncontrived. There is a touching tenderness between them, they are both strong characters but neither feels complete without the other and their love and respect for each other shines through even when they are not entirely in agreement.
There is a lot more to this story than romance though, there is plenty of action and suspense. There is a large cast of characters, and some of those from the first book make a welcome re-appearance.
The story moves at a fast pace to the nail biting climax and a cliffhanger of an ending – I’m really glad Melissa gave us a taste of the next book to answer at least one of my questions, and I can’t wait for the third in the series.”–  Hywela Lyn Website

“After reading The Raie’Chaelia last year I was so excited to be able to read the second book, The Firelight of Maalda. Needless to say, I loved The Firelight of Maalda just as much as I loved The Raie’Chaelia.
The story was really good and I had a lot of fun learning more about the world and the goings on. There were the highs and lows in the book and I was really excited to see the return of some really awesome characters from the first book.
Then there was the ending. Oh my goodness! I don’t want to spoil anything but can I just say, that is one huge cliffhanger. UGH! Can I have the next book now please?
I absolutely love The Firelight of Maalda and the entire Raie’Chaelia series. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good fantasy story and I know I definitely can’t wait to continue the series.”- Rebecca, Everything To Do With Books

About Melissa Douhit:

Melissa Douthit grew up in North County of San Diego, California. After graduating with a Computer Science degree in Southern California, and working for a summer at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in New Mexico, she moved to the Bay Area to work at NASA Ames Research Center for a year and then at Lawrence Livermore National Lab for another four years. From there, she moved to Monterey, California, to work at the Naval Postgraduate School on a government project for two years.

She currently lives in Salt Lake City, Utah, working as a software engineer. Since high school, she has been a voracious reader of books of all genres, with an emphasis in fantasy and science fiction. Her literary work is strongly influenced by her professional experience and includes many elements of her scientific background. You can find out more about Melissa on her website: http://melissadouthit.com

Melissa on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Melissa-Douthit/164124433645392
Melissa on Twitter: https://twitter.com/melissadouthit

Follow the Tour:

So Many Precious Books Oct 14 Spotlight & Giveaway
Peeking Through The Pages Oct 16 Interview & Giveaway
Peeking Through The Pages Oct 17 Review
DWED Oct 18 Review
Joy Story Oct 21 Review
BK Walker Books Oct 22 Interview
Hywela Lyn Oct 24 Review
Hywela Lyn Oct 25 Interview
Everything To Do With Books Oct 28 Review
MY Book Boyfriend Oct 30 Interview
Wormhole Oct 31 Review
Wormhole  Nov 1 Interview & Giveaway
My Devotional Thoughts Nov 1 Review (postponed)
Paperback Writer Nov 5 Spotlight
Ordinary Girlz Nov 5 Review
Paperback Writer Nov 7 Guest Post
Giveaways & Glitter Nov 8 Review & Giveaway
Butterfly-o-Meter Books Nov 13 Interview
Two Kids & a Migraine Nov 14 Review
Tracy Riva Books & Reviews Nov 14 Guest Post
Tracy Riva Books & Reviews Nov 15 Review
Serendipity Nov 15 Review
Roses & Beps Blog Nov 19 Spotlight & Giveaway
Green Mountain Couple Nov 20 Spotlight
No Wasted Ink Nov 20 Interview
Ashley’s Bookshelf Nov 21 Review
Diane ‘s Book Blog Nov 22 Review
Diane ‘s Book Blog Nov 25 Guest Post & Giveaway
Books, Books & More Books Nov 26 Review
Up In the Bibliosphere Nov 26 Review
Rhythempoets Nov 27 Review & Interview
MY Book Boyfriend Nov 27 Review

Ardash Vartparonian , Author of Solstice High: On Tour

Posted on by

This post was most recently updated on September 12th, 2013

Solstice HighPublisher: Strategic Book Group  (October 22, 2012)
Category: Urban Fantasy/Sci Fi/Young Adult
Tour Date: July- Early August, 2013
Available in: eBook and Print,  360  Pages

Matt, Rochelle, Daphne and Jonas are four students starting their senior year of high school, but suffer a freak-accident the very first day and start to realize that they are developing superhuman abilities. They quickly realize that the school principal, Mr. Devlin, has in fact more than just education on his agenda, and is using the school for his own purposes.

Not only must the four friends try to figure out what Devlin’s plans are, but when he will strike, and seeing as how they cannot turn to grown-ups for help without exposing themselves, must themselves grow-up in order to stop him. As well as learning to cope with these developing powers, the four teenagers must deal with the day-to-day muddles of being a teenager, such as volatile emotions, infatuations and family issues.

Praise for Solstice High:

“This novel is a mix of teenage drama and fantasy. I was surprised that Mr. Vartparonian combined them so seamlessly. Each chapter changes between the four main character’s perspectives. It is fairly easy to tell who’s eyes you are viewing the world of Solstice High through once you get to know the characters. I loved this aspect of Solstice High because I didn’t have to ponder what each character was feeling. I was never bored because all four characters have such different and interesting personalities. The character development is fabulous!
The author really pulls the reader into Matt’s mind. I traveled with Matt up and down his emotional rollercoaster. Out of all the characters, I sympathized the most with Matt because he has the most volatile power. 
There is TONS of humour in this book along with the more serious feelings of depression, anger, vengeance, and grief.  Solstice High is an amazing novel where I groaned about homework (which I already do), battled evil principals, and squealed in delight about being a “superhero” with the characters. It’s so easy to live through each character in this novel. 
All together, Solstice High is a very good book. What made me love this book is the character development. Each character’s personality is so unique and complex. As a teenager, I especially enjoyed it because I could relate to the trials and tribulations of being a high schooler. Even if you’re not a teenager, I think that you will enjoy this novel because you will time travel back to when you were a teenager! And maybe you adults will sympathize with us teenagers more when we complain about our lives.”– Dani, A Walk On Words

“I suppose what I enjoyed most about this book was that it reminded me of what being in school was like. It’s clearly tongue-in-cheek humour completely self-aware of its own narrative, but that just gives the novel a refreshing attitude since it doesn’t take itself too seriously. I liked the fact that every chapter was narrated by one of the four main characters; it showed you how unreliable narrators can be, since mostly you have to judge them by what they do instead of what they say.  All in all I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a casual yet highly entertaining read.”–Adrienne, Amazon.com Reviewer

“An imaginative and captivating first novel by talented young writer, Ardash Vartparonian. Very hard (if not impossible!) to put down and I look forward with great anticipation to reading his future works.”– H. Sarian, Amazon.com Reviewer

“It is extremely catchy, can’t put it down!!  I love how it is written, it has multiple narrators and that makes it interesting. Great narrative, you never know what is going to happen next.
I highly recommend this book if you are looking to read something entertaining. If you are not much of a reader, I can assure you this book is definitely going to grab your attention.”– Maria, Amazon.com Reviewer

About Ardash Vartparonian:

Ardash Vartparonian

Ardash Vartparonian was born in London but raised in Buenos Aires, Argentina. At the age of 18 he began his debut novel, Solstice High, and continued writing throughout his last year of school and first year of university, where he moved back to the UK to study English Literature at Edinburgh University. Now a fourth year student, Ardash enjoys going out with his friends, watching horror movies and reading fantasy book while trying to keep up with his university work. Find out more at http://sbpra.com/ardashvartparonian/

Ardash on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SolsticeHigh?ref=hl
Google+: https://plus.google.com/100558471915520443621/posts?hl=en

Buy Solstice High:

Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Book Depository

Follow the Tour:So Many Precious Books July 3 Review & Giveaway

Shelf Addiction July 5 Review, Interview, & Giveaway
Heck of a Bunch July 8 Review
Jessabella Reads July 8 Guest Post  &  Giveaway
Saving for 6 July 9 Review & Giveaway
Ordinary Girlz July 18 Review
A Walk on Words July 19 Interview
Little Lovely Books July 23 Review
Little Lovely Books July 24 Guest Post
Ja čitam, a ti? Jul 25 Review & Giveaway
In This of World of Books July 26 Review
JC’s Book Haven July 29 Review
Teen Blurb July 30 Review
Teen Blurb July 31 Guest Post  & Giveaway
Kate Policani Writing Reviews Aug 2 Spotlight
Every Free Chance Aug 5 Spotlight & Giveaway
Dab of Darkness  Aug 6 Review
Laurie’s Paranormal  Aug 8 Interview
Little Book Star Aug 9 Review 
Between the Lines  Aug 12 Review
Sweeps4Bloggers Aug 13 Review & Giveaway
Romance Bookie Aug 14 Spotlight
Synchronised Reading  Aug 15 Review & Guest Post
Cmfg! Books Aug 16 Guest Post & Giveaway
 Serendipity  Aug 20 Review
 Serendipity Aug 21 Interview
Networking Witches Aug 21 Review & Giveaway
Books, Books & More Books Aug 23 Review
Moonlight, Lace, & Mayhem Aug 23 Guest Post
Up In the Bibliosphere Aug 26 Review
Up In the Bibliosphere Aug 28 Giveaway
Icy Cold Reads Aug 28 Review
Up In the Bibliosphere Sept 12 Guest Post