Review: Mana

Eurich is fairly content with his life. Sure, he may fantasize about something really exciting happening one day, but overall, he has great parents, good friends, and a bright future. All of that changes when his teacher gives him a book filled with stories and creatures not of this world. Eurich doesn't really believe the book could be real at first, not until people around him start changing, until he finds himself in a strange world with an otherworldly guide. Soon, Eurich realizes fantasies aren't all fun and games. The power he is beginning to recognize brings with it a destiny he may not be able to fulfill, let alone survive. 

Mana gets off to an interesting start when Eurich witnesses, or seems to witness, his entire neighborhood being destroyed by fire. He is shocked when he realizes the fire was not real, but the strange creature he met while trying to stop the fire is real. The overall idea behind this book was very interesting. Tensei sets up a well developed storyline and backstory that drives the plot forward. At one point the reader even gets to jump back in time to experience some of the backstory through the eyes of Eurich's adoptive parents. This flashback was a bit lengthy, but interesting. I felt there were no big gaps in the plot, and I was interested throughout the book to see what would happen next. I did, however, think some of the plot points were more obvious that the characters seemed to think, which was a little frustrating at times, but overall it was interesting. 

The characters showed promise in this book. Each one had an element of uniqueness to them that made them memorable. I enjoyed the conflict Tensei created between characters at different times that kept the relationships from feeling flat. I didn't see as much depth to the characters as I would have liked, but I feel fairly confident that this will develop more as the series continues. The dialog was also a bit stilted throughout the book, but I've found that this is common among new writers and the flow of the dialog often improves with each book. At times some of the characters had a very "young" feel to them because of their occasionally simplistic reactions and lack of deep emotional connection. I saw this particularly with Euirch and Raine mainly because they did not seem to take things as seriously as I would have expected and brushed off things that should have been more emotional of thought provoking at times. One time where this happened was regarding the hooded man. Raine and Jason both discuss him, and it seemed pretty clear that this was a bad guy, someone to be concerned about, yet Eurich and Raine brush it off like it is nothing. 

The magic system was a little bit of a struggle for me. I didn't feel like it was ever explained well enough that I could get a good handle on it. When the magic was being used, especially in combat, I was often a little unsure of what was going on. I was also not a huge fan of the system being word based. This also contributed to giving the book a younger feel than what I think Tensei was going for. I did, however enjoy the progression Eurich went through to develop his skills, and the interesting abilities Raine developed along the way. I think there is potential here with the magic system, but it needed a little more explanation and I hope the use gets more complex throughout the series. 

Overall, this was an intriguing idea for a book. I think it has potential as a series, but there is room for improvement and growth in the writing. The emotion was often lacking where it should have been impactful, the characters seemed unaware mainly to benefit the plot, the editing could have been much better, and the magic system needs to be a little more developed. I think the concept will compel readers to want to know what will happen next, but the weaknesses may be a struggle for some readers. The young feeling may also make this more suitable for younger teen readers than the 17-18 age group.


Stay up to date on Asher Tensei and his books on his Website and Goodreads. 

Mana is available now from Amazon US, Amazon UK, and Paramance. 

Favorites: Mana

Every good fantasy story needs a great backstory. Even when you're writing urban fantasy where the normal world meets the mythical, authors have to create a reason behind the mixing of real and nonreal that is plausible enough to draw readers in. 

Asher Tensei did a good job of creating an intricate history behind the Dragoons and how Eurich came to be in the situation he is in. I felt the history of the two worlds was well developed and interesting. I look forward to learning more about this story and the worlds Tensei created. 


Stay up to date on Asher Tensei and his books on his Website and Goodreads. 

Mana is available now from Amazon US, Amazon UK, and Paramance. 

Interview: Asher Tensei

Today, let's welcome Asher Tensei to the blog! 


1. What was you inspiration for this book? 
The success of the Twilight Saga was a biggie for me! Never had I seen someone approach something as cliché as a vamp love story and turn it into well…that. I love that saga because it really taught me a lot. It taught me how to overcome basic character development (something they didn’t do very well…sorry Twilight) and how to custom fit a book for its genre. Looking at the cover of my book, and even the Valentine’s Day edition, you can see a similarity between those covers and mine. It wasn’t intentional, but hey, right? I guess Stephanie Meyer had greater influence on me than I thought! Young adult authors have to stick together 

2. Would you classify your writing as plot driven of character driven? 
Ooh, now that’s a toughie! Because of the predestined set of events Eurich has to complete in order for the series to end, I’d say it’s plot driven. But because of how complex the story is and how dependent it is on dialogue and character thought, that makes it a tough decision. Hmm. I guess Mana is pleasantly sitting somewhere in the middle.

3. Can you tell us a little about your main character?
Eurich is a smart, headstrong kid. He had always been fascinated with the magical realm, but never in his life did he imagine he’d be the source of the fantasy he’d been wondering about for years. 

So, Eurich is a dragoon. Dragoons aren’t exactly new to fantasy to lovers, but they aren’t often talked about. In any form of fantasy, dragoons are humans with extra spectacular bonds with really powerful dragons! Eurich has been bestowed the power of Dragoon Oblivion—and as you can guess by the name, it cause Eurich to fly off the handle sometimes. In an instant, Eurich had to become the person everyone needed him to be, even if it meant cutting some personal ties that makes Eurich…Eurich.

4. Which of your supporting characters was the most challenging to write?
Syrehnity. She’s such a mystery to even me. She’s so nurturing and magical. I don’t know anything about her other than she is the essence of all that is pure. It’s hard to write for her because, though I think I’m a pretty nice guy, I’m no Syrehnity. Seeing things from her point of view is hard for me to put into words, but the story must go on :D I am interested very to see her character progresses; she’s always teaching me something new!

5. Without giving away too much, tell us a little about the main conflict in this book. 
Millenniums ago there was a magical battle, one that left all sides crippled. Humans chose to wage war because they could not produce mana of their own; jealousy was a natural response. Those who could control mana fought hard, but because of human technology, the war was a standstill that resulted in a plethora of unnecessary deaths. After the war ended, those in control of control their mana split Samsera in two. Samsera remained intact, but Earth was created to house the inconsistencies of the human race. 
Fast forward two thousand years and we meet Eurich. The barrier that separates the world is starting to weaken and the two worlds are becoming one again. Though against his and his family’s wishes, Eurich is the heir of that war and the only who can restore balance to the barrier that keeps the worlds hidden from one another. A light romance sparks and jealousy proves to be more than just a feeling.
But no spoilers :P 

6. Why did you choose this genre? 
I chose YA because I am a young adult myself! I came up with the idea of Mana when I was just turning 20 years old. I still had some teenage angst left behind, so I felt I could communicate better with my characters as well as the wide audience young adult fantasy has to offer.


7. What do you hope readers take away from this book? 
I hope readers can really take their time with this book. Second chances are out there, you just have to be patient and find a way if you really want it. Mana is one of those books that can teach you an array of things, just be open minded; you amazing readers already are! So no problem there. How about this? Read Mana and let me and everyone else know what you took away from the book! https://www.facebook.com/TheManaSaga

8. Who are your favorite authors?
My favorite authors are a bit…old. I absolutely love Edgar Allen Poe! He opened me up to some really nice literature and brought the dark out of the light. Dark fantasy, and Mana, wouldn’t be what they are without his help. I’m also a huge (I can admit that) Twilight fan. The way she spun vamps into that amazing story made my eyes widen. Stephanie Myer earned a place on my favorite author list not just because of her story, but because she dared to stand out. Vamps will always remember what she did.

9. Do you have any interesting rituals or habits when you write?
I do! And it took my family a little while to get used to it. After about a year or so of me doing this, they were fine. When I write, I let the opening sequence for New Moon on Bluray play for hours and hours on end. You know, the one where the music plays and the characters swoosh from panel to panel. The music calms me and the scenery reminds me of the setting of Mana. It really puts me in my ideal mindset when I write. Golden Darkness, my title for the upcoming sequel to Mana gets a bit darker, so I upgraded to the Eclipse Bluray and now that plays for hours on end :D 

10. Can you tell us about any future projects? 
Golden Darkness is my new project. Eurich’s story was nowhere near closure at the end of book 1 and readers are really looking forward to how it ends…or continues! This book was started over a year ago, but since Mana was published, I haven’t had much time to get to it. Now, book 2 is screaming out to me! I’ve had so many experiences since then, the book kind of took a turn and I can tell in my writing. The story is equally as memorable as Mana and it will prove to be an awesome sequel! No updates so far, but stay tuned through Facebook and my blog. I am still writing it, so be patient with me.

Stay up to date on Asher Tensei and his books on his Website and Goodreads. 

Mana is available now from Amazon US, Amazon UK, and Paramance. 

Introducing: Asher Tensei

"Asher Tensei went to college for psychology, but later felt that writing was more his speed. 

He had an idea, and after the fruition of the Twilight Saga, he was sure that writing was a life-long passion. The ability to portray a world vividly in his writing meant that he could, in his mind, stand up to some of the big players in the young adult genre.

Asher decided to write in a genre dominated by female authors because he has something to prove: anyone can fit anywhere. Asher's emergence into the literary world introduces some new concepts in fantasy as well as unique values that make his novel hard to put down."

Stay up to date on Asher Tensei and his books on his Website and Goodreads. 

Mana is available now from Amazon US, Amazon UK, and Paramance. 

New Book: Mana

This week I am welcoming to the blog Asher Tensei to tell us more about his new book, Mana. 

"Eurich is thrown into a seemingly ill-fated destiny. After learning of his legendary magic, he is convinced that he alone must stop an impending doom, but nothing is ever as it seems. His best friends Jason and Raine try their best to help him save the world, but help isn’t what he needs  —he needs a way across the barrier. 

Despite this fate thrust upon him, Eurich knows what is coming. The world is headed toward Chaos due to a weakening barrier between Earth and a world that has been hidden for millennia. 

Our world is about to take a sharp turn for the worse. Extra moons are rising in the sky, and panic is at an all-time high. Worst of all, there are no explanations.

Saving the world begins with a choice  —but is humanity worth him risking his own life?" 

You can also find out more by checking out the YouTube video for Mana. 




Stay up to date on Asher Tensei and his books on his Website and Goodreads. 

Mana is available now from Amazon US, Amazon UK, and Paramance. 

Feature: Dead Girls Never Shut Up (Susan Stec)

Susan Stec's newest novel, Dead Girls Never Shut Up, is available now!

Not only that, you can enter to win an ebook copy of Dead Girls Never Shut Up this week from Susan Stec and The Edible Bookshelf. Keep reading to find out more about this very funny, and slightly twisted new YA paranormal novel. 

"Toni's grandmother is a psychopath.

Her sister is a ghost.

Her boyfriend is possessed.

And she has no idea who she is.

Summer vacation is ruined when Toni's twin sister, Sara, dies. Instead of walking into the light, Sara stomps directly away from it, totally pissed she didn't die in her skinny jeans. That's when Sara finds out their grandmother has a gift for talking to dead people, and two spritely spirits and a nasty soothsayer are all working their angle with Toni's future caught in between.

Dear old Granny's determined not to be the last necromancer in the family, but with the death of her promiscuous granddaughter, Sara, her only option is Toni, who must remain a virgin until her eighteenth birthday without any ghostly interference from Sara.

Sara's not having any of it; especially since the guy Granny's conspiring with is the same guy that assisted in Sara's demise. Toni needs help! But protecting her sister is complicating all the ghostly fun on the other side!

Can death stop a twin? Maybe not, but Granny knows Dead Girls Never Shut Up." 

Meet Susan Stec:

One's real life is so often the life that one does not lead~~Oscar Wilde

I've always been weird, even as a child—might've been influenced by all those fairies and trolls living in and around the streams behind Grandma's house. Or it could be because my mother has dreams that come true, grandma reads tarot cards, I talk to ghosts, and my daughter is two different (we all love them both) people.

I live with my husband (who is perfectly normal) and three King Charles spaniels (also normal) on 50 acres of woods, fields, and streams in upper Michigan.

Follow Susan on: Blog, Goodreads, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, and B&N. 

Dead Girls Never Shut Up is available now from Amazon.

You can also enter to win a free ebook copy this week! 

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Review: Grilled, Chilled, and Killed

Emily Rhodes is still considered a "winter visitor" when it comes to the other Florida residents in town, but she's definitely earning her stripes in this book as she finds herself embroiled in barbecue competitions, running from feral pigs, and poking around in the secretive business of moonshine. Throw in a dead body and a romance that is more aggravation than anything else, and Emily is in for another wild mystery. 

The characters in this book catch your attention from the first chapter. Each one has a backstory that has shaped them, and hangups that occasionally interfere with their decisions. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters. The relationships were well written, complex enough to make them real, but not too overdramatic. 

The villains were especially memorable. I can see why Diehl kept Toby around from the first book. His pathetic qualities mixed with his desire for revenge and penchant for schemes made him a fun and dislikable bad guy. Mr. Smith was creepy and added the edge of fear the situation needed. The definitely made me concerned about Emily and her friends getting out of the situation unscathed. 

The romantic side of this book was quite well done. Emily has both Donald, the slightly odd bass fisherman, and Lewis, the detective who always seems to be stomping on her brilliant plans, both hanging on the edges of her life. Donald was a great character. He seems very straight forward at first, but Diehl does a good job of giving glimpses of a deeper character and potential for doing something truly memorable. Lewis was a fun character as well. He and Emily spend more time fighting with each other than anything, but the sexual tension behind much of their antagonism added a whole other layer that will keep readers intrigued. The interplay between them was very entertaining, and there was just the right amount of tension and giving in. The romance between them stayed fairly mild as far as graphic-ness, but it definitely kept readers attention in other ways. 

The mystery itself was crafted with a lot of thought. Emily goes back and forth between a few theories, and Lewis has his own guesses as well. Diehl did a good job of keeping readers focused on the events while throwing out clues here and there without giving too much away. I enjoyed following the characters through the mystery and stayed entertained and guessing throughout.

My only real complaint was that occasionally the fighting between Emil and Lewis was a little too much. I didn't always think Emily's reactions made sense, but it was a small matter of preference that didn't dull the story. There were some small editing issues, but again, they were small and didn't really detract from the story. This is a book that will appeal to murder mystery readers, romance readers, and crime drama readers. Some of the themes may not be appropriate for younger readers. 

Lesley Diehl invites readers to visit her on her blog and website.

Grilled, Killed, and Chilled is available now from Barnes and Noble and Amazon.