Blog Tour- THE CIRCLE: TAKEN by Sage Sask With An Interview and Giveaway!

I am happy to be hosting a stop on the blog tour for THE CIRCLE: TAKEN by Sage Sask! I have an interview with Sage to share with you today check it out and enter to win the giveaway below!

About The Book:

Title: THE CIRCLE: TAKEN

Author: Sage Sask

Pub. Date: March 7, 2019

Publisher: SBSK Corp.

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 357

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, TBD

READ FOR FREE ON KU!

From USA Today, Washington Post and Amazon Charts Bestselling author and Goodreads Best Fiction Finalist comes an exhilarating new YA series.

Abandoned at eleven with no memory of her family, Alexia seeks her true identity. Under the new government’s regime, sixteen year-olds are evaluated for their desire to harm others. Throughout the test, Alexia struggles to conceal her psychic ability to read the past and future of anyone she touches. When her secret is revealed, Alexia is taken to an island where other highly skilled agents and readers like her train to survive.

As Alexia gains more control over her abilities, she desperately tries to piece together her elusive past. In her quest for the truth, Alexia’s loyalties are tested when forced to make an impossible choice between those she loves and the family she can’t remember.

A spell-binding adventure of friendship, love, unforeseen twists and learning that our most dangerous enemies are often the people we trust the most. A captivating novel filled with forbidden romance and shocking betrayals that demand the question – Can One Decision Determine Your Destiny?

Book Trailer:

Now on to the interview!

Hey Sage! First I want to say welcome to Two Chicks on Books I’m glad you could stop by for a chat! THE CIRCLE: TAKEN sounds AWESOME and I can’t wait for everyone to read it!

For the readers: can you tell us a little bit about the THE CIRCLE:TAKEN and the characters?

At ten years old, Alexia was found on a beach with no memory of her past or family. Placed in an orphanage, she desperately tries to keep hidden her ability to read the past and future of anyone she touches. When her secret is revealed, she is sent to the Circle where other readers like her train to help keep the world safe from a group called the Resistance. During training, she builds friendships with other readers and agents only to discover their ulterior motivations. She must choose between the ones she loves and the ones she trusts. Will her decision determine or destroy or destiny?

How many books are planned for the series?

4-5 Books

Were any of the characters in the book inspired by people from your real life?

Growing up I had some sixth sense-type experiences that really fascinated me, so Alexia came from the idea of having the ability to sense the future. I love Jackie's bada** attitude and would love to have her skills.

Who was your favorite character to write? What about your least favorite?

Alexia was definitely my favorite. I love her attempt to always do right while discovering her abilities and trying to figure out whose side she belongs on. Harrison was my least favorite to write because I couldn't find a good side to him. Maybe in the second book I'll have to force him to make a choice that will bring a more humane side of him out.

What is your favorite passages/scenes in THE CIRCLE: TAKEN?

Without giving away any spoilers, I would choose the final scene of the Evaluation when the whole team comes together and decides who stays and who goes home. It really displays their teamwork and love for each other.

What kind of research did you have to do for the story?

The flight scene took a lot of research because I've never flown a plane before and the details had to be authentic. Also, it was really fascinating to understand psychics and sixth sense phenomena and read about how many people have experienced something similar in their lives.

Who is your ultimate book boyfriend?

 Four from Divergent. I love how he supports and stands by Tris no matter what.

What inspired you to write this series?

I wanted to learn more about psychic phenomena because of my own experiences and I love powerful female characters.

Lightning Round Questions

What are you reading right now? Or what do you have on your TBR that you’re dying to read?

The new Throne of Glass novel

What Hogwarts House would the Sorting Hat place you in?

Slytherin. I took a quiz once and that was my house. Still trying to understand why. :)

Twitter or Facebook?

Facebook. I always want to use more than 280 characters. :)

Favorite Superhero?

Toss up between Captain America and Black Panther

Favorite TV show?

Sons of Anarchy

Sweet or Salty?

Sweet

Any Phobias?

Snakes

Song you can’t get enough of right now?

Sunflower by Post Malone and Swae Lee

2019 Movie you’re most looking forward to?

Avengers Endgame

Thanks so much Sage for answering my questions! I can’t wait for everyone to read THE CIRCLE:TAKEN!

About Sage:

Sage S.A.S.K. is a team consisting of USA Today, Washington Post and Amazon Charts bestselling author Sejal Badani and a group of young adult writers. Kiran, Akash and Sienna are the creative force behind the story concepts, editing, social media, marketing, and book trailers for the novel.

Kiran

Kiran is still processing the bait and switch pulled by his parents of having been promised a sports car and ending up with their old minivan. When he’s not running track or falling asleep in class, Kiran can be found driving around with his friends blasting Travis Scott.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Tumblr |  Facebook | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive finished signed or unsigned copies of THE CIRCLE:TAKEN, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/15/2019- Lone Tree Reviews- Excerpt

4/16/2019- Lisa Loves Literature- Spotlight

4/17/2019- Jheartlovesbooks- Review

4/18/2019- BookHounds- Interview

4/19/2019- Reese's Reviews- Review

Week Two:

4/22/2019- Writing on the Sunny Side of the Street- Excerpt

4/23/2019- Life With No Plot- Review

4/24/2019- Daily Waffle- Excerpt

4/25/2019- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

4/26/2019- Dorky Girl and Skeletor- Spotlight

Week Three:

4/29/2019- Buried Under Books- Review

4/30/2019- Smada's Book Smack- Spotlight

5/1/2019- Taking It One Book at a time- Review

5/2/2019- A Dream Within A Dream- Excerpt

5/3/2019- Smada's Book Smack- Excerpt

Week Four:

5/6/2019- Adventures Thru Wonderland- Review

5/7/2019- Mama Panda Bear- Review

5/8/2019- Jaime's World- Guest Post

5/9/2019- A Gingerly Review- Review

5/10/2019- Book Briefs- Review

Blog Tour- THE MASKS OF UNDER Series by Kathryn Ann Kingsley With An Interview & Giveaway!

I am happy to be hosting a stop on the blog tour for THE MASKS OF UNDER Series by Kathryn Ann Kingsley! I have an interview with Kathryn to share with you today check it out and enter to win the giveaway below!

About The Books:

Title: KING OF FLAMES

Author: Kathryn Ann Kingsley

Pub. Date: March 5, 2019

Publisher: Limitless Publishing, LLC

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 193

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, B&N, TBD

READ FOR FREE ON KU!

Everything about my life has been pretty normal working as a forensic autopsy technician. Until the day I woke up with a mysterious symbol tattooed on my arm.

Suddenly normal no longer existed. The barrier between Earth and a world called Under, dissolved...

Now I’m trapped with dozens of other people. Held prisoner by the creators of myths and legends, where the realm is ruled by two masked kings who want to turn us into creatures like them.

But even though I didn’t choose to be here, this new world manages to pull me deeper, affecting me differently than other humans. Unfortunately King Edu, also known as the King of Flames, notices this and I’m now considered a threat.

If I want to survive King Edu and the dangers of Under, I need to escape. The only problem is, there’s another masked king who seems to have an interest in me. Aon, the King of Shadows, wants me here in this world, and he wants me alive.

I just need to figure out why. 

Title: KING OF SHADOWS (The Masks of Under #2)

Author: Kathryn Ann Kingsley

Pub. Date: March 26, 2019

Publisher: Limitless Publishing

Formats: Paperback, eBook

Pages: 225

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, Kindle, TBD

READ FOR FREE ON KU!

Some call him a madman. Others call him a warlock. Both are true.

But if it wasn’t for Aon, I’d be dead. I was mere seconds away from dying by Edu’s hands when the King of Shadows appeared in a flash of lightning, saving me from Edu’s murderous plans.

Now I’m under his protection, living in his home. The more time I’m forced to spend with him, the more I start to piece together the puzzle of why Aon and Edu are at war.

Despite how everyone else seems to hate Aon, there’s something that pulls me towards him—like gravity, refusing to let go. My heart is telling me to believe what he says is true, yet there’s this prickle of warning in the back of my skull cautioning me against falling for the King of Shadows.

In the world of Under trusting the wrong person can get you killed. Only the strong survive out here, and that’s what I intend to do.

Survive.

Now on to the interview!

Hey Kathryn! First I want to say welcome to Two Chicks on Books I’m glad you could stop by for a chat! THE MASKS OF UNDER SERIES sounds AWESOME and I can’t wait for everyone to read it!

For the readers: can you tell us a little bit about the THE MASKS OF UNDER SERIES and the characters?

“No souls are born in this place.”

Under is a world of myths and monsters. It’s a parallel universe to ours, where all our legends of the creatures that hunt the shadows originate. It falls into alignment with Earth, and when it does, the monsters who dwell within can pass into our world and take those who are marked by the Ancients—their eldritch creators. There, they are turned into a creature like the rest of them.

When they’re turned, they wind up with ink markings on their faces called soulmarks. The more they have, the more powerful they are. The color of the ink denotes what house they belong to. If they are strong enough, they wear a mask to protect and hide the marks from those around them. To remove the marks is to make them mortal again.

Lydia, whose life had been fairly normal until the day she wakes up with a mark mysteriously tattooed on her arm, finds herself hunted by creatures that she thought only dwelled within her favorite horror movies. Dragged into the world of Under, she must fight to escape in order to survive. Unfortunately, Under has other plans for her. When brought to the Pool of the Ancients to be turned into a creature like them, the unexpected happens.

She crosses paths with Edu, the King of Flames. He suspects she is dangerous and in order to keep her out of the hands of Aon, the King of Shadows, he wants her dead. Aon is a warlock and a madman—and his desires for Lydia are far more mysterious, and potentially far more dangerous.

The Masks of Under is a dark fantasy/romance series.

How many more books are planned for the series?

Currently, there are six books written and scheduled for release! That completes Lydia’s story—but the world of Under is ancient and there’s a lot of possibilities to write other stories in the future. I already have a few planned!

Were any of the characters in the book inspired by people from your real life?

Only one. Nick, Lydia’s friend, is based very loosely on a coworker of mine. He’s a fascinating archetype I dubbed a ‘nerd-bro.’ Everyone else is (hopefully) an invention.

Who was your favorite character to write? What about your least favorite?

Oh, my favorite is easily Aon, the King of Shadows. He’s both the villain and the love interest. He’s what I call a “gentleman fiend.” He’s a madman, a warlock and a sadist. He’s doomed the world of Under to the void. But he’s sexy, charming, witty, and oddly compassionate at times. He’s a challenge and a joy to write.

What is your favorite passages/scenes in THE MASKS OF UNDER SERIES?

Here’s one of my favorite scenes, from “King of Shadows,” the second book in the series;

Another night and another nightmare.

This time, there was no running involved. Usually, dreams like this never really bothered Lydia. They were never scary, in the same way her favorite movies were no longer frightening to her. Usually, she found them entertaining. But now the context had changed. Now she knew what it was like to be caught by a monster.

Lydia was strapped to a medical table. Her mind had conjured up that recent memory and somehow made it even darker and more twisted. A creature whose medical mask had been stitched directly to his face was busy dismembering her. He ripped away at flesh and sinew, digging into her organs and cutting them free.

In a way that only dreams would allow, she was not dying, just suffering. Only experiencing the fear. Lydia was crying and begging for mercy, but the creature that was butchering her like a slab of meat didn’t care. It didn’t respond to her in the slightest as she writhed in agony.

“And here I am, insulted to not have been invited to the party.” Aon’s voice broke into her dream, laughing. “Forgive me for my intrusion, but even inside your mind I fear I do not like the prospect of sharing.”

Lydia felt someone grasp her shoulder. All in one movement he pulled, and the scene around her shattered. But the terror still gripped her. She shot up, straight into someone’s arms. Her heart was pounding too hard for her to care. She felt them press her head against their shoulder. It took her a long moment to process where she was and what was happening. She was still in bed, and not strapped to some horrifying medical table. It had just been a nightmare.

Aon was next to her, sitting on the edge of the plush mattress. His bare hand was stroking her hair, and he was shushing her quietly. Lydia realized she was clinging to him, her hands twisting the fabric of his coat. Finally, she let go of him and lifted her head from his shoulder. Confused, she shot him a quizzical look. “What happened?”

“You were crying out in your sleep. I came to ensure you were not in danger and found you mired within a dream from which I could not wake you.” Aon combed his hand slowly through her hair, his voice a low rumble. She shivered at his touch and was entirely unsure as to why. As he reached to touch her again, she grew shy and shrank away from him.

“Thanks, I guess,” Lydia muttered.

“You are quite welcome.”

“It’s incredibly weird that you can be inside of my dreams, by the way.”

“Perhaps I was not there. Perhaps you were merely dreaming of me on your own. Your dark pursuer and savior all at once,” Aon mused playfully.

“Really?”

“No.”

What kind of research did you have to do for the story?

Lydia’s day-job is as a forensic autopsy technician. So, I had to do a great deal of research for the first few chapters where she’s gathering evidence off a body. I had to watch a bunch of gross videos. Luckily though, she winds up in Under quickly and her day job becomes pretty moot.

But many, if not most of the characters, are all 500+ years old. When I write from the point of view of a character like that, I have to change how I write to be more archaic. 

That’s a hard thing not to get stuck in. My poor editor!

Who is your ultimate book boyfriend?

Dracula, easily. The original Gentleman Fiend.

What inspired you to write this series?

I had a dream where I saw the ‘Pool of the Ancients,’ which was the very first image I ever drew for the series. I remember being chased by people who were wearing masks. They were wearing them to hide the marks on their faces that spelled out what kind of monster they were—and how powerful. Everything after that kind of clicked into place.

Lightning Round Questions

What are you reading right now? Or what do you have on your TBR that you’re dying to read?

Honestly, I bought myself a Kindle Unlimited subscription and I’ve been having a blast with it. There’s a lot of fun stuff on there! I just finished up reading “Lera of Lunos” by Alex Lidel. Then, I need to go back and re-read Good Omens before watching the tv-show!

What Hogwarts House would the Sorting Hat place you in?

I feel like I’m obligated to say Slytherin. Seeing as I have a tattoo of a snake on my ankle. And c’mon…villains ftw.

Twitter or Facebook?

I Social Media only because I have to. I’m much more of a Discord person, myself. But I’m around on both. I think, if I had to pick, Twitter.

Favorite Superhero?

Deadpool. Favorite supervillain? The Riddler.

Favorite TV show?

Currently, Game of Thrones. I also adore the Castlevania Netflix series. (See: Previous obsession with Dracula.)

Sweet or Salty?

Sweet all the way. I have a vicious sweet tooth.

Any Phobias?

Spiders. Little leggy bastards. If I see one on my terms, it’s fine. But if one of them sneaks up on me? It’s shrieky time. I’m also dodgy around bees, but I’m allergic to them, so I think I have an excuse there.

Song you can’t get enough of right now?

“Arsonist’s Lullabye” by Hozier, and “Once Upon a Dream” by Lana Del Rey. Both are major inspirations for the series as I’m writing.

2019 Movie you’re most looking forward to?

Avengers: Endgame. Star Wars as a close second.

Thanks so much Kathryn for answering my questions! I can’t wait for everyone to read THE MASKS OF UNDER SERIES!

About Kathryn:

Kat has always been a storyteller.

With ten years in script-writing for performances on both the stage and for tourism, she has always been writing in one form or another. When she isn’t penning down fiction, she works as Creative Director for a company that designs and builds large-scale interactive adventure games. There, she is the lead concept designer, handling everything from game and set design, to audio and lighting, to illustration and script writing. Also on her list of skills are artistic direction, scenic painting and props, special effects, and electronics. A graduate of Boston University with a BFA in Theatre Design, she has a passion for unique, creative, and unconventional experiences. In her spare time, she builds animatronics and takes trapeze classes.

Website | Twitter | Tumblr |  Facebook | Amazon Author Page | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 winners will receive ebooks of KING OF FLAMES & KING OF SHADOWS, International.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/15/2019- BookHounds- Excerpt

4/15/2019- Dorky Girl and Skeletor- Spotlight

4/16/2019- Lone Tree Reviews- Excerpt

4/16/2019- Jaime's World- Excerpt

4/17/2019- Bri's Book Nook- Review

4/17/2019- ❧Defining Ways❧- Excerpt

4/18/2019- Down the rabbit hole- Review

4/18/2019- Writing on the Sunny Side of the Street- Excerpt

4/19/2019- Lisa Loves Literature- Spotlight

4/19/2019- A Dream Within A Dream- Excerpt

Week Two:

4/22/2019- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

4/22/2019- Parajunkee- Excerpt

4/23/2019- Books a Plenty Book Reviews- Review

4/23/2019- Owl Always Be Reading- Excerpt

4/24/2019- Smada's Book Smack- Review

4/24/2019- Reese's Reviews- Review

4/25/2019- A Gingerly Review- Review

4/25/2019- Taking It One Book at a time- Review

4/26/2019- TheSecret Reader- Review

4/26/2019- Book Briefs- Review 

Blog Tour- WONDER WALK by Ilham Alam With An Interview & Giveaway!

I am happy to be hosting a stop on the blog tour for WONDER WALK by Ilham Alam! I have an interview with Ilham to share with you today check it out and enter to win the giveaway below!

About The Books:

Title: WONDER WALK

Author: Ilham Alam

Pub. Date: April 16, 2019

Publisher: Iguana Books

Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook

Pages: 20

Find it: Goodreads, Amazon, B&N, TBD

Get out there with the curious Johnny and his patient Mommy, in this colourful, rhyming book, celebrating all the wonders of the everyday world. What do they see? What do they hear? What do they talk about?

Now on to the interview!

Hey Ilham! First I want to say welcome to Two Chicks on Books I’m glad you could stop by for a chat! WONDER WALK sounds adorable and I can’t wait for everyone to read it!

For the readers: can you tell us a little bit about WONDER WALK and the characters?

Wonder Walk is really about the simple pleasure of a neighborhood walk. I mean, Who hasn’t taken a stroll around their local streets or park on a lovely summer’s day with their family and loved every second of it? How many moms we have seen taking a walk with their kids or you as a mom have also done that, right? Also, once the kids begin talking, they begin asking their questions, some of which are hilarious in their innocence, some of which end up stumping you as you search for an answer. So in Wonder Walk, little Johnny asks his Mommy questions about the sunflowers, the birds, the insects that they see, while out enjoying a walk.

What are you working on now?

I always have things on the go. My mind never stops working! I’ve written dramatic fiction short stories and have had it published in journals; I’m working on a crime thriller novel right now, inspired by the many hours of true crime podcasts I’ve binged on; and also I have the manuscripts for two other children books ready. I also blog about my favourite kids books and my travelling over at StoryMummy.com 

Were any of the characters in the book inspired by people from your real life?

My eldest son was my inspiration. I had written the story after I came back from such a walk  

Who was your favorite character to write? What about your least favorite?

I enjoyed writing both Johnny and Mommy as I was depicting the relationship between my son and I.

What is your favorite passages/scenes in WONDER WALK?

Can I say that I love them all?!?

What inspired you to write Kidlit?

Again the inspiration to write Kidlit came from my son. Prior to becoming a mom, I barely read any Kidlit except for the books that I would read to the kids as a Kumon tutor. Now, I’m a voracious Kidlit reader!

Lightning Round Questions

What are you reading right now? Or what do you have on your TBR that you’re dying to read?

I’m dying to read “My Lovely Wife” by Samantha Downing & “Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows” by Balli Kaur Jaswal.

What Hogwarts House would the Sorting Hat place you in?

Ravenclaw

Twitter or Facebook?

Twitter. I’m a political junkie, lol.

Favorite Superhero?

Batman. Forever.

Favorite TV show?

Game of Thrones. Can’t wait to watch the final season from Colombia

Sweet or Salty?

It’s a close tie...ok will go with Sweet.

Any Phobias?

Phobia: Thunder & Lightning

Song you can’t get enough of right now?

7 Rings

2019 Movie you’re most looking forward to?

Avengers Endgame

Thanks so much Ilham for answering my questions! I can’t wait for everyone to read WONDER WALK!

About Ilham:

My name is ILHAM which is pronounced the way its spelt. As a kid, I hated my name and did get teased for being a “ham”. But now that I’m an adult, I love the unique-ness and the strength that my name conveys. I definitely have not met another Ilham for sure.

It means inspiration in Arabic, by the way.

I live with my 2 sons & my husband and my 20lb kitty, Beauty, within a house thats booby-trapped with Lego. My crazy family are my inspiration for story writing and story-telling, And I love to travel with them as well and earning new memories through adventures abroad, some of which I have documented in this blog.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads

Giveaway Details:

3 lucky winners will win WONDER WALK Swag Packs, US Only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tour Schedule:

Week One:

4/8/2019- Lone Tree Reviews- Review

4/9/2019- Beagles & Books- Review

4/10/2019- Character Madness and Musings- Excerpt

4/11/2019- BookHounds YA- Review/Interview

4/12/2019- Do You Dog-ear?- Review

Week Two:

4/15/2019- Mama Panda Bear- Review

4/16/2019- Almost a Reader- Review

4/17/2019- Kelly P's Blog- Spotlight

4/18/2019- Novel Novice- Excerpt

4/19/2019- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

Week Three:

4/22/2019- D. Books and Reviews- Review

4/23/2019- She Dreams in Fiction- Review

4/24/2019- ❧Defining Ways❧- Review

4/25/2019- Twirling Book Princess- Excerpt

4/26/2019- Two points of interest- Review