Quasi Redux by Christina Bauer Blog Tour Part 2: Guest Post

What I Regret In Writing My Angelbound Series

By Christina Bauer, author

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When I’m building a world, I try out different things. A teeny-tiny number work, the vast majority don’t. Most of the time, that isn’t a big deal. But every so often, I try super hard to shove something in and it becomes a major time suck.

With that in mind, here are 4 things I tried in early versions of Angelbound that I sincerely regret having wasted so much time trying to make them succeed when, in looking back, these are some serious shit burgers on the ideas menu of my writing life. 

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1. Armageddon started off as a small pink poodle
No, I am not kidding. I actually thought it would be awesome to have the King of Hell be a small pink poodle that talked. You know, the ‘last demon that you would have expected’ type thing? And yes, it was funny. But no, it totally didn’t work. That said, I loved the name.

2. Lincoln began as an antihero
I wanted Lincoln to be a badass. Sleep around. Drink. Be a dick. I even had an illegitimate child running around in one draft. But Lincoln was having none of it. The character fought me until he finally became who he was. A good and great man. Ahhh, Lincoln!

3. Myla was originally named Monica
And the book was titled Demonica (har har har). Unfortunately, there’s a restaurant in Boston’s North End called Monica’s, and we lived near said restaurant for about ten years. I kept trying to write Myla as a badass fighter, and I kept seeing the Monica’s logo in my mind: an overweight nun.

Needless to say, she got renamed Myla.

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4. Walker was originally an agoraphobic fairy with a foul mouth
God DAMN, but I loved that foul-mouthed fairy. She did not belong in Myla’s story, but I kept her in there for the longest time anyway. Then, when I was rewriting the first chapter for the millionth time, Walker literally appeared. He wasn’t in my outline, but his portal materialized in the kitchen and out stepped my favorite ghoul. I haven’t given up on the potty-mouthed pixie, however. She’ll find a home some day!

So there you have it. Four unfit ideas (except for Monica, which was more of a word-association issue). TTFN!

ABOUT CHRISTINA BAUER

Christina Bauer writes romance novels that feature demons, dragons, wizards, witches, elves, elementals, and a bunch of random stuff that she brainstorms while riding the Boston T. Oh, and she includes lots of humor and kick-ass chicks, too. Christina lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby. Her most recent novel is QUASI REDUX.

Quasi Redux by Christina Bauer Blog Tour Part 1: Book Info

Quasi Redux
Christina Bauer
(Angelbound Origins, #8)
Published by: Monster House Books
Publication date: September 29th 2020
Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult

“Myla is a magnificent heroine, fierce and outspoken, hilarious and mischievous … And did I mention that her demon tail is sentient? Best. Sidekick. Ever.” – The Nocturnal Library

Myla Lewis has her life back. Wife. Mother. Queen. Great Scala. Queen of the Thrax. Yay! Then one day, Myla runs across a supernatural waterfall that makes her igni screech like crazy. Our heroine speaks the fateful words, “Some days, I wish I weren’t the Great Scala.”

The waterfall grants her wish.

A moment later, Myla is back at Purgatory High. No husband. No child. No powers beyond her old quasi days. And without Myla around as the Great Scala, all quasis now live under Armageddon’s rule. That sucks. Hard. So Myla sneaks into Antrum—she simply must find Lincoln and figure this out. Once she arrives, two problems arise.

First, her husband doesn’t know her. At all.

Second, Lincoln is married to someone else.

Fuuuuuuu…

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Author Bio:

Christina Bauer knows how to tell stories about kick-ass women. In her best selling Angelbound series, the heroine is a part-demon girl who loves to fight in Purgatory’s Arena and falls in love with a part-angel prince. This young adult best seller has driven more than 500,000 ebook downloads and 9,000 reviews on Goodreads and retailers. The first three books in the series are now available as audiobooks on Audible and iTunes.
Bauer has also told the story of the Women’s March on Washington by leading PR efforts for the Massachusetts Chapter. Her pre-event press release—the only one sent out on a major wire service—resulted in more than 19,000 global impressions and redistribution by over 350 different media entities including the Associated Press.

Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and semi-insane golden retriever, Ruby.

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Extinct: An Illustrated Exploration of Animals That Have Disappeared by Lucas Riera & Jack Tite Review

4/5 Stars 50 pages
Published December 11th 2019 by Phaidon Press

Honestly, I’ve had this book for a while. Though I love the idea, I just felt like it was going to be a book that made me sad after I read it, and that’s not something I wanted to put myself though with everything lately. However, I was wrong. It gave me hope that we can save future animals, though it did make me sad for the species we’ve lost.

This is a picture book with very important and interesting information about a lot of the animals that have disappeared from the world. I really loved the pictures, the art style was so unique. The little blurbs about each picture were really helpful too, and I feel like I learned a lot even though this book was like fifty pages. I would absolutely love to have a copy of this on my bookshelf one day.

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Here’s some of the things I’ve learned from reading this book. Not every tiger species have the same amount, or even pattern of stripes. A lot of the animals that have gone extinct happened in the early 1900’s, and the early 2000’s. There used to be an animal that looked like a tiger, but was actually closer to kangaroo’s, and had a pouch for their young. The California grizzly was extinct by humans, and some were lassoed and forced to fight bulls for entertainment. And the last thing I wanted to share was that I learned about a type of frog where the females swallowed their eggs, and in six weeks, the babies would crawl from her mouth.

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I highly recommend checking out this book if you have the chance. Not only is it beautiful and informative, but it really is something different than anything I’ve read lately, and I think a lot of people would like it. And it gives some amazing information about how to save not only the animals but the planet by doing small things. Because every little thing counts.

If you’d like to grab a copy for yourself, you can grab one here.

Thanks for reading! Hope you’re doing great and staying safe. Are you interested in books like these? I’ve been slowly trying to get back into non-fiction, and this was a great start.

The Bailey Spade Series by Dima Zales Cover Reveals (4 in 1!)

Dream Walker
Dima Zale
(The Bailey Spade Series, #1)
Publication date: January 26th 2021
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

Think your dreams are private? Think again.

As a dreamwalker, I can ease your nightmares, inspire creation, or steal memories, all for the small price of a buttload of cash. I need the money to save my mom’s life, and the clock is ticking.

Then a gorgeous illusionist comes into the picture—though those mouthwatering looks may just be his powers in action. He sends me on a job with a major paycheck, but the pucking vampires show up and ruin everything.

As usual, they suck.

Now I’m knee-deep in a murder case where the victims and the perps could all kill me with a snap of their fingers. Throw in a creepy castle, a stinky moat, and a legendary monster, and we’ve got ourselves a party. Especially when the bodies begin to pile up.

My name is Bailey Spade, and if I don’t solve this case, I’m dead.

Dream Hunter
Dima Zale
(The Bailey Spade Series, #2)
Publication date: February 9th 2021
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

What was missing from my life? A crazy cult that worships the ancient god of nightmares, that’s what.

When I break my most sacred vow and invade my mom’s dreams, things get complicated, fast. With Valerian’s help, I’m on a quest to boost my powers and learn to forgive myself—all while saving my home world from complete annihilation at the hands of deranged cultists.

In other words, a regular Wednesday.

Dream Chaser
Dima Zale
(The Bailey Spade Series, #3)
Publication date: February 23rd 2021
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

The god of nightmares is real? How fun.

A mystery dreamwalker is trying to turn me homicidally insane? Business as usual.

But when a legendary seer gets involved, we end up on a world populated by necromancers. Oops. I’ll have to put on my big dreamwalker panties and learn to forgive Valerian’s betrayal before we’re all killed by Icelus… or zombies… or a deadly virus.

Dream Ender
Dima Zale
(The Bailey Spade Series, #4)
Publication date: March 9th 2021
Genres: Adult, Urban Fantasy

Not only is Phobetor real, he’s about to destroy life on every world with sentient beings. You could say he’s becoming a bit of a problem.

Unless I’m somehow the hero of an ancient prophecy—and let’s face it, I’m not—everyone I care about is in major trouble.

My name is Bailey Spade, and this is how my story ends.

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Author Bio:

If you’d like to know when the next book comes out, please sign up for Dima’s newsletter at http://www.dimazales.com.

Dima Zales is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of science fiction and fantasy. Prior to becoming a writer, he worked in the software development industry in New York as both a programmer and an executive. From high-frequency trading software for big banks to mobile apps for popular magazines, Dima has done it all. In 2013, he left the software industry in order to concentrate on his writing career and moved to Palm Coast, Florida, where he currently resides.

Dima holds a Master’s degree in Computer Science from NYU and a dual undergraduate degree in Computer Science / Psychology from Brooklyn College. He also has a number of hobbies and interests, the most unusual of which might be professional-level mentalism. He simulates mind reading on stage and close-up, and has done shows for corporations, wealthy individuals, and friends.

He is also into healthy eating and fitness, so he should live long enough to finish all the book projects he starts. In fact, he very much hopes to catch the technological advancements that might let him live forever (biologically or otherwise). Aside from that, he also enjoys learning about current and future technologies that might enhance our lives, including artificial intelligence, biofeedback, brain-to-computer interfaces, and brain-enhancing implants.

In addition to writing The Sorcery Code series and Mind Dimensions series, Dima has collaborated on a number of romance novels with his wife, Anna Zaires. The Krinar Chronicles, an erotic science fiction series, is an international bestseller and has been recognized by the likes of Marie Claire and Woman’s Day. If you like erotic romance with a unique plot, please feel free to check it out, especially since the first book in the series (Close Liaisons) is available for free everywhere.

Anna Zaires is the love of his life and a huge inspiration in every aspect of his writing. She definitely adds her magic touch to anything Dima creates, and the books would not be the same without her. Dima’s fans are strongly encouraged to learn more about Anna and her work at http://www.annazaires.com.

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Strays (Werewolf Academy #1) by Cheree Alsop Review

4/5 Stars 275 pages
Published August 13th 2014

I’ve really been in a werewolf mood lately, and this book was a nice addition to this. Though, it wasn’t my new absolute favourite book, it was an easy read and an action packed one at that. A smooth ride from start to finish, It was what I wanted and nothing more.

Following a set of stray werewolf twins that live in a world where humans have tried to commit genocide against them, we learn about them pretty quickly. I did feel like a lot happened before the book that would have been an interesting prequel maybe, instead of just having everything brought up in conversation, but I think that’s just me being picky. Do they really talk about the biggest trauma of their lives that often?

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After losing their parents to a brutal murder in front of them, Alex and Cassie have lived at a mostly werewolf boarding school since they were about seven years old, and have grown very close with the Dean, even considering him their adopted father. Alex hasn’t stopped thinking about the man that killed their parents and older brother though, and he’s determined to stop him from doing anything else to other werewolf families like his.

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I think one of the big things I didn’t love about this book, was that I feel like the young children didn’t act their age, and neither did the older children. They all kind of acted like adults, but were called kids and young teens. Not a big problem, just something that I notice a lot when reading this kind of young adult fiction.

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The story itself was action packed and full of the kids making their own families, and I loved that although the school in the beginning was completely segregated between lifers and termers, that is, orphans and werewolves with families, Alex was able to bring them all together with his ideas about training, and just how he acted in general. Though he isn’t an alpha, he acted like one, and everyone followed him. I can see later in the series, him becoming an alpha, even if that doesn’t actually happen.

Overall, I did like this book, but like I said, it wasn’t my new favourite, and that’s just something that happens a lot. It was a good time, but they can’t all be my favourite, right? If you’re looking for a werewolf boarding school kind of young adult book, than this is the one for you. Definitely check it out if you get the chance! I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in the next book.

If you’d like a copy you can grab one here!

And if you’re interested in keeping up with the author, you can follow them on Twitter here!

Thanks for reading! Hope you’re doing well and staying safe.

Nightmare Thief by Dara Kent Cover Reveal

Nightmare Thief
Dara Kent
Publication date: April 6th 2021
Genres: Adult, Fantasy, Occult Fiction

If you do bad things for a good reason … are you still a villain?

Remy Novem is the not so ambivalent caretaker of the dreamscape Somniare, the place where all creatures go to dream. Her job is to keep the barriers strong between worlds, so nightmares stay where they belong, and no one ends up dead or worse. Her magic feeds off of terror, sweetened by the little bit of torture she enjoys doling out to unsuspecting dreamers. Nocturnal suffering in exchange for safety, not a bad deal as far as Remy is concerned. But not everyone is pleased with the current status quo.

When a mystery foe starts springing nightmares from Somniare, causing havoc in all the worlds, Remy will find out exactly how wrong she was about … everything.

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99¢ during pre-order only!

Author Bio:

Dara Kent is a pseudonym for bestselling romance author D.T. Dyllin. Dara writes darker worlds, where good doesn’t always win, villains are cool, and magical mayhem rules.

Dara was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Black & Gold for life, baby!) She now lives in Raleigh, North Carolina with her husband, and spoiled mini-poodle.

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October is going to be a Busy Month

Anyone else’s October packed full of things to do? For me, it wasn’t intentional. I’ve been trying to lay low and keep things easy for myself due to my insane anxiety lately. But October is going to change that.

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I accidentally have so many books I need to review that are coming out at the beginning of the month and the second week of the month. The end, not so much. But the beginning is packed full. I didn’t do this intentionally, but I am not mad about it, I’m loving getting back into all the new books coming out.

So just beware, there’s probably going to be a lot of review posts coming out in October. But I’ll keep trying to break them up with posts like these, unboxings, and other things (especially youtube things). I’m excited to show you what I’ve been reading finally!

Hope you’re doing well and staying safe. Thanks for being with me, as always. It means a lot. This blog is my whole world, aside from the few friends I have, and my cat. I don’t know what I would do without it.

Moon Lake by Various Creators (Named Below) Review

5/5 Stars 107 pages
Published September 22nd 2020 by Heavy Metal

I had no idea what I was getting myself into with this book, but that didn’t stop me.  Full of hilarious adult humour, nudity, gore, and scifi goodness, Once I picked it up I couldn’t put it down, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. If you’re looking for any of that, then you’ll want to grab a copy for yourself.

Beginning with an eccentric intro about how Moon Lake came to being, The Earth being a lonely single mother to her bastard son, The Moon, and his undoing because of being used as a blast shield for years and years from space rocks. How he eventually took his anger out on the planet itself, casting down a chunk of himself and creating what is known today as Moon Lake, an irradiated graveyard of a lake where really weird stuff happens. And that’s just the beginning.

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From a sex camp full of people who turn into monkeys, to epic space battles on the moon against aliens, even to a cheerleader that loses her mind after the worst day possible and goes on a killing spree. This book has it all. And it does it all and still is able to stay really funny in the process. Though, it does go up and down. The stories have their own art styles that fit perfectly, and make each story beautifully horrific in their own special ways. I couldn’t ask for anything more from this book, and I’m glad that I got the chance to check it out.

If you’d like to grab a copy for yourself, you can do so here.

Here are all the creators that came together to make this book happen. Sorry I couldn’t fit them all in the title, or track down all of their Twitter accounts.

Brooke Allen, Tommy Castillo, Dan Fogler, James Daly III, Josh Finney, Alex Eckman-Lawn, Brian Holguin, Stefan Hutchinson, Mark Englert, Lizzy John, Dave Lanphear, Blake Leibel, Tim Seeley, Scott Newman, R.H. Stavis, Troy Peteri, Zoey Stevens, and Nick Apalansky.

Thanks so much for reading! Would you check this book out? Lets chat about it! Hope you’re staying safe and doing well.

Horror Book Talk

Hey everyone! Sorry I’ve been a little spotty with my posts lately, but I’m here today and that’s what matters! I’m excited to share my reviews for the week, too. I have an ARC review coming out tomorrow on it’s publishing date, and another really interesting book review aside from that.

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Anyways, today I really wanted to talk about something interesting I was talking about with my best friend on the phone the other day.

Do you ever feel like the horror genre of books is a lot more scary than horror movies? Not because of the topics, they’re pretty much the same, but because I can imagine the things happening in those books a lot worse and in a way more graphic way than horror movies can depict it.

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I’d love to know if other people feel the same way, because I thought it was really interesting that me and my best friend both have bad anxiety, and we both felt the same way about the genre in general. Is it because of our anxiety? Do we just have overactive imaginations? Or does everyone feel this way? I’d love to hear your opinion on the topic.

Anyways, that’s all I have to say for today, hope you’re having a great day and staying safe! Read a great book this week if you can. Thanks for reading!

Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez Review

5/5 Stars 368 pages
Published September 15th 2020 by Algonquin Young Readers

Something you don’t know that you need a book until you read it. This is that book for me. Though I’m usually into paranormal and scifi books, sometimes I just need a good real life book that makes you feel good. It takes you through heartaches and the happy times, and just all the ups and downs of real life. It feels good to take a break from everything and read something like that, with a happy ending, when things don’t always feel like they’ll have a happy ending.

Following a seventeen year old girl named Camila, and her life in a small town in Argentina, it shows her life as she hides what she really wants in life, to play soccer. At home, she’s smothered by her abusive father, shell of a mother, and soccer star brother. She just wants to carve her own path in a life that’s been planned out for her. Known on the soccer fields as Furia, she does exactly that.

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Through the story we see her ups and downs. Reuniting with a now celebrity first and really only love. Dealing with her father. Getting a job teaching English to children at a church. Growing distant with her best friend. Things like that, and much more. It’s real, it’s raw, and it’s just what I never knew I needed. Sometimes it’s just nice to escape your own life, and get to live through someone else, even if they’re fictional.

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This is a story of persevering through whatever life throws at you. It’s about following your dreams, no matter how hard it might be to reach them. I honestly think everyone should read this book, because it’s just uplifting even when it gets hard. I’m so glad I got the chance to check it out, and I highly, highly recommend it. It was a much needed break from all the supernatural things I read, a really down to earth book and I hope that you like it as much as I did.

If you’d like a copy, you can grab one here.

Here’s a link to the author’s Twitter, if you’d like to keep up with them.

Thanks for reading! Hope you’re doing well and staying safe. Lets chat about this book in the comments!