BLOG TOUR - VERSE BOOK TWO: THE SECOND GATE BY SAM BECK - GRAPHIC NOVEL [SPOTLIGHT + GIVEAWAY]

I am thrilled to be hosting a spotlight stop on the VERSE BOOK 2: THE SECOND GATE by Sam Beck Blog Tour hosted by Rockstar Book Tours. Check out my post and make sure to enter the giveaway! 

Book Information

Title: Verse Book Two: The Second Gate

Authors(s): Sam Beck
Publication Date: June 28, 2022
Edition: Paperback, eBook; 256 pgs
Publisher: Wonderbound
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Purchase: Amazon - Kindle - B&N - BAM! - iBooks - TBD - Bookshop.org

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the publisher as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review.  My thoughts and opinions are my own.  Please note the purchase links above are affiliate links.

Tour Schedule

Week One

6/13/2022 - The Momma Spot - Guest Post

6/14/2022 - Sadie's Spotlight - Guest Post/IG Post

6/15/2022 - BookHounds YA - Guest Post/IG Post

6/16/2022 - Ya Books Central - Guest Post

6/17/2022 - Two Chicks on Books - Guest Post

6/18/2022 - @jaimerockstarbooktours - IG Post

Week Two

6/19/2022 - Lady Hawkeye - Excerpt/IG Post

6/20/2022 - Read With Serena - Review/IG Post

6/21/2022 - Living in a Bookworld - Guest Post

6/22/2022 - #BRVL Book Review Virginia Lee Blog - Spotlight

6/23/2022 - Lifestyle of Me - Review/IG Post

6/24/2022 - Rajiv's Reviews - Review/IG Post

6/25/2022 - @thechattybookworm - TikTok Review/IG Post

Week Three

6/26/2022 - Fire and Ice - Review

6/27/2022 - Eli to the nth - Spotlight

6/28/2022 - Nonbinary Knight Reads - Review/IG Post/TikTok Post

6/29/2022 - Library of Alexandria Archives - Review/IG Post

6/30/2022 - TakeALookAtMyBookshelf - Review/IG Post

7/1/2022 - The Bookwyrm's Den - Review

7/2/2022 - A Backwards Story - Review/IG Post

Week Four

7/3/2022 - Nerdophiles - Review/IG Post

7/4/2022 - modefii - Review/IG Post

7/5/2022 - @allyluvsbooksalatte - Review/IG Post

7/6/2022 - Two Points of Interest - Review

7/7/2022 - onemused - IG Post

7/8/2022 - beersbooksandboos - Review/IG Post/TikTok Post

The Summary

FACE THE MAGIC

THE BATTLE FOR THE FUTURE OF MAGIC HAS TAKEN ITS FIRST PRISONER.

Held captive by the leaders of a dangerous new movement, Neitya is forced to face a darker side of her abilities that threaten to tear her away from Fife, her only true friend. The only way back to one another may be to follow their destinies down divergent paths and discover what it means to face their worst fears alone. 

Book 2 of the three-book original graphic novel fantasy series!

(Goodreads)

REVIEWS:

“Verse's rich drawings and colours beautifully illustrate a complicated, engaging fantasy world filled with sympathetic characters. I can't wait to learn more about them as their journey continues!" -- Faith Erin Hicks ― The Nameless City - Comics Creator, Writer, Artist

"An intricately woven tale of magic and mystery, Sam Beck has written and illustrated an unforgettable story." -- Victoria Ying ― Illustrator - Diana Princess of the Amazons, I Kissed Alice, and more!

"Verse is the sort of book you spend hours pouring over, even after the first read. Every single page is a visual delight – I lingered on every panel and relished every page-turn. Sam expertly crafts a sprawling world full of gripping characters and thrilling stakes that transported me to another dimension– it's the kind of book I would have devoured as a teenager, and certainly still love now." -- Hannah Templer ― Artist - Cosmoknights

Grab VERSE Book 1: The Broken Half now!

FOR DOWNLOADABLE DIGITAL ITEMS (Bookmarks, Digital Wallpapers, and Poster), please click on this link: https://www.readwonderbound.com/books/verse-book-1/

To see and hear Sam talk about VERSE, click on the YouTube link below for her Zoom chat at the 2021 US Book Show, entitled: MAGIC IS REAL: https://youtu.be/6kJ_1k--KDs

Excerpt

About the Author

About Sam Beck

Sam Beck is a writer and illustrator living in Toronto. She likes to explore themes of identity and relationships through the lens of fantasy. Sam has done work with Dark Horse, Vault Comics, and BOOM! Studios. When she's not drawing, find her admiring the forests of northern Ontario or playing the ocarina and guitar.

Sign up for the Verse email list!

Verse Website | Website| Twitter | Instagram | TikTok | Goodreads | Amazon  

Giveaway

2 winners will receive a finished copy of Verse Book 2: The Second Gate, US Only.

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BLOG TOUR - HEARTLESS PRINCE BY LEIGH DRAGOON & ANGELA DE VITO (ILLU.) - YOUNG ADULT GRAPHIC NOVEL [REVIEW + GIVEAWAY]

Title: Heartless Prince

Author & Illustrator: Leigh Dragoon & Angela De Vito 
Publication Date: November 2, 2021
Edition: Hardcover, paperback. eBook; 160 pgs
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Purchase: Amazon - B&N - TBD - Bookshop.org
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the publisher as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.  Please note the purchase links above are affiliate links.

Tour Schedule

Week One

11/1/2021 - For the Love of KidLit - Excerpt

11/2/2021 - BookHounds YA - Excerpt

11/3/2021 - Kait Plus Books - Excerpt

11/4/2021 - Book-Keeping - Review

11/5/2021 - Books Are Magic Too - Review

11/6/2021 - Nerdophiles - Review

Week Two

11/7/2021 - ZaineyLaney - Review

11/8/2021 - The book review crew - Review

11/9/2021 - History from a Woman’s Perspective - Review

11/10/2021 - A Backwards Story - Review

11/11/2021 - celiamcmahonreads - Review

11/12/2021 - Rajiv's Reviews - Review

11/13/2021 - More Books Please blog - Review

Week Three

11/14/2021 - A Bookish Dream - Review

11/15/2021 - @more.books.yes.please - Review

11/16/2021 - lexijavabookish - Review

11/17/2021 - Once Upon a Twilight - Review

11/18/2021 - A Court of Coffee and Books - Review

11/19/2021 - Don't Judge, Read - Review

11/20/2021 - Bri's Book Nook - Review

Week Four

11/21/2021 - @momfluenster - Review

11/22/2021 - The Momma Spot - Review

11/23/2021 - Emelie's Books - Review

11/24/2021 - Nonbinary Knight Reads - Review

11/25/2021 - The Bookwyrm's Den - Review

11/26/2021 - Eli to the nth - Review

11/27/2021 - Lifestyle of Me - Review

Week Five

11/28/2021 - Two Points of Interest - Review

11/29/2021 - onemused - Review

11/30/2021 - popthebutterfly - Review

The Summary

A fierce warrior must save the heart of her beloved prince before it's too late in the first book of a new YA fantasy-adventure graphic novel trilogy, perfect for fans of Noelle Stevenson's Nimona and Kazu Kibuishi's Amulet

Evony is an orphaned princess from a kingdom destroyed by a power-hungry witch. Prince Ammon has recently been drawn to her, or at least he’s drawn to her uncanny ability to sense when familiars—servants to the witches—are approaching his kingdom’s borders. And Evony, well Evony has always longed for something more with Ammon. Wanting to prove himself to his kingdom and parents, Ammon takes Evony outside the borders to fight the familiars head-to-head. All is well until they’re captured by witch Aradia, who steals Ammon’s heart and leaves his body to turn into one of her familiars. What’s worse, his sister Nissa has been taken hostage by Aradia’s daughter. Evony makes it her miss onto retrieve Ammon’s heart and save Nissa, taking her into the mysterious Witchlands. There, she will discover a secret about her past that will change everything.

Reviews

An enchanting, intense tale of mystery and magic - this book reveals both the vision and vibrant, young talents of Angela and Leigh throughout dense and rich pages full of visual delight and narrative wit.―Matias Bergara, illustrator of CODA

The Heartless Prince is a romantic and thrilling fantasy with strong characters and compelling twists.―Victoria Ying, author of City of Secrets

With a palette of whimsical hues and a heartful cast of characters, HEARTLESS PRINCE is a fantastic read full of witches, adventure, and destiny. I can't wait to devour the sequel!

―Hafsah Faizal, NYT bestselling author of WE HUNT THE FLAME

(Goodreads)

My Review

Heartless Prince by Leigh Dragoon and Angela De Vito introduces readers to a new fantasy world full of witches and stolen hearts.  

Princess Evony was orphaned as a baby due to a witch's attack on her kingdom.  Saved by a young town's boy, she is brought to Gallea, a neighboring kingdom protected by a magical barrier tied to their Prince's heart. Prince Ammon and Princess Evony help the King and Queen to train and fight against the witches and their familiars.  The fate of their kingdom rests on their shoulders.

A fun, light fantasy-story, this book gears up to be a part of a series.  While the plot and character development is light, there are some fun action and magic woven within.  The art  is reminiscent of Disney's style, but with a rough edge to it, sometimes making it hard to see the comic clearly.  But the color usage is well-done, evoking the correct mood throughout the story.

I hope that the second book builds this world stronger and establishes the context of Evony's and Ammon's origins better.  Overall, it was a fun read, and I would read further into the series.

Final Rating

Excerpt

About the Author & Illustrator

Leigh Dragoon was raised in a log cabin in the Adirondacks, where she developed an early love of reading and writing. She became a fan of Little Women at age nine, after Beth’s demise made her bawl herself to sleep. This led to a lifelong appreciation of the book. After years of annual rereads, she became fascinated with learning about Louisa May and her family. She adapted both Richelle Mead’s Vampire Academy and Marie Lu’s Legend series into graphic novel scripts. She has also written two prose Adventure Time novels: Queen of Rogues and The Lonesome Outlaw.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads | BookBub

Angela De Vito is a freelance animator, storyboard artist, and character designer working in NYC. She graduated from the School of Visual Arts with a BFA in Animation in 2014. Since then she has worked on animation for commercials and series pitches. Angela has worked for such studios as Hornet, Inc.; Titmouse, Inc.; Aardman Nathan Love; Click 3X; CHRLX; and Disney Digital Network. She also animation directed Comedy Central Digital’s Loafy, created by Bobby Moynihan. She lives with her family and her two adorable, rambunctious cats.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Goodreads 

Giveaway

3 winner will receive a finished copy of HEARTLESS PRINCE, US Only.

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BLOG TOUR - THE OKAY WITCH AND THE HUNGRY SHADOW BY EMMA STEINKELLNER - MIDDLE GRADE GRAPHIC NOVEL [REVIEW + GIVEAWAY]

Title: The Okay Witch and the Hungry Shadow (The Okay Witch #2)

Authors(s): Emma Steinkellner
Publication Date: June 6, 2021
Edition: Hardcover, paperback, eBook; 256 pgs
Publisher: Aladdin
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Buy: Amazon - Kindle - Audible - Barnes & Noble - iBooks - Kobo - The Book Depository - Bookshop.org 

Disclaimer: I received a copy from the publisher as part of a blog tour in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tour Schedule

Week One

6/28/2021 - A Dream Within A Dream - Excerpt

6/28/2021 - Rajiv's Reviews - Review

6/29/2021 - Kait Plus Books - Interview

6/29/2021 - Two Points of Interest - Review

6/30/2021 - cindysloveofbooks - Review

6/30/2021 - laura's bookish corner - Review

7/1/2021 - Hurn Publications - Excerpt

7/1/2021 - celiamcmahonreads - Review

7/2/2021 - @drewsim12 - Review

7/2/2021 - The Momma Spot - Review

Week Two

7/5/2021 - brittreadsalattebooks - Review

7/5/2021 - Lady Hawkeye - Excerpt

7/6/2021 - Fictitiouswonderland - Review

7/6/2021 - Pandora's Books - Review

7/7/2021 - hauntedbybooks - Review

7/7/2021 - Curlygrannylovestoread - IG Spotlight

7/8/2021 - Confessions of a YA Reader - Review

7/8/2021 - Nerdophiles - Review

7/9/2021 - Eli to the nth - Review

7/9/2021 - Simply Daniel Radcliffe - Review

The Summary

In this hilarious and heartwarming sequel to the bestselling and critically acclaimed graphic novel, The Okay Witch, half-witch Moth Hush uses magic to boost her confidence with disastrous results—perfect for fans of Raina Telgemeier and Molly Ostertag!

Moth Hush is starting to settle into her newfound witch heritage and powers, but life at school continues to be rough. Even her best friend, Charlie, doesn’t entirely understand what it’s like for her to always be the one who gets mocked, and things only get worse when Moth’s mom starts dating one of the dorkiest teachers in the school! Then Moth gets hold of a mysterious charm that can unleash another version of herself—one who is confident, cool, and extremely popular. What could possibly go wrong?

PRAISE FOR THE OKAY WITCH:

“Lighthearted and cheeky.” – The New York Times

“Steinkellner’s debut graphic novel is a tour de force of middle grade storytelling.” – School Library Journal, starred review

“The Okay Witch is the perfect read for kids who love Hocus Pocus.” – A.V. Club

(Goodreads)

My Review

The Okay Witch and the Hungry Shadow by Emma Steinkellner is a best-of addition to graphic novel lists everywhere.  Following up Book #1, The Okay Witch, Steinkellner beats back the sophomore slump with an even more developed story surrounding our "Okay Witch" Moth Hush (she just has a witchy-name).

Moth is still coming to terms with finding out about her heritage, and her family's history in their town of Founder’s Bluff.  On top of the witchy stuff, Moth has to deal with bulling, racism, and a demon who may or may not be making Moth's life hell.  Moth is loveable, as are the supporting cast of her mother Cal, her best friend Charlie, and her familiar (and pet) Mr. Laszlo, with a new character introduced in the form of her off-beat teacher, Mr. Gorski-Garcia.  Each character helps Moth is some way discover who she is and help her fight off her inner demons, along with the very real one causing mayhem all over the place.

What Steinkellner does so beautifully is merge her very bright and expressive imagery with the fun and quick-witted dialogue.  Both captures the reader's attention, and makes you want to race through the plot, following along on these hijinks, as Moth tries to fix things and learn to control her powers.  You get a great taste of what lays in-between the pages of the graphic novel below (and it is a little recap of The Okay Witch, if you missed Book #1).  Just really eye-catching and clearly expressive (my two must-haves when it comes to graphic novels).

A fantastic end to a fantastic series, I can't wait to read more from Emma Steinkellner.  Pick up both The Okay Witch AND The Okay Witch and the Hungry Shadow - a great addition to anyone's library!

Final Rating

Excerpt

About the Author

Emma Steinkellner is an illustrator, writer, and cartoonist living in Los Angeles, California. She is a graduate of Stanford University and the illustrator of the Eisner-nominated comic Quince. She is the author and illustrator of The Okay Witch graphic novel series.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Goodreads | Amazon

Giveaway

3 winners will receive a finished copy of THE OKAY WITCH AND THE HUNGRY SHADOW, US Only.

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BLOG TOUR --- Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant (Delilah Dirk #1) by Tony Cliff [Review + Giveaway]

Title: Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant (Delilah Dirk #1) 
Authors(s): Tony Cliff
Publication Date: August 27, 2013
Edition: Paperback, ebook; 176 pgs
Publisher: First Second
Source: Rockstar Book Tours
Buy: Amazon - Barnes & Noble - iBooks - The Book Depository
Disclaimer: I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. My thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tour Schedule

Week One:

3/8/2019- Character Madness and Musings- Interview

Week Two:

3/11/2019- Eli to the nth- Review

3/12/2019- Lifestyle Of Me- Review

3/13/2019- Novel Novice- Review

3/14/2019- A Dream Within A Dream- Excerpt

3/15/2019- The Layaway Dragon- Review

Week Three:

3/18/2019- Smada's Book Smack- Review

3/19/2019- BookHounds YA- Excerpt

3/20/2019- Adventures Thru Wonderland- Review

3/21/2019- Christen Krumm, Writer- Review

3/22/2019- Bibliobibuli YA- Interview

Week Four:

3/25/2019- Kelly P's Blog- Excerpt

3/26/2019- Hauntedbybooks- Review

3/27/2019- Lone Tree Reviews- Excerpt

3/28/2019- Twirling Book Princess- Excerpt

3/29/2019- Lisa-Queen of Random- Spotlight

The Summary

Lovable ne'er-do-well Delilah Dirk has traveled to Japan, Indonesia, France, and even the New World. Using the skills she's picked up on the way, Delilah's adventures continue as she plots to rob a rich and corrupt Sultan in Constantinople. With the aid of her flying boat and her newfound friend, Selim, she evades the Sultan's guards, leaves angry pirates in the dust, and fights her way through the countryside. For Delilah, one adventure leads to the next in this thrilling and funny installment in her exciting life.

A little bit Tintin, a little bit Indiana Jones, Delilah Dirk is a great pick for any reader looking for a smart and foolhardy heroine... and globetrotting adventures.

(Goodreads)

My Review

I find it fitting that the first book I review during Women's History Month, is a graphic novel with a kick-ass female lead.  Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant is a magical romp through the cities of the Old World with swashbuckling antics and sharp heists.

Growing up traveling the world, Delilah has seen and learn things to aid in her thieving ways her whole life.  Able to "...pick any lock and escape any restraint..." (page 21), she is a force to be reckoned with and her reputation proceeds her.  Using whatever, and whoever, she can to aid in her plans, her whirlwind snaps up locals; in the case of this first book, a poor member of Janissary Corps, Selim, who just wants a good cup of tea and a quiet life.  The juxtaposition of Delilah's and Selim's life and personality, make the story into a great "buddy heist", where they may not be friends when they start out, but by the end of the story they are a well-oiled, and well-respected, team.

The writing is solid, but like with any graphic novel, the art is just as, if not more, important.  The author is also the illustrated, and you can see how well that works.  Sometimes when the writer and artist are two different people, one part or the other can feel disjointed.  Not the case here; Tony executes the drawings beautifully, sometimes telling a whole story without using any words at all.  The action comes alive on the page, and helps race the story along, or slow it down for a reprive.

Overall, this was a delightful read, and I'm definitely going to dive into the next twoo books in the series: Delilah Dirk and the King's Shilling (book 2) and Delilah Dirk and the Pillars of Hercules (book 3).  If you're looking for an adventure with a strong, smart, no holds barred women, then look no further than Delilah Dirk.  She's an awesome character to embrace for a month highlighting exemplary women

Final Rating

Excerpts

About the Author

Tony Cliff – a life-long resident of Vancouver, British Columbia – began his comics work as a contributor to the Flight series of anthologies. His first major published work, Delilah Dirk and the Turkish Lieutenant, is a New York Times Bestseller, a Publishers' Weekly Best of 2013, and was nominated for Eisner, Shuster, and Harvey awards. Delilah Dirk and the Third Pillar of Hercules will be the third book in the series, following 2016's similarly well-received The King's Shilling. He is strongly opposed to bios that conclude with one quirky attempt at humor.

Website | Delilah Dirk Website 

| Twitter  | Instagram | Facebook | Tumblr | Goodreads 

Giveaway

3 lucky winners will win all 3 books in the DELILAH DIRK Series, US Only.

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