Monday 25 February 2013

Worthy of her love....

“What if I can’t let her go?” Lock mumbled into his chest, “I don’t think I could ever choose an eternity here if it meant leaving her behind.”

Quote: My Demonic Ghost- Reapers
Out June 2013

When will I be worthy enough to call her mine?
 
 

Friday 22 February 2013

Bex 'N' Books - Review

 
Mastermind behind the successful Bex 'N' Books blog - Becky Johnson has a heart full of gold ~
  I'll just like to thank her from the bottom of my heart for taking the time and effort to not only read but also review my book.  I really value her opinion so you can imagine my reaction at her wonderful review.

Review Link:


Jacinta Maree offers the reader something that I truly love, Teenage Fiction filled with intrigue, passion and characters that are beautifully crafted and intrinsically developed. It was impossible not to be swept away by the tide of emotion and drama that poured off Jacinta Maree's wonderful pages.

As a harsh critique of dialogue, I was so very happy by the author's craft. Jacinta Maree created natural flowing dialogue that really helped to shape her characters and the wide variety of relationships evident in My Demonic Ghost. I believed her story, believed in her characters and believed, with out a doubt, that her fantasy world was real.

Jacinta Maree successfully created two main protagonists that I whole-heartedly cheered for. Both Rachael and Lock were movingly real; there were several moments that I felt a rush of pride at their actions, and deep sorrow as aspects of their lives and stories unfolded.

I was pleasantly surprised by the 'darkness' of Rachael and Lock's journey. So often, I feel misinformed by artwork and the book's synopsis. But this was most definitely not the case with My Demonic Ghost. The characters feel fear, witness horror and encounter horrendous characters. Jacinta Maree handles this very well, whilst all the time still staying true to the YA genre.

If you are looking for a moving and dark YA fantasy, with beautiful tender moments of love and compassion, then by sure to purchase yourself a copy of My Demonic Ghost.


For everyone who isn't familiar with Bec and what she does with her blog Bex 'n' Books I strongly suggest you check her out NOW! http://bexnbooks.blogspot.com.au/?zx=7c05604e353cf3e8

She's the type of friend you make for life. Thank you Becs. ♥

Thursday 21 February 2013

Showing such kindness...

A massive thank you to the two beautiful ladies, Rhonda M Perkins and Rhonda Plumhoff for these incredible swag gifts they created for My Demonic Ghost. I don't know if I will be able to part with them, as everything Rhonda has made me is like a precious treasure.
 
Rhonda M Perkins is the mastermind behind Crazy Creations Facebook where she creates unique bead book thongs into the themes of your favourite book. Seriously she makes them from scratch, it's AMAZING!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Crazy-Creations/338793389503076?ref=ts&fref=ts

Thank you so much Rhonda Plumhoff for these beautiful presents, it must be a 'Rhonda' thing to be this talented. Thank you ladies, I absolutely love them to death and back. ;)  

 
** Here are some other creations they have put together in celebration of Brenda Pandos' novel
Everlost.  **

 

Seven Deadly Sins- 3


VANITY


ENVY


All of these artworks were created by Project Green Cat - rights belong to both the artist and the commissioner.

Seven Deadly Sins - 2

GLUTTONY
 

GREED
 

 
All of these artworks were created by Project Green Cat - rights belong to both the artist and the commissioner.

Seven Deadly Sins -1

 
WRATH


LUST
 

SLOTH
 
 
 
 
All of these artworks were created by Project Green Cat - rights belong to both the artist and the commissioner.

Tuesday 19 February 2013

Raven Reviews:

A HUGE thank you for Raven Reviews for taking the time to read and write a review for me. I really, really appreciate your honesty.
 
 
 
RAVEN REVIEWS:
 
Filled with a world of demon possession and the banishment of souls, My Demonic Ghost is a fresh take on the afterlife. Although we only see a sliver of that cleverly created world, religion is sidestepped for the most part. There is a Creator and a hierarchy of souls and spirits, but since our view is limited to the story at hand, religion is not emphasized nor contradicted. Personally, being religious myself, I really liked this. And can I just say I love that the most powerful spirit in this mythology is a woman? I do! Considering the plot, it seems a little ironic to me that her name is Miira. The seemingly related name Mira comes from the Albanian word “mirĂ«” meaning “good”. It’s not clear to me whether that was intentional or not, but regardless I sure got a kick out of it. 
 
Having a main character as a demon seems riskier to me than say a werewolf or elf. Some audiences may be put off by this. However, this is not our average ghost story. It is modern and presented right off the bat as something that could happen to anyone. There’s this real sense of universal plausibility that is so compelling that it drives the main character forward. This feeling is what identified me with the characters and the story. 
 

Half Blood - Review

 
 
"Swallowing her pained sounds, she forced the fear from her eyes. ‘You killed me,’ she breathed, swallowing down on the hard lump in her throat. It wasn’t often that someone got an opportunity to come face to face with their killer."

A battle for werewolf territory and rights has Rhett fighting for his life and for the survival of the pack. The last half blood—a half human, half vampire hybrid—has been found and Rhett has been chosen as her unlikely Guardian. The pack’s survival hangs on her completing her transformation, but a Sicarii—a vampire assassin—is hunting her to ensure that never happens …

Indigo’s hard exterior is nothing compared to the dark secret she carries within her. Her haunted eyes alone tell of her struggle and desire to live. But what she doesn’t know is that she is hard-wired for survival; the very blood in her veins and the legacy of her father demands it. But when her life takes a violent turn, her heritage and her fate may be the very thing to get her killed …
 
4/5 Stars
 
Half Blood starts off with an explosive beginning, a perfect picture that creates a mood of fear intertwined with a taste of murder and hot romance. Lauren Dawes has a fantastic sense of humour that is hidden in her work like Easter eggs among the garden; you just stumble upon them unexpectedly. For example she called the media 'Rubberneckers' which actually made me laugh out loud I even had to highlight it.

Indi came into the story packing punches, quickly introducing me to the norms of her life. Rhett is her best friend and protector, a sincere and beautiful character that I felt myself clutching my heart every time he entered the scene. Poor Indi is a girl stuck with handling sleazy men that seem to chase after her with lustful eyes all of her life. From foster home to foster home, betrayal after betrayal there seemed to be no one who deserved Indi’s trust. No one except for Rhett, her friend Beth and step brother Jerry.

There’s nothing more satisfying than seeing a jerk get punched out by a girl he’s been harassing. There is some serious girl power here. But her tough exterior wasn’t just born into her blood; it was carved into her by an act so awful that it has caused a massive rift in her heart. Dawes has done a terrific job with finding the core of fear and painting the room with it, I don’t usually get scared in books but with Dawes’ Half Blood I was chewing through my finger nails like a rabbit through carrots. It’s easy to see how this is a favourite of so many readers, especially at the end where we are left with a massive cliff hanger before Dawes pulls the curtains close on us. I was left thinking… ‘what? Noooo!’ Talk about having the rug pulled out from underneath your feet, you think you have it all worked out then BAM there’s another twist.

Half Blood is from a completely different genre to what I am used to reading, I am more focused on YA work so when I stepped into this very adult world of murder, werewolves and revenge I was very easily taken aback. I was blushing every time a cursive word was used. Her style of writing was beautifully graphic; it was very descriptive that I found myself pulling faces at the book whenever there was a vivid section about blood or violence. It actually felt like I was there, watching it unfold in front of me. I don’t usually read books with such adult content but in Lauren Dawes novel ‘Half Blood’ I found myself clued to the pages like a fly to a web. This is a fair warning, this book isn’t for the faint hearted. It is a bit violent for my taste, but I really enjoyed her style of storytelling.

Sunday 17 February 2013

Blindsighted Wanderer - Review


Blindsighted Wanderer

 
Author: EC Hibbs
 
My Rating:5/5 Stars
 
The Wall has long kept Elitland Valley safe from the demons on the other side. For centuries the villagers have avoided speaking of the Wall or the creatures it protects them from.

Upon their return from the annual Country Fayre, the older Atego brothers learn of their father’s passing. When fifteen year old Silas Atego learns the mysterious illness that took his father might have been a curse from a demon, his need for answers draws him to the one place he must not go. The far side of the Wall.

When Silas is still missing days later, his older brother Raphael sets out on his own to bring him home. On his journey, Raphael learns how it was his ancestor who was cursed by a demon creature from the Lake and had the Wall built to keep them out. More desperate than ever to find his brother, his search draws Raphael to the same terrifying barrier.

Along the brothers’ individual travels they face their greatest fears, make lifelong friends, and more importantly, learn the truth of what happened centuries ago.

Blindsighted Wanderer is a tale about how truth and forgiveness will set you free. Where myths are transformed to legends that last a lifetime. The brothers leave their home as desperate boys but return to their family as honorable men.
 
 
MY REVIEW:

Blindsighted Wanderer has been labelled as a story of pure genius and a coming of age masterpiece; once sitting down and devouring this book I have to agree to everything that’s been said about it.

This was just one of those stories that I found myself leaning back into my chair and saying, “whoa!” I barely had time to come up and take a gulp of fresh air before I was pulled under the excitement and adventures of our leading characters, Raphael, Silas and the royal mermaid Merrin. From the beginning Hibbs paints us a backdrop of a world filled with wonder and fantasy but also with an element of mystery when referring to ‘the wall’ and the family curse.

Hibbs opens up her first scene to a picture of two lovers’ secret rendezvous during a late night in the middle of the lake. Here we meet a young man named Adrian and the mermaid princess Merrin. What I had perceived to be an intimate encounter quickly and shockingly turned into one of the highest betrayals, costing Adrian’s not only his life but also placed an ongoing curse onto all the boys belonging to his bloodline. We are then shifted to the present day where we are introduced the Artego brothers, Raphael and Silas who are descendants of Adrian.

Obviously a lot of thought went into Hibbs’ characters, giving them a multi-layered design that felt so real I was sure I was going to put the book down and find them standing in the room continuing on their conversation. Her ability to breathe life even into the smallest of details from the Country Fayre in Elitland Valley down to the gentle rain during their father’s funeral was inspiring.

From the first exchange of words I felt the brotherly connection between Raphael and Silas bloom like an open flower, and in turn I immediately cared for them as they obviously cared for each other. They were faced with the tragedy of their father’s passing, prompting Raphael to step forward and become the new man of the household. It was this event that got Silas’ mind ticking about their family misfortune, and after speaking to the priest about the curse he’s hunger for the truth becomes so extreme that he must go against everything he’s ever been taught. Silas leaves to search beyond the wall and into the depths of the unknown. Distraught with concern as Silas remains missing, turning hours into days, the older brother Raphael quickly pursues after him.

Back to our mermaid princess Merrin, Merrin isn’t just perceived as the nasty, scoured woman who’s intent of holding onto her vengeance till the end of days but as a well-rounded character who deep down doesn’t want to only remember her hate. We see a softer side of her, a more vulnerable and insecure side especially when the title of ruler is passed down onto her and her fears of being an unfit ruler presses to the surface. I haven’t read any mermaid books before now and I feel Hibbs was a promising start to a new fad.

With twists and turns pulling me through their adventure I was constantly sitting at the edge of my seat, laughing and holding my breath when unexpected encounters occur during the storyline (I don’t want to reveal spoilers by accident, sorry for my vagueness). The characters were able to learn from one another, especially between Merrin and Raphael as I loved all of their scenes together. Hibbs had the ability to switch from each character’s focus and not lose her momentum. Her writing style was easy to follow with a natural flow, I even found myself thinking ‘wow it’s like reading poetry’; it was THAT impressive. I felt her pacing was beautiful, allowing me to really breath in the surroundings and get to understand the Artego family before the curiosity of the ‘wall’ dragged the two brothers towards a truth they weren’t expecting.

It’s a story of learning, forgiveness and overcoming your inner demons. A truly beautiful and inspiring book that I can see myself reading again and again.
   

A beautiful morning surprise ...

This has made me so happy....
 
 
 
 
If it's too hard to read it says:
 
Okay, so I read My Demonic Ghost. It was... I cannot even put words to it. Take every single positive comment a mesh it all together into one. I absolutely loved everything about, from the characters, to the plot, to the setting, just all of it. Your story was so beautiful, so descriptive, so touching and stunning. All of it is just so epic, I couldn't even begin to list off the things I liked about it because I would go on about it for forever. You did such an amazing job! My Demonic Ghost is definitely one of my favorite stories that I have ever read.
 
Regardless what happens with the rest of the day, this will keep me smiling.

Thursday 14 February 2013

Shelf at Reading Frenzy ~

LOOK WHAT'S SITTING ON A SHELF @ READING FRENZY BOOSTORE!! 
 *pinches self to ensure I'm not dreaming* ♥ ♥ ♥ I am so excited! :D
 
Where to find Reading Frenzy Book Store:
 
Reading Frenzy Book Shop is a community bookstore in Zimmerman, MN. They are located a 1/2 block west of Hwy 169 & Cty Rd. 4 .
 
New Store Address: Area Arts Alliance Building, Elk River.

They are an amazing book store with the kindest people, Sheri and her husband Mike Olson running the business. I wish I lived in the area, or even if they set up a branch in Melbourne Australia cause I'll be there number one customer for sure. We seriously need MORE bookstores like Reading Frenzy.
 
Love! Love! Love!


 

 

Happy Valentine's Day!



If you love somebody, let them go, for if they return, they were always yours. And if they don't, they never were.

Artist: http://creepy9.deviantart.com/
 
 
 
 
Happy Valentine's Day! ♥
 

Monday 11 February 2013

The moment...

 
The moment when you hold your very first published book in your own hands....
 
 




I have never been so grateful and so incredibly excited in my whole life than I am now seeing my book as a real paperback copy. I don't know if I've said it enough times or not but thank you mum and dad, thank you my beautiful friends and family, thank you to my new supporters and thank you Heather from Staccato for taking a chance on me.
 
 
P.s You gotta love my awsome tea sets, chop sticks, golden zodiac egg and origami flowers.  

Friday 8 February 2013

My Beloved Lock...

It's amazing when you come across the perfect picture by accident, and as soon as you see it you know it's the missing piece you've been looking for. Well, I happened to stumble across a very talented artist who has the exact same face and expression that I had imagined for 14 year old Banished spirit Lock.
 
Within this picture I see a boy who is scared, damaged and filled with hidden insecurities that can become a knot of frustration and anger. His hand to his mouth is his hesitation in accepting others, he tilts chin away as if he doesn't want you to look at him. But in his eyes are wide open and hunting for that special someone to dare to step forward. He is looking for someone who can see beyond the scarring of growing up with hardships and bring forward a life of forgiveness, strength and acceptance.
 
Trapped in chains of jealously and hate, Lock can't see beyond the mask of a tainted spirit and so he becomes a tainted spirit.
 
He fights against the very thing that could save him ... love 
 

I do not own rights to this image - this image belongs to the artist and model Dallas Harder

Tuesday 5 February 2013

Beautiful Monsters

 
Creators are capable of creating life, warmth, darkness and natural instincts out of nothing.
Disguised as small animals and children, Creators do not take interest in the life that they have created, electing to spend their eternal days in the spirit world.
Due to their high sensitivity, spending too much time on the human plane would be disastrous.
There is usually a lot of confusion between Creators and Royals.
Creators create life and existence where as Royals rule over other spirits.
Creators are the ultimate existence.
These spirits are spirits of instinct and emotion, leaving them extremely irrational and quick tempered.
They lack ambition but have great sense of empathy, able to copy the feelings from any other being that surround them .  
 
These are the spirits that create Gods.
 
 

 
 
Artist: JenniferHealy

Saturday 2 February 2013

Book Trailer - Launch

Here is a 2.24 min book trailier of
 
My Demonic Ghost - Banished Spirits
Book one.
 
 
 
 
I would also like to mention that I have booked my tickets to America for the 27th of April till the 7th of May. I am so excited. My first few days I am going to be staying with my wonderful publisher and friend HK Savage in her home in MN. I am overwhelmed with joy with the fact I'm going to be visiting Reading Frenzy BookShop in Elk River.
I seriously love this bookstore and I haven't even step inside it's walls yet.
Crazy eh? I'll be there on the 30th for some authory fun times and signings. I really just want to meet the locals and the other authors.
 
After that we're travelling down to Kansas City where we'll be attending the RT Book Convention. Both Heather and I have signed up for the EBook and Hard Copy signing days. You should come and visit us if you are in the area, there's swag packs and other amazing workshops/ promotions happening it's going to be fantastic. We're signing on the Thursday and Saturday I believe.
 
This is going to be my first major book signing.  
 

Fairy God Mother ~ Bex n Books

 
 
Bex n Books ~ who is currently my Fairy God Mother has done a interview and spotlight for me on her blog. I had such a great time answering your questions too! Check it out ~ its looks really great.

http://bexnbooks.blogspot.com.au/2013/02/author-spotlight-giveaway-jacinta-maree.html?showComment=1359845465373


Sample:

  1. How did you come up with the title My Demonic Ghost?
You might be interested to know that originally it was going to be called My Demonic God as it was about the idea of a corrupted god controlling us. But as I ventured further into the story and figured out that my focus was not on a god but on a ghost, I decided to change the word God to Ghost instead. The Demonic part in the title was included because of the fact the spirits and demons of this book are labelled as evil, that they are the offspring of sin and impurity. I used the word ‘My’ for the Host’s part in the story, that she feels a sense of possession to the demon spirit that clings to her.

  1. What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?
How little control an author can have of their characters. I love to have guidelines to help me stay on course, but once a character steps into the scene anything could happen. So many times I try to tell them something, try to push them in a certain direction but if they don’t want to it’s not going to happen. It can be very, very frustrating at times. But, when you write a scene and the characters flow naturally it’s worth the trouble.



Friday 1 February 2013

Update: Competition

I have decided to annouce the winners of the Ebooks on the 1st of May, that way it allows for a some time if they wish to write a review and enter into the major prize of $50 + a personalized picture.
 
So, just to clarify -
 
Ebook Prize: Winners will be annouced 1st of May.
 
Hard Copy + $25 + $50 + Picture: Winners will be announced End of May.  
 
People who brought the book + reviewed it have a higher chance of winning either $25 or the grand prize. People who won an ebook then reviewed it can only go into the $50 + picture competition.
 
Best of luck ~