Series: It Takes Death To Reach A Star Duology (Book 1)
Hardcover: 324 pages Publisher: Vesuvian Books; (March 3, 2020) Language: English ISBN-10: 1645480127 ISBN-13: 978-1645480129
Praise for IT TAKES DEATH TO REACH A STAR
"...merging the best of apocalyptic fiction and sci-fi ... compelling." --Library Journal "Cinematic, thought-provoking, immersive ... in the manner of the novels of Philip K. Dick." --Booklist "[I] cannot fathom how Stu Jones and Gareth Worthington created this masterpiece." - Reader's Favorite. "This was one of the most original books I have read in a long time. I was completely transfixed from beginning to end.- This book gets a perfect score (which is rare!) - editing, format, layout, etc., all well done" --Feathered Quill Award Judges 
The world you know is dead. We did this to ourselves. The epidemic struck at the end of the Third World War. Fighting over oil, power, and religion, governments ignored the rise of an antibacterial-resistant plague. In just five years, the Earth was annihilated. Only one city survived—Etyom—a frozen hellhole in northern Siberia, engulfed in endless conflict. The year is 2251. Two groups emerged from the ashes of the old world. Within the walled city of Lower Etyom dwell the Robusts—descendants of the poor who were immune to the New Black Death. Above them, in a metropolis of pristine platforms called lillipads, live the Graciles—the progeny of the superrich, bio-engineered to resist the plague. Mila Solokoff is a Robust who trades information in a world where knowing too much can get you killed. Caught in a deal gone bad, she's forced to take a high-risk job for a clandestine organization hell-bent on revolution. Demitri Stasevich is a Gracile with a dark secret—a sickness that, if discovered, will get him Ax'd. His only relief is an illegal narcotic produced by the Robusts, and his only means of obtaining it is a journey to the arctic hell far below New Etyom. Thrust together in the midst of a sinister plot that threatens all life above and below the cloud line, Mila and Demitri must master their demons and make a choice—one that will either salvage what's left of the human race or doom it to extinction …
You can purchase It Takes Death to Reach a Star at the following Retailers:
  
 
Photo Content from both Stu Jones and Gareth Worthington. A veteran law enforcement officer, Stu Jones has worked as a beat cop, an investigator, an instructor of firearms and police defensive tactics and as a member and team leader of a multi-jurisdictional SWAT team. He is trained and qualified as a law enforcement SWAT sniper, as well as in hostage rescue and high-risk entry tactics. Most recently, Stu served for three years with a U.S. Marshal’s Regional Fugitive Task Force - hunting the worst of the worst.Stu’s passion for writing developed during his years in college while obtaining his bachelor’s degree in history. In the years that followed, Stu published three faith-based post-apocalyptic novels – the Action of Purpose trilogy. Stu's most recent published work is the award-winning futuristic thriller, It Takes Death To Reach A Star, written with co-author Gareth Worthington(Children of the Fifth Sun). It was published by Vesuvian books in May of 2018. He is currently working with Gareth Worthington on the follow-up to "Star" as well as other joint and solo projects. Known for his character-driven stories and blistering action sequences, Stu strives to create thought-provoking reading experiences that challenge the status quo. When he’s not chasing bad guys or writing epic stories, he can be found planning his next adventure to some remote or exotic place. Stu is represented by Italia Gandolfo of Gandolfo-Helin-Fountain literary. He lives in Alabama with his wife, two children, and a golden-doodle who thinks he's human. FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS Gareth Worthington is a trained marine biologist and also holds a doctorate in comparative endocrinology. Currently, Gareth works full time for the Pharmaceutical industry helping to educate the World's doctors on new cancer therapies. In his spare time Gareth has a number of passions, including: martial arts - he trained in Muay Thai at the prestigious EVOLVE MMA gym in Singapore and currently trains in MMA at Phoenix Sportkampf, Switzerland; playing acoustic guitar; studying ancient history; drawing; and most of all writing fiction. An award winning author, he hopes to one day hang up the pharma hat and write full time. You can visit his author page and blog at www.garethworthington.com FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | GOODREADS
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 Five years ago, I realized my dream of becoming a published author with Never Forgotten. I never dreamed that book would lead to three more and a complete series. I will be forever grateful to Clean Teen Publishing for taking a chance on an unknown writer, to my readers for loving Meara, Evan, Kieran and the full cast of characters that are so dear to my heart, and to the book community for supporting and promoting my work. As a thank you, I want to give something back and share my happiness with all of you. For the month of July, I am offering an anniversary promotion: purchase any book in the series (with the exception of the free e-book of Never Forgotten), complete the online form with your uploaded proof of purchase, and receive a signed paperback (first 75 submissions; U.S. only) or a limited edition swag pack (next 200 submissions, open internationally). Entry form: https://forms.gle/4rk4z69i4VP8auaE8 I will also be doing surprise giveaways throughout the month. Watch for more details!   "Reagan . . . are you there?" "Yes. I'm still here. Matthew, I can't come. I'm sorry." There was an awkward silence that seemed to last for hours. Finally Matthew said, "Okay, Reagan." And then as if he had one last card to play before the hand was over, he said, "He wanted to remind you about the rose petals." I did not respond. Then for the second time that night, I hung up on Matthew Carlson. He did not call back. Petals in the Snow is the debut novel by author Jill M. Bagurdes. In this book, Reagan is coping with the death of her mother when a relationship from her past resurfaces. An unexpected phone call presents an opportunity for her to gain closure on both. She must decide if being "her mother's daughter" means taking this journey to finally heal her heart or if she's strong enough to move forward on her own. Petals in the Snow is available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.  I had a chance to interview Jill about her new novel. I hope you enjoy getting to know her and gaining insight into her book!
What made you want to be a writer/author? Growing up, I loved to read. I spent many hours with Judy Blume as a child and young teen. I am always interested how characters think and connect with each other. When I began writing Petals in the Snow, it was therapy for me as I coped with the death of my mom. My editor once asked me what prompted me to write this story. My answer was this is a way to keep my mom’s memory alive forever. Now that I have written this story, I feel like I have more to tell. How did you come up with the idea for your book? The book came out of a conversation I had with my mom while she was in hospice. I also started writing things down in her last days so I wouldn’t forget different moments I shared with her. My book focuses on getting closure which is so hard to do in death. I thought, what else do people have difficulty getting closure on? Relationships. So I connected two events in the main characters life that had to do with closure. Do you have plans to write other books? I would love to do this again! One of the main questions, people ask me after they read this book is, are you writing a sequel? The readers want to know what happens to these characters as the end of the book leaves the reader with questions. The sequel seems to be writing itself in my head but it has changed from what I originally thought my sequel would look like. I also have an idea for another story that is completely separate from this one other than the main character is a teacher. Who is your favorite author and/or favorite book/series? I have been reading a lot of Liane Moriarty lately. She has very interesting storylines. Favorite color: Teal Favorite ice cream flavor: Banana Favorite season: Fall and summer....cannot choose between them! Coffee, tea or hot chocolate: Most definitely, hot chocolate with whipped cream You can visit Jill on the following sites and give her a follow! https://www.amazon.com/Jill-M-Bagurdes/e/B07RBQ2YKD/ https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/19225412.Jill_M_Bagurdes 
Journey to the magical world of Erthia in these two exciting prequels to The Black Witch by critically acclaimed author Laurie Forest.
Wandfasted Twenty years before Elloren Gardner enrolled at the illustrious Verpax University, Erthia was rent asunder during the devastating Realm War. When Tessla Harrow is driven from her home by the fighting, she discovers a depth of power she never knew she had...and an irresistible draw toward Vale Gardner, the son of the most powerful mage her people have ever known-the Black Witch. Light Mage Before Elloren Gardner came to possess the White Wand of myth, the Wand was drawn to another bearer: Sagellyn Gaffney. Sage's affinity for light magery, a rare skill among Gardnerians, makes her the perfect protector for the one tool that can combat the shadows spreading across Erthia. But in order to keep the Wand safe from the dark forces hunting for it, Sage must abandon everything she once knew and forge a new path for herself...a dangerous course that could lead to either triumph or utter ruin. AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY 
Praise for THE BLACK WITCH Chronicles
“Elloren learns to question authority and Gardnerian history, while developing real empathy for different races and species. Forest uses a richly imagined magical world to offer an uncompromising condemnation of prejudice and injustice.” --Booklist, starred review “Exquisite character work, an elaborate mythology, and a spectacularly rendered universe make this a noteworthy debut, which argues passionately against fascism and xenophobia.” --Publishers Weekly, starred review “This briskly paced, tightly plotted novel enacts the transformative power of education, creating engaging characters set in a rich alternative universe with a complicated history that can help us better understand our own.” --Kirkus Reviews, starred review 2 Winners will receive a Copy of THE REBEL MAGES by Laurie Forest.
 Age Range: 9 - 12 years Grade Level: 4 - 7 Hardcover: 352 pages Publisher: What on Earth Publishing (October 4, 2018) Language: English ISBN-10: 9781999802837 ISBN-13: 978-1999802837
Praise for ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING! a Rafflecopter giveaway
“A riveting mosaic of exciting true stories. . . I COULDN’T PUT IT DOWN!" ―Deborah Heiligman, author of Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers "Condensing the history of the world into one book is a daunting task, but Lloyd tackles the challenge with finesse. In addition to bountiful photographs and illustrations, Lloyd’s recognition of patterns throughout history and direct questions to readers make this book absolutely enjoyable." ―Booklist Starred Review “From the Big Bang to yesterday’s breakfast, this BOOK OF FUN AND DISCOVERY makes sense of it ALL." ―Martin Brown, Horrible Histories “ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL! I wish they’d had books like this when I was young…" ―Anthony Horowitz, author of Alex Rider “ABSOLUTELY AMAZING... Children will love it – and adults too!“ ―Jacqueline Wilson, author of Tracey Beaker “Just gobbling up more of Absolutely Everything! What a FABULOUSLY ENGAGING READ. Nonfiction that rolls along like an adventure novel. Love it!“ ―Nicola Davies, zoologist and author of King of the Sky 
Absolutely Everything! A History of Earth, Dinosaurs, Rulers Robots and Other Things Too Numerous to Mention. Join Christopher Lloyd on a thrilling ride through the history of the world in a book perfect for anyone aged 9 -99.
Photo Credit: Russell Emm Christopher graduated with a double first in history from Cambridge in 1990 and went on to become the Technology Editor for The Sunday Times. He left in 2000 to become CEO of Immersive Education in Oxford before becoming an author in 2006. His best selling history of the world, called What on Earth Happened? (Bloomsbury 2008) is now in 15 languages and has sold more than 500,000 copies worldwide. He established his own publishing house What on Earth Publishing in Spring 2010 and has published a series of timelines in collaboration with illustrator Andy Forshaw covering history, nature, science, sport, Shakespeare and Magna Carta. Christopher is now in great demand as a lecturer and storyteller in schools, museums and at literary festivals throughout the UK and abroad. He divides his time between lecturing and writing
Andy Forshaw - Illustrator Andy graduated in graphic design with illustration from Central St Martins College in London. He has worked on all What on Earth? books and rose to the extraordinary challenge of drawing and colouring more than 1,000 original illustrations in less than 3 months for the What on Earth? Wallbook – between March and June 2010.     
*JBN is not responsible for Lost or Damaged Books in your Nerdy Mail Box*
What fate awaits a girl who hears monsters at night…
Sixteen-year-old Jaclyn looks up to her father. An honest man who once fought for the king, he now teaches Jaclyn how to use her wits—and her sword. But he has a secret. And his secret may have a connection to the one thing Jaclyn is hiding from him. Upon hearing “monsters” are terrorizing the small villages around Black Mountain, Jaclyn’s father and his friends head out to hunt them … but they don’t return. Armed only with her sword and three magic beans—a gift from a mysterious old woman—Jaclyn sets out for Black Mountain to save her father. On her climb, one bean drops and grows into a beanstalk, catching her when she falls. She isn’t the only one that takes the ride. Jack, her childhood friend and secret crush, is following her. Jaclyn and Jack will have to work together to save not only their fathers, but the townspeople the beasts plan to lay waste to before it’s too late. My rating: 4 out of 5 stars Jaclyn and the Beanstalk was my first book by Mary Ting, but it will not be my last! A very enjoyable adventure with excellent pacing and character development. When we meet Jaclyn, she is a very sweet and devoted daughter. While she seems content to live with her mother and father in an isolated area, we also see her longing for adventure. That opportunity comes when she overhears her father and some men talking about monsters they must battle. In a form of mild rebellion, Jaclyn follows the men and this leads to the main part of the story where we learn what the men are facing. I'll stop there to avoid giving anything away, but this story surprised me with its very original plot twists to the Jack and the Beanstalk tale. I loved Jaclyn as a character, and Jack, her childhood friend, was the perfect counterpart to her, bringing flirtation and humor. Probably my favorite part of this book was the strong message of courage, faith and forgiveness, very valuable lessons in our modern culture of casting blame and ostracizing others. This book is a clean read and suitable for young teens through adults. I give it a solid four stars and recommend it to those who love adventure books and fairytale retellings. 
I asked Mary what her top 10 fairytale favorites were, and this is what she shared:
Top 10 favorite fairytales
Mary Ting is an international bestselling, award-winning author. She writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers around the world. Her books span a wide range of genres, and her storytelling talents have earned a devoted legion of fans, as well as garnered critical praise.
Becoming an author happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she had in high school. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, Mary retired from teaching after twenty years. She also had the privilege of touring with the Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book: No Bullies Allowed. Mary resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two little dogs, Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Being a huge Twilight fan, Mary was inspired to make book-themed jewelry and occasionally gives it away as prizes to her fans. Visit her at http://www.tangledtalesofting.com/ 
Adventure, danger, and a thrilling global mission await 12-year-old Cruz Coronado as he joins an elite school for explorers.
Cruz leaves his tranquil home in Hawaii to join 23 talented kids from around the globe to train at the Explorer Academy with the world's leading scientists to become the next generation of great explorers. But for Cruz, there's more at stake. No sooner has he arrived at the Academy than he discovers that his family has a mysterious past with the organization that could jeopardize his future. In the midst of codebreaking and cool classes, new friends and augmented reality expeditions, Cruz must tackle the biggest question of all: Who is out to get him, and why? Readers can get in on the excitement with puzzles and codes embedded throughout. AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY
5 Winners will receive an ULTIMATE SWAG of EXPLORER ACADEMY: THE NEBULA SECRET (Tote Bag, Pin, and Stickers) from Trudi Trueit
hat fate awaits a girl who hears monsters at night…
Sixteen-year-old Jaclyn looks up to her father. An honest man who once fought for the king, he now teaches Jaclyn how to use her wits—and her sword. But he has a secret. And his secret may have a connection to the one thing Jaclyn is hiding from him. Upon hearing “monsters” are terrorizing the small villages around Black Mountain, Jaclyn’s father and his friends head out to hunt them … but they don’t return. Armed only with her sword and three magic beans—a gift from a mysterious old woman—Jaclyn sets out for Black Mountain to save her father. On her climb, one bean drops and grows into a beanstalk, catching her when she falls. She isn’t the only one that takes the ride. Jack, her childhood friend and secret crush, is following her. Jaclyn and Jack will have to work together to save not only their fathers, but the townspeople the beasts plan to lay waste to before it’s too late. AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | BOOK DEPOSITORY 
Are you ready to view the trailer for this wonderful book? Click below!
Praise for JACLYN AND THE BEANSTALK
A mash-up of "Jack and the Beanstalk" and "Lord of the Rings" ... RECOMMENDED ―School Library Journal "Keenly descriptive and eloquently written with touches of sixteenth-century language, the story takes the reader into the world of monsters controlled by a diabolical villain, and into a land of mystery and magic beans." ―Readers' Favorite Review "Mary Ting managed to surprise me at every turn, even though I must have read this story a million times as a kid. The most impressive surprise was the creation of a girl protagonist who is so much better than the original Jack. Then she brings in the boy, Jack, as the love interest. Sheer genius and a great idea. The writing is great. The plot is good, and the various themes woven throughout the story make it a very compelling tale." ―Readers' Favorite Review Mary Ting writes with an adventurous heart, a clever pen, introducing young readers to a classic that meets fantasy, shedding light on the family devotion and a love story that buds to completion by the end. This short novel comes as a highly recommended read for parents and young adults that prefer fantasy fiction with a Christian-based theme and a creative perspective. Mary Ting is one of those writers to notice and watch. ―Kingdom's Review 
Win a $25 Gift Card!
Giveaway is open to International. | Must be 13+ to Enter
1 Winner will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Mary Ting is an international bestselling, award-winning author. She writes soulful, spellbinding stories that excite the imagination and captivate readers around the world. Her books span a wide range of genres, and her storytelling talents have earned a devoted legion of fans, as well as garnered critical praise. Becoming an author happened by chance. It was a way to grieve the death of her beloved grandmother, and inspired by a dream she had in high school. After realizing she wanted to become a full-time author, Mary retired from teaching after twenty years. She also had the privilege of touring with the Magic Johnson Foundation to promote literacy and her children’s chapter book: No Bullies Allowed. Mary resides in Southern California with her husband, two children, and two little dogs, Mochi and Mocha. She enjoys oil painting and making jewelry. Being a huge Twilight fan, Mary was inspired to make book-themed jewelry and occasionally gives it away as prizes to her fans. Visit her at http://www.tangledtalesofting.com/. http://www.jeanbooknerd.com/2018/10/nerd-blast-jaclyn-and-beanstalk-by-mary.html  Have I mentioned how much I LOVE book tours? Yes, I am an author, but I'm also a reader, and I love nothing better than meeting authors I love in person. I've met so many amazing authors... too many to list! I especially love multi-author events like this one.
Wednesday, October 3, 6:30pm Boswell Book Company 2559 N. Downer Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53211
RSVP here, If you're in the area, I hope to see you there! 
We're one week away from Fall and CTP wants to celebrate with their Bring On Fall Free Book Sale and an Author Sponsored $50 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway! For one weekend only, they have selected a handful of titles throughout their different imprints that will be listed as free on Amazon from 9/14 to 9/16. This is a limited time promotion as the price will go back up to $4.99 on Monday. Take advantage of this exciting sale this weekend and Fall in love with some new books to cozy up with while you drink your Pumpkin Spice Latte, or tea, or wine, or whatever you love to sip on while reading. Enjoy! FREE BOOKS AVAILABLE 9/14-9/16:From YA to steamy romance, witches, queens and everything in between, there is sure to be something for everyone! This group promo runs from 09/14/2018 to 09/16/2018 ONLY. Some of the authors listed below are also offering Kindle Countdown Deals on their sequels, which means you can snag sequels or even a few series for the low, low price of $.99 each during this sale! Get your Kindles ready, or download the Kindle App on your tablet or phone and prepare for an amazing FREE reading extravaganza! HAPPY READING! LET'S BRING ON THE FALL Y'ALL!!!                     
ENTER THE GIVEAWAY!Enter to win a $50 Amazon Gift Card sponsored by our amazing authors! Can't see the Rafflecopter form? Click HERE to go straight to the form. Best of luck!               
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