BLOG TOUR: Lark's Labyrinth by Cathy Cash Spellman

Welcome to the Official Blog Tour for Cathy Cash Spellman's Lark's Labyrinth, the first title in The Sacred Secrets Mysteries series!! Today, on our tour stop, we have my review on this interesting read. Plus, there is a cool tour-wide giveaway to enter as well! Be sure to take a look at what I thought about this intriguing read and grab your copy now! Follow the tour, HERE!

Genre:

New Adult

Science Fiction/Fantasy/Mystery

Series:

The Sacred Secrets Mysteries, #1

Publish Date:

November 29, 2017

Publisher:

The Wild Harp & Company, Inc.

Synopsis:

The Spear that pierced Christ’s side on the Cross has played a secret, but major role in history. Charlemagne, Constantine, Otto the Barbarian, The Knights Templar and Adolf Hitler all owned it... and believed it gave them the power to rule the world.

What if they were right?

The first time Dr. Cait Monahan ever heard of the Spear of Longinus was the night her husband was murdered because of it. That was when the terror began.

…right before the U.S. Government, the CIA, Neo Nazis, the Vatican and a secret cabal of 13 powerful global manipulators sent their assassins after her and her 9 year old.

...just before a lethal secret propelled her across Europe following a riddle that hadn’t been solved since the Holocaust.

…just before Cait Monahan became entrapped in an interdimensional labyrinth that her own husband may have helped design.

Now she’s a player in a game that has led to mystery, magic, mayhem and murder for over 2000 years, and only the help of a tribunal of long dead men may be able to save her.

Vibrant and cerebral, filled with intrigue, Conspiracy Theory and more ancient secrets than the Dead Sea Scrolls, Lark’s Labyrinth pits characters you’ll care about against a mystery you’ll want to solve.

Inside Lark’s Labyrinth is a secret men have killed for …now a woman, her sister, her child and their small band of friends are all that stand between us and the dark, insidious power that’s a hairsbreadth away from ruling the world.

       

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Praise for LARK'S LABYRINTH

"Politics and religion collide as Spellman delivers another fast-paced, suspenseful, and totally enjoyable thriller... The author constructs a blistering story--replete with political and religious intrigue--that never slows down and will keep readers turning the pages of this spectacular thrill ride." ―Publisher's Weekly

Praise for Cathy Cash Spellman

“...Almost impossible to put down. The Author has the ability to produce one powerful scene after another and the action draws you helplessly on...” ―Publisher’s Weekly on So Many Partings

“...A cross between The Thorn Birds and Ragtime...” ―ALA Booklist on So Many Partings

“Flows along with an inexorable narrative current that propels the readers from one involving episode to the next.” ―Booklist on So Many Partings

“An energetic plot that never takes a breather.” ―Kirkus Reviews on Paint the Wind

“A western extravaganza.. a plot teeming with outsize characters.” ―Publishers Weekly on Paint the Wind

“I have never read a book or connected with an author who has touched me so deeply – as a mother, a grandmother, and another psychic kindred soul!” ―Elizabeth Taylor on Bless the Child

“This book has really touched my heartstrings as both a mother and grandmother. And Cathy Cash Spellman is one hell of a writer!” ―Maureen Stapleton on Bless the Child

“With a seductive, at times spellbinding style, author Spellman (An Excess of Love) incorporates ancient myths into an entrancing romantic thriller.. Spellman succeeds in capturing the reader’s close attention as an unrelenting sense of foreboding drives the narrative forward with power.” ―Publisher’s Weekly on Bless the Child

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**About the Author**

Photo Credit: Dakota Cash

Multiple New York Times and International Bestsellers, a Paramount Movie, book sales in 22 countries, Cathy Cash Spellman writes stories about love, friendship, adventure, and history. Known for her big sprawling sagas and memorable characters, Cathy writes the kind of stories women like to lose themselves in, and then remember long after the book is done. 

Her books range through several genres: contemporary, historical, mystery, mystic and romance. Several take place in two time-frames, both current and historical.

Bless the Child was a Paramount movie in 2000, starring Kim Basinger and Jimmy Smits, and Paint The Wind has been optioned for film and TV.

Cathy is an Astrologer, Martial Artist (Black Belt Goju Ryu Karate) and has expertise in Chinese Medicine, several alternative healing modalities and many metaphysical disciplines.

She has written for Self, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country, Mademoiselle, Cosmo, Penthouse, Mode, Kung Fu and many other magazines about women, health, empowerment, sexuality, spiritual philosophy and Astrology. She blogs for The Huffington Post and The New York Times.

Stay connected with Cathy Cash Spellman

      

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*My Thoughts*

Note: This review contains NO spoilers

First things first... Wow! Lark's Labyrinth is such an in-depth work of fiction with an abundance of history, intrigue, and mysticism. With a plethora of history intertwined into this story, Cathy Cash Spellman weaves a story rich with supernatural elements, as well as, historical events. With her imaginative storytelling and extensive research, Lark's Labyrinth took me on a dangerous adventure with a great many twists and turns as secrets were revealed.

The imaginative world-building and complex character development makes for this fascinating read. Although this can be a long read, Lark's Labyrinth entails an abundance of historical events that tie together the story's plot. The sheer immense size of the book can be daunting, but fans of this genre and history just may get immersed into this world of secrets, the occult, and schemes. So, yes, in the end, I read this book and enjoyed being drawn into this gripping story. Moreover, I do have to warn readers that Lark's Labyrinth is not for everyone. This is definitely a read that takes patience to piece the "pieces" together as these characters work at solving this "puzzle."

My rating:

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***The Giveaway***

Giveaway Open Internationally | Must be 13+ to Enter
- ends May 4, 2020
Note: Not Responsible for Lost & Damaged Prizes in Your Mail Box
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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EXCERPT REVEAL: Adamantine by Rosie Weir

Today, we have an exciting Excerpt Reveal to share for Rosie Weir's sci-fi romance debut novel Adamantine! Be sure to check out this sneak peek and pre-order your copy now!!!

Genre:

New Adult

Science Fiction Romance

Publish Date:

June 15, 2020

Publisher:

Champagne Book Group

Synopsis:

Deep in the Appalachian Mountains, a brilliant scientist and his daughter retreat from a catastrophic global plague. Worried for Molly’s future, James crafts the ultimate gift for his lonely little girl: A sentient AI charged with the task of protecting her and keeping her company in the event he is no longer able to do so. His creation, Will, is bestowed with an expansive intellect, superhuman strength, and a fierce protective streak. However, as year go by, Will’s feelings start to change from duty and service to something more. 

At eighteen, Molly knows little of the world beyond a collection of grainy VHS classics. Life with Will and James is idyllic. But Will’s mission to protect involves keeping dangerous secrets, including some that could destroy the trust between them forever. Will struggles with the rigid self-discipline of his programming, versus turbulent, irrational feelings that grow stronger each day. True love can’t exist without honesty and risk; the two things Will has been programmed to control at all costs. But trouble is brewing outside their sheltered utopia, and ignorance might be a luxury neither of them can afford any longer. 

From the primitive heights of the Appalachian Mountains to the revolutionary scientific breakthrough hidden within, Adamantine, a story of love, sacrifice, and sentience is scheduled to be released in June 2020.

       

*Excerpt*

Fatigue lines circled James Walkers eyes and forehead; dry canals of wrinkled flesh ran down the sides of his face. A flood of light washed over him, flickering ever so often. He found himself hissing at that inconvenience before resuming his examination. James spent months inspecting every piece of hardware and taking voice notes—he was ready to proceed.

“James Walker, Ph.D.,” he said into the recorder. “After meticulous examination that produced minor wins and fails, everything seems to be in order. The mechanism is responsive. I’m proceeding to the next step—implementation. Cooling systems have taken to the previous modifications, refer to doc-234. Internal examinations will continue intermittently.” 

James clicked off the recorder and sighed. He walked across the room and paused inches from his destination, letting his eyes scan the table and its contents. The thin, silicone-based polymer suit reflected the soft light in the room. The project was close to completion and when he thought of what was at stake, the usual litany of questions and doubts arose. He scratched his stubble and pushed aside thoughts of consequence. He knew all too well that one wrong move might bring down his research like a flimsy deck of cards.

“Positivity doesn’t exist in the realm of fringe science, but you have to try,” he muttered under his breath. Those words fueled James, who focused on the most favorable outcome.

The augmented bio-hybrid suit had muscles, tendons, and ligaments designed to replicate the human body—an exact replica. He rolled the table close to the gurney then proceeded to couple the parts together. It took thirty minutes of concentrated effort to get the body sheathed. James took a step back and admired his masterpiece. It reminded him of a Renaissance anatomical painting he once saw in a museum. A smile tugged at the corner of his lips, but he wiped it away with the back of his hand. He attached a transfusion tube to the small glass cylinder filled with dense liquid. He injected the mixture into the body’s cervical vertebrae. Spider-like microscopic nanocells hurried down the spine and spread into the hybrid suit. The muscle tissues expanded and solidified over the impenetrable frame underneath.

James watched the process unfold. His heart beat in double time, eager to move to the next phase. The pulsating vibe in his ears synced with his anxiety. He ambled to a wall lined with metal cabinets and retrieved the synthetic skin from its compartment. At the table, he arranged them over the entire body like a giant jigsaw puzzle. He watched the panels of skin adhere to one another. His hands imprisoned within his pockets to resist the urge to touch. Soon, skin covered the mechanical suit and a man lay in its place. The transformation was a success. 

Exhausted, James glanced at his watch and wondered if he should call it a night or continue to the next phase. Logic advised against that course of action, but the restless inventor needed to proceed. A tremor ran through his hand, a reminder of the imminent situation he was in. Time was no longer a commodity he could afford. 

He shook off the reverie and began the final phase. He flipped a switch and waited. 

James didn’t expect movement, so when the eyes fluttered, he was startled. Rapid eye movement meant the system transmitted the packets of data through a private server James created, which allowed limited access to a vast global network.       

“William? Can you hear me?” James whispered. He moved closer to the table and repeated the question. The eyes continued to flutter for a moment, then flew open. Gracefully, the body sat up and surveyed the room. It—he—was trying to assess its surroundings. 

“How do you feel?” James asked tentatively. 

“William? Is that my name?” His deep voice resonated throughout the room. His eyes stopped on the bespectacled man in a dark green, cable knit sweater, who stood next to the table. He looked to be in his fifties with tired blue eyes and short, graying, brown hair.  

“Yes. Your name is William. And my name is James. I am your creator.” 

The AI tilted his head to the side. His dark brown eyes rose to meet James’. “You’re ill. You ha—”

“I-I know,” James interrupted. “Do you know what you are?” 

Will held up his hands and flexed the digits. “Am I awake, or am I programmed to feel awake?”

James smiled and sat in a chair near the wall. Excitement welled up inside him. “The fact you even ask that question gives me hope that you are exactly what you’re meant to be.”

“I’m not human,” Will stated.  

“No, you’re far more advanced. I was able to correlate specific patterns of the central nervous system with emotions and thought processes to create something beyond a program—an organism. You are the first AI ever to have this organism installed.” 

They held each other’s gaze for a moment before James broke contact and continued. 

“This evolutionary system will gradually alter and determine your choices based on the human interaction you experience throughout your life, much like a regular person. Over time—I’m not sure how long—but over time, you will start to engage in a more human-like behavior. You will continue to write code as a sentient being.”

Will canted his head and blinked rapidly. “I’ll be able to freely write my own code?” 

“To a degree. There are restrictions, uh, goal-oriented programs. More specifically, there is a source code which will prevent you from accessing data that can alter or corrupt your program. Once certain milestones are crossed, you will have the ability to act upon your own thoughts and emotions.” James looked at Will and let out a deep sigh. The expunged breath formed a visible cloud over his face before it dissipated. “For the time being, I need you to remain here in the lab until I’m certain your program is fully functional and is safe enough.”

“Safe enough for what?” William asked.

James didn’t answer.

~~~~~

**About the Author**

Rosie Weir is an authoress by passion and now profession. She penned her first story at the age of 10 and has been writing ever since. Obsessed with science fiction, horror, and sometimes dark historical romances, her writing repertoire is wide-ranging and wildly diverse. On a quest to tell unconventional stories, human behavior and humanness are at the heart of all her literary works; stories that inspire readers to rethink and reshape their perspectives. When she’s not busy writing, she’s baking and chasing after a tiny, and rambunctious human.

Her debut novel, Adamantine, is scheduled to be released in June 2020 with The Champagne Book Group.

Stay connected with Rosie Weir

     

Excerpt Reveal Organized by

RELEASE DAY BLITZ: Darkened Soul by C.G. Blaine

Today, we are celebrating the release for C.G. Blaine's Darkened Soul, the second title in the When Watchers Fall series! Chaz's story is here! Are you ready!?! To celebrate this release, we have an exclusive excerpt AND an author-hosted giveaway to share! So... Be sure to check it out and grab your copy now!

Genre:

New Adult

Paranormal/Fantasy Romance

Series:

When Watchers Fall, #2

Publish Date:

April 24, 2020

Cover Designed by:
Murphy Rae

Synopsis:
*This is Chaz's story!*

Keep my Nephilim alive. Earn back my light. Finally go home.

As a Watcher, nothing else should matter. Nothing else has mattered. Until her.

She dug her way in without any invitation. Now, she haunts my dreams and makes me lose focus. The one mortal off-limits, and regardless of how hard I try, I can’t stay away. And the more untouchable she becomes, the more I want her.

At first, she’s a distraction that could cost me the eternity I’ve worked so hard to protect. But then she becomes a danger beyond anything I’ve ever imagined. When it comes to her, it’s not only my immortality hanging in the balance. This woman threatens my soul’s very existence

Our story was always meant to be messy—because, at the end, one of us has to die.

   

*FREE on Kindle Unlimited*

*Excerpt*

My voice trembles, and unwilling to give him my tears, I start to walk away until Chaz spins me by the waist, trapping me between his arms and his hard body. I have to lean back to put space between us, and I tip my chin up to meet his harsh glare.

“Trust me, Nyx,” he says, “I want to hate you.” One of his hands moves, and I can’t tell if he means to or not, but his cool fingers graze my back under my shirt, making me shiver.

“You want to, or you do?” I sound out of breath, and I realize how fast I’m breathing, my grip digging into his biceps.

He licks his lips, his eyes falling to my mouth at the same time, then they come back to mine different, darker. “Want,” he rasps. “I want to hate you. So. Fucking. Much.”

Two breaths—one mine, one his—and then his lips are on mine. I grab the back of his neck as he sets me onto the sad excuse for a kitchen counter, knocking over the row of plastic cups. No part of him is asking permission, not his hands tugging my straps down my arms, not his tongue sinking into my mouth. And I know he won’t be trying to take any second of it away from me this time.

~~~

Catch up on the series with book 1, Fallen Rebel. You've never met a fallen angel like this before!

(cover links to Goodreads)

      

*FREE on Kindle Unlimited*

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**About the Author**

C.G. Blaine writes contemporary romance and new adult novels. At one time, she was cool. Now she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband and plays pillow to a forever-hangry blind cat. Shes terrible at texting back, and if shes overly nice to you, chances are shes not a fan.

Stay connected with C.G. Blaine

       

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***The Giveaway***

C.G. Blaine is giving away a $25 Amazon GC and a signed set of books 1 and 2 on her Facebook page! So, head on over to her Facebook page and enter for a chance to win!

Release Day Blitz Organized by