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Monday, November 21, 2011

Book Spotlight: DESTINED & GIVEAWAY!!

                                                                  
Title: DESTINED
Author: Jessie Harrell                                                                  
Genre: Young Adult, Romance                                          
Publisher: Mae Day Publishing                                              
Release Date: November 17, 2011                                            
Pages: 260
                                                  
I'd like to thank the author for providing me an e-copy of this book to review. 


Favorite Passage/Line: Father handed off his knife to one of the other mourners and turned to me. He cupped my face in both his hands. The tears he had worked so hard to hold back two days ago spilled freely down his face. His pain broke my  numbness and hot tears of my own bubbled up and slipped down my cheeks.

Description: When Psyche receives a prophecy gone horribly wrong, she learns that even the most beautiful girl in Greece can have a hideous future. Her fate? Fall in love with the one creature even the gods fear. 

As she feels herself slipping closer into the arms of the prophecy, Psyche must choose between the terrifyingly tender touch she feels almost powerless to resist and the one constant she's come to expect out of life: you cannot escape what is destined. 

Destined is a fresh and heartachingly romantic retelling of the Cupid & Psyche myth from debut novelist, Jessie Harrell.

COVETED!! A Must Have!

My Splats: Yes, I really did like it that much. 

Destined is a legendary tale, told in a modern voice and spiced with Harrell's gentle nature and charm. Her rendition breaths new life into this timeless story of honor, love, and betrayal, introducing Psyche and Eros to a new generation.

True to it's mythological roots, Destined follows Psyche as she struggles with the her fate of being chosen 'a daughter of Aphrodite.' One of my favorite aspects of this retelling was Harrell's utilization of two POVs. I find it interesting to see a story from more than one vantage point. But Harrell goes even farther by giving the reader an intimate view of Psyche through a first person voice, all while teasing the reader by leaving Eros in third person. This method  gives Eros' manliness a boost and makes for a faster paced story.

And speaking of Eros, could he get any hotter? If Harrell's physical description of him doesn't get you, the words she gives him will. His bad-boy attitude only makes him more attractive as does Harrell's decision to write his voice in third person. But slowly, as the story progresses, his cockiness softens and he grows emotions, changing the momentum of the story. I quickly found myself wanting more and more of him, unable to wait for the flip of the page.

Psyche is a strong protagonist, which young adults can relate to and admire. Harrell's usage of some of Greek Mythology's characters such as Persephone and Charon really give the tale vigor, and leave a thirst for more Mythology on the tongue. What better influence could a writer have then to intrigue a younger generation to seek out the classics.


Isn't this the most beautiful banner you've ever seen!
(Go to give my fellow Oasis Sister a little extra...*wink*)
BUY FROM AMAZON & BARNES AND NOBLE.

ENTER to win an e-copy of DESTINED!! AND make sure you return tomorrow for Jessie's interview via VLOG!!

"If you leave your e-mail address in your comment, you'll be automatically entered to win an e-copy of Destined. The contest will stay open for 48 hours after the post goes live, and then Jessie will use random.org to select a winner. Available formats include .mobu, .epub and .pdf.
And please be sure to visit the other stops on Destined's official blog tour for chances to win copies of Destined and other goodies."

1-Nov Once Upon A Twilght -  Book Trailer +Interview Ebook giveaway
2-Nov Books With Bite - Interview Ebook giveaway
3-Nov Living in Literary La La Land Guest Post Ebook giveaway
4-Nov I am a Reader, Not a Writer Guest Post Ebook giveaway
5-Nov Paper Hangover Interview Ebook giveaway
6-Nov Nikki Katz Interview Ebook giveaway
6-Nov Fictional Distraction Review Ebook Giveaway
7-Nov Daisy Chain Book Review Interview Ebook giveaway
8-Nov MundieMoms Review + Short Story Ebook giveaway
9-Nov Safari Poet Guest Post Ebook giveaway
10-Nov Good Choice Reading WOW CONTEST + Review Ebook giveaway
11-Nov LM Preston Guest Post VLOG - Read a Scene Ebook giveaway
12-Nov An Avid Readers Musings Interview VLOG Ebook giveaway
13-Nov Skyla11377 Review Ebook giveaway
14-Nov Dark Readers Interview Ebook giveaway
15-Nov Shortie Says... Character GUEST POST Ebook giveaway
16-Nov A Cozy Reader's Corner Reviews  Guest post - Sneak Peek Ebook giveaway
17-Nov Stuck In Books Character Interview Ebook giveaway
18-Nov From A to Z Review  Ebook giveaway
19-Nov Turning Pages Interview Ebook giveaway
20-Nov A Tale of Many Reviews Guest Post Ebook giveaway
21-Nov Read My Mind - AliseonLife Interview Vlog Ebook giveaway
22-Nov S.A.Larson Review Ebook giveaway
23-Nov Starry Sky Books Prize pack giveaway + Guest Post Ebook giveaway
23-Nov Angels and Demons and Portals. Oh My! Prize pack giveaway Ebook giveaway
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25 comments:

  1. StinaNovember 21, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    I'd love to win a copy of this. It's on my TBR list. :D

    stinalindenblatt (at) shaw (dot) ca

    ReplyDelete
  2. Kelly HashwayNovember 21, 2011 at 10:17 AM

    I think I've entered every giveaway for this book and I put it on my Christmas list. One way or another I'm reading this book!

    khashway(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  3. UnknownNovember 21, 2011 at 10:43 AM

    What an interesting read. I love it. And I do love the banner. The cover alone should be able to sell a few books. Thanks for the review.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Alex J. CavanaughNovember 21, 2011 at 10:44 AM

    Not entering to win, but glad you enjoyed the book so much!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Jessie HarrellNovember 21, 2011 at 10:59 AM

    Thanks so much for your awesome review! You've made my heart sing this morning. (((HUGS)))

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lisa Gail GreenNovember 21, 2011 at 12:08 PM

    All right you've got me hooked. I DEFINITELY must read this book. *adds another one to the TBR list* :D

    ReplyDelete
  7. DJLNovember 21, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    I think I've lost count as to how many contests I've entered to win a copy of Destined. lol I'm really hoping that Santa will bring me a copy for under the Christmas tree! Thank you for having the giveaway! :)

    ~DJL
    djlibrarian3(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Christina LeeNovember 21, 2011 at 2:00 PM

    YAY Jessie!! I love that you included that passage too! On my list: christinalee@ameritech.net

    ReplyDelete
  9. Robyn CampbellNovember 21, 2011 at 3:34 PM

    This is on everyones TBR list, I know! Mine included. I would love to win a copy!

    It looks like you really enjoyed it.

    Happy Thanksgiving, Sheri! *waving and smiling*

    robyn(at)robyncampbell(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  10. LTMNovember 21, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    Yay for Jessie! Looks like an awesome book. Here's hoping all the best for her~ :o) <3

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownNovember 21, 2011 at 6:33 PM

    I can't wait to read this book! The legend of Eros and Psyche has always been one of my favorites. :) Thanks for the chance!

    liedermadchen(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Lindsey R. LoucksNovember 21, 2011 at 7:19 PM

    I'd love to win! This book sounds great!

    loucks(dot)lindsey(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  13. mshatchNovember 21, 2011 at 7:53 PM

    wow, amazing review. You've made me want to read it.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Beverly Stowe McClureNovember 21, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    Please enter me. I've been wanting to read this book since I first heard about it. Thanks.

    Beverlysmcclure(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Vj7November 22, 2011 at 12:07 AM

    I finally got my finished copy of destined from Amazon today! YAY! I still want the ebook though, so here's my email: virginiadi7(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  16. MemrieNovember 22, 2011 at 4:38 AM

    Thanks for the giveaway!
    I would love to win a e-copy of Destined. :)

    Memrie
    darkangel231988(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  17. DonnaNovember 22, 2011 at 7:21 AM

    An amazing book, an amazing giveaway.
    Donna
    ljldml@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. ReginaNovember 22, 2011 at 9:30 AM

    I would really love to read this! Thanks for the opportunity!

    regina.linton@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  19. sweetyNovember 22, 2011 at 9:48 AM

    Nice review,loved it!!Thanks for the giveaway :) Hope i win *fingers crossed*

    sweety225(at)rocketmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sara @ Forever 17 BooksNovember 22, 2011 at 9:52 AM

    Great review! Very excited for this book! :)
    sarabara081(at)aol(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Texas Book LoverNovember 22, 2011 at 6:51 PM

    This book sounds soo good. Please include me!!!

    Thank you!
    mmafsmith at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  22. CRysiNovember 22, 2011 at 7:07 PM

    Thanks for the giveaway. I really want to read this book.

    stillcliffnews(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  23. IdentitySeekerNovember 22, 2011 at 8:40 PM

    I'm so excited for this book. I've been hearing only good things about it and I love books with a solid grounding in mythology, so thanks for this chance to read it:)

    Sarah

    sarah.setar@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Jessie HarrellNovember 24, 2011 at 10:35 AM

    Congrats to Beverly, who won the Destined e-copy and THANK YOU to all of you for entering. Happy Thanksgiving!

    ReplyDelete
  25. S.A. LarsenッNovember 24, 2011 at 5:24 PM

    Congrats to Beverly!! Thanks to everyone for participating and to Jessie for offering up a copy of Destined!! I will announce on my Monday post after Thanksgiving break.

    ReplyDelete

!SPLAT Your Awesomeness! I'd love to hear from you!