Tag: Books

Last Day for #FreeRead of My Watcher

On By czablockisIn Zeuorian SeriesLeave a comment

Today is the last day you can download My Watcher at Smashwords (https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/624468)

Book Overview

A thrilling dark fantasy about Lexi. A teenage girl who was born with the ability to read minds and sense danger. She spent her life trying to keep her abilities a secret from the world. Afraid another psycho like the man in black would try to kill her. But everything changed on her 17th birthday when she transformed and started developing powers stronger than Zeus. But she is no mythological Greek God.

Far from it.

She has no control over her abilities and causes accidents every time she’s nervous or upset, which being a teenager is hard to avoid, especially when the most popular boys in school are fighting to be with her.

If that isn’t bad enough, a stranger is following her. She doesn’t know who he is or what he wants, yet he knows all about her abilities and that she’s developing more. And . . . he’s her only hope of understanding why she’s changing and others are after her. What she learns will send her life into overdrive.

About The Author

C. Zablockis is an Indie author of paranormal, dark fantasy and horror novels. She published Lexi Greene’s Dangerous Lesson, Lexi Greene’s Grim Awakening, Monster (The Zeuorian Series) and My Watcher (The Zeuorian Series) YA Dark Fantasy Thriller. She’s also a professional UI/UX designer and developer check out her portfolio. If you’re interested in having a website or marketing designed, she also offers freelance services.

Advertisement

Alien apocalyptic: 5th Wave Book Review

On By czablockisIn All, Books, DiscussionsLeave a comment

Okay so I’m a little behind in my reading. I finally finished reading…

The 5th Wave (The 5th Wave #1)

 

After the 1st wave, only darkness remains. After the 2nd, only the lucky escape. And after the 3rd, only the unlucky survive. After the 4th wave, only one rule applies: trust no one.

Now, it’s the dawn of the 5th wave, and on a lonely stretch of highway, Cassie runs from Them. The beings who only look human, who roam the countryside killing anyone they see. Who have scattered Earth’s last survivors. To stay alone is to stay alive, Cassie believes, until she meets Evan Walker. Beguiling and mysterious, Evan Walker may be Cassie’s only hope for rescuing her brother-or even saving herself. But Cassie must choose: between trust and despair, between defiance and surrender, between life and death. To give up or to get up.

Book Review

It’s start with 16 year old Cassie living alone in the woods by herself after the 4th alien attack (wave) hit earth. Over 7 billion people are dead. The survivors are scattered around the world. She is one of them. She stays hidden or risks being killed by the Others, which she isn’t sure who they are. They’re supposed to look just like humans. So she trusts no one, especially the military who killed her father and tried to kill her.

She decides to leave the forest and go save her 5 year old brother, Sam, from the military who took him. In the process she is shot and rescued by one of the Others. This is where the story parallels Twilight in a way. Her hunter, Evan,  young, hot, very strong and fast. Despite his mission to kill humans, saves Cassie, because he fallen for her.

But if you’re looking for a slow love story between them, you’re out of luck. The book skips around to other point of views so you get a sense of whats happening in the world beside Cassie holed up in a cabin with Evan.

I give it 4 stars.

I felt the characterization of Cassie and Ben were good and kept me interested, although neither of them have unique voices. They sound the same. Sam sounded too old for a five year old. My son is four, he hangs out with my neighbors son who is 5. They take him hunting on the weekends, but even so, I couldn’t imagine him thinking, let alone acting as mature as Sam. He sounded closer to 7 or 8. And whats up with all the girls wanting to slap the guys. (My personal pet peeve stereotyping girls as being girly girls.) I hate to break it to you Rick, but not all girls resort to sissy slapping when they get frustrated and mad at a guy. Some punch, some just roll their eyes and walk away and the list goes on.  (just to the  name a few responses).

If you like reading sci-fi’s or post apocalypse stories, this book is worth reading.

About The Author

C. Zablockis is an Indie author of paranormal, dark fantasy and horror novels. She published Lexi Greene’s Dangerous Lesson, Lexi Greene’s Grim Awakening, Monster (The Zeuorian Series) and My Watcher (The Zeuorian Series) YA Dark Fantasy Thriller.

#Indiechat How to Tell If a Book Promoter is Legit

On By czablockisIn All, Book Promotion, Self Publish, Zeuorian Series3 Comments

After receiving the below email from http://www.thebooksmachine.com soliciting me to promote with them The Zeuorian Awakening (currently being offered FREE on Amazon as a Kindle book promotion). I decided to do a little research to see if their stats were legit.

Dear Cindy Zablockis,

I have recently come across your book The Zeuorian Awakening (Volume 1) on Amazon and due to both its quality and plot, it qualifies to be promoted in our community of readers.

The Books Machine is a website that connects authors and readers. It helps writers promote their work, gain in reputation and prestige, and reach a potential audience.

Our press team’s offer includes help promoting books to thousands of readers in our community, whether at reduced or regular prices. This is done through a deals promotion page on our website, a Facebook post with exclusive deals reaching over 25,000 readers, as well as a “Newsletter of the Day” that uses a unique and innovative marketing tool featuring an excerpt from your book within a unique customized layout.

The days currently available to feature your work in our newsletter are tomorrow and Friday. In the following link you can find more detailed information about who we are, get to know our community of authors and readers, and find out how this promotion can benefit you and your book: http://www.thebooksmachine.com/deals/dealspromote.html

Also you can find a powerful tool to promote your titles in an innovative way through a professional Video Book Trailer production, adding it on your Amazon book description, Author Central, Deal description, social networks, Youtube Channel, your own website, etc. You can see more information, prices and real works that we’ve made for our authors here: http://www.thebooksmachine.com/booktrailer/videobooktrailer.html
Warm wishes,

Meryl Wright
Site Administrator

www.thebooksmachine.com
FB: www.facebook.com/TheBooksMachine

Copyright 2014

 

What I found about thebooksmachine.com

(This is an average of multiple Traffic Reporting Sites Stats)

Website Statistics

  • Unique “New” (Never been to the website) Visitors: 625 – 852 (Daily) or 18,750 – 25,560 (monthly)
  • Daily “Web” Page views by New & Returning Visitors as well as webots: 1,704 – 4,062
  • Bounce Rate (% of visitors who visit 1 page for less than 60 seconds and then leave the site): 100%/100 %
  • Website Trust worthiness: Very poor (Web browsers and Virus software will warn visitors site not safe)
  • Website Privacy: Very poor (Your cookie information can be copied. i.e. ip address, email, etc…)
  • Website Child Safety: Very Poor (Adult content. Computers with child browsers will block the site)
  • Website Security:  None (They have no HTTPS Protocol needed to hide information entered in forms)

 

Facebook Statistics

  • Facebook page has 27,786 likes
  • 69 People talking about their post this week
  • 39 New page likes this week
  • Last post 4/13/16
  • # of post a day: 1 – 2
  • Post time: early morning around 7:30 am or evening around 5:30 pm

 

Twitter Statistics

  • Tweets 447
  • Following 1,173
  • Followers 3,990
  • Likes 109
  • Last Tweet September 2015

 

Google+ Statistics

  • Google+ followers 13
  • Last post June 2015

 

So What does all that mean?

If I ran my ad for 2 days on their site as the email suggested, I would have:

1,250 potential people may view my book ad on the web site for less than 60 seconds, depending if it is on the home page and above the fold (visible without scrolling) before they leave the website.

152 people may view the ad on Facebook (based on 8.24% average post reach x T # of likes “views” / 30 days * 2 days) and less than 4 people may share my book on Facebook (based on .21% engagement rate x Total # of likes / 30 days * 2 days).

Bottom Line

I wouldn’t pay them a penny. First of all, their website isn’t secure to receive payments or protect information entered in the registration forms. The numbers I discovered is considerably far less than the 25,000 they were touting. No wonder they don’t have an official advertising page with their web statistics posted like legitimate websites.

 

If you like to learn more about Web Analytics visit this website:

https://www.tendenci.com/help-files/meaning-of-hits-visits-page-views-and-traffic-sources-web-analytics-definitions/#sthash.xPWPT9KQ.dpuf

 

How you can look up a website advertising stats:

Free Services

 

Paid Services

 

 

How to Check Blog Stats

Blog Post Comments

Another way to gauge the popularity of a blog is to look at how many comments it gets per post.

With my sites, I’ve found that an average of 1 out of every 200 readers leaves a comment. So a post with 20 non-Nicholas comments was viewed about 4,000 times. This changes with every post and every blog, but again, it gives you a general idea.

 

Total Comment Counts

Immediately after you comment on a WordPress blog, your browser redirects you to where your comment will show up. If you look at the URL, you’ll see something that looks like this:

http://www.website.com/blog#comment-108656

The second half of the URL tells you that you left the 108,656th comment on website.com. This number includes spam comments. Assume that 75-90% of the comments are spam and you can get an idea of how many comments a site has had since day one.

About The Author

C. Zablockis is an Indie author of paranormal, dark fantasy and horror novels. She published Lexi Greene’s Dangerous Lesson, Lexi Greene’s Grim Awakening, Monster (The Zeuorian Series) and My Watcher (The Zeuorian Series) YA Dark Fantasy Thriller.

 

My Watcher: The Zeuorian On Sale #Fantasy #Ebook

On By czablockisIn All, Zeuorian SeriesLeave a comment

My Watcher: The Zeuorian is now on sale.

Book Overview

For the past two years Lexi avoided everyone at her high school so no one would discover she could read minds and sense danger. She didn’t want another psycho trying to kill her, because they got it in their head she was a monster.

But all that changed on her 17th birthday when she transformed into a total hottie and started developing powers beyond her control.

If that isn’t bad enough, a stranger is following her. She doesn’t know who he is or what he wants, yet he knows all about her abilities and that she’s developing more. And . . . he’s her only hope of understanding why she’s changing and others are after her.

One problem, he could be anyone at her school. With her new appearance, it’ll be a miracle to weed him out amongst her admirers. Still sometimes the truth is worth risking everything to uncover–even your life.

“My Watcher (extended version of Awakening) is a suspenseful, thrilling, fast pace, dark fantasy (paranormal), coming of age, mystery that will take you on a ride. When you think you know who is her Watcher, the author throws you a curve ball. For you romance fanatics, there is a little bit of that in the story too.”

You can purchase it at:

Amazon
Nook
ITunes
Kobo
Smashwords

Fifty Shades Darker Review

On By czablockisIn All, Books, DiscussionsLeave a comment

I figure with the pending release of Fifty Shades Darker movie February 2017, I would finally read the book. I bought it after reading the first one, but it didn’t grab me right away so I put it down.

Official Book Overview

Daunted by the singular sexual tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house.

But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven, and demanding Fifty Shades.

While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront her anger and envy of the women who came before her and make the most important decision of her life.

Erotic, sparkling and suspenseful, Fifty Shades Darker is the irresistibly addictive second part of the Fifty Shades trilogy.

Review

The story begins with Anastasia starting her new job at a small publishing firm. She works under Jack Hyde, who is a little too friendly. She spends most of her time crying since she is a total wreck over her break up with Christian. But it doesn’t last too long. Christian is back in her life and eager to rekindle their romance–a real romance this time: dates and all and away from the red room. Ana is all for it.

However, they are far from a their fairy tale love story. They have to workout their differences sexually and personally.

Christian is hesitant to go back into the red room, because he is terrified Ana will leave him again despite her reassurance it won’t happen. Ana is overwhelmed by Christian’s personal demons of being abused, his distaste for being touched and being bossy. One of Christian’s ex subs gone off the deep end. She bought a gun and sneaking around his house and Ana. Then there is Mrs. Robinson who Ana despises and doesn’t want in Christian’s life, but she won’t leave and Christian won’t let her go either. If that wasn’t bad enough, Jack Hyde tries to force her to have sex with him.

Overall the book wasn’t as good as the first one and rated it 3 out of 5 stars.

There were too many things happening at once, distracting me from the story. Some of it was a little unrealistic and felt as if thrown in the story just to spice it up. With that said, I still enjoyed the chemistry between Ana and Christian. If it wasn’t for that part of the story, I wouldn’t have read past chapter 1.

About The Author

C. Zablockis is an Indie author of paranormal, dark fantasy and horror novels. She published Lexi Greene’s Dangerous Lesson, Lexi Greene’s Grim Awakening, Monster (The Zeuorian Series) and My Watcher (The Zeuorian Series) YA Dark Fantasy Thriller.

Mind Readers Book Review

On By czablockisIn All, BooksLeave a comment

9858714

Cameron Winters is a freak. Fortunately, no one but her family knows the truth… that Cameron can read minds. For years Cameron has hidden behind a facade of normalcy, warned that there are those who would do her harm. When gorgeous and mysterious Lewis Douglas arrives he destroys everything Cameron has ever believed and tempts her with possibilities of freedom. Determined to embrace her hidden talents, Cameron heads to a secret haven with Lewis; a place where she meets others like her, Mind Readers.

But as Cameron soon finds out some things are too good to be true. When the Mind Readers realize the extent of Cameron’s abilities, they want to use her powers for their own needs. Cameron suddenly finds herself involved in a war in which her idea of what is right and wrong is greatly tested. In the end she’ll be forced to make a choice that will not only threaten her relationship with Lewis, but her very life.

Review

Similar to my book My Watcher (The Zeuorian Series) Cameron is gifted with the power of telepathy and people are after her, except she isn’t an alien, but a special human. So you can tell why I read the book: a little research and I like these kind of stories.

The story kept you interested from the very start after the coffee shop blows up. I like how she is struggling with trying to stay hidden and using her power to help others.

However I thought it was a little abrupt and unrealistic Cameron abandon her grandmother and to live with a group of other mind readers. But I understand why she chose that path, because her desire to do good won out.

Overall I liked the story and rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

About The Author

C. Zablockis is an Indie author of paranormal, dark fantasy and horror novels. She published Lexi Greene’s Dangerous Lesson, Lexi Greene’s Grim Awakening, Monster (The Zeuorian Series) and My Watcher (The Zeuorian Series) YA Dark Fantasy Thriller.

Opposition Book Review

On By czablockisIn All, BooksLeave a comment

Opposition: A Lux Novel BOOK 5

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Opposition Cover

Overview

The world changed the night the Luxen came, and now Daemon will do anything to save Katy…even if that means betrayal. For Katy, the lines between good and bad have blurred, and love has become an emotion that could destroy them all. As it becomes impossible to tell friend from foe, and the world crumbles around them, they may lose everything–even what they cherish most–to ensure the survival of their friends…and mankind. War has come to Earth. And no matter the outcome, the future will never be the same for those left standing.

My Review

I started to read the series, because a reviewer claimed my book The Zeuorian Awakening was a ripoff of Obsidian and I was curious to see if in fact the author plagiarized my book, which they didn’t. Then I decided to read book 2 and 3. I was going to give up on the series, but I’m a sucker for serials with cliffhangers. So I bought book 4 and 5 to see what happened to Katy.

I really had a hard time getting into this book. The whole alien invasion I had a difficult time with. As well as Daemon and Dawson are the only ones not controlled by the Luxen leader like Dee. Not once did they try to get word to Katy or Bethany of the situation.

Of course Katy does something stupid and gets caught. Her typical. Daemon must risk being considered a traitor and killed to save her, again. Then while surrounded by aliens who want her dead, they have sex. Ah, please. Talk about a filler.

Dawson, Daemon and Katy escape with DOD and Luc’s help. Dee stayed behind. She doesn’t want to feel anymore and likes being a drone. Okay.

Now they are staying with the DOD and helping to fight the aliens. All the while having sex. That was the point I skipped to the end. I had enough.

***spoiler alert***

Just as I suspected everyone survived and the bad aliens were taken care of by the Arum. Daemon and Katy now live together and go to college in Colorado. They are getting married soon. Dee has a beau and Dawson has a kid with Bethany. All is great in the world and they are also free of the DOD.

Only bad that came out of everything is that Katy’s mom died, which was no big deal to Katy or to me. Her character sort of disappeared after book 2 and any feelings for her disappeared as well.

Review Rating: 1 Stars out of 5

About The Author

C. Zablockis is an Indie author of paranormal, dark fantasy and horror novels. She published Lexi Greene’s Dangerous Lesson, Lexi Greene’s Grim Awakening, Monster (The Zeuorian Series) and My Watcher (The Zeuorian Series) YA Dark Fantasy Thriller.

Origin Book Review

On By czablockisIn All, BooksLeave a comment

Origin: A Lux Novel Book 4

by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Origin Cover

Overview

Daemon will do anything to get Katy back. After the successful but disastrous raid on Mount Weather, he’s facing the impossible. Katy is gone. Taken. Everything becomes about finding her. But the most dangerous foe has been truths are exposed and lies come crumbling down, which side will Daemon and Katy be standing on? And will they even be together?

My Review

I started to read the series, because a reviewer claimed my book The Zeuorian Awakening was a ripoff of Obsidian and I was curious to see if in fact the author plagiarized my book, which they didn’t. Then I decided to read book 2 and 3. I was going to give up on the series, but I’m a sucker for serials with cliffhangers. So I bought this book to see what happened to Katy.

The book was interesting, but I still had a hard time believing the DOD or Dadelus, would kidnap and torture previously human now alien-hybrids. Like I said in my review of Opal, I have my conspiracy theories like many people do, but I also don’t think a secret government group would be stupid and kidnap a person and then ask them to join their cause. They would ask them first so the person doesn’t immediately think they are bad and refuse to help.

I also had an issue with Katy fighting the secret group. It was a little stupid. She knows there is no escaping. They are going to spray her with stuff that makes her suffer if she refuses to cooperate. But she does it when a doctor tries to exam her and take blood.

I was surprised Dee pretty much wrote Katy off. She no longer cared about her. And Dawson after Daemon and Katy risked everything to help him get Bethany free, tried to stop him from saving Katy.

***spoiler alert***

After Luc sprung Daemon and Katy out of area 51, Dee, Dawson, Mathew, Ash and the gang show. They finally decided to try and save them. Of course this is after they graduated high school 4 months later, which they rub into Katy’s and Daemon’s faces. Daemon gets a warm welcome and Katy a so so one. Still the outcast, but Dee finally forgives her for Adams death. Please. It never was her fault in the first place.

Like the other books just when they thought everything was safe another friend turns on them–Mathew. He was the one who sold out Dawson and Bethany. They run for their lives and make a public speculation on TV to keep from getting capture. It still amazes me why that hadn’t happened earlier with so many hybrids escaping the DOD.

The book ends with an alien invasion and Daemon, Dee and Dawson joining them while leaving Katy, Bethany and origins behind.

Yet again I skipped reading half the book to bypass the boring parts and find out what happened at the end.

Review Rating: 2 Stars out of 5

About The Author

C. Zablockis is an Indie author of paranormal, dark fantasy and horror novels. She published Lexi Greene’s Dangerous Lesson, Lexi Greene’s Grim Awakening, Monster (The Zeuorian Series) and My Watcher (The Zeuorian Series) YA Dark Fantasy Thriller.