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Showing posts with label rae of hope. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rae of hope. Show all posts

Saturday, January 12, 2013

The Chronicles of Kerrigan Have New Covers!

Check it out!  The entire series of The Chronicles of Kerrigan by WJ May are being re-released - with new covers!!  I absolutely love these new covers.  They are a bit edgier, they focus on Rae, and I just think they look great!  If you haven't caught on to The Chronicles of Kerrigan yet, I'm not sure what you are waiting for!  You can find reviews to two of my reviews, and an interview down at the bottom of this post.  Enjoy!!



Rae of Hope

How hard do you have to shake the family tree to find the truth about the past?

Fifteen year-old Rae Kerrigan never really knew her family's history. Her mother and father died when she was young and it is only when she accepts a scholarship to the prestigious Guilder Boarding School in England that a mysterious family secret is revealed.

Will the sins of the father be the sins of the daughter?
As Rae struggles with new friends, a new school and a star-struck forbidden love, she must also face the ultimate challenge: receive a tattoo on her sixteenth birthday with specific powers that may bind her to an unspeakable darkness. It's up to Rae to undo the dark evil in her family's past and have a ray of hope for her future.

Will the sins of the father be the sins of the daughter?

As Rae struggles with new friends, a new school and a star-struck forbidden love, she must also face the ultimate challenge: receive a tattoo on her sixteenth birthday with specific powers that may bind her to an unspeakable darkness. It's up to Rae to undo the dark evil in her family's past and have a ray of hope for her future.



 Dark Nebula

Nothing is as it seems anymore.

Leery from the horrifying incident at the end of her first year at Guilder Boarding School, Rae Kerrigan is determined to learn more about her new tattoo. Her expectations are high, an easy senior year and a happy reunion with Devon, the boy she’s not supposed to date. All hopes of happiness turn into shattered dreams the moment she steps back on campus.

Lies and secrets are everywhere, and a betrayal cuts Rae deeply. Among her conflicts and enemies, it appears as if her father is reaching out from beyond the grave to ruin her life. With no one to trust, Rae doesn’t know where or who to turn to for help. Has her destiny been written? Or will she become the one thing she hates the most—her father’s prodigy.

House of Cards

Rae’s half a year away from Guilder and just accepted a position as an agent for the Privy Council. She’s given a mentor, Jennifer, who fights like a demon – she’s fast, tough, and incredibly beautiful. Rae bonds with her, and just at the right time, she finds a new friend when Devon disappoints her again.

A memory from Book II comes back to Rae and haunts her. Something about where her parents took as a child evokes a hidden secret that she’s determined to solve. When the Privy Council asks her to go undercover to found out more information about the Xavier Knights – another agency similar to the Privy Council, Rae dives in head first. Through the mystery and secrets, she begins to question what the PC represents and loses herself in the confusions about the past, the present and her future.




Royal Tea

Why would a prince marry a commoner?

This fairytale wedding has a twist; the new Queen has a tatù that even the King knows nothing about.

The newly crowned King and Queen of England have requested the help of the Privy Council. Partnered with her ex, Devon, the two must pretend to be couple and work as body guards protecting the royal couple as they entertain at Buckingham Palace and on holiday. They need to found out who wants the queen dead and also comes to terms with their feelings for each other.

Can Royalty be protected in time for the annual Royal Tea Charity? And will Rae ever be free from her father’s grip, even after his death?

About WJ May...
Wanita May grew up in the fruit belt of Ontario - St.Catharines. With a crazy-happy childhood, she has always had a vivid imagination and way too much energy.

The youngest of six -- four older brothers, and a sister -- taught her at a young age to be competitive in all aspects of life.

At sixteen, she began competing in athletics (track and field) and before she turned seventeen, she was representing Canada in high jump. She continued to compete, breaking Canada's JR High Jump record (1.92m - 6' 3 1/2" for those metric-ly challenged). She attented University of Toronto, and Kansas State University - winning CIAU's and becoming All-American 6x - NCAA Indoors Runner Up + more.

But you're not interested in her athletic career - unless of course you're curious to know she stands 1.70m (5'7") and has jumped 20cm over her head on more than one occasion. She's represented Canada at the World Championships, World Jrs., won Francophone Games, and loved every minute of every competition. From the grueling workouts, the crazy weights she lifted on her back, the days she thought her lungs were going to spit out of her mouth for lack of oxygen, the traveling around the world and the opportunity to read - her favorite past time.

Life continued with her husband (a distance runner from Liverpool, UK, who she met at KSU) and then their first, then second and finally third child. Their house became full of more imagination and stories. Wanita and her husband run an online business, dealing in antiques and collectables - particularly jewelry and porcelainAfter her father passed away in 2009, from a six-year battle with cancer (which she still believes he won the fight against), she began to write again. A passion she'd loved for years, but realized life was too short to keep putting it off.

Her first book, Rae of Hope - from the Chronicles of Kerrigan, published by Mitchell Morris Publishing debuted Oct 2011. Dark Nebula is available December 15th, 2012.She is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Wanita is a writer of Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction and where ever else her little muses take her.
Find WJ May...

The Chronicles of Kerrigan Have New Covers!

Check it out!  The entire series of The Chronicles of Kerrigan by WJ May are being re-released - with new covers!!  I absolutely love these new covers.  They are a bit edgier, they focus on Rae, and I just think they look great!  If you haven't caught on to The Chronicles of Kerrigan yet, I'm not sure what you are waiting for!  You can find reviews to two of my reviews, and an interview down at the bottom of this post.  Enjoy!!



Rae of Hope

How hard do you have to shake the family tree to find the truth about the past?

Fifteen year-old Rae Kerrigan never really knew her family's history. Her mother and father died when she was young and it is only when she accepts a scholarship to the prestigious Guilder Boarding School in England that a mysterious family secret is revealed.

Will the sins of the father be the sins of the daughter?
As Rae struggles with new friends, a new school and a star-struck forbidden love, she must also face the ultimate challenge: receive a tattoo on her sixteenth birthday with specific powers that may bind her to an unspeakable darkness. It's up to Rae to undo the dark evil in her family's past and have a ray of hope for her future.

Will the sins of the father be the sins of the daughter?

As Rae struggles with new friends, a new school and a star-struck forbidden love, she must also face the ultimate challenge: receive a tattoo on her sixteenth birthday with specific powers that may bind her to an unspeakable darkness. It's up to Rae to undo the dark evil in her family's past and have a ray of hope for her future.



 Dark Nebula

Nothing is as it seems anymore.

Leery from the horrifying incident at the end of her first year at Guilder Boarding School, Rae Kerrigan is determined to learn more about her new tattoo. Her expectations are high, an easy senior year and a happy reunion with Devon, the boy she’s not supposed to date. All hopes of happiness turn into shattered dreams the moment she steps back on campus.

Lies and secrets are everywhere, and a betrayal cuts Rae deeply. Among her conflicts and enemies, it appears as if her father is reaching out from beyond the grave to ruin her life. With no one to trust, Rae doesn’t know where or who to turn to for help. Has her destiny been written? Or will she become the one thing she hates the most—her father’s prodigy.

House of Cards

Rae’s half a year away from Guilder and just accepted a position as an agent for the Privy Council. She’s given a mentor, Jennifer, who fights like a demon – she’s fast, tough, and incredibly beautiful. Rae bonds with her, and just at the right time, she finds a new friend when Devon disappoints her again.

A memory from Book II comes back to Rae and haunts her. Something about where her parents took as a child evokes a hidden secret that she’s determined to solve. When the Privy Council asks her to go undercover to found out more information about the Xavier Knights – another agency similar to the Privy Council, Rae dives in head first. Through the mystery and secrets, she begins to question what the PC represents and loses herself in the confusions about the past, the present and her future.




Royal Tea

Why would a prince marry a commoner?

This fairytale wedding has a twist; the new Queen has a tatù that even the King knows nothing about.

The newly crowned King and Queen of England have requested the help of the Privy Council. Partnered with her ex, Devon, the two must pretend to be couple and work as body guards protecting the royal couple as they entertain at Buckingham Palace and on holiday. They need to found out who wants the queen dead and also comes to terms with their feelings for each other.

Can Royalty be protected in time for the annual Royal Tea Charity? And will Rae ever be free from her father’s grip, even after his death?

About WJ May...
Wanita May grew up in the fruit belt of Ontario - St.Catharines. With a crazy-happy childhood, she has always had a vivid imagination and way too much energy.

The youngest of six -- four older brothers, and a sister -- taught her at a young age to be competitive in all aspects of life.

At sixteen, she began competing in athletics (track and field) and before she turned seventeen, she was representing Canada in high jump. She continued to compete, breaking Canada's JR High Jump record (1.92m - 6' 3 1/2" for those metric-ly challenged). She attented University of Toronto, and Kansas State University - winning CIAU's and becoming All-American 6x - NCAA Indoors Runner Up + more.

But you're not interested in her athletic career - unless of course you're curious to know she stands 1.70m (5'7") and has jumped 20cm over her head on more than one occasion. She's represented Canada at the World Championships, World Jrs., won Francophone Games, and loved every minute of every competition. From the grueling workouts, the crazy weights she lifted on her back, the days she thought her lungs were going to spit out of her mouth for lack of oxygen, the traveling around the world and the opportunity to read - her favorite past time.

Life continued with her husband (a distance runner from Liverpool, UK, who she met at KSU) and then their first, then second and finally third child. Their house became full of more imagination and stories. Wanita and her husband run an online business, dealing in antiques and collectables - particularly jewelry and porcelainAfter her father passed away in 2009, from a six-year battle with cancer (which she still believes he won the fight against), she began to write again. A passion she'd loved for years, but realized life was too short to keep putting it off.

Her first book, Rae of Hope - from the Chronicles of Kerrigan, published by Mitchell Morris Publishing debuted Oct 2011. Dark Nebula is available December 15th, 2012.She is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Wanita is a writer of Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction and where ever else her little muses take her.
Find WJ May...

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Review: Dark Nebula by WJ May


Title: Dark Nebula
Series: The Chronicles of Kerrigan #2
Author: WJ May
Release Date: December 2012
Format: Ebook provided by author for review



Nothing is as it seems anymore. 

Leery from the horrifying incident at the end of her first year at Guilder Boarding School, Rae Kerrigan is determined to learn more about her new tattoo. looks Her expectations are high, an easy senior year and a happy reunion with Devon— the boy she’s not supposed to date. All hopes of happiness fade into shattered dreams the moment she steps back on campus. 

Lies and secrets are everywhere, and a betrayal cuts Rae deeply. Among her conflicts and enemies, it appears as if her father is reaching out from beyond the grave to ruin her life. With no one to trust, Rae doesn’t know where or who to turn to for help. 

Has her destiny been written? Or will she becomes the one thing she hates the most-- her father’s prodigy.


Dark Nebula is the second book in the Chronicles of Kerrigan series.  This book finds Rae coming back to Guilder for the new year.  Devon is now her secret boyfriend because dating other tatù people is not even allowed.  I’m going to warn you now  - I’m going to attempt to be super vague about this story.  It’s not going to be released until December, but I wanted to start getting the buzz out now.  I’ve made no secret about how much I enjoyed the first book, Rae of Hope, and I was equally impressed with this book.  

The group of teens from book one are all back for another year.  Some are back for school, some are now working for the Privy Council.  Everyone is developing their tatùs more – including Rae.  We get to meet some new characters, but I really enjoyed getting reacquainted with the previous characters. This is something the author has definite talent with, creating these vibrant characters that you want to get to know more.  One of the new characters I’d definitely be interested in learning more about, though, is Reece.  He’s just a regular ol’ human with no powers, but there is definitely something special there in that boy.  I can’t tell you who he is, but I like him.  I like him a lot.  And I'm hoping he will be around for a while.

Rae is a little bit more cautious, a little bit more “by the rules” - more like Devon.  For the most part this personality evolution worked for her, but there were points where I just really wanted to see her let loose with all of her powers.  But on the other hand, that is the point of this story – she is learning to show restraint and how to be “good” in the shadow of her father who was most certainly “bad”.  Either way, she is a smart girl who is ahead of the game by being a bit paranoid of everyone.  If there is one thing she has learned since entering Guilder, is that you can't always trust everyone.

The adult in me really wants to sit Rae down and tell her, “listen, Rae, sometimes you’ve got to speak up LOUD.” when there are situations where she seems to flounder a bit between saying something or not.  But I really am seeing this girl grow a bit more, and by the end of this book she is kickin'.  The storyline moved at a steady pace and the mystery was top notch.   The climactic scenes were powerful and you know it’s a fight til the finish. The stolen kisses between Devon and Rae were perfect in themselves.  This is a YA book, so the heat level is very low.  Even with that being said, I truly think this is a series for people of all ages.  I, for one, can’t even think how many times I’ve wished I’d had super powers.  Near daily basis, maybe? Haha.  Either way, it’s a fun subject matter with enough twists and turns to keep the reader intrigued.  And I definitely think there is more to come in the story.

The cover reveal for this book was yesterday, and I absolutely love the cover.  Rae looks so strong and confident, and powerful.   I am more than a bit early with this review, but do yourself a favor and pick up the first book, and then put Dark Nebula on your TBR


About WJ May...
Wanita May grew up in the fruit belt of Ontario - St.Catharines. With a crazy-happy childhood, she has always had a vivid imagination and way too much energy.

The youngest of six -- four older brothers, and a sister -- taught her at a young age to be competitive in all aspects of life.

At sixteen, she began competing in athletics (track and field) and before she turned seventeen, she was representing Canada in high jump. She continued to compete, breaking Canada's JR High Jump record (1.92m - 6' 3 1/2" for those metric-ly challenged). She attented University of Toronto, and Kansas State University - winning CIAU's and becoming All-American 6x - NCAA Indoors Runner Up + more.

But you're not interested in her athletic career - unless of course you're curious to know she stands 1.70m (5'7") and has jumped 20cm over her head on more than one occasion. She's represented Canada at the World Championships, World Jrs., won Francophone Games, and loved every minute of every competition. From the grueling workouts, the crazy weights she lifted on her back, the days she thought her lungs were going to spit out of her mouth for lack of oxygen, the traveling around the world and the opportunity to read - her favorite past time.

Life continued with her husband (a distance runner from Liverpool, UK, who she met at KSU) and then their first, then second and finally third child. Their house became full of more imagination and stories. Wanita and her husband run an online business, dealing in antiques and collectables - particularly jewelry and porcelainAfter her father passed away in 2009, from a six-year battle with cancer (which she still believes he won the fight against), she began to write again. A passion she'd loved for years, but realized life was too short to keep putting it off.

Her first book, Rae of Hope - from the Chronicles of Kerrigan, published by Mitchell Morris Publishing debuted Oct 2011. Dark Nebula is available December 15th, 2012.She is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Wanita is a writer of Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction and where ever else her little muses take her.
Find WJ May...

Want to see my other posts on WJ May?

Review: Dark Nebula by WJ May


Title: Dark Nebula
Series: The Chronicles of Kerrigan #2
Author: WJ May
Release Date: December 2012
Format: Ebook provided by author for review



Nothing is as it seems anymore. 

Leery from the horrifying incident at the end of her first year at Guilder Boarding School, Rae Kerrigan is determined to learn more about her new tattoo. looks Her expectations are high, an easy senior year and a happy reunion with Devon— the boy she’s not supposed to date. All hopes of happiness fade into shattered dreams the moment she steps back on campus. 

Lies and secrets are everywhere, and a betrayal cuts Rae deeply. Among her conflicts and enemies, it appears as if her father is reaching out from beyond the grave to ruin her life. With no one to trust, Rae doesn’t know where or who to turn to for help. 

Has her destiny been written? Or will she becomes the one thing she hates the most-- her father’s prodigy.


Dark Nebula is the second book in the Chronicles of Kerrigan series.  This book finds Rae coming back to Guilder for the new year.  Devon is now her secret boyfriend because dating other tatù people is not even allowed.  I’m going to warn you now  - I’m going to attempt to be super vague about this story.  It’s not going to be released until December, but I wanted to start getting the buzz out now.  I’ve made no secret about how much I enjoyed the first book, Rae of Hope, and I was equally impressed with this book.  

The group of teens from book one are all back for another year.  Some are back for school, some are now working for the Privy Council.  Everyone is developing their tatùs more – including Rae.  We get to meet some new characters, but I really enjoyed getting reacquainted with the previous characters. This is something the author has definite talent with, creating these vibrant characters that you want to get to know more.  One of the new characters I’d definitely be interested in learning more about, though, is Reece.  He’s just a regular ol’ human with no powers, but there is definitely something special there in that boy.  I can’t tell you who he is, but I like him.  I like him a lot.  And I'm hoping he will be around for a while.

Rae is a little bit more cautious, a little bit more “by the rules” - more like Devon.  For the most part this personality evolution worked for her, but there were points where I just really wanted to see her let loose with all of her powers.  But on the other hand, that is the point of this story – she is learning to show restraint and how to be “good” in the shadow of her father who was most certainly “bad”.  Either way, she is a smart girl who is ahead of the game by being a bit paranoid of everyone.  If there is one thing she has learned since entering Guilder, is that you can't always trust everyone.

The adult in me really wants to sit Rae down and tell her, “listen, Rae, sometimes you’ve got to speak up LOUD.” when there are situations where she seems to flounder a bit between saying something or not.  But I really am seeing this girl grow a bit more, and by the end of this book she is kickin'.  The storyline moved at a steady pace and the mystery was top notch.   The climactic scenes were powerful and you know it’s a fight til the finish. The stolen kisses between Devon and Rae were perfect in themselves.  This is a YA book, so the heat level is very low.  Even with that being said, I truly think this is a series for people of all ages.  I, for one, can’t even think how many times I’ve wished I’d had super powers.  Near daily basis, maybe? Haha.  Either way, it’s a fun subject matter with enough twists and turns to keep the reader intrigued.  And I definitely think there is more to come in the story.

The cover reveal for this book was yesterday, and I absolutely love the cover.  Rae looks so strong and confident, and powerful.   I am more than a bit early with this review, but do yourself a favor and pick up the first book, and then put Dark Nebula on your TBR


About WJ May...
Wanita May grew up in the fruit belt of Ontario - St.Catharines. With a crazy-happy childhood, she has always had a vivid imagination and way too much energy.

The youngest of six -- four older brothers, and a sister -- taught her at a young age to be competitive in all aspects of life.

At sixteen, she began competing in athletics (track and field) and before she turned seventeen, she was representing Canada in high jump. She continued to compete, breaking Canada's JR High Jump record (1.92m - 6' 3 1/2" for those metric-ly challenged). She attented University of Toronto, and Kansas State University - winning CIAU's and becoming All-American 6x - NCAA Indoors Runner Up + more.

But you're not interested in her athletic career - unless of course you're curious to know she stands 1.70m (5'7") and has jumped 20cm over her head on more than one occasion. She's represented Canada at the World Championships, World Jrs., won Francophone Games, and loved every minute of every competition. From the grueling workouts, the crazy weights she lifted on her back, the days she thought her lungs were going to spit out of her mouth for lack of oxygen, the traveling around the world and the opportunity to read - her favorite past time.

Life continued with her husband (a distance runner from Liverpool, UK, who she met at KSU) and then their first, then second and finally third child. Their house became full of more imagination and stories. Wanita and her husband run an online business, dealing in antiques and collectables - particularly jewelry and porcelainAfter her father passed away in 2009, from a six-year battle with cancer (which she still believes he won the fight against), she began to write again. A passion she'd loved for years, but realized life was too short to keep putting it off.

Her first book, Rae of Hope - from the Chronicles of Kerrigan, published by Mitchell Morris Publishing debuted Oct 2011. Dark Nebula is available December 15th, 2012.She is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Wanita is a writer of Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction and where ever else her little muses take her.
Find WJ May...

Want to see my other posts on WJ May?

Saturday, October 13, 2012

Cover Reveal: Dark Nebula by WJ May




Nothing is as it seems anymore. 


Leery from the horrifying incident at the end of her first year at Guilder Boarding School, Rae Kerrigan is determined to learn more about her new tattoo. looks Her expectations are high, an easy senior year and a happy reunion with Devon— the boy she’s not supposed to date. All hopes of happiness fade into shattered dreams the moment she steps back on campus. 

Lies and secrets are everywhere, and a betrayal cuts Rae deeply. Among her conflicts and enemies, it appears as if her father is reaching out from beyond the grave to ruin her life. With no one to trust, Rae doesn’t know where or who to turn to for help. 

Has her destiny been written? Or will she becomes the one thing she hates the most-- her father’s prodigy.
Dark Nebula
Chronicles of Kerrigan
WJ May

Available December 15, 2012



About WJ May...
Wanita May grew up in the fruit belt of Ontario - St.Catharines. With a crazy-happy childhood, she has always had a vivid imagination and way too much energy.

The youngest of six -- four older brothers, and a sister -- taught her at a young age to be competitive in all aspects of life.

At sixteen, she began competing in athletics (track and field) and before she turned seventeen, she was representing Canada in high jump. She continued to compete, breaking Canada's JR High Jump record (1.92m - 6' 3 1/2" for those metric-ly challenged). She attented University of Toronto, and Kansas State University - winning CIAU's and becoming All-American 6x - NCAA Indoors Runner Up + more.

But you're not interested in her athletic career - unless of course you're curious to know she stands 1.70m (5'7") and has jumped 20cm over her head on more than one occasion. She's represented Canada at the World Championships, World Jrs., won Francophone Games, and loved every minute of every competition. From the grueling workouts, the crazy weights she lifted on her back, the days she thought her lungs were going to spit out of her mouth for lack of oxygen, the traveling around the world and the opportunity to read - her favorite past time.

Life continued with her husband (a distance runner from Liverpool, UK, who she met at KSU) and then their first, then second and finally third child. Their house became full of more imagination and stories. Wanita and her husband run an online business, dealing in antiques and collectables - particularly jewelry and porcelainAfter her father passed away in 2009, from a six-year battle with cancer (which she still believes he won the fight against), she began to write again. A passion she'd loved for years, but realized life was too short to keep putting it off.

Her first book, Rae of Hope - from the Chronicles of Kerrigan, published by Mitchell Morris Publishing debuted Oct 2011. Dark Nebula is available December 15th, 2012.She is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Wanita is a writer of Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction and where ever else her little muses take her.
Find WJ May...


Also be sure to check tomorrow when I will have a review of Dark Nebula!

Want to see my other posts on WJ May?



Cover Reveal: Dark Nebula by WJ May




Nothing is as it seems anymore. 


Leery from the horrifying incident at the end of her first year at Guilder Boarding School, Rae Kerrigan is determined to learn more about her new tattoo. looks Her expectations are high, an easy senior year and a happy reunion with Devon— the boy she’s not supposed to date. All hopes of happiness fade into shattered dreams the moment she steps back on campus. 

Lies and secrets are everywhere, and a betrayal cuts Rae deeply. Among her conflicts and enemies, it appears as if her father is reaching out from beyond the grave to ruin her life. With no one to trust, Rae doesn’t know where or who to turn to for help. 

Has her destiny been written? Or will she becomes the one thing she hates the most-- her father’s prodigy.
Dark Nebula
Chronicles of Kerrigan
WJ May

Available December 15, 2012



About WJ May...
Wanita May grew up in the fruit belt of Ontario - St.Catharines. With a crazy-happy childhood, she has always had a vivid imagination and way too much energy.

The youngest of six -- four older brothers, and a sister -- taught her at a young age to be competitive in all aspects of life.

At sixteen, she began competing in athletics (track and field) and before she turned seventeen, she was representing Canada in high jump. She continued to compete, breaking Canada's JR High Jump record (1.92m - 6' 3 1/2" for those metric-ly challenged). She attented University of Toronto, and Kansas State University - winning CIAU's and becoming All-American 6x - NCAA Indoors Runner Up + more.

But you're not interested in her athletic career - unless of course you're curious to know she stands 1.70m (5'7") and has jumped 20cm over her head on more than one occasion. She's represented Canada at the World Championships, World Jrs., won Francophone Games, and loved every minute of every competition. From the grueling workouts, the crazy weights she lifted on her back, the days she thought her lungs were going to spit out of her mouth for lack of oxygen, the traveling around the world and the opportunity to read - her favorite past time.

Life continued with her husband (a distance runner from Liverpool, UK, who she met at KSU) and then their first, then second and finally third child. Their house became full of more imagination and stories. Wanita and her husband run an online business, dealing in antiques and collectables - particularly jewelry and porcelainAfter her father passed away in 2009, from a six-year battle with cancer (which she still believes he won the fight against), she began to write again. A passion she'd loved for years, but realized life was too short to keep putting it off.

Her first book, Rae of Hope - from the Chronicles of Kerrigan, published by Mitchell Morris Publishing debuted Oct 2011. Dark Nebula is available December 15th, 2012.She is represented by Dawn Dowdle of Blue Ridge Literary Agency. Wanita is a writer of Young Adult, Fantasy Fiction and where ever else her little muses take her.
Find WJ May...


Also be sure to check tomorrow when I will have a review of Dark Nebula!

Want to see my other posts on WJ May?



Thursday, June 14, 2012

Oh Look! There's a face on the cover! Goodreads Contest

Ladies and Gentlemen (there are some guys out there, right???) it has been brought to my attention that one of my favorite authors (and people!) has her book involved in a competition.  This competition is to judge covers!  Specifically covers with faces on them :)  How fun is that?!?!

Could you please do me a solid and vote for WJ May - Rae of Hope?  Click the cover of Rae of Hope to go right to the contest!! (It will totally open in a new window for you, so don't worry, you can come back here easy!)


And if you want to learn more about WJ May or Rae of Hope, check out my review HERE
and the interview I did with WJ May HERE


Thank you so much!  Much love!!

Friday, January 27, 2012

Rae of Hope, WJ May Interview/Giveaway - SWAG!


My Review
Synopsis:
How hard do you have to shake a family tree to find out the truth of the past?
Fifteen-year-old Rae Kerrigan has never questioned her family’s history. That is until she accepted a scholarship to pGuilder Boarding School in England. Guilder is a very unique, gifted school. Rae has no idea what she is getting herself into or that her family’s past is going to come back and taunt her. She learns she is part of an unparalleled group of individuals who become marked with a unique tattoo (tatù) on their sixteenth birthday. The tatù enables them to have supernatural powers particular to the shape of their marking. Both her parents were marked though Rae never knew, as they passed away when she was young and never told her. Learning about her family’s past, her evil father and sacrificial mother, Rae needs to decide if there is a ray of hope for her own life.

Today I am super lucky to have Wanita May here for an interview.  Even better - she is offering up some Rae of Hope Swag for a Giveaway!!!

Swag Giveaway?!!?  Heck yeah!!!!!! What's inside?  Maybe a mug, teeshirt, tote bag...  Some other little bits for you?!?!

So let's not waste time, here's the interview!!

*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Welcome Wanita!!!  How the heck are you doing? 
Heyyyy Liz!  Thanks so much for having me here!  I really appreciate you letting me stop by for a cyber-visit.  And I’m doing awesome!  I had a local book signing this weekend, so I’m still on a kind of high from that (and also your fantastic review)
Thank you so much for the return compliment!

Ok, we’re going to jump right in.  Ahem, which I’m sure you know how to do (Readers, do you want to see one of Wanita’s other accomplishments?  See Wiki!)
Can you tell us a little about yourself?
I’m human, no superpowers though (sigh). But I am the lucky kid who gets to wake up on the right side of the bed every morning and my glass is always half full.  J  I’m married, have 3 awesome little kiddies and the hubby and I run our own antique & collectables online business (betchya you weren’t expecting that!) We mainly deal in vintage jewelry and porcelain.  I write on the side to let the demons and crazies out of my head J lol


Can you tell us something about Rae of Hope that’s not in the synopsis?
It’s set in the present, but based on Tudor times.  I’m fascinated with history and love the Tudor era.  It is used throughout the entire series.  In book two you’ll learn about the Privy Council, and more!
That is so great, I can't wait!

And who would you say is the inspiration, if anyone, for Rae?
Her mother.  She’s deceased but when Rae learns more about the past and her family history, she really connects with her mom and she wants to be the daughter that would make her mother proud. 
I also think Rae connects with Molly on a different level.  Molly’s … well, Molly’s Molly and I think all of us have had a friend that’s like her and knows their friendship is tried and true. 
I know I fell in love with Molly, I can't wait to see more of her in the rest of the series!

Who would play Rae in the movie? Any thoughts on who would play Devon or Molly?
This is a great question.  I thought about this many times and I have ideas on the older characters but each time I come up with an idea for Rae, Molly or Devon … I change my mind. 
Alexandra Daddario (from Percy Jackson & the Lightening Thief) would make an awesome Rae… ask me next week, I might change my mind again  J
I know exactly what Devon would look like (Anyone remember Roswell TV show?  The mc guy there … to me, that’s Devon’s look.) 
And Molly?    I’d love for her to be someone fresh… a bit of an unknown who is stunning, bubbly and has a great smile J
I think both of those choices are fantastic!  I can clearly see Rae and Devon as each of them!

And honestly, I loved Rae’s roommate, Molly.  Can you give us any tidbits of info on what’s in store for her in the future?
She’s definitely back for book two.  Molly, Rae, Devon, Julian are all back… and again in book three.  She’s got a great tatu that is going to start reaching some of its potential in book three.  I can’t see the series without her.  I love Molls as well!  And she’s actually going to meet someone (don-don-da-donnn  - queue the music)

Ok, as I hinted at earlier, you are an accomplished athlete.  I know it’s like comparing apples to oranges, but what do you think is more difficult – writing or high jumping?
Hmm… that’s another great question.  I was actually thinking about this the other day.  There are a lot of similarities – in marketing the book (it’s like marketing the athletic event, etc…) the physical training of HJ was definitely a lot harder than setting the base of a book.  I loved the travelling and seeing so many beautiful cities while I competed.  I loved competing – against myself and against others.  I loved trying to soar higher than I’d ever done before. I loved training so hard … I loved all of it.  With writing – it’s the same.  I love thinking on an idea that sprouts into a story.  I love doing edits or being challenged to change something or make things link together.  It’s competitive in its own right own right as well.
I’m not sure I’m making any sense here ;)  I do see a lot of similarities but have never thought about which is harder.  Both are challenging.  Now, if you asked me to go out and start training like I used to – that would be next to impossible.  My poor body would spit me out on the side of the road and tell me get lost J  But, if you are curious, I help at my 6year olds grade school and last spring I saw the HJ mats in the gymnasium floor.  No one around – I jumped 1.65m (about 5’6”) just to see if my legs still held their spring J  and yes, I made it! Lol

Do you have any writing habits, like food you munch on or music you listen to?
I love just hitting shuffle on the IPod when I’m writing.   I have 3 kids so most of my writing and editing gets down in the evening.  Sometimes late into the night … though morning seems to come earlier and earlier these days!  So, I would love to be able to have a few days a week to just simply write.  That would be a dream!
I can imagine! My one kid will run me ragged, I can't imagine 3!

You are going to Ultimate Super Power War (that’s the official name, you know).  What power do you want your enemy to have??
Can we settle on something like Solomon’s wisdom? I know it’s Biblical, but if my enemy had Wisdom, they’d be able to see that the need for war is unnecessary.  That we could make peace and work together would be better than fighting. 
HOWEVER, if you are looking for something more on the fun side:
Enemy has to be the best bubble gum blower in the entire world.  They have to be able to blow the biggest bubbles (then my side can shoot arrows to pop the bubbles and cover them in sticky, gooey, mess!


From my online stalking of you, I saw you did a radio interview recently!!  How was it?  (And is there a place we can listen to it online??)
Hee hee – here’s the link:
The radio announcer’s name is Tim Denis and I believe it is episode 44
I also have a TV interview link if you want that:
http://ikfadtv.com/index.php/video/v/295
I've watched/listened to both - and you did great!  You seemed totally at ease with the media :)

What is your favorite day of the year?
My kids’ birthdays J 


Personally, I feel Rae is a fabulous role model for young girls.  How do you feel about her?
I wanted her to be a role model J  I wanted to show that she’s not perfect but is striving to make good with what she’s got.  I like the idea of a sixteen year with a tattoo on their lower back be labeled as a “tramp stamp” because we, as humans, are so quick to judge others on appearance without knowing the entire story.  I wanted to show that despite judgment, Rae continued to make something of her choices.  She’s a good kid, bit of a lousy past, doesn’t always believe in the following the rules, gets tempted like everyone else, but all in all, she’s good to the core J

Are you working on any new writing projects?
I’m waiting for the edits on the second book in the series to come back from the publisher.  I’m editing another series with my agent right now (which reminds me, I have another book to edit as well). And I’m also working on another series…  if my fingers could only keep up with my brain!  tee hee hee

And do you have any advice for other aspiring authors out there?
Write – write what you love to read and what you love in life.  Join a critique group and hone in on your skills.  Learn more, write more, edit more and enjoy the challenges.
 
You have three children.  How did that factor into writing this story? 
In life, you want what is best for your kids and wish they won’t have to go through pain or loss.  I lost my Dad three months prior to writing Rae of Hope and the scene with Rae reading a letter from her mom – it wasn’t hard to be in that spot. To feel the loss and then to turn it around.  Rae’s a result my loss and it is a good – it’s a great thing. 
I’m not sure if this answers your question in particular but my kiddies definitely helped mold some of the characters in the story.

Ok, and possibly the hardest question of the interview.  Luckily it’s multiple choice. … Are you…
A)     Walking on Sunshine
B)      Walk(ing) Like an Egyptian
C)      Walk(ing) This way
D)     Walk(ing) On The Wild Side

How about E)  I Walk the Line J  Gotta love me some Johnny Cash!!!
Otherwise – it’s a bit of all of the above
Ok, that’s all the questions I have for now.  Thank you so much for being with us today, and offering up this fantastic giveaway! 
Thanks again for having me!!



Giveaway is open in US & Canada to anyone age 13 and older.  
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to winning notification or a new winner will be chosen. 



Also, here is a picture from Wanita's recent book signing at Chapters.  Maybe some of this stuff will make it into your swag pack!