The Bliss by Jennifer Murgia Quote Hop

He takes a breath, then shrugs his shoulders, arching his luminous wings high

into the air above him. “Apparently I watch too closely.”

For tomorrow’s quote, go to: http://crazyreaderchick.blogspot.mx

Guest Post Jennifer Murgia: Fiction-or Truth?

Fiction—or Truth?

There’s nothing more satisfying than losing oneself within the pages of a good book—after all, world building is the foundation of good storytelling, and I’ve always believed there’s an element of truth to what is told. When you think about it, tales from long ago, stories whispered around campfires . . . they came from somewhere, didn’t they?

When I sat down to write my first Young Adult novel, ANGEL STAR, I knew I needed a plausible premise. Oh sure, fiction is fiction, and everyone loves a good story, but it’s always better when what you’ve read whispers .  . . “What if?”

The research I did for ANGEL STAR consisted of studying the religious and cultural beliefs of my favorite beings, angels. Though many stories are different, many were strikingly similar. And no matter where I searched, one element rang true . . . there was an order to these celestial beings. Through the ages, insight into angels have ranged from sightings, strange phenomena, appearance and of course, what I needed for my book, order: Archangels, Seraphims, Thrones, Cherubim, to name a few, and the lowest ranking, only because of its close proximity to Earth –Guardians.

But my research didn’t stop there. I wanted to tie in a visual lifeline between a Guardian and its human, something that would also physically connect my two characters, Garreth and Teagan. I chose the Octagram for its eight points, representing the number of incarnations an angel would watch over its earthly charge. Now, mind you, my mythology was purely made up. That’s the beauty of fiction—it’s bendable, pliable, and put to the astounding use of a writer’s brain. The Octagram has always represented the Wiccan symbol the Wheel of the Year, and the eight Sabbats. And while Angel Star is anything but Wiccan-based, the symbol fit.

Thus began my use of symbols throughout the story—the Unicursal and Bicursal Octagrams. Unicursal is one continuous line forming the star and means harmony. This was, without at doubt, the star for Garreth, my light angel and Teagan’s love. The Bicursal is made up of two overlapping squares representing conflict and separation, and a perfect fit for my dark angel, Hadrian. It symbolized his shift from good to evil, light to dark, as if it were made for him.

The number eight is very symbolic throughout the book, as it is in the sequel, Lemniscate. But what you many not know, is the number eight seems to follow me. I have eight letters in my name. Angel Star was written in eight months –started in June, ended in February. June is the sixth month. February is the 2^nd. Six plus two is eight.

Lemniscate’s cover bears an infinity symbol, also viewed as a sideways eight –again, the connection. My third and final book in the series, The Bliss, has a hidden symbol on its cover. And while I’m certain readers will notice it immediately, I’m curious if you will know what it represents –yes, you can look this one up when you find it!

Whether you’re enjoying fiction for a good story, or if something nags at the back of your head, causing you to question, “Is this real?” you may want to listen carefully. I, for one, can’t say angels are indeed real beings that watch over us. I’d like to think they exist, and deep down, I know I truly do. But I do know one thing and that there IS truth in what we read. Sometimes it’s hidden, and sometimes it’s as plain as day. The fun part is discovering it!

The Bliss by Jennifer Murgia Coming Soon!

The Bliss

Jennifer Murgia

YA Fiction

Lands Atlantic Publishing

Ebook novella – Release date March 18^th, 2013

Like his fallen brother Lucifer, Hadrian has been ordered by his fellow angels into a reflective state know as the Bliss.

 Having also grown enamored by the same darkness that inhabits human souls, he feels that Lucifer's banishment was too severe.

Forever influenced by that horrific event, Hadrian vows revenge and ventures to Earth to follow him, unwittingly starting an eternal competition for the control of human and angelic souls alike.

In this Angel Star novella, THE BLISS will show how the battle between dark and light truly began.

Jennifer Anne Davis Interview

1.In your novel, THE VOICE, can you relate to any of your characters? Is your personality resonating in any of them?

The main character, Audrey, was actually a difficult person for me to create because she goes through this crazy traumatic experience. I had to put myself in her shoes in order to write her. It was a really hard place to go to.

2. Every author has their story about their road to publication. How was your road?

Long! I wrote a book and tried to get it published with little success. At the time, I had no idea what I was doing or even what genre I was writing. Then I entered an essay contest and won! My essay was published in a book and this fueled my desire to keep on writing. I realized then that I loved to read young adult novels and decided to write the book I wanted to read. I outlined THE VOICE, wrote it in four months, revised it for almost a year, then sent it out to agents and publishers. I had several people interested in the story. I ended up going with a small publishing house that specializes in YA books and I couldn’t be happier!

3. How did you come up with the idea for THE VOICE?

I kept having a reoccurring dream involving a girl that was locked in a cabin. At first I planned to have her guardian angel rescue her but then I thought that the angel thing was overdone. I liked the idea of telepathy, so I just kept playing around with the story until I had something that worked.

4. Where do you write? Kitchen, living room, park?

When I’m first outlining and drafting a story, I write curled up on the couch. However, when revising, I always work in my office sitting at a desk. Revising is really hard for me so I need to be in a quiet place.

5. Can you describe yourself and your interests?

Well, I am first and foremost, a mother of three young kids! Writing happens when they are either at school or in bed! But I read whenever I can. On average I read two books a week (always YA books). I also love taking my kids to the beach and just being with my family.

6. How does it feel like being a debut author?

It’s an odd mixture of pure joy and complete and utter fear. I am so excited that my dream of becoming a published author is here! When I saw the advanced reader copy of my book with my picture and name on it, I cried! It was so surreal. But the thought of people reading and judging my work is hard. I really hope people enjoy the story. I’m trying to grow thick skin because I know not everyone will love it, and that’s okay (at least that’s what I keep telling myself). I get butterflies in my stomach just thinking about its release day!!

7. Do you plan on writing anymore novels? Can you tell us a bit about them?

I signed a new three book deal with my publisher. The first book is tentatively entitled THE KEY and is slated for a release date in 2014. The first book is written and I’m about to begin edits with my editor. I am currently writing book two in the series. THE KEY series is completely different from THE VOICE. THE VOICE is a contemporary novel whereas THE KEY is a fantasy novel set in a medieval kingdom. It’s about the return of the sole surviving heir, mistakenly left alive after the entire royal family was massacred seventeen years ago, when the kingdom fell. And that’s all I can say for now!

You can visit me at www.JenniferAnneDavis.com for updates and news! Please feel free to follow me on FB, Twitter, and Goodreads! All links can be accessed via my website!


Thanks for the great interview Jennifer!! Check out Jennifer's debut novel, THE VOICE, out on January 29, 2013!

Laguna Cove by Alyson Noel

Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Age Group: Young Adults
Rating: 3.5/5
Source: Bought

Moving to sunny Southern Cal feels like punishment to 17-year-old Anne.  The hippie-ish school is different from her old one on the East Coast, and the social scene is all about hanging out at the beach and surfing.  And then there's Ellie: beautiful, competitive queen of the social scene who takes an instant disliking to Anne.  So when Chris--one of Ellie's oldest friends and, oh yeah, the most gorgeous guy in school--reaches out to Anne and offers to teach her how to surf, sparks fly...in more ways than one.

I've had this book on my shelf for a long time and I decided to read it. I've read every other Alyson Noel book and I've loved them all and I was pretty excited about this one and not because it sounded good, but because it was written by Alyson Noel and if you're a reader of this blog, you know I absolutely love Alyson Noel and her books. She's defiantly one of my favorite authors. 

I felt as though the book started a bit slow and even thought the writing was good, the plot didn't have much of a hit for me. I was hoping there was going to be a budding cute romance, and even though there was, it didn't have any magic. Also, mean girl Ellie, became nice and the book turned out to be more of a happy - lesson learned book rather than a book filled with romance, gossip, and a big competition in the end. I really was hoping that there was going to be a lot more competition for the surf contest between Ellie and Anne, but there was none and the plot fell short. Plus, I didn't think there was a climax in the story that made me jump or give me any emotions. 

If you're at the beach, this is a fun book to read and enjoy. It's a very quick read, but it's not very memorable. The summery makes the story sound as though it has more potential than it actually does. 

666 Park Avenue by Gabriella Pierce

Publisher: William Morrow
Age Group: Older readers
Rating: 4/5
Source: Publisher

What if your mother-in-law turned out to be an evil, cold-blooded witch . . . literally?

Ever since fabulously wealthy Malcolm Doran walked into her life and swept her off her feet, fledgling architect Jane Boyle has been living a fairy tale. When he proposes with a stunning diamond to seal the deal, Jane can't believe her incredible luck and decides to leave her Paris-based job to make a new start with Malcolm in New York.

But when Malcolm introduces Jane to the esteemed Doran clan, one of Manhattan's most feared and revered families, Jane's fairy tale takes a darker turn. Soon everything she thought she knew about the world—and herself—is upended. Now Jane must struggle with newfound magical abilities and the threat of those who will stop at nothing to get them.


I am a huge fan of the T.V show and when I read the book, there were many differences which I won't giveaway, but that didn't ruin anything in the book. Yes, the T.V show is pulse pounding, nail biting good, but so the book that started it all. Jane's grandma dies and Jane is left in the book with no one else except Malcolm, a handsome man who falls in love with Jane. The book starts off in Paris and the two later move to New York City and go to live with Malcolm's parents, the famous Doran's, until they get a place of their own. From the beginning Jane and Lynne Doran, Malcolm's mother, meet, there is a lot of tension between them and Jane cannot understand why she unable to make any friends, until all the secrets start spilling out.

I liked Jane's character, but I did feel she worried too much about others and no matter what they did to her, she would forgive them. This book is a definite must read, especially if you are a fan of the T.V show. Even though the book and T.V show are different, don't hesitate to read this book because it's just as good and amazing and be prepared to pull an all-nighter with this one.

Spirited by Rebecca Rosen

Age Group: Everyone
Publisher: 
Source: Publisher
Rating: 5/5

Heighten your intuition, connect with deceased loved ones, and surpass the psychological roadblocks holding you back with psychic medium Rebecca Rosen's fresh and hip prescriptive program, a unique and refreshing blend of self-help wisdom and psychic insight.

In Spirited, readers can learn how to dig into their past to identify the root of the "damage" that's keeping them from living their best lives. In her colorful and youthfully vibrant voice, medium-to-the-stars Rebecca Rosen shows us how to draw on the power of our intuitive gifts to connect with spirit energy—loved ones who have passed—to provide the clarity necessary to master real-life issues, including relationships, job fulfillment, finances, and body image.

As I began reading SPIRITED by Rebecca Rosen, I immediately fell in love with her writing. Her writing wasn't complicated and her words flowed throughout the novel. But what really stuck with me was the message she was conveying. Even though Rebecca is a world wide known psychic medium, she's so down to earth and seems like a regular human being.

I really enjoyed reading how her life story and her struggles and how she got through everything. She wasn't trying to brag about anything. All she wanted was to write about her problems and easy ways to help yourself live a better life. I think Rebecca did an amazing job in doing so and even if you don't believe in psychic mediums, just read the book because it may help you overcome whatever you're feeling. 

Rebecca talks about how we attract people with the same energy as ourselves and if you take the time to step out of yourself and see the people in your lives, you will be able to see what you've been doing wrong or right. I recommend this book to everyone because it's such an easy read and there was never a dull moment in this book.