Happy Tails and Tales Blog: gargoyle guardian chronicles

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Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Happy Book Birthday Secret of the Gargoyles by Rebecca Chastain!

Secret of the Gargoyles: Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles Book 3

I place the lives of all gargoyles into your hands with what I am about to tell you…

In her brief career as a gargoyle healer, Mika Stillwater has faced some daunting challenges, but none have stumped her—until now. A strange sickness infects a handful of gargoyles in Terra Haven, rendering them comatose and paralyzed. Worse, the cure she seeks is shrouded in the gargoyles’ mysterious culture and the secret they guard with their lives.
Gaining the gargoyles’ trust is only the first step. To save the sick gargoyles, Mika must embark on a perilous mission into the heart of deadly wild magic to a place no human has ever survived...

The captivating conclusion to the Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles trilogy, Secret of the Gargoyles will charm readers of all ages, especially those who love extraordinary magic and endearing gargoyles.

My Review

I got to beta read this one (and book two) for Ms Chastain and let me tell you this.... Book three is so spectacular, I begged her to give me just one more chapter... and Guess what... SHE DID!!! LOL Yes, I am being serious. It was so good, I wanted just a little bit more. As a beta reader, I normally fill out this little form I made for myself to keep track of things as I read. I think she took to heart me begging for more Marcus and Mika.

Now, this one still is full of action, but this one is definitely more emotional. We open with Mika still trying to save those gargoyles harmed from the last book. I can't explain without too much spoiler problems, but she is trying to save them from dying from that horrible contraption that crazy lady made. It's not just one or two gargoyles in trouble either. It's several. She's willing to sacrifice a lot to save them. And at the end, we learn maybe Marcus has a little interest in Mika and it's not just on her end. So, Mika goes to find Captain Grant to get him to help her save all the gargoyles when she finds Marcus. Marcus is not happy with her request but refuses to let her do this on her own, so he goes on a little adventure with her. By Adventure I mean everyone almost dies, more than once. I won't lie, this one has definitely been one of the most suspenseful books I've read in a while. At one point, I didn't know if I wanted to cry, yell, smile, cheer, or just let go. When the Tiger gargoyle broke my heart, I seriously cried for Mika. She took it so hard. And Marcus... we he stayed by her side the WHOLE time. He fought for her when she almost gave up. And Oliver, he's not a kid anymore. He may only be an adolescent gargoyle, but he's matured so well. I adore him! And seriously, I CHEERED out loud, like a crazy person in those last chapters.

Now here's the great part about what I am about to tell you. When I said I asked for more, Ms Rebecca gave it to me. So those who will read this won't understand just how awesome those last chapters are because of the changes. Dear sweet baby Jesus, THANK YOU, because not only did I see exactly how Mika and Marcus have a future, but I see how great they are as a team, with Oliver to boot. Especially since Oliver made friends with a cerberus. HA! Great part. And that first kiss. I won't lie, I normally avoid all the romance parts, but this book, I BEGGED! I emailed Ms Rebecca and groveled BEFORE I beta read this one, I believe I called her evil and horrible, because I NEEDED Marcus and Mika to work out. There needed to something to work for, not just being a guardian for Mika. Hell, I'll fight for Marcus hahahaha! I was actually mad at Marcus throughout most of this book, until I realized his deal. When he finally asked Mika point blank "what happened after the park?" I was totally cheering for him all over again. I may have punched Mika if she woulda screwed this one up. :)

Anyways. The whole point of the story is gargoyles, and their stories, but I loved how Ms Rebecca made a little romance mean so much in so little words. The romance is really a background and not introduced until this book. And I will BEG, like on my knees in some painful place, that Ms Rebecca continue this series in some way. I want to see Captain Grant and Mika's BFF go at it. Oh my god, it will be epic to see all that attitude. I want more from this world that has been magnificently created. It's a wonderful world to lose yourself in. I want to live there. I would also love to see something happen with the rest of the Team. Oliver has siblings and I loved them. See, I just don't want to let this go, so I am very willing to compromise with a little spin off in some way. :) So if I need to say something short and simple, I will say this-
This book is what made Ms Chastain's "magic of the gargoyles" so magical. It may have signified an ending, but it's a beautiful ride on the way, and I absolutely LOVE every page and every word that was leading up to these moments. I am a fan for life! And I will gladly pay for more books in this world!! This one earned my RARE 6 PAWS!! Because it's too good to get your normal 5 great stars, it's worth so much more!!

ORder now on Amazon!

Smart URL: http://smarturl.it/SecretGargoyles

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FPX3VYS

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FPX3VYS

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01FPX3VYS

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01FPX3VYS

Magic of the Gargoyles: Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles Book 1

Read an excerpt.

To help a baby gargoyle, Mika will risk everything.

Mika Stillwater is a mid-level earth elemental with ambitions of becoming a quartz artisan, and her hard work is starting to get noticed. But when a panicked baby gargoyle bursts into her studio, insisting Mika is the only person she’ll trust with her desperate mission, Mika’s carefully constructed five-year plan is shattered.

Swept into the gritty criminal underworld of Terra Haven, Mika must jeopardize everything she’s worked so hard for to save the baby gargoyle from the machinations of a monster—and to stay alive…

Magic of the Gargoyles is a spellbinding adventure set in a world full of elemental magic and adorable gargoyles that is sure to enchant young adult and adult readers alike.

Buy now on Amazon!

“I freaking love this book! …All I can say is I think you should read this.” (Happy Tails and Tales ★★★★★) **to see my full review go here-- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1663897507

Curse of the Gargoyles: Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles Book 2

Read an excerpt.

Mika was trying to save a gargoyle, not doom the world...

Mika Stillwater isn’t known for her skills with combat magic. As a gargoyle healer, she spends her days mending broken appendages and curing illnesses in the living-quartz bodies of Terra Haven’s gargoyles. But when a squad of the city’s elite Federal Pentagon Defense warriors requests her assistance in freeing a gargoyle ensnared in a vicious invention, Mika jumps into the fray.

No one could have predicted that her involvement would ignite a chain reaction set to destroy the city, the world, and magic itself.

Brimming with epic magic and loveable gargoyles, Curse of the Gargoyles is the second story in the mesmerizing Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles trilogy. Fantasy fans young and old will delight in this highly original world and exciting, action-packed adventure.

Buy now on Amazon!

And in case this is easier:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FPWWO1K

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FPWWO1K

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01FPWWO1K

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01FPWWO1K

“Take a deep breath and get ready to “rock” and roll with our heroine.” (Tome Tender ★★★★★)

My Review can be found here-- https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1663894959?book_show_action=false

Don't miss the release of Secret of the Gargoyles! Sign up for my newsletter to be notified when it's available.

Praise for the Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles

“I was absolutely blown away by MAGIC OF THE GARGOYLES and blown away by Rebecca Chastain. The descriptions of the world that Mika resides in immediately caught my attention. From the very beginning, I was hooked! The book weaves together a tale with magic in a way that reminds me of why I love fantasy. . . . You cannot go wrong with MAGIC OF THE GARGOYLES if you’re looking for a quick fantasy read!”
—Pretty Little Pages

“The cast of characters that populate MAGIC OF THE GARGOYLES, are a charming delight. . . . Fans of urban fantasy, the steampunk genre, or fans of gargoyles (they are neat)—this read is well worth the temporal investment. MAGIC OF THE GARGOYLES is a charming light, short read that well deserves its 5 stars. It leaves an almost magical mark on you when you finish.”
—Open Book Society (★★★★★)

“A cracking good story with a great premise and an intriguing world. . . . I enjoyed this novella immensely.”
—Trawling the Amazon
“You will love this!”
—Lovely Reads (★★★★★)

Rebecca Chastain’s bio:

Rebecca Chastain is the international bestselling author of the Madison Fox, Illuminant Enforcer series and the Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles, among others works. She has found seven four-leaf clovers to date, won a purebred Arabian horse in a drawing, and once tamed a blackbird for a day. Writing stories designed to amuse and entertain has been her passion since she was eleven years old. She lives in Northern California with her wonderful husband and three bossy cats.

Here are a few places you can find Rebecca on the Internet:

Website: http://www.rebeccachastain.com

Newsletter: http://www.rebeccachastain.com/fantasy-newsletter/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccachastainnovels

Twitter: @Author_Rebecca or https://twitter.com/Author_Rebecca

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5660379.Rebecca_Chastain

Saturday, June 11, 2016

Curse of the Gargoyles and the Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles by Rebecca Chastain!

Magic of the Gargoyles: Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles Book 1

Read an excerpt.

Curse of the Gargoyles: Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles Book 2

Read an excerpt.

And in case this is easier:

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FPWWO1K

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FPWWO1K

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01FPWWO1K

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01FPWWO1K

“Take a deep breath and get ready to “rock” and roll with our heroine.” (Tome Tender ★★★★★)

My Review

So originally, I read Ms Chastain's other series and loved them. So when she told me sha had a book about gargoyles, it was a stand alone novella at the time I about peed my pants with excitement. I of course BEGGED for more Mika and Okiver. We also see a glimpse of Marcus in there. So, when I got an email from Ms Rebecca saying she was thinking about extending Mika's story, and would I be interested in beta reading for her... I will not embarrass myself with my reaction but it was of course YES!!!! And even before it was prettied up, it was fantastic. You see, Mika save Oliver and his siblings the first go round but they aren't the only gatloyles who needed help. And when the FSPD team shows up, demanding Mika and Oliver's help, she says yes even though she knows she's in over her head. This absolutely insane woman has taken gargoyles and made a contraption that sucks their energy out to feed to others, while killing them in the process. But it's also in a public park and it's freaking collapsing the whole park. It's both sad and heartwarming, and here's where we really get to see not only Mika and Oliver shine, but hot damn if I don't have the absolute hugest crush on Marcus!!

This one is much more action packed and hold on to your seats type of story. I seriously bite my fingernails! Not normal for me, but I was about to have a coronary! I love that Mika is so brave and willing to help the gargoyles. She's compassionate to almost everyone- those who deserve it anyway, and even if she doesn't think she can do anything, she won't back down without trying. She almost kills herself to save others. And seriously, I love Captain grant! He's awesome too! But Oliver is my favorite character. And Marcus is definitely book boyfriend material. I believe I emailed Ms Rebecca multiple times begging for more Marcus. No worries- she grants my wish in book three so don't miss out!!

I absolutely adore Ms Rebecca's writing skills and I've completely falling in love with the characters from this book. I'm a hard core fan for life- no matter what genre she writes. Her "fistful" Maddison series may have captured my attention, but in all honesty, Mika and Oliver completely stole my heart! I'm all in and I can't wait to tell you all about the conclusion! Yeah wait til you hear the story about that book! Overall, I think you should pick up a book by this author- any book- because her writing is so worth it!! Really!! Yeah, there was never any doubt this one earned A 5 PAWS from me!! ;)

Secret of the Gargoyles: Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles Book 3

COMING SOON

Read an excerpt.

Pre-order now on Amazon!

Smart URL: http://smarturl.it/SecretGargoyles

Amazon US: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FPX3VYS

Amazon UK: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01FPX3VYS

Amazon AU: https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B01FPX3VYS

Amazon CA: https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B01FPX3VYS

Don't miss the release of Secret of the Gargoyles! Sign up for my newsletter to be notified when it's available.

Praise for the Gargoyle Guardian Chronicles

Rebecca Chastain’s bio:

Here are a few places you can find Rebecca on the Internet:

Website: http://www.rebeccachastain.com

Newsletter: http://www.rebeccachastain.com/fantasy-newsletter/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccachastainnovels

Twitter: @Author_Rebecca or https://twitter.com/Author_Rebecca

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5660379.Rebecca_Chastain

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

New Cover Reveal~ Magic of the Gargoyles by Rebecca Chastain!!

Synopsis:

Mika Stillwater is a mid-level earth elemental with ambitions of becoming a quartz artisan, and her hard work is starting to get noticed. But when a panicked baby gargoyle bursts into her studio, insisting Mika is the only person she’ll trust with her desperate mission, Mika’s carefully constructed five-year plan is shattered.

Swept into the gritty criminal underworld of Terra Haven, Mika must jeopardize everything she’s worked so hard for to save the baby gargoyle from the machinations of a monster—and to stay alive…

MAGIC OF THE GARGOYLES can be found at:

Amazon, US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NYISFXY

Amazon, everywhere else: http://smarturl.it/MagicGargoyles

Rebecca Chastain can be found at:

Website: http://www.rebeccachastain.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rebeccachastainnovels

Twitter: @Author_Rebecca or https://twitter.com/Author_Rebecca

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5660379.Rebecca_Chastain

Excerpt

With one last twist of a filament of earth magic, I fused together the delicate seams of the quartz tube. Slumping forward, I braced my elbows on the table and rested my cheekbones on my palms, cupping my weary eyes in darkness. Six down, six finicky tubes to go. The specifications of this project taxed my substantial skills with quartz magic, which was the point. This project would launch my business and prove that even though I was only a midlevel earth elemental, my quartz skills were equal to or better than more powerful full-spectrum elementals. These fussy tubes would fund the down payment on the lease for the shop I coveted in the Pinnacle Pentagon Center. I could finally quit my demeaning job at Jones and Sons Quarry, be my own boss, and begin a career creating one-of-a-kind quartz masterpieces I could take pride in.

My entire future rested on these fragile vials, and they were due tomorrow at four.

Dull pain pounded my back muscles. Night had crept over the city while I worked, and my jerky movements as I stood and stretched were reflected in the semicircle of bay windows in front of my worktable. Purple smears of exhaustion beneath my green eyes were exaggerated in the dark windows, and my pale face floated above a dirt-smeared navy shirt. I checked the clock: almost midnight. Sixteen hours until my deadline, and eight of those would be taken up by my Jones and Sons workday. There was no time for a break. If anything, I needed to work faster.

Groaning, I redid my ponytail, tucking shorter wisps of strawberry-blond hair behind my ears before giving my hard wooden chair the stink eye. Mentally chanting, Pinnacle Pentagon, to motivate myself, I reached for another seed crystal.

Frantic tapping shook the glass in the balcony door. I pulled the door open, knowing it was Kylie, my best friend and the tenant who shared my second-floor apartment balcony. “I really can’t talk. I need to finish—”

“Help! Help! They’ve got—”

Something small and hard slammed into my stomach. I staggered backward into my chair and crashed to the floor. A small boulder skipped across the wooden floor and smashed into the wall.

“You’re a human!”

I shrieked. The voice came from inside my room. I twisted, scrambling onto my bed.

Against the wall, the rock moved.

Beautiful blue dumortierite quartz veined with green aventurine twisted into a winged panther no bigger than a house cat. A pissed-off, solid-stone, magical, winged house cat. A gargoyle—no, a baby gargoyle. A hatchling.

Her eyes glowed feverishly. Long polished blue claws gouged into the floor when she launched into the air. Her agile stone wings unfolded with a soft gritty sound.

I lurched backward across the bed until I was pressed against the wall. The mattress shook when the hatchling pounced on the space I’d just vacated. Sharp claws bunched in my yellow bedspread. She raised her muzzle, mouth open, and sniffed the air.

I eased toward the foot of the bed, readying my escape into the hallway.

“It’s you! Your magic smells so good. I thought—”

My magic has a smell?

The gargoyle’s eyes darted to the open door, then back to me. She arched her stone back and hissed at me, the sound dying to a hair-raising growl. The tip of her stone tail slashed back and forth, gouging my wooden headboard.

“I need help.”

“My help?” Gargoyles—even baby gargoyles—didn’t interact with midlevel elementals like me, and they certainly didn’t ask for our help. “There’s a full-spectrum elemental just—” I started to point up the street but froze when she snarled at me.

“No other humans! Before it’s too late.” The gargoyle’s words were smooth coming out of her rock throat, with just a hint of a lisp from her tongue working around enormous teeth.

I stared into her glowing blue eyes, seeing past the bared fangs and agitated movements, reading her fear for the first time. I reached for her, then pulled my hand back when she shied from me.

“Too late for what?”

“You can save him. Hurry!”

“Save him? Save who? If someone is hurt, I can send for a healer.” Where were this gargoyle’s parents?

“No. I need you.” Large blue eyes implored me. “Please!”

A thousand reasons I should find someone else to help the gargoyle crowded my mind, but the hatchling’s urgency was contagious. Someone was injured. I didn’t want to waste time arguing with her, but was I really the best choice? I could work earth, but healing usually took someone talented with all five elements.

“Are you sure you don’t want me to get—” someone stronger? I started to ask, but she cut me off with another sharp, “Please!”

Gargoyles were creatures without guile, and this baby was obviously terrified for someone’s life. If she thought I could help, I had to try. I took a deep breath. “Okay. Let’s go.”

My review

I freaking love this book! I am seriously hoping this turns into a series- I have a feeling it will because we have gargoyles on the loose here, but I NEED another one. I have fallen in love with everyone! I read it way too fast, it is short but I wanted more! And gargoyles have been my thing lately. They are now up there with werewolves and dragons!

We start with Mika. She's a normal not really powerful witch. Well, I'm gunna use witch so no one gets confused, but I will let you find out exactly what she is when you read. Anyways, Mika is trying to better herself. She works hard for barely anything. She is trying to use her magic skills to open her own business. Her roommate and BFF Kylie, she wants to be a big time reporter. And when Mika accidentally meets a baby gargoyle, then saves another, things go up in the air. And Mika is too good a person to let them be defenseless. I loved meeting the gargoyles, all of them, and their structure. I thought it was awesome that when they met Mika and figured out how she wanted to help, they basically bonded with her.

The bad guy who steals baby gargoyles wants to use their powers for his evil. Yes, I wanted to smash him over the head with sharp heavy objects. But no need, we have Mika and baby gargoyles. Oh and some big gargoyles too. I loved the plot. I loved everything about this book. The writing is excellent, the pace is quick. There's no major info dumps or things to side track you. All I can say is I think you should read this. And now I need to beg Ms Rebecca to alternate giving me Maddi and Mika!! I need both ladies and their stories! GIMME... pretty please :) 5 AMAZING GARGOYLE PAWS!!! ;)

Rebecca Chastain is the international bestselling fantasy author of A FISTFUL OF EVIL, A FISTFUL OF FIRE, and MAGIC OF THE GARGOYLES. She has found seven four-leaf clovers to date, won a purebred Arabian horse in a drawing, and once tamed a blackbird for a day. Dreaming up the absurd and writing stories designed to amuse and entertain has been her passion since she was eleven years old. She lives in Northern California with her wonderful husband and three bossy cats.

Rafflecopter code for 5 copies of Magic of the Gargoyles:

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The contest is open from April 13 to April 27.