Dawn Husted - Blog

quicksilver by Callie Hart Book Review

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 02:47:29 GMT

This is a short book review. Quicksilver by Callie Hart is one of the newest books I've read that I couldn't put down. I absolutely loved every chapter. The beginning was a little slow at first while I was getting my feet underneath me in this new world, but once I was in, I was in all the way.

The story centers around a protagonist that is both complex and relatable, with a backstory that comes as a surprise to her and the reader. This book is for fans of dark romance. Quicksilver delivers everything you hope for in a good read. Can't wait for book 2!

Books From Hyperbole Bookstore

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 02:34:36 GMT

Today's haul from Hyperbole Bookstore! They were having their annual clearance sale, and I had to stop by. A stack of House of Night novels and a cart full of YA favorites--my TBR just got bigger. Time to dive into these stories and get lost in some new worlds. What's on your reading list right now? -- Instagram post, TheDawnHusted

New Book Release - Radiant Origin

Tue, 23 May 2023 00:56:49 GMT

I have great news! My YA sci-fi romance book will be released July 20! Radiant Origin is currently available for preorder on Amazon. And I know you will absolutely love the cover! Go here to view the cover: https://www.amazon.com/Radiant-Origin-Dawn-Husted-ebook/dp/B0C4WFPBCW. (If you want to be part of this book's reader team, keep reading below.)

Book Description

Phyre Brown is just an ordinary teenager searching for love and adventure. But when a tragic accident reveals her true identity as an alien with extraordinary healing powers, Phyre’s life takes a dramatic turn. Forced to leave home and live with her estranged grandparents, Phyre finds herself bound to an alien boy named Kreaxlae, a member of the rival Accipere clan.

But when she meets his charming and mysterious brother, Phyre begins to question everything she knows about her past and her future. With the fate of two alien clans and their safety at stake, Phyre must make a choice that will change her life forever. Will she choose love or duty, passion or power?

Find out in this thrilling sci-fi romance about the bonds that unite us, the powers that define us, and the choices that shape our destiny.

Would you like to be part of the Reader Team?

If you'd like to be part of Radiant Origin's reader team, send me an email with the subject line: Reader Team. I won't leave this opportunity open for long. What is this? These are readers who want an e-copy of Radiant Origin upon its release, in exchange for an honest review on Goodreads and Amazon.

New Job and MG Book Updates

Wed, 14 Dec 2022 03:07:47 GMT

Photo credit: Joel & Jasmin Førestbird

Six months ago, after working my butt off looking for a new job, I accepted a full-time position with a company as a writer and editor. The only downside is that I haven’t had much time to update my blog or work on my books. But this job is sort of a dream come true, which means the good totally outweighs the bad.

The only other dream I wish would come true is to receive a deal with a publisher for my middle-grade book. But I’m a pragmatic person, and I don’t rely on wishes; I rely on hard work (maybe mixed with a little bit of luck). So far, this past month, I sent my MG book to 4 or 5 publishers, and now I’m just waiting to hear back. Truthfully, I need to keep sending it out to increase my odds, because sometimes writers don’t hear anything back from a publisher, but sometimes, we do. And I’m really hoping for the latter.

It’s easy for me to fall behind right now because in the past, I had always worked on my books during the day while my kids were at school. But now, it’s something I need to do in the evenings or on weekends, which is exactly when I’m writing this blog you’re reading. But maybe with a little bit of luck, mixed with a rigorous goal of sending out a couple of MG submissions each month, it’ll all work out. *Sidenote: The contract I signed with a Brazilian publisher earlier this year means some of my currently available books will be translated and published in early 2023, which is something I’m definitely looking forward to!

What book am I recommending right now?

A couple of weeks ago, my Alexa device started talking to me about a book recommendation. It startled me at first as it spoke out of the blue, but then I replied and asked what book it was talking about. My Alexa had recommended What Hunts Inside the Shadows by Harper L Woods. I looked up the book, and it seemed interesting, so I ordered it.

I actually ended up loving the story line and characters and most everything in between, so I immediately ordered the sequel. If you don’t like hot romance or fantasy, then you won’t like this book. But if you do, then there’s a high chance you’ll enjoy it as much as me. I’ll add the summary below.

Until next time, readers! Thanks for sticking with me and reading my books and blogs.

SUMMARY
Once, I fell in love with a man who deceived me.

For weeks, he stood by my side, twisting his words into pretty half-truths. He enraptured me with his smooth temptation, leaving no corner of my being untouched. He consumed my mind and my body, then finally claimed my heart for himself. But Caelum’s true identity is terrifying enough to bring me to my knees.

Then, I discovered the truth of who he is.

Caldris is whispered in the Nothrek wind. The legend we only speak of with hushed words, in shuttered rooms, for fear of drawing his wrath once again. His intentions are a mystery, his desires impure, and he seeks to shackle me to his side for all eternity. With the Wild Hunt as our guard, he points us back to where it all began: the village of Mistfell and the boundary where the Veil once shimmered in the wind.

Now, another secret crouches, poised to change everything.

The Mist Guard have been sworn to keep us from crossing into Alfheimr, and from treading Faerie soil, even if innocents must pay with their lives. They have orders to resurrect Mistfell’s shimmering barrier, but, once again, there’s a greater cost than what has been revealed. Once, the people of Northrek blamed me when the Veil fell.

Soon, they’ll want me to pay the price the magic requires.

Author’s Note: This book is intended for readers who are 18 and older. It contains mature language, graphic violence, and explicit content with darker elements. This is book two in a series and ends in a cliffhanger.

The INheritance Games -- BOok Review

Thu, 10 Mar 2022 15:29:48 GMT

I read this book while on vacation! Normally, I'll bring books that I end up not having time to read, but that wasn't the case this time. I actually borrowed the eBook from the local library's app: Libby. And I can't remember exactly how I came across it, but I'm glad I did. And I love the cover.

Review of The Inheritance Games

I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5. The one thing I could've used more of was romance, because I like romance, and there were moments the author could've added it in easily.

I finished reading The Inheritance Games within 3-ish days, and it was really good! If you like YA books that contain a mystery, you'll love this one. I usually don't read mystery books, but at the same time, there's usually always some type of mystery in every book. So in that sense, I guess I like mysteries. LOL.

In The Inheritance Games, there are four brothers that live in a mansion filled with secret passages and riddles, where the main character ends up having to take up residence because she inherits the estate. But there's a catch: she has no idea who these people are or why she inherited any money at all. But she's struggled with being poor most of her life, and so she's not going to turn this opportunity down. Little does she know that her life will be at stake due to people wanting her out of the picture altogether. Can she trust the boys?

I've already added the second book in the series to my TBR list.

Summary of The Inheritance Games

Avery Grambs has a plan for a better future: survive high school, win a scholarship, and get out. But her fortunes change in an instant when billionaire Tobias Hawthorne dies and leaves Avery virtually his entire fortune. The catch? Avery has no idea why--or even who Tobias Hawthorne is. To receive her inheritance, Avery must move into sprawling, secret passage-filled Hawthorne House, where every room bears the old man's touch--and his love of puzzles, riddles, and codes.

Unfortunately for Avery, Hawthorne House is also occupied by the family that Tobias Hawthorne just dispossessed. This includes the four Hawthorne grandsons: dangerous, magnetic, brilliant boys who grew up with every expectation that one day, they would inherit billions. Heir apparent Grayson Hawthorne is convinced that Avery must be a con-woman, and he's determined to take her down. His brother, Jameson, views her as their grandfather's last hurrah: a twisted riddle, a puzzle to be solved. Caught in a world of wealth and privilege, with danger around every turn, Avery will have to play the game herself just to survive.

Brazil, here I come!

Mon, 07 Mar 2022 15:45:46 GMT

Photo by Raphael Nogueira on Unsplash

I received some wonderful news last week! Huge happenings are on the horizon for my books, and I'm thrilled to share the news with you readers.

The Gift Box

Three of my young-adult books (Touch of Darkness, Scythe of Darkness, and Girl Gone Ghost) have been contracted to be translated and published in Brazil by The Gift Box. This is ginormous news, and I can't wait for my books to reach more readers. It's an amazing opportunity!!! So, if you live in Brazil, be on the lookout for the books sometime this summer. I'll keep you posted.

If you live in Brazil, be on the lookout for my books sometime this summer!

Agents

Earlier this month, my middle-grade book was requested by a literary agent, and last week, I received a partial request from a different agent. I'm crossing my fingers and hoping that one of these agents will offer me representation. My MG book (and more) is dying to get into the world.

That's all the news and updates for now. TTYL!

The Reality of Starting Over

Mon, 24 Jan 2022 15:57:32 GMT

Pic of me doing goat yoga for the first time. It was fun! But I absolutely love goats.

Woohoo! It’s nearly the end of January. If you haven’t heard, this year is the year of the Water Tiger. And I thought that was relevant because there’s been a big change in my writing career. I’m back in the querying pool because my agent and I parted ways at the end of 2021.

What does this mean?

Currently, I’m reaching out to agents by sending them materials for my middle-grade contemporary fantasy. I figured it’s best to start with that book since it’s never been queried before. Part of me feels a bit overwhelmed about the reality of starting this process over again, but that’s just the name of the game in this industry. And if I want to accomplish my goals, I have to keep pushing forward.

What happened to my young-adult alien romance?

My young-adult alien romance is just waiting to be published, but it's sitting safely in my computer. This is the book that attracted my previous agent, and I intend on querying it again soon, too. And hopefully, this will increase my odds of getting another agent.

Meanwhile, I’m nearly 60K words into writing a new YA I’ve been working on since last summer. It involves a contemporary romance between a skinwalker and an incubus. I planned to finish it sooner, but I’m still only about 2/3 of the way through writing the first draft.

What's my goal?

My goal is to have these three books (and future ones) available in as many physical stores as possible. At least that’s my dream. The more stores, the more readers, and I would LOVE for y’all to be able to read them. So, here’s to 2022 and all the possibilities awaiting. I’ll keep you posted on the results from my querying venture. If you haven’t had a chance to read my work, check out my other books: Girl Gone Ghost (a psychological thriller with romance intertwined), Scythe of Darkness (an urban fantasy with a grim reaper), and Safe (a fast-paced dystopian).

I’m also a freelance editor via Yaupon Berry Press, and though I have three projects already scheduled for 2022, I can definitely schedule more. So, if you’re a writer of MG, YA, NA, or Adult, and need an editor, contact me. I offer free sample edits of the first 500 words, as well as edits of queries and synopses.

"The Problem with Forever" by Jennifer L. Armentrout – Book Review

Wed, 10 Nov 2021 15:26:46 GMT

It’s been years since I’ve read a book that actually made me cry. The last book was The Fault In Our Stars (TFIOS) by John Green. But Jennifer L. Armentrout’s The Problem With Forever is so deep and beautiful that it’s impossible not to be touched by Rider and Mallory’s story.

I happened to stumble on The Problem With Forever at the local library last week, and I’m glad I did!

If you’re looking for a young-adult book that’s contemporary fiction (with a delicately written friends-to-lovers romance), then definitely read this one. Even though there’s romance in this novel, the story’s actual theme rises above the kissing and hand holding, which will lead you to tears. Prepare yourself for all the feels as you get to know Rider and Mallory’s story.

TPWF Book Description

A story about friendship, survival, and finding your voice.

Growing up, Mallory Dodge learned that the best way to survive was to say nothing. And even though it’s been four years since her nightmare ended, she’s beginning to worry that the fear that holds her back will last a lifetime. Now, after years of homeschooling, Mallory must face a new milestone—spending her senior year at a public high school. But she never imagined she’d run into Rider Stark, the friend and protector she hasn’t seen since childhood, on her very first day.

It doesn’t take long for Mallory to realize that the connection she shared with Rider never really faded. Yet soon it becomes apparent that she’s not the only one grappling with lingering scars from the past. And as she watches Rider’s life spiral out of control, Mallory must make a choice between staying silent and speaking out—for the people she loves, the life she wants and the truths that need to be heard.

Taking It Further

If you feel like taking it further after (or before) reading this book, you can help out kids in need at one of our local schools. I hope that every school has a pantry for students, but I only have the info for one of ours. They stock food and toiletry items, and you can donate directly to their pantry on Venmo: @PTPantry (which stands for Pecan Trail Intermediate Pantry). TIA!

Storm and Fury by Jennifer L. Armentrout – Book Review

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 19:10:33 GMT

I’ve come to realize that I pretty much love all of Armentrout’s books. Really. This awareness began by reading Obsidian for the first time after I’d written my first alien romance and was looking for comp titles for my book. (Comp titles are what authors use to show agents how our books compare to similar titles already in the market. My books can be found here, but not my YA alien romance because that’s still with my agent.)

Fast-forward to last week, and I realized that Jennifer L. Armentrout was coming out with another book in the same universe as her Blood and Ash series (read my review of that series). Then a friend texted me about this other series of Armentrout’s (called The Harbinger series) that had already been released this year; book one is titled Storm and Fury. So I immediately bought the newly released one and book one from The Harbinger series: Storm and Fury.

If you’re still with me after that tangling web of an explanation, I’m impressed. LOL. Storm and Fury is so good! I read it within two days and instantly bought book two and book three. Because, yay, I don’t have to wait months between releases since they’re already available.

*I'm currently reading book three of The Harbinger series, and I'm not liking it as much as the first two, but it's still pretty good.

What is Storm and Fury about?

The book is told from the perspective of an eighteen-year-old girl, named Trinity, who is half human and half “I’m not going to tell you” because it would spoil that part of the surprise. But this girl lives in a community with Wardens, who are gargoyles in human form. She and they are very powerful and are charged with protecting humans from demons that walk among regular society. And the book opens with a scene that makes you want to immediately punch one of the Wardens in the face, while immediately high-fiving and fist-buppin' Trinity with wide eyes.

If you enjoy paranormal romance (heavy on the romance), then you’ll love these books too. Now, they don’t have as much romance as Armentrout’s Blood and Ash series, but that’s because the Blood and Ash series is straight new adult, not young adult. I thought Storm and Fury was considered a new adult because of the protagonist’s age, but I was wrong. They’re definitely upper YA, according to Amazon.

If you enjoy paranormal romance (heavy on the romance), then you’ll love these books too.

Official Summary of Storm and Fury

Eighteen-year-old Trinity Marrow may be going blind, but she can see and communicate with ghosts and spirits. Her unique gift is part of a secret so dangerous that she’s been in hiding for years in an isolated compound fiercely guarded by Wardens—gargoyle shape-shifters who protect humankind from demons. If the demons discover the truth about Trinity, they’ll devour her, flesh and bone, to enhance their own powers.

When Wardens from another clan arrive with disturbing reports that something out there is killing both demons and Wardens, Trinity’s safe world implodes. Not the least because one of the outsiders is the most annoying and fascinating person she’s ever met. Zayne has secrets of his own that will upend her world yet again—but working together becomes imperative once demons breach the compound and Trinity’s secret comes to light. To save her family and maybe the world, she’ll have to put her trust in Zayne. But all bets are off as a supernatural war is unleashed…

Spooky Reads!

Fri, 08 Oct 2021 18:24:43 GMT

Caught mid-sentence. Let the space between my two front teeth remind you to wear your retainer. LOL

This month, I participated in a Q&A with our local SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators). It's a quick read, filled with a bunch of spooky book recommendations. So, without further ado, here's the Q&A!

Brazos Valley Lightning Round:
Spooky Reads!

This month, we spoke with YA and MG author Dawn Husted about spooky reads and what inspired her own spooky stories.

1. What are your favorite spooky reads (can be PB, MG, YA and you can choose some “runners up” as well if you’d like).

Some fun spooky books I’ve read recently are Horrid by Katrina Leno, Frozen Charlotte by Alex Bell, and The Howling Ghost by Christopher Pike. Each is very different but entertaining and a little twisted, which is perfect for October.

2. What unusual setting would you like to see featured in a spooky kid lit book (ie: a ghost story set on a cruise ship)? Alternatively, is there a spooky book already out that you love because of the unusual setting?

This is a hard question, but it would be cool to have a YA version of Coraline. If you know of one, let me know!

Another book that’s already been out for a while with an unusual setting and premise is Unwind by Neal Shusterman. If I remember correctly, one of the scenes takes place in a plane graveyard, which I had never heard of until reading that book. And I always thought that was a spooky and unusual setting because there really IS a graveyard full of planes in Arizona called the Airplane Boneyard.

3. You have a few spooky books out, Girl Gone Ghost, Scythe of Darkness, and Touch of Darkness. What drew you to write this type of story?

I never considered my books spooky, and yet, I know they are. When I write, I always seem to lean toward the darker side. I’m not exactly sure why, but I guess I find darker elements interesting. For as long as I can remember, the books and movies and TV shows I enjoyed always had an underlying spooky side. I like the thrill of being scared (just not in real life).

4. Is there a recent book (2-5 years) you feel did a good job showcasing the fears or anxieties of today’s readers?

I think most books that readers connect with are because they can relate to the characters. So in that case, I feel MANY books today showcase the fears and anxieties of today’s readers, even if that’s not the book’s main focus.

If I had to pick just one, I’d choose Ghost Wood Song by Erica Waters, published in 2020.

5. What’s in your TBR?

This is my most favorite question. LOL. Here are 10 I’ve added to my TBR shelf.

1.    The Gilded Wolves by Roshani Chokshi
2.    The Ghost Junkies by Elizabeth J. Rekab
3.    They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
4.    The Bookwanderers by Anna James
5.    The Last Windwitch by Jennifer Adam
6.    The Bone Houses by Emily Lloyd-Jones
7.    It’s Not About the Gun by Kathy Stearman
8.    Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
9.    The Fire in the Glass by Jacquelyn Benson
10. Irrelevant by Sarah Addison-Fox

Would you like to join the SCBWI Brazos Valley newsletter? The newsletter is always full of book recommendations, writing workshops, and more.

Scythe of Darkness is on SCREAM

Wed, 01 Sep 2021 17:17:18 GMT

It's official! Scythe of Darkness is available on the Scream app. I'm so excited!

What's the Scream app?

Looking for your next great escape? Thrillers, mysteries, suspense, horror, true crime, action/adventure, science fiction, fantasy, paranormal, and romance -- all with one common thread: these books will make you scream for more.

This FREE app features novels tailored with drama, conflict, suspense, and fear-inducing action that will keep you gripping your phone and on the edge of your seat.

Get addicted to your next great read.

Scythe of Darkness Summary

When high school junior Mia Hieskety was younger, she was kidnapped. But she can't remember who kidnapped her and why. Trying to forget her past, she hopes to one day move away from the town where her faceless captor roams free.

But a grim reaper has different plans.

When a mysterious new student arrives, Mia's thrust into a sinister world with her life and heart at risk. She must discover who kidnapped her all those years ago and also stop the reaper who wants her dead. If Mia can't face her past, she can forget her future.

Ember of Night Book Review

Mon, 30 Aug 2021 16:17:24 GMT

At the end of another YA book I was reading, there was a preview of Ember of Night by Molly E Lee. The preview was good and interesting, and it contained a supernatural/paranormal element that I liked, and it was a YA too.

When I finally got a chance to order it, I couldn’t wait to dive in.

Ember of Night Summary

I’ve never been a stranger to the darkness. But when darkness comes knocking and looks that good, who wouldn’t invite him in?

Draven is mysterious, evasive, and hot as sin. The only thing more infuriating than how much he won’t say is how obnoxious he is every time he does open his mouth. But when a group of strangers attacks me and he fights back, causing them to vanish into a cloud of black dust, I know Draven is more than he seems.

He finally shows me there’s a veil separating the world I know from a world of demons living all around us. Turns out, good and evil are just words. Some of the demons don’t fall into either category. And I’m realizing just how easily I fit in among the ancient warlocks, the divine soldiers, and the twisted supernaturals...

There’s so much more to me. To my past. And to what I am truly capable of than I ever thought possible. So when all signs point to me having the ability to unleash Hell on earth? I’ll have to decide if I want to do the world a solid and save it, or give it one hell of a makeover.

What did I think of Ember of Night?

I LOVED Chapter One. It immediately pulled me into Harley’s (the main character) world and gave me a glimpse at the love interest: Draven. Their story is a fun and intoxicating one! And I never guessed the ending, which I ALWAYS love. This book mixes the reality of today’s world with a hidden world full of demons, ones you can trust and ones you can’t.

I truly felt like I knew and understood Harley’s character, and after reading it, I’m still curious how Ray (Harley’s younger sister) fits into all of this. I’d tell you more about her, but I don’t want to give away any spoilers.

What didn’t I like?

There was too much time spent at Harley’s place of work. Those scenes were my least favorite, at least until Draven came back on the page.

Overall

If you’re looking for a new supernatural read with a dose of romance (that’s not too heavy, but heavy enough), then this will be right up your alley. I’m a slow reader, and I finished Ember of Night in two days. Fabulous read!

Are The Vampire Academy Books Better Than The Movie?

Wed, 04 Aug 2021 20:20:31 GMT

Books 1-5 of Vampire Academy

I finally watched the movie Vampire Academy the other week, and although I didn’t really like the movie all that much, it had likable parts. And that’s when I decided that the book HAD to be better, so I bought Book One of the Vampire Academy series to find out for myself.

Things I Liked

Reading a book after watching the movie is always iffy. There were parts I wanted to fast-forward because I already knew what was going to happen. But the book definitely dove into more of the smaller details that the movie left out (of course), and I REALLY liked the dynamic between Rose and Dimitri even more after reading the book.

I also loved the distinction between Strigoi and Moroi. Moroi are mortal vampires with a lifespan and death, and they have magical powers: one of the five elements, specializing in one element over the others. Strogoi are the vampires from the legends, the ones who feed only on humans, lack powers, are incredibly strong, and are vicious. The book does a much better job than the movie at explaining the background of the two. And if you have no idea what I'm talking about, Rose and Dimitri are guards of Moroi; Rose is training to be a guard, and Dimitri is already a guard.

What I Didn’t Like

I can’t say there wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this book—other than already having an idea of what to expect in Book One, but that’s my fault because I watched the movie first. And I’m happy to say that the book is MUCH better than the movie.

I also don’t like the covers of the books—the original covers aren’t any better either.

Overall

Are the books better than the movie? YES.

I really enjoyed Vampire Academy and as soon as I finished reading it, I ordered the second book: Frost Bite. And as soon as I finished that one, I ordered the next one and the next one. LOL! I’m currently reading the fifth book: Spirit Bound. I’m not one to order all the books of any series unless I know I like the first one. In this case, I wished I had ordered the whole series at once because it would’ve saved me a little money. So, if you think you might enjoy a good vampire series, check out Vampire Academy, and do yourself a favor: order the whole series at once. It's great!

Order of Vampire Academy Series Books (with Goodreads links)

The River Has Teeth by Erica Waters

Wed, 28 Jul 2021 15:06:30 GMT

There’s a new YA release out this week! My hardback of The River Has Teeth by Erica Waters arrived in the mail yesterday. I can’t wait to read it!

I read Ghost Wood Song (released in 2020) after it came recommended by a fellow writer/reader. And it was a fabulous book, so when I found out The River Has Teeth was soon to be released, I preordered it. As soon as I read it, I’ll come back and post a review on my blog. Until then, here’s a summary.

The River Has Teeth Book Summary

Goodreads

Natasha’s sister is missing.

Her car was found abandoned on the edge of a local nature preserve known as the Bend, but as the case goes cold, Natasha’s loss turns to burning anger.

She’ll do anything to find answers.

Della’s family has channeled magic from the Bend for generations, providing spells for the desperate. But when Natasha appears on her doorstep, Della knows it will take more than simple potions to help her.

But Della has her own secrets to hide.

Because Della thinks she knows the beast who’s responsible for the disappearance — her own mother, who was turned into a terrible monster by magic gone wrong.

Natasha is angry. Della has little to lose.

They are each other’s only hope.

Share this blog post with your reader friends, and let me know what you think of this book! Happy reading.

The Scream App and Kiss App, for EBooks

Tue, 22 Jun 2021 11:00:00 GMT

I’m so excited to announce that two of my books have been signed and will be published on the new Scream app, with crossover to the Kiss app!

What are these apps?

Crazy Maple Studios launched both Scream and Kiss. From Cision PR Newsire: With more than 40 million global downloads, 1,200 authors, and translations into 13 languages, Crazy Maple Studio believes everyone has a story to tell. Their fourth app since their founding in 2017, “Scream,” is primed to expand their readership with “thrills and chills.” “Scream” launches with more than 200 paranormal, true crime, horror, and thriller titles written by more than 177 authors from around the world.

Scream is an app filled with books that will scare and thrill readers. Kiss is an app that publishes all-encompassing romance genres.

When will my books be available?

The two books that will be published on there are Scythe of Darkness and Girl Gone Ghost. I’m not sure how long it takes to format my books for their apps, but as soon as they’re available, I’ll let you know. Meanwhile, download the apps and start perusing books!

Scream app: Android, Apple. Kiss app: Android, Apple.

FROM SPARK TO SHELF PODCAST INTERVIEW

Tue, 15 Jun 2021 15:00:00 GMT

Hello to all of you wonderful readers! Here’s short interview I did with the podcast FROM SPARK TO SHELF.

What is FROM SPARK TO SHELF?

The host is writer Jenna DeVillier. She traces writers’ journeys from initial idea to published book, and everything in between. There are bimonthly interviews with both published writers and those still in the query trenches, providing hope to writers that, no matter how long it takes, your dream never comes too late.

What will you discover in this episode?

Jenna and I talk about my journey as a hybrid author (and freelance editor), where I started and where I am now, and what sort of works are in the literary pipeline with my agent. So, if you have 30 minutes to spare and want to get insider knowledge about my books, give the episode a listen.

Being fearful can create paralysis … so I have to constantly make myself move forward. If that’s the kind of person who’s listening to this, set goals for yourself and stick to them. --Dawn Husted

A Court of Thorns And Roses Book series Review

Tue, 08 Jun 2021 16:00:00 GMT

Not too long ago, I wrote a review for the first book in this series: A Court of Thorns and Roses. By the end of that book, I decided to order the next book, and I'm so glad I did! Book Two is better than Book One.

Overall Review

Overall, I've really enjoyed this series. I'm still not finished reading the fourth book (A Court of Frost and Starlight), so I haven't ordered the fifth one yet. The plot in all of these books is beautifully created, and the romance isn't too detailed, so it gives the reader enough to know what's happening but also leaves some to the imagination. I'd give the heat level of these books a 3.5 out of 5, because it still has spice. But I’d give an overall review of the series a 4 out of 5.

My favorite book was A Court of Mist and Fury.

The series is considered New Adult, but it reads a lot like Young Adult too, so if you're looking for something that straddles the line between these two categories, and you enjoy fantasy, then check out this series. I also like the new editions of the colorful covers!

Book Order of A Court of Thorns and Roses

A Court of Thorns and Roses
A Court of Mist and Fury
A Court of Rings and Ruin
A Court of Frost and Starlight (considered 3.1 in the series)
A Court of Silver Flames

From Blood And Ash Book Series

Wed, 02 Jun 2021 18:14:48 GMT

I can't say enough good things about this series! I started reading the first book after finding From Blood and Ash in a video on TikTok. At the time, I'd just finished reading the Crave series and was really wanting another book with heavy paranormal romance. However, this book series is considered New Adult, which means there's allowed to be more descriptive romance on the page. When I first started reading From Blood and Ash, I was under the impression I was reading a young-adult book, so needless to say, I was surprised during the first 50 pages. LOL!

My Review

I read through the entire series in about two weeks. The third book isn't as good as the first book, but it was good enough. And I believe the fourth book is being released in March 2022. Typically, if I don't really like the first book of a series, I don't bother buying the rest. But I loved it, and immediately bought books two and three.

I absolutely enjoyed the paranormal element in the book, which I wasn't expecting. When I saw From Blood and Ash on Tiktok, I thought I'd bought an epic fantasy with lots of world building. And normally, those aren't the kinds of books I read, however, I gave this one a shot, and I'm glad I did. Yes, there's fantasy and epic world building, but there's also a huge paranormal element, which is right up my alley. I don't want to give it away by telling you what the paranormal element is, because I feel like that is a mystery readers will enjoy figuring out for themselves.

As for the romance ... oh my, oh my, oh my! I'd never read a book with as much detailed romance as this one, and I have to say, I liked it. So if you're not a reader who enjoys heavy kissing and much more, then don't read this book. But if you're looking for a spicy series, don't let this one pass you up.

Blood and Ash Book Order

Here's the order of the books:

From Blood And Ash
A Kingdom of Flesh and Fire
The Crown of Gilded Bones (just released in April 2021)
Book Four Coming in 2022

From Blood and Ash Synopsis

Captivating and action-packed, From Blood and Ash is a sexy, addictive, and unexpected fantasy perfect for fans of Sarah J. Maas and Laura Thalassa.

A Maiden…
Chosen from birth to usher in a new era, Poppy’s life has never been her own. The life of the Maiden is solitary. Never to be touched. Never to be looked upon. Never to be spoken to. Never to experience pleasure. Waiting for the day of her Ascension, she would rather be with the guards, fighting back the evil that took her family, than preparing to be found worthy by the gods. But the choice has never been hers.

A Duty…
The entire kingdom’s future rests on Poppy’s shoulders, something she’s not even quite sure she wants for herself. Because a Maiden has a heart. And a soul. And longing. And when Hawke, a golden-eyed guard honor bound to ensure her Ascension, enters her life, destiny and duty become tangled with desire and need. He incites her anger, makes her question everything she believes in, and tempts her with the forbidden.

A Kingdom…
Forsaken by the gods and feared by mortals, a fallen kingdom is rising once more, determined to take back what they believe is theirs through violence and vengeance. And as the shadow of those cursed draws closer, the line between what is forbidden and what is right becomes blurred. Poppy is not only on the verge of losing her heart and being found unworthy by the gods, but also her life when every blood-soaked thread that holds her world together begins to unravel.

YA Short Story on Overdrive/Libby App

Thu, 20 May 2021 14:32:36 GMT

I recently received the news that my young-adult short story is officially available on the Overdrive app (and the Libby app). So if your library doesn't have it in the catalog yet, be sure to "recommend" it by searching for the book, Touch of Darkness, then clicking "recommend."

How else can you read it for FREE?

Other than downloading the book from your library, you can join my newsletter team! By being a part of the team, you'll receive updates from my blog posts that include what I'm currently writing and reading.

A Court of Thorns and Roses Book Review

Thu, 20 May 2021 13:55:35 GMT

I bought A Court of Thorns and Roses because it came highly recommended! I wanted a book with fantasy and romance mixed in one, and from reading the reviews, my expectations for romance were relatively high.

Overall, I’m SUPER glad I read this book, and before I even finished the last 50 pages, I ordered the sequel. I def give it 4 out 5 stars.

What Didn’t I Like?

There were two elements I wasn’t too keen on. For the first 150 pages, certain scenes would remind me of Beauty and the Beast. And since I’m not particularly fond of reading retellings of fairy tales, I kept getting pulled out of the story when this happened. But I stuck with it, and I’m glad I did because the book got better and better. And before I knew it, I was no longer being reminded of the fairy tale. If I had known about this twist going into it, though it wasn’t anywhere in the book’s description, I wouldn’t have been caught off guard.

Since I’d just finished an NA series that was heavy on the paranormal romance, my expectations were set a little high. And from reading the praise on the back of the book, I was hoping my expectations to be met. But I def think there could’ve been more romance, or at least more description to make the romance angle last longer when it took place. But most of the time, the scene breaks would happen relatively quickly after the romance began.

The Ending (no spoilers)

But like I mentioned, overall, this is a fantastic book, and the ending was one I never would’ve expected, which I always love. I can’t wait to read the sequel! And I absolutely enjoyed the characters and am eager to find out how Rhysand plays into the next book.

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Shadow and Bone Book Review

Thu, 22 Apr 2021 18:16:19 GMT

I finally got a chance to read Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. I’m so glad I did! I first heard about this book when my friend asked if I’d read it yet because it was being adapted to Netflix. Which totally made me curious, so I immediately bought it.

The plot and characters are well developed, but I felt like something was missing. I can’t exactly put my finger on what it was, though. The setting takes place in a Russian-inspired land where (flying, bird-like) monsters are real and are located in a place called the Shadow Fold.

I enjoyed the adventure and the unexpected twist that one of the characters was evil. I won’t tell you which character was evil, because I don’t want to give that away. There came a point during the first half of the book that I was wishing for a bit more romance, then a bit more romance was added, which was nice, but I definitely could’ve used more. Overall, it’s a good read, and I’m looking forward to the Netflix series.

Update 4/23/21: The series released TODAY. I watched the first episode of Shadow and Bone on Netflix. It was sooooo good! I love the actors chosen to portray the characters. I also like the element of romance that's shown (almost) right from the start between Alina and her BFF Malyen (who, if I heard correctly, is referred to as Mod in the series). I know what I'll be binge-watching this weekend. Can't wait! *Now, I need to stop procrastinating and get back to writing my newest YA book.

Summary of Shadow and Bone

Soldier. Summoner. Saint. Orphaned and expendable, Alina Starkov is a soldier who knows she may not survive her first trek across the Shadow Fold―a swath of unnatural darkness crawling with monsters. But when her regiment is attacked, Alina unleashes dormant magic not even she knew she possessed.

Now Alina will enter a lavish world of royalty and intrigue as she trains with the Grisha, her country’s magical military elite―and falls under the spell of their notorious leader, the Darkling. He believes Alina can summon a force capable of destroying the Shadow Fold and reuniting their war-ravaged country, but only if she can master her untamed gift.

As the threat to the kingdom mounts and Alina unlocks the secrets of her past, she will make a dangerous discovery that could threaten all she loves and the very future of a nation.

Welcome to Ravka . . . a world of science and superstition where nothing is what it seems.

Are You on TikTok or Instagram?

Sun, 04 Apr 2021 02:55:58 GMT

Are you on TikTok or Instagram? Head over there, follow me, and say HELLO. I'm new to TikTok, but I'm having lots of fun creating BookToks and uploading reels to Instagram. Come hang out. And if you want me to give you a personal shout-out after following me, send me a message and let me know: "I want a shout-out." Can't wait!

Book Review of the Crave Series

Tue, 30 Mar 2021 18:02:34 GMT

Ahhh! The Crave series is so good. I couldn’t put the first book down! I’m a slow reader, so when I first bought this thick novel, I put off reading it for a few weeks. But when I finally started reading it, I devoured the story within days and immediately bought the next book—and the next. The fourth book doesn’t come out until September 2021, but I plan to grab it soon as it’s released.

What is the CRAVE series about?

A follower on Instagram mentioned that they had a hard time “getting into” the first book because they kept comparing it to Twilight (the follower was about 50 pages in). And hey, I’m a huge fan of the Twilight series too. But I promise that if you like that series, you are going to flip out over this one. The two are nothing alike, and yet, the feel of Crave quickly drew me in just like the Twilight series had.

Vampires, Werewolves, and Much More

I can’t tell you what the more is exactly, because that would give away some spoilers, but this book, this series, encompasses much more of the paranormal world. There’s also a royalty aspect that gives them such a different vibe than I’ve ever read before (in this paranormal genre). And the ROMANCE is steamy! Steamier than any YA book I’ve read. It’s killer good. If you don’t like romance, don’t read these books.

Query for Phyre and Flame

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 15:31:37 GMT

A couple of weeks ago, I got an agent! I’d been querying my young-adult alien romance (PHYRE AND FLAME) since April of 2020, but this wasn’t the first time I queried a book. I started querying agents with my earlier works years ago.

Over the course of last year, I revised my query, synopsis, and first couple of pages of Phyre and Flame a few different times. In the summer of 2020, I received two full requests, but the agents ended up passing. During November/December, I revised my query again, edited the opening pages of my book, and began querying the newest version in Jan 2021. Boom! I received representation from an agent.

What does this mean now?

Now, my agent will be submitting the book to specific publishers, and the waiting game begins again. But I don’t mind the waiting! Meanwhile, I’m making final revisions to the middle-grade book I wrote last year and will be sending it her way too. This way, she’ll have two of my books to send to different publishers (since one is YA and one is MG).

What's my goal?

Ultimately, I want my book(s) to be placed on bookstore shelves worldwide so that more people can access them. I used to not be the type of person to say my goals aloud to others, but I've taken a new approach the past few months. Saying my goals aloud puts them into the universe! And I'm all about that.

My Dystopian Novel is on Sale for a Short Time

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 15:22:14 GMT

â€‹If you haven't read my post-apocalyptic book yet, it is on sale for $.99 this week (US and UK). It doesn't go on sale often, so grab it while you can! Sale ends Wednesday night.

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SAFE by Dawn Husted

Compelling, fast-paced, and skillfully written, SAFE is a captivating dystopian novel with a â€œhold-on-to-your-seat climax.â€

What if the one place thatâ€™s supposed to keep you safe is the one place that could kill you? After the world's nearly destroyed, an island is preserved for survivors. Eighteen-year-old Penelope Evans lives in the Colony along with hundreds of other islanders.

An impenetrable perimeter surrounds their homes and keeps everyone protected from the outside world. But when an unexpected meeting is scheduled, requesting all citizens, Penelope is on alert. This meeting springs a series of events that leaves her running for her life, leading further from normality and toward an epic truth. Can she survive inside a sealed perimeter?

REVIEWS
"Excellent plot, amazing writing, great characters to support the story, a chilling setting of a dystopian world where no one can leave without risking their lives, a hold-on-to-your-seat climax, and a thrilling ending begging for more.." --The Bookworm Who Never Stops Reading

"...a really good book, especially when dystopian books were starting to get boring this one was not boring for me." --AM Book Reviews

"The ending literally blew me away, as did the climax." --Sofie, Amazon reviewer

"...I am really looking forward for the next one." --Khulhet, Amazon reviewer

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​Brazos Valley Lightning Round:Spooky Reads!This month, we spoke with YA and MG author Dawn Husted about spooky reads and what inspired her own spooky stories.

1. What are your favorite spooky reads (can be PB, MG, YA and you can choose some “runners up” as well if you’d like).

​2. What unusual setting would you like to see featured in a spooky kid lit book (ie: a ghost story set on a cruise ship)? Alternatively, is there a spooky book already out that you love because of the unusual setting?

3. You have a few spooky books out, Girl Gone Ghost, Scythe of Darkness, and Touch of Darkness. What drew you to write this type of story?

4. Is there a recent book (2-5 years) you feel did a good job showcasing the fears or anxieties of today’s readers?

​5. What’s in your TBR?

Would you like to join the SCBWI Brazos Valley newsletter? The newsletter is always full of book recommendations, writing workshops, and more.

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This month, we spoke with YA and MG author Dawn Husted about spooky reads and what inspired her own spooky stories.

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