{Recruit Blog Tour}{Review} The Forgotten Mountain by Heather Lyons

{Review}{Giveaway} The Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons

Blog Tour Stop

2/17/14

The Deep End of the Sea

by

Heather Lyons 

What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong?

Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age.

But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.

My Thoughts

I would like to start off by saying that I absolutely LOVE Greek Mythology!! I have been obsessed with it since I was in middle school and learned about all the fuckedupness that goes on in Olympus! Of course, in middle school, I really didn't understand everything that was going on but I was obsessed nonetheless. Now that I am older, I can appreciate the going ons in Olympus, while also cringing at the sexual relations...aheeemm...

So when I found out that not only did Heather Lyons have an obsession with Greek Mythology too but was also writing a book about Medusa... to say I was excited would be an understatement!!! I was freaking the freak out!! 

But she also decided to do something different with Medusa's story. She changed the whole dynamic of Dusa's character by changing her story from monster to misunderstood woman with a heart of gentleness, not wickedness...

I was a little nervous, I have to admit, because I didn't know how I was going to take this new and improved monster. In my mind, Medusa was full of hate and vengeance, not love and compassion, so changing my thought process was a little hard for me to comprehend... that is, until I started reading The Deep End of the Sea and Heather made it so much easier for me. 

Medusa is a monster that people do not understand. Most people are kept away from her personal island because Poseidon is a jealous asshole that keeps people away at all cost. She has one Godly friend, Hermes, and one human friend who happens to have the convenience of being blind so Medusa's curse doesn't bother him. Of course the whole turning people into stone would make her want to keep her distance too.

Dusa is not happy on this secluded island, who would be happy living on an island with only occasional conversations and internet shopping.. It would get old pretty fast (even though I threaten to move to my own island when my spawn and husband are driving me absolutely crazy).... She is missing out on really living, loving, being loved in return, and actually experiencing life as it should be experienced. 

Heather does change the mythology a little bit, it is not the exact same as the stories that I have been taught but it is still an incredible story with Godly characters and even an appearance of Death!! Which was an unexpected surprise to say the least... 

Medusa learns about herself in this story. She grows from a timid monster and changes into another person by the end that is hardly recognizable from the character who was introduced in the beginning.  Hermes helps Medusa not only love herself but accept love in return. Showing her that people could love the monster her and the real her. 

"Love makes every misery, every struggle, every moment of life worth it"

Now, I won't go into toooo much detail about this story because that's not fair to all of you who have not read it yet. You need to experience it for yourself and see why I went bat shit crazy for it. Because I promise, if you love a great greek mythology story with lots of angst, love, sexiness, fuckedupness, Gods who remind you of Chris Hemsworth... then you will go bat shit crazy for this book too!! Hell, even if you don't really care for greek mythology, you will still love this story because it speaks to your soul on so many different levels. 

It teaches you about love in all forms. Not to judge people based on looks. How monsters come in many different forms and the ones that look like the devil, may actually be an angel in disguise. Friendship. The love of family. The power of love and acceptance. 

Heather is an incredible author with passion that you can just feel by reading her books. I never really know where her stories are going to take me, but when I finish I realize that I am starting to ripen, my clothes are a mess, and I don't remember the last time I put something in my mouth to nourish my body. Her stories literally take me to another world and I never want to leave...EVER. This one was no different and if at all possible, it was worse, because I did not stop reading until I was completely done and then I went back and reread parts that just stuck out to me. 

This story has it all and I absolutely loved it... Was in love with it and I may be a little in love with Heather at this point in our relationship ;)...

If you have not stopped reading this review by now and gone to purchase this book, then you need to do that NOW..... No really... You need to carry your ass to buy this book NOW!!! 

I give this book an amazing 5/5 

I <3 Hermes Stars and if you want your own copy, link is below!!!

A song that reminded me of Medusa while I read <3

About Heather Lyons:

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

Links:

Website: http://www.heatherlyons.net

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/heatherlyons

THE DEEP END OF THE SEA Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18844839-the-deep-end-of-the-sea?ac=1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hymheather

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherlyonsbooks?fref=ts

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/hymheather/

GIVEAWAY 

CLICK HERE FOR GIVEAWAY!!

{EXCERPT) Deep End of the Sea by Heather Lyons

We are thrilled to share an excerpt for Heather Lyons' THE DEEP END OF THE SEA! THE DEEP END OF THE SEA is a New Adult Fantasy set for release February 13, 2014 and definitely one you need to add to your TBR pile!

About THE DEEP END OF THE SEA:

What if all the legends you’ve learned were wrong?

Brutally attacked by one god and unfairly cursed by another she faithfully served, Medusa has spent the last two thousand years living out her punishment on an enchanted isle in the Aegean Sea. A far cry from the monster legends depict, she’s spent her time educating herself, gardening, and desperately trying to frighten away adventure seekers who occasionally end up, much to her dismay, as statues when they manage to catch her off guard. As time marches on without her, Medusa wishes for nothing more than to be given a second chance at a life stolen away at far too young an age.

But then comes a day when Hermes, one of the few friends she still has and the only deity she trusts, petitions the rest of the gods and goddesses to reverse the curse. Thus begins a journey toward healing and redemption, of reclaiming a life after tragedy, and of just how powerful friendship and love can be—because sometimes, you have to sink in the deep end of the sea before you can rise back up again.

Excerpt:

I let it happen again.

The temple settles into that stagnant silence I’ve long learned to loathe, and these are the most cohesive series of words I can string together for many long, desolate minutes. I let it happen again. Resolutions apparently mean nothing, even if crafted under the best of intentions. Had I not, just this very morning, recited a daily pledge held dear to my heart: I shall not let myself be used for death?

And yet, a man is dead, and I was the weapon that slayed him.

I move closer to where he now stands, forever frozen in terror, and press my shaking hand against his outstretched stone one. “I’m sorry,” I whisper, though he cannot and never will be able to hear my words. “So, so sorry.”

His eyes, wide and mercifully detail free, offer me nothing in return. Once I commit his features to memory, I construct a life history with a name worthy of his sacrifice. Walt was single (I can’t bear the thought of spouses and children, thus my collection of singletons) and a bit of a daredevil when he wasn’t volunteering to teach literacy to adults in poverty stricken urban areas. He’d gone spelunking at least a half-dozen times, sky diving twice, and bungee cord diving off some crazy bridge in Colorado just once, on his thirtieth birthday. Walt liked to write poetry; how could he not, when his now-deceased parents had named him after one of the greats?

Walt liked to talk about poetry, too, which means he needs to be with others like him. I strip off my flannel work shirt, down to a tank top, and get to work. Shoving stones around when half of one’s body is reptilian isn’t the easiest of tasks, requiring a great deal of precision and care.

As I always tend to do when placing a new statue, I can’t help but flash back to the one and only time I’d broken one of my victims. I’d been tired—he’d snuck upon me when I’d been sleeping—and an overestimated shove sent poor Nikolaos face first against the temple floor. I’d spent most of that night collecting the pieces which once made a whole man, blubbering in misery. As penance, his head, missing an ear and part of his nose, still sits on a shelf in my bedroom. Treat us gently, I like to imagine him telling me nightly before I sleep. We deserve your care.

I have not failed Nikolaos since. Over the ages, I’ve developed a routine to transfer the statues around the island that includes wrapping the bodies in a thick quilt before putting them up on casters. It takes a painstaking amount of time to shift them short or long distances, but each person deserves nothing less from me.

Walt’s group sits just outside the temple. They are the philosophers of our island; it only seems natural they would find much to appreciate in both the sun and the stars. I struggle with his body over the stairs—they are tricky to maneuver for me even without hauling a two hundred pound statue—but eventually, I get him exactly where he’ll fit in best.

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is Walt,” I tell the still faces forming a cluster near a non-functioning fountain. “His poetry is as beautiful as his namesake’s.”

I angle Walt so his eyes face theirs. It’s late afternoon, and there is soft orange light filtering down upon their features. It’s a beautiful sight, which only saddens me, because all of that talk about death and beauty being intertwined is one of the biggest loads of crap I’ve ever heard. Death isn’t beautiful. Too often than not, it’s messy and brutal; even when done in sleep, there’s still that theft of breath, that failure of a heart. Death is an act of violence.

I should know. I am one of the most prolific murderers in history. And I think about death constantly.

I often wonder what my own death will be like, if I am ever blessed to embrace it. I’m not too picky in my imaginings; I’ll take any sort by this point. Logically, I’d prefer a less painful exit, but, knowing my luck, it’ll be as ruthless as once reported and still widely believed.

It ought to be noted I have some of the most wretched luck to ever be doled out, so there is that.

The sound of waves crashing against the shore sends my eyes to the horizon. I’ve tried to drown myself in those waters more times than I ought to admit over the years, but the sea always spits me back out. I’ve also tried overdosing on pharmaceuticals, stabbing myself in the chest and eyes (which was just as painful as you’d imagine), and throwing myself off a cliff. Melodramatic, yes, and all ineffective for an immortal cursed with impenetrable skin and a digestive system apparently filled with acid.

Death is not my friend. At least, not yet.

 

About Heather Lyons:

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

Links:

Website: http://www.heatherlyons.net

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/heatherlyons

THE DEEP END OF THE SEA Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18844839-the-deep-end-of-the-sea?ac=1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hymheather

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherlyonsbooks?fref=ts

{Review} A Matter of Truth by Heather Lyons

I LOVE this series and I think A Matter of Truth is my favorite out of all the books I have read so far... 

A MATTER OF TRUTH Synopsis:

Not long ago, Chloe Lilywhite seemingly had it all: a prized spot on the Magicals’ Council as lead Creator, a loving fiancé and Connection, and a wealth of good friends. But the poised young woman she projected was nothing more than a façade. Her parents all but disowned her. Power plays and accusations of murder within the Council rocked her confidence. And most difficult of all, her secret, a secondary Connection to Jonah’s twin brother, Kellan, became painfully impossible to resist. Desperate to gain control over her rapidly unraveling existence, Chloe did the unthinkable: she ran away.

Now living and working in Alaska under an alias, Chloe is slowly discovering who she is and, more importantly, who she wants to be. But the more she tries to leave the Magical world behind, the harder it becomes to stay hidden. The Elders are back with a vengeance, and the stakes have never been higher. Chloe finally has to make a choice: embrace her pre-ordained Fate or pave her own way in the worlds. One thing’s for sure, though—she’s finally up for the challenge.*This is a New Adult title, suitable for readers 18+*

My Thoughts

When A Matter of Heart left off, Chloe left Annar and her identity behind, along with everything else she loved. She couldn't handle the stress and it was literally making her sick. The only way she saw out of the mess was to leave it all behind and give herself some time away to figure things out and let the two boys she loves the most heal their relationship with one another.

This whole book is centered on what Chloe wants, she is finally choosing. She realizes that  Fate may play a roll but SHE has control over her future and what she wants out of life. Of course there is some drama, action, and gut punching moments but she is FINALLY coming to terms with her life and everything she wants out of it.
 I watched her grow in this story and I fell even more in love with her character.

There were twists and turns I did not see coming, some I did and there were new characters introduced that I fell head over heels in love with. Some aheeemm steamy moments that I was sweating and loving and thinking FINALLY!!!! 
Seriously phenomenal story telling! 

This whole series is so addictive, raw, emotional, and action packed that I can't help but  
LOVE IT!! 
I love the drama, sweet moments, and the whole concept of this series. I hope one day a big time producer reads this series and puts it on the big screen because I want to see it come to life. Can you guys imagine how phenomenal this series would be as a movie??
 If it was done right of course. 
I can. 
I picture it in my mind every time I sit down to read it.

I usually hate love triangles, seriously hate all the angst associated with them. The emotions are too much sometimes and I can't take it. But Heather does something amazing and intertwines the love triangle with magic, love, power, myths, legends, and makes reading it a little better to digest, even if it goes down really rough and heartbreaking, it still goes down and you are still a mess but at least you are enjoying the flavor.

There are times where I want to get off this carousel ride Heather puts me on because
I can't take it!!
I literally have to prepare myself before reading one of her books. I have to prep myself for the emotions that I am going to feel and the ups and down that are inevitably going to turn me into an insane person. 
I want to take these characters from her and never give them back because she doesn't treat them right but at the same time I know she is doing this on purpose. She is a creative genius and I just have to suck it up and have faith that she knows what she is doing... HUMMPPHH!!

Even when I am impatient for a certain character to get his/her HEA..

Le Sigh

I didn't want this book to end. I wanted it to keep going. I could have read it forever and never got tired of it.

I was SO MAD at the ending!!
 I wanted to twat kick Heather really hard to make her feel the amount of pain my heart went through after I got to the end!
I was an emotional wreck and now I have to impatiently wait until March before the next book is out... 
I want to tell her to take her time because I know books are not written in a day. But at the same time I want to be a selfish book trollop and tell her to HURRY the HELL up because she left my emotions unstable and I am not responsible for the emotional outbursts I will produce in the upcoming months due to her cliffhanger!!!

It's all your fault Heather, I love you and your books but DAMMIT I'm still mad at you!

Such a great book, amazing characters, amazing plot, amazing...everything!

I look forward to more books by this incredible author and I hope more and more people read this amazing series... It is worth every up and down emotion you experience because reading this series is an experience in its own right...

5/5 amazing stars for this book.
Even though I want to give it 0 because I am mad...KIDDING... 
Sort of ;)

My Status Updates from GR while reading this book... I thought they were funny when I looked back at them so I decided to share them with you...

10/25			21.0%	"Seriously Chloe priorities let's talk about soup later hahaha"
10/25			23.0%	"Hehe go Will u tell her!!!"
10/25			28.0%	"Errrr whoa did not see that coming!!!!!"
10/25			40.0%	"Hmmm making a guess that Chloe's friend will be fond of Will hmmmm"
10/25			41.0%	"Ugh if Chloe doesn't stop blaming herself about everything I'm going to choke her... But then she might blame herself for being stupid ;)"
10/25			52.0%	"Jesus I need a notepad for all this info.... Holy shit and the plot thickens... Irony everything is so ironic right now hAhaha"
10/25			76.0%	"Damn I love it when I'm right!!!! Haaa"
10/25			86.0%	"Phew it's getting a little aheeeemmm yeah wow"
10/25			100.0%	"Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh what???!!! Nooooo ahhhh what!??!? dammit Heather this is so not fair!!!!! I need the next book out like tomorrow.... Please?? I promise I'll be good :("

EXCERPT 

Although my natural inclination is to clam up, I know it must have been tough for Will to just let that all out. So I lean my head against his back and admit to him something I haven’t done before. “Nepal reminds me of somebody I love.” I swallow the growing lump in my throat. Even now, four months in, it’s incredibly difficult to talk about Jonah. “I was sad today because when I heard some people talking in the diner about Tibet, I thought of this person, and of what Nepal means to him.” I take a deep breath and count to ten, because saying this next part is like stabbing myself in the gut. “I miss him so much it makes it hard to breathe. Sometimes it’s hard to move on, when memories refuse to let you go.”

Will’s voice reverberates through me when he quietly asks, “Did he die?”

I tell Will a lot—but I cannot talk anymore about Jonah with him. With anyone, really. All he knows is that love has broken me, too, and that I’m in no place to even contemplate a relationship. So much of me wants to open the floodgates, though, let Will into the dark parts of my heart like he’s slowly been letting me in, and someday I will do just that. It’s just . . . I need more time.

I shake my head against his back. There is no more Tell Me for the rest of the night.


About the Author

Heather Lyons has always had a thing for words—She’s been writing stories since she was a kid. In addition to writing, she’s also been an archaeologist and a teacher. Heather is a rabid music fan, as evidenced by her (mostly) music-centric blog, and she’s married to an even larger music snob. They’re happily raising three kids who are mini music fiends who love to read and be read to.

Links:

Website: http://www.heatherlyons.net

Author Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/heatherlyons

A MATTER OF TRUTH Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18167992-a-matter-of-truth?ac=1

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hymheather

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heatherlyonsbooks?fref=ts

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