Title: Marked Beauty
Author: S.A. Larsen
Publisher: Ellysian Press
Release Date: October 2017
Uncovering hidden secrets can sometimes kill you . . . or worse, steal your soul.
Anastasia Tate has a secret. She can feel the emotions of others through their life energy auras. Not a welcome gift for a teenager. Especially when a sinister presence begins stalking her.
Viktor Castle also has a secret. He’s tasked with protecting humanity yet cursed by an ancient evil to destroy it.
After Viktor saves Ana’s life, her abilities grow stronger. Drawn together, she senses Viktor has answers to lifelong questions. Only he shuns her at every turn, knowing he has saved her only to put her in more danger.
As Ana struggles with her attraction to Viktor, he tries everything to bury his unexpected feelings for her. But they must find a middle ground. For only together can they combat the dark forces threatening both their lives . . . and their souls.
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Why You’ll Love This Book
by S.A. Larsen
This book is a fighter. Probably got some of that from me, but who knows. When it comes down to it, most of us are fighters. We all have scars or things that bother us, and we either let them bind us or we push past them and become something more. This is Marked Beauty. It’s about moving forward despite fear, the unknown, and the struggle to trust, not only in others, but in ourselves. I believe you’ll appreciate this. There’s a piece of each of us or someone we know between these pages.
The story explores everyday life themes such as family, the future, self-acceptance, and love. And even though the story is layered with fantasy and paranormal elements, it’s grounded in reality. Ana’s a real girl, who loves to play ice hockey, drink green tea, and watch scary movies with her self-appointed big brother Josh. And, yes, Josh is swoon-worthy; at least according to some of the reviewers so far. But this tale is also about unraveling the mystery of what lies beneath the surface. How much do you trust your observations and how much do you discard? There’s dark mythology presented through an ancient curse that’s steeped in real history and a few eerie characters that amp up the conflict and deepen the danger.
In total contrast to that and although private, the story is set at a high school where students have average everyday concerns about homework and the next weekend party. It’s relatable, like you could step onto a page and stroll along with the characters, sitting in the game room at the Chalet or eating a juicy burger at McGregor’s. And of course there’s romance. But I believe what will appeal to readers most is that it’s not sweet and endearing. It’s dark and edgy, with two people searching for some light in their worlds, yet terrified to find it. But their road is not an easy one for either. It’s heartening to read as both work through fears, doubts, and struggle to overcome the disappointments life has handed them in the past. This is a tale about letting go to trust others and about learning to accept help, kindness, and ultimately love from another – another who might be even more damaged them you. I think it’s a truth we all can relate to in some area of our lives. And like Ana and Viktor’s blooming relationship, the world I’ve created for this story is ever-changing and nowhere near completed.
Ultimately, you’ll love this book because on some level it’s you and it’s me with a little dreamer mixed in.
What better way to celebrate a book birthday then by a giveaway! There are many ways to enter, which you'll find below. You can win an iTunes, Amazon, or Starbucks gift card, an authentic Vera Bradley Little Crossbody in Cobalt Tile, an assortment of bookish swag, and even a KINDLE Fire HD 7"! The giveaway runs from release day, October 17, 2017 to December 5, 2017. Winners will be announced via social media December 7, 2017.
*No purchase necessary to win*
However, if you have read Marked Beauty or purchase it and read you can earn extra entries by posting a review on any major online retail bookstore and Goodreads! All the information you'll need is in the form below.
BUT there's more...
FOR WRITERS!
Writers who enter can WIN a first five pages critique!
S.A. LARSEN is the author of the award-winning novel Motley Education, the first book in a fantasy-adventure series for middle grade readers. Her work has appeared in numerous local publications and young adult anthologies Gears of Brass and Under A Brass Moon by Curiosity Quills Press. Marked Beauty is her debut young adult novel. Find her in the land of snowy winters and the occasional Eh’ya with her husband of over twenty-five years, four children, a playful pooch, and three kittens.
Visit her cyber home anytime at
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