The Examiner reviews Tales of Aradia Vol. 1

The Last Witch Standing: A review for Tales of Aradia (The Last Witch Volume 1)

• BOOK REVIEW
• FEBRUARY 27, 2013
• BY: ALLISON POTTER
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"Tales of Aradia" has a very interesting premise, the main character is adopted and aware of her powers, but unaware of who she is (the last witch standing). I enjoyed how the book starts out with the back story, and then dives right into the plot. I loved the main character, Aradia; she was by far the best part of the book. She goes from knowing nothing about who she really is, to a full-blown evil fighting heroine. I am looking forward to finding out more about her powers in the next book.

The plot twists in this book are pretty great; you won't see them coming. I love a good book that leaves you wanting more; Tales of Aradia ends with a cliffhanger that does just that.

http://www.examiner.com/review/the-last-witch-standing-a-review-for-tales-of-aradia-the-last-witch-volume-1

  

New five star review!

  Latest five star review of book 1!

Thank you Sara u rock!

5.0 out of 5 stars

 Such a different read!!!, April 27, 2013

By 

sara wyers (Arkansas, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Tales of Aradia The Last Witch Volume 1 (Kindle Edition)

I was asked to read/review this awesome book, and I am so glad I took the time to do so!!
I loved this story! It was different which I really liked about it. I really love the names of all the characters. Aradia? It's such a cool name, I have never heard of it before. This book was fast past, and had lots of action. At first I thought it would be another love story. But it is not. Aradia is an out spoken, out going person. She says whats on her mind. I usually go for vampires :) but in this book I fell hard for Roy which is a werewolf.. He also has a great personality. I hope the 2 become more in the next book. I will recommend this book to everyone. This book is free guys!! Don't miss out. :)

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Book 1 latest review!

  New review on book 1 on smashwords! Thanks so much Mitchi. You rock hard! 

Review by: Mitchi Kleiber on April 24, 2013 :      

This is such a wonderful book for anyone curious about spiritual beings like vampires, fairies, witches, or werewolves. Won't go into any more detail, but a must read. Clever imagination and wit, Aradia is just like the author.
(review of free book)

I feel good!

  Got another five star review!

Thanks Jill you rock! 

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful ride, April 2, 2013

By 

Jill - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tales of Aradia The Last Witch Volume 1 (Kindle Edition)

Very enjoyable tale. Aradia is a fun honest character. It was a pleasure to dive into her world for a little while.

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I think this you tube should explain how I feel right now. 

http://youtu.be/SzlpTRNIAvc 

What is a bad review?

  Contrary to popular belief, 

I always appreciate scalding reviews. I don't call them bad reviews because they are very helpful. Bad reviews are ones that are false and never helpful. This latest one is not extremely helpful but helpful nonetheless. Harry always told me that helpful reviews are what improve things. I have to say I agree. Wholeheartedly. So to "Xandrious" thanks for being so honest. You rock! 

2.0 out of 5 stars The Little Stuff Ruined It, April 1, 2013

By 

Xandrious - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Tales of Aradia The Last Witch Volume 1 (Kindle Edition)

They say you are not supposed to judge a book by its cover, but I entirely disagree.
By looking at the cover, I saw straight off the way the author lacks knowledge and appreciation of humans. How do I know this? The character looked perfect, was skinny and showing stomach to add sexual appeal, and looked altogether unrealistic and unsuited for what the author thought they wanted to convey.
This was reinforced later when I found out that Aradia was supposed to be 15.
And, of course, the book needs editing. I was especially dismayed when Aradia touched her forearm to feel her tibia.
With all of my study of anatomy, I have never managed to feel my tibia by touching my arm. It was the little details that could have easily been fact checked rather than assumed that got to me.
Overall, the book wasn't hopeless, and the writing style wasn't terrible, but it showed many symptoms of an unprofessional author.

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Two new reviews on Barnes and Nobles!

  Two new reviews on Barnes and Nobles! 

• Anonymous

  Posted March 26, 2013

  No text was provided for this review.
• 
  

  AutumnsAngel

  Posted March 24, 2013

   I have always loved the Salam witch trials and

   this books give a whole new perspective on it. 

  I love how it brings all the different races together

   instead of only one or two. 

  If you love Twilight or any vampire/werewolf story 

  with some romance, 

  this is the book for you. 

  As of right now, it seems like a love triangle, 

  but then I think *wonder if Tristan likes her too?* 

  I guess I will find out in the next books.

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New reviews!

  Two new reviews on Barnes and Nobles.com

Boo-ya!

• Anonymous

  Posted March 26, 2013

  No text was provided for this review.
• AutumnsAngel

  Posted March 24, 2013

   Tales of Aradia: The Last Witch Volume 1 was fantastic. I have a

  Tales of Aradia: The Last Witch Volume 1 was fantastic. I have always loved the Salam witch trials and this books give a whole new perspective on it. I love how it brings all the different races together instead of only one or two. If you love Twilight or any vampire/werewolf story with some romance, this is the book for you. As of right now, it seems like a love triangle, but then I think *wonder if Tristan likes her too?* I guess I will find out in the next books.

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New five star review! Oh yeah baby!

Thank you Author David Brown!

You rock! 

  5.0 out of 5 stars

 Vampires, Werewolves, and a Killer Make This a Great Read!,March 22, 2013

By 

David L. Brown "Sports Writing Maven" (Northeast Ohio) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Tales of Aradia The Last Witch Volume 1 (Kindle Edition)

Aradia, a teenager, finds herself the new kid on the block at school when she and her parents relocate to Salem, a town and its school full of an eclectic mix of vampires, werewolves, and other supernatural beings, that makes for an enjoyable, fast-paced read. Tales of Aradia the Last Witch Volume One, is wonderful and intense. I like that. Here we have an eclectic mix of Vampires, Werewolves and good old fashioned human beings, that serve up an enjoyable, fast-paced read. Aradia knows that she's different and has supernatural power to heal. After all, there were plenty of incidents to convince of such during her earlier school years to attest to that fact. Soon, students and townspeople realize she's not like them, even though she desperately wants to fit in and be liked. The other students avoided her because they thought she was creepy and weird. However, they weren't all that normal either. Aradia does make a couple of friends, but then discovers the lies and secrets of her new town that would rock her world. I especially enjoyed the friendships that she nurtured, and the suspense surrounding the killer who stalks her. I found the characters to be well developed, allowing the reader to see things from a seemingly first hand experience. Lastly, I enjoyed the humor of Aradia, as I found myself chuckling from time to time. I'm looking forward to reading the next installment in the series from the very talented L.A. Jones

I now have 60 reviews on Amazon!

  1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars I liked reading this book, March 16, 2013

By 

A. D. Smith - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Tales of Aradia The Last Witch Volume 1 (Kindle Edition)

The female needed to be more observant of her surroundings and who is in them. But the confused love triangle is over done a complete twist in her love life would be nice.

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Two reviews in one night! I feel good.

  Thanks! You rock! 

4.0 out of 5 stars

 IABookReviews.com gave this a 9.0/10.0!, March 14, 2013

By 

Arshem - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tales of Aradia The Last 

Witch Volume 1 (Kindle Edition)

L.A. Jones quickly establishes the conflict in this supernatural adventure in the prologue, and keeps the pages turning through the epilogue. Aradia, a descendent of a magical race known as witches that were believed to have been completely annihilated in the days of the Salem Witch Trials, becomes aware of her true ancestry in this first volume. Her and her adopted parents move to Salem looking for a fresh start following a series of unfortunate circumstances. Aradia begins to attend high school, only to discover that she is not the only supernatural character in her new community.

While building relationships with local werewolves, vampires, fairies and other mystical species, Aradia finds herself pulled into the center of a serial murder investigation that has the local community bound in fear and uncertainty.

L.A. Jones describes and establishes her characters from the perspective of her hormonal female lead. The adults are described in terms of how their actions are interpreted to reflect their true character, and the students are all described initially in terms of how physically attractive they are, only to later develop into strong, well-defined and diverse people. These prejudices successfully exemplify the limitations the teenage perspective adds to the main character's conflict, and helps establish her as a coming-of-age heroine.

This first volume has a fully contained plot, and can be enjoyed in its entirety without being dependent on any sequels. However, the author does such a great job at establishing her primary characters that this book leaves the reader begging for more.

My Rating: 9.0/10.0

Review Notes:

This book can feel like a hybrid of Smallville and Twilight at times, with some scenes and actions throughout the story feeling like they are direct copies of these highly successful teen dramas. Apart from those similarities to previous works, however, this story stands on its own merits as a creative and well-written adventure. The characters and plot are believable and engrossing, delivered to the reader with consistent modern prose. References to pop culture throughout the story are tactful and tie the world we know outside this story with the world to which we are introduced through this story.

I would like to congratulate both L.A. Jones and Harrison Bradlow in their editing of this work of fiction. Errors, whether in plot or language, were so rare that I cannot recall a single example. With nothing out of place to detract the reader, the reader is free to be fully engulfed in the story.

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New five star review!

 New Five Star Review,

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful diversion from the ordinary, December 17, 2012

By 

C. F. Waller - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tales of Aradia the Last Witch (Volume 1) (Paperback)

I got his book from the author to read and review. I very much enjoyed it as did my wife, who will leave her own review. A young adult story that Twilight types as well as more mature readers will enjoy. Strong, likable characters with good depth inhabit the story. Several tightly written plot twists will keep the pages turning for a week if read in small doses or a weekend if you get hooked as I did. I have spoken with L.A Jones on Facebook several times and find her delightful as I did her first offering in this series. I am looking forward to book two.

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A new five star review for book one!

  Thanks Sabrina you rock! 

5.0 out of 5 stars

 love it, March 11, 2013

By 

Sabrina Armstrong "lynsay" (Syracuse, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)

This review is from: Tales of Aradia The Last Witch Volume 1 (Kindle Edition)

I loved it because it was everything that the author described and it inspired me in my own writing as well.

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Latest review

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars Good Potential, February 27, 2013
By Allison "Alli" (Boca Raton, FL) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Tales of Aradia The Last Witch Volume 1 (Kindle Edition)
My thoughts: The very popular paranormal genre can get a little tired if you read about a book every other day as I do. But with "Tales of Aradia" I did get a fresh new take on paranormal characters. The book really keeps your attention throughout, which is not an easy task for an author to do; so I give much respect to L.A. Jones for being able to do so.

The book has a lot of potential and I do recommend it, but I did have a couple of issues with some of the editing and plot flow. I would also like to see a little more descriptive writing; character descriptions and even scenery descriptions could have been used a little more to enhance the reading experience. But overall, I really did enjoy "Tales of Aradia" and I will be reading the next book in the series.

"Tales of Aradia" has a very interesting premise, the main character is adopted and aware of her powers, but unaware of who she is (the last witch standing). I enjoyed how the book starts out with the back story, and then dives right into the plot. I loved the main character, Aradia; she was by far the best part of the book. She goes from knowing nothing about who she really is, to a full-blown evil fighting heroine. I am looking forward to finding out more about her powers in the next book.

The plot twists in this book are pretty great; you won't see them coming. I love a good book that leaves you wanting more; Tales of Aradia ends with a cliffhanger that does just that.

L.A. Jones has a unique writing style that I see a lot of potential in, so I will for sure keep my eye out for this author. It's refreshing to read a book about paranormals that I feel like has a new approach to the different creatures. (3.5/5 Stars)
I reviewed this book on a website for the author for my honest opinion.
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Sent from my iPad

New five star review!

Thanks Alice, you rock!

5.0 out of 5 stars How I Loved Reading Tales of Aradia: The Last Witch,February 18, 2013
By Alice Ohmart (Indiana, USA) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: Tales of Aradia The Last Witch Volume 1 (Kindle Edition)
I read all the volumes on this book and really enjoyed reading it, now I'm waiting for more. I love readng books on Vampires, Werewolves and Witches, it does't make me weird, just like supernatural stories. I would recommend this book and all the other volumes to those who like to read about Vampires, Werewolves and Witches but also romance stories too.
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Sent from my iPad

New review! Four stars!

4.0 out of 5 stars The last witch!, February 1, 2013
By Riverbank Books (Sparta, TN) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Tales of Aradia The Last Witch Volume 1 (Kindle Edition)
I loved the main character Aradia. She is the last witch of the hidden race but doesn't know it. The story is full of vampires, faeries, werewolves and even shape shifters. The setting takes place in present day Salem, MA. I was pleasantly surprised that it kept my attention so well because it is YA but I loved it. This is the first book in a series, and it does end on a cliffhanger that will leave you begging for more. I loved the story and I am off to search for Volume 2.
I just hope the book cover art on the rest of the series is as great as this one!
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New review on book 1 in the UK!

4.0 out of 5 stars A great start..., 3 Jan 2013
By FWxAssassin - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: Tales of Aradia The Last Witch Volume 1 (Kindle Edition)
I really enjoyed this book, the characters were very well described and the settings also.

The story itself was well written and the overall plot good and quite solid.

Being someone who is really in to magic and the paranormal/fantasy genre etc, I may have expected more but then I remembered that this is a YA book and I realised my mistake.

I liked how the flow of the story brings about the characters and how they all fit in the society that has been created by the author.

I'm looking forward to the next parts of the series to see how the overall story line pans out.
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Sent from my iPad

Self-publishing boosts US print output | The Bookseller

Self-publishing boosts US print output | The Bookseller: New figures suggest that recent growth in the self-publishing market has led to the first increase in print book output in the US in four years, while the print-on-demand industry’s growth has declined 69%.

Preliminary figures from Bowker, the US bibliographic information services company, are leading it to project that between 2010 and 2011, traditional print book output increased by 6%, from 328,259 titles to 347,178 books, which it says was “driven almost exclusively by a strong self-publishing market".

My first cover artist!

Ravenfire Studio - Home

Her name is Kimberly Mattia and she is currently taking commissions. 

For those who are interested in getting a great cover artist http://www.ravenfirestudio.net/

Kimberly Mattia is a very professional and quick artist. Her prices range from 10 dollars to 30. She uses PayPal for payment. She is very quick and good! Try her and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Ravenfire Studio

my first cover courtesy of Kimberly Mattia.

 

Theme song

 I know its more a TV show thing but one of the best marketing strategies I think WB ever did when they made the Harry Potter films was creating a song or precisely a tune that would become a trademark for their franchise.
 Harry potter's theme song
  i mean seriously whenever u hear that song as a ringtone or anything else you must automatically recognize it as the harry potter thing. Well i dont know if its that way for everybody but it certainly is for me. I think its also what made the movie Halloween so recognizable. No offense to John carpenter i will always prefer the Rob Zombie of the film better but only because he explains more about where Michael Meyer's psychosis came from. Word of warning, it is very gory and deserves every bit of its Rated R labeling.
I have always appreciated music even though i rather poke my own ears out then sing at my church group. I maybe practically tone deaf but still i believe that in the fashion of renditions to songs i think there are two from the 80's who in spite of being electronic songs would be better as rock songs.
Sunglasses at night by the artist Corey Hart i think would be a great rock song without the electronic beats featured in it. I kind of always hoped that maybe by chance another artist would also see this but since we are not mind readers...
Anyhoo, the ultimate goal of a writer (ironically) is to see their book turned into a movie. I do not wish for this to happen until after I graduate from college but being the dreamer that I am i like to plan ahead. Therefore, i have decided that if Tales of Aradia is ever made into a film I want sunglasses at night as a rock rendition to be the franchise's theme.
For a while I thought anyone could sing this song then I remembered a music video and artist I liked.
 Fefe Dobson - Ghost - YouTube
I originally thought this song would make a good tv theme but then I realized it would make somewhat sense for me to choose the artist to sing the theme song. This artist may have a bit of electronic in her music but it is clear she considers herself as a rock star. Therefore, why not have her sing it and her version be the theme eh?
Of course, I don't want to do this without Harry's consent. Hopefully, he will be on the same page but keep in mind Tales of Aradia being made into a film is probably going to take more than five years to do. Who knows if Ms. Dobson will even want to do it anyway?
But like I said I like to think ahead.

P.S. in case your wondering yes her name is pronounced as Fee-fee dobson. She is from Canada.

it is finally ready! The edited version of Tales of Aradia the Last Witch Volume 1

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/33738

it is finally ready for free download! please read and enjoy!