Hey Everyone! It's that time of year again Bookcon has come and gone. New York once again welcomed book lovers from all over and hosted this year's event. Last year Bookcon moved to Chi-Town but being back in New York for 2017 made me excited because it meant that I was able to attend again. For those that don't know Bookcon is a book fair that brings together the elite authors who have been around, new authors trying to make a name for themselves, publishing companies showcasing clients and celebrities that have decided to threw their hand into the literary pot. It's a two day event where book lover from all over meet under one roof. In my opinion there are two types of bookcon visitors. There are the ones that come to meet big names, take pictures and get autographs. This year Bookcon was graced by celebrities such as Chad Michael Murray, Kevin Hart and Bill Nye. Then there are bookworms who come because Bookcon is the place find new authors, get book news, collect book swag, get free stuff and just be around other book obsessed people like themselves. While it is always exciting to get a glimpse at a celebrity I am most certain part of the bookworms of Bookcon. I get excited meeting new authors, hearing their stories and adding books to my ever growing reading pile. To keep things organized this blog post will consist of two things. First I will offer some tips that I have learned from my time at bookcon. Second I will be giving shout outs to some books and authors that caught my eye while I was there. I'm even providing a little bit of the books info for you guys.
Here's the thing, Bookcon can become very costly especially if you are like me and want to get all the shiny new books that are presented to you. Yes Authors are giving away stuff but usually it's a select number or you have to wait in long lines. Adult tickets range from $30-$45 depending on when you purchase them and what day(s) you are attending. Plus if you live a ways off you also need to factor in travel. With that being said here's tip 1: Don't be afraid to ask authors if their books are available as ebooks. Most times they are and books are always cheaper digitally. Granted they can't sign an ebook but there is almost always something at their booth that Authors are more than willing to sign. Use Bookcon to discover new books/authors but buy what and when you can afford. Authors also usually are giving Bookcon Deals to customers. So ask, the worst that can happen is they aren't. Tip 2: Download the amazon app. This baby is a life saver when you see something that you like but the booth is crowded or you just are trying to hit as many booths as possible. With the Amazon App (not the kindle reading app the actual Amazon App) you can scan the barcodes of books and the books info and price is at your fingers. You can buy right then and there, add it to a wish list or check and see if it's something you already have. Tip 3: This tip piggybacks off of the first two tips. If you have kindle unlimited you can save big by using the amazon app and checking if the book takes part in program. Borrow away readers that's what Kindle Unlimited is there for. My 4th and final tip is the booths that you see don't have a lot of traffic might be the booth that has the most to offer. Don't be afraid to go against where everyone is going. You just might be surprised and discover your new favorite author. Plus if there aren't too many people at the booth the authors have more time to take with you talking about their books and their journey.
Now the fun part let's talk about the great stuff that I came across at Bookcon. Up first it the book 'The First' by Kipjo Ewers. The First tells the origin story of Sophia Dennison, the first and most powerful superhuman on the planet. Sophia Dennison wanted a normal life. She wanted to raise a family with the love of her life, and further her medical career as an up and coming surgeon in neurology… But everything changed when she was convicted and sentenced to death for the brutal murder of her husband.
Another great booth that I visited was the booth of Author Claudia H. Ross. She was there promoting her Le Baton Chronicles.Volume 1 & 2. These books follow the life of Julian Charles Chamberie who has returned back to New Orleans at the request of his great aunt who wishes to get her affairs in order. However, Julian soon discovers he is the “business” she wishes to order. Lela embarks on her mission to prepare Julian’s soul for his role in the apocalyptic end time prophecy of Le Baton.
Blood Of A Queen by Toi Powell. Blood Of A Queen is about a young woman’s newfound independence takes her into the heart of a dangerous city in New York; a place her parents forbade her to return to. Ruby, beautiful, yet, sheltered and naive, unearths a web of deception, betrayal and love triangles. She stumbles upon a family secret so deadly, she makes it her mission to prove the serious accusations against her family untrue. Not only did the cover of this book speak to me the author gave a demo of her interactive app.
Blood Sacrifice by Barry Hoffman. I actually already had this on my kindle so it's no wonder I was pulled towards it. This book is about Thea Hughes the first openly lesbian graduate of the Philadelphia Police Academy. As she struggles to become a homicide detective, she faces open hostility and partners who want nothing to do with her. She and her latest partner, Ariel Dampier, are at loggerheads until a serial killer case drops into their laps.
The New Princess Is A Man by Justina Davis, Linda Robinson and Olaitan Olatunde. The New Princess Is A Man - So who exactly is the princess in your relationship? This is not your average "how to find love" book, it is a tough love revelation into how women have been edged out of their role as the Princess in their own lives. This book is served up with lots of advice on how to win your crown back and nudge your significant other back into his role or send him packing for the door!
F*CK THIS I'M COLORING by Jacqueline Monique. This adult language coloring book was designed to help you get through those insane moments of frustration. Filled with humor, defiance, and meditative qualities, "F*ck This I'm Coloring" lets you experience hours of solid swearing and coloring, striking illustrations ranging from simple shapes to advanced tangles of line art.
The Angels of Resistance by David Mamina. One thousand years after the assumed apocalypse, a demonic army known as the Demon Plague has invaded the new world. With various races and cultures split by their differences, one man inspires them to unite in order to defeat the unfathomable evil force. Experience the epic story that follows these heroes into the darkness.
Windmaker: The History of Atala. Pulling from the amazing depths of African history, Roye Okupe, writer of the hit graphic novel series E.X.O., creates a breathtaking kingdom called Atala. With this art book, he sets the foundations for what is definitely a deep and meaningful universe (The YouNeek YouNiverse) of heroes.
The Body Snatcher's Wife Memoirs by Barbra Lynn Reifel. The Body Snatcher's Wife, Barbra has survived life on a Hellride with the Devil himself and has appeared on several shows because of it. Oprah, Who the Bleep Did I Marry, The Devil You Know, Nancy Grace, Tabloid, My Life is a Lifetime Movie. But her outrageous raw account has never been laid bare. Riveting. Soulful. Inspiring. Barbra's story is one of a woman holding onto herself for dear life.
First Born by Janelle Gabay. The chase is on for nineteen-year-old Tarian Prescott after narrowly escaping an air strike on the Entente Military Academy. His rescuer, Audrey, a fierce fighter and beautiful immortal, may be the only person he can trust to save his life. Taken to the magical hidden village of the Guardians of Dare, he learns the truth about his father, his immortal DNA and his beloved nation, the Entente.
The Whispers Of The Falling Series Books 1-4 by J.D Netto. Ever since the dawn of days, rumors about the Diary of Lucifer echoed throughout Elysium. Hidden from all human knowledge, the Diary was kept a secret, locked away in the small village of Agalmath. Isaac and Demetre find themselves in a dangerous journey as they uncover the truth about the Diary and those who guarded it for all these years. However, for Isaac and Demetre, danger lies at every step, hidden in the most unexpected places.
13 Cuts by Dwaine Jervis. 13 Cuts, a book written to allow people to gain knowledge into the underworld that surrounds and affects all of humanity. The author was inspired to write the series due to his inner desire to promote all around change that will result in a safer society for ALL of us.
Dangerous Gambles by J.H Sanderson. The Roadhouse Sons are used to playing gigs in seedy dives, so the war, with its deprivations, curfews, restrictions, and rationing, actually helps fill those grubby venues with new fans.
CLICK ON THE PICTURES OF EACH BOOK TO BE TAKEN TO THE AMAZON PURCHASE PAGE
Here's the thing, Bookcon can become very costly especially if you are like me and want to get all the shiny new books that are presented to you. Yes Authors are giving away stuff but usually it's a select number or you have to wait in long lines. Adult tickets range from $30-$45 depending on when you purchase them and what day(s) you are attending. Plus if you live a ways off you also need to factor in travel. With that being said here's tip 1: Don't be afraid to ask authors if their books are available as ebooks. Most times they are and books are always cheaper digitally. Granted they can't sign an ebook but there is almost always something at their booth that Authors are more than willing to sign. Use Bookcon to discover new books/authors but buy what and when you can afford. Authors also usually are giving Bookcon Deals to customers. So ask, the worst that can happen is they aren't. Tip 2: Download the amazon app. This baby is a life saver when you see something that you like but the booth is crowded or you just are trying to hit as many booths as possible. With the Amazon App (not the kindle reading app the actual Amazon App) you can scan the barcodes of books and the books info and price is at your fingers. You can buy right then and there, add it to a wish list or check and see if it's something you already have. Tip 3: This tip piggybacks off of the first two tips. If you have kindle unlimited you can save big by using the amazon app and checking if the book takes part in program. Borrow away readers that's what Kindle Unlimited is there for. My 4th and final tip is the booths that you see don't have a lot of traffic might be the booth that has the most to offer. Don't be afraid to go against where everyone is going. You just might be surprised and discover your new favorite author. Plus if there aren't too many people at the booth the authors have more time to take with you talking about their books and their journey.
Now the fun part let's talk about the great stuff that I came across at Bookcon. Up first it the book 'The First' by Kipjo Ewers. The First tells the origin story of Sophia Dennison, the first and most powerful superhuman on the planet. Sophia Dennison wanted a normal life. She wanted to raise a family with the love of her life, and further her medical career as an up and coming surgeon in neurology… But everything changed when she was convicted and sentenced to death for the brutal murder of her husband.
Another great booth that I visited was the booth of Author Claudia H. Ross. She was there promoting her Le Baton Chronicles.Volume 1 & 2. These books follow the life of Julian Charles Chamberie who has returned back to New Orleans at the request of his great aunt who wishes to get her affairs in order. However, Julian soon discovers he is the “business” she wishes to order. Lela embarks on her mission to prepare Julian’s soul for his role in the apocalyptic end time prophecy of Le Baton.
Blood Of A Queen by Toi Powell. Blood Of A Queen is about a young woman’s newfound independence takes her into the heart of a dangerous city in New York; a place her parents forbade her to return to. Ruby, beautiful, yet, sheltered and naive, unearths a web of deception, betrayal and love triangles. She stumbles upon a family secret so deadly, she makes it her mission to prove the serious accusations against her family untrue. Not only did the cover of this book speak to me the author gave a demo of her interactive app.
Blood Sacrifice by Barry Hoffman. I actually already had this on my kindle so it's no wonder I was pulled towards it. This book is about Thea Hughes the first openly lesbian graduate of the Philadelphia Police Academy. As she struggles to become a homicide detective, she faces open hostility and partners who want nothing to do with her. She and her latest partner, Ariel Dampier, are at loggerheads until a serial killer case drops into their laps.
The New Princess Is A Man by Justina Davis, Linda Robinson and Olaitan Olatunde. The New Princess Is A Man - So who exactly is the princess in your relationship? This is not your average "how to find love" book, it is a tough love revelation into how women have been edged out of their role as the Princess in their own lives. This book is served up with lots of advice on how to win your crown back and nudge your significant other back into his role or send him packing for the door!
F*CK THIS I'M COLORING by Jacqueline Monique. This adult language coloring book was designed to help you get through those insane moments of frustration. Filled with humor, defiance, and meditative qualities, "F*ck This I'm Coloring" lets you experience hours of solid swearing and coloring, striking illustrations ranging from simple shapes to advanced tangles of line art.
The Angels of Resistance by David Mamina. One thousand years after the assumed apocalypse, a demonic army known as the Demon Plague has invaded the new world. With various races and cultures split by their differences, one man inspires them to unite in order to defeat the unfathomable evil force. Experience the epic story that follows these heroes into the darkness.
Windmaker: The History of Atala. Pulling from the amazing depths of African history, Roye Okupe, writer of the hit graphic novel series E.X.O., creates a breathtaking kingdom called Atala. With this art book, he sets the foundations for what is definitely a deep and meaningful universe (The YouNeek YouNiverse) of heroes.
The Body Snatcher's Wife Memoirs by Barbra Lynn Reifel. The Body Snatcher's Wife, Barbra has survived life on a Hellride with the Devil himself and has appeared on several shows because of it. Oprah, Who the Bleep Did I Marry, The Devil You Know, Nancy Grace, Tabloid, My Life is a Lifetime Movie. But her outrageous raw account has never been laid bare. Riveting. Soulful. Inspiring. Barbra's story is one of a woman holding onto herself for dear life.
First Born by Janelle Gabay. The chase is on for nineteen-year-old Tarian Prescott after narrowly escaping an air strike on the Entente Military Academy. His rescuer, Audrey, a fierce fighter and beautiful immortal, may be the only person he can trust to save his life. Taken to the magical hidden village of the Guardians of Dare, he learns the truth about his father, his immortal DNA and his beloved nation, the Entente.
The Whispers Of The Falling Series Books 1-4 by J.D Netto. Ever since the dawn of days, rumors about the Diary of Lucifer echoed throughout Elysium. Hidden from all human knowledge, the Diary was kept a secret, locked away in the small village of Agalmath. Isaac and Demetre find themselves in a dangerous journey as they uncover the truth about the Diary and those who guarded it for all these years. However, for Isaac and Demetre, danger lies at every step, hidden in the most unexpected places.
13 Cuts by Dwaine Jervis. 13 Cuts, a book written to allow people to gain knowledge into the underworld that surrounds and affects all of humanity. The author was inspired to write the series due to his inner desire to promote all around change that will result in a safer society for ALL of us.
Dangerous Gambles by J.H Sanderson. The Roadhouse Sons are used to playing gigs in seedy dives, so the war, with its deprivations, curfews, restrictions, and rationing, actually helps fill those grubby venues with new fans.
CLICK ON THE PICTURES OF EACH BOOK TO BE TAKEN TO THE AMAZON PURCHASE PAGE