Welcome to my stop for The Elite series blog tour, organized by Grapevine Book Tours.
Title: The Beast Within
Author: Jonathan Yanez
Series: The Elite #1
Publication: March 22nd, 2013 by Limitless Publishing
Category: Young Adult (YA)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Synopsis: Once eighteen-year-old Connor Moore stumbles across an almost human
species, he is faced with history’s darkest secret, a daunting future, and a
love life he can’t even begin to explain.
Concealed throughout
the pages of time, there has been a powerful race of human-like creatures
manipulating mankind. This Elite race is made up of five ruling families, who
have obeyed The Law and remained content to keep their identities a mystery.
Now after centuries of secrecy, an ancient foe is forcing them out of hiding.
When a dark-haired
mystery woman named Laren crosses Connor’s path his life is turned upside down.
Soon Connor is taken on a heart-pounding journey that leads to a startling
discovery of who he really is and a daunting future of what he is to become.
** The
Beast Within has been optioned for
TV/Film **
Title: The Trials
Author: Jonathan Yanez
Series: The Elite #2
Publication: July 1st, 2013 by Limitless Publishing
Category: Young Adult (YA)
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Synopsis: Lives will be lost, prophecies fulfilled, and trials endured.
Connor Moore doesn’t
have the same luxury as other eighteen-year-olds. He has been called upon to
assume the mantle of the Judge of an Elite race of humans. Now to prove himself
to a population who doubts him, he must pass a series of three trials that will
test his mind, body and spirit.
Things are made worse
when two women vying for his affection finally meet and Connor realizes a
decision must come soon. However, there is little time for personal life when
an ancient evil force returns to the realm of men and Elites. If he fails to
pass the series of trials to prove his claim as Judge and earn the Elite race’s
support, the world will have no hope.
With the support of
friends and loved ones, Connor embarks on his trials. He begins a journey that
will take him from dangerous jungles, to lost islands and dungeons not of this
world. Friends will fall, new allies will be made and true darkness will make
its presence known.
Excerpt
From The Beast Within (book one of The Elite
series)
Tiny moving lights marked vehicles below,
and even tinier dots, moving slower, were what Connor guessed to be people. The
wind picked up on the roof and tiny goose bumps prickled Connor’s skin.
Placing his right arm around Laren, who he
assumed must be cold, he was surprised. She was actually warm to the touch.
Despite this, she leaned her head onto his chest.
“Isn’t it great? It’s so quiet here; the
lights of the city remind me of a Christmas tree, and if that wasn’t beautiful
enough—” She pointed to the sky and Connor looked up.
It was breathtaking; the moon beamed its
power across the city and welcomed everyone to partake in its soft, strong
light. The stars were doing their best to compete with the moon but all fell
short, even the brightest star paling in comparison.
“You’re the first person I’ve shared this
with.”
Connor looked down at her, so small against
his chest, so perfect. She drew herself away from him and looked into his eyes.
“Why are you so perfect for me?” she asked.
“Because somehow we were … are… drawn to
each other.”
Placing his hands on either side of her
neck, he drew her closer to him and felt her soft breath. He could feel her
pulse quicken against his palms. The moon caught her green eyes just right and
radiated off them in a way that made her look both dangerous and beautiful.
Their lips found each other and the rest of their surroundings fell away.
There was nothing else, no more questions,
no worries, nothing but the two of them. The kiss was enrapturing; it took hold
of his heart and refused to let go. It was as if something inside of him was
made whole again.
They pulled away breathless, neither one
willing to break the perfect silence. Time stood still as they gathered
themselves.
“Well, I’m glad you invited me up here.”
“I am, too, but Connor, I don’t know if
it’s fair to lead you on with my family and everythi—”
Connor cut her off with another kiss. This
time when they separated, her eyes were closed, taking time to enjoy the
moment.
“Stop worrying; it’s going to be okay.”
Author bio:
Jonathan Yanez was born and raised in a Christian
household in Oxnard, CA. He was involved in everything from piano and saxophone
lessons to swimming and track. Growing up, his parents encouraged him to read,
and he did—anything he could get his hands on. Soon he developed a fascination
with storytelling and characters that would follow him the rest of his life.
Graduating from BIOLA
University with his BA in English Literature, he never lost his love for
writing and creating. He now works part-time as a personal trainer and hopes to
one day make the move to writing full-time.
Other than reading
and writing, his passion is living life to the fullest. He loves spending time
with his wife and pets, watching movies, participating in mud runs, traveling,
going to the gym, and pushing his limits in everything. This desire takes him
anywhere from skydiving and motorcycle riding, to surfing in Hawaii and various
types of martial arts. He has his eyes set next on archery and running with the
bulls in Spain.
He is married to the
love of his life and resides in Southern California with his husky, Daphne, and
cat, Helen.
Nice excerpt. Thanks for participating in the tour, Tracey!
ReplyDeleteThanks for hosting The Elite Series Tracey.
ReplyDelete