Vital by Jamie Magee

Willow’s journey continues in VITAL, the fourth book in the INSIGHT series. Combating a crumbling family life, a circle of suddenly inconsiderate friends who seem determined to anger her, and a plethora of emotional trials too numerous to withstand, Willow feels overwhelmed. She has pushed herself beyond her own limits and in so doing has closed her mind. Dreams are no longer coming to her.

As she deals with this tumultuous environment, Willow also notices a change in her beloved. Once her source of support and compassion, Landen is suddenly filled with a newfound rage. Fierce and possessive, he forces Willow to wonder whether the bliss of their love has faded away, or if something darker is affecting Landen’s soul. Always watchful of Willow, Drake sees this change and the growing rift between the pair. Both he and Willow remember all too well what happened during Venus’s passing; will Drake take advantage of Landen’s compromised emotions?

Amidst all this turmoil, Willow finds herself obsessed with finding her: the elusive twin. The girl who looks exactly like Willow, and who must be Drake’s soul mate. Willow knows in her heart that to find this girl will remove a tremendous weight from her shoulders, clearing her mind and heart. But a mysterious warning about the chart of her past forces her to consider this course carefully.

And she must consider it soon. Even now, Mars approaches and Willow’s most important battle is at hand. Will she finally break beneath the torment the universe has set upon her, or will she stand beside her friends and loved ones as Mars unleashes its wrath? (courtesy of Amazon.com)

This is my FAVORITE book so far in the series, and maybe in total by Jamie Magee.  Each time I crack a book open from her it's better than the previous book.  Magee has an enormous talent and I am thrilled that she is writing and publishing books.  I am completely in the Insight world when I read, I've said this before about her books, but it's one of the best explanations.--- When I complete a book by Jamie Magee, I literally have to blink a few times to come back to reality.---  I have a hard time putting one of Magee's books down and Vital was one that I didn't put done until I finished. This is a series that can not go ignored.  As the 4th book in the series Magee has already set up our characters and their world which is freshly intertwined with astrology/zodiac; yet in this book I felt like I was falling in love with the characters all over again. I felt this is a pivotal book for what is to come from Magee.

Drake's character speaks to me, so I can never get enough of him.  Willow has grown as we enter this 4th book, we can see her actions are more planned.  This is a tangled situation for Willow, Landon and Drake, but for them to survive they have to find a way to make it work.  I am desperately waiting for Drake to find his soul mate, he is my favorite character in the Insight series.  Magee also writes a series called See (currently there are 2 books out in this series) which has a slightly different basis - the easily explanation I have is revolving around music and souls which I think go together very nicely.  (Potential Spoiler) Insight and See are starting to intertwine which further shows Magee's talent to bring the 2 worlds together.  Magee's character development and concepts are off the charts.

As such Magee gets 6 slices for Vital.  I am anxiously awaiting the next book Vindicate - Out Jan 11 2013

Witness by Jamie Magee

I have to say I don’t know how Jamie hits it out of the park every time!

Book 2 in the series, Witness packs all the juice you need to get you through a “read it in one day” binge.  I said it before with See,  I’m one that loves music so to have this books concept around feeling the music and what music can do just immediately has me hooked.  That being said, don’t think that this book is lacking in action.  Magee manages to wrap up quite a bit of strategy and conflict inside this story.  While SEE and Witness are not deeply wrapped in the Insight series, they crossed over and we are starting to see where they will intertwine, and honestly, I CAN’T FRICKING WAIT FOR IT!

Let’s stick with just Witness cause I’m getting anxious when I think about what could be coming ;)
Ok, so Charlie is starting to get her memories back, but her journey is just the beginning. Finding your soul mate and having him be there even when you are not yourself is huge.  He’s giving you everything, and you aren’t sure where you are in the whole mix because you just have pieces and feelings.  Intense.  Magee punches those feelings right at you.  As I said before, I end the book and I look up blinking to come back to reality.  I’m in the room with Charlie the whole time.  You forget the characters are in their late teens in Magee’s books.

Magee brings Charlie into an interesting mix of confusion and we meet a new character that could be tied to Charlie in the past that is forgotten.  The whole while, Charlie is struggling as she learns twists and has to act quickly with the right choice.  Magee has also brought in a few new people and we visit Chara (from Insight series) and big things there :) :)

Magee doesn’t give you fluff you don’t need, she has a way to pull in new characters and wrap you up in them just as you are with the main characters.  Love Draven by the way.  I can’t say enough good things about these books, especially when trying hard not to spoil it for you.  Try on SEE, I think it hits you better if you have done the 3 books from the Insight series, but you can truly enjoy SEE and Witness without.

Witness was a win for me, and there is a line about love at the end of the book that is amazing…

5 Slices

Embody by Jamie Magee

Not many Scorpio's are known for their patience, and Willow Haywood is no different. Her only desire is to love Landen Chambers and redeem the lost souls of Esterious, but the path to that desire is long, dark and dangerous...
Before Willow's life had a chance to balance the sudden revelations and grief she had to endure to get to Chara a disturbing discovery is made. A photo, one that shows Willow blissfully embracing the flawless image of Drake Blakeshire; giving her not only proof that she had lived before, but that she had loved him. 
Running away from the memory of Drake's hypnotizing touch, and the prophecy set before her seemed like the logical thing to do. That is, until a dark dream reignites her passion to save the hopeless dimension of Esterious. Willow struggles to find patience - to learn everything she needs to know before she faces Drake again, but her eagerness is dangerous and one step in the wrong direction takes everything and everyone away from her - the only way to survive this trial is for Willow to remember who she is and what she really wants out of this life.(courtesy of Amazon)

Jamie Magee hits us with Embody – Sequel to Insight

Willow and Landen held my heart from Insight – but Drake is slowly digging his way in after finishing Embody.  Magee’s world of alternate dimensions and crossing through strings is extraordinarily consuming!  Twisting the world on love, zodiac signs, and other worlds is fresh and welcomed!

I was anxious to get my hands on Embody after reading Insight.  Thankfully a little ARC fairy sent one my way.  The emotions Willow deals with in this book, and not just from her ability, but that she has to deal with just to get through are well defined by Magee.  As a YA read there is plenty of passion, laid out as our couples find their true love, their soul mate.  In Embody, our characters learn to use that bond with their souls to further express their love for each other. 

Don’t get me wrong – it’s not sappy romance – there a trial that Willow and Landen must endure and that’s if they can stay strong together.  Drake is hot on their tails, and finally crosses their paths where they battle with new 'powers'  All throughout its strategic planning – who can be one step ahead of the other

Magee comments that Image – book 3 – will be out THIS year!  For a genuine story with heart and twist, grab this series.

Guest Post from Jamie Magee

As she promotes her latest book - Embody - Jamie has stopped by and giving many of us bloggers a guest post!  Yesterday we shared our combined interview with you - now learn a little more about Jamie herself

It is the small, almost insignificant moments – the ones we do without a thought or reason that often bring forth a wave of change in our lives. I never imagined that a thoughtless New Year’s resolution or opening a blank word document would lead me here today. As I write these words a smile is across my face and gratitude for all that my life has brought me is beaming from my soul.

 I will never forget 1/1/09 - the first the day of New Year, the last year in decade and turning point in my life. I never expected that day would bring so many amazing characters, readers, authors and new found friends into my life – and now I live in a constant state of expectancy – I’ve learned to expect the unexpected because I have no idea where this series or my career will lead me – I just know that I plan to enjoy every smile and tear it may bring my way.

I cannot tell you how mind blowing it is for me to be releasing the second book in the Insight Series, Embody. The first flash – the vague image I had of Willow Haywood was almost painful. I remember feeling so sorry for her – heartbroken that she was where she was at that point in her life. I could only see Landen through her eyes at that moment and his urgency to reach her was alarming. I mulled over this image of a green eye girl in countless day dreams. I had to understand who she was – what her name was and what brought her to the moment I was seeing. Not knowing any of this I just began to write. I’ve said before I began Insight with “It was a warm day in Franklin” at that moment I had no idea that Chara existed – that Esterious existed – that the string was a breathtaking passage connecting all of humanity. All of the answers seem to rush at me at me at once and one by one the characters of the Insight series began to emerge and whisper their perception into my thoughts.

When I finished Insight I realized that the moment I’d seen had not come. It was an awkward moment in my life. One thought would tell me that I’d wasted three months of my life writing a story that would never be read – the next would tell me that this was simply the beginning. As I let my friends read Insight I found the moments I’d carved out to write in my life were empty – after successfully organizing every closet and drawer in my house my restlessness became too much for me to handle. Before I had the verdict from my friends on my story I began to write again. This time I didn’t start at the beginning like I had with Insight. I finally wrote the scene that I’d first seen in my mind’s eye. At first it felt like I was writing a book outside of the series but then Willow showed me how she reached that point. I’d written what is chapter 12 in Embody all the way to end before I had any feedback on Insight, at that point it didn’t matter if anyone else was in love with Willow and Landen – I was!

Undoubtedly through the life of Willow Haywood I have felt every emotion that the human soul can perceive. I cannot wait to share not only this story, but each one I have seen past this point with each of you.  Thank you so much for experiencing this adventure with me!

Make sure you entered the contest yesterday on the interview!

EMBODY - Released today - Sequel to Insight by Jamie Magee

COME JOIN THE PARTY - the release party of the latest from Jamie Magee - EMBODY
We've had the pleasure of becoming friends with author Jamie Magee.  She's written Insight and the new sequel Embody.  

Embody is released today - visit Amazon to get a copy (link below) - if you haven't read the first, Insight, you are missing out.  
Luck was on our side when we received an ARC of Embody, all I can say is Captivating! We willl be posting our review later - can't give you all the fun at 1 time
A few of us blogs have gotten together to give Jamie the third degree on her books and herself.  Enjoy!!! (check back tomorrow for a guest post from Jamie to continue the fun)

JM: Hi everyone! This is absolutely amazing. I cannot wait to answer each of these questions. I’ve always loved how FB brings together not only friends and family, but leads us to new found friends that we would have never known otherwise!

Best Books:  How did you get the idea for Insight?

JM: I honestly feel like Insight found me. I had a craving for a unique love story that held paranormal elements that I have always found fascinating. In the beginning I only saw Willow ~ she in turn told me her story.    

Seduced by Books: I personally love how you have done this series about astrological signs, unconditional love, love conquering all, and yet it's not 'sappy' what gave you your inspiration to go that route?? 

JM: We all enjoyed the fairy tales when we were growing up ( I still love to read them to my daughter) the ones where the poor girl was alone or mistreated - then her prince rescues her and swifts her away and they live ‘happily every after’ . Well, the Scorpio inside of me wanted to know what went on in the every after – as adults or even as teens we know that life is imperfect. Each of us face an unpredictable world every day. When we first fall in love it’s easy to forget our worries, but then the initial bliss fades (somewhat) - we are still deeply in love – but we have to face the world. The love story between Willow and Landen is not one where you have to question if these two belong together. The question is what happens in the ever after. 

I think the mind set of living in this ever after took the ‘sappy’ just fell in love element out of the Insight Series ( although at times you will still see this between Willow and Landen) and allowed the challenge of facing the world as a couple to come to life. 
When I was originally looking for an element to thread through my conflict I thought about the seven sins. One day, in the very beginning of this experience, I was asking for help on my writing style. The very nice man that was coaching me asked – if I had passion for the seven sins. I told him that I didn’t – that honestly I was having a hard time really grasping them. He told me that if I did not feel a passion for that conflict then my readers never would – then he strongly suggested that whatever conflict element I added was one that completely captivated me.. I did not have to ponder this question for long – I’ve always been fascinated with Astrology. It is a science that has endless possibilities in both the love side of Insight and the conflicts that my characters face

Peace, Love, Teen Fiction: How much research did you do for your book? Was it hard or did you enjoy it?

JM: I completely enjoyed the research I did. The string theory is something that is truly studied – the element of alternate dimensions is just one of the many aspects the theory suggests. The ideas behind this theory are extremely fascinating and can cause anyone’s imagination to run wild. Looking into the Zodiac was almost like a personal awaking. I admit that I have barely begun to grasp the oldest science in the world, but I can’t help but find it odd how certain personality aspects are often reflected in our birth charts.

All Things Books: While writing do you require silence and to be left to your own devices or do you prefer it to be on the louder side with people around?

JM: Silence is not really a word in my vocabulary J Even if I write in the dead of night while my family is sleeping I have my headphones in and music blaring!

Taking it One Book at a Time: Which character gave you the most trouble when writing? (i.e. changed appearances, personalities, turned into an asshole, lol)

JM: I have to say Drake. Every good book has a villain - the one that everyone is meant to hate, but I couldn’t hate him. As Drake developed throughout the series it easy to see why I had the emotion from the very beginning. This character is very charismatic, gorgeous, and powerful – but he also has a different side that he will slowly reveal. I will tell you this – I’m glad I do not have to make the decisions that Willow Haywood does!

Seduced by books: Speaking of Drake - Drake holds a special place in my heart - don't get me wrong I love Willow and Landen, but there is something about Drake that moves me - what hints can you give us about his future?

JM:“Drake MOVES me! - I remember clearly beginning to write the third book in the series ‘Image’ in December of 2009. I would have never ever ever ever chosen to begin a book at that time of year simply because life is so hectic around me – but I was haunted – I literally had no choice. Drake Blakeshire not only took over my day dreams he took over every waking/sleeping moment of my life. His presence was so powerful in ‘Image’ that once it was complete I had no choice but to go back to Embody and properly introduce his character. Drake’s magnetism, power ,and mystery continues to not only haunt me but our leading lady – Willow Haywood.”

My Home Away From Home: Describe your book in 5 words or less.

JM: This is such a hard question because I’m so bashful – umm lets go with this:

An addicting, compelling love-story.( at least I can say this is my goal description!)

Love Fantasy Novels: If you could be one character from your books who would you be?

JM: I love them all, but I want to say Willow simply because the private moments between her, Landen, and Drake are the ones that seem to drive the story forward. If I were any other character I would deeply miss the emotions and insight the three of these characters bring.

Book Lover 1989: If you could write a novel with another author who would you choose and why?

JM: J.K Rowling – I simply love her in-depth imagination.

Bookies: Was it difficult to come up with a title for your book?

JM: In a way it was. I had called it ‘Gifted’ from the moment I began to write it, but after walking through the aisles of my local book store I discovered that title had been taken. I toyed with the idea of “Eight beyond the Sun and Moon” and countless others. I knew I wanted a one word title ( I don’t know why. I guess I was looking for simplicity) I went back and forth with my friends and family for weeks toward the publication day. One night I came home and handed my husband a list of possible titles. The expression on his face led me to believe he was not found of any of them. At that very moment the IPOD changed songs and now playing was “It ends to Tonight” by the All American Rejects. The last time I had heard that song was the night I’d written the ‘fight’ between Willow and Landen in Insight. As the course began to play my children began to sing along “Just a little Insight will make this right” my husband and I looked at each other and both said ‘Insight” at the same time. I’ve always found eerie that when you truly seek and answer you are always – even if by chance - led to the answer.

Bookaholics: How easy was it to write Embody after your experience with Insight?

JM: I have often referred to Insight as my ‘first child’ in the realm of writing. Every part of it was a learning experience. As I wrote Insight I had to discover who each of the characters were – the world they lived in. Understanding who they were made it easier to express their emotions and reactions as the story of Embody came to life. Embody and the stories beyond the first two were far easier to master.

YA Books: If you become leader of the world, what would be the first thing that you'd do with your power?

JM: Enforce the saying ‘pay it forward’ – is one of many steps I would take!

Book Reader Addicts: I know you have said before that with each book you are going to go more indepth with different characters. Do you have an order and how did you choose that order?

JM: I have no order in mind lol. The main story through book four ( I’m at the mercy of the rest of the stories) focuses around three main characters Willow, Landen, and Drake. Their circumstances do bring other characters into focus and allow the reader to discover them.

Just before I begin writing any story and sometimes along the way I will write down random ideas I have – it could be anything from a phrase or a description. At the end I always look back – and invariable discover that the path the story took was not what I had in mind in the beginning. It is hard to say who will come forth in the future but I look forward to discovering them with each of you.

Best books: How do you feel when you’re writing?

JM: Alive! It is the one thing I could do all day everyday and not expect anything in return. I love the rush of emotions – I’m sure it is quiet comical to watch me write – you will see everything from laughter to sadness– shocked expressions and anger. I’ve even been caught clapping.

Peace, Love, Teen Fiction: What is it like being a published author?

JM: To this day I have not been able to fathom the idea. In my mind I’m simply sharing my words with a large group of friends!

All Things Books: Who is your dream cast should Insight ever be made into a movie?

JM: I’ve been asked this before and I have yet to come up with an answer. I would hope that if this day came that the cast would be full of people who just needed one chance – that it would be their perfect ‘break’ and we would all indulge in the new found talent.

Taking it One Book at a Time: Who's the one author that can completely & utterly make you forget the outside world?

JM: J.K Rowling – I love love love her imagination.

My Home Away From Home: What is one question that you have always wanted to be asked in an interview? How would you answer that question?

JM: Ummm….what’s my favorite color???? – Purple J

Love Fantasy Novels: If you could have dinner with one famous person, dead or alive, who would it be and why?

JM: I could go really deep here and reach back and say Nostrdamus – my purpose in this dinner would be to understand what he was ‘seeing’ when he made his prophecies – to apply them to modern life and debate the path of humanity. Or- I could just be real and say Ben Burnley – I love this musician. His lyrics have inspired scene after scene in my series – I would want to know what inspired him to write them in the first place, and of course – thank him!

Book Lover 1989: What are you top 5 favorite books/series of books?

JM: Hard List to come up with….

Redeeming love – Francine Rivers

Charlotte’s Web – EB White (we all have to start somewhere!)

The Notebook/ Wedding - Nicholas Sparks

Harry Potter Series – J.K Rowling

Romeo & Juliet – William Shakespeare

Bookaholics: Do you write to a soundtrack and if so,what music was your inspiration whilst writing Embody?

JM: Oh how I love music! Sometimes songs inspire writing and others simply remind me of the story. The Embody playlist I have now is:

My Never – Blue October

The Diary of Jane – Breaking Benjamin

Dear Agony – Breaking Benjamin

Point #1 - Chevelle

Bring Me to Life –Evanescence

Cold – Evans Blue

Eclipsed – Evans Blue

A Cross and a Girl Named Blessed – Evans Blue

Fair Fight – The Fray

Everything Will Be Alright – The Killers

Possibility – Lykke Li

Breathe Into Me - Red

All around Me - Fly Leaf

YA Books: If you were a superhero, what would be your superpower, what would your name be, and would you be a goodie or the baddie?

JM: Scorpion – power: emotions – I would be good (Wait – I feel like I know someone like this?!) Sorry… I tried to be unique – but as my daughter would say ‘I got nothin’ lol

Book Reader Addicts: Since I have already read Embody I have to know….when is the third book coming out? (No, rush or anything. LOL)

JM: I was so excited about the first reviews of Embody that I sent ‘Image’ to the editor the first week of May – I do not have a date set – but I can tell you it will be THIS year J

Jamie, again thank you so much. I can not wait to read more from you. Before when end this is there anything else you would like to tell you readers?

JM: I want to thank each and every one of you for taking the time to share this daydream with me – it means more than I could ever express in words!

One last thing! Jamie has a surprise for you! Tell them Jamie!

I know we all love release dates and SWAG – so for Embody’s release each page will have a swag bag – complete with and ebook version of Embody! Good luck everyone and happy reading!

For more chances to win visit all of the pages that were involved with the interview. Links are below. This giveaway will last until Wednesday June 1st on our page – comments below will be entered – and chosen at random
















Links to our participating blogs :) 
Taking it One Book at a Time http://takingitonebookatatime.blogspot.com/
YA Books http://cheezyfeetbooks.blogspot.com/
Love Fantasy Novels http://lovefantasyscifinovels.blogspot.com/
Bookies http://www.facebook.com/Bookiesfan?sk=info
Bookaholics book club http://www.facebook.com/BookaholicsBkCl?sk=info
Book Reader Addicts http://www.facebook.com/pages/Book-Reader-Addicts/111740428882269
Best Books -http://www.facebook.com/pages/Best-books/188630521175193?ref=ts&sk=wall
My Home Away From Home http://www.facebook.com/MHAFH
Peace, Love, Teen Fiction: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Peace-Love-Teen-Fiction/113906138666107
Book Lover 1989: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Book-Lover-1989/184355894932867
All Things Books: http://www.facebook.com/allthingsbooks

Insight by Jamie Magee

Before that fateful summer night, Willow had balanced the insight of emotion, and the vivid images. That night, the figure in her nightmare marked her wrist with a star, giving her father no choice but to tell Willow a family secret that would abruptly change life, as she knew it, forever. Before Willow had time to absorb the shock of her father's secret, her soul mate that had shared every stunning dream with her, found her, and darkness captured her closest friends. In order to save them, she must weave through broken myths and the undeniable power of the Zodiac. In the end, Willow discovers that at the moment of our birth we are all given a divine gift. (courtesy of Amazon)

Insight brings us an interesting, well thought-out, multi-dimensional world.

Who doesn’t want a world where everything is beautiful and people are happy, well that’s one dimension.  Traveling from one dimension to the next in search of their soul mates, love is found.  The main character – Willow – has been through quite a bit growing up as she has an interesting talent.  She’s got 2 best friends that have come to be like family to her and she suffers from pleasant dreams and nasty nightmares.  Landen is from her dreams and Drake is from her nightmares.  Drawn together as soul mates, she must come to help her kidnapped friends.  There is a lot to this book.  Finding your soulmate can be bittersweet when the rest of your family depends on you to stay away from him. 

Magee has developed Landen to the point that I can see his crystal blue eyes in my head.  Drake comes out me with dark eyes that definitely don’t show his soul.  When Willow makes her choice, will history repeat itself, will the worlds exist as they are now? 

Insight is definitely a thrilling, interesting read.  I found the character development to be well done, the story is rich with information and set up.  Magee gives us Insight, packed with story.  A few times I thought it may have been too much, but Magee brought it back and wrapped it up nicely – looking forward for the next book to see if our characters further develop and if our ending stays where it is.  (crosses fingers).


3 Slices -