Review: To Catch a Killer by Sheryl Scarborough

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

To Catch a Killer by Sheryl Scarborough
Series: Erin Blake #1
Published by Tor Teen on February 7, 2017
Pages: 320
Format: Hardcover
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

Erin Blake has one of those names. A name that, like Natalee Holloway or Elizabeth Smart, is inextricably linked to a grisly crime. As a toddler, Erin survived for three days alongside the corpse of her murdered mother, and the case—which remains unsolved—fascinated a nation. Her father's identity unknown, Erin was taken in by her mother's best friend and has become a relatively normal teen in spite of the looming questions about her past.

Fourteen years later, Erin is once again at the center of a brutal homicide when she finds the body of her biology teacher. When questioned by the police, Erin tells almost the whole truth, but never voices her suspicions that her mother's killer has struck again in order to protect the casework she's secretly doing on her own.

Inspired by her uncle, an FBI agent, Erin has ramped up her forensic hobby into a full-blown cold-case investigation. This new murder makes her certain she's close to the truth, but when all the evidence starts to point the authorities straight to Erin, she turns to her longtime crush (and fellow suspect) Journey Michaels to help her crack the case before it's too late.

To Catch a Killer was a mystery thrill-ride of a book. It started off a bit slow, but once things picked up, I was constantly on my toes, suspicious of everyone and trying to follow the evidence. This book was billed as being NCIS meets Veronica Mars and I could DEFINITELY see the Veronica Mars comparisons.

I was a little indifferent to Erin in the beginning. The more immersed she became in her investigation, the more I liked her. I could see things through her eyes, as if I was the investigator trying to solve the mystery. I loved the way she threw herself into the investigation, committed and willing to do whatever she had to to get answers. I also really liked her relationship with Journey. It didn’t feel like insta-love. It was organic, a slow but steady progression from friends with crushes to more.

I’m not sure how I feel about Spam and Lysa. At times, they were amazing, supportive friends. At other times, they were really frustrating and treated Erin like she was purposely leaving them out. I definitely loved their involvement in the end, but I’m not sure if it makes up for their earlier behavior.

Rachel reminded me of Jenna from The Vampire Diaries (specifically from season one). She was trying so hard to parent but flailing helplessly. Serious question: why are adults never honest with their kids, especially in YA novels? Why do they always think they know best? Why do they always keep secrets? It’s such a tired cliche and it grated on my nerves a bit.

I really loved Victor. Erin needed someone on her side, someone who listened to her and believed her. Rachel tried, but she was a bit clueless. She was also dealing with her own thoughts and feelings and I think she was a bit stuck in the past – for obvious reasons, of course, but I think it clouded her judgement where Erin was concerned. Victor came into the picture just when Erin needed him the most. And then the way his story ended? That thing and the other thing but spoilers but WHOA. I REALLY need there to be a sequel so we can see if Erin’s suspicions are correct!

There are two characters I really want to talk about, but it’s hard to without spoilers. Let’s just say, I was very suspicious of these two characters and I wasn’t surprised when we finally learned the truth in the end.

My favorite thing about this book – and this is going to sound so weird, I don’t even know if it’ll make sense – was the tone. It completely reminded me of a 90s/00s teen novel, and I LOVED IT! It reminded me of an old-school Caroline B. Cooney novel (The Face on the Milk Carton) and of Sara Shepard’s The Lying Game series.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. It was fun playing detective alongside Erin. The forensics aspects were especially epic. I’m a huge, huge forensics buff, so this was definitely my favorite part! I really hope there’s a sequel because that ending was crazy and I NEED ANSWERS! So yeah, I definitely recommend this one to fans of Veronica Mars, CSI, NCIS – Basically, if you’re a fan of ANY of the crime/forensics procedurals, I think you’ll really love this one!

Release Week Launch: Starfall by Melissa Landers

Feb9

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to be participating in the release week launch of Melissa Landers’ Starfall, book two in the Starflight duology! First, here’s a note from the author!

From Melissa Landers: “Hi, booklovers!

I’m author Melissa Landers, and I’m so excited to launch STARFALL, the second and final book in my Starflight duology! This story picks up shortly after the first book ends, but now Cassia and Kane are the main characters, with Doran, Solara, and the rest of the Banshee crew pitching in to help take down an intergalactic mafia. (You know, just an ordinary day in space.) And while saying goodbye to characters is never easy, I think I gave the crew a proper sendoff with plenty of humor, heart, and action. I hope you love STARFALL as much as I do!

Haven’t read the first book? You’re in luck, because for a limited time, Starflight is on sale for 99 cents in all e-formats. Now you can binge read the entire duology in one sitting!”

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And now here’s more about the book!

When Princess Cassia Rose fled her home world of Eturia to escape an arranged marriage, she had no idea her sudden departure would spark a war. Now after two years hiding as a ship hand, she is finally returning to her beloved home, but not in the way she imagined. Shackled by bounty hunters, she is violently dragged back to account for her crimes. Her only solace is that the Banshee crew managed to evade capture, including Kane Arric, her best friend…with occasional benefits.

Meanwhile, Kane and the rest of the crew of the Banshee plan a desperate rescue mission. But when they arrive on Eturia, Cassia isn’t exactly in need of heroics—she’s claimed her birthright as Eturia’s queen, but has inherited a war-torn planet simmering with rebellion. Cassia must make alliances, and Kane, the bastard son of a merchant, isn’t a choice that will earn her any friends. Kane knows he will never find someone to replace Cassia—and is certain she returns his feelings—but how can he throw away his own promising future waiting on a queen?

When the outer realm is threatened by the dangerous Zhang mafia, Cassia, Kane and the rest of the Banshee crew uncover a horrifying conspiracy that endangers the entire universe. In the face of unspeakable evil, Cassia must confront her own family’s complicated legacy on Eturia and decide once and for all who her real family is.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indie Bound

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And now here’s more about book one, Starflight!

Life in the outer realm is a lawless, dirty, hard existence, and Solara Brooks is hungry for it. Just out of the orphanage, she needs a fresh start in a place where nobody cares about the engine grease beneath her fingernails or the felony tattoos across her knuckles. She’s so desperate to reach the realm that she’s willing to indenture herself to Doran Spaulding, the rich and popular quarterback who made her life miserable all through high school, in exchange for passage aboard the spaceliner Zenith.

When a twist of fate lands them instead on the Banshee, a vessel of dubious repute, Doran learns he’s been framed on Earth for conspiracy. As he pursues a set of mysterious coordinates rumored to hold the key to clearing his name, he and Solara must get past their enmity to work together and evade those out for their arrest. Life on the Banshee may be tumultuous, but as Solara and Doran are forced to question everything they once believed about their world—and each other—the ship becomes home, and the eccentric crew family. But what Solara and Doran discover on the mysterious Planet X has the power to not only alter their lives, but the existence of everyone in the universe…

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Praise for Starflight:

“Smart, action-packed and utterly addictive!” –New York Times bestselling author Amie Kaufman

“Starflight has the cinematic appeal, warp-speed action and unlikely heroes of Star Wars.” –Justine Magazine

“A lively tale of romance, space pirates, conspiracy, and made (as opposed to genetic) families.” –Booklist

“A great choice for fans of raw sci-fi action, reminiscent of the lawlessness presented in the television series Firefly.” –School Library Journal

If you love sci-fi adventure with a dash of romance, I hope you’ll pick up the Starflight duology today. Starflight and Starfall are both available in stores and online.

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Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Book Depository | Indie Bound

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And now for the giveaway, with a note from Melissa!

From Melissa Landers: “To celebrate my book birthday, I’m offering one lucky winner a Starflight duology swag pack, complete with bookmarks and two signed mini posters! The giveaway is open internationally. Due to sweepstakes laws, entrants must be 18 years or older to participate.

Best of luck, and happy reading!”

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About the Author:

Melissa Landers is a former teacher who left the classroom to pursue other worlds. A proud sci-fi geek, she isn’t afraid to wear her Princess Leia costume in public—just ask her husband and three kids. She lives outside Cincinnati in the small town of Loveland, “Sweetheart of Ohio.” For more information or just to say hello, visit www.melissa-landers.com.

Release Day Blitz: To Catch a Killer by Sheryl Scarborough (Giveaway)

Feb7

Happy Book Birthday to Sheryl Scarborough and To Catch a Killer (Tor Teen)! I’m reading this right now and I’m totally intrigued! Thanks to Tor Teen, I have a copy of To Catch a Killer to give away! First, here’s more about the book:

Erin Blake has one of those names. A name that, like Natalee Holloway or Elizabeth Smart, is inextricably linked to a grisly crime. As a toddler, Erin survived for three days alongside the corpse of her murdered mother, and the case—which remains unsolved—fascinated a nation. Her father’s identity unknown, Erin was taken in by her mother’s best friend and has become a relatively normal teen in spite of the looming questions about her past.

Fourteen years later, Erin is once again at the center of a brutal homicide when she finds the body of her biology teacher. When questioned by the police, Erin tells almost the whole truth, but never voices her suspicions that her mother’s killer has struck again in order to protect the casework she’s secretly doing on her own.

Inspired by her uncle, an FBI agent, Erin has ramped up her forensic hobby into a full-blown cold-case investigation. This new murder makes her certain she’s close to the truth, but when all the evidence starts to point the authorities straight to Erin, she turns to her longtime crush (and fellow suspect) Journey Michaels to help her crack the case before it’s too late.

Goodreads | Amazon | IndieBound
Find More Buy Links Here.

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And now for the giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a hardcover copy of the book, US/CAN only.

-Giveaway is US/Canada only

-Winner has 48 hours to respond. If winner does not respond, a new winner will be selected.

-You must be 13 or older to enter OR have your parents’ permission.

-I am not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

-I reserve the right to change any rules as I see fit for each individual giveaway

*The above giveaway rules were borrowed and modified from Jessica @ Just a Book Lover.

With that being said, I wish you luck! May the odds be ever in your favor!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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About the Author:

Sheryl Scarborough worked as a story writer and series developer in children’s television before receiving her MFA in Writing for Children & Young Adults from Vermont College, where she studied under Rita Williams-Garcia, Tom Birdseye, and Susan Fletcher, among others. She currently lives and works in Kalama, Washington. To Catch a Killer is her debut.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Tumblr

Review: Caraval by Stephanie Garber

Feb4

I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Series: Caraval #1
Published by Flatiron Books on January 31, 2017
Pages: 407
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world . . .

Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever.

Caraval was a twisty-turny book. It kept me on the edge of my seat, never knowing who to trust or what to believe. Honestly, I finished it yesterday and I’m STILL not sure what to make of what happened!! This book reminded me of a combination of Wintersong (because of the sisters) and Fever by Lauren DeStefano (because of the “carnival” and the dark and gritty plot).

The world of Caraval was absolutely gorgeous and breath-taking – the island it takes place on, Isla de los sueños (the island of dreams) is up there with Wonderland and Oz, in my opinion. It’s magical and fantastical and I’d love to go there and experience it for myself.

As I mentioned, the sisters in this – Scarlett and Tella – reminded me very much of Liesl and Kath from Wintersong, respectively. Both Scarlet and Liesl are headstrong and overprotective. Each ends up on a bizarre adventure in an attempt to save their sister. Both Tella and Kath are carefree and a bit immature. They don’t think about the consequences of their actions. The one big difference? There’s more to Tella than meets the eye.

As for the other characters… Julian is cocky, sarcastic and a complete mystery. I was constantly shuffling back and forth, wondering if I could trust him or not. And even after finishing the book, there’s still something about him that’s nagging at me. I really wanted to like Dante. He was so kind in the beginning, but then certain things that happened later on had me rethinking everything he said and did. I think I liked Aiko, but I can’t be sure because we didn’t really get to know her very well. I really hope we learn more about her in the sequel because I think there’s more to her than we know. I REALLY wanted to like Count Nicholas d’Arcy. His letters had me hopeful, but then.. Sigh. Basically, I didn’t trust ANYONE at all and I’m dying for book two because I can’t wait to see where their stories all go next. Finally, obviously, I HATED their father with a passion.

The only negative thing I really have to say is this book started off REALLY slow. Like.. For me, it honestly didn’t pick up until about page 221. But once it DID pick up, it didn’t slow down again until the very last page – and then I was devastated that it was the last page and now I CANNOT wait for book two!!! That cliffhanger was INSANE!!!

Overall, if you can push through the first half and stick with it, the second half is AMAZING and mind-blowing. You won’t know who to trust, you won’t know what to believe – and you won’t want it to end.

Review: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child – Parts One and Two by John Tiffany, Jack Thorne, J.K. Rowling (Contains Spoilers)

Feb3

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts One and Two by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne, John Tiffany
Published by Little Brown UK on July 31, 2016
Pages: 343
Format: Hardcover
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
two-half-stars

Based on an original new story by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne and John Tiffany, a new play by Jack Thorne, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is the eighth story in the Harry Potter series and the first official Harry Potter story to be presented on stage. The play will receive its world premiere in London’s West End on July 30, 2016.

It was always difficult being Harry Potter and it isn’t much easier now that he is an overworked employee of the Ministry of Magic, a husband and father of three school-age children.

While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places.

This is going to be less a review and more just my random thoughts. This WILL CONTAIN SPOILERS, though, so you have been warned.

I’ll just start (non-spoilery) by saying this book was awful. Seriously, awful. I didn’t have high expectations going in because I’d heard mixed things from friends who read it and because I, unfortunately, did see some spoilers. But I didn’t expect it to be so awful, either, and it was disappointing. There was very little I enjoyed about this book. The things I DID enjoy, I REALLY enjoyed. But overall…? Nope.

PLEASE NOTE: FROM HERE DOWN, THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS.
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Since my thoughts are so scattered, I’m going to break this into what I DID like and what I DIDN’T like and then do bullet points within each section. I just think it’ll be easier to organize my thoughts that way.

I’ll start with what I didn’t like, since there is very little I DO like. So, here we go:

What I DIDN’T Like

The writing was terrible. I know it’s supposed to be a play, not a book, so it’s more about how the actors take the script and make it their own. For that reason, I can see how those who see the play will enjoy it far more than those who read it as a book. But because I DID read the book, that’s all I can go on. I also think it would have been better if J.K. Rowling had actually written it. Honestly, if it had been a BOOK book, it would have been so much better. And again, I don’t deny that it’s SUPPOSED to be a play and, therefore, is better seen as a play than read as a book. I GET THAT. But I read the book, so I can only go off that. And reading it as a book was awful.

The plot was ludicrous and far-fetched. Voldemort hates the idea of being vulnerable and being close with people, so why would he have sex with anyone, let alone Bellatrix?!? It just makes no sense! And he was SO CLOSE to the Battle of Hogwarts and, in his mind, defeating Harry Potter. Why would he waste time having sex with Bellatrix when victory was within his grasp?!?! Also.. With his soul as damaged as it was and with his body barely being a body… could he even have children? Like.. were those parts working..? O.o I mean.. how did that even work…?

Harry, Ron and Hermione were shadows of their glorious former selves. Nothing they did made any sense. It was all just so out of character and really frustrating.

I also couldn’t stand whiny bratty baby Albus and that seems so wrong.. Shouldn’t we LOVE Harry’s kid? I totally understand him needing to come to terms with having Harry Potter as a father, but like.. Isn’t Albus 11 when the story starts? Haven’t his parents told him the story? Hasn’t he experienced the staring and whispers, to some degree, when out with his father? I can’t imagine they never visited The Leaky Cauldron, Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade as a family, so… ?

I didn’t trust Delphi from very early on. She just kept appearing out of nowhere and at very suspicious, convenient times… How did no one see through her sooner?!?!

What I DID Like

The first half of Act 3 was the only part of this book/play that was utter perfection…. But like, I finished reading this and started writing my notes 10 minutes after and I had already forgotten what happened in that section that was epic. See how memorable it was…?

I loved when McGonagall realized Scorpius and Albus were under the cloak and said “well, if I didn’t see you…” and just walked away. Like, honestly, she was hilarious and spot on. She was one of the few original characters who was IN CHARACTER.

Also, I must say I really liked Scorpius. I heard a LOT of people say they really loved him and he was the best part of the story and now I see what they mean.

I LOOOVED the Snape parts and the way he was working with Hermione and Ron. It was just THE BEST. They were so kind with one another, so familiar, and Snape was willing to sacrifice himself to save Harry and ZOMG PERFECTION. Just absolute perfection. I know a lot of people argue that, despite learning Snape’s side of the story in Deathly Hallows, he isn’t a redeemable person for the things he did. But I feel like Cursed Child gave us a chance to see a better side of him and it was just perfection.

So many people hated the “going back in time” plot device. I wasn’t a huge fan of it either, but… We saw it happen in Prisoner of Azkaban. We know Time-Turners exist. So why was time travel such a shocking concept for people? And honestly, I think it’s pretty fascinating to see how changing one small, seemingly inconsequential thing in the past can make such a huge difference in the future. There’s not much about this book I can defend, but that was actually truly fascinating and I WILL defend that as being intriguing. I just wish it had been done in a more interesting way.. It all happened in a very vanilla, neat way.

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Overall, this was just a pretty terrible book. I totally get the bad fan fiction jokes now and honestly I’m just gonna pretend I never read it. It was very disappointing when it could have been so great – when it SHOULD have been so great. Harry Potter fans deserved better than this. We deserved a REAL story – an actual book – written by Queen Rowling. I’m still holding out hope that she’ll write books about the Marauders, even though the likelihood is slim to none..

So… Yeah. I can’t think of anything else to say. I’ve ranted and babbled and I’m disappointed and drained.

Have you read Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? What are your thoughts?

Spotlight Post: Reckoning Infinity by John E. Stith

Feb1

Happy Book Birthday to John E. Stith and Reckoning Infinity!

A riveting exploration of what it means to be an alien…and what it means to be human. Explorers sent deep into the interior of a moon-sized alien visitor may wind up dead before they discover the visitor’s secrets. The team includes a woman who received several bionic replacements after an accident and the man she blames for the accident. Could be thought of as Rendezvous with Rama meets A Journey to the Center of the Earth. On the Science Fiction Chronicle best of year list. Chosen by the New York Public Library as one of their Best Books for Young Adults. Winner of the Colorado Authors’ League Top Hand Award. Reached the preliminary Nebula Award ballot. Science Fiction Book Club selection.

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Praise for Reckoning Infinity
“A taut, solidly written adventure with well-handled character interactions…this is his best outing so far.”–Kirkus Reviews

“[Stith] has always had a real talent for describing bizarre environments…will offer fans of hard SF much to satisfy their sense of wonder.”—Publishers Weekly

“John Stith is among the finest writers of hard science fiction in the world. … In what can best be described as `The Six-Million Dollar Woman’ meets `Rendezvous with Rama,’ Stith will keep you turning the pages as he reveals the marvels of an alien `moonscape.'”—Rocky Mountain News

“vividly imagined, from the big opening scenes of the shuttle-habitat collision, to the descriptions of the medical procedures used to save Alis’s life, to the small details of working (and being injured) in spacesuits.”—Locus

Goodreads | Amazon

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And now for the giveaway! One winner will receive an eBook copy of Reckoning Infinity! To enter, simply leave a comment telling me why you want to read the book. Be sure to leave your contact email in the comment so I can contact you if you win!

Giveaway is US only, ends 2/8/16 at 11pm EST

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Author Biography of John E. Stith:

John E. Stith is the author eight novels, including REDSHIFT RENDEZVOUS, a Nebula Award nominee, and MANHATTAN TRANSFER, a Hugo Award Honorable Mention. Several of his works with Ace Books and Tor Books have been bought by the Science Fiction Book Club and optioned for film. He has optioned several feature-film screenplays, and has sold to television (Star Trek). Complete information on his works may be found at www.neverend.com. A photo is available here. During 2016 and 2017 his backlist is going to be re-released in trade paperback and all major ebook formats from ReAnimus Press. His “Naught for Hire” from ANALOG is the basis for the upcoming webisode series starring Ben Browder.

Website | Newsletter

Spotlight Post: The Crooked Sixpence by Jennifer Bell

Jan31

Happy Book Birthday to Jennifer Bell and The Crooked Sixpence (The Uncommoners #1) (January 31, 2017 – Random House)

Welcome to a world where nothing is quite as it seems.
A silver bell will tell you the way.
A candle’s wick will hide you.
And a CROOKED SIXPENCE will be the first warning…
Time is running out.

When Ivy Sparrow’s grandma Sylvie is rushed to hospital, Ivy and her big brother Seb cannot imagine what lies in store for them. Returning to Sylvie’s house, they find it has been ransacked by intruders, a floating feather has left a mysterious warning scratched into the wall and two police officers in peculiar uniform are on the doorstep waving…toilet brushes. Pursued by the officers, Ivy and Seb take the only escape on offer: jumping into a suitcase wielded by a strange boy who claims to be able to save them.

Suddenly they find themselves in the incredible city of Lundinor, a market beneath London where uncommon people trade in uncommon goods: belts that enable you to fly; yo-yos that turns into weapons. But Ivy and Seb soon find out that muckers (as commoners like them are known) aren’t welcome in this hidden world and with the revelation of a family secret as shameful as it is incredible, they realise that there is much more to Grandma Sylvie than she – or anyone – knows. With dangerous uncommon people closing in fast, and with a terrifying uncommon alarm clock counting down to the deaths of their parents, Ivy and Seb must find a way to get out, get home and get their parents and grandmother to safety before it’s too late.

Goodreads | Amazon
Book Depository | Kobo | Audible

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About the author:

Londoner Jennifer Bell began working in children’s books as a specialist bookseller at Foyles, Charing Cross Road, one of the world’s most famous bookstores. After having the privilege of listening to children talk about their favorite books for many years, she started writing a book of her own on her lunch breaks. You can follow Jennifer on Twitter at @jenrosebell.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Spotlight Post: The Wizard’s Dog by Eric Kahn Gale

Jan30

Hey guys! Today, I’m excited to share with you a spotlight post for a book that looks adorable and fun: The Wizard’s Dog by Eric Kahn Gale (January 17, 2017 by Crown Books for Young Readers)

A magical story full of humor and heart. Katherine Applegate, Newbery-winning author of The One and Only Ivan

For fans of The Hero’s Guide to Saving Your Kingdom comes an offbeat, comedic spin on the Excalibur legend told from the point of view of a talking dog who wants to be a magician!

Meet Nosewise. He’s spunky. He’s curious. And he’s a dog who can’t understand why his pack mates Merlin and Morgana spend all day practicing magic tricks. If it’s a trick they want, he’s the dog to ask! He can already Sit!, Stay!, and Roll Over!

But there’s no way Nosewise is Stay!ing when his master and best friend, Merlin, is kidnapped. There’s nothing Nosewise won’t do to get Merlin back, even if it means facing the strange Fae people and their magic-eating worms, or tangling with the mysterious Sword in the Stone. But it may take more than sniffing out a spell to do it!

Nosewise’s hilarious escapades and steadfast loyalty get him and his companions through King Arthur’s Dark Ages. “The Wizard’s Dog casts a captivating spell as it carries readers on a quest of legendary proportions. A magical story full of humor and heart.” Katherine Applegate”

Goodreads | Amazon
Book Depository | Kobo | IndieBound

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About the Author:

Eric lives in Chicago, IL with his wife and his dog, Bowser–the inspiration for Nosewise in The Wizard’s Dog.

“All of my books have been inspired by my life. My first novel, The Bully Book, is a a comic mystery taken directly from my experiences being bullied in 6th grade. My second, The Zoo at the Edge of the World, is a fantasy prompted by my lifelong obsession with animals. And my newest book, The Wizard’s Dog, is what I imagine my lovely dog, Bowser, would be like if he was granted magic powers. Life has enriched my books, and these books have vastly enriched my life.”

Website | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Spotlight Post: Flying Lessons & Other Stories by Ellen Oh et al.

Jan27

Hey everyone! Today, I’m highlighting a book that is VERY important: Flying Lessons & Other Stories by Ellen Oh (Editor), Kwame Alexander, Kelly J. Baptist, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Pena, Tim Federle, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, Walter Dean Myers, Tim Tingle and Jacqueline Woodson. It published on January 3, 2017 from Crown Books for Young Readers.

Diversity has ALWAYS been important. But it’s especially important right now, with everything that’s happening in our country. United we stand, divided we fall – and the only way we can be united is if we stand up for those being discriminated against. Now is NOT the time to be silent.

You can learn more on flyinglessonsanthology.com. If you want to join the conversation on social media, you can use the following hashtags and handles: #WNDBFlyingLessons – #WNDB – @DiverseBooks – @RandomHouseKids.

Without further adieu, here’s more about this incredibly important book:

Whether it is basketball dreams, family fiascos, first crushes, or new neighborhoods, this bold anthology—written by the best children’s authors—celebrates the uniqueness and universality in all of us.

In a partnership with We Need Diverse Books, industry giants Kwame Alexander, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Peña, Tim Federle, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, Walter Dean Myers, Tim Tingle, and Jacqueline Woodson join newcomer Kelly J. Baptist in a story collection that is as humorous as it is heartfelt. This impressive group of authors has earned among them every major award in children’s publishing and popularity as New York Times bestsellers.

From these distinguished authors come ten distinct and vibrant stories.

Goodreads | Amazon
Book Depository | Kobo | IndieBound

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Praise for FLYING LESSONS & OTHER STORIES

« “Inclusive, authentic, and eminently readable, this collection of short stories is an excellent addition for libraries and classrooms.” —School Library Journal, starred review

« “The collection as a whole highlights the importance of perspective, perseverance, wonder, courage, and creativity during the middle school years. . . . Thought-provoking and wide-ranging, this first anthology from WNDB should not be missed.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

« “There’s plenty of magic in this collection to go around.” —Booklist, starred review

« “A natural for middle school classrooms and libraries, this strong collection should find eager readers.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

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Interact with the Authors Online:

Ellen Oh (Editor): Website | Twitter

Kwame Alexander: Website | Twitter

Kelly J. Baptist: Website | Twitter

Soman Chainani: Website | Twitter

Matt de la Pena: Website | Twitter

Tim Federle: Website | Twitter

Grace Lin: Website | Twitter

Meg Medina: Website | Twitter

Walter Dean Myers: Website

Tim Tingle: Website | Twitter

Jacqueline Woodson: Website | Twitter

Spotlight Post: Upcoming Releases (Giveaway)

Jan27

Hey everyone! Today, I’m so excited to be hosting a giveaway for three upcoming releases – Exo by Fonda Lee (January 31, 2017 – Scholastic), To Catch a Killer by Sheryl Scarborough (February 7, 2017 – Tor Teen), and The Cruelty by Scott Bergstrom (February 7, 2017 – Feiwel & Friends).

First, I’ll share a little bit about each book. Then, below that, will be the Rafflecopter!

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It’s been a century of peace since Earth became a colony of an alien race with far reaches into the galaxy. Some die-hard extremists still oppose alien rule on Earth, but Donovan Reyes isn’t one of them. His dad holds the prestigious position of Prime Liaison in the collaborationist government, and Donovan’s high social standing along with his exocel (a remarkable alien technology fused to his body) guarantee him a bright future in the security forces. That is, until a routine patrol goes awry and Donovan’s abducted by the human revolutionary group Sapience, determined to end alien control.

When Sapience realizes whose son Donovan is, they think they’ve found the ultimate bargaining chip . But the Prime Liaison doesn’t negotiate with terrorists, not even for his own son. Left in the hands of terrorists who have more uses for him dead than alive, the fate of Earth rests on Donovan’s survival. Because if Sapience kills him, it could spark another intergalactic war. And Earth didn’t win the last one . . .

Goodreads

Erin Blake has one of those names. A name that, like Natalee Holloway or Elizabeth Smart, is inextricably linked to a grisly crime. As a toddler, Erin survived for three days alongside the corpse of her murdered mother, and the case—which remains unsolved—fascinated a nation. Her father’s identity unknown, Erin was taken in by her mother’s best friend and has become a relatively normal teen in spite of the looming questions about her past.

Fourteen years later, Erin is once again at the center of a brutal homicide when she finds the body of her biology teacher. When questioned by the police, Erin tells almost the whole truth, but never voices her suspicions that her mother’s killer has struck again in order to protect the casework she’s secretly doing on her own.

Inspired by her uncle, an FBI agent, Erin has ramped up her forensic hobby into a full-blown cold-case investigation. This new murder makes her certain she’s close to the truth, but when all the evidence starts to point the authorities straight to Erin, she turns to her longtime crush (and fellow suspect) Journey Michaels to help her crack the case before it’s too late.

Goodreads

When her diplomat father is kidnapped and the U.S. Government is unable to help, 17 year-old Gwendolyn Bloom sets off across the sordid underbelly of Europe to rescue him. Following the only lead she has—the name of a Palestinian informer living in France—she plunges into a brutal world of arms smuggling and human trafficking. As she journeys from the slums of Paris, to the nightclubs of Berlin, to the heart of the most feared crime family in Prague, Gwendolyn discovers that to survive in this new world she must become every bit as cruel as the men she’s hunting.

Goodreads

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And now for the giveaway! One winner will get all three books. US only. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below!

-Giveaway is US only

-Winner has 48 hours to respond. If winner does not respond, a new winner will be selected.

-You must be 13 or older to enter OR have your parents’ permission.

-I am not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.

-I reserve the right to change any rules as I see fit for each individual giveaway

*The above giveaway rules were borrowed and modified from Jessica @ Just a Book Lover.

With that being said, I wish you luck! May the odds be ever in your favor!

a Rafflecopter giveaway