Blog Tour: Glitter by Aprilynne Pike (Excerpt + Giveaway)

glitter 
Hey guys! I’m really excited to be on the blog tour for Glitter by Aprilynne Pike (October 25, 2016 – Random House Books for Young Readers)! I’m in the middle of reading this and it’s AMAZING BEYOND WORDS IT GETS ALL THE STARS AND I’M NOT EVEN DONE READING IT!! Today, I have an excerpt to share with you, plus an amazing giveaway! First, here’s more about the book:

glitter-cvr1 From #1 New York Times bestselling author Aprilynne Pike comes a truly original new novel—Breaking Bad meets Marie Antoinette in a near-future world where the residents of Versailles live like it’s the eighteenth century and an almost-queen turns to drug dealing to save her own life.

Outside the palace of Versailles, it’s modern day. Inside, the people dress, eat, and act like it’s the eighteenth century—with the added bonus of technology to make court life lavish, privileged, and frivolous. The palace has every indulgence, but for one pretty young thing, it’s about to become a very beautiful prison.

When Danica witnesses an act of murder by the young king, her mother makes a cruel power play . . . blackmailing the king into making Dani his queen. When she turns eighteen, Dani will marry the most ruthless and dangerous man of the court. She has six months to escape her terrifying destiny. Six months to raise enough money to disappear into the real world beyond the palace gates.

Her ticket out? Glitter. A drug so powerful that a tiny pinch mixed into a pot of rouge or lip gloss can make the wearer hopelessly addicted. Addicted to a drug Dani can sell for more money than she ever dreamed.

But in Versailles, secrets are impossible to keep. And the most dangerous secret—falling for a drug dealer outside the palace walls—is one risk she has to take.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks | Goodreads

And now for the excerpt! Enjoy!

“Your mother was quite insistent.”

“You’ve spoken to my mother about this?” I shouldn’t continue to feel a pang of heartbreak every time I hear yet another piece of my mother’s betrayal, but I suppose a child’s hope never completely dies.

“I have to speak to your mother about everything these days, don’t I?”

I feel a bit lightheaded and struggle to keep my face impassive. At least she placed some limits. A small favor, I suppose. “Why such a drastic change?”

“Where is your father?”

And it’s not a question; it’s the answer. My father has passed much of the last few weeks languishing in a stupor. A drunken stupor, I’m certain, except no one can figure out where he’s getting his liquor. Still, he spends nearly all of his days in his chambers, staring absently into space and occasionally giggling to himself. Which is most disconcerting from a man in his mid-fifties. My mother stopped sharing his rooms a month ago. Now she shares with me, which is, of course, delightful…

“Fine. Why now?” I press.

His Majesty rolls his eyes. “We have a bit of a PR problem. Rumors are cropping up. More from the outside than the inside.”

The outside. In other words, the rest of the world. “Rumors? Truths, you mean?” I say, batting my eyelashes.

“Besides which,” he says, ignoring my words, “you don’t actually have a choice.”

I chafe at his arrogance, but he’s right. He’s the King. As long as I remain a citizen of Sonoman-Versailles, his word is law.

“When I make the announcement you must appear to be utterly delighted,” he whispers, sensing my defeat. “There’s a great deal riding on this.”

“For you.”

He takes his time, pulling his gloves off then running a fingertip up my arm to the stripe of skin between my own glove and sleeve. The feel of his skin against mine makes me feel ill. “You’re as tangled up in this as anyone,” he whispers. “Conspiracy, aiding and abetting, tampering with evidence.”

That sets me shaking with fury, and though I grasp for control it slides through my fingertips like oiled ribbons. “I didn’t do anything.”

“You’re right,” His Majesty says, and he tips his face to look me squarely in the eye. “You didn’t do anything.”

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And now for the giveaway! 3 winners will receive a finished copy of GLITTER, US Only. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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author-photo About the Author:
 
Aprilynne Pike is a critically acclaimed, #1 New York Times best-selling author of young adult fiction. At the age of twenty she received her BA in Creative Writing from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. When not writing, Aprilynne can usually be found running; she also enjoys singing, acting, reading, and working with pregnant moms as a childbirth educator and doula. Aprilynne lives in Arizona with her husband and their four children.

Website| Wattpad | Facebook | Twitter |Goodreads

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Tour Schedule:

Week One:
10/17/2016 – Tales of the Ravenous Reader – Interview
10/18/2016 – Lisa Loves Literature – Review
10/19/2016 – Pandora’s Books – Excerpt
10/20/2016 – BookHounds YA – Review
10/21/2016 – Two Chicks on Books – Interview

Week Two:
10/24/2016 – Brooke Reports – Review
10/25/2016 – Brittany’s Book Rambles – Guest Post
10/26/2016 – Seeing Double In Neverland – Review
10/27/2016 – A Glass Of Wine Blog – Interview
10/28/2016 – Mundie Moms – Review

Review: Heartless by Marissa Meyer

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.

Review: Heartless by Marissa MeyerHeartless by Marissa Meyer
Published by Feiwel & Friends on November 8, 2016
Pages: 416
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
three-stars

Long before she was the terror of Wonderland — the infamous Queen of Hearts — she was just a girl who wanted to fall in love.

Catherine may be one of the most desired girls in Wonderland, and a favorite of the yet-unmarried King of Hearts, but her interests lie elsewhere. A talented baker, all she wants is to open a shop with her best friend and supply the Kingdom of Hearts with delectable pastries and confections. But according to her mother, such a goal is unthinkable for the young woman who could be the next Queen.

At a royal ball where Cath is expected to receive the king's marriage proposal, she meets Jest, the handsome and mysterious court joker. For the first time, she feels the pull of true attraction. At the risk of offending the King and infuriating her parents, she and Jest enter into an intense, secret courtship.

Cath is determined to define her own destiny and fall in love on her terms. But in a land thriving with magic, madness, and monsters, fate has other plans.

This book was an intriguing and imaginative take on the classic that fans of retellings will love! The writing and world are gorgeous, but that’s a given since this is Marissa Meyer! The characters are wonderfully reimagined – I love Meyer’s take on how certain characters got their starts and how they came to be as they are in present-day Wonderland.

I really liked Catherine. It was so interesting to see the infamous, feared Queen of Hearts as a young girl, kind and carefree. It was great seeing the way she evolved and how she came to be a true Queen. I also loved the way Meyer explained the origin of those chilling words – “Off with their heads!” And I loved her friendship with Mary Ann, but the way things ended made me sad panda.

The Joker was hilarious, kind and wonderful – if not slightly deceitful for keeping so many things from Catherine. Their story could have ended so differently had he been honest from the beginning. Even still, I did NOT expect his fate to be what it was. And the things his fate set into motion? Unbelievable!

There were SO many other characters that I could discuss, but we’d be here all night. This book has a huge cast of characters and they’re all interesting in their own right. Some are new to the story, like Jack (who was an ass) and Margaret (who was horrible) and others were beloved characters from the classic, like the white rabbit, Mr. Caterpillar and and the King of Hearts. But in true Marissa Meyer fashion, whether they were secondary characters or tertiary characters, they were incredible, multi-dimensional characters who you wanted to know more about!

One of my favorite things in Alice in Wonderland retellings is the Mad Hatter and his tea parties. And in that respect, this book did not disappoint! I LOVED Hatta and the way Meyer portrayed him and his story. However, I never fully trusted him. He reminded me of scheming, self-serving, devious Morpheus. I also loved the Cheshire Cat – another favorite of mine when it comes to Alice in Wonderland Retellings. I actually would have liked to see MORE of Cheshire, though, and would have loved to learn more about his backstory.

I definitely think this is the kind of retelling where, if you haven’t read the original classic, you’re fine and can follow along without an issue. BUT.. If you HAVE read the original, you definitely catch more. Meyer brings in a lot of elements from the classic, including certain elements of Wonderland and certain quotes from the original text. There are mentions of the Tulgey Wood, the Jabberwock, the Vorpal Sword, the Looking Glass maze, the foods that make you shrink/grow, the Hatter and his mad tea parties, etc.

Unfortunately – and it pains me to say this – I did have a few issues with this book. It’s a stand-alone, as far as I know, so it was a long book because it needed to tell a complete story. However, at times, it felt too long and dragged out. It also had a very slow start. Don’t get me wrong, the entire book was fascinating, but the beginning was just slow. I had to read nearly half the book to get to a point where things really started to pick up. But I also think this is because I put this book on a HIGH pedestal. I expected a LOT from this book and maybe I put too much pressure on it and maybe my expectations were unrealistic. It really was a great book, but I just wanted MORE – expected more.

Overall, though, this book was incredible. Marissa Meyer is an incredible story teller. She creates these amazing worlds and characters and you can’t help but fall head first down the rabbit hole (see what I did there?!?) and into the story. I HIGHLY recommend this book for fans of Marissa Meyer and fans of retellings!

three-stars

Spotlight Post: Happy 10th Anniversary, Morganville! (Giveaway)

morganville

This epic 10th Anniversary celebration was put together by the wonderful Rachel @ Beauty and the Bookshelf.

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to be a part of the Morganville: 10th Anniversary celebration! I’ve loved vampires for years – from Dracula to Buffy the Vampire Slayer, I can’t get enough of them! So, of course, I DEVOURED these books! And I CANNOT believe it’s been ten years since the first book released. My teenage self grew up with these books, so they’ll always hold a special place in my heart.

For this 10th Anniversary Celebration, we have a LOT of fun things for you to enjoy, including a giveaway and a fun scavenger hunt!

We’ll get to that in a second, though. First, here’s a video from author Rachel Caine! Enjoy!

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rachel

Don’t forget to check out more about the blog tour here. You can also check out the Morganville series website and visit Rachel Caine on Twitter and Facebook.

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Now it’s giveaway time! And we have TWO epic giveaways to share with you!

First up, we have the Halloween-inspired giveaway. Enter for your chance to win a personal Halloween card from Rachel Caine, a TPU sampler booklet, a photo still from Morganville: The Series, and a Fall of Night lenticular bookmark! 4 runners-up will also receive a personal Halloween card from Rachel Caine! Giveaway ends on 10/21/16. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter linked here.

Then we have the Scavenger Hunt! There are 10 blogs participating in the Morganville Vampires 10th Anniversary Bash and each blog has a bold, red, hidden buzz word in the body of the post that entrants must find and submit via the Rafflecopter below. Find all 10 buzz words, enter them in the Scavenger Hunt Rafflecopter on any of our 10 participating blogs, and be entered to win 1 of 3 prizes!

2 Runners-up will receive a Morganville Vampires tote bag, a signed paperback copy of Midnight Bites, a TPU sampler booklet , a Fall of Night lenticular, a photo still from Morganville: The Series, a Welcome to Morganville postcard, a Ghost Town lenticular, and a Morganville: The Series poster.

1 Grand Prize winner will receive a Morganville Vampires tote bag, a limited edition UK Daylighters, a signed paperback copy of Midnight Bites, a TPU sampler booklet, a Fall of Night lenticular bookmark, a photo still from Morganville: The Series, a a Welcome to Morganville postcard, a Ghost Town lenticular bookmark, and a Morganville Resident Survival Kit. Giveaway ends 11/7/16. As a reminder, the buzzword is hidden in BOLD and RED font within this post. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter linked here.

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Stay tuned for more Morganville throughout the month of October!

Blog Tour Schedule:
10/3: Mundie Moms
10/3: Vampire Book Club
10/7: Gone with the Words
10/10: Wicked Lil Pixie
10/14: Pandora’s Book Blog
10/17: Lost in Ever After
10/21: Adventures of a Book Junkie
10/24: Ali’s Reviews and More
10/28: Take Me Away To A Good Read
10/31: Beauty and the Bookshelf

Author Spotlight: Disruption by Jessica Shirvington (Interview)

Hey everyone! I’m really excited to have Jessica Shirvington, author of Disruption (October 4, 2016 – HarperCollins), here for an interview. First, here’s more about the book:

disruption The heart-stopping first chapter in bestselling author Jessica Shirvington’s Disruption series.

What if a microchip could identify your perfect match?

What if it could be used against you and the ones you love?

Eight years ago, Mercer Corporation’s M-Bands became mandatory. An evolution of the smartphone, the bracelets promised an easier life. Instead, they have come to control it.

Two years ago, Maggie Stevens watched helplessly as one of the people she loved most was taken from her, shattering her world as she knew it. Now, Maggie is ready. And Quentin Mercer – heir to the M-Corp empire – has become key to Maggie’s plan.

But as the pieces of her dangerous design fall into place, could Quentin’s involvement destroy everything she’s fought for?

In a world full of broken promises, the ones Maggie must keep could be the most heartbreaking.

Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | Kobo

And now here’s the interview! Enjoy!

Question: Describe your book in ten words or less. Go!
Answer: Scary world! People are rated before we even say hello.

Question: Congrats on the release of Disruption! Any funs plans to celebrate?
Answer: Thank you! Sadly, I’m incredibly boring. I had a couple of small celebrations when some of my other books were released but I haven’t planned anything this time. Maybe my husband will take me out to a nice romantic dinner (without the kids!).

Question: Your books release internationally first, then follow-up with US releases 1-2 years later. How does it feel celebrating a book birthday twice? Have you noticed any similarities or differences in the way international readers celebrate versus US readers?
Answer: I’m an Aussie and live in Sydney so I have generally published first in Australia and then around the world from there. It’s fun seeing the books come out at different times, sometimes with different covers, different languages, and sometimes even with a slightly different edit. In the end, books are all about the readers and I find you get a range of responses in every country, so it is pretty even.

Question: In general, people are very dependent on technology. Disruption shows the way technology can take over – and control – our lives. What inspired this story? In what ways is it relevant to today’s audience?
Answer: The idea for Disruption began when I was walking through a busy city square with a friend. She was telling me tales of her internet dating disasters and making me laugh. We were surrounded by all of these people walking through the city square and of course, they all had their heads down looking at their smartphones. I remember saying to my friend: ‘Imagine if you could just walk past someone and get a rating and know if they were compatible with you. You could just get a text message or something. It could say: STOP WALKING! True match to your left!’

Naturally, this only made us laugh more. But that night, I couldn’t stop thinking about the idea of technology advancing in that direction. I was fascinated by the idea that the next step could be acutely personal. Currently we are obsessed with the internet and apps for anything and everything external. But imagine if we had apps for everything internal – medical issues, DNA, location, identification, wealth, and … the ability to rate anyone we crossed paths with.

That was where it began.

I think the story draws on many concerns for the direction technology is taking us. To start with, I wrote the draft before the Apple Watch was even released, so that felt pretty eerie. Often I worry what is ahead when I can stand in a room and not one person is truly interacting, because everyone is on their phones. If we put all our faith in technology, it is giving an awful lot away.

Question: Have you done a Dream Cast for any of your books? Pick one and tell us who you’d love to see portraying your characters on the big screen!
Answer: Honestly, I have no idea. I’m going to be terrible and skip this one. I have tried so many times to work out who would be good matches but the truth is the characters are almost too ingrained in my mind. I see them so clearly – as I imagine them. Putting an actor’s face on them is really strange!

Question: Craziest thing you’ve had to Google for a work in progress?
Answer: There have been so many, it is ridiculous. I’m fairly certain I’m on some kind of ‘watch’ list just because of my search engine history. I’ve looked up everything from how to blow up planes, how to overdose and then create and antidote, how to break into government facilities, how to evade metal detectors, conspiracy theories, what to do in the event of volcanic eruptions, black wedding dresses and … how to glue up bullet wounds. Some of these you will recognize in disruption. I love my job!!

Question: What’s your biggest writing quirk? Three must-have items when you sit down to write?
Answer: I set my stories in new locations every time and I visit every location I write about first. So I have been to London, New York, Rome, Florence, Paris, Boston, Washington DC, Arlington, New Orleans, Turin & Milan all for the purposes of research! I’ve also tracked down a CIA agent in the middle of nowhere and spent time with a fairly intense cult in Italy. Have I mentioned I love my job!

Three must-haves:
1. My notebook with my chapter breakdown and research.
2. Coffee.
3. Socks! I love to wear socks when I write (weird, I know).

Question: What books would you recommend to a reader who loved yours, and wants to read something similar?
Answer: I wouldn’t presume to compare my books to anyone else. But I can say I always enjoy books by Richelle Mead, Melissa Marr, Maria V. Snyder & Victoria Aveyard (to name a few).

Question: What book are you currently reading?
Answer: I just read Glittering Court by Richelle Mead. It was great.

Question: Are you working on anything new?
Answer: I sure am. It is about a girl called Abigail who has always lived in self sustainable communities (or cults) until her entire community is murdered and she is left on the run with eight year-old Luca and two strangers from the mainstream world. Now she has no idea who to trust or how to function in the outside world but she’ll have to work it out fast because soldiers are hunting her and Luca and she is going to have to figure out why.

I’ll leave it there for now ;-)

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jsAbout the Author:
 
Jessica Shirvington lives in Sydney with her husband of ten years, FOXTEL presenter and former Olympic sprinter Matt Shirvington, and their two daughters. She has previously founded and run a coffee distribution company, Stella Imports, in London, and been involved in managing the restaurants Fuel Bistro, Tow Bar and MG Garage in Sydney.

She is currently a full-time mum, author and co-director in the company MPS Investments Pty Ltd.

Website | Twitter | Facebook

Blog Tour: The Secret Horses of Briar Hill by Megan Shepherd (Dream Cast)

the-secret-horses-of-briar-hill-blog-tour-banner

Hey everyone! I’m so excited to be on the blog tour for The Secret Horses of Briar Hill by Megan Shepherd (October 11, 2016 — Delacorte Books for Young Readers). This book was described as being for fans of The Secret Garden. Once I saw that, I was sold! So, today, Megan Shepherd is sharing her Dream Cast! First, here’s more about the book!

the-secret-horses-of-briar-hill-high-res There are winged horses that live in the mirrors of Briar Hill hospital. In the mirrors that line its grand hallways, which once belonged to a princess. In those that reflect the elegant rooms, now filled with sick children. It is her secret.

One morning, when Emmaline climbs over the wall of the hospital’s abandoned gardens, she discovers something incredible: a white horse with broken wings has left the mirror-world and entered her own.

Tucked into the garden’s once-gleaming sundial, Emmaline finds a letter from the Horse Lord. He is hiding the wounded white horse, named Foxfire, from a dark and sinister force—a Black Horse who hunts by colorless moonlight. If Emmaline is to keep the Black Horse from finding her new friend, she must collect colorful objects with which to blind him. But where can Emmaline find color when her world is filled with gray?

Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository

And now for the dream cast post! Enjoy!

The Secret Horses of Briar Hill Dream Cast

 
Emmaline: Millie Bobby Brown: I just finished binge watching Netflix’s Stranger Things, and Millie Bobby Brown did such a fantastic job playing the enigmatic Eleven. I think she has the perfect look and depth to play Emmaline.

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Thomas: Rupert Grint: Naturally, I first think of Rupert Grint as Ron from Harry Potter, a role where he is often jovial and energetic. The character of Thomas is quite the opposite: quiet, brooding, and a loner. I think Rupert Grint is a marvelous actor, and I’d love to see him take on this vastly different type of character.

photo-2

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Foxfire: Asfaloth from Lord of the Rings: I put this one in for fun. ☺ I’m a huge fan of the Lord of the Rings movies, and the scene where Arwen rides Asfaloth to escape the Nazgûl is one of the most beautiful and powerful horse scenes of all time.

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Anna: Elle Fanning: Anna is such a crucial character to Emmaline. I’d love to see her portrayed by an actress who can appear both young and maternal, and pretty but not vain. I think Elle Fanning would be terrific.

photo-4

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Sister Constance: Emily Watson: I’ve loved so many of Emily Watson’s performances, particularly the historical ones. She has a knack for bringing strength to her characters while showing glimpses of tenderness, which would make her a great Sister Constance.

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The Secret Horses of Briar Hill Blog Tour Schedule

Monday, October 3rd: Twinning for Books, Review
Tuesday, October 4th: The Mod Podge Bookshelf, Interview
Wednesday, October 5th: Jenuine Cupcakes, Review (and cupcakes!)
Thursday, October 6th: Pandora’s Books, Movie Cast Post
Friday, October 7th: Owl Always Be Reading

Monday, October 10th: Satisfaction for Insatiable Readers, Review
Tuesday, October 11th: Such a Novel Idea, Playlist Post
Wednesday, October 12th: The Reading Nook Reviews, Review
Thursday, October 13th: Seeing Double In Neverland, Author Guest Post
Friday, October 14th: Mundie Moms, Review

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meghan-shepard-credit-kristi-hedbergAbout The Author
 
MEGAN SHEPHERD grew up in her family’s independent bookstore in the Blue Ridge Mountains. She is the author of several acclaimed young adult books. Shepherd lives and writes on a 125-year-old farm outside Asheville, North Carolina, with her husband. You can visit her at meganshepherd.com and follow her on Twitter at @megan_shepherd.

Review: A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess (Blog Tour)

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.

Review: A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess (Blog Tour)A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess
Series: Kingdom on Fire #1
Published by Random House Books for Young Readers on September 20, 2016
Pages: 416
Format: ARC
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
five-stars

Henrietta can burst into flames.

Forced to reveal her power to save a friend, she’s shocked when instead of being executed, she’s named the first female sorcerer in hundreds of years and invited to train as one of Her Majesty’s royal sorcerers.

Thrust into the glamour of Victorian London, Henrietta is declared the prophesied one, the girl who will defeat the Ancients, bloodthirsty demons terrorizing humanity. She also meets her fellow sorcerer trainees, handsome young men eager to test her power and her heart. One will challenge her. One will fight for her. One will betray her.

But Henrietta is not the chosen one.

As she plays a dangerous game of deception, she discovers that the sorcerers have their own secrets to protect. With battle looming, how much will she risk to save the city—and the one she loves?

Hey everyone! Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for A Shadow Bright and Burning by Jessica Cluess (September 20, 2016 — Random House Books for Young Readers). I absolutely LOVED this book!!! It was a roller-coaster of emotions and I’m really excited to share my review with you Enjoy!

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ALL THE STARS!!! THIS BOOK GETS ALL THE STARS, YOU GUYS!!! This book was so epic and amazing, I don’t even know how to put it into words. The world, the world-building, the characters, the writing – it’s all epic beyond words and DEFINITELY exceeded my expectations!

Nettie is an epic, fierce heroine. I’m fascinated by her powers and backstory. I’m rooting for her!! Despite her extraordinary circumstances, she feels relatable. She definitely went through a lot and she had a TON of character growth from beginning to end. I can’t wait to see what book two holds for her!

I love Magnus – he’s cocky, hilarious and fiercely loyal to his friends and those close to him. I was definitely shocked at some of his revelations, though, and even hated him a few times. However, overall, he’s wickedly tempting and definitely on my Book Boyfriend list. I REALLY want something to happen with him and a particular person, but I know the obstacles to that and I’m not sure how things will go, but I’m excited to see!

Blackwood was incredibly frustrating and obnoxious, especially in the beginning. But I was shocked to find that, as time went on, I came to like him – a lot! Some of his revelations were INTENSE and CRAZY and I can’t believe the bond that formed between him and MAN I HATE SPOILERS SO JUST READ THE BOOK SO WE CAN DISCUSS THIS, GUYS!

I REALLY liked Hargrove, though I don’t think I was supposed to! But there’s just something about him that made him entertaining to read about. He’s hilarious and sarcastic and like the crazy uncle everyone wishes they had. I wanted to shake him a few times, but the revelations and explanations that had to do with him had me like !!!!!!!!!

I adored Agrippa in the beginning. He was like everyone’s grandfather. And then… things happened… and… SPOILERS SO I CAN’T BUT GRRRR!!!!!!!

This might be an unpopular opinion, but I wasn’t a fan of Rook and never saw him as being a potential love interest. I just never really liked him and I can’t completely figure out why. I just didn’t feel he was an important – or necessary – character.

The writing is gorgeous in this book. It’s descriptive and it flows. The book itself reminds me of a mash-up between The Imposter Queen by Sarah Fine and Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. The plot was intriguing and only became more so the longer I read and the closer to the ending I got.

Overall, I loved this book so much, it physically pained me each time I had to put it down! I’m pretty sure this is my #1 favorite book of 2016 (so far)!!! I can’t wait to get my hands on book two and see what happens next! I HIGHLY recommend this one!!! You won’t regret it!!

five-stars

Review: The Graces by Laure Eve

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.

Review: The Graces by Laure EveThe Graces by Laure Eve
Series: The Graces #1
Published by Amulet Books on September 6, 2016
Pages: 352
Source: the publisher
Buy on Amazon
Goodreads
four-stars

Everyone loves the Graces.

Fenrin Grace is larger than life, almost mythical. He’s the school Pan, seducing girls without really meaning to. He’s biding his time until someone special comes along. Someone different, who will make him wonder how he got along all this time without her. Someone like me.

Fenrin’s twin, Thalia, is a willowy beauty with rippling, honey-colored hair. Wherever she goes, Thalia leaves behind a band of followers who want to emulate her. She casts spells over everyone she encounters, just like Fenrin—even if they both deny it.

Then there’s Summer. She’s the youngest Grace, and the only one who admits she’s really a witch. Summer is dark on the outside—with jet-black hair and kohl-rimmed eyes—and on the inside. It was inevitable that she’d find me, the new girl—a loner with secrets lurking under the surface.

I am River. I am not a Grace. But I’ll do anything to become one.

I knew I had to read this book the second I discovered it. It was basically billed as The Craft for YA readers, which had me REALLY excited since I LOVE that movie! And this book definitely didn’t disappoint! The plot and characters were both mysterious and intriguing and the writing flowed. This was a fast book that had me hooked until the end!

I could absolutely see the Craft comparisons, in so many ways – especially in the behavior of the siblings and the way the townspeople and their classmates treated them. But it also had a “Twilight with witches” vibe, too (which I’ll elaborate on in a bit).

River was an interesting character. I completely pictured her as Sarah from The Craft, but the more I think about it, she was more like a weird combination of Sarah and Nancy. Now, if this doesn’t make sense to you because you’ve never watched The Craft, I advice you to stop reading this review and GO WATCH IT!!!! Then come back and continue reading. At that point, you’ll be like, “OMG YES! I TOTALLY SEE IT!”

I loved the sibling dynamic in this book. Fenrin, Thalia and Summer were so close in so many ways, yet they held tight to certain thoughts and secrets. It made for a very realistic relationship. I could never fully figure Fenrin out, though, and I never fully trusted him. He was such a player and he was hot and cold. There were some intriguing revelations about his character near the middle/end of the book, though, and they made perfect sense and explained a lot! As for Thalia… She reminds me of someone – another character in a movie or TV show or something – and I can’t really place WHO she reminds me of. I’m also still torn on how I feel about her. She had such raw emotions and she felt very real, yet there was just something about her and I can’t quite figure out what it is…

By far my favorite sibling was Summer. There was something mysterious and intriguing about her. She was that girl we all wanted to be friends with in high school, the cool but aloof girl who we all watched from a distance but didn’t dare approach. I also loved her friendship with River, though the ending got pretty intense and insane!

The only major issue I had with this book was the whole “insta-love” situation that was hapening. Usually I don’t care, but it really bugged me this time. Maybe because it was SO intense. The whole plot – at least in the beginning – basically centered around River instantly loving this boy and NEEDING to get in with his mysterious family. This is where the Twilight/Cullen comparisons come from… (Don’t misunderstand, I’m a Twilight fan. But there were definitely some parallels here that were a bit unsettling).

The ending was super twisted and super dark and super crazy and super I DON’T EVEN KNOW HOW TO FEEL. Seriously, I’m still thinking about that ending and feeling just completely mind-blown! I seriously CANNOT wait for book two!!! I HIGHLY recommend this to those who love witches and especially to fans of The Craft!

four-stars

Spotlight Post: Manhattan Transfer by John E. Stith (Excerpt)

Hey everyone! Today, I’m excited to share with you an excerpt from Manhattan Transfer by John E. Stith. First, here’s more about the book:

mtWhen aliens abduct New York City, carrying it into space inside a huge dome, the citizens trapped inside must find out why and what they can do to save themselves and dozens of other cities which aliens have stolen from other planets. A stunning tour-de-force of science fiction and storytelling with gripping action, believable characters and a plot that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

“Fascinating, intelligent account of people–some ordinary, some extraordinary–struggling to define and confront events that are beyond anything they have dared to imagine. One of the better surprise endings to come down the cosmos in light-years.” — Chicago Tribune

Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | Kobo

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And now for the excerpt! Enjoy!

Excerpt from Chapter 2 of MANHATTAN TRANSFER: The entire island of Manhattan has just been sliced loose from the surface of the Earth, put under a dome, and placed aboard a gigantic spaceship. Matt and some others are just coming up from the subway.

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Matt and the others reached the stairs to the street without finding any lighting other than the occasional emergency lamps. From the distance came the sounds of crying and a mass of mumbling people. Matt watched his footing carefully and kept checking on the injured man. When they reached ground level, they moved past some people cowering near the wall.

Instead of the daylight Matt had expected, he found night. Suspended over Manhattan was a reflected image of a darkened city lit only by the headlights of buses, cabs, trucks, and cars stalled and abandoned in the gridlocked streets. The sidewalks were lined with people in clumps staring up at the distorted reflections. Here and there a person lay flat on the ground. Someone maybe a half–block away wailed steadily.

One of the men in the foursome wobbled a bit, then recovered.

Down the block was an ambulance caught in the traffic snarl.

They threaded their way through the people on the sidewalk and street. When they reached an open area and walked faster, Matt almost lost his footing. The pavement seemed too smooth, no doubt thanks to the low gravity allowing less friction.

The ambulance attendants stood on the pavement next to their vehicle, both looking up at the sky.
“We’ve got someone who needs your attention,” Matt said to the driver.

It took a moment for the driver to focus on Matt and start to react to what he was saying, but after a few seconds his training must have taken over, and he and the other attendant started to put the man with no hand onto a stretcher.

Matt got back to the curb just as a bright light came on in the sky to the west of the city. A round spot the size of the sun penetrated the reflected images above the skyline and began to grow brighter. A hush fell over the people on the sidewalks and in the street.

The “sun” grew brighter and brighter until it hurt to look at it, and the city streets lightened until they were as bright as day.

When the “sun” reached what seemed to be its maximum intensity, the dome started losing its reflectivity, and in stages began to grow transparent. Matt moved a few steps so he could see better to the east. The first thing he realized was that although his memory told him the Brooklyn Bridge should be in view, it wasn’t. Rather, all that showed was a stub of the bridge.

The dome continued to increase in transparency, and Matt felt his mouth go dry. He could see through the dome, and what he saw didn’t bear any resemblance at all to Brooklyn.

Instead, the island of Manhattan rested on a vast gray plain. In the distance was another dome sitting on the plain, and to its left another. Slightly farther away than the pair was yet another dome. Matt shifted position again as the crowd came to life with screams and loud voices. He could see two more domes in the distance.

Beneath the other domes were what seemed to be other cities, one a jumble of prismatic arches, another what looked like one enormous building, another a mass of needle–thin spires with halos near the top, and even someone much less well–traveled than Matt would have instantly known these cities had never existed on Earth.

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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

Author Interview: More Than Magic by Kathryn Lasky (Giveaway)

Hey everyone! I’m excited to have Kathryn Lasky here for an interview as part of the More Than Magic (September 27, 2016 – Wendy Lamb Books) blog tour! First, here’s more about the book:

mtmJoin Rory and Ryder in their adventures in our world—and the world beyond the TV.

Ryder Holmsby is the same age as Rory, the popular TV cartoon character her animator parents created. Ryder and Rory are alike—bold and brave! But Ryder is a bit lonely: Mom passed away a couple of years ago, and Dad is dating a woman with snooty teenage daughters. Ryder doesn’t fit in with them at all.

And then: Shazam! Rory jumps out of the TV into Ryder’s bedroom to tell her that the TV studio behind her parents’ show is trying to turn Rory into a dopey princess—no more adventures. She needs Ryder’s help! The two girls team up with a crew of animated and real-life friends to save the day in both worlds.

Goodreads | Amazon | Book Depository | Kobo

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And now for the interview. Enjoy!

Question: Congrats on the release of More Than Magic! What are your plans for release week?
Answer: Personally, I tend to celebrate a new book when I send the last draft to my editor—in this case the wonderful Wendy Lamb. Books aren’t like movies. There aren’t premiers and red carpets. I don’t have to pick out an outfit, get my hair and makeup done. So the book comes out September 27 and I’ll be back in my study working on my next book, in sweatpants if I plan to go to the gym after a few hours of writing. No bright lights or the flash of photographers’ cameras. Nothing ‘magical’. All the magic, if any, happens in my study.

Question: Describe your book in ten words or less. Go!
Answer: Two worlds overlap. One real one virtual.

Question: What scene do you most regret having to cut?
Answer: It must not have been too important because I can hardly remember it now. But it was something about a Count Von Tharne who was a bad guy cartoon character but in fact we cut the whole character and that ultimately was a good idea.

Question: On the flip side, what was your favorite scene that got added during edits?
Answer: I love the scene when Ryder begins to draw for the first time after her mom has died and she begins to conceptualize the character of the Barn Owl based on Constance. To me that is a very moving scene and it was really exciting to write.

Question: If one character (from a TV show/movie/book/etc) could jump off the screen/out of the pages and into your bedroom, who would you want it to be and why?
Answer: Well I have to break this down. From a non-animated live action movie –Hugh Jackman. He was originally going to be the voice of one of the characters in my movie Legend of the Guardians. What a disappointment that he wasn’t. Nevertheless I would prefer him in his human and non-owl form. From a TV show Lisa Simpson from the Simpsons. Love her!!!

Question: Craziest thing you’ve had to Google for a work in progress?
Answer: I wrote a series called Daughters of the Sea. Actually those four books were among the most favorite books I ever wrote. At least my favorites. They were about girls who discover when they get to be say fourteen years old that they are not quite human but mermaids! I discovered through google searches that there are actually people who believe in mermaids and there was a science television program where they faked the evidence to try and prove that such creatures exist. I don’t think the program is any longer on the air.

Question: What books would you recommend to a reader who loved yours, and wants to read something similar?
Answer: I have to say that one of my all time favorite books is Philip Pullman’s The Golden Compass. It’s not exactly magic like in my book but it is definitely fantasy. And then from when I was a child I adored the book Half Magic by Edward Eager. But neither one of these books is really similar to mine.

Question: What are three must-have items when you sit down to write?
Answer: A glass of water. A bunch of post its. And my muse—A Miss Piggy puppet that hangs off a lamp across from my desk.

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And now for the giveaway! One US winner will receive a hardcover of More Than Magic! To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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kl-picAbout the Author:
 
Kathryn Lasky is the American author of many critically acclaimed books, including several Dear America books, several Royal Diaries books, 1984 Newbery Honor winning Sugaring Time, The Night Journey, and the Guardians of Ga’Hoole series. She lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Her latest book, Guardians of Ga’Hoole Book 15: The War of the Ember, was released on November 1, 2008. Guardians of Gahoole: A guide to the Great Tree was released on September 1st, almost a month before projected selling time. She was born June 24, 1944, and grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, and is married to Christopher Knight, with whom she lives in Boston, Massachusetts.

Visit her website or find her on Twitter and Facebook!

Spotlight Tour: One Was Lost by Natalie D. Richards (excerpt)

Hey everyone! I’m excited to be on the spotlight tour for One Was Lost by Natalie D. Richards (October 4, 2016 – Sourcebooks Fire)! This book looks epic and creepy and I’m so pumped to share an excerpt with you! First, here’s more about the book:

cvr-one-was-lost-by-natalie-d-richardsDamaged. Deceptive. Dangerous. Darling. Are they labels or a warning? The answer could cost Sera everything.

While on a mandatory senior field trip, a flash flood cuts off Sera and three classmates from their group with no way to call for help. But they’re not as alone as they thought…

Someone is stalking them through the woods. Someone who drugged them, stole their supplies, and wrote on their skin. Is it a judgement? A warning? If Sera doesn’t uncover the truth, it’s only a matter of time before the hunter finds her.

After years as a professional paper-pusher, NATALIE D. RICHARDS decided to trade in reality for a life writing YA fiction. She lives in Ohio (Go Bucks!) with her husband, three children, and a ridiculously furry dog named Yeti. This is her third novel. Visit her on Twitter @natdrichards or at nataliedrichards.com.

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Pre-order the book here!

Goodreads | Amazon

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Be sure to visit the author on her website, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram!

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And now, a quick note from the author!

Dear Reader,

It’s hard to believe One Was Lost is finally here. It feels weird to admit that I’ve been desperately looking forward to scaring you all and keeping you up way past your bedtimes, but it’s the truth. And now that it’s finally out in the world, I just can’t wait to hear what you all think! I mean, after you get some sleep of course. I’m not that impatient.

As a writer with my fourth book hitting the shelves, I can say each new release has its own special brand of excitement. Each story has elements that you cherish and characters you love. But One Was Lost wasn’t like any of my other books. Writing this book was a whole new ball game.

The truth behind One Was Lost is that my father died a few months before I started writing it. He was my inspiration for writing as a child and easily one of my closest friends throughout my life. Losing him was like having my foundation knocked sideways. My grief felt oceans deep and I was lost in the roll of every wave. It was brutally difficult.

For anyone who’s met me and knows what a class clown I am, I’ll confess 2015 was one of the least funny years of my life. Still, when I sat down to write One Was Lost, I knew I had something special. These characters were speaking to me like characters never had. This story was at a roiling boil in my head—but, could I really write it?

Doubt plagued me in those first days. Could I still remember how to get lost in a story? Could I get it right when I was still struggling so much? Most importantly, could I still be the writer I used to be?

The answer was quick and a little terrifying. No.

I couldn’t go back to the writer I was before. Losing someone incredibly important to you changes you. There is a new normal you must adjust to, and that new normal doesn’t fade away after the funeral is done and over.

My new normal proved to be a very powerful force in my writing life. One Was Lost forced me to face fears I might have danced around in other books. I had no choice but to dive more deeply than ever before. My new perspective had me spend more time than usual learning about these new characters. Trying to understand them. Hurting with them and fearing with them.

I didn’t just lose myself in One Was Lost, I drowned in it. I fell so deeply into this book that at times it was difficult to resurface to do normal, mundane not-lost-and-terrified-in-the-forest things. I’m not sure I’ve ever been more in love with characters in any of my stories, and I’m absolutely sure I’ve never been happier with the way a book has turned out.

It is my dearest hope that you’ll all get a little lost in this book too. Sometimes even the scariest things can bring out strength and goodness we never believed possible. And it is just that reason that One Was Lost is a book I’m so particularly proud of and excited to share with you.

Happy Reading!

Natalie

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And here’s the excerpt! Enjoy!

“Everyone, quiet. We need to move.” Mr. Walker’s voice is tight. Something’s wrong. But he’s halfway across, and the water is still below his knees. It’s moving quickly, but it seems OK. So why is Mr. Walker scanning the horizon like a soldier?

When he’s on the other side, he relaxes. “All right, let’s move. You’ll get to test those waterproof boots here. Emily, you first. Then Jude and right down the line.”

I stumble to the edge of the stream, rocks slipping and scatter­ing under my boots. Jude’s next to me, earbuds in and his chin tipped up like we need a reminder that he’s better than us.

Emily begins to cross with Jude behind her. Then me and Lucas and the rest of the group after. I can’t help but think about what we must look like, this conga line of plastic-wrapped hikers splashing its way through the river.

Jude gasps ahead of me. Before I can ask, cold water gushes over the tops of my boots, then past my ankles. I stop when it reaches my knees. It’s higher. We’re not even halfway across.

Lucas splashes up from behind, rising over me. “Need me to carry you?”

I don’t dignify the question with a response. Behind me, Hayley and Madison shriek. I turn to see a glimpse of all three of them, Hayley on her butt in the water and Madison and Ms. Brighton rushing back for her. The girls are laughing hysterically.

“We’re almost halfway,” Lucas says, ignoring them. “Keep going.”

“Should we help?”

“They’re fine. Move.”

“Stop playing around back there! Get them up, Ms. Brighton,” Mr. Walker barks, then more softly to the ones climbing out, “Good job, Emily. Jude! Earbuds out!”

Mr. Walker looks downstream, and his expression hardens. “Sera, speed up now.”

I look up and wish I hadn’t. I don’t like the urgency in his tone any more than I like the rushing sound of water I hear off to the east.

“Is that rain?” I ask because I want it to be rain. Or hail. I want it to be anything other than what I already know it is.

Mr. Walker’s eyes flick upstream, his face going pale. “It’s flooding,” he admits.

My hope snaps like a rubber band. Fear billows out in its place, making me woozy.

“Sera, move!” Lucas says, prodding my backpack.

“I got it!” I snap, plowing ahead.

Hayley screams again behind us. They’re all three shouting. Something about a shoe. Someone’s stuck. Mr. Walker is yelling at Emily and Jude to back up, back up! And then the rain changes, the shower shifting into a driving roar with drops so hard they feel like sand spraying down. Everything is garbled. Muffled. Fear pushes the hair up on the nape of my neck.

We’re not going to get across.

“Go, Sera!”

Lucas. His voice right behind me, his wide hand just under my backpack, urging me forward. I stumble, spreading my arms wide for balance.

“Lucas, help!” Madison’s cry filters through the rain, but Mr. Walker shakes his head.

“No!” he bellows. “Move, Lucas! Ms. Brighton, pull Hayley and Madison back to shore!”

The water is moving quicker and higher, and my boots are sucking down into the mud at the bottom. The current pushes back at me. Steps turn into half steps. Quarter steps.

“Forget her shoes!” Mr. Walker screams. Someone’s coughing back there, but I don’t look, though I can hear their garbled cries. They’re struggling.

“I can’t get her!” Ms. Brighton’s voice is suddenly young and small, nothing like the serene woman from before. This is scared little kid voice. “Help! Hel—”

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one-was-lost-graphic

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And now for the giveaway! Ten winners will receive a copy of the book! To enter, fill out the Raffecopter below:

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