YA Addict

Hey, You

2011-08-22T22:37:00.000-04:00

Long time no hear, huh? Sorry about that. It's been one busy summer over here. For a while, important life stuff got in the way of all the fun stuff, like blogging, reading, and chatting with all the cool people on twitter. I just didn't have the time.

Then recently when I got some time...I just couldn't seem to throw myself back into it. Even reading wasn't happening. I know, right?! I read one book in a month. One! So pathetic. I was in such a slump. I just couldn't push myself to write up a blog post, and I couldn't seem to find anything to say on Twitter. Maybe I was burnt out, or maybe I needed the break.

But now I am slowly getting out of my slump. I read two amazing books in the last week that I am looking forward to writing reviews for. It feels so nice to be reading again! I'll be honest, the thing I have missed the most is the blogging community. I have really been missing talking with all you amazing bloggers, authors, and fellow bookish enthusiasts. Some of you were even kind enough to email me and see how I was doing. Thank you for that! You guys are so awesome.

So yeah, I am hoping to be back in full force soon. Keep an eye out for some upcoming reviews and features. I'll also be popping in on many of your blogs to see what you have been up to, and which books you recommend so I know which ones to tackle in my review pile first.

Thanks for sticking around, guys! Literary peeps are the best. *fist pump*

Author Interview with Charlotte Bernardo and Natalie Zaman!

2011-07-14T16:09:00.000-04:00

I am honored to have debut authors Charlotte Bernardo and Natalie Zaman here today for the Sirenz blog tour!

Author Bios:

Natalie Zaman is the co-author of Sirenz, the first in a YA contemporary fantasy series published by Flux. Her work has appeared in various magazines, newspapers, e-zines and anthologies for adults and children. She's currently plotting disasters for the characters of Sirenz and working on a Victorian steampunk fantasy for teens. Natalie lives in central New Jersey with her family and several fine looking chickens.

Natalie's Blog

Natalie on Twitter

Natalie on Facebook

Charlotte Bennardo is the co-author of Sirenz, the first in a YA contemporary fantasy series published by Flux. When not contemplating embarrassing situations for the characters in the sequels, she works on her own YA, MG and adult level novels. She has been published in magazines, newspapers, e-zines and anthologies. She is held captive in New Jersey by three sons, husband, cat and friends.

Charlotte's Blog

Charlotte on Twitter

Charlotte on Facebook

Sirenz

EAN: 9780738723198

Trade Paperback

Young Adult/Fiction

Price: $9.95
Available: June 2011

Bickering frenemies Meg and Shar are doing some serious damage at a midnight sample sale when they find themselves arguing over a pair of shoes—with fatal consequences. One innocent bystander later, the girls are suddenly at the mercy of Hades—the god of the underworld—himself. To make them atone for what they’ve done, Hades forces the teens to become special-assignment Sirens, luring to the Underworld any individual whose unholy contract is up.

But just because they have an otherworldly part-time job now doesn’t mean Meg and Shar can ignore life’s drudgeries (work) or pleasures (fashion!). Finding that delicate balance between their old and new responsibilities turns out to be harder than they expected, especially when an entire pantheon of Greek deities decides to get involved. Then there’s the matter of the fine print in their contracts . . .

With two authors, what was your writing process like working on Sirenz?

Nat: We had to do some planning—with two of us writing it was too easy for things to go off in too many different directions. Once we had the initial chapters down, we sat down and mapped out where the story was going. That map had to be totally rewritten once it landed with Brian Farrey, our editor at Flux. We kept the first five chapters (with revisions), then had to rewrite, and so re-plot the other 3/4 of the book!

Char: Plus we had to coordinate our schedules; we each have three kids each, husbands, pets, housework, errands, yada yada. It’s hard enough writing on my schedule, never mind throwing in Nat’s, but we were determined so we found, and made the time.

What was the first little spark that made you two start writing Sirenz?

Nat: We first “wrote” something together when Char ‘bunny sat’ my rabbit when I went away on vacation. He supposedly bit her (he was a big white fluffy bunny—wouldn’t hurt a flea!)--and she made him fess up in an email. I sent one back from my cat, cloistered in the house. Before we knew it we had this whole correspondence and thought it would be an interesting picture book. We were the only ones that thought so. HOWEVAH, we had a lot of fun, and decided to try something else, and purposefully...

Char: (And it was a vicious attack bunny!) At first it was vampires, because everyone was doing vampires, but we changed our minds because everyone was doing vampires. We hit upon Greek mythology, talking about a strong character like Xena, Warrior Princess, but also campy, like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. We threw ideas around until we came up with sirens, there weren’t any books out there with those creatures.

Who is more like Meg and who is more like Shar?

Nat: I don't think we’re totally like our characters, although I wrote the initial drafts of the Meg chapters and Char wrote Shar’s. I definitely wrote things that appeal to me into Meg’s character—being into divination and other new-age philosophies, and the dark clothes. There are also aspects of Char’s character (fashion fashion fashion!) that I heart. I’ve always loved clothes (Vivienne Westwood is a favorite designer; I’ve read a couple of biographies about her—what a fascinating woman!)--probably too much!

Char: Meg is a green person, into saving the environment, and so am I, nagging my family to recycle every little bit, and also mentoring the Green Initiatives sub-team on my son’s high school robotics team. And Nat is the one who’s opened my eyes (and purse!) to Century 21, shopping in the city, designers I never would have known about. Although my character is a shop-a-holic, in reality, that’s more a Nat thing. It’s a real mix ‘n match with the characters and our personal quirks, and that’s what makes it fun and allows each of us to give input into the other’s character.

What is something cool about Greek Mythology you didn't know before writing Sirenz?

Nat: To me the Persephone myths were real eye-openers. I always thought Persephone was kind of a victim—being abducted into the Underworld by Hades, so innocent, so fragile. But there are other stories that portray her otherwise, such as the one with Menthe that we referenced. She’s definitely not a goddess—or a woman—to be messed with.

Char: Who knew real sirens were actually half bird, half woman? Most people, myself included, thought sirens were mermaids. We took a little liberty—I don’t remember reading about sirens dying off, but then, it doesn’t say they were immortal, either.

Sirenz has so many hilarious parts! What part of Sirenz still makes you laugh when you think about it?

Nat: For me it’s a toss up between the scene with QTΠ (shugga-booty—hahaha!), and the one with Callie, the office tech. I remember when we were writing that scene and putting her “lunch” together... I still squirm when she goes to take a swig of energy drink and a fly buzzes out of the can—yikes!

Char: It sounds sick, but I laugh when I read about the subway accident—and the reference to a sliced tomato. And Reynaldo—I read his dialogue and it makes me crack up because he’s such a drama queen.

If you were a Siren, who would you use your charms on first?

Nat: Good Nat: Husband, of course. Bad Nat: Damon Salvatore >:)

Char: Um, yeah, okay, that sounds good—husband first, then Damon. Or Hollywood producer. Or TV producer. I have a long list…

Is there anything else you would like to add before you go?

We’re still dancing around because SIRENZ is a series—we get to keep devising devious dilemmas for Meg, Shar and Hades again. The next book, SIRENZ BACK IN FASHION will be out in Summer 2012 and SIRENZ 3 (no title yet) in 2013!

The Girl in the Steel Corset by Kady Cross

2011-07-12T00:00:00.003-04:00

Published: May 24th, 2011 by Harlequin Teen

Details: Hardcover, 473 pages

Description:
In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one except the thing inside her.
When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch.
Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits. Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.
Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.
But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on, even if it seems no one believes her.

Thoughts:
Steampunk is my new favorite genre, and I was so thrilled for a YA Steampunk. Finally, a book that calls to me.
The story kicks off with Finley, a girl who is not sure what is wrong with her, but knows she can't control it. On the run, she meets Griff, a reluctant Duke with an ability of his own.
Kick in the supporting cast of Sam and Emily, the characters are strong, memorable, and beautifully written.
In this series, what I really enjoy is that it's not only a Steampunk, but a fantasy as well. It definitely has an X-Men feel, with awesome inventions added in the mix.
My favorite invention is the mechanical cat! So cool and so cute. Loved it, loved the Steamyness of it all.
The mystery is awesome, and it grips you till the last page. Plus the romances, the action, the fighting. Oh man, this has it all.
If you're into historical stuff, you can enjoy this. If you're into fantasy, romance, action, suspense, I mean it really is non stop awesome.
Read it, love it, and expect to be on the edge of your seat in anticipation for the next book in the series.

Guest Post with Erica O'Rourke

2011-07-06T18:49:00.007-04:00

Today Erica O'Rourke, author of Torn, is on the blog with a really cool guest post topic.

What kind of things would we find if you were to have a garage sale in your teenage years?

Despite the fact that my house is buried under a layer of clutter, I don’t actually like holding on things if I don’t use them. And I love almost everything on this list. (Number 8 is the exception.) I would be that person who puts stuff out for a garage sale and then refuses to sell them to you.

1. Say Anything Poster: You could do worse in life than to hold boyfriends to the standard set by Lloyd Dobler.

2. Sassy Magazine: I really should save these. I haven’t found any magazine published today that would be better for my daughters to read when they’re teenagers. Honest, smart, edgy.

3. Higher Education, by Lisa Pliscou Miranda goes to Harvard and tries to figure things out. I loved how messy and complicated her life was, and her smart, snarky voice.

4. Better Off Dead: My all-time favorite movie. You are probably thinking I have a bit of a crush on John Cusack. You would be right.

5. Duke sweatshirt. Not that I was ever Blue Devil material. This sweatshirt came down to my knees, and I wore it at least three times a week, for at least ten years. By the end, it was more holes than sweatshirt, and it finally disintegrated. I still miss it.

6. Blue and white striped oxford shirt. My best friend John’s favorite shirt. I stole it one day and never gave it back. I’m not sure I can part with it, even now. (Sorry, John!)

7. Depeche Mode, Violator and Morrisey, Bona Drag: Hello, Nineties British Alternative Rock. Thank you for providing an angst-ridden soundtrack to my teenage years.

8. Nametag and gray polyester vest from TJ Maxx: Working the customer service desk here during your formative years can warp your view of human nature in unpleasant ways.

9. Blue tenspeed bicycle: I didn’t get my driver’s license until I left for school, so unless I had friends willing to drive me places (which I often did), it was either ride or walk. And walking was a lot faster.

Check out more of the Torn blog tour, here!

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-07-06T09:42:00.000-04:00

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a bookish meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where we share the upcoming releases we can't wait to get our hands on.

This week I am waiting on:

Tempest by Julie Cross

Expected Publication Date: January 3rd, 2012 by Thomas Dunne

Details: Hardcover

Description:

Jackson thought he had all the time in the world with Holly. Until time took him away from her . . .

Nineteen-year-old Jackson Meyer is a normal guy . . . who just happens to be able to travel through time.

It’s all just harmless fun until the day Jackson witnesses his girlfriend, Holly, get fatally shot. In his panic, Jackson jumps back two years, but it’s not long before the people who shot Holly come looking for him. And these “Enemies of Time” will stop at nothing to recruit (or kill) this powerful young time-traveler. Jackson must decide how far he is willing to go to save Holly . . . and the entire world.

I love time travel. Any stories that have to do with time travel immediately pull me in. However, it is a difficult concept to pull off. I can't wait to see how Ms. Cross handles it. I also love that Tempest is told in a male POV! We can always use more of those in YA. And how seriously cool is that cover?! I'm definitely keeping my eye out for this one.

The Vampire Stalker by Allison Van Diepen

2011-07-05T16:11:00.000-04:00

Published: June 1st, 2011 by Point

Details: Hardcover, 272 pages

Description:

What if the characters in a vampire novel left their world--and came into yours?

Amy is in love with someone who doesn't exist: Alexander Banks, the dashing hero in a popular series of vampire novels. Then one night, Amy meets a boy who bears an eerie resemblance to Alexander. In fact, he IS Alexander, who has escaped from the pages of the book and is in hot pursuit of a wicked vampire named Vigo. Together, Amy and Alexander set out to track Vigo and learn how and why Alexander crossed over. But when she and Alexander begin to fall for each other, Amy wonders if she even wants him to ever return to the realm of fiction.

Thoughts:

As an avid reader with a soft spot for vampires, The Vampire Stalker sounded like it was written just for me. So many times have I day dreamt about what it would be like if one of my favorite male characters jumped out of the pages and into my world. I wanted to start reading this one as soon as I got it in the mail.

Amy is a character I could relate to right away. I loved how Amy and her two best friends talked about their favorite characters like they were real people. I do that with my friends all the time! I could even relate to her with having a younger sister make fun of your reading addiction. (When I first got obsessed with The Mortal Instruments series, my younger sister kept making snide remarks about "my Shadowhunters". She eventually came around to read the series and ended up falling in love with Jace just like the rest of us ;)

Alexander Banks was a very entertaining character. It was fun watching him adjust from the Victorian setting of the "Otherworld" to our modern world. Amy and Alexander's romance is a sweet one, like the kind of romance you find in a Dessen book. I was happy to find they had a real connection too. I like that Amy got to know Alexander as a person, and didn't just swoon over him as a character the whole time.

Going by the cover, I was expecting The Vampire Stalker to be a darker book. Yes, the Otherworld is described as a very gloomy place and we do see a few dead bodies when Vigo gets into our world. But the for most part, this book was a very cute and light read. I guess that is what I get for judging a book by its cover! Even though it wasn't what I expected, I still really enjoyed this book and devoured it pretty quickly. Romance in supernatural books tend to be of the sweeping romance variety, so the change of pace was refreshing.

If you too have ever fallen in love with a fictional character, you should give this one a shot.

Happy Independence Day!!

2011-07-04T00:00:00.000-04:00

Hey everyone! I know things have been very quiet around here lately. Lots of things going on in my personal life that's been keeping me away from the internet. (You have no idea how much I miss the internet!) But I wanted to stop by to wish all my fellow American readers a Happy Independence Day! July 4th has always been one of my favorite holidays. I love going to the beach, cooking out, and of course, FIREWORKS! I hope you all have a fun and safe day shared with family and friends.

Jami

Character Interview: Matt from Original Sin

2011-06-28T10:58:00.000-04:00

Lisa Desrochers, author of Personal Demons and Original Sin, has let Matt out for a while to answer some of my questions! Now if you haven't read the first book, Personal Demons, you might want to skip this interview. But if you don't mind spoilers, read on and get to know Matt. :)

Luc Cain was born and raised in Hell, but he isn’t feeling as demonic as usual lately—thanks to Frannie Cavanaugh and the unique power she never realized she had. But you can’t desert Hell without consequences, and suddenly Frannie and Luc find themselves targeted by the same demons who used to be Luc’s allies.

Left with few options, Frannie and Luc accept the protection of Heaven and one of its most powerful angels, Gabe. Unfortunately, Luc isn’t the only one affected by Frannie, and it isn’t long before Gabe realizes that being around her is too…tempting. Rather than risk losing his wings, he leaves Frannie and Luc under the protection of her recently-acquired guardian angel.

Which would be fine, but Gabe is barely out the door before an assortment of demons appears—and they’re not leaving without dragging Luc back to Hell with them. Hell won’t give up and Heaven won’t give in. Frannie’s guardian exercises all the power he has to keep them away, but the demons are willing to hurt anyone close to Frannie in order to get what they want. It will take everything she has and then some to stay out of Hell’s grasp.

And not everyone will get out of it alive.

Hi Matt. Thanks for being here today!

What was childhood like with a twin sister?

Mostly it was okay. We were always competing with each other, and Frannie got really pissed off if I beat her at anything. We shared a room and I hated it when she touched my stuff. But we did everything together. It was pretty great, actually.

What do feel you missed out most on by dying so young?

Everything. If you want specifics: a pat on the back from Grandpa; a best friend to give me a hard time; my first kiss from my first girlfriend…I don’t know…kids of my own. All that stuff.

What is something we don't learn about you in Original Sin?

When I was little I wanted to be an astronaut. Wanted to hang out in space. No one told me all I had to do was die.

What is the coolest part about being an angel?

The flying…and walking though walls…and flying. Oh, yeah, I already said that. But it is really cool.

The toughest?

The responsibility. We’re supposed to help people. All the time. It’s exhausting.

Did you get to meet any cool famous people in heaven?

I was kind of a peon up there being a short-timer and all…pretty low on the food chain. Hmm… There was Babe Ruth. Told him he should have stayed on the Red Sox. I don’t think I scored any cool people points with that. Listened to Jim Morison jam, but I never actually met him. Other than that…guess not.

Tell me what is the first word that pops in your head when you hear these names.

Frannie: protect

Luc: demon

Gabe: Frannie

Taylor: trouble

Lili: umm…I plead the fifth.

Anything else you would like to add before you go?

My job isn’t as easy as it looks. Just sayin’.

~~
Find out more about Personal Demons and Original Sin at lisadesrochers.blogspot.com.

Comment Exchange Program (47)

2011-06-20T01:06:00.000-04:00

Do you have a review, interview, or special feature post that needs some comments? You've come to the right place!

Here is how it works:

Add your link to the Mr Linky. Make sure the link goes straight to the post you want a comment on.
Visit the link above yours, read the post and leave a comment.
Please say more than just "great review" in your comment.
Feel free to visit and comment on as many links as you like.
Come back and do it again as many times as you want! (Please note that this program is for the book blogging community. Please only post a link if it's pertaining to the book blogging community.)

That's all there is to it! Now add your link and get your post some love!

Torn by Erika O'Rourke

2011-06-18T02:00:00.003-04:00

Published: June 28th, 2011 by Kensington

Details: Paperback, 336 pages

Description:
Swirling black descends like ravens, large enough to block the glow of the streetlights. A dull roar starts like a train on the 'L', a far-away rumbling that grows louder as it pulls closer, until it's directly overhead and you feel it in your chest, except this doesn't pass you by. Verity, white-faced and eyes blazing, shouts through the din, "Run, Mo!"
Mo Fitzgerald knows about secrets. But when she witnesses her best friend's murder, she discovers Verity was hiding things she never could have guessed. To find the answers she needs and the vengeance she craves, Mo—quiet, ordinary, unmagical Mo—will have to enter a world of raw magic and shifting alliances. And she'll have to choose between two very different, equally dangerous guys—protective, duty-bound Colin and brash, mysterious Luc. One wants to save her, one wants to claim her. Which would you choose?

My Thoughts:
Whew, let me take a breather here. Torn is an amazing ride that never quits, and to be honest, I never wanted it to. I started this book late one night and stayed up until the sun came out I was so hooked on reading it.
I enjoyed Mo, and I even (Gasp!) enjoyed the love triangle between Mo, Colin and Luc! I'm one of those who is getting a little tired of the triangle business, but this one doesn't disappoint. In fact, I even liked both characters enough that I would have been okay if she ended up with either of them. Not to mention they are pretty hot in their own ways!
I liked that Mo was smart, that she wasn't some weakling, and I liked the cool mob ties that were added in too. Mob ties? In a YA? Believe me, it's creative and refreshing in this giant field of fantasy YA.
I really enjoyed the mystery to it as well. What was Mo's best friend Verity really hiding? Oh, I'll never tell. But it's an added bonus along the romance and suspense that I absolutely loved.
You've got mystery, romance, fantasy, action and suspense. You've got mob ties, love triangles, prophesy and magic.
Everything I wanted was in this YA. I couldn't get enough, and I think you'll feel the same way with Torn. If you're a fan of the fantasy YA...scratch that...if you're a fan of YA at all, read this one!

Author Interview with Janet Fox

2011-06-17T09:38:00.000-04:00

I am very excited to have the wonderful Janet Fox on the blog today! She has stopped by to answer my questions about her YA historical romance books, Faithful and Forgiven.

Hi, Janet! Thanks for stopping by!

Thank you, so much, for having me!

Before we get started, can you tell us a little about your books, Faithful and Forgiven?

Of course!

Faithful is the story of 16-year old Maggie Bennet, who journeys in 1904 to Yellowstone National Park. The novel combines romance, mystery and adventure, as Maggie must change from a spoiled girl willing to be constrained by society to a free-thinking and brave young woman living in a romantic landscape at the threshold of a new century. Forgiven is a companion novel to Faithful, and follows 17-year old Kula Baker to San Francisco in 1906. This novel, too, combines romance, mystery and adventure, as a mighty earthquake strikes and the wreckage threatens all Kula holds dear. She realizes that only by unlocking her heart can she begin to carve a new future for herself.

What made you want to write historical fiction?

I have always loved the genre. That said, it was the setting of Yellowstone that first drew me to write Faithful – and when I began the novel I made a conscious choice to place the story in the past. For one thing, the setting hasn’t changed a bit. For another, the turn of the 20^th century fascinates me, as a turning point for girls and society in general.

There’s something a little bit magical about writing historical fiction: as true to history as I try to be, there are just some things I have to imagine, and that makes writing historical (for me) like writing fantasy.

What would say to the reader who is reluctant to read historical fiction?

I think just what I said above: historical fiction is so much like fantasy, when you consider it. We don’t live in those times; they can only be re-imagined. So if you are intrigued by mystery, historical is somewhat mysterious. The type of world-building necessary to creating fantasy or science fiction is similar to the world-building you have to do for historical. The only difference is with historical you have more bricks and mortar to work with.

What is the funnest thing you have done for book research?

Traveled through Yellowstone! Who wouldn’t want to take a trip to Yellowstone? I get to do that now that I live nearby all year, but while I was writing Faithful I could tour Yellowstone for research. Stop the car, get out, walk around, smell the air, read every historical sign…it was all for the novel.

What has been your favorite setting to write about so far?

Again, I’d have to say Yellowstone. For one thing, I’ll go back to that comment I made about historical fiction being magical: Yellowstone is living magic. It’s an extraordinary place. When you see a geyser erupt (when, in fact, you see many erupt, and that’s just the beginning, with hot springs and all the animals) you think, wow. How does a place like this exist? How magical that nature made this. How magical that a few far-thinking humans preserved it. How lucky that I can see it, live it, breathe it.

Which character has been the most difficult for you to write so far? The easiest?

The most difficult characters for me to write are the antagonists, no matter what book I’m working on. I have to keep reminding myself that even the antagonist is a hero in his own mind. I guess I don’t like “bad guys”, so I think of them too two-dimensionally.

The easiest character for me to write so far was Kula. I adored her. She is so not me, so different, but I heard her voice clear as a bell in my head. I had a blast writing her story.

How many books will there be in the Faithful series?

The plan, for me, is for four books in the series. And they aren’t so much a series as they hopefully will be a quartet. My dream is to write four books that share this aspect: they follow four teen girls at various times in recent American history (20^th century history) and define what it’s like to be a girl growing up in America. In book four, tentatively titled Paradise, I hope to reunite characters from the three previous books (some obviously older) and tie all themes together in the western US.

Naturally, this is not entirely up to me, but I’m hoping.

What can we expect from the third book in the Faithful series, Moll?

Moll (again, tentative title) is set in 1925 in New York City. It follows 16-year old Jo Winter, whose dreams are in jeopardy. I’m calling Moll a “noire romance”, because it has much more mystery, even a shade of the paranormal (spiritualism was big in the twenties). And, of course, there are gangsters and speakeasies and flappers.

Is there anything else you would like to add before you go?

Readers can find out more about me at my website – www.janetsfox.com - but I’d also love readers to “like” my author page on Facebook - www.facebook.com/AuthorJanetFox - and follow me on Twitter @janetsfox I love talking to readers!

Janet is also doing something very neat I wanted to share with you:

Janet Fox will donate a portion of the proceeds from FORGIVEN to The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. To learn more about what you can do to help agencies that actively fight the exploitation and trafficking of children, visit the following websites:

The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

Unicef
Stop Child Trafficking

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-06-15T08:11:00.000-04:00

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a bookish meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where we share the upcoming releases we can't wait to get our hands on.

This week I am waiting on:

Vanish (Firelight #2) by Sophie Jordan

Expected Publication Date: September 6th, 2011 by Harper Teen

Details: Hardcover, 304 pages

Description:

To save the life of the boy she loves, Jacinda did the unthinkable: She betrayed the most closely-guarded secret of her kind. Now she must return to the protection of her pride knowing she might never see Will again—and worse, that because his mind has been shaded, Will’s memories of that fateful night and why she had to flee are gone.

Back home, Jacinda is greeted with hostility and must work to prove her loyalty for both her sake and her family’s. Among the few who will even talk to her are Cassian, the pride’s heir apparent who has always wanted her, and her sister, Tamra, who has been forever changed by a twist of fate. Jacinda knows that she should forget Will and move on—that if he managed to remember and keep his promise to find her, it would only endanger them both. Yet she clings to the hope that someday they will be together again. When the chance arrives to follow her heart, will she risk everything for love?

In bestselling author Sophie Jordan’s dramatic follow-up to Firelight, forbidden love burns brighter than ever.

I really enjoyed Firelight when I read it last year. Yesterday I read Jen's review of Firelight and it made me miss the story and its characters! Which of course got me thinking about the sequel, Vanish, and how much a desperately want it.

It sounds like we'll get to see a lot more of the Pride in Vanish! And see more of sexy Cassian! And Will losing his memory of Jacinda?! I also have a feeling about what will happen to Jacinda's twin sister, Tamra. ;)

So, did you read Firelight? Are you excited for Vanish too?

Guest Post: Suzanne Young

2011-06-13T09:00:00.001-04:00

Suzanne Young currently lives in Portland, Oregon where she uses the rainy weather as an excuse to stay inside and write obsessively. After earning her degree in creative writing, Suzanne spent several years teaching middle school language arts in Arizona. Now she can be found at home chasing after her two children and writing novels for teens.

Suzanne is the author of A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL coming Summer 2011 from Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins followed by its sequel in 2012. Suzanne has also published THE NAUGHTY LIST book series in 2010 with Razorbill/Penguin.
~~

What can I do with all of these books??

I’ve written over 20 complete novels—some good, some bad, and some smack dab in the middle. But not all of them are publishable. They were all fun to write and I learned on each and every book. But what can I do with ALL THAT WORK?! I decided to start a series on my blog called The Novel Graveyard. There I share excerpts from my unpublished books—again, some good, some bad—in the hopes of entertaining. You can check out The Novel Graveyard at http://suzanne-young.blogspot.com/search/label/Novel%20Graveyard

A few years ago I also started an ongoing blog story called GOING GREEN. It was only for the blog, so it wasn’t edited or anything, but I found that writing daily (or almost daily) helped keep me creative. I think of it as homework for the full-time writer. You can read the GOING GREEN story on my blog here: http://suzanne-young.blogspot.com/search/label/GOING%20GREEN

Other than that, all of my complete, half-done, or barely started novels will stay in their graveyard, haunting my computer. You never know when you might need to pick from it for a new story.

Comment Exchange Program (46)

2011-06-13T08:00:00.000-04:00

Do you have a review, interview, or special feature post that needs some comments? You've come to the right place!

Here is how it works:

Add your link to the Mr Linky. Make sure the link goes straight to the post you want a comment on.
Visit the link above yours, read the post and leave a comment.
Please say more than just "great review" in your comment.
Feel free to visit and comment on as many links as you like.
Come back and do it again as many times as you want! (Please note that this program is for the book blogging community. Please only post a link if it's pertaining to the book blogging community.)

That's all there is to it! Now add your link and get your post some love!

Fairy Bad Day by Amanda Ashby

2011-06-12T22:25:00.000-04:00

Published: June 9th, 2011 by Speak

Details: Paperback, 336 pages

Description:

While most students at Burtonwood Academy get to kill demons and goblins, fifteen-year-old Emma gets to rid the world of little annoying fairies with glittery wings and a hipster fashion sense. She was destined to be a dragon slayer, but cute and charming Curtis stole her spot. Then she sees a giant killer fairy - and it's invisible to everyone but her! If Emma has any chance of stopping this evil fairy, she's going to need help. Unfortunately, the only person who can help is Curtis. And now, not only has he stolen her dragon-slayer spot, but maybe her heart as well! Why does she think it's going to be a fairy bad day?

My Thoughts:

Fairy Bad Day is humorous and cute and action-packed and just a ball full of fun.

First of all, Ashby is fabulous with description. She is detailed without bogging the reader down. The world in this book is vivid; I felt like those little hipster fairies jumped off the page and buzzed around my head. I also loved the idea of some having the sight to see these paranormal creatures, while most people are "slight-blind". The boarding school for kids training to be slayers was a cool setting. I am always a little hesitant about boarding school settings (there are just so many of them!), but this one was a very unique.

Emma was a fun character to read about. She is this badass slayer who can't wait to slay dragons and make a name for herself like her mother, so you can imagine her anger when she gets stuck with slaying tiny fairies. She first sees Curtis as the enemy, the one who took her rightful place. But of course swoony Curtis wins her over. The romance was really cute and sweet in this one.

I loved all the action. Lots of cool swords and weapons the slayers use, but how hilarious what Emma found out kills fairies! Fairy Bad Day is exactly the kind of read I look for in the summer. It is a fun way to spend a lazy afternoon. So if you are looking for a fun paranormal, add this one to your list!

Guest Post: Amanda Ashby (and Scavenger Hunt Letter!)

2011-06-12T18:07:00.004-04:00

Amanda Ashby is the author of Zombie Queen of Newbury High and her newest novel, Fairy Bad Day.

I'd like to do a post about love interests who dislike each other at first.

I had so much fun writing about Emma and Curtis! Though I should say that while Emma disliked Curtis excessively because she thinks he has stolen her dragon slaying spot, Curtis has never disliked her (which is probably why he finds her reaction to him pretty confusing).

Part of Emma actually knows that she’s being unreasonable in her attitude to him (plus her best friend, Loni is constantly reminding her) but the other part of her can’t help it because all her memories of her mom are tied up with dragon slaying and she feels like Curtis is taking that away from her. Plus, she finds it very annoying how his perfect hair always falls over his perfect forehead and into his perfect eyes.What’s the story with that?

However, the more time that Emma is forced to spend with Curtis, the more she starts to realize that he’s not the villain she’s painted him to be. This is particularly embarrassing since she hasn’t always been nice to him. Thankfully, as well as having perfect hair, Curtis is pretty understanding of why she reacted like she did. Plus, since he’s been keeping a few secrets of his own, he doesn’t feel like he can complain too much.

This tour is also a scavenger hunt. Be sure to visit each of the stops on the blog tour and collect the bolded letter at the bottom of the post. On June 25 you will have the opportunity to enter the word you created from the mixed up letters on Amanda's blog (amandaashby.blogspot.com) to win a fun prize pack. The pack includes a signed copy of Fairy Bad Day, some candy, and cute cell phone charms. The letter for this stop is K

The Queen Bee of Bridgeton by Leslie DuBois

2011-06-11T21:54:00.000-04:00

Published: May 17th, 2011 by Little Prince Publishing

Details: Paperback, 244 pages

Description:

When fifteen-year-old Sonya Garrison is accepted into the prestigious Bridgeton Academy, she soon discovers that rich girls are just as dangerous as the thugs in her home of Venton Heights. Maybe more so. After catching the eye of the star, white basketball player and unwittingly becoming the most popular girl in school, she earns the hatred of the three most ruthless and vindictive girls at Bridgeton. Can she defeat the reigning high school royalty? Or will they succeed in ruining her lifelong dream of becoming a world class dancer?

My Thoughts:

It was the protagonist, Sonya, that drew me to this story. She is so different from the cookie cutter MCs we tend to see, and I loved that about her. It is truly impossible not to love Sonya. She doesn't let her home life define her. She has this beautiful strength and honesty about her, but she is also shy. And, man, can the girl dance! The descriptions of her dancing are wonderful; It made me feel her passion for ballet.

I knew there was going to be a mean girls storyline going in to this, but, oh man, these mean girls are insane! With stunts like tying the name of a random girl around a cow and bringing it into school, these mean girls make Regina George look like a saint! The book started with the climax, then went to the beginning of the story. I enjoyed going back and seeing how Sonya landed in this situation, and finding out who was really responsible for putting her there.

Good writing is what pulls this story through. The plot, the romance, and the character development all come together well. I'm really glad I had the chance to read The Queen Bee of Brigeton, and I am looking forward to continuing Sonya's story in the sequel, The Devil of DiRisio!

Jason Ancona's Teenage Garage Sale

2011-06-09T23:20:00.001-04:00

Jason Ancona, author of The Sext Crime (book two in the CYA: Covert Youth Agency series), is here to share what he would be selling in his teenage garage sale!

I think we all had a Rubik's Cube! Thanks for sharing, Jason! The Sext Crime is available now. Check out Jason's website for info about The Sext Crime and his other books.

Original Sin by Lisa Desrochers

2011-06-08T17:22:00.000-04:00

Published: July 5th, 2011 by Tor Teen

Details: Paperback, 400 pages

Description:

Left with few options, Frannie and Luc accept the protection of Heaven and one of its most powerful angels, Gabe. Unfortunately, Luc isn’t the only one affected by Frannie, and it isn’t long before Gabe realizes that being around her is too…tempting. Rather than risk losing his wings, he leaves Frannie and Luc under the protection of her recently-acquired guardian angel.

Which would be fine, but Gabe is barely out the door before an assortment of demons appears—and they’re not leaving without dragging Luc back to Hell with them. Hell won’t give up and Heaven won’t give in. Frannie’s guardian exercises all the power he has to keep them away, but the demons are willing to hurt anyone close to Frannie in order to get what they want. It will take everything she has and then some to stay out of Hell’s grasp.

And not everyone will get out of it alive.

My Thoughts:

Oh, hot damn. Ms. Desroshers, you did it again. Original Sin was just as addicting as Personal Demons, but a whole lot sexier. I didn't even think that was possible.

I was so excited to jump back into the lives of Frannie, Luc and Gabe. But especially Luc! Hell was not too happy about the news of Luc becoming a human. The demons are after Luc, which isn't quite as easy for Luc now without his demon powers. And of course Frannie's life is no breeze, with the Sway and all. We got to learn more about Frannie's Sway, and also other big surprises about her I didn't see coming!

In addition to Frannie and Luc's point of view, we also see Matt's in this installment. I was surprised when I first saw his POV, but I really enjoyed it. It was fun to get to see the story from a different side. Plus, Matt brought his own story to the table. There is so much more about Matt I want to go into, but I don't want any spoilers. I'll just say, Matt is one heck of an interesting character!

I am not kidding when I say this story is addicting. I am a big fan of the switching POVs. Seeing what is going on in the different character's heads keeps the story fresh and fast paced. Desrochers is such a daring story teller. I love how I am always surprised by where she takes these characters. Original Sin doesn't fall into the second book slump that some series seem to have. It might even be better than the first book! A battle of Heaven and Hell, sexy creatures of good and evil...come on? What's not to love about that?

Thirteen Reasons Why News + Giveaway!

2011-06-06T15:22:00.001-04:00

Ever heard of the amazing book Thirteen Reasons Why? No? Well, here is some info.

About the book:
Thirteen Reasons Why is the story of a girl named Hannah Baker who takes her own life. But before she does, she records several cassette tapes explaining why and sends them to the people she feels pushed her toward that decision. The story is told from the point of view of Clay Jensen who spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah’s voice as his guide. He becomes a first-hand witness to Hannah’s pain, and learns the truth about himself—a truth he never wanted to face.

The anti-bullying anthem was published in hardcover in October 2007 by Razorbill, and quickly became a word-of-mouth favorite among teenaged readers with fans claiming, “This book changed my life.” The novel has been on the New York Times children’s hardcover bestseller list for 65 weeks, foreign rights have been sold into 30 countries and it has been acquired by Universal Pictures and will star Selena Gomez.

About the Author:

Jay Asher lives on the central coast of California with his wife and son. His favorite part of being an author is speaking with his readers at schools and libraries across the country.

Paperback Release:

Thirteen Reasons Why is now out in paperback. Here is the shiny new paperback cover!

13RW Project:

Along with the paperback release, Penguin has launched the 13RW Project at www.13RWProject.com as a place for fans of Thirteen Reasons Why to record their thoughts, stories, videos and photos relating to the book, and to view what other readers from all across the country have shared. Each review is logged on a map to show the many locations that viewers are posting from, and all content is shareable through Facebook and Twitter. So reviewers, head over there and add your Thirteen Reasons Why review!

Giveaway:

To celebrate the paperback release and the launch of 13RWProject, I get to give away TWO paperback copies of Thirteen Reasons Why! Fill out the form below to be entered. US addresses only. This giveaway will be open to entries until June 13th, then 2 winners will be randomly selected and contacted via email. Good luck!

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Allison van Diepen Discusses The Vampire Stalker Cover

2011-06-06T10:03:00.000-04:00

When I first saw The Vampire Stalker cover, it blew me away. It was totally perfect for the book—the images, the tone, the atmosphere. And the closer I looked, the more I noticed the details—the shadowy masculine figure in the background, the fire escape which is used in the novel, the girl holding a book (if you look closely, you can even see the book’s title). It’s almost as if someone captured a snapshot of what was in my mind while I was writing the book.

So how did the cover come to be? Well, the team at Scholastic came up with the concept. I loved the idea of Amy and Alexander in the dark, smoky streets, but of course, I didn’t know what the end result would look like. That’s when the magic came in. Scholastic commissioned an amazing artist, Shane Rebenschied, to draw the picture that would become the cover. He consulted with Chris Stengel, Scholastic’s visionary art director. Here is the original artwork:

Needless to say, I feel extremely lucky for such a talented artist to lend his picture to my words.

Thanks for Sharing, Allison! The cover is gorgeous!

Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach

2011-06-01T08:00:00.002-04:00

Published: June 1st, 2011 (Today!) by Sourcebooks Fire

Details: Paperback, 320 pages

Description:

Fifteen-year-old Felton Reinstein has always been on the smallish side, but in his sophomore year he starts growing...and growing.

During gym one day he smokes the football jocks in a 600-yard race. Felton has never been interested in sports, but there's no doubt-he is "stupid fast." As he juggles his newfound athletic prowess, his mom's sudden depression, an annoying little brother, and his first love, he discovers a shocking secret about his past which explains why he's turning out the way he is.

Thoughts:

Yay for boy protagonists in YA! That is what first made me pick up this book. I often get asked, "What are some good teen books for boys?" and I was hoping I could add this one to the list. I definitely can! But Stupid Fast is more than that. It's a book that can be enjoyed by that reluctant reader just as much is it can by the avid book worm. Boy or girl, adult or teen, readers will fall in love with this humorous tale with a big heart.

Stupid Fast is a tale of a boy's summer that changes everything for him. As the cover says, "From Squirrel Nut to Jock in just one summer". It's told by the voice of our protagonist, Felton, as he stays up late one night to share his story. I have to admit, I had to first get adjusted to the style of the writing. Once I did (about 50 pages in), I was officially loving it.

Felton is such an honest and real character. In some ways, he's your average 15 year-old boy. He's going through puberty and figuring out where he stands in the world. He's learning that everything and everyone are not always what they first appear to be. In other ways, Felton is very unique. With a hippy for a mom that insists he call her Jerri. Crazy speed that makes him, well, stupid fast, and often jumpy and nervous at times, like a squirrel (hence the nickname "Squirrel Nut"). There is also the very sad side of Felton's life. His father's suicide has taken its toll on the Reinstein family, especially on Jerri.

There are also great secondary characters that bring depth to the story. Like Felton's little brother, Adam and their love/hate relationship. And Aleah, Felton's first love. Even the "honky" football players. I love how each character had an impact on Felton's life in one way or another.

Stupid Fast is a story that is just as touching as it is hilarious. I am hoping there will be a sequel; I want to see how Felton's new life goes during the school year. Bottom line: Pick it up!

Comment Exchange Program (45)

2011-05-30T08:00:00.000-04:00

Do you have a review, interview, or special feature post that needs some comments? You've come to the right place!

Here is how it works:

Add your link to the Mr Linky. Make sure the link goes straight to the post you want a comment on.
Visit the link above yours, read the post and leave a comment.
Please say more than just "great review" in your comment.
Feel free to visit and comment on as many links as you like.
Come back and do it again as many times as you want! (Please note that this program is for the book blogging community. Please only post a link if it's pertaining to the book blogging community.)

That's all there is to it! Now add your link and get your post some love!

A Need So Beautiful by Suzanne Young

2011-05-27T14:34:00.001-04:00

Expected Publication: June 21st, 2011 by Balzer & Bray

Detials: Hardcover, 272 pages

Description:

We all want to be remembered. Charlotte's destiny is to be Forgotten...

Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.

But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.

Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences.

My Thoughts:

A Need So Beautiful had me at the description. Okay, so the cover had me first, but the description sealed the deal. I am a fan of Young's contemporary YA novels and was curious to see how she would do with a paranormal romance. She did not disappoint!

First of all, throw away any notion that this is just another "angel book". A Need So Beautiful is much more than that. Charlotte is a normal girl. Her life is school, best friend, boyfriend...all that good stuff. But then there is the Need, where Charlotte is pulled to do a good deed, whether it be to save someone's life or warn them of something coming. When the Need happens, Charlotte has no choice but to follow it. I really felt for Charlotte. I couldn't imagine if my destiny meant everyone I love would eventually forget all about me. And I loved that Charlotte didn't know why this was happening to her, so we got to learn about it all along with her.

I loved the relationship between Charlotte and Harlin. It was so refreshing to read a YA book where the MC and love interest have already been together for a couple years.You could tell how well they knew each other, which made there love believable. Harlin made for a fabulous love interest. You can't help but swoon over his sweet bad boy personality, but the best part about him was how great he treated Charlotte.

This story is just so beautiful, so moving in a way the most paranormal stories don't succeed at. I cried, re-read the ending and cried again. Then I hugged my kids and told them how much I love them with tears still rolling down my face. Which might have freaked them out a bit, but they got ice cream out of it, so all is good. A Need So Beautiful has a new and refreshing plot, as well as characters that you can't help but care for. Not to mention the wonderful writing. Don't make the mistake of skipping this one because it's just another angel book. You'd be missing out on an amazing story.

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-05-25T08:26:00.000-04:00

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a bookish meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where we share the upcoming releases we can't wait to get our hands on.

This week I am waiting on:

Score by Miranda Kenneally

Expected Publication: December 1st, 2011 by Sourcebooks

Details: Paperback, 288 pages

Description:

What girl doesn't want to be surrounded by gorgeous jocks day in and day out? Jordan Woods isn't just surrounded by hot guys, though-she leads them as the captain and quarterback of her high school football team. They all see her as one of the guys, and that's just fine. As long as she gets her athletic scholarship to a powerhouse university. But now there's a new guy in town who threatens her starting position... suddenly she's hoping he'll see her as more than just a teammate.

How cool does this book sound? Not only is a girl playing football, but she is the captain and quarterback! I am looking forward to reading about Jordan.

Meet Felton from Stupid Fast (Plus Giveaway!)

2011-05-23T12:24:00.002-04:00

Felton is the protagonist in Stupid Fast by Geoff Herbach. He is stopping by for the Stupid Fast tour to answer some of my questions! Before we get to know Felton, here is some info about his story, Stupid Fast.

Fifteen-year-old Felton Reinstein has always been on the smallish side, but in his sophomore year he starts growing...and growing.

Hi, Felton. Thanks for being here!

Hi Jami, I’m really really psyched to be here. Thanks. Really.

In Stupid Fast, you stayed up a whole night to tell your story of that summer. What made you want to share your story with others?

It was just such a seriously freaked out summer and everything changed and it could’ve been the worst. It really could’ve been a situation where like my mom died and my brother ended up on fire (literally) out in the yard, because he was nuts, too. I might have accidentally killed him, also, because Andrew totally drove me to the brink. But, I sort of learned how to control my business, which is amazing. I learned that you actually don’t have to let the crap just flow down the waterfall of life and drown you, you know? Andrew an me, we made a choice in July and things actually got better. They got good. We did okay. I want everyone to know it’s okay, but you have to do something, you can’t just get buried in all the horror poo that flows. You have to do something about it.

Now that you play football and are a "jock", what do you think is the biggest misconception about sports and jocks is?

That’s weird, because jocks do have sort of more power in some ways, just because they sort of train to be strong, you know? That makes them a little bit dangerous in the bathroom if their jerks (there are jerks all over, though, not just among jocks). But, the thing to know is they’re just as nerdy and geeky as everybody else. Jocks are just geeking out on something different than video game freaks or role playing smelly fat boys in the basement or musicians. Also, they have no idea what they’re doing. Jocks need to know it’s okay that they have no idea what they’re doing, because that means they’re like everybody else. They don’t have to prove they do know what they’re doing by being jerks. Everybody would like them a lot better if they were just nice (and for the most part, they are nice, like most people are – even though jerks exist).

You considered being a comedian (Which I think you still should because I think you're hilarious!). Who are some of your favorite comedians?

Number one, Jerry Seinfeld, except maybe it’s not Jerry exactly, I just think Seinfeld is a hilarious show. I think it’s really funny when Zach Galifinakis plays beautiful piano and then says really crazy stuff. My brother should do that, because he’s totally random, sometimes. I like Demetri Martin, too. He can draw backwards and forwards at the same time, which is awesome, but he seems kind of sad. He reminds me of my best friend Gus. Maybe because his eyes are sad shaped and maybe he isn’t sad at all. I don’t know. I don’t like mean comedians, though.

Tell us a funny story that happened with having a hippy as a mom.

I guess this is funny. One time when I was like seven, we got on a school bus that was painted purple and there were all kinds of hippies from California on there strumming guitars and eating beans and bread and stuff (they knew Jerri from the internet, or something) and we drove with them to Eagle Point Park in Dubuque and they had this boom box and they started playing Phish CDs really loud and dancing around in circles. Andrew, who was truly tiny at that moment, danced around, too. And then they all started eating brownies and lying around and talking about all the animals they could see in the clouds. Jerri sat on this rock and stared at all of them and shook her head and said, “I don’t know, Felton. They seem kind of dumb.” And right then the cops came and arrested everybody except me and Jerri and Andrew. Andrew was screaming at the cops, “Don’t take my hippies away!” That’s pretty funny.

Do you have any advise for surviving living in a small town like Bluffton?

Hmm… don’t eat druggie brownies or the cops will get you and put you and your boom box and your hippy friends in the slammer. No. I guess, even though it is sort of closed in and you feel like you’re not part of the whole wide world, you probably will have the chance to leave one day, so maybe take the good stuff, like how freaking pretty the country is. This I’ve tried to remember a lot, the hills here are very pretty and lush and sort of excellent, too. And I try to remember that one day I will be gone from here and I’ll miss the dark and the Walmart and my friends and the hills and my old bike and Jerri will get old and all the houses will one day fall down and then I get sad and I love this place so much.

If you could change one part of your story, Stupid Fast, what would it be?

As soon as I saw Andrew out there in his underpants burning his socks and polo shirts and crap, I’d have called Grandma Berba, because we were really, totally, crazy messed at that point. But, I guess, I didn’t know Grandma liked us at all. I should’ve called her, though. Andrew broke a bunch of holes in the wall I keep finding, too. Grandma Berba would never have let him do that.

Giveaway Closed

Now is your chance to win a copy of Stupid Fast! Simply fill out the form below to be entered. US and Canada addresses only. This giveaway is open to entrants until May 30th, then the winner will be randomly selected and contacted via email. Good luck!!!

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Comment Exchange Program (44)

2011-05-23T10:02:00.000-04:00

Do you have a review, interview, or special feature post that needs some comments? You've come to the right place!

Here is how it works:

Add your link to the Mr Linky. Make sure the link goes straight to the post you want a comment on.
Visit the link above yours, read the post and leave a comment.
Please say more than just "great review" in your comment.
Feel free to visit and comment on as many links as you like.
Come back and do it again as many times as you want! (Please note that this program is for the book blogging community. Please only post a link if it's pertaining to the book blogging community.)

That's all there is to it! Now add your link and get your post some love!

In My Mailbox

2011-05-22T08:13:00.000-04:00

I am bringing you my mailbox a day early, since I am scheduled for a blog tour tomorrow! In My Mailbox is a bookish meme hosted by The Story Siren, where we share the books and other goodies we received for the week. (Book links go to Goodreads.)

For Review:

I got two really cool packages this week.

The first one contained All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin, plus chocolate covered espresso beans! Thank you, Macmillan!

The second package I got contained Sirenz by Charlotte Bernardo and Natalie Zaman, plus some of the coolest swag ever! There were even black feathers, just like on the cover. Thank you, Natalie!

Books Bought:

I also bought two bargain books from Amazon. I have been trying to stop buying books until I get caught up with my TBR pile, but I only paid $2.73 for both of these!! I couldn't resist.

All About Vee by C. Liegh Purtill

Peeps by Scott Westerfeld

P.S. Thanks to my Twitter peeps (hehe) for talking me into buying Peeps. Twitter is the best place to find recommendations!

So that was my week. What did you get in your mailbox?

Author Guest Post: Stacey Kade

2011-05-20T13:29:00.012-04:00

Stacey Kade, author of the awesome Ghost and the Goth series, is here to talk about her high school experience.

Who were you most like in high school: Will, or Alona? What was your high school experience like?

I always like to say one of the reasons the premise behind Buffy the Vampire Slayer—high school is hell, literally—appealed to me is because I know that experience. I have been there and done that, as they say.

My father is a Lutheran minister, so we moved around a lot. I moved to the town where I went to high school about halfway through my eighth grade year. I did not know a single soul. And the school was one that was so small, they’d all known each other since kindergarten. Add to the mix: crippling shyness, a love of all things geeky, and being poor (relative to the other students)—voila, instant high school misery.

Looking back on it now, I realize that writers--actually, creative types in general--tend to be a little bit different, slightly left of center. But I didn’t know how to be comfortable with who I was, how to be comfortable with being different, and I spent most of those four years trying to figure out how to be the “right” version of me. And that worked out about as well as you’d expect. On the up side, though, all those years of studying everyone else and trying to unravel how the system worked have provided me with lots of research to draw upon in my writing!

It was only once I got to college--where I met people who weren’t ashamed to love Star Wars and Star Trek, others who geeked out over cool words and reading, friends who were more concerned about what you were like as a person rather than the labels you could afford to wear--that I truly felt like maybe I wasn’t the only alien on the planet (to paraphrase from an awesome YA book by Kristen Randle).

So, who was I more like in high school? Of the two, Will, most definitely. But of all the characters in the book, I think high school me, in some ways, was a lot like Lily, or at least what we know about her.
~~

Find Stacey Online:
Website
Blog
Twitter
Goodreads

Queen of the Dead by Stacey Kade

2011-05-19T15:47:00.009-04:00

Published: May 31st, 2011 by Hyperion
Details: Hardcover, 288 pages
Description:
After being sent back from the light, Alona Dare–former homecoming queen, current Queen of the Dead–finds herself doing something she never expected: working. Instead of spending days perfecting her tan by the pool (her typical summer routine when she was, you know, alive), Alona must now cater to the needs of other lost spirits. By her side for all of this, ugh, “helping of others” is Will Killian: social outcast, seer of the dead, and someone Alona cares about more than she’d like.

Before Alona can make a final ruling on Will’s “friend” or “more” status, though, she discovers trouble at home. Her mom is tossing out Alona’s most valuable possessions, and her dad is expecting a new daughter with his wicked wife. Is it possible her family is already moving on? Hello?! She’s only been dead for two months! Thankfully, Alona knows just the guy who can put a stop to this mess.

Unfortunately for Alona, Will has other stuff on his mind, and Mina, a young (and beautiful) seer, is at the top of the list. She’s the first ghost-talker Will’s ever met—aside from his father—and she may hold answers to Will’s troubled past. But can she be trusted? Alona immediately signs her name in the “clearly not” column. But Will is, ahem, willing to find out, even if it means leaving a hurt and angry Alona to her own devices, which is never a good idea.

My Thoughts:
Before I knew there was a sequel to Ghost and the Goth, I thought Ghost and the Goth was enough. Man, I was horribly wrong in SO many ways. Queen of the Dead is an amazing sequel and a cute and emotionally-charged YA that keeps you on the edge of your seat wanting more and more.

Alona and Will haven't changed, and I love that about this sequel. Just because they are together (kinda) doesn't mean they are going to be gushy, or lovey dovey, and I liked that. But when they did share those cute moments, I had such a wide smile on my face. The relationship they have is complicated yet so right, especially after all they go through together.

The plot was brilliant, creative, and still packed that emotional punch that Stacey Kade is so perfect at creating. I loved the introduction of the new characters, and even some I loved to hate.

Nothing is left to the imagination from Book 1, everything is answered, even with Lily.

A cliffhanger that almost killed me, I knew this book was everything I wanted it to be and more. Queen of the Dead is a great sequel no one will want to miss. Go read it, I promise it's amazing!

Meet Sonya from The Queen Bee of Bridgeton

2011-05-19T00:30:00.001-04:00

Sonya is the protagonist in The Queen Bee of Bridgeton by Leslie DuBois. She stopped by today for the tour to answer some of my questions! Before we get to know Sonya, here is some info about her story, The Queen Bee of Bridgeton.

Hi Sonya. Thanks for being here today!

Thanks for having me!

Tells us something about you that we don't find out in The Queen Bee of Bridgeton.

That’s tough. I mean The Queen Bee of Bridgeton kind of bare my soul out there. You find out everything about me even the embarrassing things like that I’d never kissed a boy. The only thing I can think of that isn’t in the book is that I am deathly afraid of frogs. Yes, I realize that in my neighborhood I have to deal with rats and cockroaches on a daily basis, but frogs really freak me out.

If you could turn any of your favorite books or movies into a ballet, which ones would you pick?

What an amazing question. I love romance and one of the most romantic movies I’ve seen is Love Actually. Oh, I get teary just thinking about it. I think that would be a great ballet. Oh, wait. I change my mind. I love Pride and Prejudice, the book and every single movie rendition. Yes, that would be an amazing ballet. That’s my final answer.

Other than ballet, do you have any other talents or hobbies?

I have a pretty good singing voice. Maybe one day I could do Broadway or something. Only I’m not good at acting. It might be because I’m a horrible liar.

What is your biggest pet peeve?

I hate bad posture. Maybe it’s because I’ve danced ballet for 8 years. Not sure. But several times I’ve had to stop myself from walking up to random people, tapping them on the shoulder and saying “Chin up, shoulders back, please.”

What qualities do you admire most in a person?

Empathy. If people could just feel each other’s pain or at least imagine what other people go through, I think the world would be a much nicer place.

Any advise for dealing with mean girls?

Don’t try to be something you’re not just to beat them. That was my mistake. Don’t play their game. Make up your own.

What do you hope people take away from your story in The Queen Bee of Bridgeton?

I want people to realize that where you live or how much money your parents make is not what defines you. You can become anything you want to be. And that includes being a good person or a bad person. People of all types come from all different places and backgrounds. You can’t judge someone based on outward appearances.

Anything else you'd like to add before you go?

Yes, I’m so excited that the continued story of life in Rome, Italy comes out sooner than you think! It’s called The Devil of DiRisio and the eBook will be out this week. The paperback will be out in June.

Giveaway Closed

Now is your chance to win a copy of The Queen Bee of Bridgeton! Simply fill out the form below to be entered. US and Canada addresses only. This giveaway is open to entrants until May 25th, then the winner will be randomly selected and contacted via email. Good luck!!!

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Black Hill Farm by Tim O'Rourke (Plus a Giveaway!)

2011-05-18T14:09:00.003-04:00

Published: March 12th, 2011 by Tim O'Rourke

Details: eBook

Description:

Detective Chief Inspector John Walker hasn’t a suspect or motive for the murders at Black Hill Farm. That is until sixteen-year-old Benjamin McCloud walks into Beechers Hope Police Station, asking to be arrested for the killings. During twelve police interviews, Benjamin gives a disturbing confession about his relationship with Andrea and how his love for her became a dangerous obsession.

Finding themselves alone on a remote farm and desperate to stay together, Benjamin and Andrea’s world spirals out of control. And as they fight for survival, every step they take leads them into an ever darker world of deceit, blackmail, and murder.

A dark romance for young adults recommend for sixteen-year-olds and over.

My Thoughts:

When Tim asked if I would be interested in reviewing Black Hill Farm, he sent along a link to this book trailer:

The book trailer had me hooked and I knew this was one I had to read. OMG, you guys, this book is INSANE. In the best of ways, of course.

Right from the beginning I could tell Black Hill Farm is not your average YA book. It has definite crossover appeal. The story is told through taped police interviews between Ben McCloud and Chief Walker, and also written notes by Chief Walker about the interview. It was a great format for this kind of suspenseful story, as you only find out what happened at Black Hill Farm as Ben slowly reveals each piece of the story.

This is a psychological thriller, so I wasn't surprised to find out that these characters are pretty messed up people. But as the story goes on, I discovered just how messed up these people are. Seriously, shit just keeps getting crazier! Yet at the same time, I couldn't help but sympathize with the characters, especially Ben and Andy. It still didn't stop me from shouting, "What are you thinking?!" at them a few times.

The writing and pacing in this story are excellent. Everything disappeared, and and it was just me and this book. I got mad anytime I had to put it down, and sometimes a big part would come up and I would refuse to put it down. Yeah, I burnt dinner that night. The ending...holy crap. I never saw it coming. Hours after reading, I couldn't stop thinking about this book. I couldn't stop going over it all in my head. There is talk in the book about Andy's diary, and I kept thinking how I wished I could read it. Well, the sequel to Black Hill Farm was just released, which is Andy's Diary! I am so excited to read it and see what was going on in her head throughout the story.

Black Hill Farm is one of the best books I've read so far this year. I can't get over how good it was. I mean, why doesn't this guy have a book deal?! O'Rourke is one talented story teller. I do have to warn you that it is a pretty dark story. It's not for the light-hearted. But if you are like me and like dark tales that make you think and take you outside your comfort zone, you simply can't miss Black Hill Farm.

Giveaway Closed

T~~im O'Rourke is giving away this:~~

The original painting from the Black Hill Farm cover! That's right, not a scan, the original artwork. I'm actually quite envious about this one. ;) Tim is making this giveaway INTERNATIONAL, so everyone can enter! Simply fill out the form below to enter. This giveaway will be open to entrants until June 3rd. Then the winner will be randomly selected and contacted via email. Good luck!!!

A Few Things...

2011-05-18T10:05:00.001-04:00

1. Many of you have been asking about my Blog Planning post. Well, when Blogger went all wacky last week and stole everyone's posts, it decided it just wasn't going to give mine back. All I got back was part of the post saved in draft, with most of it erased. Yes, I tried to copy and paste it from my google reader, but it was only part of the post as well. I do plan on rewriting and getting the post back up for you all soon! But if you want a link to a certain blog planning template now, shoot me an email and I'll pass along the link. :)

2. My super awesome friend Lesley used to blog at Young Adult Books Reviewed. She just didn't have time to keep up a blog these days, so she closed it down. But no worries! Lesley will be guest blogging here on YA Addict! Expect a post from her this week.

3. So I was all signed up and planned to go to BEA this year. I already made a few plans to meet up with a few other bloggers, and I was getting excited as new invitations to cool events kept pouring in. I am very sad to say I won't be able to go this year. My family has had some unexpected expenses recently, and the money for a trip to New York just isn't there. It totally sucked to find out I couldn't go, but I am keeping a positive attitude. I am already starting to set aside a little bit of money and I will SO BE THERE IN 2012.

4. Er...I guess there were only three things. Oh! Thank you for reading all that. Virtual brownies for you all. Yes, they are gluten free.

Shift by Jeri Smith-Ready

2011-05-17T18:25:00.001-04:00

Published: May 3rd, 2011 by Simon Pulse

Details: Hardcover, 367 pages

Description:

Aura’s life is anything but easy. Her boyfriend, Logan, died, and his slides between ghost and shade have left her reeling. Aura knows he needs her now more than ever. She loves Logan, but she can’t deny her connection with the totally supportive, totally gorgeous Zachary. And she’s not sure that she wants to.

Logan and Zachary will fight to be the one by her side, but Aura needs them both to uncover the mystery of her past—the mystery of the Shift.

As Aura’s search uncovers new truths, she must decide whom to trust with her secrets…and her heart.

My Thoughts:

Shade was one of the best books I've read so far this year, so I couldn't wait to read Shift. Just like I do with all sequels, I went in a bit nervous that Shift wouldn't live up to all the love I have for Shade. Well, this sequel contains just as much awesomeness as the first book!

If you thought Aura's emotions were all over the place in Shade, you haven't seen anything yet. These characters had me going back and forth with wanting to hug them or slap them the whole time. But I love them so much that I was still rooting for them even as they were making a mess of things. I still can't quite decide which "team" I am on, which is rare. Logan and Zachary are both awesome in their own ways. I just hope they all end up happy at the end. Gushy, I know. But I love these guys!

One more thing about the romance before I move on. The author kept up the steaminess we saw in the first book. You won't find me blushing very often while reading a YA, but, oh hot damn I was blushing at a particular scene in this one.

My favorite part about the story was finding out more about The Shift and how Aura is connected. (That's what I think so is great about this series. Even with how great the romance is, it doesn't outshine the plot.) Some of the big questions I had about The Shift were answered, but those answers gave me even more questions! I have a few theories on how it will all play out in the next installment. I was actually sitting there and thinking about it for quite a bit after I finished reading. I can't wait to see if I am right about any of them!

This is continuing to be one of my all time favorite series. Plot, romance, world building, characters, it's all top of the line. You can't really call yourself a paranormal romance fan until you read this series. So READ IT.

Comment Exchange Program (43)

2011-05-16T09:32:00.000-04:00

Do you have a review, interview, or special feature post that needs some comments? You've come to the right place!

Here is how it works:

Add your link to the Mr Linky. Make sure the link goes straight to the post you want a comment on.
Visit the link above yours, read the post and leave a comment.
Please say more than just "great review" in your comment.
Feel free to visit and comment on as many links as you like.
Come back and do it again as many times as you want! (Please note that this program is for the book blogging community. Please only post a link if it's pertaining to the book blogging community.)

That's all there is to it! Now add your link and get your post some love!

In My Mailbox

2011-05-15T00:06:00.000-04:00

For Review:

Viola in the Spotlight by Adriana Trigiana

Wildefire by Karsten Knight

Forgiven by Janet Fox

Forts: Liars and Thieves by Steven Novak

The Vampire Stalker by Allison van Diepen

Big thanks go to Harper Teen, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, Blue Slip Media and Steven Novak.

Free Read:

Songs for a Teenage Nomad by Kim Culbertson

(Free on kindle right now!)

That was my week! What did you get in your mailbox?

Waiting on Wednesday

2011-05-11T08:00:00.002-04:00

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a bookish meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where we share the upcoming releases we can't wait to get our hands on.

This week I am waiting on:

Envy by Gregg Olsen

Expected Publication: September 6th, 2011 by Splinter

Details: Hardcover, 352 pages

Description:

Murder is such a dirty word…
New York Times bestselling adult true crime author Gregg Olsen makes his YA debut with EMPTY COFFIN, a gripping new fiction series for teens based on ripped-from-the-headlines stories …with a paranormal touch.
Crime lives--and dies--in the deceptively picture-perfect town of Port Gamble (aka “Empty Coffin”), Washington. Evil lurks and strange things happen--and 15-year-olds Hayley and Taylor Ryan secretly use their wits and their telepathic “twin-sense” to uncover the truth about the town's victims and culprits. Envy, the series debut, involves the mysterious death of the twins' old friend, Katelyn. Was it murder? Suicide? An accident? Hayley and Taylor are determined to find out--and as they investigate, they stumble upon a dark truth that is far more disturbing than they ever could have imagined. Based on the shocking true crime about cyber-bullying, Envy will take you to the edge--and push you right over.

I have said this before but... I FREAKING LOVE MURDER MYSTERIES. I don't know what it is about them, I just love them. This one especially sounds like a good one, with it being "based on the shocking true crime of cyber-bullying". Not to mention twins using their "twin-sense" to solve cases. Yep, another added to the TBR list!

Jesus Freakz + Buddha Punx by M.E. Purfield

2011-05-10T10:49:00.000-04:00

Published: April 28th, 2011 by Trash Books

Details: eBook

Description:

Meet Patty Gee - Pentecostal teen living with her grandmother and widowed father. Patty finds happiness in her religion that keeps her close to her father, her recently deceased mother, and God. Her perspective is clear. It has to be if she's going to survive freshman year in a new urban school.

After violent incident that leaves her beaten, she meets Miggy Perez - Dominican Buddhist punk who takes pictures off dog poop on the sidewalk. Yes, Miggy is weird. But Patty feels God sent Miggy to her for a reason. Plus, she's one of the first people in school who doesn't call her a Jesus Freak.

Patty's father doesn't approve of Miggy. He believes she was sent by the Devil. He may be right. Especially when Patty feels her life spinning out of control. Then something happens that truly blows her world apart. Miggy was not sent by God or the Devil - but from someone unexpected.

My Thoughts:

Since I was asked to help make the cover for jesus freakz + buddha punx (which was uber cool to be asked!), I got to read the story early. I love stories that deal with religion, so I was excited to read this one. I started reading on a Sunday morning, and I ended up reading it all in one sitting.

There are religious people, then there are religious people on steroids. The latter would be Patty's father. To Patty's dad, there are only two types of people: people who are going to heaven and people who are going to hell. And he strongly believes the majority will be going to hell. There no gray areas with this man, it's all black and white.

Patty, while like her father in some ways, I couldn't help but sympathize for her. She was raised with her father's ideas, so it's all she knows. Until now, when she gets a glimpse of how big the world really is, and how there are different ways to think. All teens get to a stage where they begin to examine what they have been told, and start to make views of their own. I think that part of Patty makes her relatable. I was really proud of Patty as the story went on. While she became more opened-minded and compassionate, she still remained royal to her faith and what she believed in.

Miggy was such a fun character that I instantly enjoyed reading about. I didn't know much about what a "buddha punk" was before reading this, so it was fun to learn more through Miggy and her friend, Bodhi. Speaking of Bodhi, I loved him! He is super sweet and I just wanted to give him a big hug. He just has that huggable kind of personality.

The best part of jesus freakz + buddha punx was seeing two girls from such different backgrounds come together, set aside their differences and build a friendship. In a genre where romance is the main focus in most stories, it was wonderful to see a spotlight on true friendship. This right here, excellent stories like this, is why I support indie authors. You should definitely check this story out!

Comment Exchange Program (42)

2011-05-09T10:48:00.000-04:00

Do you have a review, interview, or special feature post that needs some comments? You've come to the right place!

Here is how it works:

Add your link to the Mr Linky. Make sure the link goes straight to the post you want a comment on.
Visit the link above yours, read the post and leave a comment.
Please say more than just "great review" in your comment.
Feel free to visit and comment on as many links as you like.
Come back and do it again as many times as you want! (Please note that this program is for the book blogging community. Please only post a link if it's pertaining to the book blogging community.)

That's all there is to it! Now add your link and get your post some love!

Diversity in YA Tour: Guest Post by Guadalupe Garcia McCall (Plus Giveaway!)

2011-05-05T08:00:00.006-04:00

In honor of the Diversity in YA tour, Guadalupe Garcia McCall, author of Under the Mesquite, is guest blogging today!

The Two Diverse Characters Who Made the Biggest Impact on My Life

by Guadalupe Garcia McCall

When I think about all the books I devoured as a teenager as I was soaking in literature, the people and places of those books come flashing before my eyes like old movies playing out vividly in my mind and my head reels with emotion. All those wonderful characters, sharing their thoughts with me, opening their hearts and showing me heir humanity, had a great impact in developing me as a person.

I wouldn't be who I am today if I hadn't read all those books. However, if I had to pick only one set of characters from one book who shaped me as a human being more than any other, it would be Kino and Juana from Steinbeck's The Pearl. I had read many stories of humble people with a true sense of loyalty to family in much of the literature which had been either assigned to me in the classroom or I had picked off the shelves of the local public library, but I had never found those qualities in a diverse character, a person like myself.

Kino and Juana's hopes and dreams for a better life for their child, their sense of family, is a quality which resonated with me on an emotional and very deep spiritual level. Kino's fierce protectiveness, his strong sense of duty and loyalty has stayed with me. He reminded me of my father, and I wanted to be like him, to build a good home, to dream big dreams for my loved ones. Juana's quiet wisdom, her willingness to give up a fortune to protect her family has also stayed with me throughout my life. She was so much like my mother, devoted and caring, but fierce in the face of danger. From them I learned that nothing is as important or as sacred as cultivating, nurturing, and protecting your children.

The fact that these characters were diverse did not make them humble or loyal or moral, but it made them real for me. I connected with them on a level which I had not been able to connect with other similar characters in my literary journey. Their world was similar to my world, their heart were as open as my heart, an so their strengths became my strengths. Like my own mother and father, they inspired me. From them, I learned to value, cherish, and protect what is most important of all, mi familia.

...

Guadalupe Garcia McCall was born in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico. Her family immigrated to the U.S.

Her family immigrated to the U.S. when she was six years old. She grew up in Eagle Pass, a small, border town in South Texas. Eagle Pass is the setting of her debut novel in verse, Under the Mesquite, released in the fall of 2010 from Lee a& Low Books. After high school, she went off to Alpine in West Texas to study to become a teacher. She has a BA in Theatre Arts and English from Sul Ross State University. In Alpine, she met her husband, Jim. They have 3 sons, a dog, and a cat.

To learn more about Gudalupe and her books, visit

www.guadalupegarciamccall.com

Giveaway Time!

One person will win a randomly picked book from the selected authors below:

Magical Misadventures of Prunella Bogthistle by Deva Fagan

White Cat by Holly Black

Fury of the Phoenix by Cindy Pon

Truth with a Capital T by Bethany Hedgedus

The Demon's Covenant by Sarah Rees Brennan

Stork the Last Summer of the Death Warriors by Francisco X

Level Up by Gene Luen Yang

Slice of Cherry by Dia Reeves

If You Come Softly & Behind You by Jacqueline Woodson

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

Huntress by Malinda Lo

Fill out the form below to enter. US addresses only. This giveaway is open to entries until Friday, May 13th. Good luck!

Giveaway Closed

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Waiting on Wednesday

2011-05-04T08:00:00.006-04:00

"Waiting on" Wednesday is a bookish meme hosted by Breaking the Spine, where we share the upcoming releases we can't wait to get our hands on.

This week I am waiting on:

Faking Faith by Josie Bloss

Expected Publication: November 8th, 2011 by Flux

Details: Paperback, 240 pages

Description:

After a humiliating "sexting" incident involving a hot and popular senior, seventeen-yearold Dylan has become a social outcast—harassed, ignored, and estranged from her two best friends.

When Dylan discovers the blogs of homeschooled fundamentalist Christian girls, she's fascinated by their old-fashioned conversation themes, like practicing submission to one's future husband. Blogging as Faith, her devout alter ego, Dylan befriends Abigail, the group's queen bee. But growing closer to Abigail (and her intriguing older brother) forces Dylan to choose: keep living a lie or come clean and face the consequences.

I saw this one on another WOW post a few weeks ago and immediately added it to my list. Ever since reading the novel, Losing Faith by Denise Jaden, I have been looking for more books that deal with religions and/or religious cults. Faking Faith sounds like an interesting read! Abigail already sounds like a girl I will love to hate, and Dylan sounds like a character I will be routing for to find her own way. I am already looking forward to reading this one!

Author Interview with Tracy Deebs

2011-05-03T08:00:00.003-04:00

I am very excited to have Tracy Deebs on the blog today! Tracy is the author of the upcoming mermaid (MERMAIDS!!!) story, Tempest Rising.

Tempest Maguire wants nothing more than to surf the killer waves near her California home; continue her steady relationship with her boyfriend, Mark; and take care of her brothers and surfer dad. But Tempest is half mermaid, and as her seventeenth birthday approaches, she will have to decide whether to remain on land or give herself to the ocean like her mother. The pull of the water becomes as insistent as her attraction to Kai, a gorgeous surfer whose uncanny abilities hint at an otherworldly identity as well. And when Tempest does finally give in to the water's temptation and enters a fantastical underwater world, she finds that a larger destiny awaits her—and that the entire ocean's future hangs in the balance.

Hi, Tracy! Thanks for being here today!
Thanks for having me, Jami J I appreciate it!

What made you set Tempest Rising in Southern California?

I grew up in San Diego. The beaches that Tempest surfs are beaches that I know intimately, beaches that I hung out at through high school and college.

Are you a surfer, or did you have to do any research on surfing for Tempest Rising?

I surfed in high school and college. Not brilliantly, mind you, but I did manage to stay on my board most of the time. But it’s been years since I surfed (I’m landlocked in Central Texas now) so I did do some research, just to make sure things hadn’t changed much since I was doing it.

How did you come up with your character's names, particularly Tempest?

My YA characters always have a tendency to have unusual names. My next character is named Piper, for my January 2012 book, The International Kissing Club and my Fall 2012 book has a main character named Pandora. I actually went through a lot of names for Tempest before I kind of gave up and let my subconscious select what I wanted to call her. As soon as I stopped trying, the name Tempest popped into my head and I knew, that that was what she was supposed to be called. Everything else, including her ability to call down lightning, came out of her name, not the other way around.

Have you always been a mermaid fan?

Yes. Yes. Yes. I’ve always loved mermaids. My mother swears that even after all these years she can rattle off the entire script to the Hans Christian Anderson version of The Little Mermaid. When I was young, I watched it every day for three years, sometimes twice a day. I love mermaids, which is why when my agent asked me one day, “So, what do you think of mermaids …” I knew that it was kismet. I was meant to write Tempest’s story …

Who was your most challenging character to write? Easiest?

The hardest character for me to write was Tempest’s mom, because at first I expected her to be all bad (especially based on Tempest’s feelings about her). But as I wrote the book and realized there was a lot more at play here than a simple desire to return to the ocean, I gained a lot of sympathy for her, even as I worked to keep Tempest’s anger and distrust at a believable level.

The easiest character for me to write was Tempest. Her voice came to me at the very beginning and much of her story came very, very easily.

Tempest Rising is your first young adult novel, but you have written several romance novels. How has your interactions with readers differed so far with the switch in genres?

I’m not sure there really is a difference. My romance fans are really enthusiastic about my books (which I love) and so far, my Tempest Rising readers have been the same. I do think that my YA fans are more willing to contact me than my romance fans—I get a lot of emails from girls who can’t wait to read Tempest Rising, or who want to ask about my life as a writer, etc. It’s so much fun J

Did you set out to write a young adult novel, or did Tempest Rising happen to turn out as one?

Oh, no. I definitely set out to write a YA. I taught high school English for some of the happiest years of my life and I have always wanted to write a book that my students would like. Even before I knew what kind of YA I was going to write, I knew that I was going to write one.

Is Tempest Rising a stand-alone or a first in a series?

Tempest Rising is supposed to be the first in a trilogy. The second book, Tempest Unleashed, is plotted, but my publisher is waiting to see how Tempest Rising does before it commits to a second book.

Is there anything else you would like to add before you go?

I just want to thank you so much for having me here today. Of all the books that I’ve written, Tempest Rising is my favorite and I’m thrilled to have this chance to talk about it. I poured my heart into Tempest and really hope that my readers like her as much as I do.

Author Links:

Blog

Book Links:

Comment Exchange Program (41)

2011-05-02T08:00:00.000-04:00

Do you have a review, interview, or special feature post that needs some comments? You've come to the right place!

Here is how it works:

Add your link to the Mr Linky. Make sure the link goes straight to the post you want a comment on.
Visit the link above yours, read the post and leave a comment.
Please say more than just "great review" in your comment.
Feel free to visit and comment on as many links as you like.
Come back and do it again as many times as you want! (Please note that this program is for the book blogging community. Please only post a link if it's pertaining to the book blogging community.)

That's all there is to it! Now add your link and get your post some love!

Compulsion by Heidi Ayarbe

2011-05-01T08:00:00.001-04:00

Published: May 3rd, 2011 by Balzer + Bray

Details: Hardcover, 304 pages

Description:

Today has to be perfect.
Magic.
I look at the clock.
10:14 am.
Ten fourteen. One plus one is two plus four is six plus ten is sixteen minus one is fifteen minus two is thirteen. OK.
I turn from the clock and walk into the hallway. "Ready.”

Saturday will be the third state soccer championship in a row for Jake Martin. Three. A good number. Prime. With Jake on the field, Carson City High can’t lose, because Jake has the magic: a self-created protection generated by his obsession with prime numbers. It’s the magic that has every top soccer university recruiting Jake, the magic that keeps his family safe, and the magic that suppresses his anxiety attacks. But the magic is Jake’s prison, because getting it means his compulsions take over nearly every aspect of his life.

Jake’s convinced the magic will be permanent after Saturday, the perfect day, when every prime has converged. Once the game is over, he won’t have to rely on his sister, Kasey, to concoct excuses for his odd rituals. His dad will stop treating him like he is some freak. Maybe he’ll even make a friend other than Luc.

But what if it doesn’t work?

What if the numbers never go away?

Acclaimed author Heidi Ayarbe has created an honest and riveting portrait of a teen struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder in this courageous and breathtaking novel.

My Thoughts:

I am a big fan of "issue" books in YA, and mental illness especially interests me. It's a very intense and eye-opening experience to be inside the head of someone suffering from a mental illness. When I heard Compulsion was about a boy suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder, in knew it was a book I had to read. (Plus, a male protagonist!)

OCD is an illness often joked about and taken lightly. For those suffering from it, it's nothing to joke about. Our protagonist, Jake, is completely obsessed with prime numbers. The numbers rule his whole life. I mean, seriously, the numbers mean everything. Being inside Jake's head and seeing how the numbers plague him... it was truly exhausting. I can't even fathom having that in my head ALL THE TIME. And the interesting thing is how totally normal Jake seemed from the outside. A little weird, but normal. He did everything he could to keep his OCD a secret, so if you didn't really know him, you would never guess. It reminded me of that saying, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle".

Interesting family dynamic in this novel as well. Jake's mother also suffers from OCD. She has an extreme fear of running someone over, and is constantly retracing her steps to make sure there is no body. Jake's dad hides away from it all, not wanting to deal with all the crazy in his family. Jake's sister is the one closet to him.They both rely on each other when there is no parent there for them. Readers get a well-rounded look into Jake's psyche as they see how his illness affects both his school and home life.

Compulsion is NOT a light and breezy read; Jake's story is a painful one to take in. However, it is a story which is beautiful in its authenticity and one sure to stay long with you. If you love the "issue" books like me, you can't miss this one.

In My Mailbox

2011-04-30T08:00:00.002-04:00

For Review:

Beauty Queens by Libba Bray

(Been dying for this one!)

Won:

Enclave by Ann Aguire (Thanks, Ann!)

Sisters Red (Thanks, Princess Bookie!)

Bought:

Hearts at Stake by Alyxandra Harvey

(Totally forgot I already had this ebook. Oh well, it was $4)

Eon by Alison Goodman

(This one sounds so good)

The Fallen: Volume 2 by Thomas E. Sniegoski

Darklight by Lesley Livingston

Wondrous Strange by Lesley Livingston

(Heard great things about this series)

eBooks For Review:

The Sext Crime by Jason Ancona (Thanks, Jason!)

eBooks Bought:

We'll Always Have Summer by Jenny Han

(Freaking love this series!)

I made a promised to myself, no more buying books until I can read a good chunk of my TBR pile! Yes, I buy most of them at bargain prices (Who can resist those $4 bargain books on Amazon?!), but my apartment only has so much space. My Plan: to read a good chunk of the books I already own, donate some of those books, and only then will I buy more books. Because if I buy more books now, I will have to do something with all of them. Like this.

Or this.

Of course, ebooks don't take up any space, so there is no reason I need to stop buying those...

Diversity in YA Tour

2011-04-29T12:18:00.001-04:00

There is something pretty awesome happening in the YA Lit world you should know about. It's the Diversity in YA tour!

Founded by two YA authors, Cindy Pon (Silver Phoenix, Fury of the Phoenix) and Malinda Lo (Ash, Huntress), Diversity in YA seeks to bring attention to MG and YA books featuring people of color, LGBT characters, and any other “diverse” characters.

The tour will have five stops, including San Francisco, Austin, New York, Chicago and Cambridge. Lots of fabulous authors will be on the tour, so head over to the website, diversityinya.com for all the details. And stick around while you are there to check the guest posts, book info and other good stuff.

In addition to the traveling tour, there will be a virtual one! YA Addict will be a stop in the Diversity in YA tour next Thursday. Be sure to be here for that, and a chance to win a book from one of the authors on the tour!

Will you be attending one of the stops on the tour? What author are you most excited to see?