Unhinged by A.G. Howard - Review & Links to Reviews from Traveling ARC Tour

Unhinged (Splintered #2)
by A.G. Howard
Expected publication: January 7, 2014
Publisher: Amulet

Alyssa Gardner has been down the rabbit hole and faced the bandersnatch. She saved the life of Jeb, the guy she loves, and escaped the machinations of the disturbingly seductive Morpheus and the vindictive Queen Red. Now all she has to do is graduate high school and make it through prom so she can attend the prestigious art school in London she's always dreamed of.

That would be easier without her mother, freshly released from an asylum, acting overly protective and suspicious. And it would be much simpler if the mysterious Morpheus didn’t show up for school one day to tempt her with another dangerous quest in the dark, challenging Wonderland—where she (partly) belongs.

As prom and graduation creep closer, Alyssa juggles Morpheus’s unsettling presence in her real world with trying to tell Jeb the truth about a past he’s forgotten. Glimpses of Wonderland start to bleed through her art and into her world in very disturbing ways, and Morpheus warns that Queen Red won’t be far behind.

If Alyssa stays in the human realm, she could endanger Jeb, her parents, and everyone she loves. But if she steps through the rabbit hole again, she'll face a deadly battle that could cost more than just her head.

Goodreads * Amazon

My review:
A.G. Howard is a freaking genius. Unhinged is amazing! This may be the second book of a series, but it is definitely not a "filler" book. While Splintered could have very well been a stand-alone book, we find out so much more about Alyssa, her family, and her ties to Wonderland in Unhinged, and we also understand Morpheus and his relationship with Alyssa a lot more.  

I don't want to say too much in this review so I don't give spoilers for it or Splintered, in case you haven't already read that one. Before you pick up Unhinged, you will definitely need to read Splintered. If you have already read Splintered, you may want to pick it up again and re-read it before you dive in to Unhinged. Don't expect this to be just like Splintered and think you will be exploring Wonderland again. Instead of Alyssa going down the rabbit hole again, Wonderland comes to her. This is a continuation of Alyssa's story and what happens after she comes back from Wonderland.

I think I enjoyed Unhinged even more than Splintered, if that's even possible. This is fantasy writing at its best. The characters and setting are painted with great detail, and you are completely drawn into the world described. I love A.G. Howard's dark mind, and I am very much looking forward to the third book in the series, Ensnared, and would most likely snatch up anything she writes. 

(Check out my review of Splintered.)

A copy was provided by the author, but I was not required to write a review.

About the author:
A.G. Howard lives in the Texas panhandle, and is most at home weaving the melancholy and macabre into settings and scenes, twisting the expected into the unexpected. She’s inspired by all things flawed, utilizing the complex loveliness of human conditions and raw emotions to give her characters life, then turning their world upside down so the reader’s blood will race.

Married and mother of two teens (as well as surrogate mom to two Labrador retrievers), Anita divides her days between spending time with her family and plodding along or plotting on her next book.

When she’s not writing, Anita enjoys rollerblading, biking, snow skiing, gardening, and family vacations that at any given time might include an impromptu side trip to an 18th century graveyard or a condemned schoolhouse for photo ops.
 
Be sure to drop by her Twitter or Face Book Author Page and say "Hi." She's always up for meeting new friends!   

Find out more at AGHoward.com. 

I was very pleased to be asked to organize and run a traveling ARC tour for UNHINGED. A very big thank you to all of the following bloggers for participating. Please stop by and check out their reviews as well. 

WinterHaven Books 
Millie D's Words  
The Busy Bibliophile
Ensconsed in YA (link coming soon)
Lisa Loves Literature 

Unhinged by A.G. Howard - Waiting on Wednesday

If you have read Splintered by A.G. Howard, my selection today is one you will be waiting on. If you haven't read Splintered, you should so you will be caught up and ready for Unhinged. And just look at this cover!

Unhinged by A.G. Howard

(Splintered, #2)

Expected publication: January 7, 2014

Alyssa Gardner has been down the rabbit hole and faced the bandersnatch. She saved the life of Jeb, the guy she loves, and escaped the machinations of the disturbingly seductive Morpheus and the vindictive Queen Red. Now all she has to do is graduate high school and make it through prom so she can attend the prestigious art school in London she's always dreamed of.

That would be easier without her mother, freshly released from an asylum, acting overly protective and suspicious. And it would be much simpler if the mysterious Morpheus didn’t show up for school one day to tempt her with another dangerous quest in the dark, challenging Wonderland—where she (partly) belongs.

As prom and graduation creep closer, Alyssa juggles Morpheus’s unsettling presence in her real world with trying to tell Jeb the truth about a past he’s forgotten. Glimpses of Wonderland start to bleed through her art and into her world in very disturbing ways, and Morpheus warns that Queen Red won’t be far behind.

If Alyssa stays in the human realm, she could endanger Jeb, her parents, and everyone she loves. But if she steps through the rabbit hole again, she'll face a deadly battle that could cost more than just her head.

Add on Goodreads. 

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.  

Splintered by A.G. Howard - Review

Splintered by A.G. Howard
Expected publication: January 1, 2013
Amulet Books

Alyssa Gardner hears the thoughts of plants and animals. She hides her delusions for now, but she knows her fate: she will end up like her mother, in an institution. Madness has run in her family ever since Alice Liddell told Lewis Carroll her strange dreams.

But perhaps she's not mad. And perhaps Carroll's stories aren't as whimsical as they seem.

To break the curse of insanity, Alyssa must go down the rabbit hole and right the wrongs of the real Wonderland, a place full of strange beings with dark agendas, a twisted fun-house reflection of Alice's childish tales. Alyssa brings her real-world crush - the protective Jeb - with her, but once her journey begins, she's torn between his solidarity and the enchanting, dangerous magic of Morpheus, her guide to Wonderland. But no one in Wonderland is who they seem to be - not even Alyssa herself...

My review:
If you ever wondered what happened after Alice left Wonderland, this is the book for you. A.G. Howard stays true to the original, but this is a much darker Wonderland than Lewis Carroll ever dreamed of. This book revisits the familar characters, such as the White Rabbit, and the familar scenes, such as the tea party; however, everything is much more twisted than in the original. We realize that what we thought we knew about Wonderland is not what really is because it had been told through the eyes of a young child, and Alice's interpretation of Wonderland is not the reality that Alyssa finds.

A.G. Howard's Splintered lets us revisit the Wonderland that we remember from childhood on a whole new "grown up" level. This is a wonderful tale that combines the dark and sinister with a strong sense of family and a touch of romance. (Team Jeb or Team Morpheus, anyone?)

I had high hopes for this book even before I received an ARC to review, and I was not disappointed. After reading it, I was blown away. It was even better than my expectations. The characters, even the minor ones, are well developed and well described. Everything is written in such a way that it easily brings the story alive in your mind. A.G. Howard did an outstanding job on her debut novel, and I am very much looking forward to reading anything she writes in the future.

About the author:

A.G. Howard is most at home when weaving the melancholy and macabre into settings and scenes, twisting the expected into the unexpected. She was inspired to write SPLINTERED while working at a school library. She always wondered what would’ve happened had the subtle creepiness of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland taken center stage, and she hopes her darker and funkier tribute to Carroll will inspire readers to seek out the stories that won her heart as a child.

A.G.’s pastimes are reading, rollerblading, gardening, and family vacations which often include impromptu side trips to 18th century graveyards or condemned schoolhouses to appease her overactive muse.

Find out more at AGHoward.com, on Twitter, and Facebook.

I was very honored to have been able to set up a Traveling ARC Tour for Splintered. Please check out the reviews of the participants of this tour below.

To everyone who participated: Please add a link to your review. (You can ignore where it says to comment after linking.)

Song of the Fairy Queen by Valerie Douglas - Kindle Fire Giveaway

Song of the Fairy Queen
by Valerie Douglas

It's said of Fairy that if you're in dire need and you call their name they'll come.

With his castle under siege and young son in his arms, High King Oryan couldn't be in more dire need. With only his High Marshal, Morgan, and a handful of Morgan's men at his back, he has only one direction left to run...up. 

And only one ally to whom he can turn. Kyriay, the Queen of the Fairy. 

Add on Goodreads, and buy on Amazon.

Click here to find out more about the authors sponsoring this giveaway.

Giveaway!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Waiting on Wednesday - Splintered by A.G. Howard

I can't believe that I almost forgot I planned to start participating in Waiting on Wednesday. This will now be a new feature on Krazy Book Lady. (Provided that I can do a better job of remembering.) Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine.

My very first feature is: (drum roll, please) Splintered by A.G. Howard! Love the cover, love the idea of the book, and love A.G. Howard. I can't wait to get started with the traveling ARC tour that I am hosting! 

Splintered
Expected publication: January 1, 2013

Publisher: Amulet Books 

For sixteen years, Alyssa Gardner has lived with the stigma of being descended from Alice Liddell—the real life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s famed novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. But cruel jokes about dormice and tea parties can’t compare to the fact that Alyssa hears the whispers of bugs and flowers... the same quirk which sent her mother to a mental institution years before.

When her mother takes a turn for the worse and the whispers grow too strong for Alyssa to bear, she seeks the origins of their family curse. A set of heirlooms and a moth tied to an unusual website lead Alyssa and her gorgeous best friend / secret crush, Jeb, down the rabbit hole into the real Wonderland, a place more twisted and eerie than Lewis Carroll ever let on.

There, creepy counterparts of the original fairytale crew reveal the purpose for Alyssa’s journey, and unless she fixes the things her great-great-great grandmother Alice put wrong, Wonderland will have her head.

Add on Goodreads. 

Hunting Up An Editor - Shannon Mayer, author of Sundered

Hunting Up An Editor
Guest post by Shannon Mayer

Editor hunting is a hard, frustrating task, one that can leave you exhausted, confused and more than a little unsure of yourself. How do I know? Because over the last two years I’ve had the chance to work with a number of editors. Six to be exact.

My writers group teases me that I’m too picky and that’s why I go through editors so quickly, but that isn’t the case (says me). Looking for an editor is no different than looking an agent and I’ve learned things the hard way. To start you off, here’s your checklist.

• The editor must work in your genre so he/she can understand the nuances your readership expects.
• The editor needs to respect you when you stand your ground, yet still push you to improve your writing.
• The editor should be able to communicate with you in a timely manner whether that is by email or phone.
• The editor should be able to meet deadlines and keep contracts.
• The editor should be able to give you a rough quote of the cost and it should not be astronomical.

Above all those things, your editor should be someone who clicks with your writing. Let me highlight that for a moment. Your editor, just like your agent, should be engaged in making your manuscript the best that it can be. This is a reflection on them as well as you and that reflection should be important to them. The more you work with your editor, the more they will begin to see your style and voice which will help them bring out the best in your characters, plot and dialogue.

So why did I go through so many? Because I didn’t have a checklist and didn’t understand what makes a good editor. I thought if someone said they were and editor then it was so and I believed them.

My first editor was not familiar with my genre of paranormal romance and urban fantasy which gave her difficulties in understanding the direction the book should take.

The second editor was only interested in getting her money and doing as little as possible, yet taking as much time as she could to make it look as though she was doing something. A lot of money went into learning that not all editors are created equal. Or priced fairly.

The third editor did not respect my work and tried to turn it into a feminist rant (which really was not the point of the story).

Though these three editors were not a good fit for me, I still learned from them and I’m sure they do a great job for other authors within other styles.

My fourth editor is Jessica Klassen and FINALLY, I’ve found a great editor who is talented, hard working, good at communicating and most important, we click. She brings out the best in my writing in a way that no other editor has and I’m very happy to have her on board for my current series.

So where are the other two editors? I’ve worked with one copy editor, who is no longer copy editing, and so I’m starting to work with another copy editor, Melissa Breau. And yes, you should have more than one editor. It gives your manuscript a second set of eyes to pick up any mistakes the first editor might have missed.

If you’re hunting for an editor, there are a few places to start.

·       Universities & Colleges.   I had the chance to meet Jessica at Simon Fraser University during an editing course I was taking. Jessica was in for the two year editing program and was extremely good, something I saw right away. We chatted and a few months later I hired her for my next project.

·       Other Writers Talk to other writers about their editors. We all have an opinion on the subject (as you can see) and often you can be directed towards some great help.

·       Twitter   This is really like talking to other writers, but it gives you a far broader spectrum.  I met Melissa through Twitter and she did a guest blog for me on the importance of using an editor even when you are self publishing (I whole heartedly agree!). I realized that her style and quick communication skills were right up my alley and after a discussion on the phone; we are all set to work together.

·       Editors associations I’m not going to list them all as they are often broken down into genres, but they are there for you to find!

A quick word of caution. There are a couple of places you DON'T want to go hunting for editors.

• Friends and Family  This is pre-cautionary. Do you really want your best friend to tell you how to write your story when all she had was a single editing course in high school? I thought not. Cheap is one thing, there are editors out there who aren’t over the top expensive, but if you can avoid it, stay away from family and friends. They take longer than they should and they don’t like to keep to your deadlines, mostly because you are paying them a cut rate or nothing at all. This makes for bad relationships and frustration that will eventually pour out of your mouth at those you once cared for. Usually at a family reunion or another inappropriate time.
• Your Agent  Again this is a slippery slope. If the agent recommends someone to you, and the editor doesn’t mesh well with you, this will put you in a tight bind.  A veritable rock and a hard place. You will end up paying for work that you don’t want done and will find yourself no further ahead. This is a position I’ve been put in so I know what I’m talking about. Politely decline and offer to find your own editor.

My final piece of advice when hunting for that perfect editor is this. Don’t be afraid to hire and then fire an editor. You have to do what is best for your manuscript, and sometimes just like finding the right agent, it can take more than one go round.

Sundered by Shannon Mayer
Nevermore Trilogy #1
September 2011 

A miracle drug, Nevermore, spreads like wildfire throughout the world allowing people to eat what they want, no matter how unhealthy it is and yet still lose weight. It is everything the human population has ever dreamed of and Mara is no different. Only a simple twist of fate stops her from taking the drug.

As the weeks roll by, it becomes apparent that Nevermore is not the miracle it claimed. A true to life nightmare, the drug steals the very essence that makes up humanity and unleashes a new and deadly species on the world, a species bent on filling its belly. Locked down within their small farm home, Mara and her husband Sebastian struggle against increasingly bad odds, fighting off marauders and monsters alike.

But Sebastian carries a dark secret, one that more than threatens to tear them apart, it threatens to destroy them both and the love they have for each other.

The secret forces Mara to make the ultimate choice. Will she live for love, or will she live to survive?

Add on Goodreads, and buy on Amazon.

About the author:
 Reading and writing from a very young age I learned early on that stories built in a fantasy world were where the fun was at. Reading books by Robert Jordan spurred me on and it was the first real epic fantasy that I fell in love with. After that came Piers Anthony, Melanie Rawn and into my older teen years, Anne Rice.

It was in Rice's novels that the idea of urban fantasy really bloomed for me and it was about that time that my grandmother was letting me read her Harlequin Historical novels. (Okay, actually she was slipping them to me when my mother wasn't looking, but let's not get picky.)

The combination of love stories and darker fantasy stuck with me and it's now not only what I gravitate towards to read on my off time (Kelly Armstrong, Laurell K Hamilton, Kim Harrison), but has become the style I love to write in.

Besides writing, I love to spend time with my family and animals, horseback ride, garden and hike with my husband.

Find out more at ShannonMayer.com, on Twitter and Facebook.

Click here to see the rest of the stops on the tour.

Mishap & Retribution by M.M. Shelley - Character Interview & Giveaway

HI Everyone, I’m M.M. Shelley and I would like to thank Tami for having me as a guest today. I would like to share an interview with Kye Wailele from Mishap and Retribution. So please pour yourself a cup of your favorite Latte and if you’re at work, hang up your “On Break” shingle as we take five with Kye.

What is your full name?

Kye Wailele

What is the Hawaiian meaning of your name?
Kye means Rejoice and Wailele is waterfall. The name Wailele was given to my father from his mother Pele.

When is your birthday?

April 12, 2028

When did you first learn about magic?

From my father, who learned from his mother, Pele, the Hawaiian goddess.

What kind of school do you go to? Do they teach magic?

After my parents died, my uncle Kona thought it was for the best that I was home schooled. My uncle moved my cousin Kana’i and me around the islands a lot, so we were never in one place for too long. With our magic we have the ability to control fire and lava. The Hawaiian gods are always at war with each other, always fighting for control of the islands, it’s amazing that there are not more islanders who don’t know us.

How do you like having Pele as your grandmother?

We’re not entirely close.

Having lived in Hawaii all of your life, is there any place you would like to see?
I’ve been to Australia once, I would like to go back and spend some more time there.

What is your favorite pastime?

Whenever I get the chance I like to spend it in the ocean, I do a lot of surfing, nothing competitive. I don’t think it would be fair to everyone else if I did enter considering I’d have an unfair advantage. Sometimes when I’m out in the water and I want a really good wave I will control the waters current, make it do what I want.

Mishap & Retribution 
by M.M. Shelley
Mishap series, book 3
July 11, 2012

At the Dawn of Time a curse against Man was made and only Death will satisfy it.

The year is 2045 and twins Grasiella and Tatiana who are Cinerian, Fae and Human must choose a side and may find themselves on different sides of an ancient war.

With Tatiana trapped in the Fae realm and learning what life has been like, she has found herself bonding with the Fae. Grasiella seeking the whereabouts of her twin has come to a crossroads of her own.

Separated and neither knowing the fate of the other, each make their way to an uncertain future.

Death has swept across the Hawaiian Islands and the cost of peace may be too high.

Add on Goodreads, and buy from Smashwords or Amazon.

About the author:
M.M. Shelley is a storyteller, word smith and dreamer. She has traveled the world extensively in search of the magic which is often overlooked in every day life. M.M. Shelley is a native of southern California, and a student of mythology from which she gets much inspiration.

Find out more at MMShelley.com.

Click here to see the rest of the stops on the tour.

Giveaway:
There are 2 giveaways! One is a giveaway on this blog, and one is a tour wide giveaway.

1st giveaway: An e-book copy of Mishap & Retribution. Winner will receive a Smashwords code to download the format of choice.

2nd giveaway: For the tour wide giveaway, there is a Kindle Touch and 5 paperback copies up for grabs!

How to enter:
Simply fill out the form below. (For the giveaway on this blog only.) 
For the tour wide giveaway, see the Rafflecopter below.

Giveaway details:
(This applies to the blog giveaway only.)
The giveaway on this blog will end at midnight on August 15. Giveaway is open internationally. Must be 13 or over to enter. Winner will be chosen using random.org. Winner will be emailed, and this blog post will be updated to show the winner. Winner has three days to respond, or a new winner will be selected.

Sorry! This giveaway is now over. 

Winner will be announced soon.

 
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Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer - Review

Between the Lines
by Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer
Expected publication: June 26, 2012
Publisher: Simon Pulse

What happens when happily ever after…isn’t?

Delilah is a bit of a loner who prefers spending her time in the school library with her head in a book—one book in particular. Between the Lines may be a fairy tale, but it feels real. Prince Oliver is brave, adventurous, and loving. He really speaks to Delilah.

And then one day Oliver actually speaks to her. Turns out, Oliver is more than a one-dimensional storybook prince. He’s a restless teen who feels trapped by his literary existence and hates that his entire life is predetermined. He’s sure there’s more for him out there in the real world, and Delilah might just be his key to freedom.

Delilah and Oliver work together to attempt to get Oliver out of his book, a challenging task that forces them to examine their perceptions of fate, the world, and their places in it. And as their attraction to each other grows along the way, a romance blossoms that is anything but a fairy tale. 

Add it on Goodreads, or buy from an independent bookstore.

My Review:
Delilah feels like she doesn't belong in her own life, so she turns to books and imaginary worlds to cope. Her favorite book is a children's fairy tale. She feels like she can relate to the main character, Oliver, who is the prince in the fairy tale. But this is no ordinary children's book. When the book is closed, Oliver lives a different life than the one written on the pages. Oliver and the rest of the characters are forced to perform the story that is written every time the book is open. Oliver isn't content to be stuck in the book and wants to know what real life outside the book would be like.

The writing in Between the Lines was excellent and easy to read. It isn't necessarily "fast paced" but was very engaging. Details are revealed at appropriate intervals to keep you interested and entertained. Delilah is an easy character to relate to and understand. Oliver's feelings are also explained with enough detail and emotion that you can understand how hopeless and stuck he feels with not being able to choose his own life and always having to perform when the book is open. We also get to meet the author of the children's fairy tale, which I found to be an interesting addition to the story.

I really enjoyed Between the Lines, but I already expected to since it is written by Jodi Picoult. No, this isn't your typical "Jodi Picoult book" that we have come to know and love, and you may be disappointed if that is what you are expecting. Elements of Jodi's style can be seen throughout the book, but it is very different, as it was meant to be. Jodi, along with her daughter, Samantha, has ventured into the Young Adult genre and has successfully created a sort of modern day fairy tale. I will always read any book by Jodi Picoult, no matter what genre she decides to explore, and I think Samantha has a bright literary future.

About the authors:
Jodi Picoult is the author of nineteen novels, including the #1 New York Times bestsellers Sing You Home, House Rules, Handle With Care, Change of Heart, Nineteen Minutes, and My Sister’s Keeper. She lives in New Hampshire with her husband and three children. Visit her website at JodiPicoult.com.  

Samantha van Leer is a junior in high school. She conceived the idea for this book and pitched it to her mom, who was in the middle of a book tour. In her spare time, Samantha can be found playing softball, doing contemporary dance, acting and singing in musicals, and cuddling on the ground with her two dogs, Dudley and Oliver—for whom the prince in this fairy tale was named.  

Splintered by A.G. Howard - ARC Tour Sign Ups

BLOGGERS: Would you like to participate in an ARC Tour for SPLINTERED by A.G. Howard? She will be sending a copy to me soon and has graciously agreed to let me share it with other bloggers!

Splintered by A.G. Howard
Expected publication: January 1, 2013
Publisher: Amulet Books

For sixteen years, Alyssa Gardner has lived with the stigma of being descended from Alice Liddell—the real life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s famed novel, Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. But cruel jokes about dormice and tea parties can’t compare to the fact that Alyssa hears the whispers of bugs and flowers... the same quirk which sent her mother to a mental institution years before.

When her mother takes a turn for the worse and the whispers grow too strong for Alyssa to bear, she seeks the origins of their family curse. A set of heirlooms and a moth tied to an unusual website lead Alyssa and her gorgeous best friend / secret crush, Jeb, down the rabbit hole into the real Wonderland, a place more twisted and eerie than Lewis Carroll ever let on.

There, creepy counterparts of the original fairytale crew reveal the purpose for Alyssa’s journey, and unless she fixes the things her great-great-great grandmother Alice put wrong, Wonderland will have her head.

Add it on Goodreads. While there, check out this great review of Splintered by Melissa Marr!

Details of the tour:
I am hoping to get the copy traveling in late July or early August. I would like to get it to as many bloggers as possible before the release date. Each blogger will have one week to read the book and send it on to the next blogger. You must email me to let me know when you receive it and when you mail it out to the next blogger. You will be required to get delivery confirmation and send that number to me. This is to ensure that we can keep up with the book and get it to the next blogger in a timely manner.

Bloggers must live in the US. (My apologies to the international bloggers. This is only due to the high shipping costs and the long turn around time.) 

Bloggers must have an established and regularly updated blog.

Very important: The bloggers who are at the beginning of the tour must agree to not post the review until after late October!

If there is more interest than we can possibly accommodate before the release date, I will use random.org to determine participants.

Did I forget anything? Probably. So if you have any questions, please just leave a comment or email me.

Update: Sign ups are closed through this post. I will email all participants in the next few weeks to let you know where you are on the list. If you have not signed up and would be interested in participating, you can email me in case some bloggers end up not being able to participate.

The Ferryman and the Flame by Rhiannon Paille - Book Blast - Win 100 Dollars to Amazon

Flame of Surrender 

(The Ferryman & the Flame, # 1)

Kaliel and Krishani weren't meant to meet or fall in love but they did. Krishani’s dreams of death lead him to a fate he’s terrified of - becoming the next Ferryman. His only refuge is Kaliel, the peculiar girl that swims with merfolk and talks to trees. Kaliel has a secret of her own. She’s the Amethyst Flame, one of nine apocalyptic weapons. The Valtanyana will destroy everything on Avristar to get to her. Kaliel has to choose: face them, hide or unleash the Flame.

How far would you go to save everything you ever loved? 

Book praise:

"Rhiannon Paille is the J.R.R. Tolkien of today's young adult generation. She's a visionary with a phenomenal talent for words, and I just can't tell you how much I love her!" - Bookish Blog

"Rhiannon Paille creates a unique and beautiful world that will draw you in and make you remember what it was like to be young, innocent, and full of wonder." - Cory Putnam Oakes, author of The Veil

"I totally and completely lost myself in this book." - One a Day YA

Add it on Goodreads, and buy it on B&N, Smashwords, or Amazon.

Flame of Justice

(The Ferryman and the Flame, # 2) 

The last thing Kaliel told Krishani to do was go to the Lands of Men and forget her. Krishani escapes and meets his ancestor, Tulsen. He’s clear: if Krishani doesn’t accept that he’s a Ferryman, he’ll become what the Ferrymen fight—a Vulture. Filled with grief, Krishani sets out on a quest to find the Flames before the Valtanyana take them. When Krishani comes face to face with the enemies that ravaged Avristar, he challenges them. He knows he doesn’t have a chance, but it’s his last stand.

How far would you go to destroy yourself?

Add it on Goodreads.

Countdown Widget:

 

Team Buttons 

<a href="http://www.yafantasyauthor.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i1192.photobucket.com/albums/aa331/RhiannonPaille/ferry_team2.jpg" ></a>

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About Rhiannon Paille:

I was never a normal girl. My life was an urban fantasy wrapped in a paranormal romance and served with a side of horror. To escape my everyday weirdness I began writing fantasy. I studied at U of Sedona and MIMT, obtaining a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. I'm married to a chef/comic book shop owner and I have a fondness for architecture. I frequent twitter and facebook, but if you really want to get to know me you should visit my site: www.yafantasyauthor.com

Giveaway Details:
$100 Amazon.com Gift Card
Ends June 22

Terms and conditions
Open to anyone who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent's permission. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way affiliated with Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

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The Peculiars by Maureen Doyle McQuerry - Peculiar Questions

Peculiar Questions

Guest Post by Maureen Doyle McQuerry

Regarding the Nature of Peculiars

There live among us members of the Peculiar race who due to inborn differences are not fully human.

1. They exist without souls.
2. It is in their nature to choose evil over good, strife over harmony, and to infect civil society with wild and subversive behaviors. 
3. If left unchecked they will erode the fabric of our society. 

Therefore, anyone determined by blood or behavior to be of the Peculiar race will be taken into custody and transferred to Scree, where they may live among others of their kind.

What if the year was 1888 and steam was the future of progress, the future of technology?

 

What if you were born with an extra joint on each finger and long inflexible feet. And no one knew if those differences on the outside meant you were different on the inside as well?

What if there were rumors of a race of Peculiar beings who once lived among us? There were many variations, but people who had hands and feet like yours were called goblins. No one believes in goblins anymore, or do they?

What if the land to the north, Scree, was a wild country, full of rich mineral deposits, indigenous people and Peculiars? And the United States sent anyone who was a criminal, suspected of criminal behavior or who looked unusual to Scree to work the mines?

 

And you discovered that secret experiments were going on in a large house by the sea, in Mr. Beasley’s library?

 

Welcome to the world of Lena Mattacascar and The Peculiars. How far would you go to discover who you are?

It’s a little Steampunk, a little romance, and a lot of adventure told in a style befitting of 1888.

The Peculiars 

by Maureen Doyle McQuerry

Published: May 1, 2012

Publisher: Amulet Books

This dark and thrilling adventure, with an unforgettable heroine, will captivate fans of steampunk, fantasy, and romance. On her 18th birthday, Lena Mattacascar decides to search for her father, who disappeared into the northern wilderness of Scree when Lena was young. Scree is inhabited by Peculiars, people whose unusual characteristics make them unacceptable to modern society. Lena wonders if her father is the source of her own extraordinary characteristics and if she, too, is Peculiar. On the train she meets a young librarian, Jimson Quiggley, who is traveling to a town on the edge of Scree to work in the home and library of the inventor Mr. Beasley. The train is stopped by men being chased by the handsome young marshal Thomas Saltre. When Saltre learns who Lena’s father is, he convinces her to spy on Mr. Beasley and the strange folk who disappear into his home, Zephyr House. A daring escape in an aerocopter leads Lena into the wilds of Scree to confront her deepest fears.

Add The Peculiars on Goodreads.

About the author:

Maureen Doyle McQuerry writes books for teens and adults. The Peculiars debuts May 1st 2012 with Abrams/Amulet followed by Beyond the Door and Time Out of Time. She is also a teacher, an award winning poet and has written two non fiction books Nuclear Legacy, an IPPY award winner, and Student Inquiry.

She grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area before it became Silicon Valley and now lives in WA State near the banks of the Columbia River with her husband, Dennis. Eagles, wood ducks, a friendly owl and raccoons visit her yard. And once a rogue, wild turkey showed up too.

She loves to travel, hike, bike and eat almond croissants.

You can find out more about Maureen Doyle McQuerry on her website.

Elemental by Emily White - Book Blast - Win 100 Dollars to Amazon

Elemental by Emily White

Published: May 1, 2012

Publisher: Spencer Hill Press

Just because Ella can burn someone to the ground with her mind doesn't mean she should.

But she wants to.

For ten years—ever since she was a small child—Ella has been held prisoner on an interstellar starship. Now that she has escaped, she needs answers.

Who is she? Why was she taken? And who is the boy with the beautiful green eyes who haunts her memories?

Is Ella the prophesied Destructor… or will she be the one who's destroyed?

PRAISE FOR ELEMENTAL

"Emily White's debut novel is a bestseller waiting to happen...I immediately fell in love with Ella." Author Michelle Pickett

"Who would have thought that mixing faeries and space opera would turn out to be so awesome? ... If you’re a sci-fi fan, you really can’t miss this debut!" birth of a new witch, book blogger

"Emily has done a fantastic job describing the worlds and this book has lots of action in it...keep your eye out for the book! Happy Reading! Go on a wonderful adventure to a new world where things are not always as they seem!" Tee loves Kyle Jacobson, goodreads review

"I can honestly say I've never read anything quite like Elemental. My hat is off to Ms. White, and anyone else who can take a novel set squarely in the sci-fi genre, throw in fairies and a few obscure King Arthur references, and make it all work." Keshia Swaim at The Book Addict

"I'm calling it right now. Elemental is the beginning of the next big YA series...I can safely say that I could give a copy of Elemental to my guy friends without
fear of getting punched in the nose." Author Daniel Cohen


About the Author:
Emily White lives in NY, wedged between two of the Great Lakes and a few feet of snow and ice. She's spent most of her life running away from the cold, and even spent a year in Iraq, but now contents herself with writing her characters into warm, exotic places in faraway galaxies. When not tapping away at her computer keys, she can be found reading, reading, and reading some more. And when she's not doing that, she's usually playing video games with her husband, peek-a-boo with her kids, or walking through her garden, wondering why the bugs insist on eating all her vegetables.

You can find out more about Emily White on her blog, Twitter, and Facebook. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway: The Peculiars by Maureen Doyle McQuerry

This giveaway is part of the Spring Fling Giveaway Hop hosted by I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and Eve's Fan Garden. There are a lot of great blogs participating in this hop. After you enter here, hop over and enter their giveaways too.

While you are here, please check out my other giveaways. They can be located in the right sidebar.

My Giveaway:

One winner will receive a print copy of THE PECULIARS by Maureen Doyle McQuerry!

The Peculiars  

by Maureen Doyle McQuerry

May 1, 2012 by Amulet Books

This dark and thrilling adventure, with an unforgettable heroine, will captivate fans of steampunk, fantasy, and romance. On her 18th birthday, Lena Mattacascar decides to search for her father, who disappeared into the northern wilderness of Scree when Lena was young. Scree is inhabited by Peculiars, people whose unusual characteristics make them unacceptable to modern society. Lena wonders if her father is the source of her own extraordinary characteristics and if she, too, is Peculiar. On the train she meets a young librarian, Jimson Quiggley, who is traveling to a town on the edge of Scree to work in the home and library of the inventor Mr. Beasley. The train is stopped by men being chased by the handsome young marshal Thomas Saltre. When Saltre learns who Lena’s father is, he convinces her to spy on Mr. Beasley and the strange folk who disappear into his home, Zephyr House. A daring escape in an aerocopter leads Lena into the wilds of Scree to confront her deepest fears. 

How to enter:

Be a follower of Krazy Book Lady in whatever way you choose. Then fill out the form below.

Additional optional entries:

+1 Follow Maureen Doyle McQuerry on Twitter.

+1 Add Maureen as a friend on Facebook. Update: Maureen now has a Facebook author page. Please like her page for the additional entry.

+1 "Fan" Maureen Doyle McQuerry on Goodreads.

Giveaway details:

Giveaway is open US ONLY. This giveaway will run until midnight EST on May 7th. Must be 13 or older to enter. Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Winner will be emailed, and this blog post will be updated to include the name of the winner. Winner has 3 days to contact me or a new winner will be selected.

Sorry! This giveaway is now over.

Winner: Lindsay C.

Whisper by Alyson Noel - Review

Whisper by Alyson Noël

Riley Bloom series, #4

Published: April 24, 2012

Publisher: Square Fish

This time, Riley might really have bitten off more than she’s ready for. After practically begging the Council for a more challenging Soul Catch, she is assigned an actual Roman gladiator—Theocoles, the Pillar of Doom. How is Riley, a skinny twelve-year-old, supposed to get through to him? Then she meets the beautiful Messalina, who convinces her that her only chance is to become part of this world. To accomplish this, Messalina helps Riley through a dramatic, mystical makeover, transforming her into the beautiful and mature teen she’s always wanted to be. Finally, Riley can experience her first boyfriend and her first kiss. With a dream this enchanting, will she ever want to leave?

My Review:
Riley Bloom is a soul catcher, and her latest assignment is her most challenging one. How is 12 year old Riley supposed to be any match for Theocoles, who is a Roman gladiator referred to as the Pillar of Doom. Many soul catchers have went before her and not found their way out. Riley soon meets Messalina, who says that she is going to help Riley find a way to get Theocoles. But is Messalina really helping? She does make Riley's innermost wishes come true. Riley gets to experience what it would be like to be a teenager and have a boyfriend. Riley is soon caught up in their world and is so happy living her dreams.

Whisper is such a sweet novel. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. This is the first Riley Bloom novel that I have read even though it is the 4th one in the series. I did have some questions about things which may be explained more in the previous books in the series, but I do not think they are necessary to read to enjoy Whisper. Riley is such a likeable character and easy to relate to, and Alyson's writing style is engaging and easy to read. I have only read one other novel by Alyson Noel (I really didn't read much YA or MG before starting the blog), and I must say that it was not my favorite (but that's just me). Whisper has restored my faith in Alyson Noel, so to speak, and I will not have to think twice about picking up another novel by her. In fact, I would love to read the rest of the Riley Bloom series. Some parts were a little heavy on the blood and gore (this is gladiators, after all), so that may be something to think about for younger readers. However, I would recommend this as a great read for upper MG, lower YA, or for anyone who enjoys reading MG/YA.

A copy was provided by the publisher for review.

About the author:

Alyson Noël is the #1 New York Times best selling, award-winning, author of FAKING 19, ART GEEKS AND PROM QUEENS, LAGUNA COVE, FLY ME TO THE MOON, KISS & BLOG, SAVING ZOË, CRUEL SUMMER, FOREVER SUMMER (a LAGUNA COVE/CRUEL SUMMER 2-in-1), the IMMORTALS series including: EVERMORE, BLUE MOON, SHADOWLAND, DARK FLAME, NIGHT STAR, and EVERLASTING, the IMMORTALS spin-off, RILEY BLOOM series including RADIANCE, SHIMMER, DREAMLAND, & WHISPER (04.26.12), with short stories appearing in the anthologies FIRST KISS (THEN TELL), KISSES FROM HELL, & DEAR BULLY. She is currently working on a new series for teens, SOUL SEEKERS, including: FATED, ECHO, MYSTIC, & HORIZON. Book 1, FATED, is set to debut in May 2012.

You can find out more about Alyson Noël on her website.

The Land of Tears by Amber Riley - Kindred Blood Trilogy - Excerpt

The Land of Tears by Amber Riley

Kindred Blood Trilogy, Book #3

Genre: Paranormal/Fantasy YA

Spain is the one place Kaden never planned to see again. Years after he escaped the master vampire, he has never looked back—until now. As he stands before enemy vampires and werewolves, he knows that determination is the only thing that can save Lyn from her captives. Everything Kaden has worked so hard for has to be forgotten. He must become a ruthless killer once again.

After everything Kaden has done to remain free, he has purposely walked back into his old life, leaving his friends behind in order to protect them. Now, in the midst of a bad game of hide and seek with Phoenix, Kaden must fool everyone into thinking he has returned for all the right reasons. But Phoenix is not easily swayed. He still resents Kaden for leaving and letting Tobias out of his tomb. Kaden is running out of time. If his plan fails, there will never be another opportunity.

In the third tale of the Kindred Blood series, a young life depends on whether Kaden can convince Phoenix and his fellow vampires to trust him. One way or another, things are about to end where they all began."

Excerpt:

The headlights of a Volkswagen blinked at me once. I approached the car and bent to the driver’s side window. “Hey, Max.”

“Hello,” he replied slowly. He turned in his seat to look behind him. “Gabriel, are you sure about this?”

“We talked it through last night,” he said softly. “It will be fine.”

Max sighed. “Just remember what they said.” When Gabriel didn’t answer, he continued on. “Your brother has been filled in, like you asked. But please stick to the plan. I don’t want to make that phone call.”

Gabriel’s pale hand reached for the handle. I quickly opened the car door and helped him onto the street. “I am perfectly clear on what is going to happen.”

Max said a few lines in Italian. Gabriel smiled and replied. I didn’t know what they said, but it seemed important. The look Max gave me before driving away was unreadable, but it was clear that our relationship hinged on how the night ended. 

About the author:

Amber Riley has enjoyed writing short stories since childhood and is happiest with a cat in her lap. Born and raised in Central New York, she is currently living in Germany with her new son and husband, a Seabee with the US Navy.

You can find out more about Amber Riley and how to connect with her on her website.

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Krazy Book Lady featured all three books in the trilogy! Check out The Flash of a Firefly for a GIVEAWAY and The Well of Truth.