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Thursday, 6 June 2013
Cover Reveal ~ Vulture by Rhiannon Paille (The Ferryman & The Flame #3)
Welcome to the Cover Reveal for
Vulture by Rhiannon Paille
The 3rd book in The Ferryman & The Flame Series
I was so thrilled to have been able to participate in this cover reveal as I had previously reviewed Surrender (book 1) and loved the story! I'm looking forward to continuing the series and I'm particularly loving the new cover designs for this series. Which covers do you all prefer? Old or New? What are your thoughts on Vulture's cover?
If you'd like to participate in the Release Day Blitz for Vulture please sign up here.
Vulture
by Rhiannon Paille
Series: The Ferryman & The Flame #3
Release Date: June 18, 2013
Genre: YA Fantasy
Cover Designer: Mae I Design
Synopsis
How far would you go to betray everything you've ever known?
Kaliel didn't think second chances came with this much turmoil. Exiled from her home, surrounded by strangers and in love with a boy she barely recognizes, she can't take it. She has her best friend, a new mentor, and a chance to win the war against the Valtanyana, but it's all wrong. Desperate to salvage some semblance of her former life, she makes a deal that shatters everything.
About The Author
Rhiannon Paille
Rhi was never a normal girl. Her life was an urban fantasy wrapped in a paranormal romance and served with a side of horror. To escape her everyday weirdness she began writing fantasy. She studied at U of Sedona and MIMT, obtaining a PhD in Metaphysical Science and Parapsychology. She's married to a chef/comic book shop owner and has a fondness for architecture. She frequents twitter and facebook, but if you really want to get to know her you should visit her site: www.yafantasyauthor.com
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Tuesday, 4 June 2013
Blitz ~ Pods by Michelle Pickett {Giveaway}
PODs
Release Date: 06/24/13
Publisher: Spencer Hill Press
Paperback/ebook
312 pages
Summary from Goodreads:
Seventeen-year-old Eva is a chosen one. Chosen to live, while others meet a swift and painful death from an incurable virus so lethal, a person is dead within days of symptoms emerging. In the POD system, a series of underground habitats built by the government, she waits with the other chosen for the deadly virus to claim those above. Separated from family and friends, it's in the PODs she meets David. And while true love might not conquer all, it's a balm for the broken soul.
After a year, scientists believe the population has died, and without living hosts, so has the virus. That's the theory, anyway. But when the PODs are opened, survivors find the surface holds a vicious secret. The virus mutated, infecting those left top-side and creating... monsters.
Eva and David hide from the infected in the abandoned PODs. Together they try to build a life--a new beginning. But the infected follow and are relentless in their attacks. Leaving Eva and David to fight for survival, and pray for a cure.
***Excerpt***
The bus ride to the quarantine facility took more than
ten hours. I was shoved against the window by my seatmate who slept almost the
entire trip. He was a big guy, taking up most of the seat, and when he slept
his body lolled to the side, wedging me against the metal side of the bus.
As we traveled,
the air turned hot and dry, different than the humid, sticky climate of my
coastal Texas hometown. The old school bus didn’t have air conditioning and the
small windows didn’t let much air in. My seatmate’s body heat didn’t help. I
was hot, thirsty, and had to pee in the worst way.
Wondering how much longer I’d be drooled on by the guy
next to me, I strained my face against the window, looking for anything on the
flat landscape.
That’s when I saw them.
I don’t know why I was surprised. I should’ve expected
it after what had happened at the high school, but I hadn’t. It was worse than
at the school—rioters everywhere. They waved anti-raffle signs and signs
cursing the “Chosen.”
The land around the quarantine area was flat, dry, and
dusty. The people lining the road sat under makeshift tents to keep out of the
sun. Some stood on top of their RVs waving their handmade signs; one burned an
American flag.
I watched women holding their small children toward
the bus, begging with tear-stained faces for us to take them. I wanted to reach
out and snatch them out of their mothers’ hands as we drove past. Several of
the other people on the bus reached up and pushed their windows shut.
The National Guard at the quarantine site didn’t
allow people to get close enough to
touch the bus. They were shot with rubber bullets or Tasered if they tried to
cross the police line. Every time I heard the shot of the riot guns I jumped.
My muscles ached from tensing them—waiting for the inevitable sound.
“Why are you crying?” A boy sitting in front of me
looked at me like I’d grown another head. “They’d probably kill you and steal
your place in the PODs if given the chance.”
I shook my head, remembering what my dad had told me. “They’re
just scared,” I said. After all, they were, essentially, the walking dead.
The rioters screamed and cursed us. They threw rocks
and eggs as we drove by. An egg hit the window next to me, the slimy insides
plopping against my head, matting my hair.
“Gross,” the boy sitting next to me said.
I just looked at him and rolled my eyes.
Yeah, the egg
is gross. And the drool coming out of your mouth and dripping on my leg while
you slept, leaning on me, was glorious.
The bus stopped in a fenced area like the one at the
high school. The crowd screamed and banged the fence posts with their crude,
homemade picket signs. Some climbed on the fence, pulling at it like
chimpanzees at the zoo.
“Stay seated until your name is called,” a soldier
yelled. “When you are called, grab your belongings and wait to be escorted into
the building.”
Oh please,
call this guy’s name. He needs to move before I shove him off the seat. I’m
tired of being pinned against the side of the bus. I need some room.
Thankfully, my name was called soon after we stopped. I
stood, stretched the kinks out of my muscles, and plowed through the massive
body blocking me. Clambering over the other luggage that filled the aisle, I
grabbed my two suitcases and stood in front of the bus.
The one-story brick building was large but had no
windows, only a single green door. I couldn’t see the other sides, but I had a
feeling there’d be no windows there, either—no glass for rioters to break
through.
The soldier walked up from behind me, tapping my
suitcase with his clipboard. “Follow me.”
I shuffled into the brick building, guided by the same
guardsman who’d ripped me away from my parents hours earlier…
“I love you,”
my mom said through her tears, her voice thick and trembling.
“I want to
stay with you,” I pleaded.
“Come here,
kiddo.” My dad, his face distorted with grief, folded me in a tight hug. He
kissed the top of my head and told me he loved me and how proud he was of me.
“I know, when this is over, you are going to do great things, Eva. you’re a
fighter. I love you so much.”
A rough hand
grabbed my arm, pulling me away from my dad. “Get on the bus,” the male voice
ordered, yelling to be heard over the crying of parents and children saying
their final goodbyes.
“I’m not done
saying goodbye…” He didn’t let go, pulling me with him. My heels digging into
the dirt, I tried to pull away. I needed one more hug, to hear them tell me
they loved me and to tell them I loved them, too.
“MOM!” I
screamed. “DAD!” Tears stained my face. The man thrust me toward the steps of
the old, yellow school bus. I screamed one more time for my parents, telling
them I loved them, reaching my arms out to them.
I could see my
mom’s body rock with the force of her cries. Tears ran down my father’s face.
“We love you, Evangelina,” I heard them call just before the bus door closed.
It was the
last thing I’d hear my parents say. It was the last image I’d have of them. I
pressed my hand to the window of the bus, my head bowed as I sobbed. I didn’t
try to hide my tears. Everyone on the bus was crying for their families. We
knew what awaited them.
Death.
I shook my head, trying to erase the horrible memory.
I wanted to remember the good things about them, not saying goodbye.
Goodbyes are hard, but this one had been different.
This wasn’t a goodbye, I’ll see you in a month. It was a permanent goodbye. I’d
never see my parents again. The overwhelming sadness took over, like a black
hole sucking me in. Fat, salty tears ran down my face, and I could feel my nose
running. I wiped my arm across it. My eyes were swollen, my throat sore, and my
chest tight.
I was alone. My parents were gone. No brothers or
sisters. Just me—an orphan of the virus.
***Advanced
Praise For PODs***
“…an energetic, tumultuous roller coaster ride that me
on the edge of my seat and biting my nails…You know when Goodreads says “Meet
You Next Favourite Book?” Well this is it! This is my favourite book of 2013…In
my honest opinion Michelle Pickett is best-selling author material…overflowing
with talent…It doesn’t feel like a debut book; her writing speaks of someone
who has been writing and publishing books for years.” ~ Keren of Gothic Angel Book Reviews
“It is very rare these days for a YA book to suck me
in so thoroughly that I lose all concept of time and place, I’m just too busy
for that. But PODs did exactly that. I was pulled right into Eva’s
world and stayed there until the end… All in all, I give it my rare 5 out of 5
stars with a warning: Do not pick this book up unless you’ve cleared your schedule
for several hours!” ~ DJ of The Curvy
Writer Blog
“5
glowing, sparkling stars for this one!...I absolutely adored every character
Michelle introduces us to. This book isn't just about a romance, or two people
fighting some battle. This book allows us to get to know several, amazing,
diverse characters who all grab your heart (even a few who have attitude
issues). They all held such an important place in the story… Now for the plot.
Holy crap!... Michelle did a flippin' fantastic job giving us each piece of
this puzzle… I won't go into details about what happens after they are
removed from the POD but O-M-G! The action never stops…This book seriously
needs to be a movie. I could picture every detail and already see it playing
out on screen. PLEASE SOMEONE MAKE THIS HAPPEN!” ~ Jessica of Total Bookaholic
Buy Links:
Also Available from:
I'm a wife, mother, author,
reader, although not always in that order. I write young adult urban
fantasies, science/fiction and paranormal romances and have recently started
dabbling in young adult contemporary romance. Reading was one of my earliest passions,
writing soon followed. I began writing seriously during college where I
graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in accounting. Why I chose a career
that frowns on creativity remains a mystery.
I’m
addicted to Reese’s peanut butter cups and eat way too many while I write, have
an abnormal obsession with hoodies and can’t write without one, and I hate to
cook, but love to watch cooking shows on television. An unabashed romantic, I
love a swoon-worthy ending that will give me butterflies for days.
I wrote my
debut young adult novel, PODs, in
2011. PODs,
a science/fiction, post-apocalyptic romance, will be released June 4, 2013
through the amazing Spencer Hill Press.
My second young adult title, Milayna,
a paranormal romance, will release through Spencer Hill Press beginning in
March 2014. Milayna
is a standalone, with series potential. It’s meant to be a trilogy. The
Infected, a PODs novel, will release November 2014. It is the second,
and last, book in the PODs series.
I was born and raised in Flint, Michigan. I now reside in a small community outside
Houston, Texas with my incredibly supportive, not to mention gorgeous, husband,
three amazing school-aged children, a 125-pound lap dog, and a snooty cat.
***GIVEAWAY***
(1)
POD's Swag Bundle including: A signed first
edition of PODs, PODs bookmarks and some of my next release Milayna, a
tote bag, stickers, and a gift card ($10) to Amazon.
Author & Character Interview ~ Aberrant by Ruth Silver {Tour + Giveaway}
Welcome to my tour stop for
Aberrant by Ruth Silver
Please follow the remaining stops, click the event banner for tour schedule, alternatively you can join the Facebook event created for the tour here
Today I am privileged to have Aberrant's Author, Ruth Silver here with us today, along with one of Aberrant's main character, Olivia Parker!
Along with the tour-wide giveaway at the end of this post, Ruth has kindly doubled your chances to win Aberrant, click here to enter…good luck! Just curious, which of the two covers (banner) do you prefer?
Please find my review of Aberrant and a short excerpt here
About The Author
Ruth Silver
Ruth Silver attended Northern Illinois University and graduated with a Bachelor's in Communication in the spring of 2005. While in college, she spent much of her free time writing with friends she met online and penning her first novel, Deuces are Wild, which she self-published in 2004. Her favorite class was Creative Writing senior year where she often handed in assignments longer than the professor required because she loved to write and always wanted to finish her stories. Her love of writing led her on an adventure in 2007 to Melbourne, Australia. Silver enjoys reading, photography, traveling and most of all writing. She loves dystopian and fantasy young adult stories. Her debut novel published by Lazy Day Publishing, ABERRANT is scheduled for release April 2013. Ruth has been actively writing since she was a teenager. She currently resides in Plainfield, Illinois.
~ Interview with Ruth Silver ~
3 Must Have Items when you’re writing
My laptop (which probably goes without saying), powerade zero and my cell phone. When I get into the writing zone, I won’t constantly check my e-mails but if something important comes up, I’ll see it on my phone.
You're stranded on an island and can only choose one of your characters from Aberrant to accompany you, who would it be and why?
Olivia because she doesn’t give up or give in. If we were stranded, we’d have to build shelter, find food and of course survive. She may not be the strongest physically but mentally she’s been through an ordeal. If she can survive the Gravelands, she can survive a deserted island.
Ruth, you traveled to Melbourne, Australia in 2007, what are 3 things you liked about Australia?
1. The culture. I stayed with a friend and her parents, so I experienced Australia far more than I would have staying at a hotel or hostel.
2. The wildlife - I got to pet a Kangaroo, hold a branch to feed a Koala, and see penguins come out from the ocean at dusk.
3. The scenery. Although it rained, we drove along Great Ocean Road and it was absolutely gorgeous. We went along the coast to the 12 apostles (though I think there’s far less of them now) but it was beautiful.
You’re not only a writer but also a reader, what's the next book in your TBR (To be read) pile?
I’ve got Icons by Margaret Stohl, the 5th Wave by Rick Yancey and Reboot by Amy Tintera fighting for the next book to be read. I haven’t decided yet!
Who's your favourite author and why?
John Green. His words almost always bring me to tears.
You also enjoy traveling, what's your favourite country to visit and why…whether you've already visited it or plan to visit it.
I really want to travel to Europe, I haven’t been. France and Italy are at the top of my travel list, with Paris being the main city in France I would love to visit and Rome or Pompeii in Italy!
What's your inspiration for Genesis and the overall world that Aberrant was created in?
The countries name, Cabal, comes from its definition. "A small group of secret plotters," which I felt fitting for a dystopian society. I wanted the name to signify a revolution because Cabal is not the perfect society that the government wishes and pretends it to be. I wanted Cabal to strive for Utopian but instead of being perfect, it was something else entirely.
The inspiration itself comes from most of us striving towards perfection. I don't think there are many people that want a world without jobs, filled with homeless people that are starving. I think it's easy to see what's going on in society, what's happening now and see a glimpse of the current world in its worst. It made me want to imagine a better world and then I realized how would this perfect world be flawed?
3 words to describe Aberrant?
Intense, Romantic, Adventurous
~ Interview with Olivia Parker ~
3 Things you miss about Genesis since you ran away?
My mother, I miss her most of all. I’m still angry at her for lying to me all those years, but I think I’m beginning to understand her reasons why.
I miss my home. The smells in the kitchen as mom would cook dinner. Waking up early in the morning, I used to hear birds chirping just outside my window. I never appreciated those things before, not until I left did I realize how much I missed them.
I miss school. I never thought I’d say it and I know, now I’m too old to even be in school but I still miss it. What I miss isn’t the classes or the teachers. It’s not even the other kids. I miss the routine. The fact I was oblivious to so much in the world around me. Some days, I wish I could go back and just be a kid again, before the marriage ceremony.
You have 2 minutes with your Mother, what would you say/ask?
I would tell her first that I love her, and then that I forgive her. I would ask her about my father. I’d want to know about the fire, she never talked about it with me and always avoided visiting his grave. Then, if there was still time, I’d tell her to be happy and not to miss me because I’m okay.
3 Words to describe your feelings when you first got taken from home?
terrified. nauseated, and devastated
Do you feel you’re different from other children because you weren't "won" in the lottery? If so, how?
I don’t feel any different. I mean I look at Joshua and I don’t consider us to be any different because he was won in the lottery and I wasn’t. I consider him my equal, in everything. At the same time, I know I’m different. I’m reminded of it at every town I’ve been and it frightens me. I don’t want to be different. I want to be just like everyone else. I’d do anything to give up being special.
Name 3 interesting facts about Genesis?
1. Books are forbidden in Genesis. Textbooks are the only sanctioned reading materials for school. Adults, at home, read The Genesis Times, a government sanctioned newspaper. My father used to work for it, until he died in a fire.
2. Touching a member of the opposite sex is unheard of in Genesis, even for couples that are married to one another. Since children are born in labs and marriage is arranged by the government, holding hands, kissing and any public displays of affection - are considered unnecessary - and are not tolerated.
3. Our lives are supposed to be easy in Genesis, we have few choices that we are required to make. Choices often bring about inequality, so the government has done away with it. We are provided with a house, a job, clothing, food and a spouse.
About The Book
Aberrant
by Ruth Silver
Series: Aberrant #1
Publication Date: April 17, 2013
Genre: YA Dystopian
Synopsis
In the future Dystopian society of Cabal, the government instills equality for all and offers its citizens the perfect system. There is food, shelter and jobs for everyone. The one requirement is to follow the rules without question, including the government's match in marriage and "The Day of the Chosen", a lottery that randomly selects families to conceive children as natural means hasn't existed in generations. Following her eighteenth birthday, Olivia Parker accepts her requirement to marry her childhood best friend, Joshua Warren, and is eager to start her work assignment and new life when it all comes abruptly to an end as she's arrested and thrown in prison. The only crime committed, her existence. Olivia is unlike the rest of the world born not from "The Day of the Chosen." The truth haunts the government and puts her life in grave danger as one simple fact would destroy the perfect system.
With Joshua's help, Olivia breaks free of prison and is forced on the run. Together they set out to find the promised rebel town in search of a new home and new life together. Their situation seems less than promising as they reach the town of Haven. New rules and customs must be adhered to in order to stay. Leaving would mean most certain death in the large expanse of the Gravelands. Time is running out as the government mounts an attack to destroy Olivia and bury her secret with her. Thrown into a world unlike their own, they must quickly adapt to survive.
With Joshua's help, Olivia breaks free of prison and is forced on the run. Together they set out to find the promised rebel town in search of a new home and new life together. Their situation seems less than promising as they reach the town of Haven. New rules and customs must be adhered to in order to stay. Leaving would mean most certain death in the large expanse of the Gravelands. Time is running out as the government mounts an attack to destroy Olivia and bury her secret with her. Thrown into a world unlike their own, they must quickly adapt to survive.
Buy Aberrant now for only $4.99 on Kindle!
Review ~ Aberrant by Ruth Silver
This is the review component of my Aberrant by Ruth Silver tour stop. The other part of my stop consists of a Character Interview with Olivia Parker and an Author Interview with Ruth Silver, which can be found here. There's also a tour-wide giveaway so make sure you check it out.
Without further ado, here's my review of the wonderful debuting dystopia novel by Ruth Silver, Aberrant, and a short excerpt to whet your appetite.
Aberrant
by Ruth Silver
Series: Aberrant #1
Publication Date: April 17, 2013
Source: Tour Host
Synopsis
In the future Dystopian society of Cabal, the government instills equality for all and offers its citizens the perfect system. There is food, shelter and jobs for everyone. The one requirement is to follow the rules without question, including the government's match in marriage and "The Day of the Chosen", a lottery that randomly selects families to conceive children as natural means hasn't existed in generations. Following her eighteenth birthday, Olivia Parker accepts her requirement to marry her childhood best friend, Joshua Warren, and is eager to start her work assignment and new life when it all comes abruptly to an end as she's arrested and thrown in prison. The only crime committed, her existence. Olivia is unlike the rest of the world born not from "The Day of the Chosen." The truth haunts the government and puts her life in grave danger as one simple fact would destroy the perfect system.
With Joshua's help, Olivia breaks free of prison and is forced on the run. Together they set out to find the promised rebel town in search of a new home and new life together. Their situation seems less than promising as they reach the town of Haven. New rules and customs must be adhered to in order to stay. Leaving would mean most certain death in the large expanse of the Gravelands. Time is running out as the government mounts an attack to destroy Olivia and bury her secret with her. Thrown into a world unlike their own, they must quickly adapt to survive.
Paperback Princess Review
You know what they say, time goes fast when your having fun. Going by that premise, I must have bee having the time of my life as I read Aberrant, Ruth Silver's debut novel in one sitting and I didn't feel like a minute had gone by, let alone the many hours that actually did! From the Prologue to the last page Ruth Silver had me excitedly flipping through the pages wanting to know what's happening next. I was actually surprised when I got to the last page as it slowly dawned on me that the book already finished and I didn't even know it was close to finishing! It wasn't left on a cliffhanger but I had not been aware that the book was coming to an end, that's how much I was enjoying it!
Olivia Parker is unlike any other child, she is conceived naturally at a time and place where this has not been the norm for quite some time. When the Government finds out they arrest Olivia and her Mother, Samantha immediately, ensuring their secret remains hidden, but when the Rebel Alliance steps in and helps Olivia escape she is able to breathe easy knowing she's got allies. Unfortunately, as Olivia and her best friend, Joshua, makes the journey to the Rebel Alliance town of Haven, what they find when they arrive there is not much better than what they left at their hometown of Genesis, there are rules and there are expectations for Olivia. Is one governing body really better than the other? Could the couple trust anyone or are they in it all alone?
Aberrant is a fast-paced debut novel that was filled with action and heart thumping moments, as readers are constantly made to guess who can be trusted and what their ulterior motives were. I absolutely loved the main characters, Olivia and Joshua, they were both very mature and sensible from the beginning. These qualities really helped them through their journey as they deciphered who they could and couldn't trust. I felt extremely sorry for the two as they left behind a trail of people they thought they could trust that proved them otherwise. I just felt the loneliness that they were feeling, not to mention the disappointment, as they found again and again that there were no one else to trust but each other.
I really enjoyed Olivia and Joshua's connection and I'm a bit torn because I know that they're childhood sweethearts and will be romantically involved in the future, but I kind of felt like their partnership was somewhat of a best friend or sibling partnership more so than a romantic one, however, the romance, whilst touched on within Aberrant's pages, wasn't greatly explored, and so I may have to wait for the consecutive books to comment on the romantic aspect of their relationship, but from Aberrant alone it seemed like they had more of a brother-sister or best-friend feel to their relationship.
Aberrant's plot and Silver's writing, along with the sensible main characters really had me greatly enjoying this book and it certainly ended far too soon for my liking. This is the first novel that I have read that I was surprised to have found myself in the last page and not even know it. It's very action-packed and there was not a moment where readers heart will slow, as there was constant betrayals and new revelations at every corner. This was a highly enjoyable read and I recommend it to all those that enjoy dystopian novels. I commend Ruth Silver for this fantastic debut novel that was highly entertaining with a plot that was simply amazing! Loved, loved, loved Aberrant! It's definitely high up in my list of favourite books of 2013 thus far.
Excerpt
We rounded the corner and my eyes caught sight of a line of young men stretching around
council hall, extending for blocks. "What's going on over there?" I asked.
Landon's face perked up, a hint of a smile playing on his lips, "they're here for you, Olivia."
"Me?" I felt nervous and swallowed the bile rising in my throat.
Landon patted my back, as if he had the ability to reassure me. His touch was repulsive. I
pulled away slightly from his grasp, my gaze still attached to the hundreds of young men lining up along the edge of the building and pushed back down into the street. "They're submitting their
applications to date you."
"You're joking?" My eyes wide and mouth agape, I couldn't believe this was happening.
"This is because of Joshua yesterday, isn't it?" It had to be the reason they found it necessary
to punish me.
Landon sighed. He seemed agitated with me, short-tempered. "We've told you, Olivia, you
can't be with Joshua."
I rolled my eyes, "yes and you've also told me I have three years to decide. What's all this!" I
gestured towards the young men as I pushed them aside to walk through the main entrance, they were in my way.
"Hey! No cutting in line," one of the young men yelled before his voice faltered off realizing
I wasn't there to apply. "Are you Olivia?" His voice echoed against the building as he took another
step, further inching towards the foyer.
"It's none of your damned business!" I shouted back, my eyes glaring as I knocked Landon
hard with my elbow. I knew it wouldn't win me any brownie points but I didn't care. I was beyond
pissed. My feet clanked over the marble flooring. In the center of the room a table had been set up where the young men were fast approaching, one after another. "You're wasting your time," I called back to the woman hosting the event as she recorded their information in an oversized book.
"This way," Landon escorted me away from the line of bachelors towards the open door.
"Please, come in," the older wiry-haired woman gestured us inside and shut the door promptly behind us. All the noise and commotion from the main foyer disappeared inside the room.
Buy Aberrant Now for only $4.99 for Kindle
Sunday, 2 June 2013
Review ~ Dualed by Elsie Chapman
Dualed
by Elsie Chapman
Series: Dualed #1
Released: February 26, 2013
Publisher: Random House
Format: Hardback (304 pages)
Source: Won at a Giveaway
Synopsis
You or your Alt? Only one will survive.
The city of Kersh is a safe haven, but the price of safety is high. Everyone has a genetic Alternate—a twin raised by another family—and citizens must prove their worth by eliminating their Alts before their twentieth birthday. Survival means advanced schooling, a good job, marriage—life.
Fifteen-year-old West Grayer has trained as a fighter, preparing for the day when her assignment arrives and she will have one month to hunt down and kill her Alt. But then a tragic misstep shakes West’s confidence. Stricken with grief and guilt, she’s no longer certain that she’s the best version of herself, the version worthy of a future. If she is to have any chance of winning, she must stop running not only from her Alt, but also from love . . . though both have the power to destroy her.
Elsie Chapman's suspenseful YA debut weaves unexpected romance into a novel full of fast-paced action and thought-provoking philosophy. When the story ends, discussions will begin about this future society where every adult is a murderer and every child knows there is another out there who just might be better.
Paperback Princess Review
Dualed by Elsie Chapman is a fast-paced, suspenseful and thrilling, action-packed debut novel that had me eagerly flipping through the pages. In this semi dystopian-sci-fi world each baby is born as a twin (Alt) but distributed to two different families. Between the ages of 10-20 they receive their “Assignment” to kill their Alt within a one month period and be the one worthy to survive.
The plot is unique and extremely interesting, but the lack of world building had me questioning why certain things were the way they were, which then made me not understand the book as well as I would have liked to. Having said that, I still commend Chapman, because despite the lack of world building this book was highly addictive and I couldn't flip the pages quick enough to know what happened in this suspenseful and thrilling cat and mouse story.
Very early onto the book a life changing fatal accident takes place and West Grayer's (main character) life is changed forever. This fatal accident seemed to be the start or what starts in motion the rest of West's actions throughout the book. Chord is a childhood family friend who also becomes West's love interest and even though he wasn't in the story much I did really enjoy the times he did appear. Whilst the characters were likeable enough I had hoped that Chapman created some scenes with more emotions, I just didn't feel the connection nor what was happening to the characters at all. Having said that, I did enjoy the way that Chapman included the internal dialogue that West had with herself, because without this I certainly don't think I would have liked or understood West as much as I did. Elsie Chapman's writing lacked the magic that grabs readers into the characters emotions and life. I wasn't emotionally invested into the characters life, I was simply there because of the highly addictive and heart-racing plot.
Dualed's plot is extremely unique, if the world building (creation, background history) was more prominent it would have been much more enjoyable. The characters were likeable but the readers are just not emotionally drawn to the characters, they are simply actors on a TV screen so to speak. Despite Dualed's faults it's still a well-crafted, well-written debut novel with a very unique premise. Add to the heart-stopping and suspenseful progress it became a highly addictive novel that I couldn't wait to finish. The story is engrossing I just had hoped that there was more information on the world, why there are two Alts, why one must be killed, how the world became like that etc.
I still recommend Dualed to those that are simply looking for a story that's main purpose is to simply entertain. This isn't a highly researched, in-depth story but a thrilling and suspenseful novel, that despite all it's misgivings I still couldn't read it fast enough.
~ Buy It Now ~
Saturday, 1 June 2013
Feature & Follow Friday ~ Bloggers you most want to meet in real life
The Rules:-
- You MUST follow BOTH hosts Rachel @ Parajunkee and Alison @ Alison Can Read
- You MUST follow BOTH Featured Blogs of the week (linked below)
- Do your own Feature & Follow Friday post answering the question of the week and link to it at the bottom of this post
- Follow and comment on other participants Feature & Follow Friday posts!
Friday, 31 May 2013
Book Blitz ~ Taking Back Forever by Karen Amanda Hooper {Giveaway}
Welcome to the Book Blitz for
Taking Back Forever
by Karen Amanda Hooper
hosted by XPresso Book Tours
Taking Back Forever
by Karen Amanda Hooper
Series: Kindrily Series #2
Release Date: May 31, 2013
Publisher: Starry Sky Publishing
Synopsis
Forever is worth the fight.
Maryah erased all memory of her past lives, but she couldn’t erase her soul mate Nathan, or his undying love. Now, Maryah and Nathan have a second chance at a future together, but first Maryah must remember the person she used to be and embrace her supernatural gifts—more than one kindrily member’s life depends on it.
Maryah’s power is Harmony’s best hope of finding her kidnapped soul mate, Gregory. But Harmony isn’t big on asking anyone for help, and she’s tired of waiting, so she’s taking matters into her own hands. Heaven help anyone who stands in her way.
“Every lifetime,” he continued, “each body has been different. It’s always a challenge to relearn you, but I enjoy each and every drawn out moment of it, and in the past, you did too.” He kissed the crook of my arm and my breath caught. I didn’t even know people kissed each other there, but it should be on way more top ten lists.
As enchanting as Nathan’s words were, it was still hard for me to comprehend that I had lived in other bodies. He set my arm down and I forced my eyes to open. “What was your favorite version of me?”
“What do you mean?”
I spun my ring around my thumb, avoiding eye contact with him. For some reason it was easier to talk about it if I wasn’t looking at him. “I’m sure I was prettier and sexier in my other lives. Is there a past version of me that was your favorite?”
Nathan put the book on the nightstand and adjusted so he was sitting directly facing me. “Let me explain this again. It’s your soul I’m in love with. The package it comes in makes no difference to me. Your inner beauty and the energy of your being are what attract me to you.” He touched my cheek then his fingertips drifted down my neck and shoulders. “But to answer your question, this is my favorite version of you.”
As enchanting as Nathan’s words were, it was still hard for me to comprehend that I had lived in other bodies. He set my arm down and I forced my eyes to open. “What was your favorite version of me?”
“What do you mean?”
I spun my ring around my thumb, avoiding eye contact with him. For some reason it was easier to talk about it if I wasn’t looking at him. “I’m sure I was prettier and sexier in my other lives. Is there a past version of me that was your favorite?”
Nathan put the book on the nightstand and adjusted so he was sitting directly facing me. “Let me explain this again. It’s your soul I’m in love with. The package it comes in makes no difference to me. Your inner beauty and the energy of your being are what attract me to you.” He touched my cheek then his fingertips drifted down my neck and shoulders. “But to answer your question, this is my favorite version of you.”
Book 1 of The Kindrily Series
 |
About The Author
Karen Amanda Hooper
Karen was born and bred in Baltimore, frolicked and froze in Colorado for a couple of years and is currently sunning and splashing around Florida with her two beloved dogs. She's addicted to coffee, chocolate and complicated happily-ever-afters.
Karen has been making up stories for as long as she can remember. In high school she discovered her passion for putting her thoughts onto paper, but it wasn't until her late twenties that she wrote her first novel. Due to her strong Disney upbringing, she still believes in fairytales and will forever sprinkle magic throughout all of her novels.
~ Giveaway ~
a Rafflecopter giveawayThursday, 30 May 2013
Cover Reveal ~ Angels of the Knights: Nikki by Valerie Zambito {Giveaway}
Angels of the
Knights - Nikki (Book 3)
Coming Soon!
Summary not available yet...
***
Angels of the Knights - Fallon
Summary from Goodreads:
When Fallon Angell died at the age of sixteen, her life changed forever.
The hallowed world of Emperica is everything she had ever hoped for as a mortal—immeasurable beauty, unconditional love and light. But, with affection for humankind still burning within her, she joins the Knight Caste to train as an angel warrior. As a Knight, she will give up her wings and return to the place that killed her to use her unique powers to search out and destroy the evil Kjin that roam the earth. As a Knight, she will stop at nothing to protect the mortals in her care.
The elders warn her that the path she chose will be a solitary one. That she will not have the same bond with humans as she once did. But, as far as she knows, the elders had never met Kade Royce.
When her duties place her in the path of this handsome former cop, emotions buried long ago rise to the surface and she is powerless to ignore the depth of her feelings for this young man. She knows instinctively that she has found what most people search their entire lives for.
Ignoring the risks, she invites him into her world of danger, but soon their lives collide with explosive consequence. As a result, Fallon realizes with heartbreaking despair that she can no longer hide from the painful truth. In order for Kade to live, she must destroy him.
The hallowed world of Emperica is everything she had ever hoped for as a mortal—immeasurable beauty, unconditional love and light. But, with affection for humankind still burning within her, she joins the Knight Caste to train as an angel warrior. As a Knight, she will give up her wings and return to the place that killed her to use her unique powers to search out and destroy the evil Kjin that roam the earth. As a Knight, she will stop at nothing to protect the mortals in her care.
The elders warn her that the path she chose will be a solitary one. That she will not have the same bond with humans as she once did. But, as far as she knows, the elders had never met Kade Royce.
When her duties place her in the path of this handsome former cop, emotions buried long ago rise to the surface and she is powerless to ignore the depth of her feelings for this young man. She knows instinctively that she has found what most people search their entire lives for.
Ignoring the risks, she invites him into her world of danger, but soon their lives collide with explosive consequence. As a result, Fallon realizes with heartbreaking despair that she can no longer hide from the painful truth. In order for Kade to live, she must destroy him.
E-book is currently free!
Summary from Goodreads:
Once the hunter, now the hunted. As the war with the Kjin rages, Blane Romero must lead the Paladin Knights against their mortal enemy while trying to protect the young, Juliet Hunter, who unwittingly finds herself entangled in their sinister schemes. Juliet cares only about shielding her young sisters from harm, but finds herself drawn to the enigmatic man who offers her much more than either he or she was prepared for.
Ostracized by the families they loved, Blane and Juliet find they have more in common than they thought as they battle demons both real and personal to stay together. But, will it be enough when the powerful Cesar Grant decides he wants Juliet for his own?
Book Two in the Angels of the Knights paranormal fantasy series.
Ostracized by the families they loved, Blane and Juliet find they have more in common than they thought as they battle demons both real and personal to stay together. But, will it be enough when the powerful Cesar Grant decides he wants Juliet for his own?
Book Two in the Angels of the Knights paranormal fantasy series.
Buy Links:
Thank you for visiting my Goodread's profile. I am Valerie Zambito, and I live in upstate New York with my husband and three sons. After having been involved in a busy sales career for fifteen years, a great love of world building, character creation, and all things magic led to the publication of my first adult epic fantasy series, ISLAND SHIFTERS, in October of 2011. Since then, I have added two additional books to this series and wrote the first book in a new teen paranormal series called ANGELS OF THE KNIGHTS.
My reading preference is fantasy as well and I devour in copious amounts. In my opinion, there’s nothing like it! Great fantasy grants us entry into a world beyond our own that is filled with adventure, mystery and danger. How exciting to enjoy a front row seat to human struggles of epic proportions. Struggles that tug at our heartstrings and elicit real emotion.
I gravitate to fantasy with heroic elements. I like strong, confident men who never back down from a fight against evil. The kind who will not hesitate to throw himself between a woman and a fire-breathing dragon. I like strong women, too. The kind who will appreciate the offer, but is more inclined to push the man out of the way and take care of the dragon herself. ;)
My reading preference is fantasy as well and I devour in copious amounts. In my opinion, there’s nothing like it! Great fantasy grants us entry into a world beyond our own that is filled with adventure, mystery and danger. How exciting to enjoy a front row seat to human struggles of epic proportions. Struggles that tug at our heartstrings and elicit real emotion.
I gravitate to fantasy with heroic elements. I like strong, confident men who never back down from a fight against evil. The kind who will not hesitate to throw himself between a woman and a fire-breathing dragon. I like strong women, too. The kind who will appreciate the offer, but is more inclined to push the man out of the way and take care of the dragon herself. ;)
(1) Print or
e-book copies of books 1 & 2 in this series plus $25 Amazon Gift Card
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