{Review} Between by Kerry Schafer

Between
Series: The Between #1
Author: Kerry Schafer
Release Date: January 29, 2013
by, Ace
Source: *a copy was provided by the author for review purposes*

Vivian Maylor can’t sleep. Maybe it’s because she just broke up with her boyfriend and moved to a new town, or it could be the stress of her new job at the hospital. But perhaps it’s because her dreams have started to bleed through into her waking hours.

All of her life Vivian has rejected her mother’s insane ramblings about Dreamworlds for concrete science and fact, until an emergency room patient ranting about dragons spontaneously combusts before her eyes—forcing Viv to consider the idea that her visions of mythical beasts might be real.

And when a chance encounter leads her to a man she knows only from her dreams, Vivian finds herself falling into a world that seems strange and familiar all at once—a world where the line between dream and reality is hard to determine, and hard to control…{Goodreads}

~Review:
  Where to begin....Well, first off this was my first adult fantasy book. I have read different adult books but nothing with the fantasy aspect to it. Even if I had I would have to imagine that after this book, it would be like reading adult fantasy all over again for the first time. It was that good and that standout. I will admit that I was a bit confused the first couple of chapters just trying to get into the rhythm of Kerry's writing and trying to distinguish what was dreams and what wasn't. Especially when Vivian entered the Dreamworld. I was a bit confused on whether she was there or just dreaming which in a sense I guess she was?? I don't know, maybe I am still a bit confused on how exactly it all works ;)

  Once I got into the swing of Kerry's writing I had to admire it. The way she describes the Dreamworld and paints the big picture was spectacular! I could see what she wanted me to see and what I saw, was incredible! I think the plot and characters were also very nicely written. The fact that she didn't do much research other than for the dragons for this book is impressive (how do I know? I interviewed her, check it out in the interviews if you want to know more).

  I thoroughly enjoyed Between. It was unique and magical. I can't wait to read what happens next! The ending was dramatic and left me wanting the next one. I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I liked it more than I thought I would! If you like fantasy, family drama ;), and cute little penguins...you will enjoy this book. Ok, so that seems unfair. This book isn't just family drama and penguins. It is so much more. It is action, adventure, love, loss, self-discovery, intense, magical, spectacular and amazing! The characters, side and villains, only make the book more attractive. Between has lots of things that just draw you in. It took me awhile to get into it but it wasn't because of lack of interest. Once I was finally able to sit down and get into it fully I didn't want to put it down. It had this quality that transfixed you. I do suggest this book. If you haven't read adult before I think this would be a good starter. It has enough magic and other things going on to distract you from the age factor. There is one scene in the book that may be a little unsuitable for readers 13 and younger but even that part wasn't graphic. It had enough to know what was happening but it didn't go into detail. Parental and self discretion is what I suggest.

~Rating:

4 of 5 stars! 

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day! :D

~Jaiden

{Review} Everbound by Brodi Ashton

Everbound
Series: Everneath #1
Author: Brody Ashton
Release Date: January 22, 2013
by, Balzer + Bray
Source: bought
Pages: 358

Nikki Beckett could only watch as her boyfriend, Jack, sacrificed himself to save her, taking her place in the Tunnels of the Everneath for eternity — a debt that should’ve been hers. She’s living a borrowed life, and she doesn’t know what to do with the guilt. And every night Jack appears in her dreams, lost and confused and wasting away.

Desperate for answers, Nikki turns to Cole, the immortal bad boy who wants to make her his queen — and the one person least likely to help. But his heart has been touched by everything about Nikki, and he agrees to assist her in the only way he can: by taking her to the Everneath himself.

Nikki and Cole descend into the Everneath, only to discover that their journey will be more difficult than they’d anticipated — and more deadly. But Nikki vows to stop at nothing to save Jack — even if it means making an incredible sacrifice of her own.

In this enthralling sequel to Everneath, Brodi Ashton tests the bonds of destiny and explores the lengths we’ll go to for the ones we love.{Goodreads}

~Trailer:
Dudes!! I am so in love with this trailer! So simple yet so thrilling, chilling and gorgeous!! :D
~Review:
  Do you know how long it took me to read this book? Two months. TWO WHOLE MONTHS! It wasn’t because of the lack of interest. It was more because of the fact all these other review books I had were pushing themselves to the priority pile and pleasure reading was out of the picture for a bit. I will admit that it was—If I am being honest—because of the lack of interest. Everbound started out really slow. Not to mention that Nikki isn’t one of my top protagonists. Sorry. To me she is just really whiney and annoying. I gave her leniency in the first book because she kind of just jumped into a whole new world and was drained…literally. I then tried giving her leniency in this one because she just went through some pretty tragic stuff and was completely heart-broken but…after a while I lost my patience.

  Now don’t get me wrong. I love this series. I love the plot and the writing. Brody Ashton is very talented. I just dislike Nilkki. Enough about Nikki. Bring on the boys!! ;D Now I can’t say much if you guys haven’t read Everneath. I don’t like my reviews to contain spoilers. I want you to be able to look at a review of a sequel to a series and it inspire you to read the first and get started on the series yourself. This one though is going to be hard because the whole book is revolved around the ending of the first. I shall try though.

  Without saying too much. I have done the unthinkable. One of the worst book sins. I have changed boy teams. Yes, folks you have heard me right! I have gone from #TeamJack to #TeamCole. Don’t think it is possible? Read the novella, Neverfall. Its good. Although based one some feelings and vibes going out throughout both books, I don’t see why she did it. I am hoping Ashton created that book for the reason I hope. But yes I have fallen for Cole. Kinda. I am not completely one hundred percent sure. Sometimes Cole pisses the hell out of me and I hate him and want nothing to do with him. I don’t blame Nikki for not wanting to be with him sometimes. Then others I think that there is no way it could be Jack. That it is Cole and only Cole. Actually, no. As I am writing this review, feelings are coming and my mind is once again changing.  I think right now I am #TeamWill. Either Jack or Cole is going to really step it up in the final book. They are going to have to do some real kick-ass convincing to win my heart this round.

  The ending on this one was. Wow. I completely had no clue that one was coming. I literally had my socks blown off…with my shoes still on. That. That was intense. A moment that made me #TeamWill. I have no idea what is going to happen in book 3. I am excited to see where this goes. If you haven’t started this series yet I suggest you do. Its something so unique. I have yet to read something that comes close to this series. There are lots of books involving mythology but none quite like this!

~Rating:

 

4 of 5 stars!!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Have a great day! :)

~Jaiden

{Interview & Giveaway} A.G. Howard, author of Splintered

Oh my gosh!!!!

You guys!!!!!!

A.G. Howard is on the blog today!!!

*freaks out, fans self, passes out*

Such a huge fan and its an honor to do this interview!

So glad I get to share this awesomeness with you all!!!! 

Ok, ok. No more yammering. Let's get on with it! ;D <3

~The Author:

A.G. Howard 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.  

When she's not writing, 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 her at:~Amazon~Goodreads~Blog~Website~Twitter~Facebook~ 

~The Interview:

1. How different is it to write a retelling/spinoff compared to a regular, self imagined book? What kind of limitations did you have to work with in writing Splintered? 

I don’t think there are any hard and fast rules. I do think it’s important to make the most of the original author’s vision, craft your story as a tribute and a companion to the original, by giving the characters/details a deeper meaning. When done right, it makes the reader want to revisit the original work. That, to me, makes even a retelling a successful story in its own right, when it whets the reader’s appetite to plunge into another book that might’ve been on their shelves for years, gathering dust.   

2. What made you choose Alice in Wonderland to re-create? 

I’ve always been a huge fan of Carroll’s masterpieces, but the real spark lit back in in April 2010, when I first saw the Tim Burton and Disney Alice adaptation. I’m a very visual person, and the Burton cinematography was so vivid, techno-colored, and evocative that I didn't want the movie to ever end. So I came up with my own settings in my mind, and played out Wonderland continuations and scenarios. The idea became too big to contain in my head and I had to get it out on paper.   

3. Team Jeb or Team Morpheus? What makes each boy unique and likeable? 

As the author, I refuse to choose sides! LOL. I love both guys. They each bring out and complement different qualities in Alyssa—not just her light and dark sides, but how she makes decisions, either cautiously or spontaneously; or how she views the world, either as a canvas or as a playground. She has a tough choice to make, because it’s more than just choosing a guy. It’s choosing which way she wants to live her life. If I were Al, I’d pick Jeb in the here and now because he’s steady, noble, and shares her interests and goals; but I’d pick Morpheus in the far-away future, because he’s immortal and will still be young and up for some fun even in seventy years or so.     

4. How close did you want to keep to the Alice in Wonderland classic? 

I knew I wanted my main character, Alyssa, to be able to converse with bugs and flowers, because the talking flower scenes in Carroll’s two books, the Disney cartoon, and the Tim Burton/Disney rendition, were some of my favorites. Also, I always remembered the scene from Through the Looking Glass when Alice is riding a train through the countryside and has a conversation with a gnat. Those were such quirky and indelible images, that I just had to incorporate them somehow. I wanted my heroine to be tied to the original tales in a very visceral way so I decided to make Alyssa a descendant of Alice Liddell, the real-life girl who actually inspired Carroll to write his story to begin with. The blood tie to the Liddells became the basis for all of the weird aspects of Alyssa’s life, including the talking bugs and flowers. Also, I wanted a colorful/vivid world edged with creepiness for my Wonderland setting because Carroll's works always had that underlying creepiness to it. And lastly, I wanted to incorporate one of my favorite characters who doesn’t get nearly enough screen time in the remakes that I’ve seen, the Caterpillar.     

5. Is there going to be a sequel to Splintered? If so what can we hope for? 

Yes, it’s titled UNHINGED and is due out January 2014. We’re being really sneaky and sly about the premise at the moment, but here are some hints I can share: a bridge in London, a key and a heart pendant, and The Corpse Bride’s wardrobe. Also, Morpheus, Alyssa, and Jeb all have their moments in the spotlight, along with a few favorite Wonderlandians, and even some new warped ones from the books that I haven’t touched on yet.   

6. If you could spend a day in Wonderland what would you do and who would you meet? 

Oooh. That’s a toughie. Probably the Ivory Queen’s castle where everything glimmers with ice crystals, even the transparent walls.  It’s just so beautiful to imagine. And because Ivory is so lonely (spends her days and nights looking out through the glass as the warmth of the world passes by but never actually touches her), she’s always looking for a reason to have guests. Hopefully she would throw a party so I could meet lots of different Wonderlandians all at once. ;)    

7. Do you think you would have what it takes to make it out with your head? 

Haha! Not sure. If I didn’t, hopefully Morpheus would lend me one of his fab hats to cover my empty neck. LOL   

8. A lot of things in this book had extra meanings that all came together in the end. How long did it take you to map it all out and tie it together? 

The book took me six months from start to finish, and that includes plotting/research/tying up loose ends. I usually only do skeleton plots, which allows for flexibility when I’m writing. But I did have to write a rather detailed outline of the scenes in Wonderland since it does get a little complicated—who Alyssa and Jeb would meet, what roles the creatures would play in their “quest”, and even what “tasks” she’d be expected to complete in order to come home—but it still didn’t turn out exactly as I’d planned. The characters all had a few surprises for me along the way, most especially Morpheus. And most especially at the end…      

9. What was the most difficult thing in writing Splintered? 

It was important to me that my book be a tribute to Carroll's amazing works without copying him, and that’s not an easy balance to capture. Lewis Carroll won my heart as a child by weaving underlying threads of violence and eeriness into his nonsensical scenes and characters. So I tried to pay respectful homage to those elements while coaxing the funkiness/creepiness from subtle nuance to center stage. I’m hoping I accomplished that, and if I could have only one wish for my book, it would be that Splintered will entice readers to seek out the Carroll originals if they aren’t already fans, because those books are masterpieces.

~The Book(s):

Splintered

Series: Splintered #1

Release Date: January 1, 2013

by, Amulet Books

Buy: ~Amazon~Books a Million~B&N~Indie Bound~

This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now. When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own. {Goodreads}

More/Upcoming:

~The Giveaway:

The Prizes:
1 Audio copy of Splintered
1 Signed Hardback Copy of Splintered
1 Splintered Swag Pack!
(Swag pack consists of:
-1 signed Splintered bookmark
-1 signed Splintered bookplate
-1 Alice in Wonderland gift tag/bookmark. *image varies)


The Details:
-Must be thirteen years old to enter
US only!!!!
-Winner has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen
-Ends 6/8/13

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!! :D
Hope you enjoyed this interview as much as I did!!
You guys need this book! One of my 2013 debut favorites!
Enter! Don't miss this amazing opportunity!! Its stellar. Equivalent to the golden goose egg! ;D
Have a wonderful day *muahaha* ;)
~Jaiden

{Interview & Giveaway} Chelsea Pitcher, author of The S-Word

Oh my gosh guys!!! Guess who is here today!!?

Yes the amazing and talented Chelsea Pitcher!!

You guys have no clue how excited I am about this interview!! I love this author to pieces so...

Let's share the love and all that good stuff right?

;D

~The Author:

Chelsea Pitcher is a native of Portland, OR where she received her BA in English Literature. Fascinated by all things literary, she began gobbling up stories as soon as she could read, and especially enjoys delving into the darker places to see if she can draw out some light.

Find her at: ~Website~Twitter~Facebook~Blog~Goodreads~

~The Interview:

1. Was writing The S-Word as emotionally hard as it was for us readers?  

This is such a great question, and it’s something I’ve thought a lot about with this story. To be honest, it’s harder for me to read about dark things than it is to write them. The reason for this (at least, as far as I can tell) is that writing about things, even very difficult ones, is a way of talking about them, a way of letting them out. So even though certain passages of the book were emotionally difficult write, after I’d done it, I felt better, like a weight had been lifted.

2. What was the inspiration for The S-Word?   

I started writing this story at a time when there was a lot about bullying and teen suicide in the news. I wanted to write about the link between these things, and how even a seemingly small act of cruelty can have a strong impact on someone’s life. Everyone’s dealing with so many things, and we can’t make the assumption that our words don’t matter to them. So with The S-Word, the idea was to illustrate all the difficult things teens are faced with on any given day, to really articulate why bullying can be so devastating.

4. How well did you have to plan each characters role in Lizzie's life and the affects they had on her?  

Some of the bigger things, I knew early on. I knew there would be a lot of misunderstandings and a lot of surprises in the story. But for many characters, I didn’t know their specific roles until I got deep into the plot. I knew from the start what Marvin did, or didn’t do (no spoilers, you guys!) but I wasn’t sure of Kennedy’s, Shelby’s or Jesse’s roles until each was revealed to me. I think certain characters surprised me as much as they will surprise the reader.

5. Throughout the book pages of Lizzie's diary are revealed. How did writing her diary pages differ from the mystery with Angie?  

Lizzie had such an innocence to her, whereas Angie didn’t have much innocence left at all. So with Angie, she would say and do almost anything; she had no censor. But Lizzie kept secrets, even in her own diary, because she was so scared of being seen. I had to coax the secrets out of her, piece by piece. I was into maybe my third draft of the story before Lizzie finally told me everything.

6. Do you tend to favor one of your characters? If so who and why?  

I have a soft spot for Jesse. He’s such a sweetie pie. But I have warm feelings for a lot of my characters, including Angie, who can be hard to love sometimes. As long as a character has good heart, and isn’t physically hurting people or anything, I can often find at least one redeeming quality.

7. What would you have told both girls after "the incident"?  

Be brave. The people in your life want to love you. They want to help you. But, as hard as it is, you can’t always wait for help to come for you in this world. Reach out. A hand will be there.

8. Are there any new projects underway? What can you tell us about them if so?  

I’m working on a story that’s set slightly in the future, when a maniacal leader has taken over the U.S. It’s up to a couple of immortal teenagers (I know, that phrase sounds funny, but I promise, in the story it works) to save the day. And the world.

~The Book(s):

The S-Word

Release Date: May 7, 2013

by, Gallery Books

~My 5+ Star Review~

Purchase: ~Amazon~Powell's~B&N~

First it was SLUT scribbled all over Lizzie Hart’s locker.  

But one week after Lizzie kills herself, SUICIDE SLUT replaces it—in Lizzie's looping scrawl.

Lizzie’s reputation is destroyed when she's caught in bed with her best friend’s boyfriend on prom night. With the whole school turned against her, and Angie not speaking to her, Lizzie takes her own life. But someone isn’t letting her go quietly. As graffiti and photocopies of Lizzie’s diary plaster the school, Angie begins a relentless investigation into who, exactly, made Lizzie feel she didn’t deserve to keep living. And while she claims she simply wants to punish Lizzie’s tormentors, Angie's own anguish over abandoning her best friend will drive her deep into the dark, twisted side of Verity High—and she might not be able to pull herself back out.

Debut author Chelsea Pitcher daringly depicts the harsh reality of modern high schools, where one bad decision can ruin a reputation, and one cruel word can ruin a life. Angie’s quest for the truth behind Lizzie’s suicide is addictive and thrilling, and her razor-sharp wit and fierce sleuthing skills makes her impossible not to root for—even when it becomes clear that both avenging Lizzie and avoiding self-destruction might not be possible. {Goodreads}

~The Giveaway:
The Prizes:
1 finished copy of The S-Word

The Details:
US and CAN only!!!
13 years or older to enter!
winner has 48 hours to reply before a new winner is chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Thanks for stopping by!!

Good luck!!!

(p.s....you need this book!! So enter like crazy k? If I could I would reward everyone who reads this post a copy but alas I can't. But seriously!! This book is flipping amazing! Just go read my review to see how obsessed I am haha)

Happy day to you!! ;P

~Jaiden

{Review} Of Silver and Beasts by Trisha Wolfe

Of Silver and Beasts
Series: Goddess Wars #1
Author: Trisha Wolfe
Release Date: April 19, 2013
Source: *a copy was provided for review purposes by the author*
Pages: 305

In the sand-covered queendom of Cavan, the goddess once saved a young Kaliope’s life, preventing the mercury her father attempted to hide in her blood from reaching her heart. Now, a cybernetic clamp filters it, but the silver streaks swirling faintly beneath her skin are a constant reminder that she’s different.

When nineteen-year-old Kaliope is chosen as head of the Nactue Guard, she becomes the sworn protector to her empress. In the midst of an invasion on a neighboring land, Kaliope is placed in charge of guarding Prince Caben, the last heir to his kingdom. But when they’re attacked by the feared Otherworlders, Caben and Kaliope are abducted and taken below to a realm where they must fight for their life in a caged arena.

Kaliope struggles to protect her princely charge, keeping him and herself alive while battling inhumanly opponents, and trying to save the stolen, sacred relic that will restore her empress’s life force and all of Cavan. And if she can somehow awaken the goddess within her, she may save what’s most important.

New Adult Dark Fantasy: Intended for readers 17 years of age and older.{Goodreads}

~Review:
  I am going to start off by saying,..Don’t ever underestimate Trisha Wolfe. It will make you feel like a fool. Now, that being said, Trisha, I have never underestimated you. No. Not one bit. With every story of hers I am blown away. She has an incredible talent that I am glad she hasn’t let go to waste. I tend ti have the nasty habit of reading a books synopsis and then completely forgetting what it is about when I start it, jumping into a book without reading the synopsis, or skimming the synopsis and totally not understanding what the book is supposed to be about. I kind of like it though. I never do it on purpose but it always turns out for the better. Ok, well maybe not always but most of the time.  Where am I going with this?

  Yes, I skimmed the synopsis and had no clue what the heck I was getting into. All I knew was the author was Trisha Wolfe and the cover was really pretty xD Was it one of those books that turned out for the better because I didn’t read the synopsis? Well I wouldn’t say because of it but yes. It had positive results. I just find that I am pleasantly surprised when I do so. I did end up going back to Goodreads and reading the synopsis…but moral of the story: I am bad with synopsis’, Trisha Wolfe is amazing so I have full trust in her amazingness to not read the synopsis, Of Silver and Beasts has a pretty cover,  and this book was really really good.

  I don’t know how she does it but Trisha can take one of the most unusual plots and turn it into something magnificient. Seriously. Where did this book come from? Who would have thought of it? Not me that’s who! I can’t express how great this author is. Just how amazing her writing and stories are, so is she. Trisha is one of my most favorite authors. She is like a buddy-‘ol pall. ;D Knowing what a great person she is gives a positive feedback for her book. No, that does not mean this review is bias. I give credit to authors as authors and authors as people separately. I may love the author but dislike the book. I have sworn to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth so don’t worry your little heads. ;D

  One other thing Trisha has down pact is her tragedies. People, I can’t number the times her stories have ruined my swollen my heart with love and then completely deflated it because of her endings. She is one cruel mistress. The endings leave you wanting nothing but more and hanging on a thread because of the wait. Now, I feel as if I have been talking too much about my synopsis problems and Trisha’s book as a whole so I am going to get a bit more focused k? K.

  Of Silver and Beasts is extremely unique. It kind of had that whole “Hunger Game” feel but…better. I liked how Trisha could take a huge world-wide plot and completely make it her own. So now that I have mentioned the Hunger Games, you may as well know that things get pretty intense, thrilling, action packed, and tragic. I felt pain for the characters that didn’t have any real part in the story. There is one part in particular that killed me. It was a pairing of blood (you will get that when you read it…hopefully). The reaction of the other killed. The devastation, anger and emotion that Trisha managed to get through was tragic. Tragic. That word will pop into your head a lot when you read it.

  I can’t really say more for fear of too many spoilers but know this: Of Silver and Beasts is a spectacular book that seized my heart. I am highly anticipating book two. I think you all should read it! If you have never read anything by Mrs. Wolfe before might as well start now! The characters in this book were wonderful and I enjoyed reading from the protagonists point of view. She was a great heroine and the hero…DAMN! That boy is HOT ;D I love him to no end. Oh goodness….I can feel spoilers trying to pull themselves to the surface. I might as well go. Moral of this review: Read. Read. Read. Of Silver of Beasts and the author are amazing. There is no room for disappointment.

~Rating:

4 of 5 stars!!!

Thanks for stopping by!!
Have an absolutely wonderful day!! :D
~Jaiden

{Interview & Giveaway} Francis Knight, author of Fade to Black

Welcome to Francis Knight!!

We have an awesome interview laid out ahead and one sweet giveaway!!

Ready?

Set?

GO!!!! ;P

~The Author:

Francis Knight was born and lives in Sussex, England. When not living in her own head, she enjoys SF&F geekery, WWE geekery, teaching her children Monty Python quotes, and boldly going and seeking out new civilizations.

Find her at: ~Website~Amazon~Twitter~Facebook~ 

~The Interview:

1. What, in your opinion, is the hardest thing about being a writer?  

A couple of things – firstly getting myself to sit down and write! I’m fine once I get started, but I have a tendency to say ‘I’ll just do this first…’ and well, and then an hour later I still haven’t got any words in. Procrastination is a terrible thing. The second is when it comes to actually showing it to anyone else. Utterly nerve-wracking.    

2. How did your writing process for Fade To Black go?  

It was very different to all my other books, to be honest. I started it as a Nano project (a challenge to write 50k of a novel in a month). I duly did the 50K, but then got sidetracked with other projects, and only came back to it every now and again. Finally, in 2011 I decided it was about time I finished it and subbed it! So in total, it took me five months to write, but that was spread over three years.   

3. How much planning and premeditated thought went into the city of Mahal?  

Planning in advance, almost none. I was thinking of Bladerunner, and the hive cities of Warhammer while I wrote, and they influenced me. But mostly it grew as I was writing. The ‘planning’ – that is making sure it all worked – came afterwards.   

4. Fade To Black is reformat in a planned trilogy. Did you know where you wanted the series to go and how it would end from the beginning?  

I had a vague idea once I’d finished the first, but as to how it actually ends…that came to me just as I was finishing book 2. I tend not to plan very much in advance – as I write, I find the actual process gives me more ideas, so any plans go out of the window! Although once I’d figured out the end, while it changed, the basic set up of it gave me something to aim towards.  

5. When did you know that writing fiction is what you wanted to do with your life?  

Oh, that’s tricky. I started dabbling quite a while ago – I was laid up with ME for a long time, and it was either watch daytime TV, or give this writing malarkey a go. So I tried it, and dabbled on and off for a while. It was only when I showed what I’d done to a couple of extremely-well-read friends, and they said they thought I should give it a go, that I decided to become serious. I sold my first romance six months later (I write under another name in romance, though Fade to Black is my first fantasy), but it was still a hobby, almost. One that I got paid for. It’s only when I got an agent for Fade to Black I thought perhaps I should really concentrate on it.   

6. How often do you write?  

Barring illness and emergencies, every day. Not always at the same time, but my aim is to get at least 1500 words in every day. Sometimes it’s a little less, more often it’s more. But pretty much every day. If I leave it longer, it just makes it harder to get back into a story!  

7. Who has been your main supporters in writing your debut? Inspirations?   

Well, my family have been very supportive. My husband hardly ever complains if I spend the evening writing. This could be because I tell him to go to the pub :). My kids think it’s fantastic too. Inspirations…the woman who made me want to write is CJ Cherryh. I loved her stuff growing up, and I wanted to be able to evoke the same feelings in others. Whether I manage it is another matter entirely. 

~The Book(s):

Fade to Black

Series: Rojan Dizon Trilogy #1

Release Date: February 26, 2013

by, Orbit

Buy: ~Amazon~

From the depths of a valley rises the city of Mahala.  

It’s a city built upwards, not across—where streets are built upon streets, buildings upon buildings. A city that the Ministry rules from the sunlit summit, and where the forsaken lurk in the darkness of Under.

Rojan Dizon doesn’t mind staying in the shadows, because he’s got things to hide. Things like being a pain-mage, with the forbidden power to draw magic from pain. But he can’t hide for ever.  

Because when Rojan stumbles upon the secrets lurking in the depths of the Pit, the fate of Mahala will depend on him using his magic. And unlucky for Rojan—this is going to hurt.{Goodreads}

The rest of the series (coming soon)...

~The Giveaway:

The Prizes:
1 Signed copy of Fade to Black and Before the Fall

The Details:
This giveaway is International!
You must be 13 years or older to enter!
Winner will have 48 hours to reply before a new winner is chosen!

a Rafflecopter giveaway Good luck!! Enjoy your day! :D ~Jaiden

{Review} The Legacy of the Clockwork Key by Kristin Bailey

The Legacy of the Clockwork Key
Series: The Secret Order #1
Author: Kristin Bailey
Release Date: March 5, 2013
by, Simon Pulse
Source: *a copy was provided by the author for review purposes*
Pages: 403

A teen girl unravels the mysteries of a secret society and their most dangerous invention in this adventure-swept romance set in Victorian London.When a fire consumes Meg’s home, killing her parents and destroying both her fortune and her future, all she has left is the tarnished pocket watch she rescued from the ashes. But this is no ordinary timepiece. The clock turns out to be a mechanical key—a key that only Meg can use—that unlocks a series of deadly secrets and intricate clues that Meg is compelled to follow.

Meg has uncovered evidence of an elite secret society and a dangerous invention that some will stop at nothing to protect—and that Meg alone can destroy. Together with the handsome stable hand she barely knows but hopes she can trust, Meg is swept into a hidden world of deception, betrayal, and revenge. The clockwork key has unlocked her destiny in this captivating start to a trilogy. {Goodreads}

~Trailer:

freaking awesome!!!! :D It was perfect!!! <333

~Review:
  The Legacy of the Clockwork Key is one of those other 2013 debuts that just rock your socks! I loved it to absolutely no end!! There have been about 4 books that have been released this year that have already made my top 5! This my friends, would be one of them. I absolutely love steampunk novels but I read them so rarely. So it’s one of those genres (and I am sure you have heard me mention this several different times on SEVERAL different occasions and are probably tired of it but I shall say it one more time!!) that are kind of savored. There are SO many dystopian and SO many vampire books, werewolf books, etc. that there tends to be nothing special about them. Ok, so there is a lot of special going on with them. Each author has their own way of making it unique and absolutely fantastic but what I mean to say is that..well…

  Ok, so let’s say that your favorite dessert is chocolate chip cookies but your mother (husband, wife, brother, sister, best friends…dog! Whoever is going to buy you a chocolate chip cookie!!) only buys you one per month. Are you going to savor that cookie? Yes. Why? Because it’s a rare gift. You only get it once a month. Its holds value because of its ????. Now if your friend started you getting you a cookie every day would you look forward to it as much? Again, you are still going to enjoy it because well..it’s one of your most favorite desserts! Its good. It could be great but because of that lack of rarity you don’t enjoy it as much.” Oh ya! A chocolate chip cookie. I get one of those every day…” See my point?

  Anyways!! Enough about chocolate chip cookies. This is supposed to be about Kristin Bailey, The Legacy of the Clockwork Key and Kristin Bailey’s debut of The Legacy of the Clockwork Key. I think you are beginning to see my love of steampunks and how that all goes now right? Yes, so wow. Just wow. I never could have guessed what I was going to receive after I opened Bailey’s debut. I knew it was going to be steampunk. I knew it was set in Victorian London. I knew it had something to do with a clockwork key and the legacy it withheld. I knew that more than likely it would be good. I knew that I enjoyed steampunks. What I didn't know? I didn’t know that there was going to be all sorts of genius wrapped up in ??? pages. I was blown away. Kristin Bailey has one talented hand that’s for sure! The amount of imagination and detail that went into this book is unbelievable. She has made a favorite out of me! A HUGE one I might add.

  The voice she puts into ??? is transfixing. The story flowed so well there was no way I could put it down. I didn't WANT to put it down. The characters were a joy. The mystery was very much enticing. The automatons were magical. There were times I had to remind myself that this was indeed a steampunk and not one once of fantasy or magic was a part of this book.  THAT is how amazing Kristin Bailey’s writing is. THAT is how incredible this book is. I felt as if I had jumped into the pages and joined Will and Meg on their adventure. Oh how I wish I could have! Especially just to meet Will ;D

  This book had everything. The romance was splendid. Not only did we have some romance going on between our main characters but also from the side characters. Oliver and Lucinda were just plain out adorable! You guys seriously have to try this book on for size. If you haven’t ever touched a steampunk book, start with this one, fall in love and thank later ;D I know I always say “this is a book you don’t want to miss out on”, but it’s true. When I say that line I mean it with every fiber of my body. I literally want you to understand that missing this book will be a tragic book crime. So, people, go out and get your little hands on this book ASAP. You do NOT want to miss out on the start to what I can tell is going to be a phenomenal series. (see that I changed the words up a bit ;D Same meaning though. ;P). I seriously don’t think I can wait a whole year for book two. Why do book releases have to be so tormenting ;)

~Rating:

5 of 5 stars!!!! <3

Thanks for stopping by!!

Have a wonderful day! :D

~Jaiden

{Review} The Loop by Shandy Lawson

The Loop
Author: Shandy Lawson
Release Date: April 30, 2013
by, Hyperion
Source: *a copy was provided by the publisher & author for review purposes*
Pages: 208

Ben and Maggie have met, fallen in love, and died together countless times. Over the course of two pivotal days—both the best and worst of their lives—they struggle again and again to resist the pull of fate and the force of time itself. With each failure, they return to the beginning of their end, a wild road trip that brings them to the scene of their own murders and into the hands of the man destined to kill them.

As time circles back on itself, events become more deeply ingrained, more inescapable for the two kids trapped inside the loop. The closer they come to breaking out, the tighter fate’s clutches seem to grip them. They devise a desperate plan to break free and survive the days ahead, but what if Ben and Maggie’s only shot at not dying is surviving apart? {Goodreads}

~Review:
  Let me tell you, when I got this book in the mail I was surprised by its size. It's only like 270+ pages. Now when stories are that short I always worry on how it's going to work out. Will 270+ pages be enough to satisfy me? Will it call short? Will it be too rushed? Will enough information be provided? Sometimes it does fall short. Others are lucky enough (well maybe it's not luck) to push past all my fears and prove to be really good!  The Loop was one of the lucky (or not lucky...) ones.

  Shandy Lawson is a great writer. For it being so short you didn't really feel it. And it's not like it dragged on either. It was a normal speed book. He found the happy medium and I loved it. Not only is his writing really good but the story he came up with was amazing. It's the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet but stuck in repeat. Like a broken record it just keeps repeating its tragic events. Maggie and Ben are meant to meet, fall in love and then meet their terrible end only to repeat it all over again as soon as their lives end. Maggie is able to remember it each time but Ben...Benjamin can't almost every time. Certain things come to him like déjà vu but that's as far as his memories of the events go. Each time they hope to break free of the time loop. Each time they fail. They fight against fate every time.

  Reading the story from Bens POV is probably my favorite thig. I love when we get the males POV. It doesn't happen often so it's always a sweet treat when we get one. Well at least I think so!! Most of the time Ben was lost especially when it came to a new loop. He had no recollection of what had happened and had to start over each time. Again some times he got little déjà vu feelings but he had to rely on Maggie to save him from time to time and explain it all. His memory loss didn't cause the book to be slow or confusing. In fact I found it pretty fast pace as far as action and thrill went. I felt as if I was the one with time breathing down my neck waiting for death to take me! I felt what they felt. The romance was adorable. The fact that Ben couldn't remember and still was willing to face death at the end because he really liked her was endearing. I was cheering for them from the beginning!!

 Fast paced, haunting, heart-breaking and absolutely wonderful! I loved The Loop through and through! I was hooked from page one, unable to put it down. Romeo and Juliett at its finest with that sci-fi twist. I finished it within a day and not because of its size. I was turning the pages faster than I could account for and before I knew it, it was over. The ending didn't leave me hanging. It ended wonderfully. Some authors just give a perfect ending and this was one of them. Shandy Lawson has a great career in Young Adult ahead of him and I can't wait to read more from him! Do I suggest you try this book out?? Well, uhm.....DUH!!!! ;P
~Rating:

4 of 5 stars!!! 

Thanks for stopping by!!

Hope you all have a splendid day! ;D

~Jaiden

{Review} The S-Word by Chelsea Pitcher

The S-Word
Author: Chelsea Pitcher
Release Date: May 7, 2013
by, Gallery Books
Source: *a copy was provided by the author for review purposes*
Pages: 304

First it was SLUT scribbled all over Lizzie Hart’s locker.  

But one week after Lizzie kills herself, SUICIDE SLUT replaces it—in Lizzie's looping scrawl.  

Lizzie’s reputation is destroyed when she's caught in bed with her best friend’s boyfriend on prom night. With the whole school turned against her, and Angie not speaking to her, Lizzie takes her own life. But someone isn’t letting her go quietly. As graffiti and photocopies of Lizzie’s diary plaster the school, Angie begins a relentless investigation into who, exactly, made Lizzie feel she didn’t deserve to keep living.And while she claims she simply wants to punish Lizzie’s tormentors, Angie's own anguish over abandoning her best friend will drive her deep into the dark, twisted side of Verity High—and she might not be able to pull herself back out.

Debut author Chelsea Pitcher daringly depicts the harsh reality of modern high schools, where one bad decision can ruin a reputation, and one cruel word can ruin a life. Angie’s quest for the truth behind Lizzie’s suicide is addictive and thrilling, and her razor-sharp wit and fierce sleuthing skills makes her impossible not to root for—even when it becomes clear that both avenging Lizzie and avoiding self-destruction might not be possible.{Goodreads}

~Review:
  Chelsea Pitcher is one of those authors you read from and think, KNOW that they were born for that exact reason. To steal readers breath and capture, squeeze and tear your heart. To shower us with such an abundance of love for the words they are so blessed to create and we are lucky enough to read. The story just flows as if it was as easy as breathing for them. Her writing is flawless and gorgeous. I have no words to even come close to delivering justice to the amount of talent of Miss Pitcher and the riveting story we call The S-Word.

  I was completely transfixed in this book!! I couldn't put it down and it literally pained me....PAINED ME to have to put it down for those silly little thugs like sleep and homework. I didn't WANT to put it down. I wanted to read it all the way through and at the same time, go as slow as possible just so the amazingness could never end....then again I wanted to know the end. This book was filled with bitter sweetness.
 
  The characters!! Oh the characters!! Some instantly click with you (Jesse) and others take more time to grow on you or well in some cases reveal their true selves. Woah!! How many twist and turns were there? How many times was I side swept!!?? Let me tell you...way too many!!! But it was so good!!! Sometimes I would read those little surprises and close the book, breathe in, breathe out, lay back and just die a little. The notes. The notes were what pained me the most. It actually hurt. My stomach and heart were pained by the pain of memories and the horrid words spoke, and the actions made.

  I literally have no clue what else to say other than read this book when it comes out. Please. I need everyone to read it. It's so worth it and amazing and fantastic and everyone who can read needs to experience the wonder that is The S-Word. I have become such a huge monster fan of Chelsea Pitcher because of this book. Her writing is extraordinary and her ability to master a story like this is beyond this world. I literally kissed the book after I turned the last page. I didn't want to read anything for about 3 days just because of the amount of impact the book had on me. It needed breathing room. I....I think I should just go now.

  Read the book ok guys? The S-Word is a 2013 you don't want to miss. I'm not even joking. This is one of the rare 5 star books. I don't give 5 stars unless they are rightly deserved. This book belongs to my need-in-order-to-breathe book shelf. It is one that I will make sure to carry around with me wherever I go during my life. One that I will read from beginning to end the rest of my life. One that I will never tire of. Thank you. Thank you Chelsea Pitcher for being the genius you are and writing The S-Word so all of us could experience your genius and one of the greatest stories ever written. I seriously would put it up with John Greene and his The Fault in Our Stars. Like TFOS, The S-Word had me feeling so many feels it was ridiculous!!! Also, if you have vet read Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher...this book is a must!! I can't wait to see where Chelsea's career in the Young-Adult literature life takes her. I am starving for more of her work! Hear that? Get crack-a-lackin!! ;D Ok ok so NOW I'm done!!!

~Rating:

Need-In-Order-To-Breathe!!! <3 (the highest of the highest)

Thanks for stopping by!!

Have a great Monday!!! :D

~Jaidden 

{Review} Dare You To by Katie McGarry

Dare You To
Series: Pushing the Limits #2
Author: Katie McGarry
Release Date: May 28, 2013
by, Harlequin Teen
Source: Netgalley

Ryan lowers his lips to my ear. "Dance with me, Beth."  

"No." I whisper the reply. I hate him and I hate myself for wanting him to touch me again....  

"I dare you..."

If anyone knew the truth about Beth Risk's home life, they'd send her mother to jail and seventeen-year-old Beth who knows where. So she protects her mom at all costs. Until the day her uncle swoops in and forces Beth to choose between her mom's freedom and her own happiness. That's how Beth finds herself living with an aunt who doesn't want her and going to a school that doesn't understand her. At all. Except for the one guy who shouldn't get her, but does....

Ryan Stone is the town golden boy, a popular baseball star jock-with secrets he can't tell anyone. Not even the friends he shares everything with, including the constant dares to do crazy things. The craziest? Asking out the Skater girl who couldn't be less interested in him.

But what begins as a dare becomes an intense attraction neither Ryan nor Beth expected. Suddenly, the boy with the flawless image risks his dreams-and his life-for the girl he loves, and the girl who won't let anyone get too close is daring herself to want it all.... {Goodreads}

~Review:
  Asdfghjkl!!!!!!!!! Where do I even start!!? Ok how about how I jumped up and down squealing like a little girl and dancing like an absolute freak when I got approved on Netgalley for this? Ya, I totally went fan girl crazy on this and let me just say....I wasn't in the privacy of my own home so I earned a few weird "is she ok?" Looks! ;P

  You guys have no clue how much I loved Pushing the Limits (the first book in this companion series). It was absolutely till isn't and gut wrenching and ya I think you get my point. It was definitely one of my top five contemporaries of 2012! Katie McGarry quickly became one of my favorite contemporary authors. Hands down. She just has this amazing way with words. She takes whats so broken and fixes it with love. Her stories are so touching. Katie has got talent that we oh so thankfully get to take a look at. Her characters, writing, word choice, story plotting, everything of Katie's books are a little slice of heaven. And I am not exaggerating at all.

  Dare You To may have just beat my love for Pushing the Limits. Do you know what that means? It means that my love for this book would have to be freaking HUGE!!! And it was. This book was impossibly great! Ryan, Isaiah, Beth, the little bits we got to see of Noah and Echo, it was all brilliant. Katie just has this way of reaching into your hearts through her characters. If you have read Pushing the Limits you know that Beth has a pretty messed up life and we get to see every inch of just how messed up it is. It's your typical story of broken girl meets seemingly perfect boy. The match that seems so unlikely but ends up being so perfect.

  How many stories like that do we get in YA contemporary? How easy would it be to create a replica and it not stand out at all? To just be a blah story? Let me tell you...easy. Way to incredibly easy. I have read many and none of them stand out as much as Katie's. Dare To You will blow you away and steal your heart. If you have yet to read Pushing the Limits I suggest you read it first. It's not necessary but you will thank me. It just gives you a look at where it all began I guess. Either way. Which ever way you choose to read these companions....it's a must. I want every young adult reader to read these books. They truly are some of the best contemporaries you will ever read. Don't hesitate for a moment when you are browsing through your local book store and see one of the two. Buy it. You need these books k? ;D

~Rating:

5 of 5 stars!!!!!! <3

Thanks for stopping by!!

Have a great Wednesday!! :D

~Jaiden