Review: Quantum Coin by @ecmyers @Pyr_Books

Author: E.C. Myers
Title: Quantum Coin
Series: Coin #2
Publication: October 2,2012
Publisher: PYR
Genre: Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Source: Publisher for honest review
~Website

Ephraim thought his universe-hopping days were over. He's done wishing for magic solutions to his problems; his quantum coin has been powerless for almost a year, and he's settled into a normal life with his girlfriend, Jena. But then an old friend crashes their senior prom: Jena's identical twin from a parallel world, Zoe.

Zoe's timing couldn't be worse. It turns out that Ephraim's problems are far from over, and they're much more complicated than his love life: The multiverse is at stake—and it might just be Ephraim's fault.

Ephraim, Jena, and Zoe embark on a mission across multiple worlds to learn what's going wrong and how to stop it. They will have to draw on every resource available and trust in alternate versions of themselves and their friends, before it's too late for all of them.If Ephraim and his companions can put their many differences aside and learn to work together, they might have a chance to save the multiverse. But ultimately, the solution may depend on how much they're willing to sacrifice for the sake of humanity. . . and each other.

As I began reading Quantum Coin, I wondered how Myers would continue the story after book one, which seemed to end on a good note. Yet, this book picks up a year later and manages to rock the peacefulness that Ephraim has built with Jena, only one thing could unravel him completely. One word: Zoe, the girl from another universe comes bearing news of trouble in the multiverse. She's been tasked with bringing Ephraim to older Nathaniel to uncover the mystery of what's happening but after her grand entrance into the prom there is no way Jena will let that happen. Ephraim torn between saving the world and keeping his new life realizes that either way nothing will ever be the same. 

Zoe's my favorite character in this book, she has heart and she looks out for those she loves. I really am not on team Jena at all. The only thing Zoe and Jena have in common is physical and their love of books other than that they are totally different girls. With two girls vying for his attention and the possible end of the world, poor Ephraim has his hands full. Now, some versions of the characters including Ephraim are villains in their own way. They each have some motive that influences them to make bad decisions to get what they want but the outcomes may not be good for the multiverse. 

The pace of the writing kicks of fast right from the beginning and maintains it throughout for the most part as time in against them. The plot is good but the end was neatly tied up, so I'm not sure there will be another book. Myers has loaded Quantum Coin with emotional tension and Sci-fi elements that lovers of the genre will enjoy. Overall, a good book for boys. 

"Waiting On" Wednesday #6: Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Phoenix by Elizabeth Richards
Release Date: June 4, 2013

Goodreads Synopsis
Weeks after his crucifixion and rebirth as Phoenix, Ash Fisher believes his troubles are far behind him. He and Natalie are engaged and life seems good. But his happiness is short-lived when he receives a threatening visit from Purian Rose, who gives Ash an ultimatum: vote in favor of Rose’s Law permanently relegating Darklings to the wrong side of the wall or Natalie will be killed.

The decision seems obvious to Ash; he must save Natalie. But when Ash learns about The Tenth, a new and deadly concentration camp where the Darklings would be sent, the choice doesn’t seem so simple. Unable to ignore his conscience, Ash votes against Rose’s Law, signing Natalie’s death warrant and putting a troubled nation back into the throes of bloody battle.

What new release are you waiting to read? 

Notes from Ghost Town by Kate Ellison

Author: Kate Ellison 
Title: Notes from Ghost Town
Publication: February 12, 2013
Publisher:  Egmont USA
Source: Aroundtheworldarctours

They say first love never dies…

From critically acclaimed author Kate Ellison comes a heartbreaking mystery of mental illness, unspoken love, and murder. When sixteen-year-old artist Olivia Tithe is visited by the ghost of her first love, Lucas Stern, it’s only through scattered images and notes left behind that she can unravel the mystery of his death.

There’s a catch: Olivia has gone colorblind, and there’s a good chance she’s losing her mind completely–just like her mother did. How else to explain seeing (and falling in love all over again with) someone who isn’t really there?

With the murder trial looming just nine days away, Olivia must follow her heart to the truth, no matter how painful. It’s the only way she can save herself.

Heartfelt and suspenseful. Notes from Ghost Town is ride worth taking. 

Livie is devastated after the murder of her best friend Stern and her mother's supposed involvement. She hurts more because she never got to express how she felt to him after that awkward kiss they shared. No longer able to see the vibrancy of color but only the various shades of gray Livie eventually flunks out of art school and returns home, broken and withdrawn. Then one night in a drunken haze, she decides to take a swim that nearly takes her life until she saved by the ghost of none other than Stern. Thinking this is the beginning of her own psychiatric meltdown, she thinks he isn't real and that she going crazy like her mother. 

Stern gives news that sparks hope in Livie about the case against her mother but her efforts to gather clues made lead to her own demise. Someone wants her to stop digging and will go to great lengths to halt her progress. However, Livie knows that if there is even a possibility that her mother is innocent she is the key to finding it. In addition to dealing with this murder mystery, she has to cope with her father remarrying a woman she dislikes and she doesn't understand how he could betray her mother that way. She feels alone and that there is no one she can rely on because everyone keeps telling her to let go trying to save her mother but as things spiral out of control, it may be too late for Livie to move on. 

This is the first book I've read by this author and it had me emotionally on edge. It's seemed as if I was connected to everything Livie felt and experienced from her anger to love. True this is a ghost story but it's also about acceptance and family. It's about finding the truth that you know is there even when people tell you it's crazy or unattainable. The characters are realistic, though I would have liked more of Stern but he isn’t the only love interest. Austin, the privileged preppie vies for Livie’s affections although he may have other motives to his sudden interest in her. The plot has an easy flow to it and liked the momentum of the writing. Overall, a good read for readers that like romance with mystery and paranormal aspects.

Excerpt & Giveaway: A Matter of Fate by Heather Lyons

Welcome to my stop on the A Matter of Fate blog tour hosted by YA Bound. Click HERE to see the rest of the blog tour schedule!

A Matter of Fate (Fate Series, #1)

By Heather Lyons 

Release Date: 08/30/12

Summary ~ Amazon | B&N
Chloe Lilywhite struggles with all the normal problems of a typical seventeen-year-old high school student. Only, Chloe isn't a normal teenage girl. She's a Magical, part of a secret race of beings who influence the universe. More importantly, she's a Creator, which means Fate mapped out her destiny long ago, from her college choice, to where she will live, to even her job. While her friends and relatives relish their future roles, Chloe resents the lack of say in her life, especially when she learns she's to be guarded against a vengeful group of beings bent on wiping out her kind. Their number one target? Chloe, of course.

That's nothing compared to the boy trouble she's gotten herself into. Because a guy she's literally dreamed of and loved her entire life, one she never knew truly existed, shows up in her math class, and with him comes a twin brother she finds herself inexplicably drawn to.

Chloe's once unyielding path now has a lot more choices than she ever thought possible.

Excerpt

Rather than discussing destinations or the insanity of our actions, I lean back into the warm leather seat of his car and ask, “This yours?”
       With a completely straight face, he says, “It’s stolen.”
       “Just this morning, or late last night?”
       An eyebrow quirks up. “Yesterday afternoon.”
       I laugh as he fiddles with the stereo. “So. Why yellow?”
       “Why not?”
       “They say that a car’s color says a lot about its owner.”
       “Is that so?” He glances over at me, amused as he shifts gears. “What do you think yellow says about me?”
       “Hmm. I would say that yellow indicates a need for . . . being recognized.”
       He laughs out loud at that. “Is that what I’m doing?”
       “Maybe,” I smile, although it’s obvious he doesn’t have to seek attention. The last few days have shown me that attention follows him whether he wants it or not.
       He surprises me when he asks, “Your car is blue, right?”
       “How did you know that?”
       He ignores the question and asks instead, “What does blue say about you?”
       “Maybe it means I’m looking for peace.”
       “Really.” He’s quiet for a moment. “Well, since you think we’re so different, what do you think my brother’s car’s color means? His is white.”
       I picture the SUV I’ve seen several times already. Grappling for something that won’t shriek, I love your brother, I offer, “White means . . . a need to blend in.”
       Kellan glances at me, somewhat surprised for a second, before snorting. “He’d find that interesting.”
       “Is it accurate?”
       “I guess you’d have to ask him, wouldn’t you?”
       I wish I could. Yet, here I am instead with Jonah’s twin, heading to parts unknown, and my tightly leashed life suddenly feels less restrained than it has in a long time. And I know it has a lot to do with the guy sitting in the seat next to me. Which is crazy, crazy, CRAZY, because it ought to be Jonah, yet it’s not.

Author Bio ~Website
Heather Lyons has been putting stories to paper since she was a little girl. Her first "published" book was a humorous retelling of The Princess and the Pauper. After detours in archaeology and teaching, she is now writing and living in Southern California with her husband and three sons. She likes cupcakes, baseball, hockey, reading, and collecting far too many handbags.
Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook | Tumblr

***GIVEAWAY***

Enter below to win one of (10) e-book copies of A Matter of Fate, open INT!

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Sunday Post #5

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. 
~this meme was inspired in part by ~ In My Mailbox~

Last Week on the Blog

Reveal & Giveaway: Revelations by J.A. Souders
Interview & Giveaway: Moonrise by Marilee Brothers~Tour
Contest:Teen Author Boot Camp Virtual Writing Conference
Waiting on Wednesday 
Mind Games by Kiersten White ~Review
Goblin Secrets by William Alexander ~Audio Review
Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake ~Review

Giveaways

Contest:Teen Author Boot Camp Virtual Writing Conference

(2 Winners) Order of Darkness: Changeling by Philippa Gregory

Tenative Schedule for this Week

A Matter of Fate by Heather Lyons ~Promo
Moon Spun by Marilee Brothers~Excerpt &Giveaway
Waiting on Wednesday~Meme
Notes from Ghost Town ~Review
Quantum Coin by E.C. Meyers ~Review
Emblaze by Jessica Shirvington~ Review & Interview

For Review & Tours                  

Notes

I'm ready for Spring Break! Great news, I know get to order the Young Adult Graphic novels for my library...we'll see how this goes. :)

Review: Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake

Synopsis
Just your average boy-meets-girl, girl-kills-people story...

Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead. 

So did his father before him, until his gruesome murder by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father’s mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. Together they follow legends and local lore, trying to keep up with the murderous dead—keeping pesky things like the future and friends at bay.

When they arrive in a new town in search of a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas doesn’t expect anything outside of the ordinary: move, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he’s never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, but now stained red and dripping blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home.

And she, for whatever reason, spares his life.

Quick Review: I really like this story though it creeped me out. I think Anna is a force to be reckoned with and when it's revealed why she is so powerful...let me just say I was sick to my stomach and sympathetic. Cas, for the first time in life is opening up and making friends with the popular girl in school, Carmel and a witch named Thomas. He gathers information on town legend Anna, who is known for her murderous nature. When they finally come face to face, he realizes she is no easy kill and that there is more to her situation. He begins to ponder where ghost go when he sends them on and what will happen to Anna if he decides to kill her. Anna is bound to the house she haunts, she can't leave and Cas becomes determined to discover why even if it destroys him.

I liked the characters in this book. Cas makes for a good male lead and the reason why he became a ghost hunter seems interesting. It's cool that at a young age he's made a name for himself as ghost killer. The writing is quick and detailed giving a good sense of the world that Cas and Anna live in. Honestly, this book freaked me out but in a scary movie can't stop watching kind of way. Overall, this is a good read.

Audio Review: Goblin Secrets by William Alexander

Author: William Alexander
Narrator:William Alexander
Title: Goblin Secrets
Series: Zombay #1
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
Format: Unabridged Audio Cd
Length: 5 hrs
Publication: 2013
Source: Publisher via Audiobookjukebox
~Website | Create your own mask

Synopsis
In the town of Zombay, there is a witch named Graba who has clockwork chicken legs and moves her house around—much like the fairy tale figure of Baba Yaga. Graba takes in stray children, and Rownie is the youngest boy in her household. Rownie’s only real relative is his older brother Rowan, who is an actor. But acting is outlawed in Zombay, and Rowan has disappeared.
Desperate to find him, Rownie joins up with a troupe of goblins who skirt the law to put on plays. But their plays are not only for entertainment, and the masks they use are for more than make-believe. The goblins also want to find Rowan—because Rowan might be the only person who can save the town from being flooded by a mighty river.
This accessible, atmospheric fantasy takes a gentle look at love, loss, and family while delivering a fast-paced adventure that is sure to satisfy.

Thoughts:Goblin Secrets is a Steampunk novel with a young hero at the heart of the magic and mystery. Rownie, lives in an orphanage owned by a woman named Graba, who calls herself his "grandmother” but really she's a creepy old witch with a bum mechanical leg. She possesses the bodies of the children she cares for, except for Rownie, who for some reason she treats differently because she may think he will lead her to his brother Rowan. So many people are searching for Rowan including his lost little brother, Rownie. One day he learns that a goblin troupe is putting on a play and unable to contain his eagerness and curiosity he finds himself center stage. He overwhelmed and entranced by the thrill of being able to wear a mask, even the possibility of being arrested doesn't deter him. He puts on the mask and from that moment his life takes a turn that he never expected. He becomes more than just Rownie, the little boy whose name is just a shorter version of his brother Rowan's but a hero with a destiny bigger than he thought possible. 

This story is interesting but I'm left not being sure as to why the people of Zombay are forbidden to wear masks. Also though it's darker in tone, the villains aren't as terrifying as they originally seem. The characters are okay, I wasn't invested in any particular one, however the change in Rownie is noticeable as he puts on the mask, and he begins to develop a sense of certainty about himself. His brother Rowan is the mystery, why is he so important? The majority of the story revolves around his whereabouts and Rownie's journey with the goblin troupe. I liked the whole idea that the masks are more than just objects but have a life and meaning of their own. The author has essentially created a unique world that may fascinate young readers.

The author narrates the audio translation of this book and sometimes this works because who better to give voice and bring life to a work than the creator. However, for me I just wasn't as engaged in Alexander's portrayal of the characters. Truthfully, he does give variation to the male and female characters, so that it's easy to identify who is speaking but at some point during my listening experience they lost that individuality and I was just confused about what was happening. I listen to children's audios all the time because of all the fun voices and the ability to immerse myself in the world being told, so I was slightly disappointed that I couldn't fully engage in this book. The sound and production for this audio interpretation is well done and clear. Overall, I think this is one I should have read but it would be a good read for children ages 8 and up.

Review: Mind Games by Kiersten White

Author: Kiersten White
Title: Mind Games
Series: Mind Games #1
Publication: February 19, 2013
Publisher: HarperTeen
Source: Publisher via Edelweiss

Synopsis
Fia was born with flawless instincts. Her first impulse, her gut feeling, is always exactly right. Her sister, Annie, is blind to the world around her-except when her mind is gripped by strange visions of the future.
Trapped in a school that uses girls with extraordinary powers as tools for corporate espionage, Annie and Fia are forced to choose over and over between using their abilities in twisted, unthinkable ways…or risking each other's lives by refusing to obey.

Thoughts: Fia and Annie were orphaned at young age after their parents were killed in a car accident. Now, the responsibility of their care falls to an aunt seemingly unprepared and eager to pass on the burden, so when this school shows interest in Annie and promises to help fix her eyes she encourages her to go. The only problem is Fia, she knows something isn't right but doesn't want to dampen her sisters’ happiness. So, both girls attend the school, yet Annie's disillusioned about the schools purpose and finally belonging amongst those that have similar abilities as her own that she appears truly blind to the happenings of the school and even more as to what the instructors are doing to Fia. What the girls don't realize is that Fia was an unexpected find, she is a gem and they will do anything to keep her...even threaten Annie's life to control her. Fia tries hard to look out for her older sister but no one seems to be looking out for her. She just wants their freedom and she will not stop until she has it.

Fia comes off as fierce and unstable. I was waiting for her to finally snap and when she did, oh my goodness, my jaw dropped because it was so sudden. She's so angry and damaged from all that the abuse they put her through at the school and this contributes largely to her destructive and internal meltdown. The only person that seems to draw her out is the one person her sister wants her stay away from, James, but even he has ulterior motives where Fia's concerned. In essence the sisters are each trapped in their own personal hell, not knowing what move will result in the death of the other. I liked the tone of this story; it was so easy to delve into the emotional turmoil that the sisters experience. I really liked getting to feel Fia's fear and loss but also her strength. The interactions between Fia and James were interesting but the dynamic between her and Adam seemed to give a different glimpse of Fia. Overall, the plot transitions fluidly from each girl’s perspective from past to present and the characters are engaging in their plight for freedom. This is a good read and I look forward to reading the next book. 

"Waiting On" Wednesday #5: Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood

"Waiting On" Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted by Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating.

Star Cursed by Jessica Spotswood
Release Date: June 18, 2013

Goodreads Synopsis
With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.

Cate doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.

In the highly anticipated sequel to Born Wicked, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess's quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternate history of New England.

What new release are you waiting to read? 

Interview& Giveaway: Moon Rise by Marilee Brothers

Author Bio:
A former teacher, coach and school counselor, Marilee lives in Washington State and writes full time. Her books include Castle Ladyslipper, a medieval romance, The Rock and Roll Queen of Bedlam, winner of the 2010 Booksellers Best award for romantic suspense, Moonstone, Moon Rise, Moon Spun, Shadow Moon, and Midnight Moon. Marilee is a member of the Romance Writers of America, Pacific Northwest Writers Association and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. 
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

Chat with Author Marilee Brothers

LLM: Tell us why we should read Moon Rise? What makes it stand out in the vast pool of young adult literature?
MB. You’re right, there is a vast pool of young adult literature and I suppose it’s a matter of choice. Like any author, I love to introduce new readers to my series and hope they will want to read all five of the books. So, if you’ve read the first book Moonstone, and want to know what’s going on in Allie’s world, you definitely need to read Moon Rise. In addition, I’ve heard from many mother-daughter combinations who’ve read the series. The moms seem to appreciate the fact that the books are what I call clean teen reads meant for young and pre-teens. Not a lot of graphic sex, cursing, blood-sucking, etc. 

LLM:What book are you reading now?
MB. I’m reading Game Change about the 2008 presidential race, Gone Girl and A Dance with Dragons, the fifth book in the Game of Thrones series by George R.R. Martin. As you can see, I read pretty much whatever I can get my hands on.

LLM:What character in Moon Rise was the hardest to write?
MB. Beck Bradford was the hardest for the following reasons: He’s half lust demon (father’s side). His mother is devoutly Catholic and writes Christian fiction for a living. She has done her best to protect Beck and his twin sister, Nicole, and brought them up in the church in an effort to temper their instincts. Therefore, Beck is struggling with his dual nature. He wants to be good but has to literally fight the demon within. He becomes a romantic interest for Allie in Moon Rise and also plays an important role in Book 5, Midnight Moon.

LLM:What is the best part about being published?
MB. Having just received form 1099 from my publisher, I can say for certain it’s not the money – LOL! I absolutely love hearing from people who’ve read my books and make it a point to answer every email I receive.

LLM:If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world which would it be?
MB. Can I jump back to present time? If so, I love historical fiction. Books like The Other Boleyn Girl fascinate me. How interesting it would be to go back in time and observe the political intrigue happening in the royal courts. 

LLM:Did you do a ton of research for this book or for the series? Do you feel research is a key element to writing good fiction?
MB.Yes, research is important. I’ve done a fair amount of research for all the books. In Moonstone, Allie has a special mark on her palm. Her sworn enemies, the Trimarks, have an inverted triangle somewhere on their palms. Consequently, I studied palmistry and what the lines mean even though I took liberties with my interpretation. 
In Moon Rise, I did a great deal of research about vortexes because, one again, triangles and the power of three come into play. I needed a semi-logical explanation for Allie’s ability to read minds using the moonstone. Since Beck Bradford is a whiz in physics, he figures it out. 
The climatic scene in Book 5, Midnight Moon, happens at Devils Tower in Wyoming. In the summer of 2011, my husband and I travelled there. We walked the trail around it and shot still photos and video.

LLM:Most loved scene or quote from Moon Rise? Why?
MB. I can’t speak for anyone else but my favorite scene is the last paragraph of the book.

"I lifted the moonstone toward the window, watched the light play across its surface, and made a decision. Just for tonight, I would put my problems aside and let unanswered questions remain unanswered. Instead, I would capture this tiny, fleeting moment of pure joy and hold it close, like the gemstone in my hand. Feeling blessed, I smiled at the moon.”

LLM:What is the question that you wish interviewers would ask, and the answer to that question?
MB.My question: If you had one “do-over” in your writing life, what would it be?

My answer: Start younger. I thought I knew how to write but I didn’t. Rejections slips robbed me of my confidence and I gave up for many years. Obviously, I needed an attitude adjustment. With age, came a little more wisdom. I began to study the craft of writing and it paid off. My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.

BLURB:
Her mom is still dating losers. Her boyfriend’s gone back to Mexico. Dad still hasn’t told his wife and kids that she exists. At school, the drama queens and bullies still rule. But worst of all for Allie Emerson (aka the Star Seeker of an old Gypsy prophecy) is that her powers have taken a hike. She can’t read minds anymore. She can’t move stuff just by looking at it. The other Star Seekers are counting on her psychic gifts more than ever, and the evil Trimarks are closing in, eager to snatch her magic moonstone necklace while she’s helpless. The hot new guy at school is ready and willing to fight her battles, but he comes with some wicked baggage.

Dear diary: I’m a little worried. My new BF is a demon.

Welcome again to Allie Emerson’s funny, scary, amazing, and always unpredictable life, as the girl voted least likely to save the world from evil.
Amazon | BN

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Giveaway:Teen Author Boot Camp Virtual Writing Conference

Teen Writing Conference goes Virtual

You shouldn’t judge a book by the age of its author. After all, one of the most well-known pieces of literature was written by a 13-year-old girl barely out of grammar school.  Anne Frank: The diary of a Young Girl has been published in nearly seventy languages and has sold tens of millions of copies. 

I’ve been writing for twenty years. Longer than that if you count my 7th grade research paper on the Lochness monster—which you really should because it was an EXCELLENT report. Regardless, when I see at what level some teens write, I feel intimidated. Teenagers are phenomenal writers. Their creativity and drive is amazing.

This has become even more obvious to me ever since I became involved with the Teen Author Boot Camp, one of the largest teen writing conferences nationwide. For the last three years, this Utah-based conference gathers some of the smartest teenagers and most talented published authors together. This year will be even better because the conference is going virtual. 

The Live Broadcast of Teen Author Boot Camp will allow teens all over the world as well as teachers, librarians, and writers of any age to attend the conference. The cost for the TABC Live Broadcast is less than $5 for the entire day. 

The keynote address by Newbery Winning Author Shannon Hale will be free for anyone to watch. It will be on March, 16th, 2013 at 9 a.m. MST. A subscription to the Live Broadcast costs $4.99 and includes the following:
9 a.m. to 9:15 a.m.—Writers Cubed: Welcome
9:15 a.m. to 9:55 a.m.—Keynote by Newbery Award winner Shannon Hale (Princess Academy)
10 a.m to 10:45 a.m.—Tyler Whitesides (Janitors)  Class: Imagine and Create.
10:55 a.m. to 11:40 a.m.—Janette Rallison (My Fair Godmother)  Class: Bad dialogue can kill a story.
12:50 a.m. to 1:35 p.m.—NYT bestseller Kiersten White (Paranormalcy)  Class: Plot Like a Villain.
1:45 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.—J. Scott Savage (Farworld)  Class: Finding Your Voice.
2:50 p.m. to 3:25 p.m.—Journey to Publication Panel: Agent Amy Jameson & authors Chad Morris, Tess Hilmo, J. Scott Savage, Cindy Bennett
3:35 p.m. to 4:20 p.m.—NYT bestseller Aprilynne Pike (Wings)   Class: World-building is the invisible foundation to your book.
4:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.—Writers Cubed: Winner of the First Chapter Contest and closing remarks.

If you just can’t get enough of TABC, there is also an All Pass Subscription to the rest of the conference (including more than fifteen awesome presentations, including mine--haha). That only costs $9.99 and, as if it wasn’t a sweet enough deal already, you can watch the whole conference whenever you want for an entire year.

To register to watch Shannon Hale’s Keynote for free, visit www.teenauthorbootcamp.com and click on Livestream. It only takes a minute. While you’re there, check out the other presenters who will be teaching at the conference under the tab “Drill Sergeants.” 

Stay tuned for details on how to win a subscription to the TABC Live Broadcast for FREE on this blog.

Lois D. Brown is a co-founder of Writers Cubed, a group of Utah writing activists who created the Teen Author Boot Camp in 2010. She is also the author of CYCLES, a top five finalist of The Kindle Book Review 2012. Please visit her website at www.writerscubed.com.

So, for the contest. One lucky winner will receive a free subscription to the online writing conference! How great is that! 

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Reveal & Giveaway: Revelations by J.A. Souders

Revelations Elysium Chronicles (Book 2)

J.A Souders

Release Date: November 5, 2013

Hardcover: 320 pages

Publisher: Tor Teen

Goodreads  | Amazon | The Book Depository

Blurb to come!

About Renegade Elysium Chronicles (Book 1)
Since the age of three, sixteen-year-old Evelyn Winters has been trained to be Daughter of the People in the underwater utopia known as Elysium. Selected from hundreds of children for her ideal genes, all her life she’s thought that everything was perfect; her world. Her people. The Law.

But when Gavin Hunter, a Surface Dweller, accidentally stumbles into their secluded little world, she’s forced to come to a startling realization: everything she knows is a lie. 

Her memories have been altered. 

Her mind and body aren’t under her own control. 

And the person she knows as Mother is a monster.

Together with Gavin she plans her escape, only to learn that her own mind is a ticking time bomb... and Mother has one last secret that will destroy them all. 
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About J.A. Souders

J.A. Souders was born in the heartland with an overactive imagination and an overabundance of curiosity that was always getting her into trouble. She first began writing at the age of 13, when she moved to Florida and not only befriended the monsters under the bed, but created worlds for them to play together.

Because she never grew up, she decided she’d put her imaginary friends to work and started writing. She still lives in the land of sunshine and palm trees with her husband and their two children.

Where you can find J.A.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Goodreads | Facebook

About A Dark Grave: Elysium Chronicles (Book 0.5)
An Elysium Chronicles short story: the beginning.

There is only one place forbidden to the people of Gavin's village; the island just off the shore, rumored to be haunted. Cursed.

All who venture to the island disappear.

But Gavin doesn't believe in such things. He is a hunter; since his father's death, he is the only one who can provide for the family. Silly rumors of ghosts aren't going to stop him from crossing the dark waters to the island in search of fresh game...
Goodreads | Amazon

THE GIVEWAY!!!

J.A is hosting a giveaway of a signed hard copy of RENEGADE, an e-copy of A DARK GRAVE (for those that don't have it, of course.) and signed copies of ARTICLE 5 and BREAKING POINT by Kristen Simmons. Note: The signed physical copies are US/CAN ONLY. International entrants may enter for electronic copies of the books.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday Post #4

The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer. 
~this meme was inspired in part by ~ In My Mailbox~

Last Week on the Blog

Tailsman of El by Alecia Stone ~Review
Phoebe Pope and the Year of Four by Nya Jade ~Review
Get to Know Me Better 
Book Blast: Red Madrassa by Terah Edun
Waiting on Wednesday
Review Repost: Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
Override by Heather Anastasiu ~Review

Giveaways

Win Order of Darkness:Changeling by Philippa Gregory
Win A Kindle Fire HD
Win an iPad Mini

This Week

Reveal: Revelations by J.A. Souders
Goblin Secrets by William Alexander ~Audio Review
Interview & Giveaway: Moonrise by Marilee Brothers
Contest:Teen Author Boot Camp Virtual Writing Conference 
Waiting on Wednesday 
Mind Games by Kiersten White ~Review
Quantum Coin by E.C. Myers ~Review
Notes from Ghost Town by Kate Ellison ~Review

For Review & Tours

Received via Netgalley from the Publisher

Tours

Notes

I got a little burned out last week, so hopefully this week will be better. On another note, I went to see Beautiful Creatures this weekend and I thought it had some funny moments but I wish I had read the book first. So, I have to remedy that soon and will have a better idea of what I felt about the movie but as of right now it was okay.

Review: Override by Heather Anastasiu

Author: Heather Anastasiu
Title: Override
Series: Glitch #2
Publication: February 12, 2013
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Genre: Science Fiction & Fantasy
Source: Publisher via Netgalley

Synopsis
Zoe is free. She has escaped the enslavement of the Community, disconnected from the hardware that had controlled her every thought and emotion, and evaded capture by the Chancellor intent on killing her. She is finally free, but she is far from safe.

Zoe and Adrien hide themselves from detection at the Foundation, an academy that trains teen glitchers to fight in the Resistance movement. Together, Zoe and her new team of superhuman fighters must risk their lives to rescue other glitchers and humans from the Chancellor's control. Challenges abound at every turn, and Adrien, who has become silent, distant, and tormented by his visions of the future, only adds to the growing certainty of defeat. But worst of all, as Zoe's team fights against impossible odds, distrust and betrayal leads to the terrible discovery that their greatest threat could already be lurking behind the safe walls of the Foundation.

Full of high-adrenaline action and shocking twists, Heather Anastasiu's Override is an exciting continuation of this popular young adult trilogy.

Zoe has a problem. She's no longer apart of the Community but her allergies keep her from being able to fully function without clean air in the upper world. Currently, hidden right under the nose of the Chancellor, Zoe struggles to control her frequent power surges for fear of being found. Just when it looks as if her hiding place is in jeopardy of being discovered Adrien shows up to take Zoe to the Foundation, where expectations of the future leader are high and her beliefs that she can succeed are low.  However, time is running out and her first mission could make or break her but Zoe may never know what she's lost until it's too late.

Override is full of action-packed emotional sequences. The journey that Zoe takes within herself makes her likeable and realistic. She must learn to harness her power and figure out her place in the Foundation. What I really like about this series is that even though Zoe has a weakness that could possibly kill her but she remains determined to sacrifice herself to save those she loves. Adrien struggles with whether telling his visions is helping or hurting the cause. He feels like he's making things worse and begins to withdraw within himself. I'm intrigued to see what happens to him in the next book and how Zoe will cope with their new dilemma.

I liked the characters and their wide variety of powers reminds me of a revamped X-men. Overall, the pace of the story moves steadily and the characters are well written, though I'm currently not a fan of the pregnant girl. Anastasiu has crafted an ending that will leave you wanting more and hoping Zoe will eventually catch a break.