Review: The Grave Winner by Lindsey R. Loucks

The Grave Winner by Lindsey R. Loucks
Release Date: May 15, 2013
Series: The Grave Winner, #1
Publisher: Crescent Moon Press
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 238
Source: Review copy from author - thanks!
Interest: YA Urban Fantasy / Zombies; 2013 Debut Author
Buy the Book: Amazon | B&N

Leigh Baxton is terrified her mom will come back from the dead -- just like the prom queen did.

While the town goes beehive over the news, Leigh bikes to the local cemetery and buries some of her mom’s things in her grave to keep her there. When the hot and mysterious caretaker warns her not to give gifts to the dead, Leigh cranks up her punk music and keeps digging.

She should have listened.

Two dead sorceresses evicted the prom queen from her grave to bury someone who offered certain gifts. Bury them alive, that is, then resurrect them to create a trio of undead powerful enough to free the darkest sorceress ever from her prison inside the earth.

With help from the caretaker and the dead prom queen, Leigh must find out what’s so special about the gifts she gave, and why the sorceresses are stalking her and her little sister. If she doesn’t, she’ll either lose another loved one or have to give the ultimate gift to the dead – herself.

Rating: 3.5 / 5 Riceballs

Book Review:

Usually when you think zombies, you probably think something along the lines of The Walking Dead or a gory horror movie. The Grave Winner, on the other hand, is more of a fantasy-zombie hybrid, with both enchanting magic and romance you might expect from a fantasy novel, kick-butt action and creeps you might expect from a zombie novel, and strong characters and storyline a reader would want from any story!

As a whole, I really enjoyed the characters! Leigh is your classic kick-ass heroine, whether she’s fighting off evil witches, zombies, or cheerleaders. But at the same time, she’s also a loving, normal girl who cares for her best friend, father, and cute little sister. I personally admired her ability to keep a clear head and put her family and friends’ well-being before her own, especially when there were zombies, her mother’s death, and high school drama to deal with. By the end of the novel, her character really grew on me!

Other than Leigh, I also really enjoyed Jo’s character. She was a really quirky and happy character, which I always adored and always added light to the story. And just like how Leigh stuck by Jo through thick and thin, Jo also stuck by Leigh. In a way, Jo even reminded me of Jenna in Rachel Hawkin’s Hex Hall series, by always making me smile even in the most serious (and maybe inappropriate) situations.

I think the only character I had trouble connecting with was Callum, mostly because I found the other love interest Tram to be much more swoonworthy. Usually love triangles don’t work for me since I find myself liking one interest much more than the other, and unfortunately, this one is the same case. In my opinion, Tram was much sweeter, a lot more loyal, and just all around a great guy. And as much as I like the friend-turned-lover path, Callum didn’t appeal to me as much since he always seemed to change his mind about Leigh. Nevertheless, I did admire his loyalty to Leigh. Hopefully more of his relationship with her, not only as a lover, but also as a friend, will develop in the next book!

Which brings me to the rest of the storyline! What I think makes it so appealing is that there’s something that might appeal to every kind of YA reader. For fantasy readers, there are the powers, rituals, witches and spells. For the romance fans, there’s, of course, the love triangle (though, again, I’m Team Tram all the way :D). For action fans, the quick pace and large number of fight scenes will definitely satisfy them. Even for contemporary fans, the different relationships between characters and classic high school drama might appeal to them. I personally enjoyed this combination of action, magic, and character, as it just made me even more engrossed in the story.

Above all, The Grave Winner was a book that I immensely enjoyed. Though I had issues with the love triangle, its quick paced storyline definitely compensated. I’d recommend it to fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance, as they would probably devour the magic and action as I did! Otherwise, I’d suggest it if you’re looking for a quick, action-filled fantasy read!

Waiting on Wednesday (#34)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine!

This week I'm waiting on...

Asylum
by Madeleine Roux
Release Date: August 27, 2013
Publisher: Harper
Age Group: Young Adult

Asylum is a thrilling and creepy photo-novel perfect for fans of the New York Times bestseller Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children.

For sixteen-year-old Dan Crawford, New Hampshire College Prep is more than a summer program--it's a lifeline. An outcast at his high school, Dan is excited to finally make some friends in his last summer before college. But when he arrives at the program, Dan learns that his dorm for the summer used to be a sanatorium, more commonly known as an asylum. And not just any asylum--a last resort for the criminally insane.

As Dan and his new friends, Abby and Jordan, explore the hidden recesses of their creepy summer home, they soon discover it's no coincidence that the three of them ended up here. Because the asylum holds the key to a terrifying past. And there are some secrets that refuse to stay buried.

Featuring found photos of unsettling history and real abandoned asylums and filled with chilling mystery and page-turning suspense, Madeleine Roux's teen debut, Asylum, is a horror story that treads the line between genius and insanity.

Why? For one, I enjoyed Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children! And it looks pretty creepy ^__^

What are you waiting on this week? And what do you think of this book? Have you heard of it? I'd love to know :D

Tour Stop: Gadget Girl: The Art of Being Invisible by Suzanne Kamata! [Excerpt & Giveaway]

Welcome to my post for the Gadget Girl book tour! Don't forget to check out the rest of the tour here!

About the Author:

Five-time Pushcart Prize nominee Suzanne Kamata is the author of the novels Gadget Girl: The Art of Being Invisible (GemmaMedia, 2013) and Losing Kei (Leapfrog Press, 2008), and editor of three anthologies - The Broken Bridge: Fiction from Expatriates in Literary Japan, Love You to Pieces: Creative Writers on Raising a Child with Special Needs, and Call Me Okaasan: Adventures in Multicultural Mothering (Wyatt-Mackenzie Publishing, 2009). Her short fiction and essays have appeared widely. She is the Fiction Co-editor of literarymama.com.

Website | Twitter | Blog | Facebook | Literary Mama | Goodreads
About the Book:

Gadget Girl:
The Art of Being Invisible
by Suzanne Kamata
Genre: Contemporary
Release Date: May 17, 2013
Buy the Book! Kobo | Amazon | B&N 

ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS meets STONER AND SPAZ

Aiko Cassidy is fourteen and lives with her sculptor mother in a small Midwestern town. For most of her young life Aiko, who has cerebral palsy, has been her mother's muse. But now, she no longer wants to pose for the sculptures that have made her mother famous and have put food on the table. Aiko works hard on her own dream of becoming a great manga artist with a secret identity. When Aiko's mother invites her to Paris for a major exhibition of her work, Aiko at first resists. She'd much rather go to Japan, Manga Capital of the World, where she might be able to finally meet her father, the indigo farmer. When she gets to France, however, a hot waiter with a passion for manga and an interest in Aiko makes her wonder if being invisible is such a great thing after all. And a side trip to Lourdes, ridiculous as it seems to her, might just change her life.

Gadget Girl began as a novella published in Cicada. The story won the SCBWI Magazine Merit Award in Fiction and was included in an anthology of the best stories published in Cicada over the past ten years.

Excerpt:

I’m standing in my mother’s studio, feet turned out, one hand on my hip, the other curled at my waist.

“That’s perfect, Aiko,” Mom says. She tucks a strand of blonde hair back into her scrunchie, then takes up her chisel again. “Do you think you can hold that pose for about three more minutes?”

“Yeah,” I say. But when she’s not looking, I move my right foot – my good foot – a few inches just to mess with her.

I’m surrounded by sculptures and sketches and paintings of myself at every age. There’s me with long brown hair, me with short hair. Me, with my high forehead and full lips, everywhere I look. When I was little, I couldn’t flex my feet very well. I was always on my tippy toes, which inspired Mom to sculpt me as a ballerina. “Aiko, En Pointe,” the sculpture that got Mom a write-up in the New York Times, stands straight across from me. I imagine her, my three-year-old self in stone, winking. I wink back. I know you don’t want to stand here like this, kid. Don’t worry. It’ll be over soon.

“Okay, great.” Mom smiles and brushes some dust off of her jeans. “You can go now.”

My stomach lets out a loud growl. We both glance at the clock on the wall. It’s already six.

“What’s for dinner?” It’s her turn to cook.

“Oh, honey,” she says. “I guess we’ll just order a pizza.”

I roll my eyes. Not again. We just had frozen pizza two nights ago. From what I’ve read and seen in movies, no self-respecting Japanese mother would ever make her kid order pizza. On the Internet, I’ve seen pictures of lunch boxes made by Japanese moms – rice balls shaped like Hello Kitty, wieners carved into crabs, carrots cut like flowers. My mother can barely manage the microwave. Could that be another reason why my father didn’t marry her?

“I’ll make the call,” I say.

“You do that. My wallet is on the kitchen counter. There should be enough money in there for a large.”

I turn away.

“I’m going to enter this one in the Tokyo International Art Concours,” Mom says, her voice pulling me back.

My ears perk up. “Tokyo?”

“It’s a big prize.” She rubs her fingers together. Money. Lots of it. “First prize would be like winning the jackpot.”

One thing I’ve learned as the daughter of an artist is that “rich” and “famous” do not necessarily go hand in hand. Although Mom’s sculptures sell for thousands of dollars, not everyone has that kind of money to throw around. It’s been awhile since she’s made a sale. A big prize could mean a better class of pizza. New clothes. Or, best of all, winning this prize might mean a trip to Japan.

Even so, this is the first sculpture she’s done of me since I’ve started wearing a bra, and it seems different somehow. It’s not a nude or anything, but the thought of the judges, strangers, running their eyes and maybe their hands over those lumps on the chest kind of creeps me out.

“Well,” I say, “Good luck with that.”

I go back into the house and pick up the phone. We order pizza so often, I’ve memorized the number. The menu, too. I order a large pepperoni with extra cheese and then open up Mom’s faux crocodile wallet to take out some dollar bills.

I notice a photo tucked behind her credit card, and pull it out. It’s a boy, about thirteen years old. His hair is shaved close to his head and he has glasses. He looks Japanese. There’s something familiar about him. Could it be a snapshot of my dad as a child? No, it can’t be. This print looks new. It must have been taken recently. I look on the back, but there’s no writing there.

Giveaway:

For the tour, the author is giving away 5 paperback copies of the book! This giveaway is open internationally. Good luck!

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Tour Stop: Silent Orchids by Morgan Wylie! [Excerpt & Giveaway]

Welcome to my post for the Silent Orchids book tour! Don't forget to check out the rest of the tour here!

About the Author:

Morgan Wylie has been writing on and off throughout her growing up years, but started seriously working on her first novel in the Spring of 2009. 7 months pregnant with her first child, she didn't start off with a lot of focused writing time. But Morgan had an epiphany, if you will, and the story flashed before her so she began to write. And she’s still writing. Her debut Young Adult fantasy, SILENT ORCHIDS, will be out this summer.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Youtube | Pinterest | Instagram | Tumblr | Goodreads
About the Book:

Silent Orchids
by Morgan Wylie
Genre: Fantasy
Release Date: April 25, 2013

A dying realm.

The ancient evil of the Droch-Shúil has been unleashed.

The Orchids have been silenced… but for how long?

Daegan, elite of the Ferrishyn warrior tribe of Faeries, is charged with a mission to find the Sol-lumieth, a mysterious new power that could change the fate of all in the realm of Alandria. But he is conflicted by his purpose, and he cannot trust the motives of those he serves. He has too many questions and they must be answered.

Kaeleigh, a girl abandoned as a small child just outside Missoula, Montana, is now 18. She is trying to discover who she is and where she belongs. In her heart, she feels she has family out there… somewhere. Desperate to unravel the mysteries of her past, she embarks on a journey that will forever change her along with her two best friends, Finn and Chel—who have secrets of their own.

Excerpt:

Alandria was dying and not just from a lack of magic. Inside High Court, however, there was something sinister lying within its natural beauty. Something in the trees made them feel dangerous.

Daegan was announced, albeit a bit weakly, by the breathless Faerie that had followed him in.

I have been summoned. But I don’t play these games. Let us talk and be done with it.

He strode in with strength and confidence straight toward them. He saw the briefest flash of shock in Maleina’s eyes as she adjusted her posture, choosing to ignore his insolence. Daegan’s attitude belied his belief that he was not their inferior—their position had not been granted, but taken. He usually hid it better. Not today.

Wren, a Faerie and one of the Ferrishyn, still looked to be in his fifties compared to a human’s standards of age. The only physical evidence of his aging were the few streaks of silver highlighting his dark hair on the sides and a little spattering throughout the crown. Still handsome, he had kept himself in the shape a seasoned warrior should be. He was tall and carried the ghost of someone used to commanding, but over time he had let it slip away. His flat gray eyes spoke defeat, as disconnect was the only means of getting through the next event he was dragged to, dressed in fine linens and attending the most important events and meeting with the leaders of other tribes. At first glance, Wren appeared to be wise beyond his years, ruling in splendor and glory, but instead he was diminished to the shadow of his wife.

Wren greeted Daegan with a slight nod. Deep down Daegan believed he actually cared about the people, but he hadn’t stood up to her for them. That was where Daegan lost respect for him... and for himself.

Maleina was ever smooth, manipulative, and enticing, but her authority was absolute. Wren now deferred to her ambitions and all Feraánmar feared her. She was beautiful, with long red hair that was always adorned in jewels. Her dresses were flowing and colorful, always revealing just enough to turn heads. She could seduce with false humility and charm but at her core, she was exceedingly arrogant and vengeful. There was a fire in her eyes ready to consume anything that got in her way, and it often did.

Daegan sensed her time was coming to end. Her reign?... Her life?... He wasn’t sure, nor did he care. Watching her grow more paranoid and more restless as the days went on, he had to believe she could sense it too.

Their son, Halister, not much younger than Daegan, was lighthearted and sanguine; a show-off just trying to be seen and heard by his parents. Their daughter, Rheina, second in line after Halister to the throne, had a bit of an attitude. She was about to come of age and felt she was entitled. Rheina could be loud and spirited one moment, then grow moody and sulk to the shadows in another. What not many saw, however, was her quietly good heart.

Daegan refused to kneel on the floor pillow before them. Maleina bristled at his boldness, but he waited for Maleina to speak first. Hands clenched at his sides, he lowered his eyes in a show of subtle submission, enough to ease her infuriation in order to procure answers. It worked.

“Daegan, my dear boy,” Maleina said in her most unnatural maternal tone as she rose from her throne and walked behind it pretending to admire a purple flower on the vines. “Tomorrow is your scouting day in Anise, is it not?” she asked. Her back was now to Daegan but she turned her head to the side just enough to see him nod in confirmation. “While you are there, I want you to listen for whispers of a new power—the Sol-lumieth. I have heard rumors circling about. Have you heard of it?”

“I have. Do you believe it is something we should fear?” he asked, knowing full well the answer.

“Of course we do not need to fear this new power, whatever it may be. However, we should not be ignorant. Since no one will oblige us with the information we seek, we must search it out for ourselves.”

Though her words were defiant, in her eyes he could see the fear of a potential threat as she spoke, and he wondered what that could be about. Daegan was not going to tell her that not only had he overheard the people whispering amongst themselves in a hushed frenzy, but he too had sensed something unknown stirring.

“I will see what there is to be learned in Anise. My visit may require a couple of days. May I request Halister to accompany me to cover more ground?” Of course, Daegan didn’t need him to assist, but he enjoyed his company and he knew Hal liked to get out and explore the frivolity in other cities.

“That is a splendid idea!” Wren said, speaking for the first time. His enthusiasm was a contradiction to the subdued persona he had been giving off. Maleina shot daggers at him with her eyes. Wren acknowledged her irritation but leaned forward anyway, declaring with a grin, “It’s a shame I have so many boring duties to attend. I’m half tempted to go along with you boys.” He sat back, giving Daegan a wink.

Maleina spoke with assertiveness. “Yes, that seems like a good enough idea. I will inform Halister that you will be departing at first light and to meet you in the stables.” Despising that her statement had to follow Wren’s comment, she gathered up the abundance of fabric from her dress and turned to leave. Turning back to look at Wren, she demanded with her eyes that he depart with her. Daegan offered a nod and smile that didn’t quite touch his eyes to the only father figure he knew. Wren stood, nodded his appreciation, and left the room, a broken man in the wake of a tumultuous woman.

© 2013 Morgan Wylie

Giveaway:

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Tour Stop: Animate Me by Ruth Clampett! [Review & Giveaway]

Today I'm stoked to host Animate Me by Ruth Clampett! Though a bit predictable, this was SUCH an adorable book!

Don't forget to check out the rest of the tour here!

About the Author:

Ruth Clampett, daughter of legendary animation director Bob Clampett, grew up surrounded by artists and animators. A graduate of Art Center College of Design, she has been VP of Design for Warner Brothers Studio Stores and taught photography at UCLA. Today she runs her own studio and as the Fine Art publisher for Warner Brothers Studios has come to know and work with some of the world’s greatest artists in the fields of animation and comics.

From this colorful background comes Ruth’s first novel, Animate Me, a fun and sexy, unique and engaging contemporary romance.

Ruth lives and works in Los Angeles, strictly supervised by her teenage daughter, who helps plan their summer around their yearly pilgrimage to the San Diego Comic Con.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Review: Animate Me by Ruth Clampett
Release Date: May 1, 2013
Series: Standalone
Publisher: Clampett Studio Collections
Age Group: New Adult / Adult
Pages: 394
Source: Review copy for tour - thanks!
Interest: Contemporary Romance; Animation; Blog Tour
Buy the Book: IndieBound | Amazon | B&N

She seemed far beyond his reach…could love draw them together? For years shy animator Nathan has carried a torch for Brooke, the beautiful and dynamic Director of Development at their animation studio, even creating B-Girl, a comic-book heroine in her likeness. When a new project throws the two of them together, lovestruck Nathan finally seizes his moment – only to find Arnauld, head of the animation studio, claiming exclusive rights to Brooke’s affections.

But Nathan, it turns out, is not giving up on his dreams so easily. With inspired determination, he sets out to be the super hero of wooing his girl. Threatened by his persistence, Arnauld plays dirty – only to spark an uprising at the studio that unleashes the sort of havoc only a building full of frustrated animators can create. While Nathan pulls out all the stops to win his B-girl, Brooke has to choose. Should she pursue the sparkling career that has taken her years to build…or follow her heart?

Rating: 3.5 / 5 Riceballs

Book Review:

With great amounts of humor, cutesiness, romance, and geekiness, Animate Me was a near-perfect contemporary romance! I did have some small issues with the book, but overall it was an enjoyable and satisfying read!

One of the things that originally attracted me to Animate Me was the aspect of animation and comics. I'd like to think that I'm a pretty big fan of them, though I admit that I had almost no clue about how this process worked. That being said, I really liked that Clampett gives the reader a chance to look into that fascinating world! There's the little things in the setting, like the workplace, drawing board, meetings,  the start of getting his comic book published etc., that truly made me curious and excited. Even Brooke and Nathan's conversations about animators made me chuckle (:

I also felt like Nathan and Brooke had great chemistry! There's plenty of instances where I find that the couple in a novel is really sweet and likable, but I can't feel their "connection". This might sound cheesy, but I really did think Nathan and Brooke had that connection and were great for each other. Both of them were such sweet characters with many similar traits, but also had many differences in their family life and goals. I really enjoyed learning about both of them and seeing them become close friends, and eventually lovers!

However, Animate Me also shines with its side characters. Since this is mentioned in the blurb, I don't consider this a major spoiler, but there's an uprising of sorts against Arnauld, who's basically your big bad boss guy. Throughout this process, you see each of Nathan's family members and friends come together in their own unique ways, all to support this one person. I think the only way to really explain it is comparing it to those moments in movies where you see all the people a hero has made friends with along the way to help with a "final battle". Again, true, it may be cheesy. But it's heartwarming, and again, entertaining to read!

Another thing about this book is that it's a very readable and short read. This might be a good thing or a bad thing, but I found that the plot is just pure light, fun, and sweetness. Obviously, I personally really enjoyed this - the ending, though a bit predictable, was satisfying and warmed my heart, and the banter between the characters made me smile plenty of times! In my opinion, there's also a good deal of "cheesiness", like when you see Arnauld (literally) portrayed as an evil monkey man, and the mushy but adorable proclamations and acts of love. But again, I ended up really enjoying it, because it was so fun to read!

But I also found that Animate Me was still more than just a sweet, fluffy read. For one, the different sketches you see throughout the book are great - not only do they look amazing, but they also add to my idea of Nathan's persona! And not to mention there are some, erm, let's just say "hotter" scenes too (;

Animate Me is a contemporary story that entertained and delighted me from beginning to end, whether it be through its stunning sketches, literal laugh-out-loud humor, and downright adorable moments. Readers looking for a light, well-written adult or new adult contemporary romance should definitely check this on out ASAP!

Giveaway: 

For the tour, 2 signed copies of the book, a signed illustrated print, 5 e-copies of the book, a $10 Amazon GC, a poster and bookmark of surprise art by James Vallesteros, and 10 bookmarks are up for grabs! Good luck!

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Giveaway: Twisted Summer by Lucy V. Morgan!

About the Author:

Lucy writes sharp contemporary fiction, usually with a liberal splatter of filth. She is a Lyrical Press author and a screenwriter.

Her upcoming new adult novel, TWISTED SUMMER, is a gutsy take on forbidden love starring an even gutsier heroine. Her contemporary series, encompassing CHAIRMAN OF THE WHORED and THE WHORED'S PRAYER, features slick London lawyers with a penchant for sensual violence. It's definitely on the darker side. BEAUTIFUL MESS, her current release, is a snarky, sexy friends-to-lovers romp.

Lucy is currently working on new novels, and is developing a paranormal television series with producers (think The Vampire Diaries meets The 4400).

She is still trying to kick her dirty Pepsi habit.

Website | Facebook | Goodreads

About the Book:



You have to understand that we never meant for it to happen. We knew it was stupid. We knew it was wrong.

Eighteen-year-old Danni Warren has big plans for her last summer before college: a cool job, a concert she wouldn’t miss for the world, and spending time with her beautiful girlfriend, Esme. But after one hell of an argument, Danni’s mother packs her off to stay with her estranged step-uncle, Gabe, in his lodge on the English coast. So begins a weekend of the worst punishment imaginable: no phone signal.

With his sun kissed good looks and sarcastic manner, twenty-nine-year-old Gabe Asher isn’t anything like Danni expected. She wants to hate him—he’s her punishment for standing up to her mother—but between surfing lessons and beach hikes, Gabe and Danni grow close. Maybe too close.

Now Danni’s questioning everything: old family secrets, her future, her strained relationship with Esme. One sun stained afternoon, Gabe and Danni go too far. And then everything else falls apart…



Giveaway:



* The prize pack includes A beach bag by pro surf brand Brakeburn, Korres Cherry Lip Gloss, Signed print copy of TWISTED SUMMER, and Luxury chocolate bars from Choccacino Devon.

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This post is part of the tour for the book! Make sure to check out the rest of the tour!

Giveaway: Submerged by Nicole Sobon!

About the Author:



Nicole Sobon is a YA author of several novels, including Program 13, The Emile Reed Chronicles, Capture, No Place Like Home, and the latest Submerged. This is the first in her dystopian duology.

Website | Twitter | Goodreads

About the Book:



After a mysterious virus makes its way into the United States, the government demands that states seal themselves off from one another and do their best to protect their surviving residents. When the state of Florida is bordered off from the surrounding states, Taylen Fincher, a seventeen-year-old girl with a yearning for her former life finds herself wondering how much of what they’ve been told is true.

When Troum took control of the state, he told the residents that the other states had fallen to the virus and that he wouldn’t allow the same thing to happen to them. But Taylen doesn’t believe it. She insists that there is still life outside of the state, and she is going to do whatever it takes to prove it… but her actions will cost her more than she ever expected.

Troum kidnaps Taylen’s sister, Penelope, in hopes of coaxing her into behaving – into being a submissive resident, much like the others. But Taylen isn’t one to give in that easily.

Eager to rescue her sister, Taylen will set out on an adventure that’ll force her to open her heart to the unexpected and to uncover secrets that will change everything.



Giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

This post is part of the tour for the book! Make sure to check out the rest of the tour!

Waiting on Wednesday (#33)

Waiting on Wednesday is a weekly meme hosted by Jill @ Breaking the Spine!

This week I'm waiting on...

The In-Between
by Barbara Stewart
Release Date: November 5, 2013
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Age Group: Young Adult

Fourteen year old Elanor Moss has always been an outcast who fails at everything she tries - she's even got fine, white scars to prove it. Moving was supposed to be a chance at a fresh start, a way to leave behind all the pain and ugliness of her old life. But, when a terrible car accident changes her life forever, her near-death experience opens a door to a world inhabited by Madeline Tours.

Madeline is everything Elanor isn't: beautiful, bold, brave. She is exactly what Elanor has always wanted in a best friend and more - their connection runs deeper than friendship. But Madeline is not like other girls, and elanor has to keep her new friend a secret or risk being labeled "crazy". Soon, though, even Elanor starts to doubt her own sanity. Madeline is her entire life, and that life is drastically spinning out of control. Elanor knows what happens when your best friend becomes your worst enemy. But what happens when your worst enemy is yourself?

Why? However cruel this sounds, I love books where insanity is involved, because I get to see the psychological horror in it. Plus, it's yet another alternate world book!

What are you waiting on this week? And what do you think of this book? Have you heard of it? I'd love to know :D

Tour Stop: Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker! [Review & Giveaway]

Today I'm excited to host a tour stop for Back Before Dark, the new YA mystery by Tim Shoemaker! It definitely was an entertaining read, and one that old and young alike will both enjoy. Make sure to check out the giveaway @ the end of the post, and the rest of the tour here!

About the Author: Happily married for more than thirty years to Cheryl, the love of my life.

Dad to three grown sons and two daughter-in-laws.

Elder Chairman in my church and high school small group leader.

Full time speaker and author since 2004.

Living in the greater Chicago area.

Grateful for God’s incredible grace and mercy to me in countless ways.

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

Review:  Back Before Dark by Tim Shoemaker
Release Date: March 19, 2013
Series: Code of Silence, #2 (though this can be read as a standalone)
Publisher: Zonderkidz
Age Group: Young Adult, though appropriate for younger readers
Pages: 384
Source: ARC provided for tour – thanks!
Interest: YA Contemporary & Mystery; Blog Tour
Buy the Book: IndieBound | Amazon | B&N

Taken! A detour through the park leads Cooper, Gordy, Hiro, and Lunk straight into a trap, and Gordy is abducted! For the kidnapper, it's all a game, a way to settle an old score, with no one getting hurt. But evil has a way of escalating, and once his identity is discovered, the rules change. Despite the best of police efforts, the hours tick by without a clue or a ransom call, leaving everyone to their own fears. Gordy is gone. Cooper descends deeper into a living nightmare, imagining the worst for his best friend and cousin. Hours stretch into days, and talks of a memorial service begin to surface. But Cooper still feels his cousin is alive and develops a reckless plan, changing all the rules. Now the one who set out to rescue his friend needs to be rescued himself. Sometimes rescuing a friend from darkness means going in after them.

Rating: 3 / 5 Riceballs

Book Review:

Featuring an intriguing kidnapping case and an adorable and admirable group of young sleuths, Tim Shoemaker’s Back Before Dark was an absolutely delightful and fun mystery! The story immediately starts off with a kidnapping incident, in which your main character’s cousin, Gordy, is taken by the park after spotting a lone backpack. From then on, the mystery persistently continued, going through a good number of twists and turns. I liked that like many younger young adult or middle grade mysteries, the answer to the mystery isn’t directly revealed until the very end, although there are plenty of clues! Because I found that there was one particular character that just seemed out of place, I actually felt like the true culprit was easily predicted. Nonetheless, the mystery was suspenseful, exciting, and simply enjoyable!

The characters, though, were probably my favorite part of the story! Tim Shoemaker really does a great job of portraying undying and forever-loyal friendship. I really admired the loyal, brotherly love between Cooper and Gordy, as they always believed in each other and stayed loyal. It was also a bit heartbreaking to see Cooper’s guilt, especially since Gordy was so important to him. I also admired Hiro’s smarts, strength, and cautiousness, which truly make her a great detective. Lunk ended up being my favorite, though – his character seemed to grow throughout the story, and his strained but still pure friendship with the others interested me. Overall each character was integral to the story, but each had different personalities and traits that greatly contributed to it.

A few notes, though – firstly, there is a good amount of religious content in the story. It’s not the main idea behind the story, but its presence, especially when Shoemaker talks about Hiro, is definite. I personally didn’t mind this, but I also realize it might make some readers uncomfortable. Back Before Dark is also the second book in the Code of Silence series, but I read it as a standalone and still enjoyed it. If you want more background on the characters’ last mystery and their past regarding Lunk, I’d still suggest reading the first, but it isn’t necessary if you have the chance to pick up this installment.

Back Before Dark is best characterized as an entertaining read that would particularly appeal to younger readers. However, it’s also the type of read that may appeal to contemporary readers of all ages, serving as an exciting read for younger readers, and a fun, light read for older ones! If you’re thinking of picking this book up, keep in mind that there is religious content. But if you’re fine with that and think that the characters & story would appeal to you, definitely try this book out! Otherwise, fans of the Code of Silence series, Christian fiction, middle grade contemporary or mysteries would also enjoy this novel!

Giveaway!

For the tour, the author is giving away 2 signed copies of the book, a poster and bookmark of surprise art by James Vallesteros, and 10 bookmarks of surprise art by James Vallesteros! Good luck!

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Tour Stop: Chantress by Amy Butler Greenfield! [Review, Excerpt & Giveaway]

Hello, and welcome to my tour stop for  ! Today I have a review, excerpt & giveaway to share! Enjoy, and don’t forget to check out the rest of the tour here!

About the Author: Amy Butler Greenfield was on her way to a history Ph.D. when she gave into temptation and became a writer. Among other honors, her books have won a PEN/Albrand Award, the Veolia Prix du Livre Environnement, and a Beacon of Freedom Award.

Born in Philadelphia, Amy grew up in the Adirondack Mountains of New York State. She studied at Williams College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and she earned a graduate degree in history at Oxford University on a Marshall Scholarship. She now lives with her family on the edge of the Cotswolds in England, where she writes, reads, and bakes double-dark-chocolate cake.

She loves music, romantic adventure, history, quirky science, and suspense, which explains how she came to write her first YA novel, Chantress, due out from Simon & Schuster in May 2013.

Website | Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads
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Excerpt:

It was Scargrave himself who uttered the words. But they felt almost as if they had come from my own lungs.

I began to feel very afraid. Before this, a part of me had always stayed separate during mind-reading. However strongly I felt the other person’s feelings, I had been aware that they were not quite my feelings. But this was different. Still locked out of parts of Scargrave’s mind, I nevertheless felt myself falling deeper and deeper into the rest of him.

“Who’s there?” he called again, and this time it was a whisper. The fear of being watched, the fear of being found out: I felt them as if they were my own. And then the silver of me that was still separate realized what was happening: Scargrave wasn’t sensing the presence of an ordinary intruder. Whether he knew it or not, he was sensing me.

I silenced my fear and let myself thin out as if I had no existence, no substance. In response, I felt his throat ease, his pulse calm – felt this as if it were my own body.

But in hiding from him, I had lost something essential: the boundaries between us had disappeared.

A hand hovered over the silver-threaded book. His hand? My hand? Was there any difference now?

There must be, some submerged part of me tried to say. There must be. But the rest of me was lost in sensation: the flutter of anticipation rising again, the hush of the tomblike room; a chill like ice as the hand neared the book…

Hand and book met. A searing flash, like the heat of a thousand suns, and silence split into the sound: croaking and cawing and a cacophony of screams.

The ravens, reporting to their master.

No! I did not want to know, did not want to hear…

The shock had brought me back to myself, but I had gone too far, and I could not pull myself free. The jabbering Shadowgrims circled, my body burned, and the fiery darkness claimed me.

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Review:  Chantress by Amy Butler Greenfield
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Series: Chantress, #1
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 336
Source: eARC provided for tour - thanks!
Interest: YA Historical Fantasy; 2013 Debut Author; Blog Tour
Buy the Book: IndieBound | Amazon | B&N

Lucy’s Chantress magic will make her the most powerful—and most hunted—girl in England.

“Sing, and the darkness will find you.” This warning has haunted fifteen-year-old Lucy ever since she was eight and shipwrecked on a lonely island. Lucy’s guardian, Norrie, has lots of rules, but the most important is that Lucy must never sing. Not ever. Now it is 1667, Lucy is fifteen, and on All Hallows’ Eve, Lucy hears a tantalizing melody on the wind. She can’t help but sing—and she is swept into darkness.

When she awakes in England, Lucy hears powerful men discussing Chantresses—women who can sing magic into the world. They are hunting her, but she escapes and finds sanctuary with the Invisible College, an organization plotting to overthrow the nefarious Lord Protector. The only person powerful enough to bring about his downfall is a Chantress. And Lucy is the last one in England.

Lucy struggles to master the song-spells and harness her power, but the Lord Protector is moving quickly. And her feelings for Nat, an Invisible College apprentice and scientist who deeply distrusts her magic, only add to her confusion...

Time is running out, and the fate of England hangs in the balance in this entrancing novel that is atmospheric and lyrical, dangerous and romantic.

Rating: 3.5 / 5 Riceballs

Book Review:

I’ve always been a “music” person, ever since someone had the bright idea of putting me near a piano when I was three. So when something like Chantress comes along, bringing together music and magic, of course I’m psyched! Luckily, the story did entertain me and live up to my expectations, eventually making to be a fun, interesting, and light read!

My favorite part of the book was its core concept – Chantresses, witches with a musical twist. Specifically, their spells come in song form, and the more precise and in sync a Chantress is with their song, the more powerful it might turn out. I loved the musical aspect of it, especially the different spells that were introduced. I also liked how though this was a fantasy novel, the musical aspect was also relatable. For example, Lucy’s frustration when first practicing and learning her art was something I completely could relate to. Moreover, the joy when you finally achieve something, and the pain when music is only temporarily taken away is something every music lover goes through. Even the small music-related things, like practicing scales somewhat excited me!

However, the rest of the Chantress’s world is just as interesting! In this particular installment, you face the deathly Shadowgrims, which are dark, raven-like creatures characterized by their torturous “touch of fire”. Another theme was “Wild Magic”, a kind of darker and more reckless magic that Lucy is particularly attracted to. And of course, historic England was absolutely charming in a rustic way, kind of reminding me of the mysterious world in Cassandra Clare’s Infernal Devices series. There’s still so much more hinted throughout the novel, though, and I can’t wait to see more of it.

The characters were also really likable and sweet! As you would expect, Lucy is your typical YA heroine – brave, selfless, strong, and not afraid to take a stand for what she believes in. She’s such a sweet character, and I feel like you can’t help but feel bad for her at times, and root her on during others. Nat was probably my favorite – I mean, who doesn’t love a smart, sweet, somewhat sarcastic, and cute British guy? The older characters, Norrie and Dr. Penebrygg, also surprisingly grew on me – they’re also unbelievably sweet, cute and quirky characters! Hopefully we’ll see lots of them (especially Nat <3) in the next books!

My only issue with the novel was with the plot. For the most part, I did enjoy it, as it allowed for a good amount of development for the world and magic of the Chantresses. However, for the majority of the beginning of the story, the pacing is pretty slow, and nothing particularly exciting happens. Sure, I found learning about the Invisible College and the history of Chantresses to be interesting. But I still have to admit that I was looking for more action! Unfortunately you don’t really get any of it until Lucy finally takes on Lord Scargrave, which only takes up about 7% of the book, though.

Still, Chantress is a novel that entertained me with its magic and adorable characters! Unlike many YA fantasy novels, it actually doesn’t feature a love triangle or cliffhanger, so if you’re tired of those but still a fan of the genre, definitely check this one out! Otherwise, people looking for a quick fantasy and somewhat music-related read should also enjoy this book!

Book Trailer:



Giveaway!

For the tour, the author is giving away 2 copies of the book, one US only, the other international! Good luck!

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