Review: Blood Red Road (Moira Young)

Saba has spent her whole life in Silverlake, a dried-up wasteland ravaged by constant sandstorms. The Wrecker civilization has long been destroyed, leaving only landfills for Saba and her family to scavenge from. That's fine by her, as long as her beloved twin brother Lugh is around. But when a monster sandstorm arrives, along with four cloaked horsemen, Saba's world is shattered. Lugh is captured, and Saba embarks on an epic quest to get him back.
Suddenly thrown into the lawless, ugly reality of the world outside of desolate Silverlake, Saba is lost without Lugh to guide her. So perhaps the most surprising thing of all is what Saba learns about herself: she's a fierce fighter, an unbeatable survivor, and a cunning opponent. And she has the power to take down a corrupt society from the inside. Teamed up with a handsome daredevil named Jack and a gang of girl revolutionaries called the Free Hawks, Saba stages a showdown that will change the course of her own civilization.
Blood Red Road has a searing pace, a poetically minimal writing style, violent action, and an epic love story. Moira Young is one of the most promising and startling new voices in teen fiction.

Audio CD, 0 pages
Published June 7th 2011 by Simon & Schuster Audio

Moira Young has been by turns an actress, dancer, and opera singer, but her first loves are books and writing. A native Canadian, she now lives in the UK with her husband. Blood Red Road is her first novel.

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I first purchased Blood Red Road as a paperback. I had heard SO many rave reviews about this book so I could not wait to dig in. I started the book and almost immediately realized that I was having trouble with the "slang" talk. The best way to describe the writing and the talk was very very very country. I tried and tried but couldn't enjoy it because I couldn't say the words as I felt like the author wanted to portray them. 

So I put away the paperback and downloaded the Audio version of the book. I had never heard of the narrator (Heather Lind) but as soon as I turned on the audio I was blown away. Heather read and portrays the words exactly like they are supposed to be said. I was able to fully grasp the character and really indulge in the story. 

Needless to say I IMMEDIATELY loved all the characters. I cant even say for sure that I have a favorite one because they are all fantastic. Each character has their own specific reason for being in the story and are all written in perfect description. I loved the "twin" connection between Saba and Lugh.  I loved Emmi and how she is so young and yet so strong. She immediately won me over. Jack...oh where do I begin with Jack. I love his sarcastic, funny, yet serious attitude. I love the way he plays with Sabba's emotions and their connection pulled at my heart. 

The action is non-stop in this book. I felt like I was on the edge of my seat the entire book. The world-building is incredible. I love dystopians and this world is a perfect description of a dystopian world. 

The Free Hawks are an awesome group of females that are strong and live to survive. I loved their incorporation into the story and their immediate friendship with Saba. There are a few main members of the group that become immediate close friends with Saba and they face obstacles that will bring you to tears. 

Saba's fight for survival and determination to find her twin brother are breath-taking. Her journey is long and so many things happen along the way. At one moment I am laughing along with the characters and next I have goosebumps and tears in my eyes. What this group faces is incredible. 

I loved this book and the story and the narrator makes you feel as though you are there living and breathing with the characters. Needless to say this book was incredible and I cannot wait to read the sequel and learn where these characters face next....I cant imagine what else could and will happen next.....

Blog Tour & Giveaway: Chosen (Kristen Day)

The essence of who we are lies not in what we have, but in what we are willing to give up. Because in the end, Time and Tide wait for no one. After sacrificing all that she had, the evil princess of the Underworld is still successful in her bid to tear Finn from Stasia’s life. In the midst of her search to reclaim him, Stasia is summoned to the island nation of Cyprus to take part in an age-old ritual; unveiling the missing pieces of her ancestry and re-igniting an ancient war. As she struggles to both save Finn’s soul and free Carmen’s mind, Stasia’s bravery and determination will be pushed to its breaking point. A dark storm is forming on the horizon, and the forces who are vying to destroy her may be much closer than she thinks. Destiny weaves a sticky web of evil, betrayal, and revenge that can only be undone by the purity of love and the soul’s unyielding will to survive. In the last installment of the Daughters of the Sea trilogy, the past will collide with the present as Stasia’s future hangs in the balance. The prophecy that paved the way for her new life may indeed be the very thing that strips her of the ones she loves the most.

Title: Chosen (Daughters of the Sea 3)
Author: Kristen Day Publisher

Prologue

A crisp, biting wind swirled through the open window; lifting the thin sheet draped over his aching body. The night surrounding his isolated room was dark and still when the roar of the ocean’s waves was interrupted by an entrancing melody. The full moon shone into his tired eyes as they cracked open at the faint singing; its silver glow pulling at his conscious. He wrapped the tattered sheet around his body and slowly made his way to the window. The night sky above glittered with the dancing of stars, while the radiance of the moon highlighted the rolling waves below.

The bubbling surf raced up the beach until its energy was spent; tugging on the sand and rocks below as it retreated once again. The cool breeze swept through his white beard as he squinted his eyes at the beach below. With each fallen wave, the glow became brighter. Hundreds of magnificent blue lights sparkled within the water, creating a magical blanket of effervescence along the water’s edge. He had only seen this phenomenon once before. Many, many years ago. It was a type of plankton that glistened a beaming blue when it became stirred up; however, he knew that it was typically found farther out in the ocean. Its unexpected arrival on land had his suddenly guarded eyes scanning the beach. That’s when he saw her.

The sheer white fabric of her flowing dress drifted in the breeze as she glided in a wide circle, dancing and spinning with a power he could feel down in the core of his tired soul. She was spellbinding and beautiful. And deadly. The captivating symphony of her voice cascaded down the stone walls of his prison and whirled around the crescent shaped beach below. Her wild, curly dark hair was accentuated by streaks of silver as it blew around her pale face. Eyes closed, her skin shimmered silver in the light of the moon above while she continued her trancelike dance. Loose silver ribbons lifted from her wrists, ankles, and hair where they were loosely secured. They created an illusion of fire; its sparkling flames shooting up into the air and around its writhing center. He shook his head and closed his eyes to snap himself out of her allure.

As the singing faded slightly, he looked on as she stopped twirling and raised her thin arms into the air with closed fists. She tilted her head back; her dark hair falling down her back, her body now fully embraced by the moonlight. She herself emanated an eerie glow. She wasn’t just dancing amongst the night; she was a part of the night. The moonlight that caressed her angelic face also shone from within. She stood perfectly still for what seemed like hours, while the ever moving world around her continued on its pace. Finally, she slowly dropped her arms and flashed open her palms. What appeared to be small crystals scattered around her onto the sand. They shimmered and flickered as they brightened further.

She raised her arms again very slowly, making the circle of crystals hover in the air around her. As they began to spin, they took on the appearance of a solid ring of light. Her arms continued to lift, taking the ring of light higher and higher. A bright flash caught him by surprise and he stumbled backwards; shielding his face. After regaining his balance, he approached the window once more; only to see the ring of light had disappeared as well as the glowing plankton. All that remained was her.

She stood rigid and silent as the surf swept over her feet and rushed back toward the waves. She began to sway gently from side to side and he realized how innocent she looked. Her small stature was a reminder of who she used to be, but he knew better. He knew what she was capable of. In a flash, she twisted her head; locking him in her chilling glare. The startling silver of her eyes chilled him to the bone and had him slowly backing away from the window. Amongst the dark shadows of his room, he stared at the long ray of light cast across the floor by the moon. He knew what her witching hour display meant. He knew it with certainty. A creeping cold slithered up his spine and squeezed his heart. They were running out of time.

Kristen Day is a southern belle at heart with a crazy streak that desperately tries to escape at every opportunity. She loves all things nostalgic, rustic, and quirky. She’s been told she sees the world through rose-colored glasses, but she prefers to think of them as kaleidoscope glasses - swirling and morphing reality into something she can digest (who hasn't pretended those pasty lima beans were really kiwi strawberry jelly beans?). She is the author of the DAUGHTERS OF THE SEA trilogy, which includes FORSAKEN, AWAKEN (Oct 2012), and CHOSEN (Winter 2012). She loves all books, but really enjoys writing young adult, paranormal romances. She’s loved to write for as long as she can remember. Her first published work was her poem RED in second grade (you guessed it - it was a poem about the color red - life altering, right?) that won her 5 gold stars and a spot in her elementary school's poetry book. That's when her addiction to the written word officially began. She was the only kid in fifth grade that actually enjoyed diagramming sentences. Go ahead and laugh - its okay. When she’s not writing she’s making jewelry, painting, feeding her addiction to sweet tea, watching the Discovery Channel, or going on random adventures in the mountains of North Carolina with her amazing husband. She was born in Boone, NC and graduated from Appalachian State University with a degree in Marketing in 2001.

Author’s Links: Goodreads Blog Twitter Facebook   

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Blog Tour & Giveaway: Circle of Lies (Sara Dailey & Staci Weber)

In honor of the Circle of Lies blog tour starting  authors Sara Dailey and Staci Weber are giving away a e-book copy of Pack of Lies, the first book in the Red Ridge Pack series and a $25 Amazon Gift Card.

Book Description: The last thing Allison Wright ever expected when she moved to Red Ridge, New Mexico was to come muzzle to muzzle with the wolf of her dreams. Seventeen-year-old Allison Wright is convinced she’s losing her mind. Uncontrollable mood swings, hot flashes, and the urge to punch anyone who gets in her way are suddenly becoming everyday occurrences. Before her erratic behavior gets out of hand, Allison’s mother finally comes clean about her dark secret. Mom is a werewolf, and soon Allison and her brother Aiden will suffer the same fate. When Allison reaches her breaking point, the family leaves their life in Texas to move to Red Ridge, New Mexico where they rejoin the pack that Allison’s mother left behind almost 20 years ago. Unfortunately, not everyone in Red Ridge is thrilled about Allison’s arrival, especially when she attracts the attention of the very handsome, very taken, soon-to-be alpha, Cade Walker. Little does Allison know, her mere presence is causing a rift in a once unified pack. Not only has Cade been forbidden from being with Allison by his father, the pack’s alpha, Cade’s girlfriend, Kendall Stuart, will stop at nothing to get Allison out of the picture. Well on her way to becoming the next alpha’s mate, Kendall expects to rule the pack by Cade’s side even if it means teaming up with a rogue werewolf with an agenda of his own. Determined to get rid of Allison permanently, when Kendall and the rogue join forces, all hell breaks loose and no one in the pack is safe, especially not Cade and his true mate.

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The Circle of Lies blog tour kicks off February 1st! Check out the schedule of the tour here.
Title: Circle of Lies (Red Ridge Pack #2)
Authors: Sara Dailey and Staci Weber
Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group  


Description: Aiden Wright is trying to figure out who he really is, but the truth could cost him his true mate—or his life. Life has always been easy for Aiden Wright. He’s smart, athletic, funny, and the ladies adore him. But when tragedy strikes, Aiden discovers the truth about who he really is, and his whole world comes crashing down around him. Aiden thought that being a teenage werewolf was going to be awesome, but it might just cost him the one girl who could make him whole. Since her mother’s disappearance, Teagan Rhodes’s life has been littered with her father’s empty beer cans and his hollow promises to change. Convinced that others would only let her down, she keeps everyone at arm’s length—but resisting Aiden’s charm is proving to be more difficult than she thought. Throw in a psychotic werewolf hunter out to terminate the species, and one wrong move, one wrong decision could destroy everything.   
Author Links:   Website Facebook Purchase on Amazon Purchase on Barnes And Noble

ABOUT SARA DAILEY & STACI WEBER co-authors of Pack of Lies & Circle of Lies - the first two Red Ridge Pack Novels Both Sara Dailey and Staci Weber are avid readers, English teachers, friends, wives and soccer moms. They have been teaching together for the past ten years and writing together for six. Born and raised in Houston, TX, Staci Weber is a graduate of the University of North Texas. Staci is a junior high school teacher with an addiction to reading romance novels. She considers herself incredibly lucky to have a close family, some good friends, a fabulous husband and two beautiful little girls. Sara Dailey co-authored the Red Ridge Pack Novels with her good friend and co-worker Staci Weber. She has a degree in literature from U of H Clear Lake and is a graduate of The Institute of Children’s Literature. Sara is a native Texan and lives with her wonderful husband and son in League City, TX.  

Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Eternal (Kristi Cook)

THERE’S NO HIDING FROM DESTINY…

In the final book of the Winterhaven trilogy, Violet McKenna and her friends find themselves right in the middle of a vampire war. The stakes have been raised, the danger unavoidable now. As the Warriors’ senior year draws to a close, not everyone makes it out alive. Who will be left standing at the end of it all? Will Aidan be a part of Violet’s future, or is he just a specter of the past?

About The Author

YA author Kristi Cook is a transplanted southern gal who lives in New York City with her husband and two kids. Her YA debut, HAVEN, was released in Feb. 2011 by Simon Pulse.

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Blog Tour: Silver-White Book Blast & Giveaway (Shawn Underhill)

Silver-White by Shawn Underhill

“The woods are lovely, dark, and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep.”~ Robert Frost

Evie’s family has been holding out on her …
Big time. On an unexpected visit to her grandparents’ house in New Hampshire’s secluded North Woods, the sixteen-year-old literally runs into the truth of the long-hidden family secrets, and finds herself thrust without warning into the clandestine world of the Great North Pack—a wild and exhilarating world of rugged beauty, heart-pounding adventures, and long nights running under a sea of stars … but as she’s set to discover, a world also fraught with potential dangers lurking in the shadows.

Praise

"Simply put, this book was amazing. I've read more fantasy novels than than I can count, but this one is certainly one of the best. The heroine isn't some wishy-washy pansy that screams at everything, and the focus of the story isn't on some unbelievably beautiful teenage girl who suddenly becomes the biggest, baddest member of her species falling in love with some big, bad, sexy member of her newfound species. It's about a girl becoming something she never knew existed, finding her place within the pack family she values more than ever before, and an age-old feud that threatens everything she loves." ~Morgan

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Author Shawn Underhill

Shawn is a part-time writer from New Hampshire, where he spends his free time hiking in the mountains, camping, racing dirt bikes, or anything else that keeps him outdoors. Dogs are his very favorite people. He is also the author of the novel All Things Different.

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BookBlast $100 Giveaway

$100 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash

Ends 2/13/13

Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.


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Blog Tour & Giveaway: The Cresent Chronicles (Alyssa Rose Ivy)

Flight by Alyssa Rose Ivy (The Crescent Chronicles #1)

Sometimes you just have to take flight.
A summer in New Orleans is exactly what Allie needs before starting college. Accepting her dad’s invitation to work at his hotel offers an escape from her ex-boyfriend and the chance to spend the summer with her best friend. Meeting a guy is the last thing on her mind—until she sees Levi.
Unable to resist the infuriating yet alluring Levi, Allie finds herself at the center of a supernatural society and forced to decide between following the path she has always trusted or saving a city that might just save her.

Publication date: August 2012

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13570162-flight
Purchase : -Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flight-alyssa-rose-ivy/1112483612?ean=2940014873161
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.ca/Flight-The-Crescent-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B008XL12IW/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1359040857&sr=1-3

Focus by Alyssa Rose Ivy (The Crescent Chronicles #2) - Publication date: January 31st, 2013

Freshman year of college is hard even when you're not tied to the future king of a supernatural society.
Allie dives into college head first with Hailey as her roommate and the city of New Orleans as her backyard. As things within The Society heat up, Allie realizes that whether she’s with Levi or not, she's in far too deep to turn back.

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15781433-focus
Purchase:
--Amazon: http://www.amazon.ca/Focus-The-Crescent-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B00B55WWV4/ref=sr_1_8?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1359040962&sr=1-8

Alyssa Rose Ivy is a Young Adult and New Adult author who loves to weave stories with romance and a southern setting. Although raised in the New York area, she fell in love with the South after moving to New Orleans for college. After years as a perpetual student, she turned back to her creative side and decided to write. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and two young children, and she can usually be found with a cup of coffee in her hand.

--Author Website: http://www.alyssaroseivy.com/

--Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5047249.Alyssa_Rose_Ivy

--Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlyssaRoseIvy

--Twitter: https://twitter.com/alyssaroseivy

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The Gryphon Series Blog Tour: Review of Embrace (Stacey Rourke)

Whether she likes it or not, eighteen year old Celeste Garrett has come to terms with being the Chosen One. She knew having a “normal life” would be tricky, between intense training sessions and epic demonic battles, but she didn’t know at what cost it would come. That is, until a dear friend is harmed by the malicious forces hunting her.
Now, she’d like nothing more than to retreat into a hermit lifestyle to prevent anyone else from getting hurt. But startling revelations, amazing new abilities, and mortifying moments in front of insanely hot guys won’t allow time for that. Soon, Celeste finds herself surrounded by darkness and wondering who she can trust—if anyone.

I absolutely LOVE the characters in this book. The main character, Celeste, is HILARIOUS. I love her! She has a quirky, fun, interesting personality and it just makes you laugh out loud.  I couldn't wait to read and see what she would do or say next! HA! I also liked the introduction of new characters to this series. We meet The Dark Army Glee Club, The Evil Countess, and a new love interest....hmmmm...and YES I loved him. His name would be Caleb which is in itself gorgeous. Yet the best thing about him is that he is Irish...ahhh......But of course...something has to be different about him...hence...he is half demon...yes of course..it can never be perfect can it? 
Celeste's friend, Sophia, tries to bring her out of her slump and back into the world but evil just seems to find Celeste around every corner. This is what she most fears..She most fears someone she knows or cares about will be hurt....The poor girl cant get away from it..but that is the best part about the book. She has to face and overcome so many obstacles and you just want to cheer and cheer for her. 
I absolutely enjoyed this book and would definitely recommend it. Stacey has such a fun writing style. It keeps you turning pages while you laugh and gasp! You never know what is around the corner!!

Blog Tour & Interview: The Gryphon Series (Stacey Rourke)

First, Thank you so much to Raebeth Buda & Stacey Rourke for holding this blog tour! So excited to be a part of this and to get to help spread the word about this fantastic series of books!!!! 

I get the great opportunity to interview the author of The Gryphon Series, Stacey Rourke. I was so excited to ask her these questions and get her responses. Hope you enjoy them as well. 

1. What made you decide to start writing?

2. Where did the idea for The Conduit begin?

3. Who is your favorite character out of the series?

4. Everyone has favorite authors...Which author inspires you?

5. How do you juggle writing and family life?

5. If you could live in a certain book world, which would it be?

6. How long does it take you to finish writing a book?

7. What is your favorite book of all time?

8. What book are you most looking forward to in 2013?

9. What do you love most about blog tours?

10. What about Embrace did you love the most?

Young Adult and Teen Reader voted Author of the Year 2012.

Stacey Rourke is the author of the Gryphon Series. She lives in Michigan with her husband, two beautiful daughters, and two giant, drooly dogs. Stacey loves to travel, has an unhealthy shoe addiction and considers herself blessed to make a career out of talking to the imaginary people that live in her head. She is currently hard at work on the continuations of this series as well as other literary projects.

Find the Author Here

Visit her at www.staceyrourke.com

Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stacey-Rourke/

or on Twitter @Rourkewrites.

Here are all the books in the series! You MUST check them out!!

The Conduit (Gryphon #1)

All 18-year-old Celeste Garrett wants is to head off to college and make those fun, yet ill-advised, choices college kids are known for.  And maybe to spend some time with the hot cameraman she just met.  Instead, because of a pact her ancestors made in the 17th century with a mythical creature, she has to save the world.

While normal kids are slamming energy drinks and cramming for exams, Celeste will get her adrenaline rush fighting a fire breathing dragon.  She wants to meet friends in the quad to exchange lecture notes, but first she must exchange blows with a shapeshifting demon on the rooftop.  Life isn’t always fair for a superhero, but at least she doesn’t have to do it alone.  With her brother and sister as sidekicks, they alternate between saving lives and getting on each others’ nerves.  Together the trio encounters unspeakable odds, mystical forces and comes face-to-face with an image that will haunt them forever—their grandmother in a leopard print bikini.
"Okay, little side note here. If a psychopathic killer asks if you want to see a trick, say no. That’s the smart thing to do. I, on the other hand, responded, 'Bring it'."-excerpt from THE CONDUIT

Embrace (Gryphon #2)

 Whether she likes it or not, eighteen year old Celeste Garrett has come to terms  with being  the Chosen One. She knew having a “normal life” would be tricky,  between intense training  sessions and epic demonic battles, but she didn’t know  at what cost it would come. That is,  until a dear friend is harmed by the  malicious forces hunting her.
 Now, she’d like nothing more than to retreat into a hermit lifestyle to prevent anyone else from getting hurt. But startling revelations, amazing new abilities, and mortifying moments in front of insanely hot guys won’t allow time for that. Soon, Celeste finds herself surrounded by darkness and wondering who she can trust—if anyone.

The Sidekick Chronicles (A Gryphon Series Novella)

Celeste isn't the only member of the Garrett family whose life changed when destiny called. Every sidekick has their tale and in this Gryphon Series short the spotlight is turned on Kendall, Grams and even Gabe. Get an inside look at the hilarious stress that goes along with being a...sidekick. Sidekicks...ya can't live with 'em and you'd probably die horribly without 'em.

Sacrifice (COMING SOON)

Celeste Garrett has finally found a happy balance in her life as the Chosen One, thanks in large part to a certain hunky Irishman. But if there’s any lesson she should heed since receiving her calling it’s that everything can change in the blink of an eye. Soon a terrible new threat, unlike anything she’s ever encountered, causes her to make a gut-wrenching choice that will strip her of someone she holds dear.
As much as she’d like to have a pity party for one, there’s no time for that now because wedding bells are ringing in Gainesboro! In between dress fittings and rehearsal dinners Celeste will have to fend off attacking demons and leering pirates. As if the Dark Army wasn’t scary enough our heroine is faced with the horrifying trauma of attending a bachelorette party with her mom and watching Grams do Jello shots. Is a walk down the aisle even possible for a member of the Garrett family when the Dark Army is out to destroy them? More importantly, will the Dark Army Glee Club sing at the reception?
Raise your glass to the happy couple, and get ready for a wedding…Conduit-style.  

Book Purchase Links

The Conduit- http://www.amazon.com/The-Conduit-Gryphon-Series-ebook/dp/B007H7UMR0/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2

Embrace- http://www.amazon.com/Embrace-The-Gryphon-Series-ebook/dp/B0080GLL5Y/ref=pd_sim_kstore_1

Sidekick Chronicles- http://www.amazon.com/Sidekick-Chronicles-Gryphon-Novella-ebook/dp/B0099S7J9O/ref=pd_sim_kstore_2

For the Nook- The Conduit- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-conduit-stacey-rourke/1107395872?ean=2940044687929

Embrace- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/embrace-gryphon-series-book-2-stacey-rourke/1112134874?ean=2940044697713

Sidekick Chronicles- http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-sidekick-chronicles-stacey-rourke/1112860418?ean=2940015291629

Title Release: Throne of Glass 2 (Sarah J Maas)

Happy New Year, everyone! I can’t believe it’s 2013 already. (Confession: I’m still in that awkward phase where I keep writing “2012” instead of the correct year.) I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season, and that 2013 is treating you well so far! We have so many fun THRONE OF GLASS announcements to make over the coming months, and I am BEYOND excited to share Book 2 with you guys this August! Another thing I’m excited about? To stop calling the sequel “Book 2.” While drafting the manuscript, I called various drafts everything from “Book 2” to “TOG2” to “Toggy2” to “Toggerific2.” (Seriously.) Of course, once the book was actually sent in to the amazing team at Bloomsbury, we had to come up with a REAL title for it. We threw around words like Castle, Sword, Fury, Ash, etc., but they felt a little too abstract, too Kung Fu movie-esque, or just too plain. I seriously had a giant chart full of words I associated with the book and used to come up with potential titles. I pestered critique partners for help/advice (they deserve a medal for listening to me gripe and grouse about title woes), and I swapped dozens of emails with the Bloomsbury team, trying to find that *perfect* title… Why was it so hard? Well, the book is somewhat darker than THRONE OF GLASS—and explores not just Celaena’s new role as the King’s Champion, but also how it impacts her relationship with those around her. How could I sum up Celaena’s own emotional journey in Book 2? How could I bring in some of the new, overarching plotlines (especially involving the king)? How could I link to Book 1’s title? I can’t go into specifics without spoiling the book, but we finally, finally found a title that does all of those things and more. And without further ado, I can proudly tell you that Book 2 will henceforth be known as...

CROWN OF MIDNIGHT

What do you guys think? I freaking LOVE IT! It fits the book SO perfectly, and in so many different ways. I really can’t wait for you guys to read CROWN OF MIDNIGHT this August. Be sure to keep checking back here—we’re going to have even MORE exciting news and reveals soon!

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Sarah J. Maas

Author of Throne of Glass

Release Day Review: The Prey (Andrew Fukuda)

For Gene and the remaining humans—or hepers—death is just a heartbeat away. On the run and hunted by society, they must find a way to survive in The Vast... and avoid the hungry predators tracking them in the dark. But they’re not the only things following Gene. He’s haunted by the girl he left behind and his burgeoning feelings for Sissy, the human girl at his side.
When they discover a refuge of exiled humans living high in the mountains, Gene and his friends think they’re finally safe. Led by a group of intensely secretive elders, the civilisation begins to raise more questions than answers. A strict code of behaviour is the rule, harsh punishments are meted out, young men are nowhere to be found—and Gene begins to wonder if the world they’ve entered is just as evil as the one they left behind. As life at the refuge grows more perilous, he and Sissy only grow closer. In an increasingly violent world, all they have is each other... if they can only stay alive.

Hardcover, US, 304 pages
Expected publication: January 29th 2013
Genre: YA/ Dystopian
Publisher: St. Martin's Press
Both books are available in Audio Format
Received book from publisher for honest review

Links to Purchase The Prey

Barnes & Noble * Amazon * Indigo * St Martin's Press

Born in Manhattan and raised in Hong Kong, Andrew Fukuda is half-Chinese, half-Japanese. After earning a bachelor's degree in history from Cornell University, Fukuda worked in Manhattan's Chinatown with the immigrant teen community. That experience led to the writing of Crossing, his debut novel that was selected by ALA Booklist as an Editor's Choice, Top Ten First Novel, and Top Ten Crime Novel in 2010. His second novel, The Hunt, the first in a new series, was bought at auction by St. Martin's Press and will be published in May 2012. Before becoming a full time writer, Fukuda was a criminal prosecutor for seven years. He currently resides on Long Island, New York, with his family.

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Where do I even begin? If you loved the Hunger Games, Twilight, or just love to read a dystopian book with heart-pounding, non-stop action and suspense then this series IS FOR YOU!!

If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would and I would put it in BOLD numbers!!! WOW! This sequel is just intense. There are no other words except INTENSE!!!!!!!!! I started this book and finished it in 3 days.

Andrew Fukuda weaves an breath-taking, suspense filled story that keeps you turning long into the night. I loved everything about this book. It has everything from horror to mystery to a tale of survival and family. The characters are written perfectly in every aspect. Gene and Sissy are both strong, intense, driven characters and I felt as though I was living every moment with them. They have a sense of family and care for their other friends as though their lives depend on it. 

Gene is by far one of my most favorite characters in this novel. He has survived and overcome so much. In The Hunt he lives within a horde of vampires and somehow manages to blend in and survive. He finds Sissy and the others and together they overcome the odds and become free. 

Out of all the scenes in The Prey, my most favorite is when they are on the river. Their vulnerability and survival techniques are fascinating. They manage to live and survive on the boat with each other and each night when the vampires arrive and try their might to reach them, it just makes you cringe. Andrew Fukuda's writing style is incredible. I cringed and felt  emotions as I was reading just as though I were there with them. The horrific way they vampires are described is wild. Their lust and greed for the "hepers" is intense. 

I love how "The Scientist" is still so involved in this story even though he is not living each account with them. He is so involved in this story even though he is not there in person. He gives the group a sense of hope and security and this is what they hang on to that keeps them going and fighting.

In The Prey the group are introduced to a new "experience," I call it an experience because that is exactly what it is...A life experience that the group will have to live through to survive and thrive. The "cult" they come into is filled with so many mysteries and puzzles. As they delve into this new "town" the discover so many more horrors and answers start to come to light. 

I think one of the reasons why I am so drawn to this series is because everything in the story means something. Its a mystery waiting to be solved with little clues introduced along the way. I could not draw myself away from this book...I could not wait to get all the clues and put them together and discover the mystery. Along the way you find out several key pieces that makes everything start to make sense yet keeps you hanging on to learn more. 

Needless to say, this fast paced story is fantastic, incredible, heart-stopping, creepy, and so much more. I cant wait to read the conclusion and to see where and how this story ends. I have a feeling that Gene, Sissy, Epap, Jacob, David, and Ben have a lot more turns and surprises that they have yet to face and I cant wait to live every moment with them......