By Em Garner
Ages 12+
Publication Date: August 26, 2014
EgmontUSA
“Volume 2 of this smart series builds momentum and suspense, raises stakes and expands narrative scope—in short, plan on a marathon, up-all-night read.”—Kirkus Reviews
A gripping survival story, the second in a series by a best-selling author, of a strong girl rebuilding her life in a post-apocalyptic society where a contaminated drink makes victims act like zombies; just right for fans of James Dashner, Carrie Ryan, and The Walking Dead.Seventeen-year-old Velvet, her little sister, Opal, their mom, who is recovering from the Contamination, and Velvet's sweet boyfriend, Dillon, are attempting to build a new life amid the rationing and regulations of the post-outbreak nation. But the outbreak isn't over: more people turning into “Connies,” more madness erupting, more killings occurring. And what they are being told is not the truth; the truth is far darker and more threatening.
Ages 12+
Published July 23rd 2013
by EgmontUSA
After the Contamination—an epidemic caused by the super-trendy diet drink ThinPro that turned ordinary citizens into violent, uncontrollable creatures—the government rounded up the "Connies" to protect the remaining population. Now, two years later, the rehabilitated are being allowed home, complete with shock collars that will either control, or kill, them.
Velvet Ellis has struggled to care for her ten-year-old sister since her parents were taken in the round up. When she finds her mother in one of the "Kennels," Velvet resolves to do whatever it takes to put her family back together. But the danger isn’t over. It’s beginning all over again…
Gritty and grabbing, Velvet is a harrowing, emotionally charged novel for fans of Carrie Ryan and The Walking Dead.
Reviews of Contaminated
“Suspenseful...this dystopia speaks to a wide range of readers, including reluctant ones.”—Kirkus Reviews
“This has plenty of suspense--it's not a book to read at bedtime.”—Booklist
“Velvet may have a softer name than her literary predecessors Katniss, Cassie, and Kaelyn, but like them she has been forced to take on adult-sized responsibilities within her repressive society.... the plot moves quickly...more of a relation-based book than many other teen dystopian novels.”—The Horn Book
Em Garner writes books.
She likes rainbows and unicorns and glitter and zombies, and she hates the feeling of corduroy, the grit of sand in her teeth (who doesn’t?) and the way banana candy tastes.
She lives by the ocean with her family, and she always goes in the water even though she’s afraid of sharks.
1. What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
Mercy Mode is a sequel to Contaminated, so technically my inspiration was that I wanted to continue the story! But overall, the inspiration for the story told in both books came from some research I’d been doing about medical mysteries and brain diseases. One thing led to another, add in my love of zombies, and boom! Inspiration!
2. Who is your favorite character in the book?
I love Velvet. She doesn’t always make great choices and she’s not always perfect, but she was a great character to live inside for a while.
3. Which came first, the title or the novel?
The novel definitely came first. Sometimes titles are really easy and other times, not so much.
4. What scene in the book are you most proud of, and why?
I love the opening scene, where Velvet’s running through the woods and meets up with the homicidal cheerleader. I love it! It was so creepy and fun to write.
5. Thinking way back to the beginning, what’s the most important thing you’ve learned as a writer from then to now?
You can fix the wrong words, but you can’t fix no words. Write, write, write. Edit later.
6. What do you like most about the cover of the book?
The colors.
7. What new release book are you looking most forward to in 2015?
I’m a terrible reader. I never know what’s coming up in advance — but the good news is, I’m an impulse buyer, so when I do find out something I want to read is out, I buy it!
8. What was your favorite book in 2014?
That’s such a tough question. I read so many good books this year so far. Not all of them new releases. So far, I think my favorite is Horns by Joe Hill.
9. What’s up next for you?
More writing!
10. Is there anything that you would like to add?
Thanks so much to the readers who wrote to tell me they enjoyed Contaminated. I hope Mercy Mode is as much fun (or even more!) I love meeting and talking to readers, so never be afraid to say hi.
.jpg)
Friday, August 22
The Best Books Ever (with a guest post)
Fire and Ice (with guest post)
Saturday, August 23
Sunday, August 24
Curling Up with a Good Book (with a Q&A)
Monday, August 25
Lots of authors seem to like the colours of the cover or think of the novel first xD I love seeing the similarity between the reviews! On top of that, of course the idea would be based off the first one ^^ It would be tragic if it wasn't!
ReplyDeletehttp://olivia-savannah.blogspot.nl/2014/08/1st-blogiversary-giveaway.html