Asunder by Jodi Meadows

Title: Asunder
Author: Jodi Meadows
Publisher: HarperTeen
Release: January 29, 2013
Series: Incarnate
Pages: 416
Review: Four Stars

Asunder was really something. While I loved the first book, see my review here, I still enjoyed the book. The plot was slower and took longer to pick up, but the characters and background is still stellar. I had fantasy after fantasy about how the book would turn out, and not a single happened. It's not say that nothing happened, I'm saying something unexpected happened. It was the perfect ending for the book and leads perfectly into book three, Infinite, which comes out January 2014. While I didn't tear through the book, it built on a spectacularly immense world with ease. Nothing felt out of place or awkwardly inserted.

The main character is Ana. While she's determined not to be, as she's deemed it, a butterfly in book one, she proves it in book two. Ana does what she believes is right, even when no one stands by her side. Not once does she falter from her task of created a world safe for Newsouls like herself. When terrifying information is thrown her way, Ana uses it to her advantage and does all she can to come out on top. She has as many, or more, enemies then she does friends. At times she feels weak and hopeless, yet her friends are able to lift her up and remind her of her self-given duty. Her fear changes to hurt. Hurt changes to anger. Anger changes to hope. And hope, lights a match. She's a fierce protector of those she cares about and refuses to give up on them, even when it seems she's been betrayed.

The end of the book was a HUGE surprise. To make sure you read the book, I won't spoil it for you here, but oh my. It is amazing. The book is a bit of a struggle, but those last twenty pages are worth it. And even in the parts that seem slow or even forced, the writing itself is amazing. Jodi Meadows weaves an intricate story that even now I can't see the end of. Characters struggle and sacrifice. Ana constantly wavers between to sides of an equally difficult spectrum. Life and death are contemplated and the true meaning of immortality is revealed. Is immortal life worth it if someone else has to die?

Authors Are Rockstars Blog Tour Featuring C.C. Hunter!

Hello, and welcome to my stop on the Authors are Rockstars second annual blog tour! Check out this link for the other tour stops. Now let the fun begin!

I am happy to have my rockstar, C.C. Hunter on the blog today! My love for her cannot be expressed in words, but I'll try as hard as I can. She has written the spectacular YA series, Shadow Falls and it's spin-off Shadow Falls: After Dark, which comes out 2014. Her books are amazing! Along with being fun and entertaining, they're deep in ways that only YA can be. They have real life lessons that I know I'll carry with me. These are books that I recommend to everyone! I've loaned my copies to all my friends and have even bought the books for a couple. They're a treasure on my shelves and I have reread the books more times than I can count. The writing is spectacular. She writes from the POV of a teenage girl and it feels authentic. The emotions and actions seem real. I can get into her characters heads as easily as my own and was drawn in from page one. If you check out her blog (link at the bottom), then you can see that C.C. writes about all sorts of topics that engage her readers. For even more squeeing, because there's a lot, check out my reviews of Whispers at Moonrise, Chosen at Nightfall, and the whole Shadow Falls series!

Titles: Shadow Falls-(Novella) Turned at Dark, Born at Midnight, Awake at Dawn, Taken at Dusk, Whispers at Moonrise, (Novella) Saved at Sunrise, Chosen at Nightfall; Shadow Falls: After Dark-Reborn (April 15, 2014), Eternal (October 2014)

Author: C.C. Hunter

Publisher: Griffin Teen

Number of Books: Seven Books, Two Novellas

Character Interview with Kylie Galen

Isabel: You have become known as the resident matchmaker of Shadow Falls. What is your mindset on that and have you helped out any campers/students recently? *Cough*Della and Steve*Cough*

Kylie: I like helping people. Especially helping people find each other. But you know, I don’t’ offer advice as much as help them see what’s right for them. And I really think part of my quest was to get Holiday and Burnett together. Now, Della? What can I say? I’ll tell you what I told Steve. Della is a little difficult. I think most of Della’s problems are that she has been so hurt. And I don’t mean just by her old boyfriend, Lee. I suspect it involves her parents. She associates caring for someone as giving them the ability to hurt you. But my gut says that if C.C. has anything to do with it, Della will do some changing. Poor Della, she’s not much for change.

Isabel: Now that your series has ended, what do you see in your future?

Kylie: Well, I’m not riding off into the sunset. C.C. is writing Shadow Falls: After Dark and I’ll be there. After that, I’ve got big plans. After I finish high school here at Shadow Falls, I want to go to college and get a degree in psychology. My hope is that Miranda, Della and I will all go the same college. And of course, after that I want to get married, and if Holiday will have me, I want to come back and work at Shadow Falls.

Isabel: Could you believe the fact that both Lucas and Derek were interested in you? When did it suddenly become real that two guys liked you?

Kylie: No, I couldn’t believe it. You know, there was a time I thought it would be a dream come true to have two guys care that much about me , but I’ve learned it’s not so cool. I cared so much about both Derek and Lucas that it made it hard to decipher in the beginning who my heart really belonged to. Then it was as if someone turned on a switch inside me and I just knew who I was meant to be with. Love is crazy, isn’t it?

(Having never been in love, I cannot attest, but it sure seems so)

Isabel: What's the coolest part of being a Chameleon? The worst?

Kylie: This might not make sense, but the coolest and the worst thing about being a Chameleon is actually the same thing. Being a minority. You see, there’s this small part of me that likes being different, it makes me unique. And I think someday when I’m more comfortable in my own skin, when my self-confidence has outgrown my fear of being different, then I will revel in my uniqueness. But until that day happens, I often long to fit in. I want people to see me, not just gawk at my Chameleon pattern. I suppose it’s the same thing people of different nationalities feel. C.C. told me once about going to China to a small city where very few tourists travel. A child saw her and started screaming in fear because he thought she was white devil. While our differences are what makes us stand out, sometimes standing out can be scary even when you are considering the odd man out.

Isabel: Could you have predicted any part of how Chosen at Nightfall turned out?

Kylie: Oh, heck no. Even C.C. didn’t know how it was going to turn out. How could I know?

Isabel: Since Jenny and Hayden have both 'come out' as Chameleons, have you become less of a display case at Shadow Falls? 

Kylie: Yes, and I think that is part of what has helped me grow more comfortable. Of course, now poor Jenny is feeling it. And seeing her issues reminds me how important it is accept ourselves for who and what we are.

Isabel: Do you think other young Chameleons will soon join you at Shadow Falls?

Kylie: I hope so. But I do believe it will take a while. Not only has my kind adapted to hiding, and disguising ourselves for fear of persecution, but I think, in part, it is just our nature to do so. Sort of like some of the traits of the werewolves are loyalty and being less social, and vampires are out-going and yet a bit controlling, I think chameleons are inclined to blend in, and maybe even tend to hide our true nature from others. 

Isabel: Has dealing with ghosts gotten any easier and has another one popped up after the events in Chosen at Nightfall?

Kylie: Oh yes, just wait until you read Reborn. There are ghost issues in there as well. Poor Della just doesn’t handle it very well.

(Ooh, now you have me extra excited to read Reborn! Ghosts do seem to freak her out . . .)

Isabel: What have been some of your favorite experiences at Shadow Falls?

Kylie: Specifically…I guess I should say my kiss at the creek with Lucas. Oh, my, but that water was so cold and he was so hot. <blush, blush> In general, however, I think it is finding family. And I don’t just mean my dad, his adopted parents, or my real grandfather, I mean everyone at Shadow Falls. Della and Miranda, Holiday, Burnett. All of them have become family.

Isabel: Why do you think you clicked with your best friends at camp, Della and Miranda? And what aspects of them do you most enjoy or find most endearing?

Kylie: I sometimes wonder if I’d been placed with other Shadow Falls campers if I would have connected so strongly with two other girls. But I really don’t think so. Amazingly, I think C.C. knew the type of people to place me with. Roommates who challenged me, roommates whose flaws as well as gifts would help me recognize things about myself. Roommates who needed me as much as I needed them.

Bonus Question With Della

Isabel: Della, you're the main character in Shadow Falls: After Dark. Does that worry you and what adventures (romantic and otherwise) do you believe you have in store?

Della: It scares the s#%t out of me. I know C.C. is going to tell me I shouldn’t talk like that in interviews. But hey, it wasn’t my question, and I’m just being honest. Besides I’m kind of ticked at C.C. for doing this. She knows how I feel about everyone knowing my business. And right now she’s writing Reborn and you wouldn’t believe the crap I’m having to put up with! Seriously, she just finished a scene yesterday that left me unconscious. Me, unconscious? What the heck was she thinking? And then there’s Steve. He’s like thinking we’re together or something, but we’re not. Okay, fine, I’ve sort of been meeting him three of four nights a week and yes he’s stolen a kiss or two, but that doesn’t make us a ‘couple.’ And with everything I’ve got on my plate right now, he needs to give me a break. I need a slowdown. I need it really, really badly. Hey, maybe you could talk to C.C. for me. Help a girl out, would ya?

Isabel: I'll see if I can put in a kind word, but I doubt readers will want me to. I can't imagine you unconscious, but I'm sure it's for a really good reason. Thank you Kylie and Della for visiting and thank you C.C. for letting them come over to play! It was great having you. It's wonderful to be taking part in the Authors are Rockstars Blog Tour! Now, to count down the months until Reborn is released . . .

Cover Reveal: Through Glass by Rebecca Ethington

We are so excited to be able to bring to you the cover reveal for Rebecca Ethington’s THROUGH GLASS which releases in less than a month on September 20th, 2013.

Both the book’s cover and description are awesome and more than a little bit chilling and we cannot wait for its release.

If you’d like to know more about the author, Rebecca Ethington, be sure to check out her website, or any of the other places she hangs out online.

And if you can’t wait until September 20th for the release of THROUGH GLASS, the first book in her Imdalind series, KISS OF FIRE, is now available in eBook format for free at AMAZON, BARNES & NOBLE and for the KOBO.

We love the cover, but what do you think?

COMING SEPTEMBER 20TH, 2013

About THROUGH GLASS

Everyone remembers the day the sky went black. They remember the screams as the blackness ate those who were out in the open, those who surrounded themselves by light, and those who made noise.

Everyone remembers the voice from the sky, the way food disappeared.

Everyone remembers the day the sky went black, and the sun was wiped from the sky.

At least that’s what I hope. I hope that there is an ‘everyone’ that will remember.

I hope that I am not alone.

Because I remember.

I remember, because it was the day I became alone.

It was the day the house went silent, and the birds stopped singing. It was the day when everyone disappeared, everyone except the boy, the only person I have seen in two years.

The boy I talk to through the glass.

You Can Find it At:

GOODREADS

About Rebecca Ethington
Rebecca Ethington has been telling stories since she was small. First, with writing crude scripts, and then on stage with years of theatrical performances. The Imdalind Series is her first stint into the world of literary writing.

Rebecca is a mother to two, and wife to her best friend of 14 years. She was born and raised in the mountains of Salt Lake City, and hasn’t found the desire to leave yet. Her days are spent writing, running, and enjoying life with her amazing family.

You Can Find Her At:

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

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Book Club: Something Strange and Deadly Final Week!

This is the final week of the Something Strange and Deadly Book Club! I've had loads of fun participating and I hope you have too! I have this week's discussion question and my answer posted below. And remember, feel free to post YOUR answers in the comments!

“‘Eleanor, you have a choice,’ [Jie] said softly. ‘You always have a choice’” (p. 166, Something Strange & Deadly)

How do you think this quote relates to the overall theme of Something Strange and Deadly? Do you think Eleanor behaves as if she has a choice at the start of the book? What about at the end of the book? And do other characters behave as if they have a choice or do some see themselves as victims of circumstance?

I think Eleanor, on some level, always believes she has a choice. From page one, she is rebelling against her mother and finds interest in the Spirit Hunters. Eleanor chooses not to be a lady of high society, but a young woman who follows her passions and does what she believes is right. Not once does Eleanor give up nor back down. While lacking the physical strength characters like Daniel has, she has a fiery spirit that refuses to be left unheard. Eleanor is one of a kind and knows it full and well. While she may act like she doesn't have a choice at times to, in her mind, help her mother, every decision she makes is thought out and careful. Yet she often acts on impulses and gut reactions. She thinks of something and simply does it, no matter the repercussions.

I believe each character has their own circumstances with believing in choice. Daniel acts as if he always has, not just a choice, but the first and best choice. Yet we see as readers that Daniel still feels like the victim at times. In memory, Eleanor doesn't tend to see herself as a victim. Instead of feeling sorry for herself, she tries to make things better, which is a skill Daniel learns from her. Daniel stops seeing himself as the victim, but more as a human being who possesses the power to be an instrument of change.

Series Sunday: Angelfire Trilogy by Courtney Allison Moulton

Titles: Angelfire, Wings of the Wicked, Shadows in the Silence, Novella: A Dance With Darkness

Author: Courtney Allison Moulton

Publisher: Katherine Tegan Books

Number of Books: Three Books, One Novella

Review: Four stars

This series wasn't some "Oh my god, this was amazing!" series, but it was good. I read Angelfire and fell in love. It took me a while to get into Wings of the Wicked, but I ended up reading in a few hours once I did. I was excited to pick up Shadows in the Silence, but yet again, I didn't feel the incentive to pick it up. Eventually, I picked it up and loved it. I went out to lunch on the day I  was finishing it, and ended up reading under the table while everyone was talking and chanting "No. No. No!" again and again. So yes, they were compelling and fun, but they didn't scream "Read Me!"

The main character is Ellie. Her world is shaken up, turned upside-down, and left sideways over the course of the series. Yet through it all, Ellie stands up strong, solving, or stumbling on, one problem after another. Did I mention Ellie is an archangel in a human body? Well, she is. Evie is able to slay any demon with her sharp tongue, but she's not made to be a fighter, at first. By the end of the series I'm pretty sure I was screaming "Yes! Yes! Yes! Kick their butts!" at her. Evie that kind of heroin. She picks up on abilities easily, partially because she remembers them from her millions of past lives. Evie doesn't care what
anyone thinks, and isn't afraid to say so. Even when she's been ordered to stay away from the male protagonist, Will, she does as she wishes and doesn't take no as an answer. Despite what she's told, Evie knows that love makes her stronger and gives her another thing worth fighting for.

With each book, the plot starts slow, but picks up almost immediately. In short, it's like a freight train out of control. Each twist and turn in the plot bring new focus and meaning to the story. Relationships are made (and destroyed mercilessly by the author, thanks a lot). Not once is there hesitation. Events occur that many authors don't like to venture into. Characters die. You will most likely cry/scream/throw the book against the wall or some combination of the three while reading this series. It's really good and is painful in all the right ways. The heroine is not helpless and, while Evie does accept help, more often than not, she doesn't need it. Yet it's amazing that she has friends and loved ones (sobs) who are willing to throw themselves in front of her in the face of danger. It's well paced and doesn't once feel forced or cheesy. The reluctance keeps me from giving it a five, but everything else builds up to this story getting, and deserving, a strong four stars!

P.S. I couldn't help but squeal when I noticed that the necklace Ellie is wearing on Shadows in the Silence looks exactly like one I got at the Renaissance Fair a couple years ago!


Author Bio:

I was born in Austin, Texas on August 18, 1986 and grew up in Michigan. In the first few years of my life, my family bounced around several states until we finally settled in mid-Michigan. I was a Girl Scout who dabbled in gymnastics and volleyball until I discovered horseback riding and it quickly consumed my heart and soul. When I discovered the Goosebumps books in the third grade, I decided I wanted to be RL Stine when I grew up.

I own a horse (a Swedish warmblood mare named Pia) and my passion is hunter/jumpers. My other passion is photography, and if you don't see me on a horse, you will probably see me with a camera in my face. I collect 1980's My Little Ponies and Breyer model horses, own over 400 movies, love playing Pokemon and MarioKart, and dream about sneaking into the polar bear exhibit at the zoo some day.

When I was sixteen, I wrote a one-act play about violent vampires for my creative writing class that became my first novel. For NaNoWriMo in November 2008, I wroteANGELFIRE and signed with a literary agent in February of 2009. In November 2009, we sold the trilogy to Katherine Tegen Books, an imprint of HarperCollins. I am now represented by Rosemary Stimola of the Stimola Literary Studio.

You Can Find Her At:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

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Blog

YouTube

deviantART

Synopsis:

First there are nightmares. Then come the memories. Now she must hunt.

Ellie can’t shake the terrifying dreams about monstrous creatures that are hunting her, killing her. Then she meets Will and feels on the verge of remembering something just beyond her grasp. His attention is intense and romantic, and Ellie feels like her soul has known him for centuries. When they meet on a dark street at midnight, Will awakens Ellie’s power, and she knows that she can fight the creatures that stalk her in the grim darkness. Will holds the key to Ellie’s memories, whole lifetimes of them, and she can no longer pretend anything was just a dream.

Her role is to hunt and kill the reapers that prey on human souls. In order to survive, she must also hunt for the secrets of her past lives, the dangerous and ancient battle of the angels and the Fallen, and truths that may be too frightening to remember.

Angelfire is achingly romantic, terrifying, and filled with blistering action.

You Can Find Them At:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Incarnate by Jodi Meadows

Title: Incarnate
Author: Jodi Meadows
Publisher: HarperCollins Publisher/Katherine Tegen Books
Release: January 31, 2012
Series: Incarnate
Pages: 384
Review: Five stars

This book Blew. Me. Away! I can't believe how amazing it was! It's another one of those I've been putting off reading because it doesn't look like my style, boy, was I wrong! The world was amazing and the development was superb. I don't know why I didn't pick this up earlier. I read it during my trip to California during which I wasn't feeling much of the urge to read (I know, gasp!) but that book said "Read me" and so I did. I'm glad I've discovered another amazing author and am already digging in to book two, Asunder. High Fantasy is a really hard genre to write, due to the fact that you have to create a whole new world, but Jodi does it perfectly.

The main character is Ana. While most of the souls in her world have been reincarnated for five thousand years, she's a Newsoul. All her life, Ana's had to deal with loneliness and the abuse from her mother. Yet she starts the story curious and excited for a new life. Physically, Ana is very week. She is behind everyone else, who have years of learning. Yet Ana does everything she can not just to catch up, but to get ahead. She taught herself to read when her mother wouldn't. She taught herself to listen when speaking was still to difficult. A central theme of the story is music. Music brings Ana peace and comfort. Plus, she's really good. Ana is super talented and can show that, if only given the option. The reincarnated souls seem stalled. While things still happen, the people don't grow or change. Yet this is Ana's first time around. She's learning new things, knows how to feel, and has created more than a bit of chaos, which is exactly what these people need. She's told that a Nosoul can't feel emotions, but I believe that she can feel and feels more and is more passionately than any of the other characters. Ana is complex and new. The chaos she brings disrupts their lives, and I hope, with her help, these Oldsouls will learn how to change.

Honestly, Incarnate is like Graceling and The City of Ember had a baby. It has all the aspects of a High Fantasy novel, yet it still feels like it has some Dystopian aspects. The technology in the book is more advanced than ours. They live in a world where there are aspects like dragons and centaurs. But at the same time, the character's day to day life is much like ours. They go to the market, visit friends, and have fun. The plot is fast paced and loads of fun. This is definitely one of my favorite books of 2013. I give this book five stars! Now, on to reading Asunder!

Book Club: Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard Week Three

Welcome to week three of the Something Strange and Deadly Book Club! Next week I'll receive the final discussion question from the author, Susan Dennard. Read on for this week's question!

Eleanor finds herself more and more intrigued by (perhaps even attracted to) Daniel Sheridan, the inventor of the Spirit-Hunters. What is it about him that appeals to her? And vice versa, what do you think attracts Daniel to Eleanor?

Then there’s Clarence Wilcox, the seemingly perfect eligible bachelor. Why do you think Eleanor doesn’t like Clarence?

I think there are many reasons why Eleanor is attracted to Daniel by not Clarence. Reasons that revolve around all three of them. Note, that I haven't read the book in a while, so my details may be a little fuzzy.

I'll start with Eleanor. She is a very strong-willed person and is ahead of her time as far as feminism goes. Remember, the story takes place in the 19th century. Women haven't yet won their rights and are expected to be married off to the highest bidder. Eleanor wants more for herself and her abilities, and so she's not just going to go with the flow. While being with Clarence is what's expected of her, she wants to stand out, if only subconsciously. Whereas Daniel provides the perfect fit. Along with the fact that his personality matches hers perfectly (even if they don't realize it), Daniel embodies the forbidden aspect. He's the guy her mother would not approve of and therefor means that she's not complying with the rules and expectations. Daniel treats Eleanor as more than a piece of furniture and doesn't only ask her, but expects her to be able to take care of herself.

Daniel is also attracted to Eleanor. Why? Because Eleanor is a strong-willed female who doesn't take smack from no one. He likes that he can't push her around, even if he doesn't realize it. In a time when men are still viewed as the largely superior gender, Daniel wants an equal. Eleanor also embodies the forbidden aspect to him. No matter how broke her family is, Eleanor is still a part of high society. Daniel is much lower down on the food chain and many view him as a fool for messing around with the Dead. Eleanor simply isn't like the other women he knows, namely Jie, and so the fact that she's different draws him in. While she's not physically strong, Eleanor is, as stated before, extremely strong-willed and has a fiery temper.

The two of them are ahead of the times. They don't take smack-talk from anyone, they are anything but ignorant, face problems head-on, and view the other as an equal-despite social and gender differences. Eleanor doesn't look down on him and Daniel doesn't treat her like snob. The two are strong apart, but are even better together.

Series Sunday: Paranormalcy Trilogy by Kiersten White

Titles: Parnormalcy, Supernaturally, Endlessly
Author: Kierten White
Publisher: HarperTeen
Number of Books: Three
Review: Four Stars

These books were fun. There were one-linerers that were laugh-out-loud funny and I enjoyed reading them. The first book was definitely the best in the series. After I read Paranormalcy, I ended up putting down the series for a while. I eventually picked Supernaturally back up. It took two tries to pick it up and a third to get through it, but Supernaturally was worth it. The chapter names were hilarious, which sure helped. Finally, I picked up Endlessly and was reading full speed ahead. Again, I found it kind of slow, but the book was worth it. More than once in the series, I wanted to smack the characters upside the head/throw the book against the wall, but that's a good thing. Right?

The main character is Evie. She's got spunk. She's got enough sass to spread around. Evie is incredibly sarcastic and she knows it. Though she feels insecure like any other teenage girl, she also carries around a pink taser named Tasey. 'Nuff said. She's completely kick-a** when she wants to be, but it's due to an entire life of training. Evie can easily take down a rogue vampire or werewolf, as well as any crazy faery that comes in her path. The male protagonist Lend is an okay character. I feel like readers don't get enough about his past, but that might be because it took so long between books. I really want to smack him
sometimes, but he makes up for it. He looks out for Evie, even when she doesn't need it. Evie infuriated me at points, but in the grand scheme of things, I really loved her.

The series had an awesome start that, didn't necessarily go downhill, but kind of mellowed out. Characters were slightly flatter as the books went on. The ending though, was not what I expected. The books are fun and quirky, with a supernatural twist. I couldn't help but root for the characters in the end, which really says something. While I may not reread them, I definitely will not forget these books. Forgiveness and family were big themes in the books. And after reading them, I can tell that family doesn't necessarily mean blood. All in all, these books fully deserve these four stars!

Book Club: Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard Week Two

As you know from last week (if not check here for a full explanation), I am taking part in the Something Strange and Deadly book club for the month of August! It's loads of fun and has the option for prizes! Now on to this week's discussion question!

Q. Magic and ghostly elements frequent the Something Strange and Deadly series. Even though corpses do awaken from time to time and hauntings are hardly that uncommon, the people of Philadelphia seem determined to pretend the Dead are not a growing threat.

Do you think that’s part of human nature? To push on and ignore the danger at our door? Or do you think Philadelphia’s ignorance—or for that matter, any ignorance/false sense of safety in modern days as well—can be pinned on politicians? Can you think of any examples where something similar happened, but rather than the Dead, it was a natural disaster/growing crime rate/etc.?

A. I don't think it's human nature to avoid the painful and unknown. Many humans push to explore and discover, as seen throughout history. But we are discouraged from that path in life, especially in modern day. As children, we're told that we're not old enough to understand and that we'll understand "when we grow up". But what is that point? We are shielded from events that do not fit our liking, and so we can pretend that they do not exist. While politicians encourage us to forget about the disasters in the world and our own country, it is not only them. I believe we all are to blame for our ignorance. In trying to protect those we care about, we take away experiences, thoughts, and truth from them.

There are many examples of similar circumstances. Because we as humans shy away from the painful and filter what we see, we miss some very important things in today's world as well as it's history. A good example is Global Warming. Many people ignore or flat out refuse that it is happening, when all the science points to the fact that it is. These people do nothing to reduce their carbon footprint, and therefore put themselves and others in danger. Global Warming is the cause for things like hurricane Katrina and Super Storm Sandy. As the world heats up, we have more severe natural disasters. Water levels rise as the polar ice caps melt. Yet people who are ignorant or these facts, only make it worse. In any situation, be it Global Warming or the Dead, it is better to be educated instead of ignorant. Acceptance instead of refusal. It is important to keep that in mind in the worlds of fiction and reality. In the story, the characters are raised to be ignorant of the fact that the Dead are rising. It is not something that they simply ignore because of human nature. But when people realize that something fishy is going on, people do something. People make changes, speak out, and help others. That, is human nature.

Review Tour: The Emblazoned Red by Dawn McCollough-White

Title: The Emblazoned Red
Author: Dawn McCollough-White
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Release: May 30, 2013
Series: Trilogy of the Tyrant
Pages: 236
Review: Four Stars

I, uh, this book was . . . interesting. Having read none of the author's previous work I didn't know what to expect of the story. The writing itself was very good and the plot was well done. I neglected reading it for a while, but when I started, I was able to finish in an evening. The book is the first in a spin-off standalone series of the Trilogy of Shadows. The story itself isn't very deep or intricate, at least from what I could tell, but it was interesting and deep enough that it could hold my attention for the length of the story. Some aspects really had me thinking after I finished, mainly the characters.

The main character is Ilka. She's a paladin and lives in a world with all sorts of monsters and beings, as well as all sorts of politics we have to deal with. Her character stands out to me partially because she was one of the few that I saw in more than one dimension. I honestly enjoyed reading her story. She has an interesting history that I wish was a bit more detailed, but added to the story none-the-less. The other character who I enjoyed was Nate. By the way his character is, I can imagine him in his twenties at most. But he's actually much older, which makes his relationship with Ilka slightly . . . odd. While I like them together, it's often considered scandalous in society. Don't get me wrong, he's funny and caring and nice, he's just not my top pick. Of the other characters, I got a feel for one of Ilka's fellow paladin's Raven, as well as the King. Some side characters that I believe either A) played a big part in the original series or B) will play a big part in this series were also introduced. The was a vampire named Augustine, who I found slightly confusing and odd. Then there's Sylian. I like him and hope to see more of him in future books. Cameo is also introduced, and she happened to be the main character in the original series. I'm definitely going to have to go and read those books to get her backstory.

The writing of this book was immaculate. I loved how the author gave some characters accents. The backstory of this magical world that she's created is very cool, and I hope to learn more about it. While the book wasn't my favorite, and was even painful at parts, it was a good book. I may not be rereading it a million times like some others I own, but it won't be forgotten either. It was a nice middle ground book. I didn't hate it by any means, but I didn't love and adore it either. Being that I don't find many middle ground books, it was a nice change. The book gets a solid four stars.

The Blog is One Year Old!

That's right! August 11 was the blog's first birthday. That means, that it's time to celebrate! So put on your party hats, grab some cake and ice cream, sit back, and relax. There's loads of fun stuff ahead, so read on!

Stats:
The blog has been around for a year, and while it hasn't blown anything out of the water, the page views and retweets have astounded me! With the help of people sharing on Facebook, Tweeting on Twitter, etc, the blog has been noticed more and more. As of now there are:
5678 Page Views
86 Posts
69 Reviews
371 Tweets
62 Followers
16 Comments
94 Facebook Posts
31 Page Likes
10 Instagram Posts
8 Instagram Followers
And Countless Likes, Favorites, Replies, Retweets, and Comments on all networks!

Check out these links to the blog's various social outlets and share them with friends when your done!
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Upcoming Events:
If you've followed the blog, then you'll notice that I've recently started doing more than just reviewing. So far, I've done 5 cover reveals, 1 blog tour, 2 Book Blitz, 1 Unhinged Speculation, and (as of later today) 2 Book Clubs. Most of this has happened within the last couple weeks. I am now constantly signing up for various book tours and cover reveals. Here's a schedule for the upcoming events so far:

August 13, 2013-The Emblazoned Red Review Tour
August 30, 2013-Authors Are Rockstars Tour Stop With CC Hunter

September 3, 2013-Sweet Legacy by Tera Lynn Childs Book Blitz

As more events trickle in, I'll hopefully make and add them to an events page on the blog. I also have received an ARC of Angel Fever by L.A. Weatherly and will be reviewing that ASAP!

Fun Stuff:
Here's the fun stuff! Below I have a giveaway for:
1 copy of Darkness Before Dawn by J.A. London, which you can see my review of HERE.
1 signed copy of The Circle of Friends Book 1 Lori by L. Diane Wolfe, with swag. And yes, I said signed!
Various swag for The Circle of Friends series.
Enjoy!

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Darkness Before Dawn:

The war is over. The humans lost. And in the shattered world that arises, the vampires are king. They rule over the remaining walled cities with an iron fist, none more terrifying than Lord Valentine. His concern is with blood and blood alone, and seeing that it is ‘donated’ on time.

It’s Dawn Montgomery’s duty to ensure the safety of her fellow humans within the city, but also to serve as Delegate to Lord Valentine. She is the conduit between the two worlds, the human and vampire, and the youngest to ever do so.

But when Lord Valentine’s son, Victor, steps into her life, everything changes. She assumes he wants her blood, like all vampires. But he’s after more: her heart.

The Circle of Friends-Lori:

Driven by Olympic dreams! To the outside world, Lori Anders has it all. The only child of affluent parents, she is a gifted swimmer with Olympic dreams. Armed with a winning attitude and genuine spirit, Lori appears destined for success. Yet despite her certainty in the pool, something inhibits Lori from achieving her full potential. Her focus on swimming has left little time for relationships. Lacking in confidence, Lori's light has few opportunities to shine. When an altercation with the school bullies brings her to the attention of the star quarterback, Lori finds herself in a unique position. Jason's affections renew her hope and force the shy swimmer out of her comfort zone. But, will it be enough to achieve her lifelong dream? Described as "encouragement personified", Wolfe's five-book Southern-based series portrays love and friendship overcoming all obstacles.

Series Sunday: The Demon Trappers Daughter Series by Jana Oliver

Titles: The Demon Trappers Daughter, Soul Thief, Forgiven, and Foretold
Author: Jana Oliver
Publisher: St. Martin's Griffin
Number of Books: Four
Review: Four Stars

I enjoyed these books. It took me a couple tries to get into them, but I was intrigued from the moment I saw the title and synopsis. It looked fun, quirky, and interesting-which it was. As the series progresses, each book is better than the last. I enjoyed each book more and read each one faster. What's interesting is the plot layout of the series. The first three are regular buildup and then final event, but then book three ends with a cliffhanger that left me going "What? I
thought this was a trilogy!" So I looked it up and ordered the fourth book, Foretold, from the library. There was no contest about it, I enjoyed it infinitely more than the other three. But there was one odd part. Foretold is like a really long denouement up until the last maybe third of the book. It's the characters figuring things out and resolving issues. They live in Atlanta, but travel to a small town farther south. When they get back, everything has gone to Hell in a hand basket, quite literally. It was an interesting plot twist and I enjoyed getting to know the male protagonist as well as his background more in this story.

The main character is Riley Blackthorn. She's a demon trapper for a living, and crazy things, well, crazier than normal, start to happen to her after her father dies. In the stories, she matures and grows by leaps and bounds. She's the only
woman in the trapping business, as well as one of the youngest. Because of that, she is treated like a child by many and even scorned by others for entering a job that has been all male for a long time. Yet Riley stands tall and doesn't crumble beneath the pressure. She makes mistakes, like anyone else. Though our problems are *slightly* different, I can still relate to Riley and her predicament. She's a likable character that I can't help but root for, through the good and the bad, the calm and the crazy, the sunshine and the storm. She makes some decisions that make me want to bang my head against the wall, but she learns from them and makes a better one the next time. The male protagonist Denver Beck, though everyone calls him Beck. This. Boy. Makes. Me. Want. To. Smash. My. Head. Against. A. Brick. He is difficult, not understanding in the least, and secretive about things he doesn't need to be. He
treats Riley like a child and pushes her away for the longest time. Though she makes her own choices, him pushing her away lead her to some of them. By the end of the series, Beck is a decent guy and I like him, but if only he could have been that way throughout the books. I like how he also has his weaknesses, which will not be disclosed in case of spoilers. Yet he learns to overcome and deal with these weaknesses, which is the best someone can do. Riley also a witchy friend named Ayden and a necromancer who she eventually becomes friendly with, Mortimer. The two of them are fun side characters that I adore and wish there was more of in the story.

The story is fun and easy. Many characters have heavy accents (Scottish, Southern, etc) which can make the dialogue hard to read, but it's fun decoding it as well. The reader sees strengths and weaknesses in everyone, and all the characters grow past their initial judgment. I wasn't sitting on the edge of my seat in anticipation, but I wasn't leisurely strolling through the book either. It was a nice fast pace with just enough plot twists to keep it interesting. Overall, I enjoyed this series and may one day read it again. It gets a solid four stars.

Poison Princess by Kresley Cole

Title: Poison Princess

Author: Kresley Cole

Publisher: Simon and Schuster

Release: October 2, 2012

Series: The Arcana Chronicles

Pages: 369

Review: Five Stars

I can't even explain my feelings after ending this book. It's currently late at night and I should be asleep, but I don't know if I can until I get everything written down. The book was SO good. It took me about a week to read due to summer camp, but I'm almost glad it did. The book was good and interesting from page one, but with everything else going on, I couldn't force myself to sit down and read it. I finished it this evening and cannot get it off my mind. To say the least, the ending rocked! If it wasn't for the last couple chapters, the book would have gotten a four star review. But because of what occurred, I can't not give it five stars! The tension until that point is insane, and the reader's just waiting for something to happen. For the entire book, I was waiting for it to happen, but was almost sure it wouldn't because of how other books have played out. The event happening not only surprised, but delighted me.

The main character is Evie Green. She is pretty awesome. I love how, for once, the main character is the one with the secrets, not the male lead. I actually really can't stand the male protagonist, Jack. He's annoying, selfish, overconfident, and slightly sexist. But Jack gets better in time. I can give him a bit of leeway due to the fact that most of the story is post-apocoliptic and he's simply trying his best to survive, but dear god, could he be quiet and accept that Evie knows what she's doing and isn't useless for once? Jack treats her as if she's inept and stupid, which she's not. By the end of the book, she's, hopefully, proven that to him. Evie is mega-powerful, even though she resists it for most of the book. She's a fun character to be inside the head of, due to the fact that multiple people in her life think that she's insane. Evie is unwaveringly loyal and if I were ever in trouble, I'd want her on my side. She doesn't exactly grow more powerful, but she accepts herself more and more as the plot goes on. She's fascinated with people that other see only as evil. While she judges quickly, she also changes her judgement frequently as her view of the character changes. For example, she hates Jack at first but eventually grows to love him. The character Death fascinates me, along with Evie, and I can't wait to see more of him and his background in book two. Life as Evie knew it changed multiple times throughout the book, but she takes it all in stride and never strays from what she's set her sights on.

I still can't get over this book. It's fun, it's different, and it's interesting. It deals with the tarot cards, which has never been the main focus of any other books I've read. It's a journey that I'd love to take over and over again. Very rarely do I wish I could forget I read a book, only so that I could read it again. I enjoyed this book and will reread it more times than I can count. The characters are quirky. The plot is fast. The action, and romance, is intense. The tension is off-the-charts. Not to mention it, but have you seen the cover? It's beautiful and I can't get enough of it. This book was amazing and a read I fully recommend. You will not regret reading it. The sequel, Endless Knight, comes out on October 1, which cannot come soon enough. What's fun, is that the title of both books totally make sense after reading Poison Princess and the synopsis of Endless Knight. I'm glad it took me so long to pick up and then read Poison Princess, if only so that I don't have to wait as long for Endless Knight. It's a sassy, sensual journey that lives on past the page and will keep you up at night, wanting to figure out what'll happen next. Read the book and tell me what you think of it in the comments!

Book Club: Something Strange and Deadly by Susan Dennard

I am happy to be taking part in Susan Dennard's Book Club for Something Strange and Deadly & A Darkness Strange and Lovely. Each Monday of August, she's giving us a (non-spoilery) discussion question for each book. Since I haven't been able to get my hands on a copy of A Darkness Strange and Lovely yet, I'll answer the question for Something Strange and Deadly.

Eleanor’s mother expects a lot from poor El. She wants Eleanor to marry and save the family from financial ruin (despite the fact that Eleanor is only 16), she wants Eleanor to become friends with the rich “cool” kids (like Allison or the Virtue Sisters), and she wastes money the Fitt family doesn’t have on new gowns and fancy house decor. She demands Eleanor behave according to “proper etiquette” and squeeze into a corset that deforms her ribs.

Question: Do you think, given the time period, Mrs. Fitt is justified in her demands on Eleanor? Why or why not?

My Answer: I think that, given the time period, Mrs. Fitt's actions are not justified, but are within the social norm. Mothers expected their daughter(s) to grow up, marry a rich man, and have children. The time frame of the book is also at the point where, while change hasn't happened, the world is on the brink of it. With that in mind, I believe that Eleanor should be given more freedom. I would hope that Mrs. Fitt would let Eleanor make her own decisions and trust her to make the right ones as well as some mistakes. Eleanor is too young to have the entire fate of the family upon her shoulders. Mrs. Fitt should instead take control, stop spending money on useless things, and face the facts. The family is more or less broke. She expects Eleanor to do her job. Women had a very specific role until the time came when there were women who challenged that role. I believe that Eleanor is one of those women and that Mrs. Fitt is just going to have to get over it.

What do you think? Put your answer in the comments! Check out Susan's blog for the other discussion question!

http://susandennard.com/2013/08/05/something-strange-deadly-book-club-week-1/

Author Bio:

I’m a 28-year-old reader, writer, lover of animals, and eater of cookies. I used to be a marine biologist, but now I write novels. And not novels about fish either, but novels about kick-butt heroines and swoon-worthy rogues (I really like swoon-worthy rogues).

I live in the Midwestern US with my French husband and Irish setter, and you can learn more about my crazy thoughts and crippling cookie-addiction on twitter, facebook, or Goodreads.

My debut, Something Strange and Deadly,  is now available from HarperTeen, and you will never believe how happy this makes me!

Something Strange and Deadly:
There’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…

The year is 1876 and Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—
The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.

And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.
Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.

A Darkness Strange and Lovely:

With her brother dead and her mother insane, Eleanor Fitt is alone. Even the Spirit-Hunters—Joseph, Jie, and the handsome Daniel—have fled to Paris. So when Eleanor hears the vicious barking of hounds and see haunting yellow eyes, she fears that the Dead, and the necromancer Marcus, are after her.

To escape, Eleanor boards a steamer bound for France. There she meets Oliver, a young man who claims to have known her brother. But Oliver harbors a dangerous secret involving necromancy and black magic that entices Eleanor beyond words. If she can resist him, she’ll be fine. But when she arrives in Paris, she finds that the Dead have taken over, and there’s a whole new evil lurking. And she is forced to make a deadly decision that will go against everything the Spirit-Hunters stand for.

In Paris, there’s a price for this darkness strange and lovely, and it may have Eleanor paying with her life.

Perfect for readers Libba Bray’s The Diviners and Cassandra Clare’s Clockwork Angel series, this spellbinding sequel to Something Strange and Deadly delivers a mix of intrigue, supernatural forces, intense romance, and revenge, all set against the enchanting backdrop of nineteenth-century Paris.

Cover Reveal: Chaos by Christine O'Neil

HTML For Cover Reveal

Today Christine O’Neil and Entangled Teen Ember are revealing the cover for book 1 in The Kardia Chronicles Series, CHAOS.
Coming out this August!

On to the reveal!

 

Blurb:

My name is Maggie Raynard. After sixteen years being just plain me, suddenly I can kill people when I lose my temper. Turns out I'm a semi-god, descended from Aphrodite. Sounds cool in theory, but when I accidentally put my ex-boyfriend in a coma, things go downhill pretty fast.

Now some new guy named Mac Finnegan has made it his mission in life to continually piss me off. I'm stuck learning how to use my new powers while also dealing with regular high school problems, and with this---annoying and super-hot---guy all up in my business, I'm about to flip out.

But it gets worse. I just learned there's this council for semis that wants me dead. They think I'm bad to the bone and when my ex suddenly dies, it's like everyone is determined to take me out. Mac might turn out to be my only salvation, but he's got secrets of his own---that may just kill us both.

Goodreads/Amazon/Barnes & Noble/Kobo/iBooks

Exclusive Excerpt

I was done with guys.

Not in that fake, I-say-that-but-deep-down-I-really-want-a-boyfriend kind of way, but in, like, the seriously-I'd-rather-eat-maggoty-cheese kind of way. No relationships. Not for me. Not now and maybe not ever. Who I am…what I am, and what I’m capable of? Everyone’s better off this way.

"I have to stop at my locker real quick," I said, veering to the right and cutting through the crush of kids heading straight like wildebeests to a watering hole. Libby followed and then stood by me as I fiddled with the lock.

"What's that?" She pointed to a white piece of paper sticking out half an inch from one of the slots in the olive metal door.

I tugged the padlock open and flicked the catch with my thumb. "Dunno." Maybe Bink had left me another note. Bink was my neighbor, bud, and—most days—my ride home. Last time I’d found a note in my locker, it was when his cell phone died and he needed to bail early. I seriously hoped this wasn’t a repeat performance.

I mentally ran down the list of people I could bug for a ride and came up empty. Libby always had to stay after for some activity or another, and I only really had two other people I could call "friends" and neither lived near me. I wrinkled my nose in anticipation of the dirty-sneakers-meets-day-old-bologna smell of a bus filled with kids who'd had last-period gym and opted not to change clothes. 

With a sigh, I pulled open the door and the white rectangle floated to the floor.

Libby bent to grab it and read it out loud. "'Dear Sad and Lonely…'" She trailed off and went quiet 

for a few seconds until her peachy complexion went hot pink, and then she gasped. "Oh my God. 

Holy… Oh, Mags, you are so not going to like this."

I snatched the paper from her, trying to ward off the growing pit in my gut.

Dear Sad and Lonely,

Since I can almost guarantee She is about to give you some seriously shite advice like she does every week, let me be the voice of reason. Your boyfriend is just like most high school guys. Cut him some slack and, even better, why not offer to learn how to play some of the games he likes? He'd probably appreciate the effort and might even take you somewhere nice after. If that doesn't work, sit him down and let him know how you're feeling so he can tell you what's going on with him. Could be that constantly calling the things he likes stupid isn't the best way to get what you want in this situation, yeah? In any case, don't let the ramblings of some bitter emo chick who's probably never had a boyfriend ruin your relationship.

Hope it helps,

He

The shock was too thick to let the anger in right away, but as stunned as I was, I knew exactly who was behind this. There was only one person in the whole school who would use the word “shite.”

Mac Finnegan.

Opinionated, annoying, hot—did I mention annoying?—Mac Finnegan, who had barely given me the time of day since he'd come to Crestwood High a couple months ago. Mac Finnegan, who thought he was soooo cool with his Irish accent and his mocking smile. Mac Finnegan, who inexplicably made me want to lick him like an ice cream cone and then immediately rinse my mouth out with acid.

How had he discovered my secret? Only Bink and Libby knew I was the girl behind “That's What She Said,” and I would have bet everything I owned that neither of them would have ratted me out.

Didn’t matter, though. One way or another, he knew. Even worse, he'd chosen to taunt me with it. Bitter emo chick who’s probably never had a boyfriend, indeed. I had a boyfriend once and it hadn’t ended well for either of us. I was in no rush to repeat the experience. Besides, what did this Irish asshat care?

Anger tightened my chest. I could feel the power rising in me, clawing to get out, roaring to be heard. The hair on my arms stood on end as I tried to breathe through it, to let the fury dissipate and flow out of my pores in harmless pings of energy, but it was no use. I pressed a hand to my locker and opened up the tiniest of escape valves, the spout of the teakettle, whistling off a stream of steam. The cheap metal instantly heated against my skin, the door buckling and warping on the spot just beneath my fingertips.

"Uh, Mags—" Libby whispered urgently, but a male voice cut her off.

"How's it going there, Libby? Maggie."

I turned around, still trying to catch my breath, and there he was, strolling by, a grin splitting his sinfully beautiful face.

Mac Finnegan, who had decided that being the new kid wasn't bad enough, so he had to actively go out of his way to make enemies. Mac Finnegan, who wanted to turn my world upside down rather than minding his own business. Mac Finnegan, who didn't know the meaning of live and let live.

Mac Finnegan, who clearly had no idea who he was fucking with.

About Christine:

Christine O'Neil was born and raised in Connecticut, where she spent most of her childhood outdoors catching salamanders, frogs and colds. When she wasn't terrorizing Mother Nature, she was curled up under the covers with her nose in a book. As an adult, she's stopped stalking amphibians, but still loves books. When she isn't reading, she likes to spend her time people-watching. In fact, she's probably watching you RIGHT NOW O_O She's also pretty obsessed with writing YA books, but if she had to pick another profession she would be a ninja...or a Professor of the Dark Arts. 

You Can Find Her At:
Website/Twitter/ Goodreads

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Book Tour: Over the Rainbow by Brian Rowe

Thank you for joining me on my stop of the book tour for Over the Rainbow! Below is my review. I am lucky to also have an interview with the author, Brian Rowe. There's a giveaway for some awesome prizes at the bottom. Read on and enjoy!

Title: Over the Rainbow
Author: Brian Rowe
Release: August 6, 2013
Pages: 147 (e-format)
Review: Five Stars!

Over the Rainbow was a fun, interesting, cute novel. It was a quick read that I couldn't put down. The characters are spunky, the plot is well-done, and it's filled with humor. To get an idea of the story, imagine a cross between The Wizard of Oz and Jurassic Park. An unlikely cross that make for a very good story. Anyone who knows the plot and characters of The Wizard of Oz can accurately predict the course of the book, but it's still very fun to watch it pan out before your eyes. Over the Rainbow takes place in 1999, but it addresses issues we still have in today's society. It shows the character's development and how they deal with these issues remarkably well. I was intrigued when I read the synopsis and the story did my hopes justice.

The main character is named Zippy. I can't believe she put up with her home life for as long as she did. Zippy is lesbian, and when her father sends her to an anti-gay camp, she sneaks off in someone else's suitcase to see the girl she's in love with. Throughout the course of the book, Zippy shows courage and loyalty. The friends she meet on the journey are ones that she won't give up on. Each character resembles a character from The Wizard of Oz. They're remarkably personified and endlessly adorable. I love the characters with all my heart.

The story is done in an interesting way, each section having a date above it, almost like a diary. It's a very quick read that will leave readers wanting more. The ending, while concrete, leaves room for imagination. The story itself is kinda cheesy, but the good kind. It makes me giggle and I feel each emotion that Zippy does. I dug into the story and didn't stop until I'd finished. I will must likely read it again and enjoy it just as much. The story leaves almost nothing unsolved. The characters are constantly contemplating what is real and what isn't, giving them deeper meaning. I can relate to the characters and enjoy them. It's a quirky, cute story that everyone will enjoy! The story is fully deserving of it's five stars.

Interview With Brian Rowe:

Q. What are some things that provided inspiration for Over the Rainbow?

A. Over the Rainbow, a book that incorporates a love story, loads of action, the rapture, dinosaurs, and The Wizard of Oz, started with one simple idea. What if a gay teenaged girl escaped from her bigoted father by packing herself into a large box and mailing herself across the country, all the way to her true love? This nugget of an idea stuck with me for a few years, and I'd always been meaning to explore it. It wasn't until I told the concept to Shaunta Grimes (author of Viral Nation) in January 2012 that I started getting more excited about turning it into a book. 

Shaunta was so enthused about the project that she started working with me on it almost every day in spring 2012, allowing me to toss ideas off her. She helped me conclude that putting her on an airplane would be more interesting than herjust getting packed away in a mailing box. And she also helped me with the apocalyptic elements of the scary new world I introduce in the book. I'll never forget the look on her face when I told her I wanted to incorporate dinosaurs into the plot. The book was already getting a little crazy, and then I made it even more nutso by introducing the living, breathing dinos. I really wanted to be the first author to mix an LGBT coming-of-age story with a Jurassic Park-like action adventure. Lo and behold, Over the Rainbow was born.

Q. Which part of Over the Rainbow was the most fun to write?

A. The most fun scene to write in Over the Rainbow? Wow, that's a tough one. There are so many scenes I had a crazy amount of fun writing. You might think the more action-packed scenes toward the end would have been the most fun to write, but actually those were the most difficult, especially when I had to figure in six characters. I love the first scene, but first scenes are always hard because it's the one you obsess over the most; it's the one that needs to draw readers in so with each subsequent book I write the very first scene always gives me more and more anxiety. I would say the most fun scene to write in the book was the Alice in Wonderland dream scene. It makes me smile every time I read it, and I hope you all like it, too!

Q. What inspired you to be a writer?

A. I have been in love with storytelling ever since I was a kid. I can't remember a day in my life that I didn't have a desire to read books, watch movies, and tell stories. I love to create new three-dimensional characters that come alive on the page. I like to imagine what I would do in certain situations, and then have my character live through them. Every time I receive a glowing review from a reader who took a few hours out of their day or week to spend a little time in one of my worlds, that makes all the difference, too. Writing isn't easy, and it's rewarding when you see that the story is working for your readers. Ultimately I feel like I was put on this Earth to be a storyteller, and I never want to step away from that for as long as I live. 

Q. Over the Rainbow touches many topics that are touchy in today's society, were you worried about how readers might react?

A. I knew from the beginning that Over the Rainbow was probably going to be polarizing to readers. Over the Rainbow deals heavily in homosexuality, religion, dinosaurs, and more. There's a lot going on, and it's one of those books that you either go with, or you don't. I don't think Zippy being gay will be an issue for any of the readers, but the focus on her father's religious bigotry might rub some readers the wrong way. I just felt his character trait was important for this book, and for the arc he goes through later in the book. I'm not a very religious person myself, so that element of the book was borderline scary for me to write, but I'm glad it's a part of this very ambitious book. 

Q. If given the option, would you rewrite or redo anything you've published?

A. Not really. I think like Woody Allen, the great film director who has been making a film a year since the late 1960's, and who never looks back on anything he's done before. Each book I write is its own experience, and once it's done, I don't like to look back at it, or even think about it much. I've spent a long time with Over the Rainbow, close to a year and a half, but I'm finally in the process of letting it go, and focusing solely on the next work. 

Q. Over the Rainbow has many topics that readers can relate to. How does it feel to know people will read your story and think "I know how ____ feels." or "I get treated the same as ____."

A. I would love for readers to identify with one or more of the characters in the book. Of course gay readers, young and old will be able to identify with Zippy and Frankie, but I imagine straight readers will see themselves in these characters, too. They're gay, but the book isn't really about them being gay—they just are. And then there's Mr. Balm, who older readers will identify with because his goal is to make sure the young kids around him stay out of harm's way. There's Elle, the seven-year-old, who I imagine every reader will understand, given that she's probably the most scared when the mean, green dinosaurs attack. And finally, there's Raymond, the true villain of the book. I'm hoping parents will see the ultimate extreme of how a parent can treat his gay daughter, and make sure to always be loving and thoughtful toward a gay child no matter what. 

Q. Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

A. When I wrote my first novel, Slate, in the spring of 2010, I didn't have a clue what I was doing. Looking back on the actual writing in that novel today is like sticking a fork through my eyes, but without that book, I wouldn't have learned all that I have in the three years since. You become a better writer by writing. So my advice would be to write every day. Even if it's just a few hundred words. Try to write every single day. That's the best advice any writer can give to someone who's looking to start.  

Q. What are some of your favorite novels, as a child and now?

A. My favorite book of all time is Boy's Life, by Robert R. McCammon. I read it in the summer of 2000, before my sophomore year of high school, and no book I've read before or since has put me under its spell like that one. I have given it to friends, I have talked it up in writing classes, I have preached the greatness of this wonderful novel to anyone and everyone who will listen. If you've never heard of it, or of Robert McCammon, I implore you to check it out. You won't be disappointed! 

Q. What are you working on now? Can readers expect to ever hear another story about Zippy and her friends?

A. I am currently working on three upcoming books. The first, Crashing Into You, is my first New Adult novel, and I will be self-publishing it in November. It's a contemporary romance with a trace of mystery and intrigue. The second, Magic Hour, is my first gay young adult novel to focus on a gay male, and it tells of a wedding videographer who accidentally makes a bride and groom disappear. This book is currently out to literary agents. The third book, The First Day, I completed the first draft over about a week ago. This book tells of a romance that blossoms between two gay boys over the course of 12 years. Think that book One Day, but with a gay relationship. I also have a sinister young adult thriller in the works, as well as my first literary adult novel, which will be based on a short film I made in college. Both of these I will be starting in 2014. 

Over the Rainbow is unique in that there are so many directions I could take it in a sequel. I love the idea of doing a second one from Mira's perspective, since she's a character we barely get to know in the first book. I also like the idea of writing a book about Frankie's life growing up in Florida, as well as a book about Mr. Balm's backstory. Ultimately, here's the deal. Me writing a sequel to Over the Rainbow entirely depends on the response and sales I get on Over the Rainbow. If the readers are there, and if they demand it, I'd love to write a sequel to Over the Rainbow down the road. But let's get the first book out, and see what everyone thinks.

I sure hope everyone enjoys it! Thank you for taking time to write the books and to stop at the blog!