Friday, December 21, 2012

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays!

In case the world doesn't end today...have a great holiday season. December 25th is Christmas, but it's also the day that marks 6 months from my book release date. Wooowee!

I'm going to take a short blog break but I'll be back in two weeks with a giveaway announcement. I'll still be on twitter and facebook though, so if you miss me you can find me there!

Back January 7th! Have a happy and safe New Year and see you in 2013!




 

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

ARC Spotlight – THE ART OF WISHING by Lindsay Ribar


 
 

He can grant her wishes, but only she can save his life.

Margo McKenna has a plan of attack for everything, from landing the lead in her high school musical to dealing with her increasingly absent parents. But when she finds herself in possession of a genie's ring and the opportunity to make three wishes, she doesn't know what to do. Especially since Oliver--not blue-skinned, not bottle-dwelling, but a genie nonetheless--can see more than what she's willing to show him. With one peek into her mind, he can see the wishes that even Margo herself doesn't know she wants.

But Oliver comes with more than just mind-reading abilities, a flair for magic, and the prettiest eyes Margo's ever seen. Someone from his past is hunting him--someone bent on killing him, along with all the other genies in the world, for the sake of honor. And as Margo soon discovers, it will take more than three wishes to save him. A whole lot more.

Recommended for fans of: YA contemporary with a dash of magic.

Okay, the first thing you need to be prepared for with this book is to imagine over and over what you would wish for if you had a genie readily available to grant three wishes. As the MC, Margo debates, so will you, adding to the reading enjoyment.

This book was a really fast read. Margo is funny and likeable. I also liked how the magical plot is balanced with Margo’s home life and her having trouble adjusting to a new family dynamic. The romance is front and center, but it’s not too gooey like some YA books.

THE ART OF WISHING is now available for pre-order and will be released March 21st, 2013.
 

Monday, December 17, 2012

ARC Spotlight – ACID by Emma Pass


 

In Jenna’s world, ACID – the most brutal, controlling police force in history – rule with an iron fist. And it was ACID agents who locked Jenna away for life, for a bloody crime she struggles to remember.

But Jenna’s violent prison has taught her a thing or two about survival. And when a mysterious rebel group breaks her out, she must use her strength, speed and skill to stay one step ahead.


Recommend for fans of: YA dystopian, Sci-fi, Thrillers

This fast-paced dystopian has a very 1984 “big brother” feel, but definitely with an updated kick-ass heroine. The world building is great…just like with any good dystopian you can see how society became the way it did. I also loved the plot progression…everything flowed along really well from one tense situation to another. It also wrapped everything up nice and neat with a hint of trouble that could be a second book.

ACID is now available for pre-order and will be released April 25th.

Also, head over to the Lucky 13s blog to check out our opening lines from each of our novels…mine is about half-way down the list!

Back Wednesday with another ARC Spotlight.

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

Win a Nook!

Check out this awesome Class of 2K13 year end giveaway and enter to win a Nook!

 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Monday, December 10, 2012

How IN THE AFTER is Unique



Want to know how IN THE AFTER is different from other books out there? Of course you do! Head over to The Class of 2K13 site to check out my newest blog entry. While you're at it, enter to win a nook as well!

 

Friday, December 7, 2012

ARC Spotlight – THE CADET OF TILDOR by Alex Lidell


 
Tamora Pierce meets George R. R. Martin in this smart, political, medieval fantasy-thriller.

There is a new king on the throne of Tildor. Currents of political unrest sweep the country as two warring crime families seek power, angling to exploit the young Crown's inexperience. At the Academy of Tildor, the training ground for elite soldiers, Cadet Renee de Winter struggles to keep up with her male peers. But when her mentor, a notorious commander recalled from active duty to teach at the Academy, is kidnapped to fight in illegal gladiator games, Renee and her best friend Alec find themselves thrust into a world rife with crime, sorting through a maze of political intrigue, and struggling to resolve what they want, what is legal, and what is right.


This is the best fantasy novel I’ve read in a while. It has all the things you’d expect from a good fantasy: mages, sword fights, royal intrigue, and plenty of plot twists. It also has a kick-ass MC, Renee. What sets it apart for me is that Renee has flaws, which makes her relatable to the reader. In the beginning of the book, she’s stubborn and willful and only sees the world in black and white. This allows for her character to grow through the book, giving her depth. She never loses her willfulness, but begins to see the complexities of her situation and begins to understand that not everything is black and white. I love when an MC not only goes on a journey, but also grows as a character.

 I also found the lack of romance refreshing. That’s not to say the Renee isn’t attracted to good looking men (she is sixteen after all) but the plot doesn’t fall into the all too common YA romance formula. I also like how Renee wants to be treated like her male counterparts, and ultimately is, including being trained, bruised, and battered.

THE CADET OF TILDOR will be out January 10th from Dial…so mark your calendars! This is a great fantasy read!

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Bookmarks!

I've been sick the past week, neglecting the blog, but I just wanted to check in and mention that I have bookmarks now! I teamed up with my awesome Class of 2K13/HarperTeen buddy, Kate Karyus Quinn, so one side is for IN THE AFTER and looks like this:

 
 
 And the other side is for ANTOHER LITTLE PIECE and looks like this:


I'm beyond excited to have bookmarks! What do people think?

I'll be back Friday with another ARC Spotlight!