Blog Tour: Variant - Robison Wells - This or That List

Robison Wells is here today with a this or that list courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for his new release, Variant. Thank you for being here today, Robison! You can follow along with the tour here. Enjoy!

-------

Snickers or Kit Kat: Kit Kat. I wish I had a deep philosophical reason for that answer, but I don’t.

Raccoon or Possum: Raccoon. I grew up in the city, but we lived near an open creek, and we’d frequently have raccoons harassing our dog and stealing its food. My dad hated them, but I grew quite fond of them. They seem smarter than the average animal—less like scavengers and more like cunning thieves.

Socks or barefoot: Socks AND shoes. Whether it’s a work day or a lazy Saturday, I will wear shoes from the minute I wake up until the minute I crawl into bed. I don’t know why. I just think they’re comfortable.

Coffee or Tea: I’m a Mormon, so neither. But when my friends want to go to Starbucks my drink of choice is the hot caramel apple cider. It’s divine.

Cat or Dog: Dog, definitely. I don’t own a dog (I can hardly keep three kids clean and fed, let alone a dog), but I love them a lot. It’s an annual tradition to watch the Westminster Kennel Club dog show and to try to guess the winners.

E-book or Physical: If you’d asked me six months ago, I would have definitely said physical, but my wife got me a Kindle for my birthday and I fell in love with it. I now also have an iPad, which I don’t like as much as an eReader—I still prefer the Kindle—but it’s rare I’ll read a physical book anymore. Ebooks are just so dang convenient.

Pen or Pencil: Pen, definitely. I’ll search my house, looking under couch cushions and in kitchen drawers for a pen before I’ll settle for a pencil.

Rock or Pop: Of the two, I prefer rock, but I have nothing against pop. However, I realized recently that the one playlist on my iPod that gets the most airtime is actually folk. I don’t know how that happened; apparently I got old. My two favorite musicians (aside from The Beatles, which are in a different category), are Natalie Merchant and Iron and Wine.

Peanuts or Cashews: Cashews, but a peanut butter sandwich is always my late night snack.

Boat or Train: TRAIN. I’m so glad you asked. I’m a train fan, and I read about them and purposely get stuck at train crossings just so I can watch them go past.

True story: when my wife and I were engaged, we were on a late night road trip down to visit friends in New Mexico, and below us in the canyon we could see the lights of trains as they passed through a coal yard. I asked my wife “Do you know what I like better than trains?” She now tells the story that she was expecting something romantic, like “I like you better than trains” or “I like that we’re getting married”. And then I said “Trains at night.” Because, you know, trains at night are really awesome.

Love your answers, Robison! Thank you for being here today! 

Robison Wells can be found on his website and on twitter. 

-------

Benson Fisher thought that a scholarship to Maxfield Academy would be the ticket out of his dead-end life.

He was wrong.

Now he’s trapped in a school that’s surrounded by a razor-wire fence. A school where video cameras monitor his every move. Where there are no adults. Where the kids have split into groups in order to survive.

Where breaking the rules equals death.

But when Benson stumbles upon the school’s real secret, he realizes that playing by the rules could spell a fate worse than death, and that escape—his only real hope for survival—may be impossible.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Ashfall - Mike Mullin - Blog Tour Review & Giveaway Details

Under the bubbling hot springs and geysers of Yellowstone National Park is a supervolcano. Most people don't know it's there. The caldera is so large that it can only be seen from a plane or satellite. It just could be overdue for an eruption, which would change the landscape and climate of our planet.

Ashfall is the story of Alex, a teenage boy left alone for the weekend while his parents visit relatives. When the Yellowstone supervolcano erupts unexpectedly, Alex is determined to reach his parents. He must travel over a hundred miles in a landscape transformed by a foot of ash and the destruction of every modern convenience that he has ever known, and through a new world in which disaster has brought out both the best and worst in people desperate for food, water, and warmth. With a combination of nonstop action, a little romance, and very real science, this is a story that is difficult to stop reading and even more difficult to forget.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Title: Ashfall

Author: Mike Mullin

Genre: Young Adult, Dystopian, Apocalyptic Fiction

Publisher: Tanglewood Press

Publication Date: October 11, 2011

Format: E-ARC

Source: Received from Netgalley courtesy of the Teen Book Scene. Many thanks goes to Netgalley and the Teen Book Scene for sending me a copy of this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. 

Look for it: Amazon, Book Depository

Blog Tour: Teen Book Scene. You can follow along with the blog tour here. 

My rating: 5/5 

What if your world turned upside down in the space of 24 hours? Nothing would be the same again. Would you be able to survive? This question runs rampant through Alex's mind as the world around him is obliterated by ash spewed from the supervolcano located 900 miles away in Yellowstone National Park. Left at home alone, he was enjoying the idea of having a weekend to himself while the rest of his family visited relatives a couple hours away. Within hours of their leaving, everything changes. Now all Alex can think about is getting to his family and he is going to have to travel over 100 miles to get to them. He doesn't know what is out there, or what anyone will do as the days and weeks pass by. His only goal is to make it to his family, but will he survive the journey? 

I'm going to say this straight up. I don't think I can even begin to do this book justice in my review. It was absolutely mind-blowing and way too realistic, which makes the read all the more gripping. Alex is amazing. He is such an intriguing character, and he really steps up when everything around him changes in the blink of an eye. Disasters bring out the best and worst in people, and seeing how Alex reacted to every situation thrust upon him was both terrifying and realistic. Friendships formed in the most unlikely places, and it was kill or be killed in other situations. Mullin doesn't pull any punches. He puts Alex through the wringer and then some. We are there every step of the way, living through Alex vicariously, wondering if we would be able to do what he has to do to survive. Honestly, I couldn't tell you if I would be capable of doing some of the things he has to do. Yet through it all, Mullin doesn't delve into ridiculously gory details. Less is more, and that will resonate with readers, especially when certain acts of depravity rear their ugly heads.

His attention to detail, especially with regards to the aftermath of the volcano erupting, the landscape, and the diseases brought on by the volcano really show that Mullin put a lot of time and effort into researching before writing the book, and that paid off exponentially. We get an unscripted look into a disaster that could happen at any time, and Ashfall really makes you think. Would you be able to survive such a disaster? Would you be able to defend yourself and your loved ones from those looking to take everything from you? 

Al in all, this book gave me chills, and it kept me up into the wee hours of the night as I absorbed every word. I couldn't help falling in love with Alex and Darla and cannot wait to read more of their story because this disaster is way too big for just one book. As much as I hate seeing the situations that Alex has thrust upon him, I can't wait to see what Mullin has in store for him next, especially since this is the start of a new and very uncertain future. This is an incredibly realistic, poignant and mesmerizing read. It should top everyone's reading list. It has made my top reads for the year, and I cannot wait to delve back into the haunting world Mullin has created. 

Giveaway Details: 

Mike Mullin is giving away FOUR signed hardcover editions of Ashfall during the blog tour. Comment on any post during the tour to be entered to win. Winners will be drawn each week of the tour. This portion is US/Canada only. 

Mike is also providing one copy of Ashfall for giveaway to international readers as well through the Book Depository. Please verify that the Book Depository will ship to your country. Just leave a comment to be entered. =)

Seers - Heather Frost - Blog Tour Review & Author Interview

For Kate Bennet, surviving the car wreck that killed her parents means big changes and even bigger problems. As she begins to see auras and invisible people, Kate must learn to trust Patrick O'Donnell, a handsome Guardian, or risk her life being overrun with Demons. She soon realizes that both she and her heart are in big-time trouble.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Title: Seers

Author: Heather Frost

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal

Publisher: Bonneville

Publication Date: October 4, 2011

Format: E-ARC

Source: Received from netgalley courtesy of the Cedar Fort Publishing blog tour. Many thanks goes to Laura and Netgalley for sending me a copy of this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. 

Blog tour: Cedar Fort Publishing Blog Tour

Look for it: Amazon, Book Depository

My rating: 4/5 

This last year hasn't been easy for Kate. She lost her parents in a car accident. The same accident that contributed to Kate's new abnormal penchant for seeing auras. Convinced that she was going crazy, she clammed up and said she was fine, that the visions disappeared. However, they in fact continued to shine in brilliance around her. She doesn't think anything of her new gift until she sees several beings with sinister looking auras. When she learns that evil walks among the living, she'll have to decide what is worth fighting for. 

Kate's had a hard time, which is understandable. Having lost both her parents in an accident it is easy to commiserate with Kate as she struggles to come to terms with her new reality. Having the ability to see auras complicates things as well, but she shows that she is a trooper, and once she's committed to something, she'll see it through. With her new abilities changing and expanding, it's easy to see how intimidating situations can be, especially when you throw demons in the mix. 

One of the aspects I loved most about the book are the characters. Lee is the happiest and friendliest best friend ever. She also happens to be a goth this year. Every year she changes her look, but she sticks by Kate and pushes her to choose between the two guys in Kate's life. She brings about some of the funniest elements in the book and I couldn't help loving her character. 

Patrick is a fantastic character as well. I loved reading about him in the prologue and getting a view of him that Kate doesn't necessarily get to see at first. He's the embodiment of the perfect guy, though it takes a while for Kate to see that. 

Though Seers brings about the tried and true method of guardian angels, demons and seers, it is still a refreshing read, made all the more fun with the mostly memorable cast of characters. The plot may be predictable in some places, but the bond between Kate and her family, as well as her friends will have you reading well into the night. 

All in all, an enjoyable read. I'm left curious, wanting to know what happens next. Paranormal fans should enjoy this one. Though the plot was predictable at times, and I wasn't riveted to my seat, I did find it a fast-paced and fun read, especially when Lee was in control. The characters absolutely make this book. 

-------

Author Interview

If you could describe yourself in one song, what would it be and why?

It depends on the day. I've often said my theme song would have to be “Pinch Me”, by the Bare Naked Ladies. I'm an introvert at heart, and sometimes that turns me a bit lethargic. “Pinch Me” really captures those emotions for me—the desire to act, but never quite doing anything because I'm content with where I'm at. But for today, I'd have to say the best song to describe me would be “Let the Music Play”, by Good Charlotte. The song is all about giving your best, and then learning to just enjoy the moment. I've found in my own life that it takes both good and bad experiences to make a full life, and so I continually try to have a positive attitude, no matter what.

Can you give us a description of SEERS in haiku?

Seers can discern

Between warring immortals

So now they are prey

If you could live within the pages of one book, what book would you live in and why?

Oh, the possibilities! There are so many I could pick, but I'll go with my first thought: Harry Potter. Who wouldn't want to go to Hogwarts and learn magic? I mean, really?

If you were a super-hero, which one would you be and why?

Batman. He takes his fear of bats and learns to work it to his advantage. He does the same thing with his hard past—he doesn't try to block it out or forget it; he allows the hard times to turn him into someone better. He doesn't care what others think about him, and he certainly knows he's not perfect. That doesn't stop him from trying to help other people, though. I like how self sacrificing he is. I wouldn't mind having his money, either.

Do you have any quirks that you employ while writing?

When I'm writing a scene, I often find myself stopping to read at least the dialogue out loud. I sound like an idiot, but it helps me to get a better feel for the words, and the punctuation. That particular habit drives the people around me crazy, even though I try to keep it down.

Thank you for being here today and answering my questions, Heather! 

Heather can be found on her website, facebook, and on twitter. 

-------

Heather Frost was born in Sandy, Utah, and raised in a small Northern Utah town. She is the second oldest of ten children, and she loves her family very much. She is currently pursuing her bachelor's degree in English. She has always been an avid reader, and reading and writing are among her most favorite things to do. She also enjoys playing the flute, listening to all types of music, and watching a wide variety of movies. Ever since she wrote her first short story—at the age of four—she has dreamed of one day becoming an author. Seers is her first published novel.

Song of the Nile - Stephanie Dray - Blog Tour Review

Sorceress. Seductress. Schemer. Cleopatra's daughter is the one woman with the power to destroy an empire...

Having survived her perilous childhood as a royal captive of Rome, Selene pledged her loyalty to Augustus and swore she would become his very own Cleopatra. Now the young queen faces an uncertain destiny in a foreign land.

The magic of Isis flowing through her veins is what makes her indispensable to the emperor. Against a backdrop of imperial politics and religious persecution, Cleopatra's daughter beguiles her way to the very precipice of power. She has never forgotten her birthright, but will the price of her mother's throne be more than she's willing to pay?

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Title: Song of the Nile

Author: Stephanie Dray

Genre: Adult Fiction, Historical

Publisher: Penguin Group Incorporated (USA)

Publication Date: October 4, 2011

Format: E-ARC

Source: Received from publicist. Many thanks goes to Shelly for sending me a copy of this book for review. I received this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. 

Look for it: Amazon, Book Depository

My rating: 4/5

Selene has been both a princess, and captive in her short life. Now, she is set to become Queen, as long as she remains loyal to Augustus. She is devoted to Isis as well, and now that Rome no longer worships Isis, Selene has to worship in private. Isis is a part of her, as much as Egypt is. She will have to travel a treacherous slope if she is to return to her native Egypt, but will she be strong enough to do anything to gain her desires? 

My recollection is that Selene isn't a well-known character from Egyptian history, but Dray brings her to life. She re-imagines the world and times and brings to life the rivalries, and family bonds inherent during the time period of the Ptolemy reign, as well as their subsequent captivity. I was fascinated by Selene. Her relationship with Augustus was tumultuous to say the least. I enjoyed reading how Selene grew from a child to a woman, even with all that happened to her. She was a strong woman, playing the political and religious minefield as she struggled to regain what she wanted the most. 

Dray is a skilled storyteller as she weaves fiction in with history. I appreciated her notes at the end of the book which described the events she lifted from history. I also enjoyed how she rounded out the characters, as she gave us plausible scenarios for how certain scenes came about. I definitely want to find out more, and I love how rich Song of the Nile is with history. 

All in all, a captivating read for those wanting to learn more about Selene, and Augustus and this period in Egyptian and Roman history. With lush descriptions, this is certainly an enjoyable read, even when unpleasant events arise. I'm curious to read more about Selene now and will be checking out the rest of Dray's novels. 

Blog Tour: Song of the Nile - Stephanie Dray - Author Interview, and a chance to win a Nook!

Stephanie Dray is here today with an author interview for her new book, Song of the Nile. Thank you for being here today, Stephanie! You also can enter her contest to win a Nook! Details will be provided below the interview. Enjoy!

-------

Thanks so much for having me here today!

Can you give us a description of Song of the Nile in haiku?

Uh. Professor, I didn’t know there was going to be a quiz! This is tricky. I have a new appreciation for the haiku review that the first book received over at Dear Author! Ok, lemme see what I can do here.

Cleopatra’s daughter

born down into suffering

triumphs over emperor

If you could read only one book for the rest of your life, which would it be and why?

I’ve re-read Margaret George’s Memoirs of Cleopatra a bunch of times, so it seems like that would be the one, but I’m not much of a re-reader and it would make me so sad to only read one book for the rest of my life.

What one song would describe your view on life?

Aerosmith’s Dream On. I’m not a musician and as we’ve already discovered, I’m not good at poetry either, but I like that the lyrics talk about paying your dues, losing, and going on. (I know there’s a darker interpretation to the song too, but I prefer to ignore that!)

If you could witness one event from history. What would it be and why?

I’d love to be present at the coronation of Cleopatra Selene because I’ve spent so much time trying to chronicle her life that I’d love to see it, smell it, experience it along with her! Failing that, I think I’d like to be present the moment the 19th Amendment was passed, granting women the right to vote.

Do you employ any quirks while writing?

I like to make a playlist of songs that will help me get into the right emotions while writing--I often loop through the songs over and over again, which drives my husband insane.

If you were transported into Song of the Nile, what would you do first? What wouldn't you want to do?

I’d like to attend an ancient bath, soak in milk and honey, be rubbed in perfumed oils, and then massaged. (Note, I would like to do this in the modern world too.) I wouldn’t want to offend the Romans, for certain; life would go very badly for me if I did. I’m certain I don’t have the charm and wits that Cleopatra Selene had.

Thank you for being here today and answering my questions, Stephanie! 

-------

Bio: Stephanie graduated from Smith, a small women’s college in Massachusetts where–to the consternation of her devoted professors–she was unable to master Latin. However, her focus on Middle Eastern Studies gave her a deeper understanding of the consequences of Egypt’s ancient clash with Rome, both in terms of the still-extant tensions between East and West as well as the worldwide decline of female-oriented religion.

Before she wrote novels, Stephanie was a lawyer, a game designer, and a teacher. Now she uses the transformative power of magic realism to illuminate the stories of women in history and inspire the young women of today. She remains fascinated by all things Roman or Egyptian and has–to the consternation of her devoted husband–collected a house full of cats and ancient artifacts.

-------

Sorceress. Seductress. Schemer. Cleopatra’s daughter has become the emperor’s most unlikely apprentice and the one woman who can destroy his empire…

Having survived her perilous childhood as a royal captive of Rome, Selene pledged her loyalty to Augustus and swore she would become his very own Cleopatra. Now the young queen faces an uncertain destiny in a foreign land.

Forced to marry a man of the emperor’s choosing, Selene will not allow her new husband to rule in her name. She quickly establishes herself as a capable leader in her own right and as a religious icon. Beginning the hard work of building a new nation, she wins the love of her new subjects and makes herself vital to Rome by bringing forth bountiful harvests.

But it’s the magic of Isis flowing through her veins that makes her indispensable to the emperor. Against a backdrop of imperial politics and religious persecution, Cleopatra’s daughter beguiles her way to the very precipice of power. She has never forgotten her birthright, but will the price of her mother’s throne be more than she’s willing to pay?

Berkley Trade October 2011 (Trade Paperback)

# ISBN-10: 0425243044

# ISBN-13: 9780425243046

Purchase Info

Amazon | B&N | IndieBound | Borders | Constellation Books | Powell's

Review the Book, Win a Nook Giveaway

Details: 

Write and post an honest review of any of my books on either Amazon.com, B&N, or Goodreads between now and December 1st 2011, and you will be eligible to win your choice of either a 1st generation Nook e-reader or a $75 gift certificate to B&N or Amazon.com, just in time for the holiday season. To win:

1. Write a text review of one of my books for either Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, or Goodreads.com

2. Post the link to your review(s) at: http://www.stephaniedray.com/2011/09/06/want-an-e-reader-win-one-from-me/

3. That’s it.

A winner will be chosen at random, not based on the content of the review, so please be honest and thoughtful.

The Disclaimers:

Only reviews posted between September 15 and December 1 2011 are eligible. You can review more than one book and on more than one site for extra entries in the contest–just be sure to post the link to your review(s) at http://www.stephaniedray.com/2011/09/06/want-an-e-reader-win-one-from-me/.

On December 2, 2011, one winner will be chosen.

This contest will be held in tandem on my other website, StephanieDraven.com. You can enter the contest on either website. No purchase necessary. (Libraries are wonderful!)

Any review that violates the policies of the sites listed above will be disqualified. Do not spam these sites with inappropriate comments only meant to win this contest or you will be reported for abuse.

Contest is void where prohibited.

Bloodlines - Richelle Mead - Blog Tour Review

The first book in Richelle Mead's brand-new teen fiction series - set in the same world as Vampire Academy.

When alchemist Sydney is ordered into hiding to protect the life of Moroi princess Jill Dragomir, the last place she expects to be sent is a human private school in Palm Springs, California. But at their new school, the drama is only just beginning.

Populated with new faces as well as familiar ones, Bloodlines explores all the friendship, romance, battles and betrayals that made the #1 New York Times bestselling Vampire Academy series so addictive - this time in a part-vampire, part-human setting where the stakes are even higher and everyone's out for blood.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Title: Bloodlines

Author: Richelle Mead

Genre: Young Adult, Paranormal, Urban Fantasy

Publisher: Razorbill

Publication Date: August 23, 2011

Format: ARC

Source: Received from publicist. Many thanks goes to Bronwyn from Penguin Canada for sending me a copy of this book for review. I received a copy of this book free of charge in exchange for an honest review. 

Blog Tour: Penguin

Look for it: Amazon, Book Depository, Penguin

My rating: 5/5

Sydney Sage is an alchemist, and has recently returned to duty after having helped Rose Hathaway on her cross-country quest. Now, she is tasked with another near impossible situation; go into hiding with the Dragomir princess and keep her safe from those who would hurt her. Certainly she will be able to redeem herself, and show everyone that she is efficient and professional, worthy of being an Alchemist. 

We first met Sydney in the Vampire Academy series, specifically in Blood Promise, though we glimpsed more of her as the series progressed. This spin-off series though is so far absolutely riveting. Sydney is part of a faction that brings to life curiosity. She's an Alchemist, and she is human, most decidedly not Moroi, dhampir, or Strigoi. She has to fight her revulsion of Moroi and Strigoi alike if she is to oversee the safety of the Dragomir princess. She is strong, snarky, and I have to say, I enjoyed getting inside her head to see how she viewed her reality, and her duties. We only see one side of her in the Vampire Academy series, so it was refreshing to see her play a focal point in the spin-off series. 

Many characters from Vampire Academy have transitioned into this new series, and I was ecstatic to see all of the familiar faces, particularly since things don't end well for some characters in the first series. You probably could read this book first, however to gain an appreciation for the world, and all the events that transpire, I would suggest first reading the original series before starting this one. I absolutely loved Bloodlines and loved seeing my favourite characters return. It is always hard when a series ends, because you have to let your favourite characters go, but with this spin-off we see side-characters gain the attention they so richly deserve. 

Mead drops enough hints for the reader to clue into the big picture, however she holds back enough to still blow the reader out of the water when she reveals the plot twists that come about at the end of the book. I honestly was shocked and intrigued by the big reveal and cannot wait to see what else she has in store for the characters and the vampire world in general. Questions arise, which will hook the reader enticing them to read the next book, as well as the rest of the series. 

All in all, I fall more in love with the Vampire Academy world with each book that I read. I was ridiculously happy to see some of my favourite side-characters get more face time in this spin-off series, and I am really loving the twists that Mead is throwing our way. I cannot wait for the next book to be released, as Mead has raised the bar with Bloodlines. With Sydney at the forefront, delving into life as an Alchemist, we gain a different perspective to the world of the Moroi and Strigoi, and we finally see just what the Alchemists' role is in this society. Fans of the series will be clamoring for the next book to be released, because Mead just keeps on spinning gold. 

Blog Tour: Cold Kiss - Amy Garvey - This or That List

Amy Garvey is here today with a This or That list courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for her book, Cold Kiss, which releases tomorrow. Thank you for being here today, Amy! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy! 

Musicals or Concerts? Ooh, tough one. I love a good musical, but I think I’d have to pick concerts. I’ve seen a lot of fantastic ones, and there’s nothing like it.

Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings? No fair! I love them both! But I’d have to pick Harry Potter, because while I love the Lord of the Rings movies and characters, I didn’t actually read the books. Plus, there’s Hermione and Luna and Hagrid!

Cats or Dogs? Another tough one! I’ve had both, and have two cats currently, but I think overall I am a little bit more of a dog person. If only the cats would come when I call. Or go for a walk!

Music or Solitude? Hard to say, because I don’t think they’re opposites, or an either/or. I love solitude, but I generally have music on. I think if I had to choose, though, it would be music, although if I never had a moment alone I’d probably get a little nutty.

Beach or Pool? Beach, definitely.

Spring or Fall? Fall! Sweaters and falling leaves and Halloween!

Firemen or Policemen? Both are total heroes, but I’ll say firemen because my grandfather was a full-time firefighter in the ‘40s and ‘50s, when it was even harder than it is today.

Sweet or Salty? Ooh, another hard one! I love both, but sweets win out. I love cake.

Pop Rocks or Nerds? Ick! Neither.

Historical or Fantasy? Historical!

Unicorn or Zombie? Zombies, of COURSE.

Hardcover or Paperback? Hmmm, hard to say. I wish I could own everything in hardcover, but paperbacks are more portable and convenient.

Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset. I am very definitely not a morning person.

Victorian or Gothic? Well, Gothic architecture and style was idealized during the Victorian period, so a lot of it overlaps. I can’t choose! I love both.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Dark Angel? No contest – Buffy. Always and forever Buffy.

Awesome list, Amy! I agree with you on almost all of these! Especially Buffy! =D 

Thank you for being here today!!! 

Amy Garvey can be found on her blog, and on twitter.

-------

When her boyfriend, Danny, is killed in a car accident, Wren can’t imagine living without him. Wild with grief, she uses the untamed powers she’s inherited to bring him back. But the Danny who returns is just a shell of the boy she once loved.

Wren has spent four months keeping Danny hidden, while her life slowly unravels around her. Then Gabriel DeMarnes transfers to her school and somehow, inexplicably, he can sense her secret. Wren finds herself drawn to Gabriel, who is so much more alive than the ghost of the boy she loved. But Wren can’t turn her back on Danny or the choice she made for him—and she realizes she must find a way to make things right, even if it means breaking her own heart.

Amy Garvey’s transcendent teen debut is perfect for fans of Shiver and Beautiful Creatures. Wren’s unforgettable voice and story will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: Witch Song - Amber Argyle - This or That List

Amber Argyle is here today with a This or That list courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for her book, Witch Song. Thank you for being here today, Amber! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

Musicals or Concerts? Musicals. Concerts are too loud, crowded, and overstimulating.

Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings? Ohhh, that’s a tough one. I like the LOR movies better than the Potter ones. But I like the Potter books better than LORs—kinda. Sorta. Both. I can have both, right?

Arabian or Thoroughbred? Quarter horse, all the way.

The Black Stallion or Flame? Today, I pick Flame, because I’m in the mood to support an underdog.

Beach or Pool? Beach, as long as the water’s warm (I’m one of those people who’s always cold).

Spring or Fall? Definitely fall. I love that its cooler, the smell of the leaves, the colors.

Firemen or Policemen? Firemen. They don’t hand out tickets.

Sweet or Salty? That totally and completely depends on my mood. Sometimes one, sometime the other. Sometimes both combined.

Pop Rocks or Nerds? Neither.

Historical or Fantasy? Fantasy.

Witches or Wizards? Witches . . . because of Witch Song. ;)

Hard cover or Paperback? Hard cover

Sunrise or Sunset? Sunset. I’m not much of a morning person.

Victorian or Gothic? Victorian (my blog is very Victorian).

Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Dark Angel? Buffy.

Love your choices! Thank you for being here today, Amber! 

Amber Argyle can be found on her website, her blog, and on twitter. 

-------

The world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons--but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fade, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can't stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her. Because if Brusenna doesn't, there won't be anything left to save.

Synopsis taken from goodreads. 

Blog Tour: Frost - Marianna Baer - Teenage Garage Sale

Marianna Baer is here today with a Teenage Garage Sale post courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for her book, Frost. Thank you for being here today, Marianna! You can follow along with the tour here. Enjoy! 

-------

Thanks for having me on your blog, Corrine! I’ll be setting up a Pay Pal account shortly to deal with the stampede of readers rushing to buy these late ‘80s items! :)

1. Two mix tapes. $10 each.

~The Frost House "nap mix,” which my roommates and I listened to when we’d sprawl around one of our rooms during breaks from classes and catch up on sleep we weren’t getting at night. The song I remember best is a melodramatic Italian love song called Te Amo.

~A mix tape that my best friend and I would listen to on our many road trips. Songs include Rocky Raccoon by the Beatles, Me and Bobby McGee by Janis Joplin, and Sympathy for the Devil by the Rolling Stones.

2. “The Outfit.” $100 – You know how there’s that one outfit that you wish you could wear everyday, because it makes you feel so good? Well, here’s mine from senior year: black silky rayon top, with a perfect v-neck and slight flutter cap sleeves; faded Levis with patches in various floral patterns; dark brown nubuck clogs; thick silver cuff Navajo bracelet. Sexy yet earthy.

3. Oil paintings by me. $5 each – Choose among a large, scary self-portrait; landscapes from the coast of Maine; an expressionistic nude; and several still-lifes.

4. A used but good condition girls’ field hockey stick. $10 – You too can experience the great feeling of the thwack when wooden stick hits rubber ball, the satisfaction of a cross-field wallop, the fresh smell of the grass, the pain in your thighs from running that is so bad you won’t be able to walk up the stairs to your third-floor dorm room…

5. Copy of Ichabod. $200 – My first published book. Well, okay, not really published published. But my first book! As a senior project, my friend and I wrote and illustrated a children’s book, then made hand-bound and hand-colored copies. It’s a bit derivative of William Steig, I have to admit, but it has its charms.

6. Laura Ashley prom dress. $125 – Scoop neck, fitted bodice, elbow-length fitted sleeves, knee-length, three-tiered skirt. In a cotton print, black with large-scale flowers and leaves, mostly in deep pinks and greens. Perfect for going swimming at a pond when you ditch the dance early. (Remove dress before entering the water.)

7. Big box of letters. $10,000 – As good as a box full of amazing books! I promise – my friends and family were/are so funny, it won’t matter that you don’t know the people who wrote them. Memorable letters include an episode about a surprisingly jolly flasher in the hills of England, and an entertaining (if tragic at the time) explanation of why Boy X couldn’t bring himself to go out with me.

Lots of exciting finds at your garage sale! That box of letters sounds like a blast! Thank you for being here today, Marianna! 

Marianna Baer can be found on her website, and on twitter. 

-------

Leena Thomas’s senior year at boarding school begins with a shock: Frost House, her cozy dorm of close friends, has been assigned an unexpected roommate: confrontational, eccentric Celeste Lazar. But while Leena’s anxiety about a threat to her sanctuary proves valid, it becomes less and less clear whether the threat lies with her new roommate, within Leena’s own mind, or within the very nature of Frost House itself. Mysterious happenings in the dorm, an intense triangle between Leena, Celeste, and Celeste’s brother, and the reawakening of childhood fears, all push Leena to take increasingly desperate measures to feel safe. Frost is the story of a haunting. As to whether the demons are supernatural or psychological . . . well, which answer would let you sleep at night?

Synopsis taken from goodreads.

Blog Tour: Witch Eyes - Scott Tracey - Word Association

Scott Tracey is here today with a Word Association post courtesy of the Teen Book Scene blog tour for his debut release, Witch Eyes. It released this week, so go pick up your copy in stores now! Thank you for being here today, Scott! You can follow along with the tour here, or by clicking through the banner. Enjoy!

Okay, so I went with the first thought or image that popped into my head. Some of them are a little weird, so...you've been warned. ;)

Deatheater: Where can I sign up?

Scars: are cool. (had to have at least one Doctor Who reference)

The dog days of Summer: Werewolf hunting reality show. Winner is the one who kills all the werewolves before they kill him/her.

Rogue Angel: Sounds like a band that's playing while backstage an illicit deal between a Faerie and a demon is going down for harvesting rights over the club.

The Witching Hour: A television talk show for witches, where the hosts drink tea and talk about new spells that celebrity witches have been seen using, etc.

Toast: Toast popping up out of the toaster wakes a teenager, who leaves his room to find the rest of his house completely emptied of furniture (except for the toaster) and no signs of his family. Does he eat the toast?

Leah Clifford: Epic confrontations over who gets the last cup of coffee. Think in terms of Scott Pilgrim Vs. the World or The Matrix.

Corral: If you stand them up and pack them in like sardines, you could fit a lot of people into a corral. Then you could put a roof over top of them and start a whole new stack above. That's a lot of people. (And now I'm wondering more about who would stack the people up like that).

Words: Addiction. Have to have them. Need them now.

Cat: My roommate has a cat. Sometimes I think about what it would be like if my roommate did not have a cat.

In a pickle: Who came up with this saying, anyway? In a pickle? Have you ever tried to fit in a pickle? It's not happening. At least when you say "in a jam" I suppose you could fill a bathtub with jam and then climb in. But pickles? Ridiculous.

Vampirates: I need a book about this RIGHT NOW.

Villa Toscana: Under the Tuscan Sun (which also makes me think, I would LOVE to buy and restore some gorgeous Tuscan villa). But then I realize that if I were to buy a Tuscan villa, there would probably be some sort of unnamed demonic entity buried under the rose garden...and that's just not a good look on me.

Mythbusters: It totally counts as research and not slacking off if I watch 12 hours at a time!

Kleenix: "The only trace they found of him was a Kleenix containing three drops of his blood."

Braden: Is not miserable enough. How can I make his life worse?

Toe jam: Eww (which was my literal first thought). And then I thought, "I would seriously break up with someone if they kept talking about toe jam. It's just gross." Blame NCIS for that one. They were talking about toe cheese so I just had to throw it in the list. ;) 

Aslan: Where was Aslan when Mustafa got killed, I mean seriously! Slacker.

Softball: Evil cheerleaders in the bleachers. I knew their hair was too perfect. God only knows what's in those pom-poms.

Eyes: A woman looks at her friend and says, "I love your blue eyes. I wish I had eyes like that. " The camera pans away, and there's the sound of a scuffle. When it comes back, the woman is looking directly into the camera, and says, "And now I do."

Thank you for being here today, Scott and giving us your first impressions of these words and phrases! 

Scott Tracey can be found on his website, and on twitter. 

-------

Braden was born with witch eyes: the ability to see the world as it truly is: a blinding explosion of memories, darkness, and magic. The power enables Braden to see through spells and lies, but at the cost of horrible pain.

After a terrifying vision reveals imminent danger for the uncle who raised and instructed him, Braden retreats to Belle Dam, an old city divided by two feuding witch dynasties. As rival family heads Catherine Lansing and Jason Thorpe desperately try to use Braden's powers to unlock Belle Dam's secrets, Braden vows never to become their sacrificial pawn. But everything changes when Braden learns that Jason is his father--and Trey, the enigmatic guy he's falling for, is Catherine's son.

To stop an insidious dark magic from consuming the town, Braden must master his gift—and risk losing the one he loves.

Synopsis taken from goodreads.