Book Spotlight - MAID OF SECRETS by Jennifer McGowan

 

Seventeen-year-old Meg Fellowes is a wry, resourceful thief forced to join an elite group of female spies in Queen Elizabeth’s Court. There she must solve a murder, save the Crown, and resist the one thing that will become her greatest freedom–and her deadliest peril.

For Meg and her fellow spies are not alone in their pursuit of the murderer who stalks Windsor Castle.

A young, mysterious Spanish courtier, Count Rafe de Martine, appears at every turn in the dark and scandal-filled corridors of the Queen’s summer palace. And though secrets and danger are Meg’s stock-in-trade, she’s never bargained on falling in love…

 

Recommended for fans of: YA Historical Fiction, Elizabethan Fiction

 Though I’m a Sci-fi girl, I love me a good Historical Fiction (you can read a post on my not so secret love here) and MAID OF SECRETS does not disappoint. It has a wonderful MC, royal intrigue, female spies, and just the right amount of romance. I also love how McGowan weaves history through her book, it’s not overwhelming but gives you just enough for historical context.

The story itself is also a page-turner, you find yourself unable to stop reading as several mysteries unfold.  It’s also quite the ride to see Meg’s character develop from a resourceful thief to a skillful spy, and her struggle with all that entails. The characters are all wonderfully fleshed out, and you feel like you’re smack dap in the middle of Elizabethan England. Definitely recommend to anyone with a love of Historical Fiction.

MAID OF SECRETS is available now!

ARC Spotlight – STARGLASS by Phoebe North

 

 

Terra has never known anything but life aboard the Asherah, a city-within-a-spaceship that left Earth five hundred years ago in search of refuge. At sixteen, working a job that doesn't interest her, and living with a grieving father who only notices her when he's yelling, Terra is sure that there has to be more to life than what she's got.

But when she inadvertently witnesses the captain's guard murdering an innocent man, Terra is suddenly thrust into the dark world beneath her ship's idyllic surface. As she's drawn into a secret rebellion determined to restore power to the people, Terra discovers that her choices may determine life or death for the people she cares most about. With mere months to go before landing on the long-promised planet, Terra has to make the decision of a lifetime--one that will determine the fate of her people.

Recommended for fans of: YA Sci-fi, Dystopian

I loved STARGLASS for so many reasons, so let me try to break them down here. J Firstly I love the feel of the book, that classic Sci-fi spaceship journey feel. I also love the dystopian aspect…you know something’s not quite right on the Starglass, and you can’t help but turn the pages to find out what that something is. You may think it’s just another ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, but it’s actually a fresh spin on the idea. North weaves action, familial issues, and social intrigue together to form an amazing book. I also love how North uses Jewish culture as her basis for the ships society, and her characters deal with tough issues, including coming to terms with their sexuality, as well as uncovering the truth aboard the Starglass. There’s also a bang up twist at the end, which will have you wishing for the sequel. I highly recommend this book for any YA sci-fi fans out there!

STARGLASS releases tomorrow, July 23^rd!

Book Spotlight – THE NEPTUNE PROJECT by Polly Holyoke

 

 

With her weak eyes and useless lungs that often leave her gasping for air, Nere feels more at home swimming with the dolphins her mother studies than she does hanging out with her classmates. Nere has never understood why she is so much more comfortable and confident in the water than on land until the day she learns the shocking truth—she is one of a group of kids who have been genetically altered to survive in the ocean. These products of the "Neptune Project" are supposed to build a better future under the waves, safe from the terrible famines and wars and that rock the surface world.

But there are some big challenges ahead of her: no one ever asked Nere if she wanted to be part of a science experiment; the other Neptune kids aren't exactly the friendliest bunch, and in order to reach the safe haven of the new Neptune colony, Nere and her fellow mutates must swim across hundreds of miles of dangerous ocean, relying on their wits, their loyal dolphins and one another to evade terrifying undersea creatures and a government that will stop at nothing to capture the Neptune kids ... dead or alive.

Fierce battle and daring escapes abound as Nere and her friend race to safety in this action-packed marine adventure.

Recommended for fans of: MG or YA Dystopian/Action Adventure.

This MG dystopian is packed with action, an exciting plot, and loveable characters. I was really drawn to the MC, Nere, and her plight; finding out that she is part of a genetics experiment that created humans who could live in the ocean. Within the first few chapters, Nere’s life is changed forever and the reader empathizes with her fear and resentment. But Nere is also strong and courageous and really drives the story forward. Although this book is MG, I think a lot of older teens would like it too. Definite rec to any pre-teen/teen interested in marine biology or who is looking for a fun spin on the dystopian genre.

THE NEPTUNE PROJECT is available now!

ARC Spotlight – Charm & Strange by Stephanie Kuehn

 

When you’ve been kept caged in the dark, it’s impossible to see the forest for the trees. It’s impossible to see anything, really. Not without bars . . .

Andrew Winston Winters is at war with himself.

He’s part Win, the lonely teenager exiled to a remote Vermont boarding school in the wake of a family tragedy. The guy who shuts all his classmates out, no matter the cost.

He’s part Drew, the angry young boy with violent impulses that control him. The boy who spent a fateful, long-ago summer with his brother and teenage cousins, only to endure a secret so monstrous it led three children to do the unthinkable.

Over the course of one night, while stuck at a party deep in the New England woods, Andrew battles both the pain of his past and the isolation of his present.

Before the sun rises, he’ll either surrender his sanity to the wild darkness inside his mind or make peace with the most elemental of truths—that choosing to live can mean so much more than not dying.

Recommended for fans of: Dark YA Contemporary with a paranormal feel

It’s hard to review this book without giving away spoilers but I’ll give it my best. Kuehn writes such a dark and complex story, headed by a dark and complex MC. All the characters seem real, I love how Andrew/Win has a love/hate relationship with his “best” friend. This book is full of unexpected twists and painful revelations. It will haunt you long after you’ve finished the last page.

CHARM & STRANGE came out yesterday and is available now!

IN THE AFTER June Events

June is a huge month for me...IN THE AFTER releases on June 25th! I'm also participating in a lot of fantastic events. Hopefully you can come to some!

June 9th (Sunday) - Printer's Row, Chicago 10am
Panelist - The First Chapter: Debut Children's Authors
Located - University Center/Park/Fountain Room - Printers Row neighborhood on the blocks surrounding Dearborn and Polk streets
 

June 20th (Thursday) - Lucky 13s Twitter Chat 8pm (Est) 7pm (Central) Topic: Paranormally Yours: Talking About the Strange and Creepy and Otherworldly #Lucky13s @TheLucky13s @Demitria Lunetta
 

 

June 25th (Tuesday) - IN THE AFTER releases!

 

 

June 28th (Friday) - Breaking Out: Veronica Roth and Debut Authors from The Class of 2k13 Discuss Their Upcoming Books

When: 11:00am to 12:00pm

Location: Hilton Chicago Waldorf Room

 

Description:  Come hear NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author Veronica Roth and debut authors from The Class of 2k13 talk about their exciting new books. This is your chance to meet the potential stars of tomorrow, today. This session will include a brief question and answer period AND a teen fiction trivia contest (librarians vs. authors) for fabulous prizes!

Panelists include: Caela Carter, ME, HIM THEM AND IT (YA Contemporary); Debra Driza MILA 2.0 (YA Sci/fi); Polly Holyoke THE NEPTUNE PROJECT (MG Sci/fi); Justina Ireland VENGEANCE BOUND (YA Urban Fantasy); Demitria Lunetta IN THE AFTER (YA Post-Apocalyptic); Jennifer McGowan MAID OF SECRETS (YA Historical); Nicole McInnes BRIANNA ON THE BRINK (YA Contemporary); Kate Karyus Quinn ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE (YA Literary Horror); Liesl Shurtliff RUMP, THE TRUE STORY OF RUMPELSTILTSKIN (MG Fantasy); Tamera Wissinger GONE FISHING (MG Novel In Verse).
 

June 28th (Friday) - The Class of 2K13 Group Signing

 

When - 4pm - 7pm

Where - The Book Cellar - 4736-38 N. Lincoln ave., Chicago, Illinois 60625

 

Join us for our first group signing!

About 2K13: Each year, a group of twenty Young Adult and Middle
Grade debut authors from traditional publishers come
together to spread the word about new books that we hope
... will get kids excited about reading. From timeless fantasy to
up-to-the moment contemporary to futuristic sci-fi, harrowing
thrillers to thrilling romance, Young Adult and Middle Grade
literature has never been more diverse. http://classof2k13.com/

Schedule:


4pm - Middle Grade Authors (Reading and Book Signing)

Liesl Shurtliff - RUMP: THE TRUE STORY OF RUMPELSTILTSKIN - MG Fantasy
Tamera Wissinger - GONE FISHING - MG Contemporary Adventure
Polly Holyoke - THE NEPTUNE PROJECT - MG Sci-fi
Tara Sullivan – GOLDEN BOY – MG Contemporary


5pm - Young Adult Authors (Reading and Book Signing)

Debra Driza - MILA 2.0 - YA Sci-fi
Caela Carter – ME, HIM, THEM, & IT – YA Contemporary
Kate Karyus Quinn - ANOTHER LITTLE PIECE - YA Literary Horror
Jennifer McGowan - MAID OF SECRETS - YA Historical Fiction
Nicole McInnes - BRIANNA ON THE BRINK - YA Contemporary
Demitria Lunetta - IN THE AFTER - YA Post-apocalyptic


6pm - Young Adult Authors - preview for upcoming releases (Reading with Swag Signing)


Lydia Kang - CONTROL - YA Sci-fi
Mindy McGinnis - NOT A DROP TO DRINK - YA Post-apocalyptic
Geoffrey Girard - PROJECT CAIN - YA Sci-fi
K. A. Barson - 45 POUNDS (MORE OR LESS) - YA Contemporary
Cristin Terrill - ALL OUR YESTERDAYS - YA Sci-fi

Hope to see you all there!

 

 

 

June 28th (Friday) -  IN THE AFTER Launch Party

When - 7:30 pm

Where - The Book Cellar - 4736-38 N. Lincoln ave., Chicago, Illinois 60625

 

Come join me for the IN THE AFTER book launch party! There will be door prizes, snacks (yes, there will be cupcakes), character appearances, photo ops., tons of swag, prize giveaways (including t-shirts) and an awesome grand prize!

 

ARC Spotlight – REBOOT by Amy Tintera

 

Five years ago, Wren Connolly was shot three times in the chest. After 178 minutes she came back as a Reboot: stronger, faster, able to heal, and less emotional. The longer Reboots are dead, the less human they are when they return. Wren 178 is the deadliest Reboot in the Republic of Texas. Now seventeen years old, she serves as a soldier for HARC (Human Advancement and Repopulation Corporation).

Wren’s favorite part of the job is training new Reboots, but her latest newbie is the worst she’s ever seen. As a 22, Callum Reyes is practically human. His reflexes are too slow, he’s always asking questions, and his ever-present smile is freaking her out. Yet there’s something about him she can’t ignore. When Callum refuses to follow an order, Wren is given one last chance to get him in line—or she’ll have to eliminate him. Wren has never disobeyed before and knows if she does, she’ll be eliminated, too. But she has also never felt as alive as she does around Callum. The perfect soldier is done taking orders.

Recommended for fans of: YA Sci-fi with a dash of Romance

This is a great twist on the zombie genre. Tintera definitely takes a classic idea and makes it her own. Instead of the “walking dead” shambling, falling apart version of a zombie, we get a stronger, less emotional version of a human. There is a lot of action, with just the right amount of explanation dispersed throughout.

 

I was very drawn to Wren, her initial lack of emotions is refreshing for a YA character. I also love the transformation of Wren, it’s very believable and though I’m not usually a fan of romance, I like the way it unfolds through the story. Great YA Sci-fi read!

Although I read an advance copy REBOOT is available now!

Back Wednesday!

ARC Spotlight – GOLDEN BOY by Tara Sullivan

 

 

Thirteen-year-old Habo has always been different— light eyes, yellow hair and white skin. Not the good brown skin his family has and not the white skin of tourists. Habo is strange and alone. His father, unable to accept Habo, abandons the family; his mother can scarcely look at him. His brothers are cruel and the other children never invite him to play. Only his sister Asu loves him well. But even Asu can’t take the sting away when the family is forced from their small Tanzanian village, and Habo knows he is to blame.

Seeking refuge in Mwanza, Habo and his family journey across the Serengeti. His aunt is glad to open her home until she sees Habo for the first time, and then she is only afraid. Suddenly, Habo has a new word for himself: Albino. But they hunt Albinos in Mwanza because Albino body parts are thought to bring good luck. And soon Habo is being hunted by a fearsome man with a machete.

To survive, Habo must not only run but find a way to love and accept himself.

Recommended for fans of: YA or MG Contemporary with Substance/ African Culture

This book is amazing. Sullivan has clearly done extensive research on Albinos living in Tanzania. You are immersed in African culture, but you always feel like you belong there. Everything feels very authentic and accurate. It speak from a place that is more than just intellectually though, GOLDEN BOY feels so genuine. You feel stricken when the family is forced to leave their home, just as Habo does. You also get to go on a journey with him as he learns about his condition and begins to grow as a person. I think anyone who has ever felt different can connect with Habo as a MC. GOLDEN BOY definitely deserves the starred Kirkus review it received.

GOLDEN BOY is available for pre-order and will be released on June 27^th.

 

Back Wednesday with the Kirkus review of IN THE AFTER!

ARC Spotlight – THE KEY & THE FLAME by Claire M. Caterer

 

 

Eleven-year-old Holly Shepard wants nothing more than to seek adventure outside of her humdrum American life. She gets her chance at last when her family travels to England and Holly receives an unusual gift: an iron key that unlocks a passage to the dangerous kingdom of Anglielle, where magic is outlawed and those who practice magic are hunted. When her friend Everett and brother Ben are captured by Anglielle’s ruthless king, Holly must rescue them. But that means finding—and using—the magic within herself and learning which magical allies she can trust.

Recommended for fans of: MG Fantasy

Any child who loves fantasy will love this book. There’s a definite nod to the Narnia books, but Caterer makes Anglielle wonderfully unique. The POV changes from the smart, plucky Holly to the conflicted Everett, which gives the story more depth, as Everett isn’t exactly the perfect hero. I really like how Holly is untrusting at first, unsure of who is on her side, instead of taking giant leaps of faith common in MG Fantasy. The end also leaves the series wide open and makes you eager to read the next book.

 

Though I read an advance copy, THE KEY & THE FLAME is available now!

Back Friday with another Blog Chain post about developing thick skin as a writer!
 

ARC Spotlight – IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS by Cat Winters

 

 

In 1918, the world seems on the verge of apocalypse. Americans roam the streets in gauze masks to ward off the deadly Spanish influenza, and the government ships young men to the front lines of a brutal war, creating an atmosphere of fear and confusion. Sixteen-year-old Mary Shelley Black watches as desperate mourners flock to séances and spirit photographers for comfort, but she herself has never believed in ghosts. During her bleakest moment, however, she’s forced to rethink her entire way of looking at life and death, for her first love—a boy who died in battle—returns in spirit form. But what does he want from her?

Recommended for fans of: YA Historical, Paranormal, Gothic Horror

As much as I talk about my love for Sci-fi & Fantasy, almost equal is my love of Historical Fiction. I’m very curious about history and though historical fiction is not always 100% accurate, it pulls you into the past, allowing you to glimpse how life might have been.

IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS is an amazing YA Historical. It captures the uncertainty and horror of living in America during WWI, especially for those who have loved ones fighting overseas. In addition is the constant fear of contracting the Spanish Flu, a very real daily threat. As if the real life horrors aren’t frightening enough, Winters expertly weaves through the plot the spiritualist beliefs of the time, séances and ghost photography. Winters also creates an extremely relatable MC in Mary Shelley, a science minded young woman who is forced to face the fact that the spirit world may exist. I highly recommend this ghost tale set during WWI. Also, check out the awesomely eerie cover!

Although I read an Advance Copy, IN THE SHADOW OF BLACKBIRDS is out now!

Back Wednesday with another ARC Spotlight.

 

ARC Spotlight – RUMP: THE TRUE STORY OF RUMPELSTILTSKIN by Liesl Shurtliff

 

 

In a magical kingdom where your name is your destiny, 12-year-old Rump is the butt of everyone's joke.

But when he finds an old spinning wheel, his luck seems to change. Rump discovers he has a gift for spinning straw into gold—as much gold as he wants! His best friend, Red Riding Hood, warns him that magic is dangerous, and she’s right. With each thread he spins, he weaves himself deeper into a curse.

To break the spell, Rump must go on a perilous quest, fighting off pixies, trolls, poison apples, and a wickedly foolish queen. The odds are against him, but with courage and friendship—and a cheeky sense of humor—he just might triumph in the end.

Recommended for fans of: MG Fractured Fairy Tales / Fantasy

I love books in which we see the story told from the “villain's” perspective, and Shurtliff does an amazing job with RUMP. Rump really isn’t a villain at all, just a boy tangled in magic who must gain the confidence he needs to get himself out of his bad situation. Kids will love the humor and adults will enjoy the wit. I can definitely relate to Rump and his anxiety over his strange name. I also like the message that we are each in charge of our own destinies. I highly recommend this fairy tale fantasy adventure!

RUMP: THE TRUE STORY OF RUMPLESTILTSKIN is out tomorrow, April 9^th

 

I'll be back Wednesday with another giveaway!

 

 

ARC Spotlight - BRIANNA ON THE BRINK by Nicole McIinnes

 

 

A one-night stand has life-altering consequences for popular, sixteen-year-old Brianna, who must then accept help from the one person closest to her mistake.

Recommended for fans of: YA Contemporary

At times Brianna is not the most likeable of girls. If you’ve read my recent blog post on anti-heroes through, you’ll know that this makes me even more intrigued by her character. She’s shallow and mean, kind of a bully, and way too worried about her looks and what others think of her. This is what makes the story though, because she’s a regular, insecure teenage girl with a crappy home life. Brianna definitely grows throughout this story, as she is forced from her home, ostracized by her friends, and made to grow up way too quickly. I loved her default role-model, Jane someone who is selfless without being annoyingly preachy and self-righteous about it. I think what I liked best about this book is that Brianna learns that her actions have consequences, good and bad, something that we all have to face sooner or later.

BRIANNA ON THE BRINK will be released this Friday. Pick up a copy!

 

ARC Spotlight – MILA 2.0 by Debra Driza

 

 

Mila was never meant to learn the truth about her identity. She was a girl living with her mother in a small Minnesota town. She was supposed to forget her past —that she was built in a secret computer science lab and programmed to do things real people would never do.

Now she has no choice but to run—from the dangerous operatives who want her terminated because she knows too much and from a mysterious group that wants to capture her alive and unlock her advanced technology. However, what Mila’s becoming is beyond anyone’s imagination, including her own, and it just might save her life.

Recommended for fans of: YA Thriller

Mila is just living her life as a normal high schooler when all hell breaks loose: she discovers she’s an android. I love all the action, once it gets going it’s non-stop. I also like the dilemma that Mila faces, accept that she is a machine or fight for her humanity. I also love Mila’s “mother” who Driza makes into a very complex character. If you like action packed YA, you’ll love this book. I would also recommend downloading the free origins story and reading that first. It definitely adds to the story and propels you into the book.

 

MILA 2.0 releases tomorrow! Pick up a copy!

 

 

Also check out my blog post at The Class of 2K13 blog today on what I've learned from children. I’ll also be on twitter @theclassof2K13 so stop by and visit!

ARC Spotlight - RUSH by Eve Silver

 

When Miki Jones is pulled from her life, pulled through time and space into some kind of game—her carefully controlled life spirals into chaos. In the game, she and a team of other teens are sent on missions to eliminate the Drau, terrifying and beautiful alien creatures. There are no practice runs, no training, and no way out. Miki has only the guidance of secretive but maddeningly attractive team leader Jackson Tate, who says the game isn’t really a game, that what Miki and her new teammates do now determines their survival, and the survival of every other person on this planet. She laughs. He doesn’t. And then the game takes a deadly and terrifying turn.

Recommended for fans of: YA Sci-fi with a dash of Romance

This book has a very unique premise. Teens are forced to play a “Game” that eliminates alien enemies. At first Miki has no idea why she was chosen, and what really is going on. Everyone is extremely vague and scared of the consequences of giving her answers. This helps the reader connect with Mikki and share in her frustration, but it also makes the answers so much more satisfying when they come. The pacing was fantastic, the unknown threat creating tension throughout the story, even when the characters aren’t in the Game. Silver has a way of ending chapters that leaves you no choice but to keep reading, and the same for the ending of the book. You’ll wish you had the next one already!

March Giveaway - Win an IN THE AFTER Advanced Copy

 

Open to U.S., Canada, & the U.K.!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

ARC Spotlight – THE RULES FOR DISAPPEARING by Ashley Elston

 

 

She’s been six different people in six different places: Madeline in Ohio, Isabelle in Missouri, Olivia in Kentucky . . . But now that she’s been transplanted to rural Louisiana, she has decided that this fake identity will be her last.

Witness Protection has taken nearly everything from her. But for now, they’ve given her a new name, Megan Rose Jones, and a horrible hair color. For the past eight months, Meg has begged her father to answer one question: What on earth did he do – or see – that landed them in this god-awful mess? Meg has just about had it with all the Suits’ rules — and her dad’s silence. If he won’t help, it’s time she got some answers for herself.

But Meg isn’t counting on Ethan Landry, an adorable Louisiana farm boy who’s too smart for his own good. He knows Meg is hiding something big. And it just might get both of them killed. As they embark on a perilous journey to free her family once and for all, Meg discovers that there’s only one rule that really matters — survival.

Recommended for fans of: YA Contemporary/Thriller

I loved how the plot of THE RULES FOR DISSAPEARING unfolded, unraveling a mystery with just enough suspense and action mixed in. “Meg” is a very relatable MC, having been plucked from her privileged carefree life and always fearful she will have to move again. She resents her parents and doesn’t understand the situation she’s been thrust in to. All of her frustrations are bottled up though, as she tries to be strong for her younger sister. There are also surprising twists and turns along the way, which make for an exciting read.

THE RULES FOR DISAPEARING is available for pre-order and will be released May 14^th.

ARC Spotlight – THE OATHBREAKER’S SHADOW by Amy McCulloch

 

 

Fifteen-year-old Raim lives in a world where you tie a knot for every promise that you make. Break that promise and you are scarred for life, and cast out into the desert.

Raim has worn a simple knot around his wrist for as long as he can remember. No one knows where it came from, and which promise of his it symbolizes, but he barely thinks about it at all—not since becoming the most promising young fighter ever to train for the elite Yun guard. But on the most important day of his life, when he binds his life to his best friend (and future king) Khareh, the string bursts into flames and sears a dark mark into his skin.

Scarred now as an oath-breaker, Raim has two options: run, or be killed.

Recommended for fans of: YA Fantasy

The premise for this fantasy novel is unique and I love the idea that there are real consequences to breaking a promise. You are immediately thrown into Raim’s world, and McCulloch’s world building is fantastic. I also like how severe and unwavering Raim’s society is. They have rules for a reason and breaking those rules means banishment. Even Raim’s status can’t save him. It’s a set up for a fast-paced, suspenseful story.

THE OATHBREAKER’S SHADOW is available for pre-order and will be released June 4^th.

ARC Spotlight – TAKEN by Erin Bowman

 

 

There are no men in Claysoot. There are boys—but every one of them vanishes at midnight on his eighteenth birthday. The ground shakes, the wind howls, a blinding light descends…and he’s gone.

They call it the Heist.

Gray Weathersby’s eighteenth birthday is mere months away, and he’s prepared to meet his fate–until he finds a strange note from his mother and starts to question everything he’s been raised to accept: the Council leaders and their obvious secrets. The Heist itself. And what lies beyond the Wall that surrounds Claysoot–a structure that no one can cross and survive.

Climbing the Wall is suicide, but what comes after the Heist could be worse. Should he sit back and wait to be taken–or risk everything on the hope of the other side?

 

Recommended for fans of: YA Dystopian

I sped through this book, intrigued by the unique idea. I don’t want to give away too much, but Bowman does a great job of sucking the reader in and then rounding out the story. The concept of being enclosed in an area and never knowing what is beyond the wall is creepily brilliant. Would you accept your fate – the Heist – or climb the wall and almost certainly die? There is bit in the middle where the reader thinks… “What the what?!” but this echoes the characters’ feelings and Bowman doesn’t wait too long to begin the explanations. Great dystopian read!

TAKEN is now available for pre-order and will be released April 16th.

ARC Spotlight - TRUTH OR DARE by Jacqueline Green

 

 

When a simple round of truth or dare spins out of control, three girls find it’s no longer a party game. It’s do or die.

It all started on a whim: the game was a way for Tenley Reed to reclaim her popularity, a chance for perfect Caitlin “Angel” Thomas to prove she’s more than her Harvard application. Loner Sydney Morgan wasn’t even there; she was hiding behind her camera like usual. But when all three start receiving mysterious dares long after the party has ended, they’re forced to play along—or risk exposing their darkest secrets.

How far will Tenley, Caitlin and Sydney go to keep the truth from surfacing? And who’s behind this twisted game?

 

Recommended for fans of: YA Contemporary/Suspense
 

I loved the premise of this book: What would you do if someone threatened to expose your darkest secrets? Would you betray your friends? Hurt others? Damage your own rep? This book was very suspenseful, keeping you guessing as to the identity of the “darer” till the very end. You also get the POV from not one, not two, but three different characters, each with a unique (if purposefully limited) perspective that lets the reader have more clues and a more rounded picture than any one character. I also loved how each girl had issues but also their strong side, each a complete person and not a caricature.

TRUTH OR DARE is available for pre-order and releases May 14^th.



ARC Spotlight – THE FLAME IN THE MIST by Kit Grindstaff

 

 

Fiery-headed Jemma Agromond is not who she thinks she is, and when the secrets and lies behind her life at mist-shrouded Agromond Castle begin to unravel, she finds herself in a chilling race for her life. Ghosts and misfits, a stone and crystals, a mysterious book, an ancient prophecy—all these reveal the truth about Jemma's past and a destiny far greater and more dangerous than she could have imagined in her wildest fantasies. With her telepathic golden rats, Noodle and Pie, and her trusted friend, Digby, Jemma navigates increasingly dark forces, as helpers both seen and unseen, gather. But in the end, it is her own powers that she must bring to light, for only she has the key to defeating the evil ones and fulfilling the prophecy that will bring back the sun and restore peace in Anglavia.

Recommended for fans of: MG Fantasy

I loved this book, it’s exactly the book I wish I had when I was ten and obsessed with anything fantasy (who am I kidding, I still am!) I loved the darkness, both in imagery and theme. What’s creepier than a land shrouded in perpetual mist? I also like how Grindstaff presents Jemma’s world, then throughout the book digs deeper, peeling of layers one at a time. No information is too overwhelming (though some is just the right amount of disturbing), and unfolds perfectly throughout the story. There are some pretty dark secrets buried in this book, and Jemma handles them with amazing will and determination. This is a book any MG reader can fall in to…and any adult with a love for fantasy won't want to miss. J

THE FLAME IN THE MIST is available for pre-order and will be released April 9^th.

 

ARC Spotlight - BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA by April Genevieve Tucholke

 

 

You stop fearing the devil when you’re holding his hand…

Nothing much exciting rolls through Violet White’s sleepy, seaside town…until River West comes along. River rents the guesthouse behind Violet’s crumbling estate, and as eerie, grim things start to happen, Violet begins to wonder about the boy living in her backyard. Is River just a crooked-smiling liar with pretty eyes and a mysterious past? Or could he be something more? Violet’s grandmother always warned her about the Devil, but she never said he could be a dark-haired boy who takes naps in the sun, who likes coffee, who kisses you in a cemetery...who makes you want to kiss back. Violet’s already so knee-deep in love, she can’t see straight. And that’s just how River likes it.

Recommended for fans of: YA horror with a gothic feel

Not only is BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA beautifully written, it grabs you from page one. Everything about Violet's situation is eerie, from the falling apart mansion and lack of parental supervision to the creepily aggressive brother. Then River shows up and creepy takes on a whole new meaning. I love the way the plot threads weave together, reminding me of a classic gothic romance. Add a few unexpected plot twists and you have a fantastic read.

BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA is now available for pre-order and will be released August 15th.