Fierce Reads Portland Tour Recap & Giveaway

On Tuesday was the kick off to the Fierce Reads spring tour at Powell's. I was extremely excited when I was asked to be the designated blogger for this tour stop and had the chance to meet with the authors before hand! The authors on the tour included (from L to R): Jessica Brody author of Unremembered, Emmy Laybourne author of Sky On Fire, Leigh Bardugo author of Siege and Storm, Anna Banks author of Of Triton. 

I had the chance to do an interview with the ladies before the event, and instead of the traditional interview I decided to play a game. The game we played was the I Love Game which was made by The Kloons. Here's how the game went...

"I LOVE" GAME

It was so much fun playing this with the lovely ladies! And thanks to Mel from Novels, News, & Notes for helping me out. 

The event itself was fantastic. Candace from Candace's Book Blog was also there, and I sat with Candace, her adorable kids, and Mel, and had such a great time. And there were some great questions that were asked during the event. I was live tweeting the event, sorry if I spammed your timeline, and my favorite tweets included:

Unsure what was asked but...

Leigh wrote a fantasy when she was younger about a golden eye assassin. A golden eyed assassin also shows up in the series #FierceReads
— Vy Le (@VysBlog) June 5, 2013

On the topic of villains, Anna answered:

A likeable villian is one of the scariest villians #FierceReads
— Vy Le (@VysBlog) June 5, 2013

GIVEAWAY

Thanks to the people of Macmillan, I was given a set of Fierce Reads books to giveaway to ONE winner (US only).

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Blog Tour l Review & Giveaway: Reboot by Amy Tintera

Reboot by Amy Tintera 
Website | Twitter | Tumblr | Facebook

HarperTeen, 352 pages 
Series: Reboot #1
Release Date: May 7, 2013
Source: Publisher via ALA Midwinter
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

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.

MY THOUGHTS

Reboot is a strong debut from Amy Tintera! I normally shy away from science fiction, but I ended up finishing this book in a day with its fast paced plot and interesting concept. In the world of Reboot, a new disease is making humans come back to life after death, but the longer they're dead, the less human they are when returning. Wren didn't return until 178 minutes after her death, which made for one of the longest rebooting times.

It was entertaining reading from the perspective of an "emotionless" protagonist. Wren is a fighter through and through, and is a pretty hard core soldier. She's also quite blunt which made for some fun interactions. One of my favorite parts to read were her interactions with other people and how they're never sure if they should fear or respect her. She often looked at everything in terms of black and white, and it was amusing reading about her trying to make sense of emotional situations. Her entire thought process was turned upside down when she decided to train Callum, a new recruit with a return time of 22. His return time was so quick that he's practically still human.

The relationship between Wren and Callum caused everything to escalate pretty quickly. One moment she's the perfect soldier then the next she's the rebellious soldier. It didn't take long for Callum to get under her skin, and to help her realize how she was being controlled by the corporation. The only problem I had was Wren's development into this rebellious and emotional character, as well as her relationship with Callum. 

Although I had some issues with Wren and Callum, I enjoyed reading about them nonetheless. I loved the overall concept of Reboot and I'm excited to see where it's headed.   

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

ABOUT AMY TINTERA

Hi! I’m Amy Tintera, and I write novels for young adults. I grew up in Austin, Texas and graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in journalism. After receiving a masters in film at Emerson College I moved to Los Angeles, where I promptly discovered I didn’t enjoy working in the film industry, and went back to my first love, writing.

HarperCollins/HarperTeen will publish my debut, REBOOT, a young adult novel about teens in a future Texas who reboot after death and are subsequently forced into slavery. Film rights have been optioned by Fox 2000. I am represented by Emmanuelle Morgen at Stonesong. (source)

BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY

Thanks to HarperTeen, one lucky blog tour follower will win a copy of Amy's REBOOT. To enter, follow the tour or fill out the form below (this form will be featured on each blog stop).

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Hosted by Mundie Moms

BLOG TOUR DATES
more info at blog tour page

May 6 - The Best Books Ever: Guest Post & Excerpt

May 7 - Books Complete Me: Excerpt
May 8 - Mundie Moms: Interview
May 9 - Vy's Blog: Review
May 10 - Page Turners: Guest Post

Mini-Reviews: Spring Break Reads

It's been a while hasn't it? The last time I posted, not counting the recent blog tour post, was in February! Since I took a month off of blogging, my blog posting skills are a bit rusty. I take a small break and it's as if I forgot how to blog.

For now I'm just going to compile "mini" reviews, although these barely pass as mini reviews and are more like snippets of full reviews to come, of the books I read during Spring Break. This will most definitely help me get back into the swing of things. I didn't include the books' summaries to keep this short and simple, but clicking the goodreads button will take you right to them.

SPRING BREAK READS

Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell
Website | Facebook | Twitter

St. Martin's Press, 325 pages
Release Date: February 26, 2013
Source: Library

How do I even with this book? I love Eleanor and Park so much, and am more than glad that I decided to pick it up. I loved the writing, the characters, the plot, and just everything. I had my doubts when I saw all the hype, but I highly recommend this to everyone.

A fabulous read.
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

*It's only $4.99 on Kindle right now! GO GET IT. (I am not an Amazon affiliate)*

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
Blog | Website | Twitter | Facebook

Margaret K. McElderry Books, 568 pages

Series: The Infernal Devices #3
Release Date: March 19, 2013
Source: Bought

ALL THE EMOTIONS. Clockwork Princess is now among some of my favorite books of all time, and The Infernal Devices is among my favorite series. This book perfectly ended the series, and it was everything I wanted and more.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

Dare You To by Katie McGarry
Blog | Twitter | Facebook

Harlequin Teen, 462 pages
Series: Pushing The Limits #2
Expected Release Date: June 7, 2013
Source: Publisher, via NetGalley

 

How could I love a story without Echo and Noah? But I was quickly proven wrong with the stories of Beth and Ryan. Beth's story was beautifully crafted and full of heartache. Katie McGarry does not disappoint!

*Full review will be posted closer to the release date*
Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

The Sweetest Dark by Shana Abe
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Bantam - Random House, 352 pages
Series: The Sweetest Dark #1
Release Date: April 2, 2013
Source: Publisher, via NetGalley

I wasn't sure what to expect when going into reading The Sweetest Dark. All I knew was that it's set during World War I and consists of dragons. It's been a while since I've last read a dragon book, and was more than excited. It was an enjoyable read with its different take on dragons.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

The Deepest Night by Shana Abe
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Bantam - Random House, 320 pages
Series: The Sweetest Dark #2
Release Date: August 13, 2013
Source: Publisher, via NetGalley

NO SPOILERS. A great sequel to The Sweetest Dark. The dragon lore gets more in depth as Lora grows into her abilities.

*Full review will be posted closer to the release date*
Overall Rating: 4 out 5

Unravel Me by Tahereh Mafi
Website | Twitter | Facebook

HarperTeen, 461 pages
Series: Shatter Me #2
Release Date: February 5, 2013
Source: Library

Unravel Me was one of my most anticipated books of 2013, and I couldn't believe I waited until now to read it. Tahereh Mafi is a genius, and I could read her writing all day. The plot for Unravel Me was crazy, and of chapter 62 ;).

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

Catching Jordan by Miranda Kenneally
Website | Twitter | Facebook

Sourcebooks Fire, 281 pages
Series: Hundred Oaks #1
Release Date: December 1, 2011
Source: Library

Catching Jordan was recommended to me by a few bloggers, and I finally gave in and read it. It was a fun and quick read with an entertaining plot. My only problem was that I couldn't connect and feel anything for the characters.

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5

I ended up reading a lot more than I thought I would during break. Sometimes I wonder when I have the time to read because I don't remember having that much free time during break. 

What did you read or are planning to read during this lovely spring? 

Blog Tour - Review & Teaser: Dead Silence by Kimberly Derting

Dead Silence by Kimberly Derting
Website | Facebook | Twitter

HarperTeen, 336 pages
Series: The Body Finder #4
Release Date: April 16, 2013
Source: Publisher

Violet thought she’d made peace with her unique ability to sense the echoes of the dead and the imprints that cling to their killers…that is until she acquired an imprint of her own. Forced to carry a reminder of the horrible events of her kidnapping, Violet is more determined than ever to lead a normal life. However, the people who run the special investigative team Violet works for have no intention of letting her go.

When someone close to Violet becomes a suspect in a horrific murder, she finds herself pulled into a deadly hunt for a madman with an army of devoted followers. Violet has survived dangerous situations before, but she quickly discovers that protecting those closest to her is far more difficult than protecting herself.

MY THOUGHTS

It’s finally senior year for Violet, and the last thing she’s thinking about is school. The recent event of her kidnapping resulted in Violet developing her own imprint that haunts her every minute. And it’s sure not helping her mental health when a fellow classmate and friend is being accused of murder.

Dead Silence raised the level of creepy with the twisted point of views from “The Killer”. I thought the past Body Finder books’ killers were scary, but this was something else. This particular killer developed a loyal following with young adults among his group. What I loved, and was completely creeped out by, was the possible reality of the situation.

Violet is still the same head strong gal that I loved since The Body Finder. As she gets bolder so do the risks she takes to protect those she loves. Speaking of those she loves, Jay continued to be his sweet self by being the rock that Violet needed through the madness. And I loved how Violet’s family was consistently present and involved in her life. What I will always love are the fleshed out supporting characters of this series, especially the people from The Team, like Rafe. He is my favorite and everyone can go home. No, I’m kidding because I love them all SO MUCH and will miss all the characters dearly.

I loved Dead Silence, and everything and everyone in it. As much as I loved it I didn’t feel like this was THE ending. But Dead Silence did nicely wrap up at nicely at the end. It is still just as amazing and incredibly written as the other books in the series, and I highly enjoyed it.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

And now for the teaser....

TEASER*

"How come you didn't say anything about your hottie friend comin' to White River."
Violet frowned at her friend. "I have no idea what you're talking about, Chels." She pulled her arm away and glanced up to see if Jay knew what their friend was rambling on about. But he looked as perplexed as she was.
"Dude, whatever..." Chelsea's voice trailed off as her gaze shifted past Violet, to the hallway beyond. Her mouth curved, a sly, knowing smile parting her lips. "Are you trying to tell me you didn't know he was transferring here?" she muttered, and Violet realized Chelsea that spotted whoever it was she'd been talking about. Violet turned to look behind her.
"Jesus," Violet heard Jay breathe beside her, and she felt his arm stiffen around her neck as Rafe approached.

ABOUT KIMBERLY DERTING

Kimberly Derting is the author of the BODY FINDER series (HarperCollins) and THE PLEDGE trilogy (Simon & Schuster). She lives in the Seattle area, with her husband and three children, who often find the outrageous things they say either in the pages of her books or posted on Twitter or Facebook for the entire world to see.

You can visit her website at www.kimberlyderting.com.

BLOG TOUR GIVEAWAY

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BLOG TOUR DATES

for the complete schedule

Hosted by Candace's Book Blog

April 3

Gone Pecan ~ Review & Interview 

April 4 

Beauty and the Bookshelf ~ Review 

The Starry Eyed Revue ~ Review & Teaser Quote

April 5

Hope, Love and Happy Endings ~ Review & Teaser Quote 

Reading Lark ~ Review & Book BFF

*Teaser quote was taken out of an advance reading copy made from uncorrected proofs which may differ in the published copy. This specific quote was modified by shortening from the original for the purpose of the teaser. 

HARKEN Blog Tour: Interview with Kaleb Nation & Giveaway

Today I have the Kaleb Nation on the blog to talk about newest release, HARKEN. I've been a fan of Kaleb's youtube channel, and was excited when I heard about his book. Now I'm fortunate enough to be part of the blog tour!

Harken by Kaleb Nation
Website | YouTube | Twitter

Series: Harken #1

Release Date: January 9, 2013
 

Michael Asher is almost an ordinary California teenager, except for his unexplainable ability to see a glimpse of a person’s thoughts through their eyes. After surviving an assassination attempt, he discovers that he is at the center of a worldwide conspiracy higher than any earthly power. A clandestine organization with authority over world leaders, celebrities, and the wealthy desperately wants him dead. Tumbling into a web of international secrets, Michael is forced to search for the identity of the puppet master and dig up the truth that humanity is not being told.

1. What are some of your favorite moments since you’ve published Harken?

I think my favorite moment was when so many people were buzzing about it online, #HARKEN became a trending topic on Twitter… TWICE. Seeing readers so excited about something I wrote is the fuel that keeps me going. Another favorite moment was when Adrienne Frailey recorded the song New Eyes, inspired by the book. I listened to the lyrics and they’re straight from things that I wrote. It’s so exciting.

2. What were some struggles you had while developing your main character, Michael Asher, and creating the conspiracies in the novel?

When I first write Michael, he was a bit flat. I had his character traits but they only felt like I was describing a character, not living as him. Then out of nowhere, I realized that Michael’s love of photography was deeper than just taking pictures, that he had a special gift of reading glimpses of thoughts through a person’s eyes. He uses photos to make sense of the world because he can study them instead of making an instantaneous judgment.

The conspiracies weren’t difficult to create because everything in the book is based on real beliefs. I simply had to read the blogs, listen to the interviews, and write what I heard with an open mind.

3. If you could take one of your characters and place them in another book, which book would it be and who would they befriend?

I would LOVE to see Callista in The Hunger Games. She has a sharp mind and thinks quickly. I’d bet on her winning if I lived in the Capitol.

(Now that I think about it, wishing one of my characters into The Hunger Games is probably the worst thing I’ve done to them so far)

4. Ultimate reading pet peeve?

Books with unpronounceable character names. I understand that Bpzuul-groleth Lzlztbt looks cool for a kind-hearted goblin love interest character, but what if I like the book and Bpzuul is my favorite? How will anyone ever find my fansite, bpzuulgrolethlzlztbtFANBOY.net?

Thank you so much Kalen for taking the time to answer these questions. It was great having you on the blog!

KALEB NATION is an author and online personality. His blogs and videos have received over 50 million hits online, and he has been featured on NPR, Entertainment Weekly, The Huffington Post, and more.
While writing Harken, Kaleb documented his progress through video blogs at Youtube.com/KalebNation. A black belt in taekwondo, Kaleb lives in California with his chinchilla, Chilla. Harken is his first novel for teens.
Kaleb regularly posts on Twitter (@KalebNation) and blogs at KalebNation.com.

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