Author Interview: Frost by Kate Avery Ellison

Frost by Kate Avery Ellison

In the icy, monster-plagued world of the Frost, one wrong move and a person could end up dead—and Lia Weaver knows this better than anyone. After monsters kill her parents, she must keep the family farm running despite the freezing cold and threat of monster attacks or risk losing her siblings to reassignment by the village Elders. With dangers on all sides and failure just one wrong step away, she can’t afford to let her emotions lead her astray. So when her sister finds a fugitive bleeding to death in the forest—a young stranger named Gabe—Lia surprises herself and does the unthinkable.
She saves his life.
Giving shelter to the fugitive could get her in trouble. The Elders have always described the advanced society of people beyond the Frost, the “Farthers,” as ruthless and cruel. But Lia is startled to find that Gabe is empathetic and intelligent…and handsome. She might even be falling in love with him.
But time is running out. The monsters from the forest circle the farm at night. The village leader is starting to ask questions. Farther soldiers are searching for Gabe. Lia must locate a secret organization called the Thorns to help Gabe escape to safety, but every move she makes puts her in more danger.
Is compassion—and love—worth the risk?

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Kate Avery Ellison loves long walks, late night phone calls, and reading while it rains. She thinks ice cream cake is the perfect combination and she has a love/hate relationship with the sultry climate of her hometown, Atlanta. FROST, her third book, is a YA fantasy/dystopian tale about love in a frozen, monster-infested wasteland. It is available in both ebook (Kindle, Nook, and Smashwords formats) and paperback versions.

Blog: http://thesouthernscrawl.blogspot.com/

Goodreads profile: http://goodreads.com/Kate_Avery_Ellison

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/Katiewriting

(You can find FROST in these places)

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13555538-frost

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Frost-The-Chronicles-ebook/dp/B007Q4LLWE

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/books/1109825221

Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/144165

Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Frost-Volume-Kate-Avery-Ellison/dp/1475005873

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

In a world plagued by monsters, Lia saves the life of a handsome fugitive "Farther," a man from beyond the Frost, & falls in love with him.

--How did you get the idea for the story?

I was actually writing a novelette about an angel mythology. I ended up scrapping the idea for the angels (well, it’s going to be turned into a full-length novel at some point), but I really liked the core idea about this girl rescuing this fugitive, someone who’s an enemy of her village, and hiding him in her barn while she figures out what to do with him. I kept changing little details, and then somehow the story morphed into this fantasy/dystopian tale of frozen wastelands and monsters and this other country shrouded in mystery and violence. The story just took over and went crazy on me.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

I would most like to have dinner with Jonn, Lia’s brother. He’s friendly, calm, and not too talkative. I think we’d have a pretty good time.

I wouldn’t want to have dinner with the mayor of Lia’s village—he’s a pretty manipulative, controlling guy.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I used to read around three books a week! Now I don’t have as much time to read as I used to, and I miss that. I also miss being able to read without subconsciously picking books apart with a critical writer’s eye. Of course, a really, really good book makes me forget all that.

I’m really picky about calling something a favorite, especially since I read so many books, so my favorite books are mostly still fantasy stuff from my childhood—Robin McKinley (The Blue Sword), Gail Carson Levine (Ella Enchanted), etc. Currently, anything by YA fantasy author Megan Whalen Turner (The Thief, The Queen of Attolia, etc) is automatically in my favorites category. And I’m loving the YA dystopian trend right now (The Hunger Games, Legend, Divergent, etc), because that was one of my favorite genres when I was a kid and I couldn’t find very many kid-focused dystopians beyond The Giver back then. I also think it’s a great “soft” introduction to sci fi for a lot of readers that might otherwise be reluctant to try that genre out.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?

I’m currently working on the sequel, Thorns. I’m hoping to have it available in June or July of this summer, right in time for my Frost blog tour hosted by A Tale of Many Reviews.

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why?

Harry Potter, hands down! I would love to go to Hogwarts and just explore everything. I have been fascinated with that world since I read the first book at age 13.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

Music really helps, especially if I want to get into a certain mindset or mood for a scene and I’m having trouble dredging up the right emotions. For Frost, I actually listened to a lot of soundtracks, like Lady in the Water.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

Okay, this might be an odd superpower, but I was choose to have the ability to freeze time so I could do things, like get an hour of writing done or get some extra sleep or whatever I need to do. I think that would be extremely handy.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?

I am a pretty enthusiastic about gardening (at least when it comes to food), and last year I grew herbs (sweet basil, mint), tomatoes, cantaloupe, blueberries, strawberries, cucumbers, and green beans. This year I’m hoping to expand the selection to include peppers, yellow squash, and zucchini. I also love playing games—board games, card games, video games.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

I love writing these stories, so I hope you enjoy reading them!

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate? Chocolate

Edward or Jacob? Edward in the books, Jacob in the movies

Hockey or soccer? Soccer

Ebook or paper? Paper, but I do love my Kindle!

Salty or sweet? Sweet

Beach or mountains? Mountains in the summer/winter, beach in the fall/spring

Phone call or email? Phone call if family, email if friends

Early bird or night owl? Night owl all the way!

Dog or cat? Cat

Messy or neat? messy

Ninjas or pirates? Pirate

Other giveaways here:

 Pivot Point by Kasie West (US) ends 8/13

 Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry (US/Can) ends 8/15

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Giveaway for Curse of the Beast by Ashley Lavering Blog Tour

Curse of the Beast by Ashley Lavering

Interview with Ashley:

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

Placed in present day Cody, WY, this retelling of Beauty and the Beast has a unique werewolf twist that will keep you guessing.

--How did you get the idea for the story?

I was reading two authors at the same time, Robin Mckinley and Patricia Briggs. The result was a daydream where I saw a teenage girl standing in a large city with a growling werewolf by her side that she was trying to keep from killing a group of guys.  From there the story grew by wondering how she came to have a werewolf in the city and what was making him so angry.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

The character I would most love to have dinner with is Beast. I love his Southern gentleman charm and his supernatural power.

The character I would least like to have dinner with is Natalie. I don’t want to spend time with someone who is out to get you just to boost their own self-esteem. It would be like eating dinner with a shark. No thank you:-)

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

Oh, wow. My favorite books…that is a very long list indeed. Here a few: Under the Never Sky, Nightshade, The Hob’s Bargain, Vampire Academy Series, Obsidian, Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series, Moon Called, Frog Princess, Wild Magic and yes the Harry Potter and Twilight series.

Unfortunately, I don’t have as much time to read as I use to. But I still get in a book or two each week, if it isn’t my book release month. Reading books are essential to being a good writer. I really believe that:-)

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?

Well, I’m almost finished with Star Cursed, book 2 in the Curse of the Beast series. But I am also working on my high fantasy novels in the Land Magic Saga. It will be for YA and has lots of magic, adventure, and romance. I have 3 books in the saga in rough draft form right now, so I’m hoping to start releasing those next year. 

--If a fairy godmother told you your life could be like a favorite book for 24 hours, which book would you pick and why? 

I would spend the day with Tucker in the book Unearthly by Cynthia Hand. Why? Because it would be totally awesome to have a hot guy for a birthday present (lol), and the fact that I love the outdoors.  Having my own outdoor guild would be awesome and a perfect date.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?

Having two young kids, I have learned to write with anything or nothing going on. At thought intensive parts, I like quiet. At easier spots, I like to listen to music. The one song that is strongly linked to this book is Angels by Within Temptation. This song inspired me to write lyrics for these books. I just have to find a musicians to play it now:-)

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?

I love the water and am a scuba diver. So I would have to pick Percy Jackson’s superpower over the water:-)

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time? 

I love to hike, do crafts, go to movies, read books, and play with my family.

--What is one thing you would tell your 15 year old self?

I would tell my 15 year old self to really enjoy life and the moments that come each day. And to take more English classes! Lol. I use to run screaming from writing papers or reading for that matter. I laugh now when I think back on it.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

Just thank you! I love to share my stories. The high I get from hearing that someone couldn’t put my book down or that they dreamt about it is a euphoric feeling. So thanks for sharing my worlds with me and immortalizing my characters:-)

Giveaway:

For a deck of Curse of the Beast Playing Cards and swag bag
-US and Can only
-Ends 8/11

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Tour Stops:

Curse of the Beast   Blog Tour Schedule:

July

Friday, 27th—Amber’s Supernatural and YA Reviews

·        Book Review and Giveaway of a free ebook, a deck of Curse of the Beast playing cards, and a swag bag

Saturday, 28th— Jagged Edge Reviews

·        Author Interview

Sunday, 29th—I am a Reader, not a Writer

·        Giveaway of a Signed Paperback copy of Curse of the Beast and swag bag

Monday, 30th—Intoxicated by Books

·        Book Review

Tuesday, 31st— Blkosiner's Book Blog

·        Author Interview and Giveaway of a free ebook, a deck of Curse of the Beast playing cards, and a swag bag

August

Wednesday, 1st—Enchanted Writings

·        Character Interview

Thursday, 2nd—The Stubby Pencil

·        Book Review and free ebook

Friday, 3rd—The Non Reluctant Reader

·        Author Interview and Giveaway a free ebook

Saturday, 4th— Why not? Because I said so!

·        Book Review

Sunday, 5th—Creative Thoughts

·        Giveaway of a Signed Paperback copy of Curse of the Beast and swag bag

Monday, 6th—Epilogue

·        Character interview and Short except from Star Cursed book 2

Tuesday, 7th—Debbie’s Inkspectations

·        Author Interview

Wednesday, 8th—Once Upon a Twilight

·        Book Review and giveaway

Thursday, 9th—A Dreamland Teenage Fantasy

·        Book Review and Giveaway a free ebook.

Friday, 10th—Fire Star Books

·        Author Interview and Giveaway a free ebook and a swag bag.

Saturday, 11—Read Between the Lines

·        Book Review and Giveaway of a free ebook, a deck of Curse of the Beast playing cards, and a swag bag.

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Review: Pivot Point by Kasie West

Pivot Point by Kasie West

Reminiscent of the movie Sliding Doors, Pivot Point is about a girl who has the power to Search alternate futures. When faced with a life changing decision, she lives out six weeks of two different lives (in alternating chapters), both holding the potential for love and loss, and must ultimately choose which path she is willing to live through.

Publishes in US: Feb 13th 2013
Source: author/publisher for honest review and giveaway
1st in series, 2nd is slated to release in 2014


     In a few words: Amazing plot, beautiful writing, and great main character.
     At first I didn't think I would like the way that the chapters alternated between futures, but Kasie West pulls it off beautifully. It was seamless and I gained so much insight into Addie (the main character) because of the different choices and outcomes she is faced with.
     The paranormalcy set up in this book is really neat. I like how they all have different abilities and we get to see how it works on their compound. I also really love the idea of how one choice can make such ripples and the idea of time travel and exploring alternate realities, and Ms. West did not disappoint.
     To me, Addie was so easy to relate to, because she is so much like me. The book loving, not want to make waves, want to have a plan and know my choices and what will happen.   I really bonded with her, I like how she is slightly on the outside, but she connects deeply with a few people. She's not fake, and she wants to feel things that are real. I loved it when she was talking about books and saying that it is the only time she knew she wasn't being influenced on how to feel. I don't know what it is like to have my emotions supernaturally altered obviously, but I do connect on a deep level about books making me feel things. I read to escape, I read to connect, and I read to feel emotions.
      I loved the contrast of her and Laila's personality and watching their friendship. It is such a theme and I enjoy reading about well developed friendship. It adds such depth and layers to the story.
    Speaking of layers, I was constantly amazed at how she connected things like Poison or the football issues to both storylines. It was a work of pure genius. The symmetrical themes showed some amazing talent, and it made me do lots of thinking.
    Trevor is exactly the kind of guy that I love to read about. He is sweet and kind, he is an artist. It was fun watching him and Addie interact, both their budding friendship and the flirting as well. I appreciate how they took things slowly and I feel so bad about some of the choices that Addie had to make, but it ultimately showed so much about the depth of her character.
    An aside, I completely adored the chapter heading. At first I think that I mostly ignored them, but once I noticed how witty they were, and how it connected to the story, they were a great touch. It was words, some real, some changed a bit, using Para and Norm to let you know which perspective you were reading.
    It was like I blinked and the story was over, and I was left satisfied and amazed at the characters, and how one decision can have such affects on your life. It was heartbreaking and fulfilling at the same time her choices and how the book wrapped up. I really appreciated though that in that sadness and conclusion there is so much hope and possibilities to explore and hope for in the next book.
    Speaking of which, I can't believe that I have to wait until 2014 to get more into Addie's mind and to read more about Trevor our resident sexy cowboy.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Would you want to be able to see different futures based on your choices?

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DNF #4

I wrote a post awhile back about negative reviews, and how I don't review if I don't finish, and a very wise blogger pointed out that knowing what a blogger doesn't like can be valuable to publishers and authors too. Then another blogger mentioned she did a did not finish post and I thought it was a great idea. So, here we go:

Burn by Heath Gibson

All it takes is one spark. William Tucker loves being a volunteer firefighter (maybe it's no coincidence that a pastor's son would enjoy saving people). And after he rescues his crush, Mandy Pearman, she undergoes a profound transformation for the better. In fact, it seems like a lot of good comes from the embers of tragedy in his small Alabama town. William may not be able to meet his father's expectations, force his mother to ditch the gin, or protect his gay brother, but for those who need a second chance at life, William isn't afraid to light the match--and become the hero the town needs.

Why I did not finish:

Couldn't get into the style and pacing and did not connect with the author.

Not sure if it's in verse, which I can almost never read or if the style just didn't work for me. 

Stopped at 3%

That isn't to say that the writing is poor or the characters are poorly constructed, it's personal on my end.
I'd love to see if you have a great review of any of these books and what you loved about them.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have you ever been in a fire or known someone who has?

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Giveaway: My Memories Digital Scrapbook

My Memories is digital scrapbooking software. You can see an example of something I created below. I used My Memories suite and loved it. 
Check out my review here

Here are a few videos to give you an idea of functionality. 








- copy of My Memories, open internationally
-Fill out Rafflecopter to enter
-Ends on 8/12



Details:
To enter, go to www.MyMemories.com, and comment on your favorite layout.
For extra entries
Blog- http://blog.mymemories.com/

Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/pages/MyMemories/140359372717593

Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/mymemoriessuite




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My question to you, my lovely readers:
Have you done digital scrapbooking before?

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Review: My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software

My Memories is digital scrapbooking software. You can see an example of something I created below. I used My Memories suite and loved it. 
They provided me with a copy for review, and I also posted a giveaway. 
As a special for all of my readers, email me for a Share the Memories code that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!) brandileigh2003@yahoo.com

Check out the giveaway here

    There is a whole list of templates that you can use, every theme from casual and seasonal to babies. You can choose to arrange your own pictures or have it autofill.
    There are so many options to use in the program, add texts, word art, embellishments, you can add music, videos or narration.
    At first, I was a bit disappointed because I wanted more background choices, but then I realized that there were lots more FREE, and also that you can purchase
    Most of the templates are 12x12 size, which is my only complaint because I want to be able to print. There are some though that are 8.5x11.
    It can also be a bit slow, but part of that might be my computer.
    It takes some getting used to but there are so many features that you can play with, some of them that I just haven't got the time or chance yet to explore yet.
    I like how they have the pre-made designs to give you ideas and that there are so many formats, calendars, and photo books. This is what I chose to make the page below. There are options to export to jpg so you can share online, and you can also make it into a c.d.
    You can also create your own layer by layer and as much as I like to scrapbook online, I am not the best at that sort of thing. There are all sorts of size options that you can choose for this too.
Here is an example of a page that I made of my beautiful girls. I love the background and the ease that it added my pictures. I just chose what I wanted and it put them in for me, and I have the option of moving them around and changing any of the page elements.

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Stacking the Shelves, IMMB, and Showcase Sunday

Stacking the Shelves is hosted by Tynga's Reviews,  check it out and sign up  here


IMMB was started by Kristi at The Story Siren. Check it out and sign up here


Showcase Sunday is hosted by Books, Buscuits and Tea, check it out and sign uphere


Make sure to check out:
 Amazon Giftcard, 2000 follower giveaway ends 8/27(int)

 Pivot Point by Kasie West (US) ends 8/13

 Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry (US/Can) ends 8/15

What I got:

Cursed Source: Spencer Hill

Armentrout, Jennifer L. *

Beautiful Lies Source: Netgalley

Warman, Jessica

The Lost Girl Source: author/Harper Collins for honest review currently reading

Mandanna, Sangu *

What I Didn't Say source: netgalley My review HERE

Taylor, Keary

Burn source: netgally did not finish

Gibson, Heath

Throne of Glass (Throne of Glass, #1) source: netgalley my review HERE

Maas, Sarah J.

What did you get? What do you think of my books?

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Review: Whisper by Chrissie Keighery

Whisper by Chrissie Keighery (Perry)

Fifteen-year-old Demi's world is shattered when she is left profoundly deaf by a sudden illness. Everything is different now, and Demi must learn to adapt to a new school, new friends and even learn a whole new language.
Whisper is a coming-of-age tale, about discovering who you are and where you fit in life. About friendships and first love and, most of all, learning to love the person you are.

Published July 2012
Source: Author/Templar for honest review


    I don't think that I have ever read anything about a deaf main character, and it definitely opened my eyes to people with disabilities. Demi's struggles are so raw and emotional and Chrissie handles them and the issues brought up in this book so well.
    Demi starts going to a school for the deaf, and she meets other students, and we get a glimpse into their struggles. There are some who sign and speak, some who can read lips, some who can't, some who are non-verbal. As Demi got to know them better, so did I. Keisha was one of my favorite secondary characters. She is so bright and bubbly, and brings a neat perspective to the story.
   As for Demi, I cannot imagine what it would be like to have hearing and then all of the sudden be plunged into a world without sound. But I do get an idea because of this story. Demi worked through some of her issues on her own, some with the help of her new friends, and some of them through her old friends.
   Ethan is the love interest in this book, and he amazes me. He never made Demi's deafness and issue, and approached it with maturity that made me respect him all the more. Their romance was sweet and while it didn't take front seat to the story, I think that it added to the overall theme of Demi trying to figure out how to fit the separate pieces of her world into a beautiful picture.
   I really love the imagery one of the characters, Stella, paints (well photographs) of Demi juggling the two worlds, the deaf community and the "hearies" as they call those who can hear. I also bring really appreciated the innocence and love that Demi's nephews brought to the story. One line almost made me cry:

"It doesn't matter if she's deaf," he says. "My aunty Demi can listen with her eyes and whisper with her hands."

     This is beautifully written and it never felt forced. All of the issues that arose seemed genuine and I think that the emotions and how the characters reacted were true to life. I empathized with them and wanted the best for them.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you know anyone who is deaf? Do you know any sign language?

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Author Interview: Hell's Game by Teresa Lo

Hell's Game by Teresa Lo

On Halloween night in Deer Creek, Kansas, Jake Victor, Ashley and Ashton Gemini, and Kristin Grace convince Ronnie Smalls to meet them at the town cemetery, which local folklore has always rumored to be the Gateway to Hell. Their intention was only to scare him, but soon the wicked prank becomes actual horror as the group learns the Gateway is all too real. After demons snatch Ronnie and drag him to Hell, the terrified foursome vow to keep what they had seen a secret.
Two years later, the group receives a mysterious letter, an invite to play a high-stakes game in Hell. If they win, they release Ronnie’s soul as well as their own from eternal damnation. If they lose, they are stuck in Hell forever. Choosing to play, they face nightmare after nightmare as each level escalates in intensity and forces them to face the seven deadly sins.

Inspired by the legends of the Gateway to Hell in Stull, Kansas, Hell’s Game explores the cruelty that teenagers can inflict upon each other as well as the horrors that exist amongst mankind. It is a dark, action-packed young adult novel that will both scare its readers and make them question the true meaning of evil.

Lazy Days of Summer Giveaway Hop


- 5 copies of Hell's Game, open internationally
-Fill out Rafflecopter to enter
-Ends on 8/1
-Make sure to check out and comment on our interview below for an extra entry
a Rafflecopter giveaway


Also make sure to enter
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and these:

 Pivot Point by Kasie West (US) ends 8/13

 Pushing the Limits by Katie McGarry (US/Can) ends 8/15

--The Twitter version: tell us about your book in 140 characters or less.

Teresa Lo's debut YA novel, HELL’S GAME, follows 4 teens who are forced to play a game in Hell where they encounter the 7 deadly sins.

--How did you get the idea for the story?

I grew up in a small town in Kansas, and I’ve always heard stories about the Gateway to Hell in Stull, Kansas. [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stull,_Kansas] For years, I had been trying to write a story that could incorporate the Gateway and a prank gone wrong, and over a year and a half ago, I finally merged that idea with the idea of a bizarre, high-stakes game of nightmares.

--Which character would you most/least like to have dinner with?

My favorite character to write in HELL’S GAME was definitely teen queen Ashley Gemini, who is probably one of the meanest mean girls that I could create. If she invited me to dinner, I’d probably squirm in my seat as she belittled me and the guests around us, but I would also be in awe of her glamour and confidence.

--What are some of your favorite books? Do you still have much time to read?

I’m a big reader of YA literature. Growing up, I devoured books by Judy Blume, R.L. Stine, L.J. Smith, and Ellen Raskin, but I also liked non-YA writers such as Stephen King and John L’Heureux. Most recently, I’ve enjoyed Harry Potter, The Hunger Games and Twilight series.

--Do you have any other works in progress? Any teasers or release dates?
I am working on ideas for my next YA project, but no release dates at the moment.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)? Are there any songs on your playlist- songs that inspired you or that were playing while you wrote?
This surprises some people, but I have to have the television on when I write! I find that reality TV works best because I need the background noise and stimulation, but I don’t have to be paying full attention to know what is going on in the show.

--If you could have any superpower what would you choose?
It varies by the day, but today I would say that I’d like the ability to understand and speak every language.

--Besides writing, what do you like to do in your free time?
I enjoy cooking, being lazy with my cat, taking photos, and reading. I’m also a cast member on the entertainment review website Just Seen It  [www.justseenit.com] so I watch a lot of movies and TV.

--Is there anything else you want to add or say to your readers?

I’m so grateful to everyone who has supported my work. It really means a lot to me, and I hope you like HELL’S GAME! 

Check out the other giveaways on the hop:

My question to you, my lovely readers:

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Review: The Forsaken by Lisa M. Stasse

A thought-provoking and exciting start to a riveting new dystopian trilogy.
As an obedient orphan of the U.N.A. (the super-country that was once Mexico, the U.S., and Canada), Alenna learned at an early age to blend in and be quiet—having your parents taken by the police will do that to a girl. But Alenna can’t help but stand out when she fails a test that all sixteen-year-olds have to take: The test says she has a high capacity for brutal violence, and so she is sent to The Wheel, an island where all would-be criminals end up.
The life expectancy of prisoners on The Wheel is just two years, but with dirty, violent, and chaotic conditions, the time seems a lot longer as Alenna is forced to deal with civil wars for land ownership and machines that snatch kids out of their makeshift homes. Desperate, she and the other prisoners concoct a potentially fatal plan to flee the island. Survival may seem impossible, but Alenna is determined to achieve it anyway.

The Forsaken by Lisa M. Stasse
Published in US: July 10th 2012
1st in series, can't find any info about book 2 release, working title, The Uprising
Source: Lisa Stasse and Simon for review


    The Forsaken is a heart-stopping, action packed beginning to a series that I already have fallen in love with and am yearning for the next.
    Alenna has always felt like an outsider, different in some unexplained way from society until she fails the personality test and is shipped to The Wheel, where even though they all should be mentally unstable or have a predisposition for violence, she finally feels like she fits in.
    I know that I could really relate with Alenna, I never quite feel like I fit in, and one day I hope that I find that circle of people where I really do. It comes close with book blogging, and fortunately I have my husband, but I still feel on the edges sometimes. So it really is awesome to watch Alenna come to realize her strengths, and bond with the people around her. She has things to teach Gadya, Rika, David, Liam and the others, and they have things to teach her. Like how to fight, the value of being kind, that things aren't always what they seem and to never give up.
    This is a gritty and suspenseful novel, and Lisa really nailed the dystopian category. The government is corrupt and it seems so powerful, but there are cracks. There are groups of rebels and they fight to survive. Lisa wrote her characters where I cared about them, and it was hard to read when something happened for them. I rooted for them and for the best to happen to them, and sometimes it did, and keeping it realistic, sometimes it didn't.
    There was a spy in the camp, and I kept switching up my suspicions on who it was. Lisa really had a talent there, making people seem suspicious, and then clearing them in ways that I didn't see coming. David especially. One minute I was warm to him, and believing that he really had Alenna's best interest at heart, and then he would do something to make me think, well... Hmmm... But I didn't even really suspect who they said it was in the end... but I am wondering if it is really that person because of the phrasing.
    Lisa Stasse paces the story beautifully. There is always action going on, keeping me on my toes, wondering what will go wrong next, and how they will get themselves out of each sticky situation. She throws  me just enough of a bone with the romantic tension, of course leaving me wanting more, and for each question that she answers, I have more that I just know will be revealed in its sweet time.
    I flew through this story, staying up til 2am to finish because I couldn't go to sleep without knowing what happened to the characters that I grew so attached to.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you feel like you fit in, or are different from others, or somewhere in between?

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