Waiting on Wednesday 10/31

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I also feature books that may have already released, but I am anxiously waiting to read.

This week, I'm featuring:

Slated (Slated, #1)

Terry, Teri *

Kyla’s memory has been erased,
her personality wiped blank,
her memories lost for ever.
She’s been Slated.
The government claims she was a terrorist, and that they are giving her a second chance - as long as she plays by their rules. But echoes of the past whisper in Kyla’s mind. Someone is lying to her, and nothing is as it seems. Who can she trust in her search for the truth?

Released: May 3 2012

What are you waiting on?

Review: The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

The Lost Prince by Julie Kagawa

Don’t look at Them. Never let Them know you can see Them.
That is Ethan Chase’s unbreakable rule. Until the fey he avoids at all costs—including his reputation—begin to disappear, and Ethan is attacked. Now he must change the rules to protect his family. To save a girl he never thought he’d dare to fall for.
Ethan thought he had protected himself from his older sister’s world—the land of Faery. His previous time in the Iron Realm left him with nothing but fear and disgust for the world Meghan Chase has made her home, a land of myth and talking cats, of magic and seductive enemies. But when destiny comes for Ethan, there is no escape from a danger long, long forgotten.

Publishes in US: Oct 23rd 2012
Source: Harlequin Teen via Netgalley
Series? Yes. 1st in Call of the Forgotten, the 2nd The Forgotten Son publishes in September 2013




    I was in love with Ethan from the start. He is broody, and I connected with his voice. I could understand where he was coming from with his attitude and I liked the glimpses of the person he really is through the shell.
    I was also intrigued by Kenzie and her motivations as well as admiring her stubborness and tenacity. I loved the interactions between her and Ethan and they really drive the book for me.
    The addition of Kali, a type of martial art was a breath of fresh air. The relationship between Ethan and Guro is well written and I like having a role model like that in my stories. I like how he didn't press issues, but let Ethan know he was there for him, as well as expecting the best from Ethan.
     Julie Kagawa twines old familiar characters in and I smiled getting to see what they are up to now. It is neat seeing them from new eyes and seeing how the outside sees their relationships and dynamics.

     I wanted to know more but the ending didn't do it for me as far as wrapping up the plot. I liked how the epilogue ended things between Kenzie and Ethan though. I definitely want to know more about their lives and where their stories take them next. 

    Bottom line: Absolute page turner. A familiar and loved world told through the eyes of a new main character that I fell for instantly.

Buy It:
B&N | Amazon | The Book Depository 
Find Julie:
Site
Twitter (@jkagawa)
Facebook page
blog

Iron Fey Site

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Would you build a wall around yourself like Ethan to protect others or embrace seeing what others couldn't?

Stacking the Shelves, IMMB, Showcase Sunday, The Sunday Post Mailbox Memes

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, Biscuits and Tea, check it out and sign up here
The Sunday Post is a weekly meme hosted by Kimba the Caffeinated Book Reviewer ~ It's a chance to share news~ A post to recap the past week on your blog, showcase books and things we have received and share news about what is coming up on our blog for the week ahead.

What I got:

The Lost Prince (The Iron Fey: Call of the Forgotten, #1) Source: netgalley

Kagawa, Julie *

Speed of Light (Fenestra, #3) Source: netgalley

Kizer, Amber *

Meant to Be Source: netgalley

Morrill, Lauren *

What's Left of Me (The Hybrid Chronicles, #1) Currently reading won from: Kat and Jess  Booksandsensibility.com

Zhang, Kat*

The Boy Project: Notes and Observations of Kara McAllister Source: Paperback swap

Kinard, Kami *

Good Oil Source: netgalley

Buzo, Laura

aka:

Love and Other Perishable Items Source: netgalley

Buzo, Laura

My week:
I am in MD for a wedding, and have left my 10 month old Jillian for the first time, so while I am getting some alone time with hubby and time to read, its hard. It also was the 3 week mark from my dad's passing yesterday and tomorrow would have been his birthday... so tough week all around.

Last Week on the blog:
Giveaway and Guest Post: Decoy by S.B. Sebrick
Spooktacular Giveaway Hop
$100 Amazon Gift Card by Brenda Pandos
Giveaway: Beautifully Broken and guest post by She...
Review: Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Giveaway and Guest Post: Flutter by Gina Linko

Coming up on the blog:
Review of Lost Prince
Review of Meant to Be
Review of Good Oil/Love and other Perishable Items
DNF: Speed of Light
Waiting on Wednesday

What are you reading? Any of my books new to you or have you read any of my books? If so, what did you think?
Also, feel free to link up your blog and mailbox post.

My question to you, my lovely readers:

Waiting on Wednesday 10/24

Waiting On Wednesday is a weekly event, hosted over at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. I also feature books that may have already released, but I am anxiously waiting to read.

This week, I'm featuring:

Apollyon (Covenant, #4)

Armentrout, Jennifer L. *

Alex is now 18... and nothing will ever be the same again. War is coming, and when the gods are involved, no one is safe.
Releases: April 19 2013

What are you waiting on?

Giveaway and Guest Post: Decoy by S.B. Sebrick

Decoy S.B. Sebrick

The last few grueling years of training have served Kaltor well. He’s learned to harness the magic within his body, overcome a stronger opponent, avoid capture, and everything else an assassin-in-training needs to survive.
Or so he thought.
But when those they protect at an excavation site release a demon from the Abyss itself, Kaltor realizes just how poorly prepared they all are for what’s coming. Within a single night, their mining camp of one thousand people plummets to a couple hundred terrified survivors, the majority turned against each other by the demon’s potent abilities. Then he turns towards Shaylis, the largest city in the region, for the next stage of his plan.
In a constant battle of both steel and strategy Kaltor and his friends struggle to delay, deceive and defeat their opponent, who’s spent the last thousand years planning out every detail of her assault to perfection. As the number of casualties mounts and her final plan comes to light, Kaltor is left with only one option. He must draw on the secret power within himself, knowing if his true identity is discovered, his life and the fate of the world, will be changed forever.

Defiant (Assassin's Rising, #3) by S.B. Sebrick

Deluge (Assassin's Rising, #2)  by S.B. Sebrick



- copy, open internationally
-Fill out Rafflecopter to enter
-Ends on 11/21/2012 11:59 pm EST
-Make sure to check out and comment on our guest post below for an extra entry
-If you win a review on your blog and/or amazon is appreciated but not required.
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Happy soon-to-be Halloween everyone (close enough at least)! My name is S. B. Sebrick.

Our gracious host has granted me the opportunity to introduce a dear friend of mine, Kaltor Stratagar. His appearance seemed appropriate, In light of the upcoming holiday, notorious for terrifying stories, elaborate costumes and trick-or-treat candy.

Costumes and candy? Seriously? That's the best you can do on the introduction? I thought you were a writer, not a nostalgic five year old in a man's body.

Kaltor! You're not due to appear for another few paragraphs. I haven't told these fine people about your books yet.

Listen up, Sebrick. You're associating me with picking up candy on someone's door step. That's as far from the 'Assassin's Rising' Series as you can get. Man up, or I'll do it for you.

What? Candy gathering is part of the holiday, quite possibly the most beloved part of the holiday by children everywhere. I'm reminding the readers of all the loot they used to gather.

Loot? In my world a hidden blade can save your life. King's pay small fortunes in gold to out-maneuver the assassins of a rival. Most importantly, the Destroyer is out trying to use men's souls as a bargaining chip for her own salvation. It has nothing to do with trick-or-treat.

But it has everything to do with Halloween! We're talking about a recently freed demon on a killing spree and a bunch of aspiring assassins trying to put her back in her prison. It's a perfect fit, don't you agree?

...Aspiring? Did you just call me aspiring?!

Oh... Crap.

I'm still here after three books of your infernal making. You couldn't last five minutes in my world. The hardest thing you've had to do is juggle work and a social life. I had to kill a Rhylon myselflast week. Belittle me again and I'm signing you up for another round of jujitsu lessons, with black belts this time.

My bad, my bad, my bad! I take it all back!

Thought you might.

Would you rather carry on with the introduction then?

You still think they don't have the jist of 'Assassin's Rising?' Don't make me laugh. They're on board. If they want a good read the night of Halloween, they know who to look up. Now, lets get to work on your costume.

I have to work at the restaurant that night.

Perfect, we'll use your work uniform. Now, we'll need a good substitute for blood. Or would you might shoving your hand in the ice cream mixer? That would look far more realistic.

You're going to find some way to make me pay for that 'aspiring' comment aren't you?

.... Muahahahaha (evil grin).

Contact S.B. 

E-mail: sbsebrick@gmail.com
Facebook Page: S. B. Sebrick
Twitter: S. B. Sebrick
Goodreads: S. B. Sebrick

Author Interview: Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft by Jody Gehrman

Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft by Jody Gehrman

Falling in love, baking a magical cake, fighting an evil necromancer--it's all in a day's work for Audrey Oliver, seventeen-year-old witch-in-training. When her mother goes missing and her mysterious "cousin" shows up out of the blue, Audrey knows something's gone horribly, dangerously wrong. Now it's up to her to get her own magical powers up to speed before everyone she loves is destroyed by the sorcerer intricately connected to her mother's secret past.
Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft is more than just a novel; it's a book of spells, a collection of easy recipes, a charming coming-of-age tale, an enchanting romance, and an action-packed adventure. As Audrey overcomes her insecurities and learns to protect herself against the wicked black magic of her nemesis, she grows into a heroine we can root for--a witch who knows that true power comes from deep within.

- copy, open internationally
-Fill out Rafflecopter to enter
-Ends on 10/31/2012 11:59 pm EST
-Make sure to check out and comment on our interview below for an extra entry
-If you win a review on your blog and/or amazon is appreciated but not required.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Interview (feel free to do any or all of the questions, including or excluding the lightning round)

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

A 17-year-old witch-in-training must hone her newfound magical powers in order to save her mother from an evil necromancer.

(Yes! With a few characters to spare!)

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

As a teen growing up in Northern California, I met a lot of new age mystics and hippies, some of whom practiced witchcraft. I dabbled in spells and ceremonies some myself--just basic stuff--so it felt like the right topic to explore. I wanted to mix what I know about real witches with a fictional world where their power could be even more startling and palpable. There's an amazing force running through nature, and the idea of tapping that fascinates me. I'm glad I set it in my hometown, because it was fun to fill a sleepy little place like Healdsburg with supernatural elements.

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

Sadie! She's such a cool mixture of poise and awkwardness. I'd like to ask her all about what it was like to grow up in a magical community. I just love her fashion sense, her stylishness, and her bewilderment in the "mundane" world. I'm not so sure I'd welcome her snake at the table, though, or her iguana.

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

I'm working on the second book in this trilogy, the Audrey's Guide series. The working title is Audrey's Guide to Slaying Zombies and Breaking Hearts.

--What book(s) is your book’s “cousin”? (Similar set-up or style)

Rachel Hawkins' Hex Hall Series and Katie Crouch's Magnolia League books.

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

I don't have that much time to read, but I devour audio books, because I can listen to them while I drive, work out or clean the house, which is so great! A huge range of writers have influenced me at different times in my life. Some of my favorites in the realm of “classics” include Nabokov and both of the Brontes (but especially Charlotte). I love hilarious, contemporary British writers like Helen Fielding, Nick Hornby and Sophie Kinsella. In terms of witchy reads, Alice Hoffman's Practical Magic rocked my world. I read a lot of YA; some of my favorite writers are Beth Fantaskey, Nina LaCour, Maggie Stiefvater, Katie Crouch and Stacey Jay. Right now I'm listening to the audio version of a book called Dare Me by Megan Abbott and it's blowing me away.

--Do you need anything to write (music, coffee, etc)?

Lately I'm addicted to nature sounds when I write--mostly waterfall, creek and ocean. It's just enough white noise to block out distractions. I find it plugs me into the story more efficiently than anything else. I can't listen to music with words when I write. Maybe it's because I write songs--I don't know--but I find lyrics way too distracting. I do love me some caffeine while I work--good coffee with condensed milk and honey or strong black tea.

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

Flying, definitely. No contest. I guess that's pretty boring and predictable, but I just know it would feel fantastic!

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

I like yoga, kickboxing, and swimming. I love going to plays and movies too. I write a lot of plays; going to see something I've written come alive on stage is one of my favorite things to do in the whole world.

Lightning round: this or that?

Vanilla or chocolate?

Chocolate! Duh!

Edward or Jacob?

Jacob! So hot...

Salty or sweet?

Sweet.

Beach or mountains?

Beach!

Dog or cat?

Cat. I have three.

Ninjas or pirates?

Pirates, please.

Bio: Jody Gehrman is the author of seven novels and numerous plays. Audrey's Guide to Witchcraft is her most recent Young Adult novel. Her other Young Adult novels include Babe in Boyland, Confessions of a Triple Shot Betty, and Triple Shot Bettys in Love, (Penguin's Dial Books). Babe in Boyland has recently been optioned by the Disney Channel and won the International Reading Association's Teen Choice Award. Her adult novels are Notes from the Backseat, Tart, and Summer in the Land of Skin (Red Dress Ink). Her plays have been produced in Ashland, New York, San Francisco, Chicago and L.A. She and her partner David Wolf won the New Generation Playwrights Award for their one-act, Jake Savage, Jungle P.I. She is a professor of English at Mendocino College.

Follow-me Links:

http://www.jodygehrman.blogspot.com

http://www.facebook.com/jody.gehrman

http://www.facebook.com/AudreysGuideToWitchcraft

http://twitter.com/jodygehrman

http://www.jodygehrman.com

Links to purchase:

http://www.amazon.com/Audreys-Guide-Witchcraft-Guides-ebook/dp/B008G7L6TS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1341249491&sr=8-1&keywords=Audrey%27s+Guide+to+Witchcraft

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/audreys-guide-to-witchcraft-jody-gehrman/1112135174

http://itunes.apple.com/us/book/audreys-guide-to-witchcraft/id543794918?mt=11

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/177500

$100 Amazon Gift Card by Brenda Pandos

The Emerald Talisman Audio Book by Brenda Pandos
Read by Mary Morgan

You can run from your destiny, but you can't hide.
If for no other reason than to help endure the hormonal rush of high school, sixteen-year-old Julia Parker would trade her ability to feel her fellow students' emotions in a heartbeat, especially half the boys in class.
When the beguiling Nicholas uses his superhuman strength to rescue Julia from the edge of a cliff before she's devoured by a bloodthirsty stalker, Julia is suddenly thrust into an underground world where people and animals are often one and the same. Fellow high school students disappear and only Julia and Nicholas know the truth. While Nicholas, a vampire hunter, is out stopping the ever-growing coven, an old friend entices Julia to join him on the dark side and a psychic tells Julia she alone is the key to stopping the madness, problem is it'll require Nicholas' life.

Amazon * Audible * Goodreads * Sample

About Brenda:


Brenda Pandos lives in California with her husband and two boys. She attempts to balance her busy life filled with writing, being a mother and wife, and spending time with friends and family. Working formerly as an I.T. Administrator, she never believed her imagination would be put to good use. After her son was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder her life completely changed. Writing paranormal romance became something she could do at home while tending to the new needs of her family, household, and herself.

Three years later, Brenda now has five books published, The Talisman Trilogy: The Emerald Talisman, The Sapphire Talisman, and The Onyx Talisman, and Mer Tales: Everblue and Evergreen. She is currently working on the third book of Mer Tales, Everlost, coming February 2013.

LINKS:
Website * Blog * Goodreads * Twitter * Facebook

February 2013 EVERLOST, Book #3 of Mer Tales

COMING SOON: UNTITLED, Book #4 of Talisman Series

Audio Book Tour



Readers are invited to participate in The Emerald Talisman blog tour from 10/22-11/23 hosted by Confessions of a Bookaholic. There will be giveaways, interviews and a scavenger hunt!




Trailer:

Book Blast Giveaway Details:
$100 Amazon Gift Card or $100 PayPal Cash from Author Brenda Pandos
Ends 10/30/12
*You need not enter your twitter name for each entry. Simply enter it when you follow Brenda and leave the others blank.



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My question to you, my lovely readers:

Giveaway: Beautifully Broken and guest post by Sherry Soule

This giveaway is open internationally! So let’s tell the blogging world!

Hi everyone, I’m Sherry Soule—waving from Castro Valley, California, where I’m chilling on my laptop and chatting on Twitter about my favorite books and movies.

Author Sherry Soule has a treat for all my followers today. Take this super fun quiz to see which character BEST suits YOU and score an eBook version of the first book in this unforgettable YA series, BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN!

Would you be better friends with Shiloh or Ariana?

Are you a quirky, romantic witch with magickal powers?

Or a snarky and outgoing blond with lots of vitality?

Well, they both love to read, have their own sense of style, and have big dreams for the future—but while they share those things, Shiloh’s tall, and Ariana’s not. Ariana’s got major curves and Shiloh’s super skinny. Ariana hearts Christina Aguilera and Shiloh’s all about the Foo Fighters.

Take this quiz and be sure to check the bottom of the post for the details regarding this random giveaway.

1.     You have $50 to spend. Where do you go?

a.      Steve Madden. A girl can never have too many shoes!

b.      Everyday Magick. Stock up on snake blood and eye-of-newt.

c.      Duh! Abercrombie & Fitch

d.      Hot Topic, of course!

2.    It is dinnertime. What are you in the mood for?

a.      Chinese takeout.

b.      Salad and iced tea—please

c.      Fruit and diet soda

d.      BBQ Chicken Pizza. Yum!

3.    The fog in Whispering Pines is extra thick. What keeps you warm?

a.      Bolero jacket with Lucky jeans and Uggs.

b.      Hoodie with my skinny jeans and Doc Martens

c.      The fires of hell—so toasty!

d.      Denim jacket with my black pants and low-top Converse

4.    What is your dream destination?

a.      Hawaii. Warm and tropical. Plus hot guys.

b.      New York. Architecture and culture

c.      Underworld. One way ticket—please!

d.      Paris. The city of romance!

5.    What’s your favorite footwear?

a.      Flip-flops.

b.      Doc Martens

c.      Hoofs

d.      Converse.

6.   Favorite supernatural hunk?

a.     Dean Winchester—heavy sigh!

b.     Stefan Salvatore—so romantic!

c.     Tyler Lockwood—furry and supercute!

d.     Edward Cullen—bite me!

7.    What’s your favorite TV show?

a.      SUPERNATURAL

b.      The Secret Circle

c.      Teen wolf

d.      The Vampire Dairies

8.    Favorite book?

a.      “Descended by Blood” by Angeline Kace

b.      “Revealers” by Amanda Marrone

c.      “Strange Angels” by Lili St. Crow

d.      “Shiver” by Maggie Stiefvater

9.   What’s your dream job?

a.      Hairstylist

b.      Architect

c.      Ghost Hunter

d.      Personal Shopper

10. What supernatural pet would you like to own?

a.      Phoenix (exotic bird)

b.      Siamese cat (familiar)

c.      Hell Hound

d.      Werewolf

11.  Favorite movie?

a.      Gone With the Wind—I like to channel my inner Scarlett.

b.      The Craft—awesome witch movie!

c.      Insidious—haunted houses are uber scary!

d.     Ginger Snaps—werewolves are wicked cool.

12.  What is the best season?

a.      Spring. Warmer weather and flowers.

b.      Fall. Halloween!

c.      Winter. It gets dark early…

d.      Summer. Yay! No school

13.  What is your favorite color?

a.      Metallic blue. Duh

b.      Fuchsia. I can be a feminist girly-girl and like pink!

c.      Red, the color of blood.

d.      Silver, it’s sparkly and magical.

If you answered...

Mostly a's: You and Ariana need to hang at the mall!

Mostly b's:  Shiloh has a haunted house to cleanse—you free tonight? Follow her supernatural adventures on Twitter: @SpellboundGirl

Mostly c's: Too bad you’re not friends with either girl, because creatures of the underworld are watching you! Hurry and retake the quiz!

Mostly d's: Ariana and Shiloh are your new BFFs!

Places you can cyberstalk Sherry Soule:

Official Website: http://sherrysoule.com

Official Blog: http://www.sherrysoule.blogspot.com

Official Spellbound Series Universe: http://thespellboundseries.blogspot.com

Twitter @WriterSherry: http://twitter.com/writersherry

goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4925996.Sherry_Soule

Random winner will be picked on 11/20 and be emailed. Your eBook will be delivered via email to download to your e-Reader.

(If you're unsure how to, let Sherry know. She'll help you.)

Mandatory giveaway details:

1.) You must comment with your quiz results

2.) Be a follower of the Spellbound Series Universe Blog

3.) Follow  @WriterSherry 

4.) Tweet about this giveaway and include link

6.) Update your Twitter, blogger, or Facebook avatar to the BEAUTIFULLY BROKEN book cover during length of contest.

That's it! Good luck!

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Review: Deity by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Deity (Covenant #3) by Jennifer L. Armentrout

"History is on repeat, and things didn't go so well the last time. "
Alexandria isn't sure she's going to make it to her eighteenth birthday--to her Awakening. A long-forgotten, fanatical order is out to kill her, and if the Council ever discovers what she did in the Catskills, she's a goner... and so is Aiden.
If that's not freaky enough, whenever Alex and Seth spend time "training"--which really is just Seth's code word for some up-close and personal one-on-one time--she ends up with another mark of the Apollyon, which brings her one step closer to Awakening ahead of schedule. Awesome.
But as her birthday draws near, her entire world shatters with a startling revelation and she's caught between love and Fate. One will do anything to protect her. One has been lying to her since the beginning. Once the gods have revealed themselves, unleashing their wrath, lives will be irrevocably changed... and destroyed.
Those left standing will discover if love is truly greater than Fate...

Publishes: Nov 6th 2012

Source: Spencer Hill for review

Series info: 3rd in Covenant series, 1st is Half Blood 2nd is Pure and the 4th Apollyon publishes April 9th 2013 and the 5th Sentinel is late 2013.

trailer:


buy:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Book Depository

Find Jennifer:
Blog | Facebook | Goodreads | Twitter

     Reading and loving this was a great birthday present (birthday is 20th tomorrow)
     There isn't much to say besides wow. And I loved it. Alex continues to kick butt and take names, Aiden is hot as ever and we get to see a whole new level with him... Seth is mysterious and dangerous as ever, and there are plot twists that I never expected.
     If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend it. It is among my favorites, because of the characters, the love story and the action behind the scenes.
     This is no filler book. There is action, character development, love and new snags to the plan on every page.
    Alex kept me cheering for her, snickering at her mouth and wishing I had her skills every other page. I love being in her head, and getting to feel like I have that kind of wit, energy and passion if only for the hours where I am transported into her world. I also loved being able to see a more soft side of Alex and she wrestles with choices she must make, and possible ways that the future could play out with responsibility on her shoulders.
    I love the secondary characters as well... they have depth and they add something. Lea with her emotions, Olivia with her pain and confusion over what to feel towards Alex, Marcus and wondering about his motivations, and Leon... yeah, well there is a huge story there too. I love the scenes with Deacon as well. He makes me laugh and I am so glad for his friendship with Alex, he adds just the right thing to the scenes that he is in. And oh, how I miss Caleb. We get a small dose of him in ways I didn't expect in this one, but he was such a great friend and character.
    The ending is amazing, leaving me wanting more. Jennifer, be glad I don't know your address, or I might have to ninja Apollyon from your computer, lol.
    Great book, awesome series, amazing author.

My question to you, my lovely readers:
Do you like a sarcastic main character?

Giveaway and Guest Post: Flutter by Gina Linko

Hello Readers!

Thank you to Brandi for having me on her fabulous blog today.  In honor of my YA debut, FLUTTER, I wanted to share with you some very personal, insightful advice, gleaned from my teen years.  This goes out to all you teen readers!!

Top Five Serious and Not-So-Serious Things I Wish I Would’ve Known As A Teen:

5.  You can be what it is you want to be.   I grew up in a very blue-collar suburb, where it was just sort of absorbed that other kinds of people got to do creative professions.  The goal in my high school was to get to college, but darn, if we knew what to do when we got there!  Successful people were doctors and lawyers; we knew this.  But guess what?  You can chase after dreams in the creative arts.  Someone is going to become an artist, a writer, a musician out of your generation.  Why not you?  And I do remember one very perceptive teacher, when a group of us kids were discussing life and opportunities and careers, I remember him looking me in the eye, and he said, “Why NOT you?”  I still remember that today.  So I repeat that to you, dear readers:  Why NOT you?  Hard work can get you very far.  Just like in designated paths such as pre-med, pre-law, business, etc.  You can study writing.  Art.  Music.  Video game design.  These things exist, and they are out there for you!

4.  This. The curling iron is not your friend.  It was the eighties.  Please forgive it. 

3.  Again.  See #4.

2.  You will become a teacher, Gina Linko, and you will hate it when your students ignore you and think that they are fooling you by reading a novel under their desk.  However, you will know that you spent many high school classes doing the same thing.  This, my friends, is called poetic justice.

1. Don’t be scared to do anything.  Don’t let fear keep you from trying anything.  I was twenty-three before I started writing seriously.  Most likely, because of fear.  Anyway, whatever it is that you are scared of doing, but really want to do, just jump in.  It is WORTH it. 

Gina Linko is the YA author of the upcoming Random House sci-fi romance, FLUTTER.  She teaches part-time college writing.  She is addicted to Scrabble, roots for the Cubs, and has three gorgeous, genius children.

About Flutter:

All Emery Land wants is to be like any other 17-year-old—to go to school, hang out with her friends, and just be normal. But for as long as she can remember, she’s suffered from seizures. And in recent years they’ve consumed her life. To Emery they’re much more than seizures, she calls them loops—moments when she travels through wormholes back and forth in time and to a mysterious town. The loops are taking their toll on her physically. So she practically lives in the hospital where her scientist father and an ever-growing team of doctors monitor her every move. They’re extremely interested in the data they collect when Emery seizes. It appears that she’s tapping into parts of the brain typically left untouched by normal human beings.
Escaping from the hospital, Emery travels to Esperanza, the town from her loops on the upper peninsula of Michigan, where she meets Asher Clarke. Ash’s life is governed by his single-minded pursuit of performing good Samaritan acts to atone for the death of a loved one. His journey is very much entwined with Emery’s loops.
Drawn together they must unravel their complicated connection before it’s too late.

Find Gina:

Her Site

 Goodreads

@GinaLinko on Twitter!

Goodreads giveaway (mine is below)

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Flutter

by Gina Linko

Giveaway ends October 31, 2012.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Please leave a comment, and you could win a FLUTTER book bag!
US only
ends 10/31
It has the cover photo on one side, and the other side says, “Do you know how FLUTTER ends?”  Also, go on over to Goodreads, and you can enter to win a signed hardcover of FLUTTER.
Enter to win on Goodreads

 

My question to you, my lovely readers:
What do you think of Flutter?