Review: Outside In by Maria V. Snyder

From Goodreads: Me? A Leader? Okay, I did prove that there's more to Inside than we knew. That a whole world exists beyond this cube we live in. And finding that led to a major rebellion - between worker scrubs like me and the snobby uppers who rule our world. Make that ruled. Because of me, we're free. I thought that meant I was off the hook, and could go off on my own again - while still touching base with Riley, of course. He's the one upper I think I can trust. But then we learned that there's outside and then there is Outside. And something from Outside wants In.

Review: Outside In is the second book in the Inside Out series. I have to admit that I didn’t realize this until I began reading. However, it’s not an issue. Snyder addresses all the major happenings that took place in the first story, so I was easily able to follow along in Trella’s new adventure aboard the Colony spaceship. In the first book, Trella helped launch a rebellion, overthrowing the governing Trava family, and the segregation of the Uppers and Lowers. In this new book, Trella is reluctant to take on the leading role that has been appointed to her—wanting nothing more than to explore the colony ship’s upper, previously undiscovered, compartments and bask in some down time with her boyfriend Riley. But no such luck, there are bombs going off and something, or someone, is taking over the Transmission—the mainframe that controls the ship. During this, the Trava family is being held prisoner, while the rebels that took control now run things. Trella finds herself, once again, having to step in and bridge the gap between the Uppers and Lowers. Trella has an estranged relationship with her new-found mother, and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow over the story. I really liked Trella’s character. Although she doesn’t want to take on responsibility, battling within herself just what part she should to play, she eventually understands that she must trust her instincts—though at times she fumbles—and become the leader others view her as. Riley was a fantastic character as well. I like that his relationship with Trella was real. They argued and disagreed on many issues, but he supported her, wanting her to become the leader he saw in her. There was some pretty gruesome fight scenes and drama through and through, but lovers of the Hunger Games would find nothing in here too disturbing. I think this is a wonderful addition to the YA Dystopian/Science Fiction market.

Paperback, 320 pages

Expected publication: March 1st 2011 by Harlequin Teen

Novelette Review & GIVEAWAY! The Forgotten Echo by Jennifer Wylie and Miniview

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Blurb: Sometimes death is only the beginning…

Even after the bad day she’s had, Cassy is still surprised to find herself shot, an innocent bystander in a drive by shooting. Bleeding to death in an empty parking lot, she knows she is going die.

What she doesn’t expect, is the arrival of a strange, and unnaturally handsome, man who tells her he can keep her from passing on in return for being his forever. In desperation, she agrees but afterward she is beyond dismayed to discover she has died.

To make matters worse, the stranger has disappeared, leaving her spirit to wander through a series of worlds unknown to her. Her existence is one of fear and loneliness, until she meets another like her and discovers she’s not a ghost at all but something much more.

Review: Jennifer Wylie is by far one of my favorite authors. Whether I’m reading one of her books, or a short story, I am always sucked into the world, hanging on to every description and beautiful prose. The Forgotten Echo has a special place in my heart as I fell in love with Cassy’s Immortal, Devon, from the very beginning of the story. Cassy’s introduction into becoming an Echo is chilling. There are no spoilers in my reviews, so I will just say that I felt for her—wondering how a story can begin where we all end. But her story does as she’s turned into an Echo—a being made to serve and protect their Immortals. Unfortunately, Cassy’s Immortal suddenly and mysteriously disappears, leaving her behind to wander alone in the world with no knowledge of what she’s become. As the story unfolds, we see Cassy grow into a strong character and Echo. When she is faced with a difficult discussion, she goes against the advice of her only friend, seeking something she possibly doesn’t even realize she’s searching for. And when she believes her quest is complete, she goes against the normal order of what she’s designed to do, asking the hard questions and demanding answers and attention after being forgotten for so long in order to help a friend. I love this girl. And I can only hope (beg) that Cassy’s story is only beginning. Fantasy lovers everywhere will enjoy The Forgotten Echo. It’s a fast, action packed read, with mad heart and passion. I give it 5 flames!

Miniview with Jennifer on The Forgotten Echo: Thank you, Jennifer, for coming on YA Bound to share more information on your new story. It's great to have you back.

1.)    Cassy’s story in the Forgotten Echo is amazing. I love how she begins so lost and well, forgotten, and then discovers who she is and her strength as an Echo. Can you tell us the inspiration for her character and also a little bit about Echoes?

Cassy's character was one of those which just evolved on its own. I had story idea in my mind with Cassy and Devon- but wanted to figure out how their relationship came to be.

An Echo was once human. Upon death an Immortal takes their last breath, works some Immortal magic, and binds them not only to them, but to the Otherworld as well. Do to memory issues, they can be a bit scatterbrained, which makes for interesting characters! Echoes aren't ghosts, but rather a few steps above when it comes to power. They also will never pass on, though they can be destroyed.

2.)    Although Devon only appears in the story a few times, he’s one great (hot) leading Immortal. Can you explain for your fans a little bit about the Immortals and their role?

Tell all my secrets? LOL Immortals are very old, however they aren't all the same. Some were once human, others not. They all live forever, are forever young. They also all have some sort of power, work some kind of magic, however this varies between Immortals as well. All of these differences are one of the reasons there is often always fighting amongst them.

             
There are two different factions of Immortals, the Alliance and the Order. The        Order causes general havoc and tries to convert, capture or kill the members of the Alliance. Mainly the Alliance tries to keep the Order in check. The Order believes they are more powerful and should be treated as such. The Alliance wishes to help humans and remain a secret. Of course some Immortals try to stay out of it if they can.

3.)    Although I loved the ending to this story, I have to admit, it made me crave more. Are there other Echo stories in the works? And can we expect to see these characters again?

I have another Echo story written and submitted, The Untouchable Echo. It is a story about Julia and Jonathan, who are Echoes of the Immortal Warren. I've also a book idea in the works, with a whole one chapter written LOL. If I ever have the time I hope to finish it. All these characters would appear, including some new ones!

Fantastic! I honestly can't wait =)

You can go to Jennifer's website to read an excerpt of the Forgotten Echo here.

And you can order your very own copy of the story here for only .99 cents!  Its also available at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Smashwords.

My MC's Mini-bustle Skirt Love it!

Guest Post: Laura Kreitzer On Her New Novel Phantom Universe And Human Trafficking

Hello Literary-Folk!
   
    My name is Laura Kreitzer, and I’m the author of the Timeless Series and the Summer Chronicles. This week I would like to alert everyone on a colossal crisis that’s gone unnoticed in the world: human trafficking. That’s why I’ve asked hundreds of blogs to be involved with spreading the word on this issue that’s become close to my heart.
   
    As an author, and someone whose life is put in the spotlight, I keep most people at a distance. Only a handful of my friends know the whole me and the events from my past. But this week I’d like to share with you a part of myself that the outside world doesn’t see (and a part of me I don’t like to share). I was emotionally abused for five years by someone I thought loved me, my mind beaten into submission. Though the turmoil I went through doesn’t penetrate as deep as someone forced into slavery on the worldwide market for human trafficking, I can sadly relate in some ways: imprisoned, my life dictated down to what I wore, ate, where I went, whom I spoke to, where I worked, when I slept, bending to his every whim. He did not sway, even when I cried through some of the more traumatic things he had me do. I was a slave in my own home. In my desperation for freedom, I held out a gun and asked him to just end my suffering. I was desperate.
   
    I can’t even imagine how many women (and men) in the world are in a similar situation. What’s even worse, I had it mild compared to the children that are sold for labor or sex. Surprisingly, the good ol’ U.S.A. is reported to be the host to two million slaves. Did you know this? Because I certainly did not; not until I was preparing to write my newest novel: Phantom Universe. The main character, Summer Waverly, was stolen as a child and sold as a slave to the captain of a modern-day pirate ship. From a loved child who only knew “time-out” as punishment, to being whipped into silence was something I knew nothing about. So I researched deeply into human trafficking and the psychological effects of torture of various types that one would endure in these circumstances. I felt shaken at my findings and knew I had to tell Summer’s story. (Read a sneak peek here.)
   
    A storm began to brew in my mind; transforming, morphing, twisting, and expanding into this massive, black cloud. I had to bring this tragic atrocity to the forefront. My own emotional experiences, mixed with the research I did on human trafficking, made me feel an intense connection with Summer, and to all women who’ve been through this kind of brutality. The cloud ruptured and rained all over my computer one day. It took one month to write Phantom Universe, the first in the Summer Chronicles. I was so consumed by the story that I wrote nearly nonstop, only breaking for necessary tasks like eating, showering, and occasionally—very occasionally—sleeping.
   
    Though the book I’ve written would be classified as Science Fiction, or as I’d like to call it, Dystopian, the emotions and psychological aspects are not Science Fiction—they're real. Reviewers have said many amazing things about Summer, this character who is so real in my mind and who I cried along with as the words poured from my soul onto my screen.
   

“I admired Summer's strength and ability to adapt,” says CiCi’s Theories. “I felt tied to her emotions,” Jennifer Murgia, author or Angel Star admits. And Tahlia Newland, author of Lethal Inheritance, remarks, “Summer is strong and smart in mind [. . .]”

    Through her overwhelmingly horrendous past, Summer goes on more than just a physical journey in Phantom Universe, she goes on a psychological one as well; growing beyond her mute state to persevere and survive in a new world beyond the whip she’s so frightened of.
   
    Now that the release date is here, I’m excited and terrified to share this story with everyone. I’m emotionally tied in every way to the words I’ve written, because they’re more than words. More than just a story on a page. Beyond the fictional aspects, there’s a real issue that needs to be addressed: human trafficking must be stopped. We shouldn’t sit idly by while this continues to plague us. Our world’s children—our nation’s children—are being affected. It’s time we take action!
   
    Earlier this month Phantom Universe hit Barnes and Noble’s top 100 Best Selling list. I’ve decided to donate 10% of my sales from Phantom Universe, until the end of February, to the DNA Foundation.
   

“DNA hopes to help abolish modern day slavery, deter perpetrators, and free the many innocent and exploited victims. We are committed to forcing sex slavery out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
   
    Freedom is a basic human right and slavery is one of the greatest threats to that freedom. No one has the right to enslave another person.”
   
    —From DNA Foundation’s Website

    I ask that you spread the word to everyone you know. Look around on the DNA Foundation website and find a way to get involved in ending human trafficking. Take action today. Everyone has a voice—you have a voice. Will you have the courage to use it?

Thank you Laura for this information and for enlightening us on this subject. Your post touched me, and I hope that others will find the truth and hope in it and help others! Check out the review for Phantom Universe here!

Author Miniview: Karen Metcalf on In The Storm

I'd like to welcome Karen to YA Bound! Her novella, In The Storm, just released today and I'm super exited about it! It's a fantastic, haunting and gripping read, and Karen is wonderful to give us a behind the scenes look at what went into its creation.

Trish, first of all, thank you soo much for your glowing review. I had hoped to hear any of the things you said, but  certainly not all. I mean with all honesty that you have already made this experience worthwhile, even if I never sell a copy.  I have never wanted any more than to have someone affected by my words, and you have done the same for me :)

In The Storm is utterly passionate and thought provoking. Where did the inspiration behind Carly's story come from?

Well, I guess first was the anger. I was a pretty angry kid, and it really overwhelmed me. In the eyes of a child, whatever is going on is just as life changing as when an adult gets upset. I used to really give in to my rage, and daydream that if I concentrated long enough, I could make something happen.  (I guess Cary style.) My parents noticed that when I got really upset, my eyes would get darker, and turn almost black. I was always fascinated by this. I wanted to write about someone who could do all the things I wished I could.

At the same time, I have always been obsessed with thunderstorms back home on the North Carolina coast. The way lightning turns night into a purple vibrant day is one of the most amazing things to me. I think they are one of the most beautiful things nature has to offer. I used to think that it meant God was angry when I was little, and it is still the best personification of anger in nature. I want it to storm so loud my windows shake. Call me a weirdo, but that is just heavenly to me. 

Morgan was a fantastically crafted character. He shared theories and ideas that honestly made my head reel trying to piece his logic together. Are these theories that you share with your character? And how did you come up with the logic Morgan uses in the story?

They are close to my ideas, but my theories go a lot deeper. This was my first attempt at putting some of my beliefs on paper. I think the questions Carly has to ask herself are valid, and are often the ones I ask myself every day. I believe that whatever determines the life we live is something truly beyond my comprehension, but I plan to spend the rest of my speculating and enjoying it.  

I was afraid that Morgan would come off as lecturing her, so I tried to stick to what questions Carly would be asking. I figured Morgan would let her take the lead, and just see where the story went. Otherwise, I would have had way too much theorizing on Morgan’s side, and this just wasn’t his story.

 After reading In The Storm, I am a fan for life. Are you currently working on something new? And when can we expect another novella or novel in the future?

Carly says it best : “I have a lot on my mind these days, and although I greet distractions as a much-needed escape, I have not forgotten about my life here... I have been taking a break before returning to the other place, and have to quit neglecting my responsibilities here.”  

Right now I am counseling teens full-time, working on my masters, and now releasing this novella. I have been cooking up a little something in my spare time. I can’t wait to finish writing it. I don’t want to say too much, because it changes every day, but it will be longer.  Thank you for the kind words, and you and your readers will be of the first to know. 

Thank you Karen! And I can't wait to hear more on this secret project =) Please check out the review of In The Storm Here!

    

Review: In The Storm by Karen Metcalf and GIVEAWAY!

WIN a copy of In The Storm by Karen Metcalf! Just comment on the review and be entered to win =) 

Goodreads: Abandoned by the world around her, Carly believes she is fated to a life of torment at the hands of her stepfather and is desperate for an escape. When she can bear the abuse no longer and gives in to a thunderous rage, she suddenly finds herself in an unfamiliar, yet beautiful, storm world. This limbo between dimensions appears to be her private sanctuary, but it may just be her purgatory.

No one escapes fate without sacrifice, but is the price more than Carly is willing to pay?

Review: Every now and again, a story comes along that shakes up your world. Something that you didn’t expect, or see coming. When I opened my review folder this morning, my coffee in hand, I clicked on In The Storm. Settling in for a short and easy read-a read to keep me occupied while I played on Twitter or sent emails back and forth, I was soon mistaken, and gladly so.  Quickly forgetting my cup of coffee and Twitter, I lost myself in Carly’s world. As she was pulled away from her reality, I was pulled right along with her, to a fierce and frightening new realm. I lost myself in her story; I lost myself in her emotions. And I found myself reaching, just as Carly did, for Morgan to ground me and bring me to a safe haven. Carly is a wonderful character. I related to her on deep level. Many times I would think something and in the next line she would do or say just that. Her emotions and reactions to her little brother, Mitchell, were so believable it’s as if I was watching someone’s personal moment. Spying in on them. I loved how she desired to protect him, wanting a new world and life for him. And Morgan, so different from most male leads we see in YA lately, is mysterious-truly mysterious. We have to fight to figure out just what his part in all this is. But I found myself enchanted by him. I wanted to know more and more about him as I clung to his every word, my head reeling. In The Storm was just simply amazing. Ms. Metcalf’s writing is edgy, powerful, and passionate. One scene in particular where she describes the ocean, I caught myself holding my breath. I could feel the rush of the waves, the torment of the sea battling, raging. I’m just in awe of this story. It evoked emotions, asked difficult questions, and made me take notice of things in my own life. It’s just that powerful. A book like this is why I read YA! 

With its beautifully haunting description, heart-wrenching, and utterly fantastic characters, and thought provoking scenes, I give In The Storm 5 flames!

ebook, 88 pages

Expected publication: February 15th 2011 by Vagabondage Press, LLC 

You can purchase In The Storm here for $2.99! Also, read the Author Miniview with Karen Metcalf here! Where she expounds on inspiration and insight on In The Storm.

Review: Evercrossed by Elizabeth Chandler

Hardcover, 288 pages

Expected publication: March 8th 2011 by Simon Pulse 
Buy from Amazon here

From Goodreads: It’s been a year since Ivy’s boyfriend, Tristan, died. They’ve both moved on—Tristan to the other side of the afterlife, and Ivy to sweet, dependable Will. Now Ivy’s heading to Cape Cod, hoping to leave the horror of last summer behind. She wants nothing more than to lie on the beach, sip lemonade, and hang out with her friends.

But then a car crash ends Ivy’s life.

As she floats to the beyond, looking down on the life she’s left behind, Tristan breathes life back into her with a passionate kiss. She wakes up in the hospital, surrounded by Will and her family, but all she can think about is the love that she lost.

But memories aren’t all that’s come back from the past. And this time, Ivy’s not sure love will be enough to save her.

Review: I adore, absolutely adore the Kissed by an Angel series, and couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book! I honestly thought the series ended perfectly, so I was curious to see how Chandler would spin this new addition. I had faith though. I love all her books—the mystery, suspense, and wonderful characters. I’m happy to report; I was not let down by the fourth book. Ivy is such a great character. She encapsulates what being young is all about, while at the same time showing tremendous growth toward becoming independent. She’s gone through so much in such a short time, and having Tristan come back to her, if only for a moment, is almost too much for her to bear (for me too). After Tristan gives her the kiss of life, things start to spin out of control for Ivy. And her relationship with Will becomes shaky. Tristan is always on her mind, and she is starting to believe he’s come back to earth to be with her. But after a séance-gone-wrong, Tristan might not be the one who’s come for Ivy after all. Ahhhh, I can’t give anything away, but just know that the twists and turns that Chandler is so famous for, will have you teetering on the edge. And even when you think you’ve figured it out, BAM, think again. I love a great twist! The new lead guy—giving Will a run for his money—Guy, brings in some new hotness, and really adds to Ivy’s confusion. Beth at times drove me a little crazy. She seemed to get very possessive and a bit nag-y in this book, but she comes through at the end. My only complaint is the major cliffhanger at the end! I kept scrolling down, desperate for another chapter. I still love all the characters from the first books, and they stayed true in the fourth. With action, romance, suspense and drama, this story was just simply amazing! 

WINNERS of The Iron Witch GIVEAWAY!

Congrats to Lexie and Carla! They are going to receive their very own signed copy of The Iron Witch! And thank you so much to everyone who played =D Please check back soon. I have another great GIVEAWAY lined up! Thanks again!