Spotlight on Wanderlove by Kristen Hubbard

Hardcover, 352 pages

Published March 13th 2012 by Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Amazon

It all begins with a stupid question:

Are you a Global Vagabond?

No, but 18-year-old Bria Sandoval wants to be. In a quest for independence, her neglected art, and no-strings-attached hookups, she signs up for a guided tour of Central America—the wrong one. Middle-aged tourists with fanny packs are hardly the key to self-rediscovery. When Bria meets Rowan, devoted backpacker and dive instructor, and his outspokenly humanitarian sister Starling, she seizes the chance to ditch her group and join them off the beaten path.

Bria's a good girl trying to go bad. Rowan's a bad boy trying to stay good. As they travel across a panorama of Mayan villages, remote Belizean islands, and hostels plagued with jungle beasties, they discover what they've got in common: both seek to leave behind the old versions of themselves. And the secret to escaping the past, Rowan’s found, is to keep moving forward.

But Bria comes to realize she can't run forever, no matter what Rowan says. If she ever wants the courage to fall for someone worthwhile, she has to start looking back.

Kirsten Hubbard lends her artistry to this ultimate backpacker novel, weaving her drawings into the text. Her career as a travel writer and her experiences as a real-life vagabond backpacking Central America are deeply seeded in this inspiring story.

I do not read Contemporary. I’ve gone over the reasons why in my past reviews, so I’ll skip that here. But I have to admit, I could care less what genre this book is, it’s AMAZING! Just a truly fantastic story that I believe will enrapture all readers, no matter your preference.

Hubbard’s description of Central America made me feel as if I was actually there. She paints the most realistic, breathtaking scenes, while capturing the raw, not-so-elegant atmosphere, too. I’m not one to travel much, but the scenery in this story made me want to pack a backpack and go hiking. No lie.

If you’re still not convinced to give this book a try, I have one word for you. Rowan. *Melts* Oh girls, he is one swoon-worthy guy who will make you hop on a plane to CA. The simmering romance between Rowan and Bria was perfect. And hawt. Hubbard created so much tension between these two characters, and I clung to every almost kiss. I loved how they balanced each other, while also both seeking to discover and change. All I can say is this story is wonderful. I can’t rave enough!

Author website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

A travel writer and young adult author, Kirsten Hubbard has hiked ancient ruins in Cambodia, dived with wild dolphins in Belize (one totally looked her in the eye), slept in a Slovenian jail cell, and navigated the Wyoming badlands (without a compass) in search of transcendent backdrops for her novels. She lives in San Diego, California.

Her YA debut, LIKE MANDARIN, was published by Delacorte/Random House on March 8th, 2011. Her second book, WANDERLOVE, will be published on March 13th, 2012.

Swoon Thursday (33)

It's that time again! We created a HOT meme, and if you're new to the game, here's how to join in the fun:

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! We want to know :-)

As you may have noticed, we have two new wonderful additions to our YA Bound family, which means you get 4 times the swoon!

Without further ado, here's ours:

RACHEL: As I'm sure many of you know, Jennifer Armentrout's PURE, the sequel to the equally yummy HALF-BLOOD, was released recently....and true to form, Ms. Jennifer didn't fail us in the swoon/steam department. Here's one such tasty example.

First, the Twitter Swoon:

His mouth was so warm and sweet, dizzying actually. Then it deepened, stealing my breath and sending my heart racing--PURE Swoon #YABound

And now, the extended bloggy version:

I knew I should stop him, because allowing him to kiss me totally defeated the point of the argument we'd just had, but I found myself closing my eyes instead. His mouth was so warm and sweet, dizzying actually. Then it deepened, stealing my breath and sending my heart racing.

Kissing wasn't a big deal, so this kiss shouldn't be any different. But by the gods, I'd never been kissed like this before.


I looped my arms around his neck, tangling my fingers in his hair, and then I was kissing him back. Kissing him with the same wild abandonment he'd dived into....

TARA: Swooning over BREATHLESS by: Cole Gibsen

Twitter Version:

"This time his kiss was hard and desperate, like a suicide note without the words."

Extended Bloggy Version:

"Bastin dipped his chin and I lifted my face. His lips met mine, but gone was the tentative brush of velvet. This time his kiss was hard and desperate, like a suicide note without the words. His mouth whispered of hope lost and love never ending.

I locked my arms around Bastin‟s neck and he wove his fingers into my hair. We pulled each other tighter, almost to the brink of pain. Bastin went to his knees and I followed him to the ground, never taking my lips from his, too scared to lose a second for fear that it would be our last. "

Kelly: Swooning over HOLLYWEIRD:

Twitter version:

Leaning in, I allowed myself the forbidden pleasure of kissing her petal soft lips. My soul sighed with a sense of homecoming.--Hollyweird SWOON #YABound

Extended version:

Leaning in, I allowed myself the forbidden pleasure of kissing her petal soft lips. My soul sighed with a sense of homecoming. Then I broke the biggest rule of all. "I love you, Alyson King," I whispered.

TRISH: "He leaned down then and kissed me, softly at first, then deeper, searching. I knew I should stop him, push him away, but I didn't have the strength. All I wanted was more of him, more of his warmth, his comfort." --WATERFALL SWOON #YABound


SO NOW IT'S YOUR TURN: In 140 characters . . . or, perhaps a bit more if you need to cheat LOL, SWOON us! 

Cover Reveal: Defy by Raine Thomas

 

 

285 pages

Expected publication: April 30th 2012 by Iambe Books 

 

From Goodreads: Seventeen-year-old Tate is about to make her parents’ dreams come true. Unfortunately for her, their dreams foretell her death.

Eager to explore more of the Estilorian plane and prove her abilities, Tate goes against her parents’ wishes and leaves the area of protection surrounding her home. Her choice puts her on a deadly path…one that leaves her alone, severely injured and battling for her life.

Her possible savior arrives in the form of Zachariah, a male who has removed himself from Estilorian society for more than fifty years. Fighting an unexpected connection to Tate, he must decide whether saving her life is worth destroying his.

As Tate struggles to find a way home, she ends up drawn into a dark Mercesti plot involving multiple murders and a powerful ancient artifact. With the unpredictable Zachariah as her only source for aid, she’ll soon find out if her abilities are strong enough to help her defy her Fate.

 

Author website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Guest Post: The Exaulta Kickstarter Campaign by Lindsay Mead

Hello Bookworms! My name is Lindsay Mead and I am a book reviewer on my YouTube channel, TheBookVlogger. But I’m not here to talk to you about that—although if you want to click that lil link and maybe subscribe, I won’t hate ya for it ;)

Nope. I’m here to talk about a different side of myself. A side that, as a reviewer, I don’t get to share very often. Believe it or not I am a creator of gods, a ruler of kings, a slayer of dragons, and the decider of fates. Ok, I’m a writer, but don’t those titles sound way cooler?

My first novel is titled Exaulta. It is book one in my Guardian Novel series. Exaulta is a medieval, YA fantasy adventure that I have actually been working on for over a decade now. Don’t ask me to figure out exactly how far over a decade, because it makes me feel old.

In this book seventeen-year-old Elaina was raised by a thieving clan known as the Ravens, but was sheltered from the world. When she awakes to find her home under attack, her whole life comes crumbling in on her. Separated from her father, she struggles to survive meeting magical beings, bandits, soldiers, and much more. But when the Gods get involved, Elaina realizes that her fate is no longer her own.

That’s right it has got action, romance, death, and magic. The best part? It’s almost done! At least 80% done. This leads me to my next point….you. Quite simply, I need your help.

You see I’ve recently launched a campaign to gain funding. Funding that will help me finish and publish Exaulta. I need to get $5,000 pledged by May 5^th. If we can reach the $5,000 by then, I will take the necessary steps to publish Exaulta as well as write and publish two novellas: The Vengeance of Verona and Slipped. However, there’s a catch. If we don’t reach the $5,000 by May 5^th, then nothing happens. No pledges are honored and the campaign goes unfunded.

I, of course, do not expect you to just back my book without knowing if it’s even any good. So I’ve made my first chapter available online to read for free: Click Here. Trisha Wolfe helped me edit it, so if you don’t like it—blame her ;)

Otherwise please check out the campaign page, right here. Watch the special video that I made and check out some of the rewards that you can choose to get by pledging. It only takes a little bit from each person and we’ll be there. So your support means the world to me. I certainly cannot reach this goal without it.    

Check Lindsay out:

YouTube, Blog, Campaign Page, Twitter, & Exaulta.

Spotlight: Spellcaster by Cara Lynn Shultz

 Finding your eternal soulmate - easy.

Stopping a true-love-hungry evil - not so much…

After breaking a centuries-old romantic curse, Emma Connor is (almost) glad to get back to normal problems. Although...it's not easy dealing with the jealous cliques and gossip that rule her exclusive Upper East Side prep, even for a sixteen-year-old newbie witch. Having the most-wanted boy in school as her eternal soul mate sure helps ease the pain-especially since wealthy, rocker-hot Brendan Salinger is very good at staying irresistibly close....

But something dark and hungry is using Emma and Brendan's deepest fears to reveal damaging secrets and destroy their trust in each other. And Emma's crash course in über-spells may not be enough to keep them safe…or to stop an inhuman force bent on making their unsuspected power its own.         

Expected publication: March 27th 2012 by Harlequin Teen

Paperback, 384 pages

First of all let me just say, holy hotness BRENDAN! Yet another hot YA boy to add to my swoon list.  I really enjoyed Emma and Brendan’s relationship in this book. It was sweet with just the right amount of steam for a YA book. This was a really fun YA paranormal read. A fast moving plot with lots of magic, action and romance. SPELLCASTER was definitely my kind of book. The dialogue was witty and the author totally nailed the teen voice which is easier said than done. Spellcaster was a perfect sequel to Spellbound and I recommend it to anyone who enjoys witch stories or just a good paranormal read. Loved this book!

Tara

Add Spellcaster on Goodreads

Pre-order Spellcaster on Amazon

Live Chat: Elisa Ludwig & Claudia Gabel

Join us Thursday, March 29th at 7:00 p.m. EDT (Eastern time) as we chat with debut author Elisa Ludwig on Pretty Crooked! Her awesome editor Glaudia Gabel, author of Romeo & Juliet & Vampires, will be here also, chatting with us about working with Elisa on Pretty Crooked, and giving us the low down on her new YA! You can set a reminder at the bottom of the chat window.

YA Bound is giving away one print copy of Pretty Crooked and Elisa is giving away a Willa Fox Mystery Box during the chat! US Only.

Spotlight: Masters of the Veil by Daniel Cohen

Paperback: 300 pages
Published March 1, 2012
Spencer Hill Press
Find it on Amazon

Life can't get much better for Sam Lock. Popular, good-looking, and with a future as a professional football player... every guy at Stanton High School wishes he were Sam. That is, until his championship football game, when Sam accidentally links with an ancient source of energy known as the Veil and reveals his potential to become a powerful sorcerer. Sam's dreams are crushed as he is whisked off to Atlas Crown, a community of sorcerers who utilize the Veil as a part of everyday life. Once there, he trains beside a mute boy who speaks through music, an eternal sage who is the eyes and ears of the Veil, and a beautiful girl who's pretty sure Sam's an idiot. As it becomes clear that Sam is meant for power magic the most feared and misunderstood form of sorcery people beyond Atlas Crown learn of his dangerous potential. An exiled group of power sorcerers are eager to recruit Sam, believing that he is destined to help them achieve their long-held goal. If they succeed, they could bring about the downfall of not only Atlas Crown... but all of humankind.

First of all, Sam is the type of character that you fall in love with. He's the star football player, and he's going places. That is until he accidentally accesses the Veil and freezes everyone during the last play of the big game. He has no idea that the strange time freeze was his doing, and it stuns him so much that he loses the game for his team. He thinks his football future is over, but things change when Meg shows up and takes him to Atlas Crown to be with other people like him, sorcerers. Sam just wants to go home at first. He wants to play football because that's the only life he's ever known. And really Sam isn't all that much like the other people of Atlas Crown. His power is one of the rarer ones and he's having trouble figuring it out. I loved that even though Sam is the one with the great power, he still struggles. Nothing comes easily for him, and I was cheering him on throughout the book. He's also the target of a group that wants to destroy the Veil and start a new world, so danger is stalking him, plotting his downfall.

I loved Sam's voice. He's has such a way with words that makes him jump off the page. Okay, so really I wanted to jump into the book and go along for the ride with him. I even bookmarked some of my favorite Sam comments. This one just sums up Sam's mind so perfectly:
Against all better judgment, he kept going. Normally, millions of years of instinctual evolution would tell him to run away from the giant man-eating predator, but then again, he normally wouldn't be in the middle of Magictown, trying to learn sorcery from someone not tall enough to ride most roller coasters.


If you love magic and an MC that will make you want to follow him anywhere, then you need to read Masters of the Veil.

Miniview with Daniel Cohen

1. Do you believe magic is real?

That's one of the hardest and easiest questions I've come across. When I take a step back and look at life itself, I must say a definitive yes to the existence of some type of magic, but I honestly don't think I'm wise enough to be able to grasp what that magic is and why it exists.

I'll get back to you in a few decades with a better answer. 

2. If Harry Potter and Sam Lock met, what would they do?

It depends on whose turf they met on. 

If Sam managed to stumble his way into Hogwarts I'm pretty sure he would bully (in the nicest way possible) Harry into letting him be a chaser for the quidditch team. I think Sam would be a pretty good chaser, so after the match he'd probably make Harry introduce him to all of the Gryffindor girls. 

If Harry showed up in Atlas Crown, Sam would probably take him to the Arena to watch some graws (you'll learn about it in book two of the Veil trilogy). Then he'd probably ask to borrow Harry's wand and get angry when he fails at producing the smallest wisp of a patronus. Then I assume he'd call Harry a dork and storm off. 

3. You have some interesting food selections in the book, so what's the weirdest food you've ever eaten?
Vegan turkey jerky. My brother had some at thanksgiving and made me try some... bad move.

Blog / Twitter

GIVEAWAY! Watched by Cindy M. Hogan

YA Bound is celebrating the release of Protected with a massive Watched GIVEAWAY!

Paperback, 350 pages

Published March 24th 2012 by O'neal Publishing

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

She has the guy. The terrorists have been taken care of and she's got a shot at being popular. Until they find her. Now she must run and leave behind everything she knows, including herself.

Change. She longs for it. A murder. She will never be the same.

It takes more than a trip to Washington, D.C. to change Christy's life. It takes murder. A witness to the brutal slaying of a senator's aide, Christy finds herself watched not only by the killers and the FBI, but also by two hot boy. She discovers that if she can't help the FBI, who want to protect her, it will cost her and her new friends their lives.

Paperback, 348 pages

Published April 28th 2011 by Createspace

Amazon | Barnes & Noble

It takes more than a school trip to Washington, D.C. to change fifteen-year-old Christy's life. It takes murder.
 

A witness to the brutal slaying of a Senator's aide, Christy finds herself watched not only by the killers and the FBI, but also by two hot boys.
 

She discovers that if she can't help the FBI, who want to protect her, it will cost her and her new friends their lives.

Author website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook 

Spotlight on Blood Born by Jamie Manning

Hardcover, 360 pages

Expected publication: April 24th 2012 by Pendrell Publishing

Amazon

Waking up in a coffin hungry for blood is only the beginning for sixteen-year-old Ava Blue. When Chance Caldon, the hottie who dug her up, tells her that she’s half vampire, Ava’s world really turns upside down.

Half vamp? Ava can’t believe it...she doesn't even know what that means! Not until Aldric, a thousand-year-old vampire, shows up and tells her it’s true--and that he’s the one who turned her. Then Ava truly begins to believe what she is. Now, she has to deal with a sudden and powerful bloodlust, the desire to see Aldric dead, and her growing crush for Chance. Ava knows she's a monster now, she can feel it; and her life is over.

But redemption isn’t lost. Aldric is giving her a chance to regain her humanity. The price? Kill a hundred vampires, or remain a bloodsucker forever.

So Ava sets out to get her life back. But killing vampires begins a battle that could destroy everything she is working toward. In the end, Ava's decisions will forever change her life and the lives of those she loves.

When the awesome Jamie Manning asked me if I’d read and blurb Blood Born last year, I was beyond flattered. Not only was it my first cover blurb, but the summary for his debut YA sounded amazing, and something I’d have on my shelf. I couldn’t wait to dive in and meet the characters!

Ava Blue (love this name!) is my kind of girl. When we first meet her, it’s the creepiest scene I’ve ever read. She’s been buried alive—or undead—and ever sentence heightens the tension as we eagerly await Ava to rise from her grave. My heart pounded with Ava’s as the panic set in. Chance, (oh, girls, he’s a hottie) is Ava’s human vamp guide and the one who digs her up. Their first meeting was not only fun, but gives the readers the first low down on this new wave of vamps Manning has created.

As Ava struggles with being a hybrid vampire, she discovers there’s a way to redeem herself—become human again. All she has to do is kill a hundred blood-sucking vamps. This thrusts the story into non-stop action, and I couldn’t flip fast enough to find out what happened next. As much as I loved the well-crafted fight scenes and action, the romance is where it’s at. Chance and Ava are wonderful together. And when something (no spoilers) happens at the end, my heart ached for them. The ending left me breathless and needing to know what happens next. I will be hounding Jamie until he hands over the next part of this addictive story. Be warned, Jamie. *pokes* This is a must read for YA Paranormal Romance lovers that can’t get enough action, tension, and swoon-worthy moments that will leave you craving blood more.

Miniview with Jamie Manning:

Blue in or black ink?

Oh black, definitely...it's more slimming!

Chocolate or peanut butter or both? (hehe) 

Absolutely both. Reese's cups are my crack.

Team Unicorn or Team Zombie or Team VAMP? 

Um, did you read Blood Born? ;P Totally TEAM VAMP, baby!

Author Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Swoon Thursday (32)

It's that time again! We created a HOT meme, and if you're new to the game, here's how to join in the fun:

From the book you’re currently reading, or one you just finished, tell us what made you SWOON. What got your heart pounding, your skin tingling, and your stomach fluttering.

Shout it out on Twitter with the hashtag #YABound, post it here in the comments, or grab the adorable button above and share it on your blog! We want to know :-)

As you may have noticed, we have two new wonderful additions to our YA Bound family, which means you get 4 times the swoon!

Without further ado, here's ours:

RACHEL: I've been re-reading some of my favorite books this past week, looking for the parts that really made my tummy and heart go nuts. I stumbled across SOMETIMES IT HAPPENS by Lauren Barnholdt, who has to be one of my favorite YA authors--if she writes it, I'll read it--and always knows how to make me swoon. And in this one, Noah really brings it.  

First, the Twitter Swoon:

He moves toward me & his mouth is on mine & my heart is racing, but it feels right and perfect and safe--Sometimes It Happens Swoon #YABound

And now, the extended bloggy version:

"Hannah," he says. And it's something about the way he says my name that makes me almost turn around, that makes me almost stop what I know is probably about to happen.
"Why did you come to my house that night?" I ask. "At one in the morning?"
"I wanted to see you," he says, and takes a step toward me. My face heats up and my stomach does a flip, and it's the same thing he's been doing to me all summer, but this time, somehow and in a way I can't explain, it's different.
"Why?" I look up at him, and he hesitates for a second and I'm afraid he's going to take it back, that he's going to stop it, that it's not going to happen.
But then he says, "Hannah," again, and he moves toward me and his mouth is on mine and my heart is racing, but it feels right and perfect and safe.

TARA: Swooning over SPELLCASTER by Cara Lynn Shultz:

Brendan's fingers tangled in my hair, cradling my head as he kissed me softly, sweetly, pulling away from me only to whisper he loved me.--Spellcaster SWOON #YABound
            

KELLY: Swooning over LACRIMOSA:

Twitter swoon:

I thread my hands through his hair as he slides his mouth along my jaw, my neck, my arms, leaving a burning trail crisscrossing my body.--Lacrimosa SWOON #YABound

Extended blog version:

I part my lips and succumb fully to the moment. My body feels as though it will implode as heat fuses my cells from my belly to my head. Our tongues greedily explore each other. I thread my hands through his hair as he slides his mouth along my jaw, my neck, my arms, leaving a burning trail crisscrossing my body.

TRISH: "He leaned down then and kissed me, softly at first, then deeper, searching. I knew I should stop him, push him away, but I didn't have the strength. All I wanted was more of him, more of his warmth, his comfort." --WATERFALL SWOON #YABound


SO NOW IT'S YOUR TURN: In 140 characters . . . or, perhaps a bit more if you need to cheat LOL, SWOON us! 

Spotlight on Slide by Jill Hathaway

Hardcover, 256 pages

Expected publication: March 27th 2012 by Balzer + Bray for HarperCollins

Amazon

Vee Bell is certain of one irrefutable truth—her sister’s friend Sophie didn’t kill herself. She was murdered.

Vee knows this because she was there. Everyone believes Vee is narcoleptic, but she doesn’t actually fall asleep during these episodes: When she passes out, she slides into somebody else’s mind and experiences the world through that person’s eyes. She’s slid into her sister as she cheated on a math test, into a teacher sneaking a drink before class. She learned the worst about a supposed “friend” when she slid into her during a school dance. But nothing could have prepared Vee for what happens one October night when she slides into the mind of someone holding a bloody knife, standing over Sophie’s slashed body.

Vee desperately wishes she could share her secret, but who would believe her? It sounds so crazy that she can’t bring herself to tell her best friend, Rollins, let alone the police. Even if she could confide in Rollins, he has been acting off lately, more distant, especially now that she’s been spending more time with Zane.

Enmeshed in a terrifying web of secrets, lies, and danger and with no one to turn to, Vee must find a way to unmask the killer before he or she strikes again.

I read Slide a couple months ago, and I normally tend to forget characters a bit, or the plot, or many of the scenes, but I still remember everything about Slide. And that’s saying something! A book that lingers…characters that stick with you, Slide has it. And that’s the whole point of reading a story in the first place.

I couldn’t put this book down. I HAD to know the ending, and I read this in one sitting, furiously flipping the pages. It has that “who did it” appeal and the mystery was addictive. I really loved Vee’s “ability”. I found it refreshingly original. At first she seemed to only be a voyeur in another person’s body when she slid, but in time she learns she’s capable of much more. I’m definitely looking forward to Vee exploring her powers, and discovering the connection she shares with her mother. There’s a bit of a love triangle, but I love them, especially when done well, and I think this one was. And I also feel that others who don’t dig triangles wouldn’t be bothered. Rollings and Vee’s relationship blossomed over time. I loved how Rollings was there for Vee, how when everyone else abandoned her, he came through. Zane was more of an enigma. I'm still a bit reeling over the ending. Wow. There’s so much more to the relationships in the story, between Vee and her sister, their relationship with their father. It’s gripping and emotional. I highly recommend Slide for those who like realistic fiction with a twist of the paranormal, thrilling mystery, and characters you will remember. 

Miniview with Jill Hathaway:

Babies or teens or move out already?

Hard to choose between babies and teens. I have two small children, but I teach and write for teens. I guess it's a toss up.

Buffy the Vampire Slayer or The Vampire Diaries?

Aaaaaaaaah, your second question is so hard, too! I love old school Buffy, but I'm also addicted to Vampire Diaries! Mmmm, Damon.

Favorite color other than purple?

Green

Author website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook

Cover Reveal Sign up for Astarte's Wrath by Trisha Wolfe

Yes, I'm hosting my own cover reveal! Astarte's Wrath is slated to release early July, and it started out as the prequel novella to Destiny's Fire, but I admit, the more time I spend with these characters, the more I fall in love with them. I'm tossing around the idea of lengthening it an extra 20k into a full novel. But we'll see how that goes...

I'm planning the reveal for Monday, April 2nd. at 12:01 a.m. EDT (Eastern time). If you'd like to help me reveal the cover for Astarte's Wrath, please send an email with Astarte's Wrath Cover Reveal in the subject line to YABoundGirls @gmail.com Thanks!

Here's the sneak peek:

Goodreads: A Kythan Guardians Novella

Two thousand years before Dez Harkly developed her secret powers, Kythan Astarte vowed to free the Kythans from the binds that enslaved them to the Egyptian pharaohs and sorcerers. Discover the prophecy that originated from a very different time, and spans generations to link two very different girls...This is the beginning.

Set against the backdrop of the Battle of Actium, in the city of Alexandria, Star struggles with her guardian duties as her feelings for the newly named pharaoh of Egypt grow deeper. Not only is Caesarian her duty, he’s the son of Cleopatra, and he’s…human. All of which makes their love forbidden.

But when a conspiracy linked to Caesar, Caesarian’s own father, creeps its ways into Alexandria, Star must choose between helping her fellow Kythans free themselves of their servitude, or protecting her charge—the last pharaoh—while Egypt burns around her.

Cover Reveal: Tallis by M. C. Rae

 

Synopsis: The Empire of Andresium is threatened by the corruption of the immortals, ancient beings given the gift of eternal life after the death of the last reigning empress. A prophecy speaks of their eventual downfall at the hands of one of their own, however. Tallis is known by most simply as "The Loren," and seeks to avoid her destiny while trying herself to remain untainted by the decaying morals and indifference to the fates of men that plague her kind. As the events of the prophecy begin to unfold, Tallis finds herself conflicted between upholding her dedication to justice, and falling victim to the ramifications of following the desires of her own heart.

 

 Goodreads | Author website

 

 

Title: Tallis

Series: Books of Andresium

Official Release date: Amazon exclusive- April 17, General Release- July 17

Genre: YA/Fantasy

Publisher: Tulipe Noire Press

Excerpt:

“Lorens don’t typically show emotion, Tarameen, but we do feel,” Tallis muttered, her voice unusually quiet. “Emotions, though… I don’t know what to do with them other than to bury them. I am not practiced in the art of acting on my emotions. Yet, some of the moments when I am with you, I find myself dizzy with feeling. There are things you inspire in me that undo centuries of discipline. Your effect on me is consuming. Moments like this one now, when I am here with you and everything outside this cave and this time and this place doesn't exist in the same realm as do we, I am hijacked. My eyes refuse to drift from yours. My hand tells me touch, and I can scarcely recall my control before it has drifted away from my side. My feet carry me to you, longing to pass time which I have not, and knowing how it should be spent in meditation of what’s to come. Even now, listen to how my tongue prattles. It lays bare all these weaknesses of my resolve. My purpose has been subverted. I don’t know what to make of it. I don’t understand the use of it all. At this point in my existence, to allow myself to feel… What is the point in that? My fate is not my own. My destiny is not to seek out the longings of my own heart. I am the Loren. How can I allow myself to love?” 

Blog Tour Schedule: Tallis by M.C. Rae

*Sign ups now closed*

The TALLIS by M. C. Rae Blog Tour kicks off May 21 and will run for a one week blast tour.

The Empire of Andresium is threatened by the corruption of the immortals, ancient beings given the gift of eternal life after the death of the last reigning empress. A prophecy speaks of their eventual downfall at the hands of one of their own, however. Tallis is known by most simply as "The Loren," and seeks to avoid her destiny while trying herself to remain untainted by the decaying morals and indifference to the fates of men that plague her kind. As the events of the prophecy begin to unfold, Tallis finds herself conflicted between upholding her dedication to justice, and falling victim to the ramifications of following the desires of her own heart.

Schedule: (The * denotes giveaways)

www.beccab8.blogspot.com : May 18 – Review

http://www.booksbesidemybed.com/ : May 19 – Excerpt

http://adiaryofabookaddict.blogspot.com/ : May 21 Review*

http://storybookescape.blogspot.com/ : May 21 Review*

http://twimom101bookblog.blogspot.com/ : May 22 Review

http://www.angelafristoe.blogspot.com : May 21 Tallis Playlist*

Www.epiloguereview.blogspot.com : May 22 Dream Cast*

http://willingtoseeless.blogspot.com/  : May 22 – Review

bookmarkbelles.blogspot.com : May 22 – Excerpt

http://atrailofbooks.blogspot.com : May 23 Review

http://everyfreechancebookreviews.blogspot.com/ : May 23 Review*

http://www.shiirleyysbookshelf.blogspot.com : May 24 Review*

http://iheartyabooks.blogspot.com/ : May 24 Review

http://swoonworthybooks.blogspot.com/ : May 24 – Interview

http://www.fictional-distraction.com : May 25 – Review

http://www.bittersweet-enchantment.com/  : May 26 Excerpt*

http://kindreddreamheart.blogspot.com/ : May 26 Review*

http://jana-thebookgoddess.blogspot.co.uk/ : May 26 – Why I Write Guest Post

Spotlight on Partials by Dan Wells

Hardcover, 1st Edition, 472 pages

Published February 28th 2012 by Balzer + Bray

Amazon

Humanity is all but extinguished after a war with partials—engineered organic beings identical to humans—has decimated the world’s population. Reduced to only tens of thousands by a weaponized virus to which only a fraction of humanity is immune, the survivors in North America have huddled together on Long Island. The threat of the partials is still imminent, but, worse, no baby has been born immune to the disease in over a decade. Humanity’s time is running out.

When sixteen-year-old Kira learns of her best friend’s pregnancy, she’s determined to find a solution. Then one rash decision forces Kira to flee her community with the unlikeliest of allies. As she tries desperately to save what is left of her race, she discovers that the survival of both humans and partials rests in her attempts to answer questions of the war’s origin that she never knew to ask.

Combining the fast-paced action of The Hunger Games with the provocative themes of Battlestar Galactica, Partials is a pulse-pounding journey into a world where the very concept of what it means to be human is in question—one where our sense of humanity is both our greatest liability, and our only hope for survival.

Wow. What an amazing, creepy, I-hope-we-don’t-end-up-like-this world. From the forced breeding, to the creation of artificial intelligence, it was packed full of tension and sucked me in from the first page. I couldn’t help feeling terrible for these characters. The thought of giving birth nearly every year in hopes that one child will survive, makes me cringe. And then, to be stuck on an island, tucked away from the rest of the world that’s crawling with a super race—partials—it just felt like hope was impossible. Their struggle was futile, and they were wasting away until they became extinct.

Kira was an amazing character. I was excited to read about a smart girl who would do anything, face anything to save a friend. Or rather, save her friend’s baby. I loved that she stood up for what she believed, and what she felt was the right thing to do, even against the guy she loves. That was an impressive moment. Kira and Marcus’s relationship was very different from most romantic relationships in YA. I enjoyed that it was fresh and realistic, yet I could have used a bit more of an emotional connection between them. But I believe the second book will bring it together for them. Or, it could go entirely different. With the introduction of a very hot Partial, I might be switching teams here soon. With mystery and an action-packed, tense plot, and stand up, tough characters that make you root for them, Partials is a fantastic addition to the YA Dystopian market.

Miniview with Dan Wells:

 Shape shift into a fly on the wall or wolf on the prowl?

It's all about context--if I'm a fly on the right wall, that beats prowling as a wolf any day.
 
Vamps of zombies?
 

Probably not feasible, but you never know. :) (Clever Dan takes my typos literally)

Leather or new car smell?

Believe it or not, I have a leather-scented air freshener in my car, which seems to answer that question pretty neatly. If I could make my entire life smell like a shoe store, I would.

Author website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook