Showing posts with label Young Adult. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Young Adult. Show all posts
Tuesday, March 15, 2016
Monday, March 14, 2016
Into the Fire - 4-Star Review
In one month’s time, seventeen-year-old Cara Tillman will die and be reborn from her own ashes…
Her life of secrecy has never been easy. She’s watched her younger brother, Jeremy, burn and rise again in a coming-of-age process called rebirth. And just like her brother, when her time comes, she won’t remember anything from her first life other than she’s a Phoenix—a member of a small group of people descended from the mythical Phoenix bird.
The last thing she needs to worry about is falling for the new guy in town—Logan Schmidt.
Cara is drawn to Logan in a way she can’t explain, but she’s not exactly complaining. Everything is perfect…except it’s not. Once she’s reborn, she’ll forget Logan. And to make things worse, a Phoenix Hunter is on the loose, and Cara’s involvement with Logan is bringing out her Phoenix qualities—the very qualities that will draw the Hunter right to her.
Desperate times call for desperate measures…
Afraid of hurting Logan, Cara breaks it off for good. But her attraction to him runs deeper than a typical high school crush. She wants him—needs him. And if he proves willing to stay by her side, their love might destroy them both.
Can Cara hide from the Phoenix Hunters long enough to survive her rebirth? And if so, will it mean a new beginning with Logan—or the beginning of the end?
4-Star Review:
Ok, so let me start with a confession... I love phoenixes. Seriously, I love everything about them from the symbolism to the mythology to the imagery. So when I heard that Kelly Hashway was writing a series about them, I am not too proud to say that I did a happy dance in front of my computer screen. And then I got a copy of the book and did another jubilant jig.
However in the midst of my celebrating, I had a horrible thought... what if it isn't as good as I think it is going to be? We've experienced that book that we have anxiously waited for, gotten our hands on, and been sorely disappointed by, and never want to relive that experience. So when I was about to crack open the first book in a series about my absolute favorite mythical character, I got nervous and procrastinated... and procrastinated... and said look how pretty the cover is. Until finally, I opened the book with only one eye open, checking to see if it could possibly live up to my dreams.
I read the first chapter with only one eye, but then the other eye slowly but surely joined the party. From there, it was difficult to put the book down to accomplish mundane tasks such as work, volunteering, and other household chores. The imagery not only fulfilled my every expectation, but left me in awe as well.
With some YA novels, you have to wade through the overwhelming amount of teen angst, but let me tell you... there is no wading through Into the Fire! It is a roller coaster ride from beginning to end. Yes, the main characters are teenagers, but they have some maturity and common sense about them which makes following their story not only enjoyable, but addictive!
So it is with great enthusiasm and verve that I suggest picking up a copy of Into the Fire, and allow me to also give you a piece of advice to go along with that suggestion - go ahead and pre-order the second book, Out of the Ashes, which will be released on March 22nd. By the time you finish it, you will be begging for the second book so you can see what happens next.
Wednesday, January 27, 2016
The Ascenders - 4-Star Review
Ascenders: High School for the Recently Departed
by C.L. Gaber
Release Date: April 20th 2015
Walker Callaghan doesn't know what happened to her. One minute she was living her teenage life in suburban Chicago...and the next minute, she was in a strange place and in a brand new school with absolutely no homework, no rules, and no consequences.
Walker Callaghan, 17, is dead.
She doesn't go to heaven or hell. She lands at The Academy, a middle realm where teenagers have one thing in common: They were the morning announcement at their high schools because they died young.
These high school kids are now caught in a strange “in-between” zone where life hasn’t changed very much. In fact, this special teen limbo looks a lot like life in a quaint Michigan town complete with jocks, popular girls and cliques. "There are even cheerleaders in death," Walker observes. It's not a coincidence that the music teacher is a guy named Kurt who "used to have this band." The drama teacher, Heath, is crush worthy because back in his life, he starred in some superhero movie.
Principal King explains the rules -- there are none. Why? You can't die twice.
There is no homework.
No tests.
No SATS.
You're just there to learn because the human brain isn't fully formed until you're 24.
By the way, you can't get hurt physically, so race your Harley off that hillside. But falling in love is the most dangerous thing you can do ...because no one knows how long you'll stay in this realm or what's next.
"Losing someone you love would be like dying twice," Walker says.
* * * * * *
Walker Callaghan has just arrived at the Academy after a tragic car accident. “Is this heaven or is this high school?” she asks.
She finds out her new life is a bit of both as she falls in love with tat-covered, bad boy Daniel Reid who is about to break the only sacred rule of this place. He's looking for a portal to return back to the living realm.
He needs just one hour to retrieve his younger brother who strangely never arrived at The Academy. Bobby is an Earth Bound Spirit, stuck at a plane crash site that took both of their lives as their rich father piloted his private jet nose-first into a cornfield on Christmas Eve.
Walker loves Daniel and risks it all to go with him.
Have they learned enough to outsmart dangerous forces while transporting a young child with them? Can their love survive the fragmented evil parts of themselves that are now hunting them down as they try to find a way back to the middle?
At the Academy, you learn the lessons of an after-lifetime.
Buy Links:
Romeo's Review:
The Ascenders was a pleasant surprise! As soon as I read the Goodreads blurb saying that the book was about a high school for the afterlife, I was interested. There are so may places that a story like that could go, and the Ascenders hit them all.
Without giving too much away, here is the overview of the Ascenders plot. In the beginning, Walker is trying to come to terms with the fact that she has died and is now living an after-life. Then she starts to build a new life at her new school and makes new friends. One of these new friends is already preparing for a quest of their own and Walker decides to join them on this quest that will lead them both to break all the rules and put themselves in immeasurable danger.
The story is well written and has a crew of interesting characters that give the story a lot of depth that will keep you reading until the last page, and wanting even more.
Come on Ascenders Book 2!
Without giving too much away, here is the overview of the Ascenders plot. In the beginning, Walker is trying to come to terms with the fact that she has died and is now living an after-life. Then she starts to build a new life at her new school and makes new friends. One of these new friends is already preparing for a quest of their own and Walker decides to join them on this quest that will lead them both to break all the rules and put themselves in immeasurable danger.
The story is well written and has a crew of interesting characters that give the story a lot of depth that will keep you reading until the last page, and wanting even more.
Come on Ascenders Book 2!
About the Author
C.L. Gaber is the author of the
ASCENDERS SAGA and co author of Jex Malone. A well known entertainment
journalist, she lives in Nevada with her husband Ron, bonus daughter Sabrina
and two unruly dogs. ASCENDERS 2 is due out in early 2016.
Author
Links:
GIVEAWAY:
Book Tour
Organized by:
Thursday, January 21, 2016
Please Ignore My Internet Search History - T.H. Hernandez Guest Post
Even though my novel is set in a fictional future, I still
wanted as much authenticity as possible, meaning I needed to do my research.
Not only did I need to research what technology is currently available, but
where technology is likely heading, and how much the collapse of the world’s
largest economy might impact technological advancement.
Those were the safe searches I conducted, the ones unlikely
to raise any red flags if the NSA is monitoring my internet usage. But The Uprising is about a
counter-revolution, war, hand-to-hand combat, shootings, and blowing stuff up. In
order to make sure my plot remained plausible, I had to research where someone
would could get their hands on black-market weapons, how to set explosives, and
a few other things I won’t mention to avoid spoiling anything, but you get the
idea.
My editor posted the above image on my Facebook page, saying
we both needed a coffee mug with that on it. I know why I needed it, but wasn’t
sure why she did until she informed me she always does her own research to make
sure what I’ve written is accurate.
I had no idea she went to such lengths. It’s one thing to
put your own future freedom on the line for the sake of craft, but it’s above
and beyond the call of duty to take that risk for a client, even if said client
is also family. At least if they come for me, I’ll have someone I know to hang
out with. Plus, we both know a few cool new skills thanks to some scary
internet searches.
The Uprising
Synopsis:
Recovering from a near-fatal gunshot wound, eighteen-year-old Evan Taylor must find a way to stop the Uprising, an underground movement committed to destroying the Union, before her homeland is attacked.
After spending the last four months in the Ruins trying to get back to the only girl he's ever loved, nineteen-year-old Cyrus needs to get past his jealousy over Evan's involvement with Bryce or risk losing her again.
Together, Evan and Cyrus join with their friends to devise a plan to save both the Ruins and the Union, but when the pressure's on, bickering and infighting threaten to undermine their goals. New information revealing a weakness in the Uprising is uncovered, forcing them to ask quickly or risk losing everything.
With the help of old friends and new allies they set out to make history, but it might just take a miracle for everyone to make it out alive.
THE UPRISING is the third book in THE UNION series, a young adult romantic adventures set in the near future.
Catch up on the series:
The Union:
The Ruins:
Don't forget to enter the giveaway!
T.H. Hernandez Bio
When not visiting imaginary worlds inside my head, I live in San Diego, California ,with one husband, three children, two cats, and one dog. In addition to my day job as a technical writer and editor, I write young adult fiction. I love the intensity of teen emotions and the way they're still figuring out life.
When I'm not writing, you can find me with my nose in a book, hanging out with family and friends, hiking, or knitting. I'm obsessed with Facebook, young adult novels, bad lip reading videos, pumkin spice lattes, microbrewed beers, and the San Diego Chargers.
Links:
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
The Uprising - Release Day!
It's release day for The Uprising by T. H. Hernandez! I am so excited for this, the third book in The Union Series. T.H. Hernandez is sharing an excerpt and giveaway with us to celebrate her release, so check it all out!
The Uprising Synopsis:
Recovering from a near-fatal gunshot wound, eighteen-year-old Evan Taylor must find a way to stop the Uprising, an underground movement committed to destroying the Union, before her homeland is attacked. After spending the last four months in the Ruins trying to get back to the only girl he's ever loved, nineteen-year-old Cyrus needs to get past his jealousy over Evan's involvement with Bryce or risk losing her again. Together, Evan and Cyrus join with their friends to devise a plan to save both the Ruins and the Union, but when the pressure’s on, bickering and infighting threaten to undermine their goals. New information revealing a weakness in the Uprising is uncovered, forcing them to act quickly or risk losing everything. With the help of old friends and new allies they set out to make history, but it might just take a miracle for everyone to make it out alive. THE UPRISING is the third book in THE UNION series, a young adult romantic adventure set in the near future.
When not visiting the imaginary worlds inside my head, I live in San Diego, California, with one husband, three children, two cats, and one dog. In addition to my day job as a technical writer and editor, I write young adult fiction. I love the intensity of teen emotions and the way they're still figuring out life. When I'm not writing, you can find me with my nose in a book, hanging out with family and friends, hiking, or knitting. I'm obsessed with Facebook, young adult novels, bad lip reading videos, pumpkin spice lattes, microbrewed beers, and the San Diego Chargers.
The Uprising Synopsis:
Recovering from a near-fatal gunshot wound, eighteen-year-old Evan Taylor must find a way to stop the Uprising, an underground movement committed to destroying the Union, before her homeland is attacked. After spending the last four months in the Ruins trying to get back to the only girl he's ever loved, nineteen-year-old Cyrus needs to get past his jealousy over Evan's involvement with Bryce or risk losing her again. Together, Evan and Cyrus join with their friends to devise a plan to save both the Ruins and the Union, but when the pressure’s on, bickering and infighting threaten to undermine their goals. New information revealing a weakness in the Uprising is uncovered, forcing them to act quickly or risk losing everything. With the help of old friends and new allies they set out to make history, but it might just take a miracle for everyone to make it out alive. THE UPRISING is the third book in THE UNION series, a young adult romantic adventure set in the near future.
Buy Links:
Amazon
Catch up on the series:
Exclusive Excerpt
Hot showers, beds that conform to my body, soft clothes, public transportation — there’s a shitload of stuff to love about the Union, but by far my favorite is the beach. I never tire of watching the ocean, struggling to understand it, the way it seems to go on forever. Standing here, feeling the coarse sand beneath my feet and the cool mist on exposed skin, helps me think.
Like an idiot, I figured nothing else mattered as long as Evan and I were together, but every damn thing matters. It’s not safe to stay here, and it’s not safe to return to the Ruins. Not that she’d even agree to that. Hell, I don’t know what she wants. We barely talk and I know that’s mostly on me. I can’t pretend her sleeping with that douche doesn’t piss me off. I want to punch something every time I see him, which is pretty much every fucking day.
“Figured I’d find you here,” Rainey’s raspy voice comes from behind me.
I grit my teeth and turn to face her. “Hey.”
“It’s beautiful, isn’t it?”
“Yeah. Never thought I’d see the ocean, now I can’t seem to leave.”
She’s quiet for a few moments, staring out at the crashing waves. I’ve stared at them for plenty of hours myself, now I stare at her. She’s pretty, in a rough sort of way. The scar running from her ear to her jaw only enhances her looks. But she’s not someone you’d ever want to mess with.
“Quit staring at me.”
I turn back to the water. “Sorry.”
“Colin went with her. You know, in case you were wondering.”
“Not really.” I wasn’t, only because I chose not to think about it. But if it’d been Bryce, I’d have needed to pound something.
“Are you going to punish her forever?”
Dragging my gaze away from the surf, I glare at her. “You don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Her eyebrows go up. “Really? You two were this sappy sweet, gag-inducing couple until her ex showed up. Now you’re always in a foul mood, and you barely talk to the girl you supposedly gave up everything to follow.”
“Fine, I don’t like the guy, never have. Why the hell is he here again?”
“We need everyone if we have any hope of doing what you’re planning. We can’t send him packing because he got naked and horizontal with your girl.”
If Rainey wasn’t a girl, I’d have no problem decking her, but she is, so I walk down to the water to get away from her.
Whatever went on between Evan and the douchebag was before she joined the Uprising, but it’s more than that. It’s everything. She had no idea what she was getting herself into and no plan to get out. She nearly got herself killed.
She’s impulsive and reckless, and I don’t know if I can deal with that.
T.H. Hernandez Bio:
When not visiting the imaginary worlds inside my head, I live in San Diego, California, with one husband, three children, two cats, and one dog. In addition to my day job as a technical writer and editor, I write young adult fiction. I love the intensity of teen emotions and the way they're still figuring out life. When I'm not writing, you can find me with my nose in a book, hanging out with family and friends, hiking, or knitting. I'm obsessed with Facebook, young adult novels, bad lip reading videos, pumpkin spice lattes, microbrewed beers, and the San Diego Chargers.
Links:
Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook | Pinterest | Instagram |
Enter T.H. Hernandez’s Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow along with the blog tour:
Enter T.H. Hernandez’s Giveaway:
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Follow along with the blog tour:
Blog Tour Schedule:
January 20th
Typical Distractions Review
LuLo Fangirl Review
January 21st
Romeo & Roo Books Guest Post from T.H. Hernandez***
Star-Crossed Book Blog Review
January 22nd
I Read Indie Playlist
January 23rd
Jax's Book Magic Excerpt
January 24th
Fictional Reality Book Playlist***
January 25th
Renee Entress's Blog Excerpt
January 26th
Love Affair with Fiction Guest Post
Nerdy Soul Review
January 27th
Reading Addict Guest Post
January 28th
Red Moon (Silence Is Read) Excerpt
SnoopyDoo's Boook Reviews Excerpt
January 29th
Evermore Books Playlist
BookCrushin Review Only
January 30th
Extreme Bookaholic's Excerpt
January 31st
Alpha Fangirl Book Blog Excerpt
February 1st
Ceres Books World Review Only
February 2nd
Cover2Cover Dreamcast
February 3rd
Collector of book boyfriends Dreamcast
G & T's Indie Café Excerpt
Alpha Book Club Excerpt
Monday, January 18, 2016
Friday, January 15, 2016
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