Rising Tide (Sirens #1) by T.L. Zalecki (Review)

    Boring. That is how I would describe this novel. In a world where water levels have drastically risen and algae have killed off most of the marine animals habitats, humans survive and hiding from humans, sirens. With evil corporations controlling the world, nobody is truly safe.
    The cover and synopsis looked super cool and interesting. I was ready to be blown away with action, danger and mysteries. That is not at all what I received in Rising Tides. There was way to much unnecessary backstory and very little actually occurring in the novel.  I found that the plot had nothing large or important enough to capture and keep a readers attention. The story seemed to drag on and on with no apparent goals or intrigue. I did not think any of the characters in this novel were developed all that well, making them very hard to care about or connect with. There was a lot of uninteresting perceptive changes that made it hard to figure out the importance of the main characters. I definitely do not recommend this novel and give it ONE OUT OF FIVE STARS!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

Dragon Mystics (Supernatural Prison #2) by Jaymin Eve (Review)

     Love it!! The second installment of the Supernatural Prison series, Dragon Mystics continues the epic and intense saga of Jessa Lebron and her quadruplet best friends and pack mates. Early warning, there is 18+ content in this novel. Anyway, in this novel, Jessa and her pack are fleeing from The Four and are trying to prevent and ancient prophecy about the evil Dragon King rising again to concur the supernatural world from coming into place.
     I loved this novel as much as I did the first one. The writing is addicting and the character dynamics were perfect and entertaining. Each character in this novel was introduced into the story and developed fluidly and seamlessly. Dragon Mystics is full of twists and turns that kept me invested and addicted to the story. I was blown away by the sheer element of entertainment this book has. I found myself chuckling, gasping and tensing with the story. It was a perfect pass time read. I am ecstatic to read the next novel in the series and cannot wait until it it published. I definitely recommend Dragon Mystics, and the whole Supernatural prison series. I give Dragon Mystics the perfect score of FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS!

Dragon Marked (Supernatural Prison #1) by Jaymin Eve (Review)

    Dragon Marked is amazing and addicting! Set in a universe of supernaturals, an alpha wolf and her adoptive pack mates, four unique and awesome brothers, set off in an action packed and riveting adventure that will change their lives forever. Their world is chock full of wizards, fey, wolf shifters,dragon shifters, demi-fey, witches, trolls and a plethora of other magical creatures. Faced with the curse of being Dragon Marked, Jessa Lebron's life is turned upside down as she becomes the hunted because of a thousand year old superstition and story. 

    Right from the get-go I was sucked into the story and was addicted. I LOVED this book. It's narrative voice is truly unique and probably one of the best I have ever had the pleasure of reading. The dynamic between Jessa and the Compass brothers can be described in one word: perfect. From their witty banter to their heart warming affectionate and protective behavior. I have never read of anything similar before in my life. I cannot get enough of this pack of friends. Jessa, the main character, was fabulous. She was witty, lovable, rounded, intellectual, strong and kick-butt. Her internal dialogue was addicting. Plot wise, the story was on point. It had plot twists and suspense that kept the readers interested and invested in the novel and its goings on. I was blown away by the sheer awesomeness of this novel and am super excited to read the rest of the series. 

      I loved this book and definitely recommend it as a worthwhile read, esspecially if you are a lover of the paranormal/fantasy genre. I give Dragon Marked the perfect rating of FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS!!!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

Alpha Unleashed (Alpha Girl #5) by Aileen Erin (Review)

    The fifth installment of the Alpha Girls series, Alpha Unleashed is the climax of the conflict with the evil witch Luciana. Luciana's end game is coming and Tessa and her wolves need to prepare for it. With demons cropping up all over the place the stakes rise, and the end quickly approaches.
     I found Alpha Unleashed to be excessively long. On more then one occasion I would find myself getting board and loosing interest in the story. There was plenty packed into the story, but reading it felt slow and tedious. I still like Tessa as a character, as well as Dastien her mate; but in this novel their characters felt less potent and witty. The story picked up at the end and became very good in the last few chapters, but up until then it was a difficult read. The series itself is stellar, and Alpha Unleashed was not a terrible addition. I felt the conclusion of the story was well done and was very satisfying. I love the wolves, witches and other creatures you encounter in this novel. Each of them are interesting and well described. The romance between Tessa and Dastien was great as always, which I did enjoy immensely. Ultimately I give Alpha Unleashed THREE AND A HALF STARS OUT OF FIVE!!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

Portia (Angelbound Offspring #2) by Christina Bauer (Review)

   The next novel in the Angelbound Offspring series, Portia was romantic and witty addition to the series. In the Angelbound universe, the dimensions are in danger again, but this not from one foe, but this time from simply falling apart at the seams. A expert on the special form of dangers and on the energy that hold everything together, Princess Portia steps up to save everybody. Alongside her comes a strange man... dragon? He seems to have a strong interested in Portia, and in this book their adventure unfolds.
    I loved this novel. Portia herself struck me as an extremely diverse and kick-butt character. She is powerful, smart and has her moments of witty humor. I though her character development was stellar and very well done. I enjoyed reading her internal dialogue and watching her life enroll before my eyes. The plot was very well thought out, and the romantic tension was almost perfect. Action packed, this book keeps a readers attention and draws them into the story.
        My experience with all books by this author have all been amazing. I love knowing that in every novel by Christina Bauer, you are always going to get five star romances and super entertaining characters. I cannot wait for the next novel she releases. I without a doubt recommend Portia and the entire Angelbound series, I have simply loved every novel that has been published. I give Portia FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS!!!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

The Thirteenth World (The Corridor #2) by A.N. Willis (Review)

    The second novel in The Corridor series, The Thirteenth World is a thrilling conclusion to the adventures of Stel Alaster and her loved ones. The Corridor is a ticking time bomb, ready and primed to blow the multiverse to smithereens. Stel is the only thing that can save not the just one world, but all of the worlds.  Facing impossible odds Stel and her loved ones fight to stop the Corridor from destroying everyone and everything.
     I found The Thirteenth World to be a satisfying and emotional conclusion to the series. It was action packed and full of interesting scifi moments that kept my attention as a reader pretty well. The narrative in the novel did have its boring moments, but overall it was a very captivating story. I found the concept of being able to travel through the multiverses at will to be epic. It was exciting and added a uniqueness to the main character Stel. Without a doubt, through this novel you can watch the characters grow and change as they face new dangers and complications in their mission to save the worlds.
       I enjoyed this novel, and think some young adult scifi readers would simply fall in love with this series. I give The Thirteenth World FOUR OUT OF FIVE STARS!!!

*Advanced Readers Copy Review*

Book Blitz: Portia by Christina Bauer!

Book & Author Details:

Portia by Christina Bauer 

(Angelbound Offspring #2)
Published by: Ink Monster LLC
Publication date: October 27th 2015
Genres: Fantasy, Romance, Young Adult7

Synopsis:

   Unlike her famous older brother Maxon, Princess Portia isn’t known for killing demons or attracting admirers. The reason why is simple: a spell was cast on Portia, and the magic has marked her to one day transform into a dreaded Void demon. To fight this horrible fate, Portia’s spent her life hiding in libraries and learning magic. But when the Void demons threaten to destroy all the after-realms—and the handsome dragon Emperor Tempest offers his help—then Portia suspects that her future holds more than just a demonic metamorphosis. Fate is calling the bookworm princess onto the battlefield, and it’s a fight against both deadly enemies and her heart’s desires.
May be read as a stand-alone.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25353391-portia?ac=1

Purchase:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/B00W2A9Q0G

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/portia-christina-bauer/1121761900?ean=9780990635246

Excerpt:

I am so late.

My heart beats at double speed while I rush up the staircase to the Ryder mansion. After pulling open the fancy wooden door, I step inside a large and empty foyer. Well, it’s almost empty.

The President of Purgatory is waiting for me. Not good. 

Even worse, her mouth is pressed into a thin and frustrated line. No question why she’s unhappy. My lecture on Magic Across The After-Realms should’ve started twenty minutes ago.

“Portia, you’re finally here,” she sighs. “We were getting frantic.”

The President’s known for being tough on crime, graft, and well, everything really. But she’s also my grandmother. When it comes to family, Gram’s a softie who worries like crazy. I should know, being a softie myself. I give her a quick peck on the cheek. “So sorry, Gram. I got caught up.”

Gram’s tail sways warily over her right shoulder. No shock, there. Every quasi-demon in Purgatory has a tail. Gram’s variety is long and black with an arrowhead-shaped end and a mind of its own. Currently, that mind totally suspects that I’m up to something.

Good suspicion, actually.

“What are you working on this time?” asks Gram. “Is it dangerous magic? Please tell me you’re being safe.”

“No, it’s not dangerous at all,” I say.

Which isn’t entirely true.

My cheeks redden with guilt, but I can’t exactly admit that I was up all night trying to track Void demons by casting spells with an enchanted canopic jar. It’s super-tricky stuff. I could’ve ended up with a Void demon in my living room, and I’m not what you call battle-hardy.

AUTHOR BIO:

    Christina graduated from Syracuse University's Newhouse School with BA's in English as well as Television, Radio, and Film Production. Her day job is in marketing for companies like Microsoft, Cisco, and Brainshark. Back in the go-go 90′s, she founded her own software start-up, Mindful Technologies. Christina believes that, upon close examination of Tolkien's text, it's entirely possible that the Balrog was wearing fuzzy bunny slippers.
 Author links:

http://inkmonster.net/authors/cbauer

https://twitter.com/CB_Bauer

https://www.facebook.com/authorBauer

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/546812.Christina_Bauer

GIVEAWAY!!!

Enter bellow for a chance to win one of these fabulous prizes!!! (INTL)

E-Copy of Portia

Dragon Ear Cuff/Post Earring

Portia Themed Nail Polish Mini’s by Color Club Nail Lacquer

PRINT copy of Portia

Dragon Pendant

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The Pledge Box Set Release Celebration!

The Pledge Box Set Release Celebration

October 20^th, 2015

ABOUT THE BOOK:

THE PLEDGE TRILOGY BOX SET
Author: Kimberly Derting
Release Date: October 20th, 2015
Publisher:  Margaret K. McElderry
SYNOPSIS:
    The complete Pledge trilogy, a dark and romantic blend of dystopia and fantasy, is now available in a collectible paperback boxed set.
     In The Pledge, seventeen-year-old Charlaina lives in Ludania, a country stratified by a caste system divided by language and ruled by the cruel tyrant Queen Sabara. But Charlie has a secret skill, and as clashes escalate between the totalitarian monarch and the rebel forces, Charlie might be her country’s only chance for freedom. And though Charlie lays claim to the throne in The Essence, the influence of the evil Sabara does not disappear. Faced with the ultimate betrayal, Charlie must turn to an unexpected resource for help—and to an unexpected ally for love. Then when peace negotiations go awry in The Offering, it seems the only option to secure Ludanian freedom is for Charlie to sacrifice herself. But things aren’t always as they seem. Is Charlie walking into a trap?
    Full of danger, intrigue, and blood-rushing romance, this gripping trilogy is sure to satisfy and makes an ideal gift.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Kimberly is the author of the BODY FINDER series (HarperCollins), THE PLEDGE trilogy (Simon & Schuster), and THE TAKING trilogy (HarperTeen). She lives in the Pacific Northwest, the ideal place to write anything dark or creepy...a gloomy day can set the perfect mood. She lives with her husband and their three beautiful (and often mouthy) children who provide an endless source of inspiration.

BOOK LINKS:

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-pledge-trilogy-kimberly-derting/1121192110?ean=9781481439343
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Pledge-Trilogy-Essence-Offering/dp/1481439340/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1445025445&sr=8-10&keywords=kimberly+derting

GIVEAWAY!!!

One Grand Prize Winner will get: 

A Signed Box Set + $50.00 to the online book retailer of their choice

Must be 13 + To Enter | Ships in US Only

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog tour of Portia by Christina Bauer!

Title: Portia
Series: Angelbound Offspring
Vol or Book #: 2
Author: Christina Bauer
Audience: Adult 18+
Genre: Romance/Fantasy
Format: E-book and Paperback
Publisher: Ink Monster LLC
Cover by: Art by Ana Cruz, Graphics by Paddy Donnelly
Editor: Ink Monster LLC
Pages: 250 pages
ISBN: 9780990635246
ASIN: B00W2A9Q0G
Date Published: 10-27-15

        Unlike her famous older brother Maxon, Princess Portia isn't known for killing demons or attracting admirers. The reason why is simple: a spell was cast on Portia, and the magic has marked her to one day transform into a dreaded Void demon. To fight this horrible fate, Portia’s spent her life hiding in libraries and learning magic. But when the Void demons threaten to destroy all the after-realms—and the handsome dragon Emperor Tempest offers his help—then Portia suspects that her future holds more than just a demonic metamorphosis. Fate is calling the bookworm princess onto the battlefield, and it’s a fight against both deadly enemies and her heart’s desires.

   

AMAZON / GOODREADS / NOOK / IBOOKS / KOBO

 

Chapter One:

I am so late.
My heart beats at double speed while I rush up the staircase to the Ryder mansion. After pulling open the fancy wooden door, I step inside a large and empty foyer. Well, it’s almost empty.
The President of Purgatory is waiting for me. Not good.
Even worse, her mouth is pressed into a thin and frustrated line. No question why she’s unhappy. My lecture on Magic Across The After-Realms should’ve started twenty minutes ago.
“Portia, you’re finally here,” she sighs. “We were getting frantic.”
The President’s known for being tough on crime, graft, and well, everything really. But she’s also my grandmother. When it comes to family, Gram’s a softie who worries like crazy. I should know, being a softie myself. I give her a quick peck on the cheek. “So sorry, Gram. I got caught up.”
Gram’s tail sways warily over her right shoulder. No shock, there. Every quasi-demon in Purgatory has a tail. Gram’s variety is long and black with an arrowhead-shaped end and a mind of its own. Currently, that mind totally suspects that I’m up to something.
Good suspicion, actually.
“What are you working on this time?” asks Gram. “Is it dangerous magic? Please tell me you’re being safe.”
“No, it’s not dangerous at all,” I say.
Which isn’t entirely true.
My cheeks redden with guilt, but I can’t exactly admit that I was up all night trying to track Void demons by casting spells with an enchanted canopic jar. It’s super-tricky stuff. I could’ve ended up with a Void demon in my living room, and I’m not what you call battle-hardy.
 

   Christina graduated from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School with BA’s in English along with Television, Radio, and Film Production. An avowed girl geek, Christina loves creating immersive fantasy worlds with action, adventure, romance, and kick-ass female protagonists. As part of her work in Ink Monster, Christina has co-developed the ‘Heroine’s Journey,’ a blueprint for telling female myths inspired by the work of Joseph Campbell. She lives in Newton, MA with her husband, son, and golden retriever Ruby.

 My top 10 YA novels

10. Wrinkle in Time, Madeleine L'Engle 

9. Cinder, Marissa Meyer 

8. Beastly, Alex Flinn

7. The Iron King, Julie Kagawa

6. Throne of Glass, Sarah J Maas

5. The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho

4. Sense and Sensibility, Jane Austen

3. The Night Circus, Erin Morgenstern

2. Freaky Friday, Mary Rodgers

1. Lord of the Wings, J R R Tolkien

       

WEBSITE / FACEBOOK / TWITTER / GOODREADS / AMAZON / PINTEREST

Instagram Username : CHRISTINA_CB_BAUER

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/33870edf7/?widget_template=55f70ccb0e6eaee8318e2421

Release Week Blitz: Wolf by Wolf by Ryan Graudin!

     I am so excited that WOLF BY WOLF by Ryan Graudin releases today and that I get to share the news, along with an awesome giveaway!

If you haven’t yet heard about this wonderful book by Ryan, be sure to check out all the details below.

    This blitz also includes a giveaway for a signed finished copy of the book with a special WOLF BY WOLF pin! US only. So if you’d like a chance to win, enter in the Rafflecopter at the bottom of this post.

Special intro from the author:

     "Once upon a different time, there was a girl who lived in a kingdom of death. Wolves howled up her arm. A whole pack of them--made of tattoo ink and pain, memory and loss. It was the only thing about her that ever stayed the same.

     Her story begins on a train."

     And so begins the story of Yael, a girl who can change her appearance to mimic any other female. A girl who must win a 20,000 kilometer cross-continental motorcycle race from Germania to Tokyo so that she can have an audience with Adolf Hitler. A girl who has every intention of killing him.

    Whenever I describe the premise of WOLF BY WOLF to people, the reactions I get are quite similar. It's the "are-you-insane-or-are-you-onto-something" face: dropped jaw, squiggly eyebrows. I must admit, I felt many of those same feelings when I first started penning Yael's story. Alternate history + sci-fi + epic motorcycle journey felt like a strange recipe for a novel. But I pushed through my fears and kept writing, and I couldn't be happier with the result. I, for one, don't think I'm insane, but I'll let you, dear reader, come up with your own conclusion.

    Happy reading!

Ryan Graudin
  

About The Book:

Title: WOLF BY WOLF

Author: Ryan Graudin

Release Date: October 20, 2015

Pages: 400

Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Formats: Hardcover, eBook

Find it: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble | iBooks

Code Name Verity meets Inglourious Basterds in this fast-paced novel from the author of The Walled City.

The year is 1956, and the Axis powers of the Third Reich and Imperial Japan rule the world. To commemorate their Great Victory over Britain and Russia, Hitler and Emperor Hirohito host the Axis Tour: an annual motorcycle race across their conjoined continents. The victor is awarded an audience with the highly reclusive Adolf Hitler at the Victor's ball.

Yael, who escaped from a death camp, has one goal: Win the race and kill Hitler. A survivor of painful human experimentation, Yael has the power to skinshift and must complete her mission by impersonating last year's only female victor, Adele Wolfe. This deception becomes more difficult when Felix, Adele twin's brother, and Luka, her former love interest, enter the race and watch Yael's every move. But as Yael begins to get closer to the other competitors, can she bring herself to be as ruthless as she needs to be to avoid discovery and complete her mission?

About Ryan:

Ryan Graudin grew up in Charleston and graduated from the College of Charleston with a degree in Creative Writing in 2009. She is the author of All That Glows and The Walled City. She resides near Charleston with her husband and wolf-dog. You can find her online at www.ryangraudin.com.

Website | Twitter |Tumblr | Goodreads | Pinterest | Blog

Giveaway Details:

1 winner will receive a signed finished copy of the book with a special WOLF BY WOLF pin. US Only.

Ends on October 26th at Midnight EST!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Blitz: The Summer Marked by Rebekah L. Purdy

 The Summer Marked by Rebekah L. Purdy 

(The Winter People #2) 

Published by: Entangled: Teen

Publication date: September 22nd 2015

Genres: Fantasy, Young Adult

Synopsis:

    The sequel to the chilling Winter People returns to the world of Faerie, and is a romantic and enchanting follow-up.
   Salome left humankind behind to be with her boyfriend, Gareth, in the Kingdom of Summer. But now forces of darkness are rising. Her happily-ever-after is coming apart, and the Kingdom is on the brink of war.
    Newly-single Kadie Byers is on her way home for Thanksgiving, imagining a visit filled with hot chocolate, a hot guy for a little rebound action, and some girl time with her bestie, Salome. Except she receives a message from Salome with two important words: PLEASE HURRY.
    When Kadie rushes to help Salome, she’s ripped from the human world and pulled into the kingdoms of Faerie, where she’s shocked to learn that Salome’s monsters are real, and that she’s now at the mercy of one extremely vengeful Winter Queen…
Now both Salome and Kadie must find a way to survive the deadly chaos…or lose themselves to Winter’s deadly, icy grasp.

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23014840-the-summer-marked?ac=1

Purchase:

Amazon: http://amzn.com/1633750094

B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/summer-marked-rebekah-l-purdy/1120205019?ean=9781633750098

Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-US/ebook/summer-marked-entangled-teen

iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/summer-marked-entangled-teen/id953138004?mt=11

Excerpt (Kadie):

A sigh escaped my lips when I watched daylight sneak through the door at the back of the room. Somehow, I’d survived the night. My body ached as I attempted to stretch my legs out, my arms still tied to the post.
Every part of me was numb from the cold, but I was alive. As more light fractured the shadows, my gaze fell to the blood-slickened floors. It looked as if the floor tiles had bled. I buried my face against my shoulder. I wanted to cry but didn’t dare show my fear. If they realized how badly this place affected me, they’d find other ways to get inside my head or worse, maybe torture me. A shiver scraped along my spine at the thought.
I need to get out of here. I’m going to go crazy.
A lock rattled then the door flung open. Etienne sauntered inside, his white tunic opened like some seventies porn star. He gave me a sad smile.
“Good. You’re awake. The queen would like to see you.” He walked over and untied the ropes that secured me to the bed.
I cried out as my wrists were freed. The skin around them was raw and reddened from my attempts to escape.
“What are you, her bitch?”
“You should just give in now, otherwise the Winter Queen will only make things worse.”
“Trust me, I’m gonna keep fighting until I get out of this hell hole.”

AUTHOR BIO:

    Rebekah was born and raised in Michigan where she spent many late nights armed with a good book and a flashlight. She’s lived in Michigan most of her life other than the few years she spent in the U.S. Army. At which time she got a chance to experience Missouri, Kansas, South Carolina, and California.
    Rebekah has a business degree from University of Phoenix and currently works full time for the court system. In her free time she writes YA stories, anything from YA Fantasy to YA Contemporary Romance. Rebekah also has a big family (6 kids) she likes to consider her family as the modern day Brady Bunch complete with crazy road trips and game nights.
    When not hiding at her computer, Rebekah enjoys reading, singing, soccer, swimming, football, camping, playing video games, traveling, and hanging out with her family and gazillion pets.

               Author links: 

https://rebekahlpurdy.wordpress.com/

https://www.facebook.com/rebekahlpurdyauthor

https://twitter.com/RebekahLPurdy

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4615084.Rebekah_L_Purdy

Writing From Two POVS (Point of View):

    I had a blast writing The Summer Marked (book two in the Winter People series), but mostly because I got to create the story from two different characters’ points of view. Kadie and Salome are SUCH different people. Kadie is more bad ass and hardcore, where Salome, who can be tough if she needs to, is a more “soft” kind of character. She kind of wears her heart on her sleeve and cares SO much about people. So it was nice being able to see how each character reacted to their environments.

   But these two girls are both in very different types of places within Faerie. Kadie has been dropped right into something out of a horror flick or a fairytale gone wrong. Winter is filled with so much darkness, violence, and nightmarish stuff—a very macabre place. It was tough to write Kadie’s character, because we see how all this evilness is starting to break her down. She’s struggling to remain strong and protect her friend at all costs. But her whole situation seems helpless. It’s like every ray of hope that she has just keeps getting sucked away.

   Salome, on the other hand is in Summer. When I was creating Summer all that kept popping into my head was something out of Tolkien novel, kind of like Rivendell. Summer is a HUGE contrast from Winter. It’s beautiful, with fountains, waterfalls, flowers, trees, castles etc. But underneath all the beauty there is a danger for Salome as well—and she learns quickly that not everything that’s “pretty” is nice. She has her own battles to fight, especially since not all the Fae like humans. She trying to find her place in a world where she really doesn’t totally belong or fit into. I had a different kind of fun writing her character. I liked showing her contrast from Kadie. How she had her own “horrors” and political issues she was dealing with. But also showing her grow more of a backbone and into her own so to speak.

   The great thing about duo povs is being able to give the reader a bigger look at the setting and characters your writing about. To give them an idea of things outside just the main protagonist’s thoughts. I seriously love this book and hope the readers do as well.

GIVEAWAY!!!

Blitz-wide giveaway (INTL)

$25 Amazon gift card

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Blog tour: Quanta by Lola Dodge!

Quanta (The Shadow Ravens #2) by Lola Dodge

    Just because Quanta can see the future doesn’t mean she can change it. She’s spent most of her life imprisoned, feeding her captors information to keep herself alive, but she’s finally reached the endgame and her death creeps closer by the moment.

    The son of two senators, Altair Orpheus leads a life of privilege that provides the perfect cover for his side job: working with the rebel Shadow Ravens to undermine the ruling Seligo government. Everything is running like clockwork until he crosses paths with Quanta. As he watches her deftly maneuver through life in a perverse prison, his plastic heart melts. A jailbreak would be suicide, but       Tair is willing to sacrifice everything to give her a chance at happiness.
Now Quanta senses a terrifying new future brewing. She and Tair are bound together, but every image of them kissing, snuggling, and acting knee-weakeningly happy is balanced by a much darker possibility. They’ll be picture perfect together, but only until time rips them apart. How can she follow her heart when she’s seen how their love plays out?

     

Amazon / Goodreads / Nook / iBooks

 Mother smiled like a cat, full of ambition and smugness. “Someone wants to meet you.”
 Someone? Suddenly, I knew where this was going. “Mother—”
 “There are the Astors.” Mother gave a demure wave and started gliding toward a trio standing near an ice sculpture. Her fingers clamped my arm, dragging me along. Father walked on my other side, sandwiching me in place.
 No way to run without making a scene. Senator Astor and her husband stood waiting with their daughter.
A set-up.
 My free hand bunched into a fist, but I tucked it into my pocket. I couldn’t make a mistake in front of this audience.
 Mother exchanged greetings, then made a sweeping gesture. “This is my son, Altair. Altair, this is Layla Astor.”
 Layla’s blonde hair tumbled in artful curls and braids. She wore tasteful neutral makeup that emphasized her full lips and emerald green eyes, but a hint of darker eyeliner smudged like a leftover from some previous night’s debauchery; that was half of what I needed to know to escape the conversation.
 And I would escape. I had no interest in these shallow romances meant to gain my family position.
 “It’s so nice to meet you, Altair. I knew your sister at academy.” And that was why Cass had been invited. Some common bond to me to a potential future mate.
 Good thing Cass had stayed home. She’d hate the situation as much as I did.
 The girl extended her arm, flashing her Green Helix and I couldn’t avoid the handshake. “Likewise.” Layla’s rough fingertips gave me the last clue I needed. Calluses from playing an instrument. Between that and the eyeliner, I had an excellent guess at how to get rid of her. Rather than sell her out in front of her parents, I offered her an arm. “I was just about to admire the ice sculptures. Would you care to join me?”
 “I’d love to.” She smiled and placed delicate fingertips on my arm.
 Our parents grinned conspiratorial smiles as we strolled away. No doubt they’d already picked a wedding date. I waited until we were out of modified earshot to speak. “How upset would your family be if I mentioned that you play in a band?”
 “Very.” Layla tensed, and her expression and tone shifted from vapid politeness to shrewd consideration. “Not that you should know.”
 I shrugged. “I won’t say a thing as long as you don’t press an engagement.”
 “Thank God.” Layla shuddered. “Our mothers schemed this one. I thought you were in on it.”
 I grinned. I didn’t often stumble onto others faking their way through Helix life, but every so often an ally dropped in my lap. “Should we small talk for a few minutes and then pretend to offend each other?”
 Layla pressed her lips together, eying me up and down. “If you’re up to it, I have a better suggestion.”
 “Oh?” I handed her a drink taken from a passing tray. Our parents still watched from across the room.
 “Let’s meet for coffee. We could draw this out for months.”
 “A faux courtship?” It had promise, although there were certainly risks.
 “You’re the first guy they’ve set me up with who’s not a self-centered ass.” Layla’s mischievous smile made her eyes sparkle. “My girlfriend would love you.”
 Her voice was clear of subterfuge and I found myself smiling back. “Next week? I’m sure our parents already exchanged our contact information.” And faking a relationship would save me getting blindsided at every event.
 “Call me.” She finger-waved and then headed for a crowd of friends, who proceeded to glance my way, slipping a few quickly smothered cackles. I nodded before heading off to work the crowd.
 Despite my parents’ efforts, the night was going better than expected.

Authors Top Ten - Top Ten YA novels.

      This list challenged my brain! I ended up picking mostly classic YA—the books I read when I was a teenager. I love some of the contemporary stuff, too, but when I start trying to list my favorites, I always end up back where I started. Hope you enjoy some of these as much as I do!!

1. Sabriel (Abhorsen Series) by Garth Nix 

Beautiful necromancy. Need I say more?

2. Wild Magic (The Immortals Series) by Tamora Pierce 

Tamora Pierce’s heroines are always fantastic and 7th grade me would’ve killed for Daine’s Wild Magic. Also important: Numair was my first book boyfriend.

3. The Golden Compass (His Dark Materials Series) by Phillip Pullman

It took me many tries to get The Golden Compass. When I finally got it? WOW.

4. A Tale of Time City by Diana Wynne Jones

DWJ is one of my favorite authors of all time and her works deserve so much more attention. I stumbled onto A Tale of Time City in middle school and it was my gateway drug into becoming a booknerd. Still waiting for butter pies to become a thing.

5. Alanna (Song of the Lioness Series) by Tamora Pierce

I keep my books obsessively clean and scowl at people who try to open the spines too far, but Lioness Rampant spent way too many days in my backpack on the way to school to stay pristine. It’s ratty and covered in leaked highlighter and nothing else could so perfectly show how much I’ve loved this series over the years.

6. The Absolutely True Diary of Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

This was in the curriculum for my MFA program. The narrator is hilarious and I would’ve picked it up anyway—always love a good banned book.

7. The Giver by Lois Lowry

Classic for a reason. Just don’t watch the movie (((internal screams)))

8. Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery

Another classic. I made my parents let me take French (I was already studying German) after reading this because I wanted to be a smart girl like Anne. I don’t know if I accomplished that, but this whole series is still one of my favs.

9. Charmed Life (The Chronicles of Chrestomanci) by Diana Wynne Jones.

DWJ again because she deserves it!

10. Dealing with Dragons (Enchanted Forest Chronicles) by Patricia C. Wrede

Love when the princess runs away to work for the dragons. I’d do that if it were a serious career option!

   Lola is a compulsive traveler, baker, and procrastinator. She earned her BA in English from Stonehill College and MFA in Writing Popular Fiction from Seton Hill University—and hasn’t stopped moving since. When she’s not on the road, Lola spends her time indoors where the sunlight can’t melt her, writing or bingeing on anime and cherry soda. She can be summoned in a ritual involving curry, Hello Kitty idols, and a solid chocolate pentagram.

         

Website/Blog

http://www.loladodge.com 

http://inkmonster.net/blog

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