Precious Blood by Tonya Hurley
May 14th, 2013 from Simon and Schuster Books For Young Readers
What if martyrs and saints lived among us? And what if you were told you were one of them?
Agnes, Cecilia, and Lucy are three lost girls—each with their own personal demons. These girls meet one night when they all end up in the same hospital…and each wake up with a token from a boy they’ve only just met. Sebastian is gorgeous, mysterious, and has a plan for all of them. As each girl gets wrapped up in finding out just who Sebastian is, they each discover their own strengths, and realize the only way to save themselves is to save each other.
The story begins in PRECIOUS BLOOD and continues in PASSIONARIES, available 1/7/14.
Jun 25, 2013
Jun 21, 2013
Interview & Giveaway: The Well's End by Seth Fishman
The Well's End by Seth Fishman
February 25th, 2013 from Putnam Juvenile
Mia Kish is afraid of the dark. And for good reason. When she was a toddler she fell deep into her backyard well only to be rescued to great fanfare and celebrity. In fact, she is small-town Fenton,Colorado’s walking claim to fame. Not like that helps her status at Westbrook Academy, the nearby uber-ritzy boarding school she attends. A townie is a townie. Being nationally ranked as a swimmer doesn’t matter a lick. But even the rarefied world of Westbrook is threated when emergency sirens start blaring and the school is put on lockdown, quarantined and surrounded by soldiers who seem to shoot first and ask questions later. Only when confronted by a frightening virus that ages its victims to death in a manner of hours does Mia realize she may only just be beginning to discover what makes Fenton special.
The answer is behind the walls of the Cave, aka Fenton Electronics. Mia’s dad, the director of Fenton Electronics, has always been secretive about his work. But unless Mia is willing to let her classmates succumb to the strange illness, she and her friends have got to break quarantine, escape the school grounds, and outsmart armed soldiers to uncover the truth about where the virus comes from and what happened down that well. The answers they find just might be more impossible than the virus they are fleeing.
The answer is behind the walls of the Cave, aka Fenton Electronics. Mia’s dad, the director of Fenton Electronics, has always been secretive about his work. But unless Mia is willing to let her classmates succumb to the strange illness, she and her friends have got to break quarantine, escape the school grounds, and outsmart armed soldiers to uncover the truth about where the virus comes from and what happened down that well. The answers they find just might be more impossible than the virus they are fleeing.
Jun 20, 2013
Cover Reveal & Giveaway: Side Effects May Vary by Julie Murphy
I am BEYOND excited to share a glimpse of my buddy-ole-pal's debut book cover reveal! I've been looking forward to this since the early 90s when we met at The Cure concert! (totally kidding, but that would be totally rad). Anyhoods, you'll love the complete cover and when you get to know Julie, you'll love her too!
Here is a teaser: "Her lying here, next to me, her body curving into mine. It was perfect except that she was dying and I was living and I didn’t know how we could do both at the same time." - Harvey
What if you’d been living your life as if you were dying—only to find out that you had your whole future ahead of you?
When sixteen-year-old Alice is diagnosed with leukemia, her prognosis is grim. To maximize the time she does have, she vows to spend her final months righting wrongs—however she sees fit. She convinces her friend Harvey, whom she knows has always had feelings for her, to help her with a crazy bucket list that’s as much about revenge (humiliating her ex-boyfriend and getting back at her arch nemesis) as it is about hope (doing something unexpectedly kind for a stranger and reliving some childhood memories). But just when Alice’s scores are settled, she goes into remission.
art work by Annemieke Beemster Leverenz
When sixteen-year-old Alice is diagnosed with leukemia, her prognosis is grim. To maximize the time she does have, she vows to spend her final months righting wrongs—however she sees fit. She convinces her friend Harvey, whom she knows has always had feelings for her, to help her with a crazy bucket list that’s as much about revenge (humiliating her ex-boyfriend and getting back at her arch nemesis) as it is about hope (doing something unexpectedly kind for a stranger and reliving some childhood memories). But just when Alice’s scores are settled, she goes into remission.
Jun 19, 2013
Cover Reveal: Pretty Sly (Pretty Crooked #2) by Elisa Ludwig
Pretty Sly (Pretty Crooked #2) by Elisa Ludwig
March 18th, 2014 from Katherine Tegen Books
However, that was before Willa found her house ransacked and a mysterious email from her mother telling Willa she had to leave Paradise Valley for a while and not to come looking for her. Willa knows her mom’s in danger and that no one at school will miss her after her recent sticky-fingered stunts with the Glitterati. So with the help of her pal Tre and with her degenerate crush Aidan as her wingman, Willa violates her probation and hits the California highway in search of her mom.
But when Willa and Aidan’s journey turns dangerously criminal and they wind up being the focus of a national manhunt, they realize it’s sometimes easier to escape the law than the truth—and that everything Willa thought she knew about her mom, and her life, was wrong.
Jun 18, 2013
Cover Reveal: Fragile Spirits (Shattered Souls #2) by Mary Lindsey
Fragile Spirits (Shattered Souls #2) by Mary Lindsey
January 23th, 2014 from Philomel
Paul has always known he was a Protector, fated to serve a Speaker who could hear the voices of spirits lingering after death and help those souls find peace.
Vivienne ignores the voices of the dead.
Paul has always followed the Protector’s rule book, preparing diligently for the day when he’d be matched with his Speaker and fulfill his destiny.
Vivienne never does what she’s told.
January 23th, 2014 from Philomel
Paul has always known he was a Protector, fated to serve a Speaker who could hear the voices of spirits lingering after death and help those souls find peace.
Vivienne ignores the voices of the dead.
Paul has always followed the Protector’s rule book, preparing diligently for the day when he’d be matched with his Speaker and fulfill his destiny.
Vivienne never does what she’s told.
Jun 17, 2013
Review & Giveaway: Super Pop! by Daniel Harmon
Super Pop!: Pop Culture Top Ten Lists to Help You Win at Trivia, Survive in the Wild, and Make It Through the Holidays by Daniel Harmon
June 4th, 2013 from Zest Books
As David Letterman demonstrates on the Late Show, top ten lists are really funny. And we know lists are a great way to get organized, get things done, and streamline life’s many tasks. But now, pop culture expert Daniel Harmon takes a totally new approach to list making in his new book Super Pop! and organizes 500 movies, songs, video games, and books into top ten lists that not only have the power to entertain, but also to help create a new and better you!
Super Pop! offers a maximum-pleasure, minimum-effort way to become smarter, happier, and a little bit more likely to survive a shark attack. This wide-ranging collection organizes pop culture’s greatest hits—including blockbusting movies, bestselling books, platinum albums, and more—into hilarious, provocative, and weirdly edifying top ten lists, and provides quick-hitting commentary in the nearly 500 entries.
June 4th, 2013 from Zest Books
As David Letterman demonstrates on the Late Show, top ten lists are really funny. And we know lists are a great way to get organized, get things done, and streamline life’s many tasks. But now, pop culture expert Daniel Harmon takes a totally new approach to list making in his new book Super Pop! and organizes 500 movies, songs, video games, and books into top ten lists that not only have the power to entertain, but also to help create a new and better you!
Super Pop! offers a maximum-pleasure, minimum-effort way to become smarter, happier, and a little bit more likely to survive a shark attack. This wide-ranging collection organizes pop culture’s greatest hits—including blockbusting movies, bestselling books, platinum albums, and more—into hilarious, provocative, and weirdly edifying top ten lists, and provides quick-hitting commentary in the nearly 500 entries.
Jun 13, 2013
Cover Reveal: The Sound of Letting Go by Stasia Ward Kehoe
The Sound of Letting Go by Stasia Ward Kehoe
February 1st, 2014 from Penguin
For sixteen years, Daisy has been good. A good daughter, helping out with her autistic younger brother uncomplainingly. A good friend, even when her best friend makes her feel like a third wheel. When her parents announce they’re sending her brother to an institution—without consulting her—Daisy’s furious, and decides the best way to be a good sister is to start being bad. She quits jazz band and orchestra, slacks in school, and falls for bad-boy Dave.
But one person won’t let Daisy forget who she used to be: Irish exchange student and brilliant musician Cal. Does she want the bad boy or the prodigy? Should she side with her parents or protect her brother? How do you know when to hold on and when—and how—to let go?
February 1st, 2014 from Penguin
For sixteen years, Daisy has been good. A good daughter, helping out with her autistic younger brother uncomplainingly. A good friend, even when her best friend makes her feel like a third wheel. When her parents announce they’re sending her brother to an institution—without consulting her—Daisy’s furious, and decides the best way to be a good sister is to start being bad. She quits jazz band and orchestra, slacks in school, and falls for bad-boy Dave.
But one person won’t let Daisy forget who she used to be: Irish exchange student and brilliant musician Cal. Does she want the bad boy or the prodigy? Should she side with her parents or protect her brother? How do you know when to hold on and when—and how—to let go?
Jun 11, 2013
Happy Blogiversary To Me! Four Years, Four Prizes!
Four years ago today, I published my first post on this blog, I Read Banned Books! I originally started this blog as a requirement for library school in 2009 and kept up the reviews ever since. I've met some fantastic people through my blog and it has brought me some amazing opportunities. It's been a lot of work, but truly rewarding.
To celebrate, I have a few awesome things to giveaway! Four prizes for four years!
SIGNED ARC of 5th Wave by Rick Yancey
Add to Goodreads
You can find Yancy at his website
SIGNED hardback of The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler
Add to Goodreads
You can find Ockler at her website
To celebrate, I have a few awesome things to giveaway! Four prizes for four years!
Add to Goodreads
You can find Yancy at his website
SIGNED hardback of The Book of Broken Hearts by Sarah Ockler
Add to Goodreads
You can find Ockler at her website
Blog Tour & Giveaway: Star Cursed (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #2)
Star Cursed (The Cahill Witch Chronicles #2) by Jessica Spotswood
June 18th, 2013 from Putnam Juvenile
With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.
Cate doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.
In the highly anticipated sequel to BORN WICKED, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess's quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternate history of New England.
As part of the blog tour, each day Jess is revealing an annotated snippet from STAR CURSED:
June 18th, 2013 from Putnam Juvenile
With the Brotherhood persecuting witches like never before, a divided Sisterhood desperately needs Cate to come into her Prophesied powers. And after Cate's friend Sachi is arrested for using magic, a war-thirsty Sister offers to help her find answers—if Cate is willing to endanger everyone she loves.
Cate doesn't want to be a weapon, and she doesn't want to involve her friends and Finn in the Sisterhood's schemes. But when Maura and Tess join the Sisterhood, Maura makes it clear that she'll do whatever it takes to lead the witches to victory. Even if it means sacrifices. Even if it means overthrowing Cate. Even if it means all-out war.
In the highly anticipated sequel to BORN WICKED, the Cahill Witch Chronicles continue Cate, Maura and Tess's quest to find love, protect family, and explore their magic against all odds in an alternate history of New England.
As part of the blog tour, each day Jess is revealing an annotated snippet from STAR CURSED:
Jun 5, 2013
Scavenger Hunt & Giveaway: Abandon (Posession #3) by Elana Johnson
Today we're here to celebrate the completion of the Possession series by Elana Johnson! ABANDON came out on June 4th, and I hope you've been participating in the series scavenger hunt! Today I'm bringing you one of the stops!
Once you know what city in the Association we're visiting today, GO HERE to fill out the form to enter to win today's prize (a series swag package), as well as an overall scavenger hunt prize: signed paperbacks of the entire series, as well as digital copies of the two short stories (REGRET and RESIST) that round out the Possession series + a $50 Amazon gift card.
“Emotion pumps through every scene of this thriller. Given all the urgency and action, the novel’s ending may surprise readers as the heroic adventure turns into a tragic love story.” –School Library Journal
“The end is satisfying in a full-circle way and is set up for a third novel in this world. Some recent dystopian novels with a similar them are the Matched series by Ally Condie and the Delirium series by Lauren Oliver.” –VOYA “A thrilling, fan-pleasing sequel.” –The Deseret News
Available now! The fight for independent thought becomes a matter of life or death in this sizzling and intense conclusion to the Possession trilogy. Your clue for the scavenger hunt today: Vi has been afraid of this city her entire life. And go A Dream Within A Dream to find another clue and discover which city in the Association we're visiting! Then be sure to ENTER TO WIN the grand prize signed paperback giveaway + Amazon gift card. To enter the daily swag package giveaway, fill out the fancy doo-hickey below (a Rafflecopter giveaway) If you get lost, you can always go to Elana's blog to find your place.
Happy hunting!
“Emotion pumps through every scene of this thriller. Given all the urgency and action, the novel’s ending may surprise readers as the heroic adventure turns into a tragic love story.” –School Library Journal
“The end is satisfying in a full-circle way and is set up for a third novel in this world. Some recent dystopian novels with a similar them are the Matched series by Ally Condie and the Delirium series by Lauren Oliver.” –VOYA “A thrilling, fan-pleasing sequel.” –The Deseret News
Available now! The fight for independent thought becomes a matter of life or death in this sizzling and intense conclusion to the Possession trilogy. Your clue for the scavenger hunt today: Vi has been afraid of this city her entire life. And go A Dream Within A Dream to find another clue and discover which city in the Association we're visiting! Then be sure to ENTER TO WIN the grand prize signed paperback giveaway + Amazon gift card. To enter the daily swag package giveaway, fill out the fancy doo-hickey below (a Rafflecopter giveaway) If you get lost, you can always go to Elana's blog to find your place.
Happy hunting!
Jun 3, 2013
Guest Post & Giveaway: The Barftastic Life of Louie Burger by Jenny Meyerhoff
The Barftastic Life of Louie Burger by Jenny Meyerhoff
Fifth grader Louie Burger figures that with a goofy name like his, he mustbe destined to be a king of comedy like his idol Lou Lafferman. But he’s only ever performed his stand-up act in his closet, where he and his dad created the most exclusive comedy club ever—if by “exclusive” you mean that no one’s ever allowed inside. With the school talent show coming up, Louie’s wondering if now is his moment to kill (that’s comedian talk for “make actual people laugh”). And maybe, if he brings down the house, he’ll win back his former best friend Nick—who seems to be turning into one of those annoying sporty types—and fend off his dad’s home-improvement obsession, which threatens to remodel Louie’s comedy closet into a private bedroom for his older sister. Barftrocious!
Add to Goodreads
You can find Meyerhoff at her website
Visit Green Bean Teen Queen for the next stop on the tour
Fifth grader Louie Burger figures that with a goofy name like his, he mustbe destined to be a king of comedy like his idol Lou Lafferman. But he’s only ever performed his stand-up act in his closet, where he and his dad created the most exclusive comedy club ever—if by “exclusive” you mean that no one’s ever allowed inside. With the school talent show coming up, Louie’s wondering if now is his moment to kill (that’s comedian talk for “make actual people laugh”). And maybe, if he brings down the house, he’ll win back his former best friend Nick—who seems to be turning into one of those annoying sporty types—and fend off his dad’s home-improvement obsession, which threatens to remodel Louie’s comedy closet into a private bedroom for his older sister. Barftrocious!
Add to Goodreads
You can find Meyerhoff at her website
Visit Green Bean Teen Queen for the next stop on the tour
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