In My Mailbox March 2014

I may have gone a bit OTT with buying books this month but hey I got my student bursary this month so what better way to spend it.

Paperback

1. Night Watchers - L. J. Adlington
2. Starcrossed - Josephine Angelini
3. Dreamless - Josephine Angelini
4. Goddess - Josephine Angelini
5. The Fault in Our Stars - John Green
6. Doll Bones - Holly Black
7. The Worst Witch and the Wishing Star - Jill Murphy
8. Fun With the Worst Witch - Jill Murphy
9. Sleepover Girls go Designer - Narinda Dhami
10. Sleepover Club Surf the Net - Fiona Cummings
11. Sleepover Girls on Screen - Fiona Cummings
12. Sleepover Girls and Friends - Narinda Dhami
13. Sleepover Girls on the Catwalk - Sue Mongredien
14. Sleepover Club goes for Goal - Fiona Cummings
15. Naturals - Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Kindle

1. The Lady Who Cried Murder - Laura Carr
2. An A to Z of Creepy Hallow Fae - Rachel Morgan
3. Blood Debt - Nancy Straight
4. The Keepers - Donna Augustine
5. Now or Never - A. J. Bennett
6. Nursing A Grudge - Diana Orgain
7. Crimson Night - Marie Hall
8. Bound to Love - Sally Clements
9. The Medium - C. J. Archer
10. Over You - Christine Kersey
11. Shine On - Allison J. Jewell
12. My Mr. Rochester - L. K. Rigel
13. Creatus - Carmen DeSousa

Wishlist Wednesday

This weeks book in the spotlight is
Sea of Shadows by Kelley Armstrong
In the Forest of the Dead, where the empire’s worst criminals are exiled, twin sisters Moria and Ashyn are charged with a dangerous task. For they are the Keeper and the Seeker, and each year they must quiet the enraged souls of the damned.

Only this year, the souls will not be quieted.

Ambushed and separated by an ancient evil, the sisters’ journey to find each other sends them far from the only home they’ve ever known. 

Accompanied by a stubborn imperial guard and a dashing condemned thief, the girls cross a once-empty wasteland, now filled with reawakened monsters of legend, as they travel to warn the emperor. 

But a terrible secret awaits them at court—one that will alter the balance of their world forever.

This is the first book in the Age of Legends series and is set to be released on April 8th.

Wishlist Wednesday

A Kiss in the Dark by Cat Clarke
When Alex meets Kate the attraction is instant.

Alex is funny, good-looking, and a little shy – everything that Kate wants in a boyfriend.

Alex can’t help falling for Kate, who is pretty, charming and maybe just a little naive…

But one of them is hiding a secret, and as their love blossoms, it threatens to ruin not just their relationship, but their lives.


A release date of April 3rd has been given to A Kiss in the Dark.

Top 10 Tuesday

Hosted by Broke and the Bookish

Top Ten Books On My Spring 2014 TBR List (to be read list)

1. Unforgotten - Jessica Brody
2. Catching Fire - Suzanne Collins
3. Billy and Me - Giovanna Fletcher
4. Someday, Someday Maybe - Lauren Graham
5. Perfect Scoundrels - Ally Carter
6. The Anti-Prom - Abby McDonald
7. Enchanted - Alethea Kontis
8. Until I Die - Amy Plum
9. Echo - Alyson Noel
10. Doll Bones - Holly Black

My Interview with Alyson Noel

I had the honour to interview Alyson Noel in 2012 about her novels and the Immortal Series. Now two years later I am interviewing Alyson again to get more gossip on Ever and Damen, the Souls Seeker series and what she has coming up this year.

   

1.  As you know I loved Ever and Damen. Can we look forward to reading more of their adventures in the future?

When I finished writing EVERLASTING, I really felt that Ever and Damen’s journey was over, that I took them to the end of their adventure and it was up to them to find their way from there. While I still feel their story is complete, I’ve definitely toyed with the idea of a spin-off. I left an opening in EVERLASTING, and when I find time, I might just play around with that and see where it leads. I miss my trips to Summerland!

2.  When naming characters do you give much thought to the actual meaning of the names?

Character’s names are a big part of the process. I can’t fully conceive of a character until I’ve given them just the right name, which has turned me into a bit of a name collector. I’m always on the hunt for interesting or unusual names and I keep them in a file that I peruse whenever I begin a new book.

3.  Now that the Soul Seekers series is over are you planning a spin-off series like you did with the Immortal series?

While I definitely left an opening at the end of HORIZON, at the moment I’m busy working on my new, three book series, UNRIVALED, and I’m completely immersed in that world. Still, I’ve learned to never say never…

4.  Are there any recent works that you admire?

Definitely! I just got an ARC of Mary Pearson’s newest, THE KISS OF DECEPTION, I’ve wanted to read this since she first told me about it, and I was only a paragraph in when I found myself hooked. Her writing is so fluid and elegant—I’m a huge fan.

I read really widely, so other recent reads I’ve enjoyed are: WONDER by R.J. Palacio, THE RING & THE CROWN by Melissa de la Cruz, NIGHT FILM by Marisha Pessl, WHERE’D YOU GO, BERNADETTE? by Maria Semple, and ME BEFORE YOU by JoJo Moyes.

5.  Is there any news on a movie or T.V series for the Immortal series?

At the moment, there’s no news on an IMMORTALS movie or TV show, but THE SOUL SEEKERS series has been optioned by Cheyenne Enterprises and I’m very hopeful they can make something happen. Also, my adult novel, FLY ME TO THE MOON, is still under option with Ridley Scott’s Scott Free Productions with Sharon Maguire of Bridget Jones’s Diary fame set to write the screenplay and direct.

6.  What do you think people look for in your books?

Oh, I can never be sure what people are looking for, or what they’ll take away for that matter. I just try to provide a fun, romantic, adventurous, entertaining, inspiring, and ultimately optimistic read and hope I succeed in parlaying that to the reader!

7.  What type of research did you do for the Soul Seeker series?

I’m really big on research, and the more hands on the better! Even though THE SOUL SEEKERS involves themes of mysticism, alternate dimensions, magic, and more, I like to ground the story in as much realism as I can. I took a three-day ‘Introduction to Basic Shamanism’ course where I journeyed to the Lowerworld and met my spirit animal much like Daire Santos does in Fated. I travelled to New Mexico where the series takes place and interviewed local teens about their high school experiences, as well as a Native American about life on the reservation. I read loads of books on Shamanism, mysticism, Curanderas, Native American lore, and more. Everything I experienced help to enrich the world of the books.

8.  Did you enjoy doing the research and did you learn a lot of new information?

The research is my favourite part. Not only does it serve the stories, but enriches my life in ways I don’t always expect.

9.  Do you use your own experiences in your books?

Always, I steal from my own life all the time! I figure if an experience didn’t kill me, I may as well write about it.

10.      What can your fans look forward to in 2014

Well, believe it or not, this is the first year since 2005 when I’m not releasing a book! I wrote 21 novels, 3 stories for anthologies, and went on countless international tours over the course of the last 9 years, and so last year, when I finished HORIZON I took a yearlong break from writing to reacquaint myself with the other parts of my life and determine where to go next. I have a middle grade Christmas book coming out sometime in 2015, and I’m currently working on UNRIVALED, a new 3 book series that I’m very excited about. It’s set to debut in early 2016.

Thanks for the interview!

To find out more about Alyson and her novels visit her at any of the following links:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Goodreads

Pinterest

Instagram

My Interview with Vicki-Ann Bush

I had the pleasure to interview Vicki-Ann Bush. Vicki-Ann is a new to me author.

      

1.  Where are you from?

New York

2.  When and why did you begin writing?

When I was about thirteen there was a city contest. You had to write a book and construct it. I was hooked.

3.  Did you always want to be an author?

I knew I enjoyed writing but it wasn't until my mid-thirties that I thought I'd like to do it more professionally.

4.  How long each day/week do you dedicate to writing?

It varies. Sometime I write several hours a day for about four or five days. And other times, it may just be a couple of hours for a day or two.

5.  What is your favourite part of a book to write?

My favourite part to write is always the beginning. The story is new and just formulating, for me that's the most interesting time.

6.  In your spare time what do you like to read?

I love anything that is usually paranormal, but my favourite is time travel mixed in with a love story.

7.  What do you do when you’re not writing?

I like family time when I'm not writing and a good book to read from time to time.

8.  If you could work with any author, who would it be and why?

Dean Koontz. He is my most favourite author.

9.  What do you do when you get writers block?

I write to music. So when I'm blocked, I choose something new to make my mind wander and create.

10.      What advice would you give to someone who "ran out of creativity" while writing?

Just that. Find music that moves you and sets the tone for what you're writing. For example … For The Dusk Chronicles I wrote to Imagine Dragons and 30 Seconds to Mars. But for my upcoming book, The Garden of Two, I wrote the whole book to the Cold Play song Viva La Vida. I kept it playing on a continuous loop.

11.      When naming your characters do you look at their meanings first?

Sometimes. Once again it depends on if the names have bearing on the story or if they're just names I liked.

12.      What inspired you to write your latest story?

A night’s sky.

13.      What is it about?

It's a YA Paranormal for an upcoming anthology book and it's about Angels and Lucifer.

14.      Did you do any research for your last book if so what research did you do?

I researched names and their meanings in reference to Archangels, Angels, Demons and Arch demons as well as some of the other characters. I used Christian references from the bible and other stories.

15.      Have you ever gotten rid of a character or changed a character in a book before publishing and then regretted it?

No. I usually like who my characters are at the time they go to publish.

16.      Who are the target readers?

My target audience is young teens to older teens. But my books seem to have a wide audience ranging from thirteen to eighty-three.

17.      What do you think readers look for in a book?

I think that depends on the reader. Some choose romance, some mystery, it varies.

18.      Why should a reader pick up/buy your book?

I'm told my stories are easy to read and interesting. It leaves you as the reader wanting more. I think that's a good reason for them to read. Don't you?

19.      What can we look forward to in 2014?

I have the release for my historical romance, The Garden of Two tentatively in May. Then the short story for the anthology in latter Fall/early Winter and I've also just completed a sci-fi with a bit of romance thrown in. That's in its preliminary editing and I will submit to the publisher when the polish is done, so we'll see.

20.      Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

I love to hear feedback from the readers and really appreciate it when they leave posts on my author page or on Face Book and reviews on Amazon and Barnes and Noble. It's also great to meet them, so if you live in the Las Vegas/Henderson area, I have my upcoming appearances always posted on the FB page. Please come out, I would love to meet you.

Thanks Vicki-Ann for doing the interview and good luck with the release of The Garden of Two and your anthology.

To find out more about Vicki-Ann and her books visit her at any of the following links:

Twitter

Facebook

Website

Wishlist Wednesday

Wishlist Wednesday's book of the week is
Elusion by Claudia Gabel and Cheryl Klam
Soon, Elusion will change the world and life as we know it.

A new technology called Elusion is sweeping the country. An app, visor and wristband will virtually transport you to an exotic destination where adventure can be pursued without the complications—or consequences—of real life.

Regan is an Elusion insider. Or at least she used to be. Her father invented the program, and her best friend, Patrick, heir to the tech giant Orexis, is about to release it nationwide. But ever since her father’s unexpected death, Regan can’t bear to Escape, especially since waking up from the dream means crashing back to her grim reality.

Still, when there are rumors of trouble in Elusion—accusations that it’s addictive and dangerous— Regan is determined to defend it. But the critics of Elusion come from surprising sources, including Josh, the handsome skeptic with his own personal stakes. As Regan investigates the claims, she discovers a disturbing web of secrets. She will soon have to choose between love and loyalty…a decision that will affect the lives of millions.

Suspense, thrills, and romance fuel this near-future story about the seductive nature of a perfect virtual world, and how far one girl will go to uncover the truth behind the illusions.

Elusion is set to release on March 18th

Of Royal Descent by Ember Shane

Of Royal Descent was sent to me for an honest review by the author. It is the debut novel of Ember Shame's, it is a New Adult Paranormal Romance which is my favourite genre to read, it is a fast-paced book in places and the first in the trilogy and there is some suspense throughout.

Of Royal Descent was a great read and it is the first book about zombies that I have read I'm normally a vampire/witch Paranormal reader so I was unsure when I was first asked to read it as I didn't think that I would like it but I am glad that I accepted this book to review.

This is also the first book that I have read where the main character is male but Doyle is great. We find out that Doyle was adopted and his family isn't the perfect family everyone hopes for but his best friend Chuck is always there when Doyle needs him no matter what and the dialoge between them both was brilliantly funny and not over the top.

Doyle goes through a lot during the book and in some places it is hard to digest but the writing is great for a debut novel. Doyle pines for something he can no longer have, he goes in search of his granddad after discovering a huge family secret but they end up being thrown towards zombies.

Of course a good paranormal-romance book isn't complete without a girl who the main character is drawn to, Doyle meets Addy at a diner and there is mutual attraction and they end up dating but things with Doyle are changing and he has a crazy dream that he doesn't want to share with Addy as he doesn't want her to think he is crazy, beside they have just met.

Doyle's dreams start to drift into his waking state and other secrets start to be revealed, secrets that are connected to his families history and he has to embrace that if he want to make it out alive.

Will Doyle and Chuck's friendship ever be broken? Who knows we will have to wait for the next book.

The plot is out of the norm for what I would read and I would recommend this novel to anyone but especially fans of paranormal and sci-fi.

Wishlist Wednesday

This weeks book on the Wishlist is
Shattered by Teri Terry
The riveting finale of the Slated trilogy!

A thought-provoking psychological thriller set in a disturbingly plausible future where the government and its enemies compete to control the minds of the young

Kyla is in danger from both the government Lorders who erased her memory and the terrorists who tried to use her. So now she’s on the run. Sporting a new identity and desperate to fill in the blank spaces of her life pre-Slating, Kyla heads to a remote mountain town to try to reunite with the birth mother she was kidnapped from as a child. There she is hoping all the pieces of her life will come together and she can finally take charge of her own future. But even in the idyllic wilderness and the heart of her original family, Kyla realizes there is no escape from the oppressive Lorders. Someone close to her may be one of them, and even more frighteningly, her birth mother has been keeping secrets of her own.

In this stunning series finale, Kyla finally finds out who she really is, and the road to this discovery, and to deciding who she wants to become, is full of dangerous twists and turns that will keep readers riveted.

This is the UK, Australia & New Zealand edition, released on March 6. The release date for US and Canada is May 1.

Top 10 Tuesday

Hosted by Broke and the Bookish

Top Ten Popular Authors I've Never Read - There's a lot more popular authors I have never read than this but these were the first 10 to pop into my head

1. Stephanie Meyer
2. John Green
3. Kelley Armstrong
4. Marissa Meyer
5. Teri Terry
6. Becca Fitzpatrick
7. Veronica Rossi
8. Terry Pratchett
9. J. R. R. Tolkin
10. Steven King