Showing posts with label Book Event. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Book Event. Show all posts

Tuesday, 2 October 2012

Leigh Bardugo London Event

A couple of months ago during my reading and blogging slump I was offered the opportunity to go and meet Leigh Bardugo at her only London event.  At that time I hadn't even read her book (The Gathering Dark - Soon to be Shadow And Bone)  I was hearing amazing things about it though and so said a yes please to the event.  Obviously I wanted to read the book before meeting Leigh and I was more gutted that I hadn't read it sooner (my Review)  It totally cured my reading slump, as well as making me fall in love with the world of the Grisha.

I was told that I could bring a plus one along, this was fantastic.  Not only could I get my Mum to read and love the book, but I'd also have someone to tag along to the event with me.  Of course my Mum adored the book!

Tuesday 25th September came along as so arrived the day I'd get to meet Leigh, the creator of this new world I've fallen in love with.  I warned everyone on twitter, that some fangirling was possible!!

The event was held at Waterstones Piccadilly Circus.  We arrived to an already pretty full event.  So many bloggers that I know and love were there, so double win - I got to meet Leigh and see them!!

The Arrival of Leigh
It all started with the lovely Nina from Indigo / Orion books introducing Leigh, not that she needed any introducing at all.

Leigh's Chocked Reaction to the Video
We were shown an incredible video that was made by fellow UK blogger Darkreaders.  The video actually made Leigh CRY!!  Seriously she was so thrilled by it, you could see the emotion pouring away.  All the lovely ladies involved got gorgeous leather Grisha wristbands.

Next Leigh did a brilliant read from the book.  Possibly one of the best scenes from the beginning of the book, we were all hooked once again.

Leigh Reading from the book




After this we did a Q&A session, where we found out all sorts of things about the book, the writing process, what Leigh's hopes are for the future.  It really did feel like a catch up with a lot of friends though.  Leigh is so friendly and engaging you just feel you have known her forever.



We all had a geek out session over the news that Dreamworks have bought the rights to the book and a movie will be made.  For me it is so exciting to know I'll get to see characters I have connected with come to life, so to see Leigh and her reaction to that same news but about a world she has created was just wonderful.

Now was our opportunity to get our books signed and have 1 to 1 chats with Leigh.  I played it cool for a while and eventually went up and made a complete fool of myself by totally fangirling out.  Seriously I could barely find the words to say I loved the book and the world and Thank you.  I think Leigh could see my serious lack of words because she stood up and gave me the biggest hug.  I then got to have a photo with her - look at how happy I look!!!

Leigh & Me

Leigh and Nina then held a round of trivia questions with the winners getting some seriously cool Grisha style gifts.  With a little help I got a question right and was the very lucky winner of a gorgeous handmade bookmark.  This night just got better and better for me!!

The event concluded with lots of chatting and general mingling.  All in all one hell of an event that I will never forget.  Thank you so much to Nina, everyone at Orion &Waterstones and most of all HUGE Thanks to Leigh - you made this fangirl real happy!!

My souvenirs of the day

Thursday, 19 April 2012

Mira Ink Bloggers Event

In late March Mira Ink held their very first bloggers event.  To my absolute shock they invited me along, plus made room for my co-reviewer aka my Mum Sue!  This brought problems for my Dad, as he now how TWO very excitable ladies in the house - whoops!!


We'd never been to the area that the Mira offices are in, so decided to go up a little earlier and get a bit of shopping in.  Literally any excuse!!  Apart from spending money I didn't really have we also saw a celebrity doing the school run - I had to hold Sue back from seriously fangirling - anyone would think I was the Mum. 

Eventually it was time to make our way to the offices, where we were given such a wonderful warm welcome from the ladies that run the show. 
We were given these super cool name badges so we all knew who everyone was - those things are so handy!  If only they could be used day to day!!
There was a fabulous array of food and drink on the table, that made my mouth water.  We were all nervous of being the first person to tuck in though - Everyone was on their best behaviour it seems.

On every chair in the room there was either a red or black bag - inside everyone was 7 books, sweets & nail varnish - Could this event get any better??  It did, but more on that later!!

Once everyone had arrived and all the extremely excited chatter had died down (slightly) the presentation of Mira's upcoming books started.  We are in for some MAJOR treats....

NEW GIRL By PAIGE HARBISON - They call me 'New Girl'...Ever since I arrived at exclusive, prestigious Manderly Academy, that’s who I am. New girl. Unknown. But not unnoticed—because of her.  Becca Normandy—that’s the name on everyone’s lips. The girl whose picture I see everywhere. The girl I can’t compare to. I mean, her going missing is the only reason a spot opened up for me at the academy. And everyone stares at me like it’s my fault.  Except for Max Holloway—the boy whose name shouldn’t be spoken. At least, not by me. Everyone thinks of him as Becca’s boyfriend…but she’s gone, and here I am, replacing her. I wish it were that easy. Sometimes, when I think of Max, I can imagine how Becca’s life was so much better than mine could ever be.  And maybe she’s still out there, waiting to take it back.  This is a modern retelling of Rebecca - Due For Release in MAY


THE GIRL IN THE STEEL CORSET By KADY CROSS - In 1897 England, 16-year-old Finley Jayne is convinced she's a freak. No normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch. Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special . . . that she's one of "them."  This one was in our bag of goodies.  Its been on my wish list for FOREVER, so super happy to have this.  Sue has already reviewed this one HERE - Due For Release In June



BEFORE I WAKE By RACHEL VINCENT - I died on a Thursday—killed by a monster intent on stealing my soul. The good news? He didn’t get it. The bad news? Turns out not even death will get you out of high school…Covering up her own murder was one thing, but faking life is much harder than Kaylee Cavanaugh expected. After weeks spent “recovering,” she’s back in school, fighting to stay visible to the human world, struggling to fit in with her friends and planning time alone with her new reaper boyfriend.  But to earn her keep in the human world, Kaylee must reclaim stolen souls, and when her first assignment brings her face-to-face with an old foe, she knows the game has changed. Her immortal status won’t keep her safe. And this time Kaylee isn’t just gambling with her own life…. I haven't read any of this series, but am told I am hugely missing out so I really must get on the bandwagon.  There is one more book to come in the series called 'WITH ALL MY SOUL' - Due For Release in July


CRAVE By MELISSA DARNELL - When Savannah Colbert returns to school after a mystery illness, the fact that she has changed is clear to everyone. None more so than every school girls golden boy Tristan Coleman. Ever since their first kiss in fourth grade, Savannah and Tristan have been cruelly and inexplicably banned from associating with each other. Now, as the pair navigate the tricky social life of high school, the truth is about to be revealed.   As Savannah learns of their paranormal ancestry and Tristan deals with the repercussions of her new powers, the relationship they have been denied for so long becomes utterly irresistible and all consuming. Like Romeo and Juliet centuries before them, Savannah and Tristan’s love is destined to fail; and Tristan’s powerful magical family, the Clann, are watching - This is out NOW


PUSHING THE LIMITS By KATIE McGARRY - No one knows what happened the night Echo Emerson went from popular girl with jock boyfriend to gossiped-about outsider with “freaky” scars on her arms. Even Echo can’t remember the whole truth of that horrible night. All she knows is that she wants everything to go back to normal. But when Noah Hutchins, the smoking hot, girl-using loner in the black leather jacket, explodes into her life with his tough attitude and surprising understanding, Echo’s world shifts in ways she could never have imagined. They should have nothing in common. And with the secrets they both keep, being together is pretty much impossible.  Yet the crazy attraction between them refuses to go away. And Echo has to ask herself just how far they can push the limits and what she’ll risk for the one guy who might teach her how to love again - This is the first in a series.  Book two will be called DARE YOU TOO.  Katie kindly took the time to film a video message for us attending the event too!! - Due For Release in August


SAVING JUNE By HANNAH HARRINGTON - When her older sister commits suicide and her divorcing parents decide to divide the ashes, Harper Scott takes her sister's urn to the one place June always wanted to go: California. On the road with her best friend, plus an intriguing guy with a mysterious connection to June, Harper discovers truths about her sister, herself and life.  - This is a debut release.  The book comes with a full track listing in the back, which would help set the mood of the book.  We also had a video message from Hannah. - Due For Release In June


SPELLBOUND By CARA LYNN SCHULTZ - Life hasn't been easy on sixteen-year-old Emma Connor, so a new start in New York may be just the change she needs. But the posh Upper East Side prep school she has to attend? Not so much. Friendly faces are few and far between, except for one that she's irresistibly drawn to Brendan Salinger, the guy with the rock-star good looks and the richest kid in school, who might just be her very own white knight.  But even when Brendan inexplicably turns cold, Emma can't stop staring. Ever since she laid eyes on him, strange things have been happening. Streetlamps go out wherever she walks, and Emma's been having the oddest dreams: visions of herself in past lives visions that warn her to stay away from Brendan. Or else. - This was described as a witchy Gossip Girl, sounds pretty cool to me! - Due For Release In September

THE IMMORTAL RULES By JULIE KAGAWA -  Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked—and given the ultimate choice. Die… or become one of the monsters. Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad. Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend—a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike. But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what—and who—is worth dying for. - This I have already read and LOVED, its incredible and I can't wait for everyone to have read it too.  I'll be taking part in the UK blog tour for this coming soon - Due For Release In May


So if we weren't excited enough by all the bookish news and cakes, next up we got to have a video call (Skype) with Julie Kagawa!!!!  This could have potentially gone really bad as we all know how unreliable technology can be, but shockingly it went amazingly.  Here's my cliffs notes on our group conversation:



  • Julie had an idea for a post apocalyptic story, but was kind of encouraged to write a vampire story.  She merged the ideas together and so became the Book of Eden trilogy
  • She told us that the characters in her stories aren't based on the modern ideas of good vampires, but the more traditional idea of vampires being evil
  • Julie has no input on the covers of her books, but so far she has been thrilled with what has been devised
  • The best advice Julie would give to an unpublished author would be to keep writing - get as much practice in as you can.
  • Julie has been reading more YA books - mostly fantasy, dystopian and a little sci - fi
  • A recent read was Daughter Of Smoke And Bone
  • Julie loves to play the Sims - she is a is gaming fan
  • Julie writes in an office - she has to be solitary and finds twitter a big distraction

Julie also showed us one of her chicks - they are ADORABLE!!!  



After our conversation of EPIC we continued our mingling for quite a while.  Its lovely to be in a room of people that share the common love of books.  Its a good oportunity to geek out and basically be yourself.


Our evening then sadly came to an end, but I can honestly say it was a wonderful evening.  Seeing as the ladies at Mira had never held an event before they seriously knew how to treat us well.  THANKS TO ALL AT MIRA INK!!!


Our Mira Goodies

Thursday, 1 March 2012

The Other Life By Susanne Winnacker Book Launch Event

Susanne with one of the cupcakes
One of the first ARCs I received out of the blue was The Other Life By Susanne Winnacker from the lovely guys at Usborne.  I hadn't heard anything about it prior to then, but from reading the little bit on the back I knew I was going to love it.  I got round to reviewing it in January and you can find my review for it HERE.
Early January I got a lovely but unexpected email asking if I would like to attend the book launch and meet the awesome author herself.  Of course I said a big YES PLEASE!!!
Next we got the news of where the event was being held - It was only at a swanky hotel in LONDON!!!  That made me even more thrilled to be attending!!

The pretty cupcakes
Like with the other events I have attending, my awesome Mum travelled up to London with me - what would I do without her?  Once I got there I met up with fellow bloggers Casey & Hayley from Dark Readers.  It was so nice to have familiar faces to walk through the door with, especially in such a fancy location.
We had to go in and speak to the main desk who showed us round to the library room, what an apt location for a book event.
Once inside I was taken a back by the gorgeousness of the room.  There were copies of the books on the shelves.  There was a table of cup cakes that had the signature butterflies on the top, beautiful food was being laid out on the tables and drinks lined the tables at the back of the room.  We even had our own waiter serving us drinks!!!!

Each of us were given the most awesome name tags EVER!!  Seriously it is just about the coolest item I have been given in a looooong time!!!
We were each introduced to Susanne, who is just about the cutest lady ever!!  She is so super friendly and we discussed our twitter chat of the Twilight casts hair - its not very good is it??!

Quickly more bloggers arrived which meant time for eating - Food time is Fun time!!!  I remember every little thing I ate, which I won't bore you with but I can say it was all rather delicious!!!
All of us sat around coffee tables and just generally chatted about books - there was a lot of book geeking going on.

After the food the Usborne team and Susanne did a little speech, which was lovely.  It was so nice to see and hear the bond that is built between author and publisher during their work together.  Getting to see just a glimpse of that is so special.

Our Goodie Bag
My Name Tag Of Awesome
 All of us attending was given a fabulous Usborne goodie bag that contained finished copies of the book, that we got to get signed.  I was actually kind of tricksey and brought along my ARC copy of the book to also get signed.

Me And Susanne

The event was now nearing to a close, but we had time to have a big group picture - Its majorly cute I have to say!!!
One last little treat we were each given one of the lovely cupcakes - this received a major Oooooh from all of us.  But me being the plonker I am had an accident before I even left the room.  Whilst putting on my coat somehow my cupcake went crashing on the floor and splattered face down - Major Face palm moment for me there.  There were a few cupcakes left and they kindly gave me a replacement - I am so sorry for my clumsiness though!!!

Once again Thanks to Susanne for her major kindness and to the lovely guys at Usborne for inviting me to such a wonderful event!!
Group picture curtesy of Usborne

Please Come back to my blog on Monday to find out how to win my signed ARC!!

Thursday, 12 January 2012

Walker Undercover Bloggers Event

In November I got a super exciting email telling me about a bloggers event that Walker Books Undercover were holding & they asked if I would like to attend.  I didn't even have to think about it - they got a great big YES PLEASE!!!

10th December comes and its the day of the presentation - I don't know why but I was feeling super nervous for this one.  Once again my Mum tagged along for the journey with me, making my attendance possible.  We left with plenty of time and yet I managed to be slightly late - I don't know how??!
I arrived to this gorgeous little pub, but it looked rather deserted.  I saw some guys through the window though and they opened the door, stony silent.  I asked if the bloggers thing was there and he just kind of pointed in the direction of the bar.  I nervously walked up still unsure of where I was and told to go up some creaky stairs.  This actually led to the most adorable attic room, with fabulous mis-matched chairs and tables giving this amazing antique look - just the sort of place bookish events should take place. 
I sat down as quietly as I could, but still managed to interrupt the presentation slightly to everyone at Walker I'M SORRY!!
There were these stunning old fashioned styled tea pots on the tables with cute little tea cups and saucers.  Even the tea was proper tea leaves and not the tea bag style that I am so used too.  You have to use these cute little strainers to pour your tea.  Well me being as nervous as I was managed to not only get a it of tea in the cup, but also over the table.  I couldn't believe what a fool I was making of myself and how badly I must have been coming across.  Honestly I am normally much tidier!!
They also bought in the cutest tea platters, that had little sandwiches and cakes.  It was all so perfect apart from me and my clumsiness

Anyway let me get on to the exciting part which is the books......

Blink And Caution By Tim Wynne-Jones
"Boy, did Blink get off on the wrong floor. All he wanted was to steal some breakfast for his empty belly, but instead he stumbled upon a fake kidnapping and a mobile phone dropped by an "abducted" CEO, giving Blink a link to his perfect blonde daughter. Now Blink is on the run, but it'll be OK as long as he's smart enough to stay in the game and keep Captain Panic locked in his hold. Enter a girl named Caution. As in Caution: Watch Your Step. She's also on the run, from a drug-dealer boyfriend and from a nightmare in her past that won't let her go. When she spies Blink at the bus station, Caution can see he's an easy mark. But there's something about this naïve, skinny street punk, whom she only wanted to rob, that tugs at her heart, a heart she thought deserved not to feel. Charged with suspense and intrigue, this taut novel trails two deeply compelling characters as they forge a blackmail scheme that is foolhardy at best, disastrous at worst - along with a fated, tender partnership that will offer them each a rare chance for redemption." 
We were all given copies of this one.  Its not the kind of book I would typically go and pick, so am interested to see what I think of it.

Daylight Saving By Edward Hogan
"When Daniel Lever is dragged to Leisure World Holiday Complex for some "time away" with his depressed dad, his expectations are low. Daniel is overweight, he hates sport, and his father has brought along his beloved tomato plant. But soon Daniel spots a girl swimming in the fake lake. Lexi is elegant and smart, but very mysterious. Why are her bruises getting worse each time she and Daniel meet? And is her watch really ticking backwards? A dark figure stalks the pair, and as British summer time approaches, Daniel has to act quickly. Their souls depend on it."
This one I am super excited to start.  I love the idea of it being set in a leisure park - definitely not the place you would expect to find ghostly going ons!!

Girl, Stolen By April Henry
"Sixteen year-old Cheyenne Wilder is sleeping in the back of a car while her mom fills her prescription at the pharmacy. Before Cheyenne realizes what's happening, their car is being stolen--with her inside! Griffin hadn’t meant to kidnap Cheyenne, all he needed to do was steal a car for the others. But once Griffin's dad finds out that Cheyenne’s father is the president of a powerful corporation, everything changes—now there’s a reason to keep her. What Griffin doesn’t know is that Cheyenne is not only sick with pneumonia, she is blind. How will Cheyenne survive this nightmare, and if she does, at what price?"
Another thriller book that sounds edge of your seat & pretty scary too.  One that I am interested in learning more about

Kill You Last By Todd Strasser
"Are you dying to be famous...? It seems that every girl in Soundview wants to be a model, singer or actress. They all need super-glam photos for agents and scouts - which works out perfectly for Shelby's photographer dad. He makes a fortune taking pictures of these wannabes ... until the girls start to disappear and he is accused of murder. Shelby knows her dad is innocent and is determined to prove it, and that means finding the real killer."
Somehow I have not heard of these books - SHOCK!!!  This is the third title by Todd and I hope to read them all


Body Blow By Peter Cocks
"Eddie Savage is hiding out in the West Midlands after his near-fatal shooting during the Kelly affair. But while the physical wounds are fading, the emotional scars are taking longer to heal. And when Eddie finds himself heading for the south of Spain with an unlikely travelling companion, it is as if, by some magnetic force, he is being drawn back into the criminal underworld. Tommy Kelly may be safely locked up back at home, but on the Costa del Sol the Kelly organization is still alive. And kicking"
It was at this event I found out about these books.  The first one is actually set all around where I live (which isn't actually very comforting) Sounds very thrilling!


US cover - may change
The Anti-Prom By Abby McDonald

"They’ve spent years at the same high school without speaking a word to one another, but that’s all about to change. Popular Bliss was having the perfect prom until she found her BFF and boyfriend making out in the back of a limo. Bad girl Jolene wouldn’t be caught dead at the prom, yet here she is, trussed up in pink ruffles, risking her reputation for some guy - some guy who is forty minutes late. And shy, studious, über-planner Meg never counted on her date’s standing her up and leaving her idling in the parking lot outside the prom. Get ready for The Anti-Prom, Abby McDonald’s hilarious, heart-tugging tale about three girls and one unforgettable prom night"
The one sounds like a real teen rom dramedy.  One I may just have to check out!! 


US Cover - may change
The Girl Who Could Silence The Wind By Meg Medina
"Sixteen-year-old Sonia Ocampo was born on the night of the worst storm Tres Montes had ever seen. And when the winds mercifully stopped, an unshakable belief in the girl's protective powers began. All her life, Sonia has been asked to pray for sick mothers or missing sons, as worried parents and friends press silver milagros in her hands. Sonia knows she has no special powers, but how can she disappoint those who look to her for solace? Still, her conscience is heavy, so when she gets a chance to travel to the city and work in the home of a wealthy woman, she seizes it. At first, Sonia feels freedom in being treated like all the other girls. But when news arrives that her beloved brother has disappeared while looking for work, she learns to her sorrow that she can never truly leave the past or her family behind. With deeply realized characters, a keen sense of place, a hint of magical realism, and a flush of young romance, Meg Medina tells the tale of a strongwilled, warmhearted girl who dares to face life's harsh truths as she finds her real power"
This one excited me a lot.  It sounds quite beautiful and captivating 



Frostfire By Zoe Marriott
"Frost is cursed - possessed by a wolf demon that brings death everywhere she goes. Desperate to find a cure, she flees her home, only to be captured by the Ruan Hill Guard. Trapped until she can prove she is not an enemy, Frost grows increasingly close to the Guard’s charismatic leader Luca and his second in command, the tortured Arian. Torn between two very different men, Frost fears that she may not be able to protect either of them ... from herself"
I'm yet to read a book by Zoe, but have heard nothing but amazing things.  This sounds like it will be no exception!! 



US Cover - may change
Diabolical By Cynthia Leitich Smith
"When "slipped" angel Zachary and his werewolf pal, Kieren, arrive under suspicious circumstances to a mysterious New England boarding school, they quickly find themselves in a hellish lockdown with an intriguing assortment of secretive, hand-picked students. Plagued by demon dogs, hallucinatory wall décor, a sadistic instructor, and a legendary fire-breathing monster, will they somehow manage to escape? Or will the devil have his due? Best-selling author Cynthia Leitich Smith unites heroes from the previous three novels in the Tantalize Series - including Zachary's girl, Miranda, and Kieren's love, Quincie - along with a fascinating cast of all-new characters for a suspenseful, action-packed clash between the forces of heaven and hell."
Fourth book in a series by Cynthia, where all the books are standalone but linked in certain ways.  I need to catch up on the series!! 

Next up we got to hear from one of the guys behind the development of covers.  We learnt about the process for 'Daylight Saving' and all that goes into it.  Seriously we have NO IDEA how hard they work on the finished product!!!  

Then we were introduced to Edward Hogan, author of Daylight Saving.  We had a really long chat with him, again discussing where his idea came from to actually putting it on paper.  We even discussed his input on the cover which was zero, so he liked being able to hear about it with us.

Then sadly it was time for us all to go our separate ways.  It was a truly wonderful event that I was honoured to attend.  I cannot wait to read all of Walkers titles in 2012!!