Showing posts with label 2012 Debut Novel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2012 Debut Novel. Show all posts

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

(Blog Tour) The Scourge by A.G. Henley Review & Giveaway!




Release date: January 31st, 2012
Kindle Edition
Blurb: Seventeen-year-old Groundling, Fennel, is Sightless. She's never been able to see her lush forest home, but she knows its secrets. She knows how the shadows shift when she passes under a canopy of trees. She knows how to hide in the cool, damp caves when the Scourge comes. She knows how devious and arrogant the Groundlings' tree-dwelling neighbors, the Lofties, can be. 

 And she's always known this day would come—the day she faces the Scourge alone. 

The Sightless, like Fenn, are mysteriously protected from the Scourge, the gruesome creatures roaming the forests, reeking of festering flesh and consuming anything—and anyone—living. A Sightless Groundling must brave the Scourge and bring fresh water to the people of the forest. Today, that task becomes Fenn's. 

Fenn will have a Lofty Keeper, Peree, as her companion. Everyone knows the Lofties wouldn’t hesitate to shoot an arrow through the back of an unsuspecting Groundling like Fenn, but Peree seems different. A boy with warm, rough hands who smells like summer, he is surprisingly kind and thoughtful. Although Fenn knows his people are treacherous, she finds herself wanting to trust him. 

As their forest community teeters on the brink of war, Fenn and Peree must learn to work together to survive the Scourge and ensure their people’s survival. But when Fenn uncovers a secret that shatters her truths, she’s forced to decide who and what to protect—her people, her growing love for Peree, or the elusive dream of lasting peace in the forest.

      Review:

Set in a post-apocalyptic world, The Scourge is a story about a sightless seventeen-year old girl named Fennel. Fennel belongs in a community called Groundlings and has a very important role: to bring water to her people in the caves and to the Lofties, the tree-dwelling people, every time the Scourge encroach their forest homes. Her sightlessness gives her the ability to walk with the Scourge freely. Fennel is not alone with this great responsibility as a Lofty Keeper named Peree looks after her. 

Meanwhile the Scourge seems to be in no hurry and the Groundlings has to stay longer in the cave as a repercussion. With dwindling supplies and rationed water, Fennel has to set out on a journey to find the legendary Hidden Waters – which is said to be safe from the Scourge. Together with Peree, Fennel is about to discover the truth that will challenge everything she used to believe. 

What an amazing world written by AG Henley! She breathes life into a story that is fresh while fitting in things that I love in post-apocalyptic YA. People who have read this go on and on about how beautifully written The Scourge is and I’m glad to be one of those who can attest to it. Her imagination made for some interesting and vivid descriptions on Fennel’s surroundings and the flesh-eating Scourge. 

I had never before encountered a blind heroine in YA. It is a pleasant change which I easily welcomed and got used to. Being in the shoes of Fennel is equally a refreshing and exciting experience. The romance was sweet and simmers slowly but surely. It is just the ending that I felt was a little too rushed. However, that doesn’t lessen my anticipation for book two.

Overall, I highly recommend this book. The Scourge entails a plot-driven story that I’m sure YA Dystopia fans will revel in!
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Buy it on: Amazon || Barnes and Noble || Smashwords


Author Bio

A.G. Henley is the author of the young adult novel, THE SCOURGE. She is also a clinical psychologist, which means people either tell her their life stories on airplanes, or avoid her at parties when they’ve had too much to drink. Neither of which she minds. When she’s not writing fiction or shrinking heads, she can be found herding her children and their scruffy dog, Guapo, to various activities while trying to remember whatever she’s inevitably forgotten to tell her husband. She lives in Denver, Colorado. Learn more at www.aghenley.com
Follow her on these sites: Website││Twitter|| Facebook|| Goodreads

Giveaway
30 daily winners will win an e-copy of The Scourge! Open Int'l

Monday, December 17, 2012

Book Blitz: The Boys of Summer by CJ Duggan + Giveaway! (INT)

CJ Duggan's debut novel The Boys of Summer releases today! I'm pretty sure all of New Adult readers are as excited as I am to read this. To celebrate, we are exclusively giving away a copy of The Boys of Summer! You can fill out the form at the end of the post to enter.
The Boys of Summer (Summer Series, #1)

Release date: December 17th, 2012
Kindle Edition
Blurb: It seemed only natural to nickname them the ‘Onslow Boys’. Every time they swaggered in the front door of the Onslow Hotel after a hard week’s work, their laughter was loud and genuine as they settled onto their bar stools. I peeked through the restaurant partition, a flimsy divider between my world and theirs. I couldn’t help but smile whenever I saw them, saw him ... Toby Morrison. 

Quiet seventeen-year-old Tess doesn’t relish the thought of a summertime job. She wants nothing more than to forget the past haunts of high school and have fun with her best friends before the dreaded Year Twelve begins. 
To Tess, summer is when everything happens: riding bikes down to the lake, watching the fireworks at the Onslow Show and water bomb fights at the sweltering Sunday markets. 

 How did she let her friends talk her into working? 

After first-shift disasters, rude, wealthy tourists and a taunting ex-boyfriend, Tess is convinced nothing good can come of working her summer away. However, Tess finds unlikely allies in a group of locals dubbed ‘The Onslow Boys’, who are old enough to drive cars, drink beer and not worry about curfews. Tess’s summer of working expands her world with a series of first times with new friends, forbidden love and heartbreaking chaos. 

All with the one boy she has never been able to forget. 

It will be a summer she will always remember. 

Warning: sexual references, and occasional course language.
Buy Now


Author Bio

C.J is an up and coming Australian Author. Her debut novel, a YA Romance 'The Boys of Summer’ is a coming of age love story set in a mythical small Australian Town in the mid 90's. 
Whether juggling the pressures of a stressful day job, or be it the many realms of mundane reality? C.J has earned a name for her ballistic imagination and witty banter in her blog. Offering an honest, refreshing account with her daily rants of the world and her personal journey in being an Aspiring Author. 

To find out more about C.J Duggan and her debut YA Romance “The Boys of Summer” visit http://can-duu.blogspot.com/
Follow her on these sites: Website││Twitter|| Facebook|| Goodreads

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Giveaway
Open to anyone 16 and above
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Saturday, September 8, 2012

ARC Review: WHAT HAPPENS NEXT by Debut Author Colleen Clayton


  Hello everyone! Today I'm proud to share to you one of the beautiful contemporary books I've read this year. It is a book from the debut author Colleen Clayton (who loves the words Violet and Oceania) and who does watch a large amount of televisions (you're not alone ;p). Below is my review of the book, which was given by lovely Karen <3 in exchange for an honest review and some of the links where you can find Ms. Clayton. Enjoy and don't forget to add it to your to-read list! :D


What Happens Next
What Happens Next by Colleen Clayton
Hardcover: 320 pages
Release date: October 9th, 2012
Publisher: Poppy (Little Brown Books)
Goodreads Rating: 4.33
Goodreads Summary: How can you talk about something you can’t remember?

Before the ski trip, sixteen-year-old Cassidy “Sid” Murphy was a cheerleader (at the bottom of the pyramid, but still...), a straight-A student, and a member of a solid trio of best friends. When she ends up on a ski lift next to handsome local college boy, Dax Windsor, she’s thrilled; but Dax takes everything from Sid—including a lock of her perfect red curls—and she can’t remember any of it.

Back home and unable to relate to her old friends, Sid drops her college prep classes and takes up residence in the A/V room with only Corey “The Living Stoner” Livingston for company. But as she gets to know Corey (slacker, baker, total dreamboat), Sid finds someone who truly makes her happy. Now, if she can just shake the nightmares and those few extra pounds, everything will be perfect... or so she thinks.

witty and poignant, Colleen Clayton’s stunning debut is a story about moving on after the unthinkable happens.


What Happens Next is one of the lovely contemporary books to be released this 2012, and I’m proud to say that I’m one of the first readers to read it before its release day (Yay!). Now for the review…


I think the plot was great it was built perfectly with realistic account of the lives of a teenager. There are no boring patches I’ve seen throughout the story, but somehow I find the ending a bit over hurried but I don’t think it was that biggie. There is a sensitive content on the story and I don’t think it’s hidden from the readers (read the excerpt). It serve a useful purpose for me, it help me understand more the theme and the characters.

Cassidy and Corey were convincingly rounded as well as the minor characters her family and friends—Kirsten and Paige. They played each of their roles perfectly that help the story to become more interesting, with their combined good and bad qualities. I love mostly was Cassidy’s strength with all the struggles she faces through her friends, her dilemma whether to tell her secret to her family and with herself, emotionally and physically. And then there’s Corey (save the best for last :D)…he is an incredible, sweet guy but not being too cheesy and all girls will absolutely love him without a doubt. I love to thank Ms. Colleen for the words she put through Corey, it made him my no.1 if not one of the swoon worthy, to-follow guy everywhere not just by the looks but by his words. Sid and Corey had a beautiful chemistry; their attraction with each other was put up rightly with good explanation and timing.

All in all I love every single part of the book. From its plot, characters, through its concept—hope, hope that everything will be alright, that there’s always those people who’s on your side no matter what. It deserves all the praises it’s been receiving. Totally recommend it!

Weighted

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 About the author:

Colleen Clayton 
COLLEEN CLAYTON

            Colleen Clayton grew up in a small, suburban town just outside of Cleveland, Ohio. After graduating from Kent State University, she worked as a social worker in residential treatment centers for troubled teens and as Program Supervisor for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mahoning Valley. She currently lives in Ohio with her family and recently received her MFA in fiction writing from the Northeast Ohio Consortium (NEOMFA). She teaches fiction writing and composition at Youngstown State University.


Social Network Links:




Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Review: My Life Next Door by Huntley Fitzpatrick


Hardcover: 395 pages
Release date: June 14th, 2012
Publisher: Dial Books For Young Readers
Goodreads Rating: 4.18
Goodreads Summary: A gorgeous debut about family, friendship, first romance, and how to be true to one person you love without betraying another. 


 “One thing my mother never knew, and would disapprove of most of all, was that I watched the Garretts. All the time.” 
 The Garretts are everything the Reeds are not. Loud, numerous, messy, affectionate. And every day from her balcony perch, seventeen-year-old Samantha Reed wishes she was one of them . . . until one summer evening, Jase Garrett climbs her terrace and changes everything. As the two fall fiercely in love, Jase's family makes Samantha one of their own. Then in an instant, the bottom drops out of her world and she is suddenly faced with an impossible decision. Which perfect family will save her? Or is it time she saved herself? 
 A dreamy summer read, full of characters who stay with you long after the story is over.
Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World WideBuy Now

Seventeen year-old Samantha Reed seem to have a perfect life from the outside. She lives in a beautiful house, her mom’s the state senator and her promising future is just waiting for her. Her family is the exact opposite of the chaotic, loud and affectionate enormous family next door: the Garrets. For ten years, Samantha has been secretly watching the Garrets from her balcony everyday—observing from afar and wondering what it’s like to be one of them. Until Jase Garret, the second eldest son in the family climbs up to her roof one evening and joins her. Soon, the two got closer, fell in love and Samantha became a part of the Garrets. But when one event forces her to choose between her family and the family she grew to love, where will her loyalties lie?

Just when I lost hope of finding a good debut YA contemporary book, My Life Next Door reviews show up on my Goodreads page and reader, begging for me to prove that it’s beautiful on the inside as it is on the outside. Seriously, that cover is STUNNING. I don’t consider myself a cover whore but I do admit to being attracted to high-rated books. This book has both so it only took me five minutes before finally deciding that I need a copy pronto.

Compelling and addictive are some words to describe this book. It has every reason why I love reading contemporary and after 50 pages, I knew I was undeniably inlove. It has the right amount of upbeat mood and it is the sugary sweet romance read I hoped it would be. Setting those aside, this book offers so much more. While being a great summer read that’s perfect for unwinding, it has the substance and lessons every book should have. It’s about being the person you want to be and choosing the right decisions, even if doing so would mean sacrificing some of the things you love. Most importantly I loved how Ms. Fitzpatrick deliver these points across without being preachy. And the characters? They are all AWESOME (with three exceptions of course). I adore Samantha because she never took things for granted. She works hard even though she doesn’t need to and her character is grounded in reality. And Jase *swoons*… Samantha’s mother has overlooked the fact that Jase is the type of boyfriend she would want her daughter to have—all because he is a part of a large and messy family. And lastly, I won’t forget the most remarkable character in this book: little George! All Garrets are cool, but this little guy just stole my heart from the beginning.

Huntley Fitzpatrick just wrote my favorite debut contemporary novel this year. It is well-written and enough to keep you glued to your seat the entire time. Now what I have to do next is hunt for a physical copy and add this to my favorites-shelf.

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Saturday, March 31, 2012

Review: Awkward by Marni Bates


Paperback: 300 pages
Release date: January 1st, 2012
Publisher: Kensington Publishing Corp.
Goodreads Summary: Mackenzie Wellesley has spent her life avoiding the spotlight. At Smith High, she's the awkward junior people only notice when they need help with homework. Until she sends a burly football player flying with her massive backpack and makes a disastrous - not to mention unwelcome - attempt at CPR. Before the day is out, the whole fiasco explodes on YouTube. And then the strangest thing happens. Suddenly, Mackenzie is an Internet sensation, with four million hits and counting. Sucked into a whirlwind of rock stars, paparazzi, and free designer clothes, she even catches the eye of the most popular guy at school. And that's when life gets really interesting...
Buy This Book from Book Depository, Free Delivery World WideBuy Now

This is the most adorable book I’ve read in a while! It is a quick and fun and hilarious read that deals with coming out of your own shell and learning how to trust again. Mackenzie, having been famous for her video on YouTube where she knocked out a jock and attempted to do CPR, suddenly faces a life of a Hollywood celebrity over the weekend. She’s been chased with paparazzi and getting the perks of being famous like free designer clothes and backstage passes to her most favorite band’s concert. Not only that, but her long-time crush and the hottest guy in the school—whom she’s tutoring—appear to be interested in her. 


What I love most about AWKWARD is how realistic the characters are. Mackenzie is the type of heroine who I can most relate myself to, being awkward and shy and all. But in reality, she’s an amazing person with a great sense of humor. She sort of reminds me a little of Sheldon Cooper of The Big Bang Theory when she casually drops trivia because it’s interesting to say (which makes me love her more). Another reason why it worked for me is her unwavering personality. If she turned out to be different because of the effects of popularity, I would’ve stopped reading it. The secondary characters were also hard not to admire especially Logan, the Notable of all Notables (read: hottest guy) and Mackenzie’s best friends, Jane and Corey.



Marni Bates wrote an incredibly cute debut novel for teenagers and young-adult readers. AWKWARD is light and sweet and I definitely recommend it to everyone who’s looking for a relaxing and enjoyable read. Fans of Meg Cabot and Stephanie Perkins will surely be entertained with this one. I can’t wait for the companion book with Jane’s story!

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Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Review: Under the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi


Hardcover: 384 pages
Release date: February 7th, 2012
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: NetGalley
Goodreads Summary: Aria is a teenager in the enclosed city of Reverie. Like all Dwellers, she spends her time with friends in virtual environments, called Realms, accessed through an eyepiece called a Smarteye. Aria enjoys the Realms and the easy life in Reverie. When she is forced out of the pod for a crime she did not commit, she believes her death is imminent. The outside world is known as The Death Shop, with danger in every direction. 


As an Outsider, Perry has always known hunger, vicious predators, and violent energy storms from the swirling electrified atmosphere called the Aether. A bit of an outcast even among his hunting tribe, Perry withstands these daily tests with his exceptional abilities, as he is gifted with powerful senses that enable him to scent danger, food and even human emotions. 


They come together reluctantly, for Aria must depend on Perry, whom she considers a barbarian, to help her get back to Reverie, while Perry needs Aria to help unravel the mystery of his beloved nephew’s abduction by the Dwellers. Together they embark on a journey challenged as much by their prejudices as by encounters with cannibals and wolves. But to their surprise, Aria and Perry forge an unlikely love - one that will forever change the fate of all who live UNDER THE NEVER SKY.


This is probably one of the most unique dystopian stories I’ve ever read. Seriously, just look at the cover! The beauty of it speaks for how awesome the book is. I’ve already told a million times that I’m a big sucker for dystopias and Under the Never Sky has pretty much fed my craving for the genre. It has a very original storyline that separates itself from other post-apocalyptic books and I am sure the readers of dystopian genre will eat this up. 

The plot is consistent and the relationship between the two main characters was slowly built. That didn’t bother me at all. I think it was really good that I got to know them better individually because of the alternating point of views of Aria and Perry. Aria was a Dweller who’s a part of a pseudo world called Reverie. It is a place where no one feels pain and people could be anything they want with the use of technology. They called the world outside of it the Death Shop and the Outsiders or Savages were the people who live there and Perry was one of them. Despite their initial distaste towards each other, the turn of events lead them to come and find out why Aria was thrown out of the Pod and Perry’s nephew got abducted by the Dwellers. 

The characters were very likeable and Ross did a great job developing them. I became fond of Perry’s best friend Roar, and Cinder who has a secret of his own. They have diverse personalities and I’m glad they were with Aria and Perry on their journey. Speaking of those two, I enjoyed seeing Aria and Perry’s relationship turn from resentment to something positive and then blossom into love. Their interactions shot excitement through my body and their chemistry was so strong it made my toes curl a couple of times. That alone drove me to stay awake late at night to finish it. 

The only one thing I didn’t quite like about it was the lack of explanation. I mean I still don’t know what Aether is and if I remember right, there was no mention of how the world became that way. And if the Dwellers secluded themselves because they are dying Outside, how come the Outsiders survive? Nevertheless, those flaws didn’t stop me from enjoying this book. I think Ross’ vivid descriptions and her way of executing the plot somehow make up for the imperfections. 

Under the Never Sky was a fantastic first book in what I predict is going to be a remarkable series. If you love Dystopians and want a unique story from the genre, I highly recommend this book. It’s one of my most anticipated debut novels of 2012 and I must say it did not disappoint. I can’t wait for its release on February so I could buy a physical copy and read it again. 


*Disclaimer: I received this book from HarperCollins via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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