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107 posts tagged paranormal
Cover Reveal+Book blitz+Giveaway: By Blood by Tracy E. Banghart!
By Blood by Tracy E. Banghart
Series: By Blood #1
Publication date: February 18th 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal
“For 17-year-old Emma Wong, spending a summer in England should be a dream come true. Gorgeous scenery? Check. Lots of hot guys with accents? Yes, please.
Throw in an estranged mom, annoying new stepdad, and drooling baby half-brother, and it’s a disaster even her favorite cherry red leather jacket can’t fix. Even worse, there’s (hot) live-in research assistant Josh to contend with. The only thing more embarrassing than drunk-kissing him hours after they meet? Knowing he’ll be witness to her family’s dysfunction all. summer. long.
But when Emma meets a mysterious girl who happens to be a Druid, her vacation suddenly promises to be far more intriguing than she anticipated. Powerful rituals, new friends, an intoxicating sense of freedom…and Simon, the sexy foreign stranger she was hoping for. It’s all a perfect distraction from dirty diapers and awkward family dinners.
Trouble is, intriguing doesn’t often mean simple. And Emma is about to discover just how not simple her life really is.
By Blood is a novel about the ways that blood can bind us to others – or tear us apart.”
Check out By Blood on Goodreads here.
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Enter the FANTASTIC giveaways!
Giveaway Prize Pack #1 (US only)
Signed paperback copy of By Blood
Plus (all hardcover):
Beauty Queens, by Libba Bray
Starcrossed, by Josephine Angelini
The Body Finder, by Kimberly Derting
Jane, by April Lindner
By the Time You Read This, I’ll Be Dead, by Julie Anne Peters
Sean Griswold’s Head, by Lindsey Leavitt
Under the Never Sky, by Veronica Rossi
Slide, by Jill Hathaway
Wither, by Lauren DeStefano
Imaginary Girls, by Nova Ren Suma
Giveaway Prize Pack #2 (Intl)
Signed paperback copy of By Blood + $50 Amazon Gift Card
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Author Bio
“Tracy E. Banghart is a cheesy movie–loving, fantasy football–playing (go Ravens!), globe-trotting Army wife who began “practicing” her craft at the age of five, when she wrote her first story.
She loves visiting the international friends she met while pursuing her MA in Publishing and spends a portion of every summer at her family’s cabin in Canada, where she finds inspiration and lots of time to relax on the dock. She lives with her husband, son, two lazy dogs and one ornery cat.
When not writing or spending time with her family, she is on a mission to bake the perfect cupcake.”
Find Tracy on the web:
Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter
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SOUNDTRACK FOR BY BLOOD
To get in the mood to write By Blood, I listened to British pop music for the fun Oxford touristy bits and dreamy, atmospheric songs for the Druid rituals. Some of my favorites:
Follow Me Home, Sugababes
Sin Sin Sin, Robbie Williams
You Never Get What You Deserve, Starsailor
Goodbye My Lover, James Blunt
People Got a Lotta Nerve, Neko Case
On My Way Back Home, Band of Horses
Your Heart Is As Black As Night, Melody Gardot
First Love, Adele
Cannonball, Damien Rice
Criminal, Fiona Apple
If You Want Me, from the movie Once
Finding My Own Way, Charlotte Church
The Moon and Sky, Sade
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Happy reading!
Review: Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn (2.5 Stars)
Release Date: June 11, 2013
Author Info: Website
Series: N/A
Publisher: HarperTeen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 419
Format: Advance Reading Copy
Source: Edelweiss
ISBN: 0062135953
Goodreads: Another Little Piece
Buy: Amazon
Rating: 
.5
“The spine-tingling horror of Stephen King meets an eerie mystery worthy of Sara Shepard’s Pretty Little Liars series in Kate Karyus Quinn’s haunting debut.
On a cool autumn night, Annaliese Rose Gordon stumbled out of the woods and into a high school party. She was screaming. Drenched in blood. Then she vanished.
A year later, Annaliese is found wandering down a road hundreds of miles away. She doesn’t know who she is. She doesn’t know how she got there. She only knows one thing: She is not the real Annaliese Rose Gordon.
Now Annaliese is haunted by strange visions and broken memories. Memories of a reckless, desperate wish … a bloody razor … and the faces of other girls who disappeared. Piece by piece, Annaliese’s fractured memories come together to reveal a violent, endless cycle that she will never escape—unless she can unlock the twisted secrets of her past.”
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Another Little Piece by Kate Karyus Quinn is a unique and creepy young adult novel that follows the protagonist, Annaliese, after a year-long absence. Though the novel is rife with mystery, hints of the paranormal, and has a disturbing conclusion that leaves the reader asking more questions, I found that this one might be more geared towards a specific group of readers. As the first paragraph in the synopses states, “The spine-tingling horror of Stephen King,” I would probably guess that this is more of the audience in mind for Quinn’s debut.
Review: Insomnia by J.R. Johansson (5/5 Stars)
Release Date: June 8, 2013
Author Info: Website
Series: The Night Walkers
Publisher: Flux
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 360
Format: Advance Reading Copy
Source: NetGalley
ISBN: 0738735930
Rating: 
“It’s been four years since I slept, and I suspect it is killing me.
Instead of sleeping, Parker Chipp enters the dream of the last person he’s had eye contact with. He spends his nights crushed by other people’s fear and pain, by their disturbing secrets—and Parker can never have dreams of his own. The severe exhaustion is crippling him. If nothing changes, Parker could soon be facing psychosis and even death.
Then he meets Mia. Her dreams, calm and beautifully uncomplicated, allow him blissful rest that is utterly addictive. Parker starts going to bizarre lengths to catch Mia’s eye every day. Everyone at school thinks he’s gone over the edge, even his best friend. And when Mia is threatened by a true stalker, everyone thinks it’s Parker.
Suffering blackouts, Parker begins to wonder if he is turning into someone dangerous. What if the monster stalking Mia is him after all?”
Check out Insomnia on Goodreads here.
Insomnia by J.R. Johansson is a debut young adult thriller that will keep the reader up at night. Its fast-paced prose and the curiosity Parker’s ability insights makes this a tough book to put down. Johansson’s writing will make the reader question Parker’s innocence in the growing dangers around him, and s/he will crave an answer to Parker’s most important obstacle: Will he survive long enough to find a way to beat his insomnia?
Cover Reveal: Welcome to the Darkness by L.M. Justus!
This darkly intriguing cover was created by Derek Murphy!
Welcome to the Darkness by L.M. Justus
Series: Darkness Trilogy, #1
Publication date: August 5th 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal
“A typical teenager, seventeen-year-old Reed Hennessy doesn’t realize how lucky he is to lead a normal life until he loses everything, including his humanity. The attacker who slaughters his family and destroys their home turns out to be a vampire, a creature Reed had considered a myth.
Now a vampire himself, but with the unique ability to walk in sunlight, Reed struggles in the dark underworld he didn’t even know existed. His only two allies in his fight to stay alive are his reluctant mentor, Nathaniel, a vampire with over two hundred years’ worth of emotional baggage, and Sarah, a rookie cop with a secret ability of her own.
Together, Reed and his companions face a harrowing, cross-country journey before stumbling into a plot which could mean the end of everything for humans and vampires alike.”
Check out Welcome to the Darkness on Goodreads here.
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Author Bio
“Lisa Justus’ path to becoming an author took a circuitous route through the University of Waterloo where she earned a Bachelor of Mathematics, followed by jobs in quality assurance and technical writing at a high-tech company.
With a keen interest in creative fiction, she wrote her first fantasy novel as part of NaNoWriMo as well as an early chapter book for her kids when they were younger. Her YA paranormal fantasy novel Welcome to the Darkness is the first book in the Darkness Trilogy.
These days Lisa is busy writing her fourth novel, reading, finishing her basement, doing volunteer work, and trying to stay in shape by running somewhat regularly. She, her husband, and their three children live in Ottawa, Ontario.”
Find Lisa on the web:
Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter
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Happy reading!
Book Blitz+Giveaway: Taking Back Forever by Karen Amanda Hooper!
Taking Back Forever (The Kindrily series, 2) by Karen Amanda Hooper
Release Date: May 31st 2013 by Starry Sky Publishing
Genres: Young adult, paranormal, romance
“Forever is worth the fight.
Maryah erased all memory of her past lives, but she couldn’t erase her soul mate Nathan, or his undying love. Now, Maryah and Nathan have a second chance at a future together, but first Maryah must remember the person she used to be and embrace her supernatural gifts—more than one kindrily member’s life depends on it.
Maryah’s power is Harmony’s best hope of finding her kidnapped soul mate, Gregory. But Harmony isn’t big on asking anyone for help, and she’s tired of waiting, so she’s taking matters into her own hands. Heaven help anyone who stands in her way.”
Check out Taking Back Forever on Goodreads here.
Sounds like a book you want to check out? (I wouldn’t blame you, look at that gorgeous cover!) If you want to get into The Kindrily series, then make sure you check out the first book in the series, Grasping at Eternity!
Grasping at Eternity (The Kindrily series, 1) by Karen Amanda Hooper
Release Date: May 25, 2012
Genres: Young adult, romance, paranormal
“Leave it to Maryah Woodsen to break the one rule that will screw up eternity: Never erase your memories.
Before entering this life, Maryah did the unthinkable—she erased. Now, at seventeen years old, she’s clueless that her new adoptive family has known her for centuries, that they are perpetually reincarnated souls, and that they have supernatural abilities. Oh, and she’s supposed to love (not despise) Nathan, the green-eyed daredevil who saved her life.
Nathan is convinced his family’s plan to spark Maryah’s memory is hopeless, but his love for her is undying. After spending (and remembering) so many lifetimes together, being around an empty version of his soulmate is heart shattering. He hates acting like a stalker, but has no choice because the evil outcast who murdered Maryah in their last lifetime is still after her.
While Maryah’s hunter inches closer, she and Nathan make assumptions and hide secrets that rip them further apart. Maryah has to believe in the magic within her, Nathan must have faith in the power of their love, and both need to grasp onto the truth before they lose each other forever—and discover just how lonely eternity can be.
X-MEN meets MY NAME IS MEMORY in Karen Amanda Hooper’s latest young adult release.”
Check out Grasping at Eternity on Goodreads here.
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Giveaway:
What you can win:
Kindrily prize pack including a signed paperback of Grasping at Eternity and
Taking Back Forever with other kindrily themed gifts.
This is a Us/Canada ONLY giveaway
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Author Bio
“Karen was born and bred in Baltimore, frolicked and froze in Colorado for a couple of years and is currently sunning and splashing around Florida with her two beloved dogs. She’s addicted to coffee, chocolate and complicated happily-ever-afters.
Karen has been making up stories for as long as she can remember. In high school she discovered her passion for putting her thoughts onto paper, but it wasn’t until her late twenties that she wrote her first novel. Due to her strong Disney upbringing, she still believes in fairytales and will forever sprinkle magic throughout all of her novels.”
Find Karen on the web:
Website | Goodreads | Twitter | Facebook
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Happy reading!
Book Addict 24-7 Welcomes: Loretta Nyhan!
Welcome to Interview Fridays!
This week the magical Loretta Nyhan, the author behind the exciting new young adult novellas from HarperTeen The Witch Collector Part 1&2, and two adult novels, I’ll Be Seeing You and This Heart of Mine, which were published in May, is with us!
In her interview, Loretta talks about her busy and very successful year, and her young adult novellas detailing the struggles of a young witch in a contemporary society that is blind to the very real magic in the air.
Remember to check out Loretta’s links throughout her interview!
Enjoy!
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Author Bio
“Loretta Nyhan likes all things witchy. She can be found gardening or concocting spells with her very tolerant husband and two wonderful sons in the Chicago area.”
Find Loretta on the web:
Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook
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Most Recent YA Work
Published: April 2, 2013
Genres: Young adult, paranormal, romance, adventure, mystery
“The Witch Collector is a digital original novel that’s a suspenseful brew of magic, dark strangers, and witchcraft—perfect for fans of the Beautiful Creatures and Mortal Instruments series.
The day after her best friend’s funeral, Breeda’s parents pack her up, usher her into the car, and then drive out of Oregon without looking back. Breeda doesn’t know why they left so urgently or why they’re headed to Chicago—but she does know that it’s against the rules to leave without consulting your Coven Leader… . It’s a crime punishable by banishment.
All her family has is each other now, in a city that feels strange, unfamiliar, and dark. But when Breeda comes home on her first night in Chicago to find their apartment ransacked and only a bloody handprint left behind, she realizes that you can’t outrun the craft.
HarperTeen Impulse is a digital imprint focused on young adult short stories and novellas, with new releases the first Tuesday of each month.”
Check out The Witch Collector Part 1 on the web:
Buy The Witch Collector Part 1 on the web:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
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1. You have a very busy year ahead of you! Congratulations on all of your books (and novellas) being published in 2013! How has your life changed since you published The Witch Collector: Part 1?
“This has been an incredible year!
I’m not sure how much my life has changed, but I feel energized. I’ve learned so much from being published—reading opinions of my work from bloggers and sites such as goodreads has truly improved my writing. Criticism is important. I always listen to it. I may not agree, but more often than not I find myself saying, hmmm…she has a point.
It’s also nice when someone is so taken by the story she feels the need to reach out to the author. That’s especially gratifying.”
2. The Witch Collector: Part 1 and Part 2 are both young adult paranormal novellas, while your two other works are historical fiction for adults—can you tell us the difficulties of switching your writing from a younger demographic to an older audience?
“Stories pop into my head, and I don’t decide whether to tailor them to an adult or young adult audience until later. It happens organically.
Breeda’s story in THE WITCH COLLECTOR seemed well-suited for a reader like her—someone coming of age. I’LL BE SEEING YOU, my novel for adults written with Suzanne Palmieri Hayes, is the story of two women writing to each other on the home front during WWII. It probably appeals most to women who have already passed the young adult point in life.”
3. How did you come to the decision of writing two separate parts for your The Witch Collector novella series?
“The people at the publishing house, HarperTeen Impulse, thought it was a cool idea and I agreed. We thought it would up the suspense factor. The two books were released only a month apart—we wanted to keep people guessing, but not for too long!”
4. Why do you think readers will enjoy your The Witch Collector novella series? What can they expect to find within your series?
“I love all things witchy, and I think it comes through in the book.
I like to ground my paranormal stories in the real world, so it seems like it almost could happen. I’m also big on twists and turns in a mystery, and romance with a little heat!”
5. Can you share with us a day in the life of Loretta Nyhan, accomplished writer?
“Ha! That makes me sound very high and mighty!
I have kids and a day job, so my days are a scramble, fueled by green tea. I always find time to write, though. Even if it means my laundry pile grows to mammoth proportions and my DVR fills up with Vampire Diaries episodes.”
6. Are you doing any more parts for The Witch Collector novella series than the two announced, or will you be concluding the story with the second part?
“Breeda’s story concludes in THE WITCH COLLECTOR, Part II.
I do have another Chicago witch story in the works, so we’ll see what happens…”
7. What is your opinion on the increasing popularity of series writing in young adult fiction? Do you ever think an author can write too many additions to a series?
“As a reader I love a good series.
I like seeing characters grow and change over time—with a series the author has the luxury of really digging deep and building great characters and a complex story.
Three seems to be the magic number in series-land, and that sounds about right. More than three, and the author runs the risk of exhausting the story.”
8. Your take on witchcraft is pretty original! Can you share with us how you researched and came to your idea of witches in present society?
“I was driving through the Logan Square neighborhood in Chicago, a place of imposing gray stone buildings and ornate iron fences, and I thought, this is where the witches live.
I’ve always been into herbal remedies and essential oils, but for TWC, I really got an education. All the spells are mine, but go ahead a try them out. Let me know if they work!”
9. If you could have any specific power, like in The Witch Collector: Part 1, what would it be? Would you be a light or dark witch?
“I’m as light as light can be.
If I had one power, it would be divination—I’m so nosy, I want to know everything about the future!”
10. What would you say has been the most humbling aspect of your experience as a published author?
“When a reader says she loved my story, or was moved by my writing.
That’s what I want to give people through my work. It humbles me, and makes me want to work even harder.”
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Thank you for stopping by, Loretta!
I hope you enjoyed this week’s interview! Come back next week for another awesome interview!
Happy reading!
Review: Spirit by Brigid Kemmerer (4/5 Stars)
Release Date: May 28, 2013
Author Info: Website
Publisher: K Teen
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 301
Format: Advance Reading Copy
Source: NetGalley
ISBN: 0758272839
Rating: 
“With power comes enemies. Lots of them.
Hunter Garrity just wants to be left alone. He’s learned the hard way that his unusual abilities come at a price. And he can’t seem to afford any allies.
He’s up to his neck in hostiles. His grandfather, spoiling for a fight. The Merrick brothers, who think he ratted them out. Calla, the scheming psycho who wants to use him as bait.
Then there’s Kate Sullivan, the new girl at school. She’s not hostile. She’s bold. Funny. Hot. But she’s got an agenda, too.
With supposedly secret powers rippling to the surface everywhere around him, Hunter knows something ugly is about to go down. But finding out what means he’ll have to find someone he can trust…”
Check out Spirit on Goodreads here.
Spirit is the third book in Brigid Kemmerer’s young adult urban fantasy Elemental series.
Okay, let me start by saying that this might be an awkward review for anyone who hasn’t read this series (um, why haven’t you?), especially since I’m a huge fan of Kemmerer’s work—oh, and the fact that this is a sequel.
What you should note, however, is that while Kemmerer’s books do make references to past events in the two other novels in the series, each book is like a story of its own as we, the readers, get to learn more about specific characters and their stories of character growth and romance. Because really, if there is something Kemmerer does well, it’s romance.
Cover Reveal: The Cindy Chronicles by RaShelle Workman!
These gorgeous covers were designed by Mae I Design!
The Cindy Chronicles by RaShelle Workman
Series: The Cindy Chronicles will be told in 6 volumes
Genre: YA Paranormal
“Life sucks.
Possessing magic sucks.
What doesn’t suck? Fashion, Cindy’s boyfriend Gabe, and her best friend, Snow White.
Cindy (Cinderella…shhh, don’t tell) was born a witch. It’s part of who she is. But there’s more to her than that. She loves deeply. And has a big heart. She’d do anything for those she cares about, including risk her own life to save theirs.
When her fairy godmother demands she leave Salem, Massachusetts and return to the land she was born to rule, she has two options. Tell her fairy godmother no, and seal a death sentence on complete strangers. Or, leave all she’s ever known behind, including the love of her life, for an unknown land she’s fated to save.
So, yeah, life sucks.
But Cindy is determined to change that.”
Check out The Cindy Chronicles on Goodreads here.
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Author Bio
“RASHELLE WORKMAN lives on a mountain with her husband, three children, and three dogs.
From her back porch she can see the city lights and imagine…
She’s the bestselling author of the Dead Roses series (Sleeping Roses is being translated into Turkish, and will be available in print wherever Turkish books are sold in 2014), the Immortal Essence series, and the Blood and Snow series.”
Find RaShelle on the web:
Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter
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Happy reading!
Cover Reveal: Becoming A Legend by B. Kristin McMichael!
Cover designed by Ravven!
Becoming A Legend by B. Kristin McMichael
Publication date: June 6th, 2013
Series: The Blue Eyes Trilogy, #2
Genre: YA Paranormal Romance
“Arianna Grace is about to turn seventeen and her life has been very complicated lately. She is the leader of four clans of night humans: dearg-dul, baku, tengu, and lycan. While the four clans seem to get along better with each other, there is internal conflict on both sides of her family, not to mention the three boys vying for her attention.
Edward Lucan is making a chase for the power to lead the baku clans and is playing his cards by using his nephew Andrew to lure Arianna into a trap. Unfortunately for Lucan, Andrew has his own plans. He has spent the last year waiting for Arianna to see him as more than a friend, and he now finds it necessary to make a move for her affection, despite his uncle.
In the dearg-dul estate, Arianna discovers that the ambitious Lord Seeger has been laying his own strategies for power and is slowly poisoning her. After getting away with her grandfather’s murder, he is setting his sights on her. Luckily for Arianna, her team is on to all of the plans and is making some plans of their own. Will it be enough to keep Arianna safe? Several people close to Arianna have been keeping secrets. If Arianna is to take power and control of the night, she will need to know the truth. Will someone finally tell her what it truly means to become the legend everyone is waiting for, before it is too late to turn back?”
Check out Becoming a Legend on Goodreads here.
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Check out book 1, The Legend of the Blue Eyes on Goodreads here.
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Author Bio
“Originally from Wisconsin, B. Kristin currently resides in Ohio with her husband, two small children, and three cats.
When not doing the mom thing of chasing kids, baking cookies, and playing outside, she is using her PhD in Biology working as a scientist. In her free time she is hard at work on multiple novels; as each day passes, she has more ideas for both current and future novels.”
Find B. Kristin on the web:
Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter
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Happy reading!
Cover Reveal+Giveaway: Ignite by Erica Crouch!
(Isn’t this a creepy and intriguing cover?!)
Ignite by Erica Crouch
Publication date: June 11th 2013
Genre: YA Paranormal fantasy
“Penemuel (Pen) fell from grace over a millennium ago, yet there are still times she questions her decision to follow her twin brother, Azael, to Hell. Now that the archangel Michael has returned, threatening Lucifer’s vie for the throne, she begins questioning everything she has always believed.
As Hell prepares for war - spreading a demonic virus and pilfering innocent souls to build an army - the lines separating the worlds blur. Fates erase and the future is left unwritten. Azael is determined that he and his sister will continue to serve as demons together, but for the first time in her life, Pen is not ruled by destiny. She has the freedom of choice.
With choice comes sacrifice, and Pen must decide which side she’s willing to risk everything fighting for: the light, or the dark.”
Check out Ignite on Goodreads here.
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Enter the Giveaway!
What can you win?
One of 10 eARCs!
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Author Bio
“Erica Crouch is a twenty-year-old living on the outskirts of Baltimore, Maryland.
She is pursuing a degree in English and Creative Writing with a specialization in Fiction at Southern New Hampshire University. Currently, she works for a small press in editorial services. She spends what spare time she has reading an overwhelming stack of books, watching an obscene amount of Netflix, and procrastinating.
Ignite is her debut novel and she is currently writing it’s sequel along with other future projects.”
Find Erica on the web:
Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter
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Happy reading!
Book Blitz+Guest Post: The Haunting Season by Michelle Muto!
(I’m loving the creepy cover!)
The Haunting Season by Michelle Muto
Publication date: December 21st 2012 by Dreamscapes, Ink
Genre: NA Paranormal/Ghosts
“Be careful what you let in…
Siler House has stood silent beneath Savannah’s moss-draped oaks for decades. Notoriously haunted, it has remained empty until college-bound Jess Perry and three of her peers gather to take part in a month-long study on the paranormal. Jess, who talks to ghosts, quickly bonds with her fellow test subjects. One is a girl possessed. Another just wants to forget. The third is a guy who really knows how to turn up the August heat, not to mention Jess’s heart rate…when he’s not resurrecting the dead.
The study soon turns into something far more sinister when they discover that Siler House and the dark forces within are determined to keep them forever. In order to escape, Jess and the others will have to open themselves up to the true horror of Siler House and channel the very evil that has welcomed them all.”
Check out The Haunting Season on Goodreads here.
Buy The Haunting Season on the web:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Kobo
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Guest Post:
The Haunting Season playlist!
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Author Bio:
“Michelle Muto lives in northeast Georgia with her husband and two dogs. She loves changes of season, dogs, and all things geeky.
Currently, she’s hard at work on her next book.”
Find Michelle on the web:
Website | Goodreads | Facebook | Twitter
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Happy reading!
Review: The Sweet Dead Life by Joy Preble (3/5 Stars)
Release Date: May 14, 2013
Author Info: Website
Publisher: Soho Teen
Age Group: Young Adult (Though the protagonist is in the 8th grade, her vocabulary is not age-appropriate for middle school readers)
Pages: 224
Format: Advance Reading Copy
Source: Edelweiss
ISBN: 1616951508
Rating: 
““I found out two things today. One, I think I’m dying. And two, my brother is a perv.”
So begins the diary of 14-year-old Jenna Samuels, who is having a very bad eighth-grade year. Her single mother spends all day in bed. Dad vanished when she was eight. Her 16-year-old brother, Casey, tries to hold together what’s left of the family by working two after-school jobs— difficult, as he’s stoned all the time. To make matters worse, Jenna is sick. When she collapses one day, Casey tries to race her to the hospital in their beat-up Prius and crashes instead.
Jenna wakes up in the ER to find Casey beside her. Beatified. Literally. The flab and zits? Gone. Before long, Jenna figures out that Casey didn’t survive the accident at all. He’s an “A-word.” (She can’t bring herself to utter the truth.) Soon they discover that Jenna isn’t just dying: she’s being poisoned. And Casey has been sent back to help solve the mystery that not only holds the key to her survival, but also to their mother’s mysterious depression and father’s disappearance.”
Check out The Sweet Dead Life on Goodreads here.
The Sweet Dead Life by Joy Preble is a very quick and quirky read that features a witty, and slightly neurotic 14 year-old protagonist. The storyline is considerably original, while the mystery promises to intrigue the reader until the conclusion. Preble’s novel is a great light read for a hot summer day.
Book Promo+Giveaway: Our Souls to Keep by Gary Caruso!
Our Souls to Keep by Gary Caruso
Release Date: April 25, 2013
Genres: Young adult (15+), Paranormal, Suspense, Romance
“After seventeen-year-old Wake Reynolds agrees to trade his life to prevent the damaged soul of his suicidal mother from the fiery tortures of Hell, Satan strips him of his humanity and forces him to become a demonic collector of souls. With no memory of his human existence, Wake preys on defenseless teenagers until they willingly end their own lives.
After many years of loyal service, something inside Wake is changing. Images of a forgotten life, lost human emotions begin to emerge. As Wake struggles to keep these new sensations hidden, Satan orders him to corrupt the soul of a pregnant girl, Annemarie. Beautiful, gentle Annemarie. From the moment Wake sees her, she brings lightness to his dense, blackened heart. If he chooses to defy Satan and spare the lives of Annemarie and her unborn child, his mother’s soul will writhe in pain in Hell’s deepest pit for eternity. Annemarie or his mother? It’s a perverse choice no one should have to make.”
Check out Our Souls to Keep on Goodreads here.
Enter the international giveaway!
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Author Bio:
“Gary Caruso lives in northern Virginia with his wife Jill, but their favorite place is in Ohio with their three beautiful grandchildren.
Although Gary is exhilarated when he sits down to write, teaching middle school science is his first love. He’s passionate about empowering students to make thoughtful decisions and positive choices in life.
Gary enjoys reading, especially fiction that blurs the line between what’s real and what’s fantasy. He never imagined becoming a writer until an ordinary car ride on a spring day jolted an unlikely thought into his head.
Gary’s early experience writing is a reminder that no matter how intimidating the challenge, action and determination are the foundations for fulfilling any dream. Gary has an insatiable love for writing, a blessing he’s excited to share with his readers.”
Find Gary on the web:
Goodreads | Website | Twitter | Facebook
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Happy reading!
Review: Sketchy by Olivia Samms (3/5 Stars)
Release Date: April 30, 2013
Author Info: Website
Publisher: Amazon Children’s Publishing
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 238
Format: Advance Reading Copy
Source: NetGalley
ISBN: 147781650X
Rating: 
“A popular cheerleader—raped, beaten, and left for dead. An edgy outsider with a gift. Can they team up to catch a killer?
Bea’s life has been a mess ever since she got kicked out of private school and sent to rehab. Now clean, Bea is starting over at Packard High School, in a city shaken from two assaults on young women. The latest victim, Willa Pressman—the one who survived—doesn’t remember a thing. But Bea has a disturbing new “skill”: she can see—and then draw—images from other people’s minds. And when she looks at Willa, Bea is shocked by what she sketches.
Bea might be the only one who knows Willa’s secrets—and who can take down the killer before he strikes again.”
Check out Sketchy on Goodreads here.
Sketchy by Olivia Samms has a pretty cool concept: former drug-abuser has the quirky, but eerie, ability to draw whatever crosses a person’s mind. The mystery is disturbing and the fear is palpable, while the characters are unique and witty—despite the morbid content of the novel. Samms’s debut is a potentially powerful read that lacks strong dialogue, but makes up for it with an edgy premise.
Got this one in the mail, looks awesome! #books #yalit #yareads #youngadult #justinaireland #paranormal #mail #bookhaul
