13th YAppiest Giveaway! “Revived” by Cat Patrick

15 Tuesday Oct 2013

Posted by Elizabeth Fais in Book Reviews, Giveaway, Romance, Thriller, YA, YAppiest, Young Adult

Tags

Cat Patrick, Elizabeth Fais, Forgotten, Revived, Romance, suspense, The Originals, Thriller, YA, YAppiest Day on Earth, YAppiest Giveaway, Young Adult

17 YA AUTHORS + DISNEYLAND = THE YAPPIEST DAY ON EARTH!

If you couldn’t make The YAppiest Day on Earth, never fear! The YAppiness keeps rolling with epic read giveaways by each of the 17 authors.

This is the LUCKY 13th YAppiest Giveaway! for Revived, by Cat Patrick. For a chance to win a FREE copy of this book, see the “Here’s How” section below. For a complete list of upcoming giveaways, go here.

Death might not be final, but it always has a price…

Daisy Appleby died in a bus crash when she was four. Then her undercover life began. She was brought back to life, along with nineteen other children on that bus, as part a covert government program for a drug called Revive.

Daisy barely remembers the fatal bus crash. Even so, now at fifteen Daisy has died and been Revived five times. She’s not exactly an expert at avoiding life-threatening accidents, her last being an allergic reaction to a bee sting.

To keep Revive a secret, each time Daisy dies and is revived it means a new name, a new city, a new identity. Daisy accepts her gypsy lifestyle without attachments … until they move Omaha and meets Matt and Audrey McKean. Audrey quickly becomes Daisy’s first real friend outside of “the program”, and then she falls for Audrey’s brother Matt. Hard.

For the first time, Daisy wants a normal life. She wants someone outside “the program” to know who she really is, including her secret. Daisy soon discovers that the Revive experiment is more sinister than she ever imagined, and her sharing her secret with Matt could very well cost him his life.

Epic Romance & Edge-of-Your-Seat Thriller

The heart of this story is wrapped in Daisy’s relationships; how she deals with her first friendship outside the program, and then a romance with and outsider. People she isn’t “supposed to” get close to, because they can’t know her secret about Revive.

The mystery simmers beneath the surface, building tension as it slowly unravels with Daisy’s deepening friendship with Audrey and her romantic relationship with Matt. Daisy can’t ignore the signs. Something isn’t quite right with the program, but she can’t put her finger on it. That is, until she uncovers disturbing information she wasn’t supposed to find. Daisy is conflicted about sharing her secret with Matt, and after she does she discovers her indiscretion has endangered his life.

Cat Patrick is a master at creating authentic characters with believable strengths and weaknesses. The supporting characters—Mason, Cassie, and Megan—are as interesting and well-rounded as Daisy, Audrey, and Matt. The author is also adept at weaving suspense throughout, hinting at what’s just out of sight until the final climax. Like a horror movie where what’s lurking in the shadows is never shown. What we don’t see is more terrifying.

I can’t tell you any more without spoiling the edge-of-your-seat ending. You’ll have to read the book to find out if Daisy can out run the Revive program after uncovering its darkest secret.

I loved this book. So much so that I immediately picked up Forgotten, Cat Patrick’s debut novel, and devoured it just as quickly. Now I can’t wait to read The Originals, Cat Patrick’s most recent release, and Just Like Fate, which she co-authored with Suzanne Young.

Here’s how to win…

NOTE: The FREE giveaway of a copy of this book is open to residents of the United States only, due to shipping costs. My sincere apologies.

Leave a comment on this blog–explaining WHY you want to read this book— by midnight, October 20th (1 entry).
Tweet about this giveaway, including #yappiest in your tweet (1 entry).

I’ll tally the entries and choose a winner, then announce it on this blog on Tuesday, October 22nd. Good luck!

Stay tuned for the next YAppiests Giveaway!

MMGM: “Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow” by James Rollins

07 Monday Oct 2013

Posted by Elizabeth Fais in Adventure, Book Reviews, Middle Grade, MMGM, Thriller

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Adventure, Archeology, Dinosaurs, Elizabeth Fais, Jake Ransom, Jame Rollins, Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday, MMGM, The Skull King's Shadow, Thriller, Time Travel

Marvelous Middle Grade Monday!

When a mysterious envelope arrives for Jake Ransom, he and his older sister, Kady, are plunged into a gripping chain of events. An artifact found by their parents—on the expedition from which they never returned—leads Jake and Kady to a strange world inhabited by a peculiar mix of long-lost civilizations, a world that may hold the key to their parents’ disappearance.

But even as they enter the gate to this extraordinary place, savage grackyls soar across the sky, diving to attack. Jake’s new friends, the pretty Mayan girl Marika and the Roman Pindor, say the grackyls were created by an evil alchemist—the Skull King. And as Jake struggles to find a way home, it becomes obvious that what the Skull King wants most is Jake and Kady—dead or alive. [Jacket Flap Synopsis]

Smart and Fun, Adventure for All Ages

James Rollins, New York Times bestselling master of adventure for adults, doesn’t hold back on the thrills in this middle-grade tale that will satisfy boys and girls of all ages. With amazing aplom, Jake Ransom and the Skull King’s Shadow delivers with authentic richness, as well as with the adrenaline fun factor.

Thirteen year-old Jake Ransom is ahead of his class when it comes to science, and has a special love for archeology. So when Jake and Kady are invited an exhibit at the British Museum in honor of their parents, he’s excited and intrigued. He’s also suspicious. The logo for the company sponsoring the exhibit reminds Jake of a recent nightmare. Is it a coincidence, or not?

The large golden pyramid at the exhibit, gives Jake a hunch about the artifact that came in the mysterious package. A hunch that sends him and Kady tumbing through time to a mythical city called Calypsos. Always a scientist, Jake assesses the situation with analytic detachment.

Fifteen year-old Kady isn’t as level-headed. She’s scared and angry. But who can blame her? Almost immediately, a dinosaur—that Jake knows the name of—decides they’re its next happy meal. Luckily, a Mayan girl and a Roman boy, about their same ages (Marika and Pindor), get Jake and Kady safely inside the protected walls of their city. Once in back in civilization, Kady adapts to her new surroundings with speed and grace. Her impulsive gutsiness provides a balance to Jake’s is rational straight-ahead approach.

And they need all the help they can get…

Jake and Kady tumbled through time, bringing them closer to the evil Skull King. In order to stay alive, Jake has to discover who the Skull King is and what he really wants. The stakes are raised when Colypsos is invaded by the Skull King’s mutant monsters. For Jake and Kady to outwit the Skull King, they must combine their strengths and trust in the support of their new friends.

What I Liked Most…

This is one of those books that after reading the first line, I didn’t want to put it down. Here’s a few reasons why:

The characters: Jake and Kady are strong in different ways, and both have their share of flaws. I especially liked how Rollins translated Kady’s high school twirl squad skills into an adeptness at swordsmanship. The secondary characters are unique individuals, who satisfactorily round out the story.
The world: Rollins’ knowledge of animals and love of science shines through on every page. I learned quite a bit, without even trying. The inhabitants of this world are created from a blend of historical facts from various time periods, grounding the fantasy in believability. Likewise, the science fiction elements of the story are woven through with scientific facts that bring along a refreshing dose of authenticity.
The mystery: Multiple threads intertwine to shape a story that is rich in intrigue and suspense. Where are Jake and Kady’s parents? Are they still alive? Who is the Skull King and why does he want Jake and Kady? How will they ever get back home? No spoilers here. You have to read the book to find out.
The adventure: This is an Indiana-Jones-esque thrill ride that girls as well as boys will enjoy. The fast pace would makes this an excellent choice for a reluctant reader, as well as for those of us who thrive on adrenaline spiked escapism.

The Adventure Continues…

Jake and Kady continue their search for their parents, as the threat of the Skull King presses closer in the next installment of this adventure: Jake Ransom and the Howling Sphinx.

12th YAppiest Giveaway! “Populazzi” by Elise Allen

30 Monday Sep 2013

Posted by Elizabeth Fais in Book Reviews, Giveaway, Romance, YA, YAppiest, Young Adult

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Elise Allen, Elizabeth Fais, Populazzi, Romance, YA, YAppiest Day on Earth, YAppiest Giveaway, Young Adult

17 YA AUTHORS + DISNEYLAND = THE YAPPIEST DAY ON EARTH!

If you couldn’t make The YAppiest Day on Earth, never fear! The YAppiness keeps rolling with epic read giveaways by each of the 17 authors.

This is the 12th YAppiest Giveaway! for Populazzi, by Elise Allen. For a chance to win a FREE copy of this book, see the “Here’s How” section below. For a complete list of upcoming giveaways, go here.

What would you do if you could re-invent yourself?

Cara and Claudia met kindergarten, when an embarrassing incident cemented their friendship and put them at the bottom of the social ladder … through high school.

Cara and Claudia dream of being one of the glittering few at the top of the popularity tower, one of the Populazzi. But there’s no chance that dream will ever become reality in the small town where they live.

But all that changes for Cara in her junior year, when she moves to a new school. Claudia insists it’s Cara’s chance; that she has to take this opportunity to climb the popularity Ladder. Claudia spent months researching The Ladder, and presents Cara with the bulletproof formula for social success.

It’s simple,eEarch rung on the ladder is a relationship. All Cara has to do to climb to the top of the ladder—and become a Populazzi—is to transform into the perfect girlfriend for guys that are higher up the ladder. The trick is using her current relationship to hook the next guy, one higher on the popularity tower.

Cara isn’t thrilled about The Ladder the way Claudia is; she doesn’t even think it will work. But since Claudia has been her best friend since forever, Cara follows the rules Claudia has laid out for her. What starts out as lighthearted social experiment—that actually works—quickly turns into a downward spiral into becoming a person Cara never thought she could be. When the worst thing possible happens, ruining everything she’s worked for and hurting the people she cares most about, only a truly audacious act has the chance of setting things even a little bit right for Cara.

Fresh & Funny Tossed with Sad & Soulful

It’s easy—at any age—to look at someone from afar and think their life is perfect. Up close the reality is often anything but. Cara gets glimpses of this as she rises up the Ladder, but the brutal truth doesn’t register until it’s too late. The truth is, it’s lonely at the top because the people who act like friends will do anything to push you down and take your place. Through Cara’s sharp and sensitive first-person narration we experience the highs and lows of her pursuit for what’s ultimately intangible: popularity.

Cara, Claudia, and the main characters at Cara’s new school are all unique, well-defined, and easy to relate to. Cara’s parents are an interesting juxtaposition to Cara and Claudia. They are just far enough over the edge to win Cara our empathy, but not far enough over for us to hate. What I liked most about Populazzi is how Cara’s envelope is pushed in every way possible, making me laugh, cringe, and cry, while keeping the plot fresh.

One of Claudia’s quirks is quoting Shakespeare whenever she wants to make an emotional point. Cara’s Shakespearean quote for her learning experience on the trip up and down the Ladder would have to be…

…To thine own self be true…

Here’s how to win…

NOTE: The FREE giveaway of a copy of this book is open to residents of the United States only, due to shipping costs. My sincere apologies.

Leave a comment on this blog–explaining WHY you want to read this book— by midnight, October 6th (1 entry).
Tweet about this giveaway, including #yappiest in your tweet (1 entry).

I’ll tally the entries and choose a winner, then announce it on this blog on Tuesday, October 8th. Good luck!

Stay tuned for the next YAppiests Giveaway!

11th YAppiest Giveaway! “Pivot Point” by Kasie West

15 Sunday Sep 2013

Posted by Elizabeth Fais in Book Reviews, Giveaway, Paranormal, Romance, YA, YAppiest, Young Adult

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Elizabeth Fais, Kasie West, Paranormal, Pivot Point, Romance, Split Second, suspense, swoony, YA, YAppiest Day on Earth, YAppiest Giveaway, Young Adult

17 YA AUTHORS + DISNEYLAND = THE YAPPIEST DAY ON EARTH!

If you couldn’t make The YAppiest Day on Earth, never fear! The YAppiness keeps rolling with epic read giveaways by each of the 17 authors.

This is the 11th YAppiest Giveaway! for Pivot Point, by Kasie West. For a chance to win a FREE copy of this book, see the “Here’s How” section below. For a complete list of upcoming giveaways, go here.

Knowing the future doesn’t always make a choice easier

Addison Coleman is gifted, like everyone else in the paranormal compound that’s been her home since forever. But her gift is unique—she’s a Searcher. Someone who can look into the future and see the outcome of a choice that she’s faced with. A clairvoyant automatically knows when something is going to happen, which is so not Addie. Otherwise, she would have known about her parents’ divorce before being blindsided with the news.

Addison thought her gift was the ultimate insurance plan against disaster. That is, until she’s forced to pick which parent she wants to live with. That’s when she discovers that knowing what will happen sometimes makes her choice harder.

Addie doesn’t want her life to change, so her decision should easy. Should. One Search, six weeks into the future proves it’s not.

Her father is leaving their paranormal compound to live among the “Norms.” In that potential future, Addie is the new girl in a Norm high school outside the Compound. She meets Trevor, a cute guy with loads of artistic talent who totally understands her. She falls for him. Hard.

Her mother is staying in the compound, amid the life Addie has always known. In that potential future, Addie is pursued by the hottest guy in school. And even though she never wanted to have a quarterback for a boyfriend, for some reason she loses all sensibility whenever she’s with Duke.

Trouble comes with a murder in the Compound that threads through both of Addie’s potential paths. Her father—who’s gift is lie detecting—is called in to consult on the investigation, without knowing Addie and her best friend are in danger of becoming the next victims.

No matter what path Addie chooses, there’s loss…

It all comes down to which reality she’s willing to live through … who she can’t live without.

Smart, Swoony, & Suspenseful

In alternating chapters we follow Addie along the two paths of her search. One living with her father, going to a normal high school outside the Compound. The other living with her mother, staying at the same high school with her paranoramlly gifted friends. Both paths end with severe consequences.

What I liked most about his book is the seamless finesse with which we become part of Addie’s world. We experience Addie’s choices as they unfold, the suspense of the mystery quietly building. The power of the mystery and the choice Addie finally makes is in the relationships that are affected by it, the people Addie cares about. The characters are authentic in a way that put me in their shoes each step along the path.

Addie is forced make a hard choice, and accept the immediate consequences. But we’re left with the hope that Addie’s best friend, Lailia, may be able to wipe away the resulting damage by extending the power of her paranormal gift. If she can learn how to master that power. The sequel, Split Second, will be available February 2014, and I can’t wait to find out what happens next.

Here’s how to win…

NOTE: The FREE giveaway of a copy of this book is open to residents of the United States only, due to shipping costs. My sincere apologies.

Leave a comment on this blog–explaining WHY you want to read this book— by midnight, September 22nd (1 entry).
Tweet about this giveaway, including #yappiest in your tweet (1 entry).

I’ll tally the entries and choose a winner, then announce it on this blog on Tuesday, September 24th. Good luck!

Stay tuned for more YAppiests Giveaways!

10th YAppiest Giveaway! “Out of Reach” by Carrie Arcos

31 Saturday Aug 2013

Posted by Elizabeth Fais in Book Reviews, YA, YAppiest, Young Adult

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

bothers and sisters, Carrie Arcos, contemporary, drug abuse, Elizabeth Fais, lies, methamphetamine, Out of Reach, runaways, twelve steps, YA, YAppiest Giveaway, Young Adult

17 YA AUTHORS + DISNEYLAND = THE YAPPIEST DAY ON EARTH!

If you couldn’t make The YAppiest Day on Earth, never fear! The YAppiness keeps rolling with epic read giveaways by each of the 17 authors.

This is the 10th YAppiest Giveaway! For a chance to win a FREE copy of this book, see the “Here’s How” section below. For a complete list of upcoming giveaways, go here.

How do you find someone who doesn’t want to be found?

Rachel learned how to lie by watching her older brother Micah. She idolized him, and they had an unspoken pact. They lied for each other. The truth about lying is that it always catches up with you.

Rachel saw the signs of Micah’s downward spiral into drug addiction. Still, she told her parents about where Micah was going, and what she knew he was doing. She told herself that he had it under control. And she almost believed it. Even after his forced stint in rehab, she believes he can handle it. That is, until the night that Micah doesn’t come home…

That’s when reality hits and Rachel’s terrified. She feels responsible. For lying to her parents. For not confronting Micah about his using. She wishes that she’d listened to Micah when he tried to confide in her.

So when she receives an anonymous note telling her that Micah is in serious danger, she jumps at the chance to make things right. Rachel reaches out to Micah’s best friend Tyler, and with nothing more than a slim lead and a lot of hope, they set out to find him. Along the way Rachel must confront her own dark secrets, her growing attraction to Tyler, and the reality that Micah isn’t going to come home until he’s ready.

This Book Should Be “Required” Reading for All Teens

I don’t make this statement that lightly. It comes from my own personal experience with a relative who was an addict. This story tackles the sad topic of drug abuse with honesty and candor. An issue that many teens deal with, but are afraid to talk about. If there’s a teen who doesn’t know an addict, they are certain to have a friend who does. Reading this story can help anyone better understand what the friend or relative of an addict is going through.

Rachel feels responsible for what happened to Micah, and that she can save him. Through the course of her search on her road trip to San Diego with Trevor, Rachel finally sees that her bother’s situation is not her fault and it’s not her job to save Micah from himself.

The power of this story is in its honesty. But as gritty as the topic of drug abuse is, this story doesn’t use it as an excuse for gratuitous violence. Rachel gets a view of the drug world into which her brother descended, but she remains a safe witness with the protection of Tyler and his friends.

Here’s how to win…

NOTE: The FREE giveaway of a copy of this book is open to residents of the United States only, due to shipping costs. My sincere apologies.

Leave a comment on this blog–explaining WHY you want to read this book— by midnight, September 7th (1 entry).
Tweet about this giveaway, including #yappiest in your tweet (1 entry).

I’ll tally the entries and choose a winner, then announce it on this blog on Monday, September 9th. Good luck!

Stay tuned for more YAppiests Giveaways!

Ghost Buddy ~ Zero to Hero by Henry Winkler & Lin Oliver

26 Monday Aug 2013

Posted by Elizabeth Fais in Book Reviews, Ghosts, Middle Grade, MMGM, Paranormal

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

Book Reviews, Elizabeth Fais, Ghost Buddy, Ghosts, Hank Zipzer, Henry Winkler, LA13SCBWI, Lin Oliver, Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday, Middle Grade, MMGM, Paranormal, SCBWI, Scholastic, World's Best Under-Achiever, Zero to Hero

Billy Broccoli is starting middle school at the same school where his mother is the principal. As if that’s not bad enough, he’s also dealing with a new step-father, a bratty older step-sister, a new house—that’s really old–a new neighborhood away from his old friends.

What were the chances things could go that wrong? Apparently, a lot. Because they get worse.

His step-sister took the best room in their new-old house, leaving Billy with the lavender and pink bedroom. He soon discovers that the rainbow and pony wallpaper is the least of his worries, when a ghost materializes insisting it’s still his room, and that he’s Billy’s personal ghost.

You can see me because I’m your ghost. To everyone else, I’m invisible.”

“You’re not my ghost! I never asked for a ghost. I asked for an iPod, I asked for my own cell phone, I asked for a red BMX bike with black trim. But never, on any list, at any time, anywhere, did I ever ask for a ghost,” said Billy.

“Lucky you. I show and you didn’t even have to ask. You hit the jackpot, ducky.

Hoover Porterhouse II is a fourteen year-old ghost—going on 114—with a tweaked sense of humor and a whole lot of attitude. So much ‘tude, he’s failed his celestial progress reports for 99 years. The thing is, if he doesn’t clean up his spirit-ual act fast, he’ll be haunting the same plot of ground for eternity. And the Hoove would rather die again than let that happen.

So when an obnoxious school bully sets out to trash Billy’s reputation, the Hoove swoops in with an action plan for revenge. The Hoove helps Billy find the courage to set things right, and the Billy shows the Hoove the honorable way to stand up to a bully. In the end, the Hoove’s grade in Helping Others shows improvement, Billy rules the school, and it all comes down to the Hoove’s Rule Number Forty-Two: Stay cool.

Wholesome Hilarity & A Lot More…

They had me at Ghost Buddy, and Zero to Hero clinched the deal. I had to read this book. Since I’ve already ~~gushed~~ written a lot about this story, I’ll keep this briefer. Here’s what makes this story special:

The quirky characters: The cast of secondary characters are as quirkily fun as Billy and the Hoove. There’s the geeky dentist step-father with his “teeth ties”, the diva older step-sister with her own rock band, and the school-bully neighbor who has a secret you won’t believe.
The family conflicts: The interactions between Billy, his mother, step-father, and step-sister all ring true. It’s easy to empathize with Billy and his adjustment to the new family dynamics and his new neighborhood, home, and school.
The blast-from-the past culture clash: The colloquial language gap between the Hoove—who turned 14 ninety-nine years ago—and Billy adds an amusing layer of texture.
The gender-neutral fun: Billy’s anxieties and dilemma’s will be as appealing to girls as they are boys. I bought this book for my eight year-old niece, and I know that she’ll love it.
The lesson without a lecture: This story does an amazing job of addressing the topic of bullying—along with the appropriate way to stand up to a bully—with ease and grace.

Luckily, we don’t have to wait to find out what happens next…

About the Authors

Henry Winkler and Lin Olver are the New York Times Bestselling authors of the Hank Zipzer: The World’s Best Under-Achiever series.

Lin Oliver and Henry Winkler have accomplished some amazing things in their exceptional careers, but they’re most proud of the books they write for young readers.

They gave a workshop on Writing Humor at the recent Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators Annual Summer Conference, that I’ll do a blog post on soon. Promise! In the mean time, you can read the Official LA13SCBWI conference blog here. [Photo by moi]

9th YAppiest Giveaway! TWO “Necromancer” Books by Lish McBride

16 Friday Aug 2013

Posted by Elizabeth Fais in Book Reviews, Giveaway, Supernatural, Thriller, YAppiest, Young Adult, Zombies

≈ 10 Comments

Tags

Bigfoot, Elizabeth Fais, Garden Gnomes, Hold Me Closer, Lish McBride, Magic, National Book Award Winner, Necromancer, Necromancing the Stone, Seattle, Sherman Alexie, Snarky Horror, Washington, Were-Bear, Werewolves, Witches, YAppiest Day on Earth, YAppiest Giveaway, Zombies

17 YA AUTHORS + DISNEYLAND = THE YAPPIEST DAY ON EARTH!

If you couldn’t make The YAppiest Day on Earth, never fear! The YAppiness keeps rolling with epic read giveaways by each of the 17 authors.

This is the 9th YAppiest Giveaway! For a chance to win a FREE copy of these books, see the “Here’s How” section below. For a complete list of upcoming giveaways, go here.

Lish Dishes Snarky Horror at its BEST!

I was only going to feature Necromancing the Stone, the second Necromancer book by Lish McBride, in this giveaway. Then, I read the jacket flap for the first Necromancer book, Hold Me Closer, Necromancer, and had to read it first. Am I glad I did! The two Necromancer books compliment each other perfectly. For optimum satisfaction, you should read them both.

To paraphrase (and only slightly change) a quote for the first Necromancer book made by Sherman Alexie, National Book Award Winner:

This is a funny scary book [series] OR a scary funny book [series]. In either case, it’s a GREAT book [series]. I LOVE it.

The [series] additions are mine. But trust me. This quote sums up both books, and that’s why I’m giving them away as a set to one lucky winner.

Hold Me Closer, Necromancer (Book 1)

Sam hates his underwhelming life—a college drop-out facing a life sentence as a sometimes-fry-cook and most-of-the-time-counter-jock at Plumpy’s burgers.
But that changes when a bad shot in rogue game of parking-lot-potato-hockey damages the wrong car, introducing Sam to the one man who can, and will, make his life hell.

Sam knows Douglas Montgomery is dangerous the moment he sees him. Expensive suit aside, Douglas is a psychopathic killer and necromancer who raises the dead for cash. Not the kind of guy you want to piss off. Something Sam accomplishes by just being who he is: bad at hockey and a necromancer Douglas sees as a threat. The thing is, Sam didn’t know about his necromancing heritage, leaving him at an extreme disadvantage. Thanks, mom.

Douglas kidnaps Sam to eliminate his competition, and perform a few torturous experiments. The upside to being trapped in a magical cage in a scary basement is Brid, the amazing female werewolf he’s forced to share his cage with. The only chance Sam and Brid have at surviving, is for Sam to defeat Douglas by embracing his necromancer powers. Yeah? That’s a long shot. The good news is, they’re in in Seattle where there as many paranormal types as coffee houses. Plus Sam’s good heart is a wildcard that stacks the deadly deck in their favor.

What I loved most about this book:

I didn’t know what a necromancer was before I read this book. Even so, McBride’s seamless world building, realistic characters, and witty banter created a charmed suspension of disbelief from the first page to the last. I loved the snarky humor and the quirky cast of characters. The tight pacing kept me on the edge of my seat, and that fact that this story never took itself too seriously had me laughing while I kept turning the pages.

Necromancing the Stone (Book 2)

Sam is shocked that he defeated Douglas, inherited his seat on the paranormal council, as well as his house (more like mansion) and material wealth—including a shape-shifting servant. Then there’s Sam’s werewolf girlfriend Brid, who’s next in line to lead her pack. He never thought he’d score a girl as amazing as that.

From fry cook to financially independent. Sam LaCroix is having to get used to his new life. But things were looking up, right?

Um . . . not so much.

His girlfriend’s pack insists on training Sam so he can protect himself, and he’s tired of getting beat up by everyone, even the garden gnomes. Douglas’ house is downright creepy, his best friend is a were-bear (because of him), and someone is threatening his sister. Sam knows he’s got powers, but doesn’t know how to use them. An epic fail waiting to happen.

When Brid’s father and leader of their pack is murdered, all signs point to Sam. When everything else starts falling apart, Sam is forced to step up and take control and only finds more questions. Like, is Douglas really dead?

What I loved most about this book:

The cast of characters gets quirkier and their antics laugh-out-loud funnier, especially the garden gnomes. The snark keeps rolling too, keeping a refreshing balances with the intensity Sam is forced to face. While the first book focuses on Sam coming to terms with his necromancing heritage, the second book focuses more on Sam’s relationships, how his choices affect those relationships, and how he grows from them.

I’m risking a spoiler alert here, but this book also reveals Douglas’ story, weaving in flashbacks of Douglas’ early life; snapshots of events that ultimately turned him into the villain we met in book 1. McBride succeeds in making us feel empathy for the Douglas Montgomery. No small task. So much so, that I actually cried when he met his final demise. [end spoiler alert]

While slightly slower paced than the first book in this series, this book is ultimately more powerful. It offers a satisfying culmination, while leaving openings for future stories to grow.

Here’s how to win BOTH of these awesome books:

NOTE: This FREE giveaway is open to residents of the United States only, due to shipping costs. My sincere apologies.

Leave a comment on this blog–explaining WHY you want to read these books— by midnight, August 23rd (1 entry).
Tweet about this giveaway, including #yappiest in your tweet (1 entry).

I’ll tally the entries and choose a winner, then announce it on this blog on Sunday August 25th. Good luck!

Stay tuned for more YAppiests Giveaways!

8th YAppiest Giveaway WINNERS! “The Lost Code” by Kevin Emerson

10 Saturday Aug 2013

Posted by Elizabeth Fais in Atlantis, Book Reviews, Giveaway, Winner!, YAppiest

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Atlantis, Book One of the Atlanteans, Dystopian, Ecology, Elizabeth Fais, Global Warming, Kevin Emerson, The Lost Code, Winner, YAppiest Giveaway

17 YA AUTHORS + DISNEYLAND = THE YAPPIEST DAY ON EARTH!

The 8th YAppiest Giveaway! is for The Lost Code, by Kevin Emerson. This book was so amazing that it deserves two (count them, 2) winners! Unfortunately, I only have one signed copy, but both copies are new! And do I have to remind you that they are FREE?

And the Winners Are…

… Drum roll please …

~oOo~

S.M. Hutchins (author signed)
&
Barbara Forte Abate

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

*** Tosses copious amounts of confetti! ***

~oOo~

I’ll contact you for your addresses, ladies.

Coming Up Next!

The 9th YAppiest Giveaway! for Necromancing the Stone, by Lish McBride is just around the corner, so…

Stay Tuned!

For a complete list of YAppiest Giveaways, go here.

8th YAppiest Giveaway! “The Lost Code” by Kevin Emerson

31 Wednesday Jul 2013

Posted by Elizabeth Fais in Adventure, Atlantis, Book Reviews, YAppiest, Young Adult

≈ 6 Comments

Tags

Adventure, Atlantis, BioDome, Book One of the Atlanteans, Dystopian, Ecology, Global Warming, Kevin Emerson, The Lost Code, YAppiest Day on Earth, YAppiest Giveaway, Young Adult

17 YA AUTHORS + DISNEYLAND = THE YAPPIEST DAY ON EARTH!

If you couldn’t make The YAppiest Day on Earth, never fear! The YAppiness keeps rolling with epic read giveaways by each of the 17 authors.

This is the 8th YAppiest Giveaway! For a chance to win a FREE copy of this book, see the “Here’s How” section below. The rules have changed slightly, so read them carefully. For a complete list of upcoming giveaways, go here.

“The Lost Code” Book One of the Atlanteans

It’s 2086, after the Great Rise, when the oceans rose, the ozone layer disintegrated, the sun turned deadly, and civilization unraveled into a harsh fight for survival.

15 year-old Owen Parker is familiar with hardship. He and his father have subsisted in an underground community called The Hub—beneath the sun-baked wasteland, once part of the United States—for as long as he can remember.

Owen’s never been lucky, that is until he wins the coveted Camp Eden summer camp lottery. Out of the thousands of entrants, Owen gets the opportunity to spend an idyllic summer in a world “like it was” before the Great Rise.

Camp Eden is located inside the EdenWest BioDome, an oasis of pine trees, cool water, that’s complete with 1950’s rustic summer camp charm. Only the wealthy can afford to live in biodomes, the only habitable environments safe from the sun’s deadly rays. Camp Eden is exclusive, even for those who can afford the price.

But Camp Eden isn’t as perfect as it seems.

Owen discovers this the hard way. An unfortunate drowning incident in Lake Eden results in weird wounds that appear on his neck. At least Owen thinks their wounds until Lilly, the gorgeous lifeguard, warns him to keep them secret. Owen soon learns that the “wounds” are a biological evolution, and they are the catalyst for his uncovering the secret buried deep beneath the lake. A secret from the distant past that is powerful enough to save the ailing planet.

The camp’s location is no coincidence, and sinister happening behind the summer camp facade are proof that the people running Camp Eden have ulterior motives. Owen won his camp scholarship based on his potential for unlocking the mysteries of the ancient civilization. And there are those who will do anything to posses that power. Owen soon realizes that the only way he can save the world is to escape from Camp Eden alive.

Edge-of-Your-Seat Adventure That’ll Rock Your World

What if Atlantis was real, and it’s lost technology could save the human race from imminent extinction? This is the fascinating, and shockingly plausible premise of “The Lost Code” Book One of the Atlanteans.

An advanced civilization fell thousands of years ago because of their misuse of power. To prevent the same thing from happening again, they sequestered their knowledge. Knowledge that Owen thinks can save their dying planet. But even if he can unlock the lost code to the secret knowledge of Atlantis, what is the price for exposing that power to the world?

Before the beginning, there was the end.
Three chosen to die.
And should the time come again when masters seek to bend the terra to their will, then the three shall awaken and save us all.

What I love about this book, besides the quirky characters, spot on summer camp scenes, steamy romance, and edge-of-your-seat suspense … is the way Kevin Emerson weaves scientific truths through the story to ground it in reality. The result is a bulletproof suspension of disbelief.

I’m super excited that “The Dark Shore” Book Two of the Atlanteans is already available. I’ve ordered my copy and can’t wait to find out what’s in store for Owen and Lilly!

Want to win an Author Signed Copy?

I have a special treat for one lucky winner… a band new copy of The Lost Code, Book One of the Atlanteans, signed by Kevin Emerson!

Here’s how to win…

NOTE: The FREE giveaway of a copy of this book is open to residents of the United States only, due to shipping costs. My sincere apologies.

Leave a comment on this blog–explaining WHY you want to read this book— by midnight, August 7th (1 entry).
Tweet about this giveaway, including #yappiest in your tweet (1 entry).

I’ll tally the entries and choose a winner, then announce it on this blog on Saturday August 10th. Good luck!

Stay tuned for more YAppiests Giveaways!

7th YAppiest Giveaway! “Let the Sky Fall” by Shannon Messenger

15 Monday Jul 2013

Posted by Elizabeth Fais in Book Reviews, Paranormal, YAppiest, Young Adult

≈ 7 Comments

Tags

Book Review, Elizabeth Fais, Let the Sky Fall, Paranormal, Romance, Shannon Messenger, Sylph, YA, YAppiest Day on Earth, YAppiest Giveaway, Young Adult

17 YA AUTHORS + DISNEYLAND = THE YAPPIEST DAY ON EARTH!

If you couldn’t make The YAppiest Day on Earth, never fear! The YAppiness keeps rolling with epic read giveaways by each of the 17 authors.

This is the 7th YAppiest Giveaway! For a chance to win this awesome book, see the “Here’s How” section below. For a complete list of YAppiest Giveaways, go here.

“Let the Sky Fall” by Shannon Messenger

VANE WESTON is tired of everyone telling him he’s lucky. Lucky not to have died in the category five tornado that killed his parents. Lucky to have survived without a scratch. But how is it lucky that he can’t remember anything about his parents or his life with them before the tornado ripped them away? All he remembers of that dark day is the captivating face of a dark-haired girl. The girl who’s whispered on the winds of his dreams ever since. How is it lucky to be in love with a girl who’s probably just a hallucination, when he hopes against hope that she’s real?

AUDRA is real, and she lives under the weight of a dark secret. She’s not human, but that’s why she’s driven toward atonement. She’s responsible for the death of Vane’s parents, and her father who was their guardian. Her guilt and sense of duty drove her to take over her father’s duty of protecting Vane’s life, as his guardian. She’s a sylph, an air elemental who walks on the winds, understands its songs, and manipulates its powers.

As a Gale Force guardian, Audra gave up everything to protect Vane. But then in an instant of panic, Audra unwittingly reveals Vane’s location to the enemy who murdered their families and has been hunting them ever since. The Stormers are on their way, and Audra can’t bear to fail again.

Audra makes hard choices, to prepare Vane for the impending battle. However, in the process of awakening his sylph powers, their love sparks to life. For Audra, giving in to her desire would brand her as a traitor and an outcast.

A Gusty Romance Charged with Adventure

Let the Sky Fall is a captivating romance set in the desert region of California’s Coachella Valley. The intense climate accentuates the volatile game our heroes have been thrust into, while mirroring the volatile nature of their emotions for one another. I grew up not far from Coachella Valley, and can attest to the authenticity of the world through which Shannon Messenger so deftly weaves the supernatural elements of this story.

Vane and Audra are as authentic and engaging as their world. Vane’s laugh-out-loud teenage snark is the perfect balance for Audra’s intense Type-A determination. The story is told from the alternating points of view of Vane and Audra, giving us an intimate look into their beliefs, motivations, and conflicts.

Vane is seventeen, snarky, and kind of lazy. His troubled dreams of a strange girl interfere with his connecting with any girl he tries to date. So he is blown away (pun intended) when Audra appears in his bedroom, obviously real–if a little creepy:

Now I just have to deal with the passed out, scantily clad girl on the floor of my room who’s most likely a supernatural creature.
Riiiiiiiiiight.
No clue what to do about that one.

Audra is seventeen, and older than her years from the burden of responsibility. Against all odds she convinces Vane of his sylph heritage and destiny, but as his powers emerge, so do Vane’s memories. Memories Audra is afraid he’ll recover, because then he’ll know she was responsible. Responsible for alerting the Stormers who killed his parents and her father.

The climatic fight turns a surprising conclusion and an unexpected hope for Vane and Audra. I can’t say any more without risking a serious spoiler, that you’ll hate me for later.

What I can tell you is this…

After reading this story, you’ll never think of the wind as “just wind” again. You’ll catch yourself listening for its song, and trying to interpret its call. You’ll wonder if the Gale Force guardians are out there protecting you, or if the Stormers are on their way…

I’m already waiting for the next book in this series–Let the Storms Break (March 2014)–to find out what lies in store for Vane and Audra.

Want to win an Author Signed Copy and SWAG?

For one lucky winner… an author signed copy of Let the Sky Fall and exclusive SWAG!

Here’s how…

NOTE: The FREE giveaway of a copy of this book is open to residents of the United States and Canada only, due to shipping costs. My sincere apologies.

Leave a comment on this blog by midnight, July 21st (1 entry).
Tweet about this giveaway, including #yappiest in your tweet (1 entry).

I’ll tally the entries and choose a winner at random, then announce it on this blog on Tuesday July 23rd. Good luck!