Cover Reveal: Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt

{ ++ } Today I have something to show y'all that I think looks both gorgeous and fascinating.  I'm thrilled to bring y'all a cover reveal for Chosen One, an upcoming YA dystopian novel by Tiffany Truitt.  Read on for the beautiful cover plus synopsis!

 

What if you were mankind’s last chance at survival?

Sixteen-year-old Tess lives in a compound in what was once the Western United States, now decimated after a devastating fourth World War. But long before that, life as we knew it had been irrevocably changed, as women mysteriously lost the ability to bring forth life. Faced with the extinction of the human race, the government began the Council of Creators, meant to search out alternative methods of creating life. The resulting artificial human beings, or Chosen Ones, were extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

Life is bleak, but uncomplicated for Tess as she follows the rigid rules of her dystopian society, until the day she begins work at Templeton, the training facility for newly created Chosen Ones. There, she meets James, a Chosen One whose odd love of music and reading rivals only her own. The attraction between the two is immediate in its intensity—and overwhelming in its danger.

But there is more to the goings-on at Templeton than Tess ever knew, and as the veil is lifted from her eyes, she uncovers a dark underground movement bent not on taking down the Chosen Ones, but the Council itself. Will Tess be able to stand up to those who would oppress her, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

Chosen Ones by Tiffany Truitt 

Expected publication: April 12, 2012 (Entangled)

Add it to your TBR: Goodreads

Why I'm psyched: How fabulous does this book sound?  I know I can't wait to get my hands on it, because between the heart-pounding synopsis and the beautiful cover, it sounds like a must have.  Plus it's from Entangled, and they are fantastic.  

Waiting On Wednesday - #19: Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

{ ++ }  This weekly event/feature is graciously hosted by Jill of Breaking the Spine.  You know that feeling you get when you're browsing upcoming books on Goodreads or Amazon and one strikes your fancy?  Maybe you squee.  Maybe you giggle to yourself.  Maybe you bounce in your seat.  We all get excited (I do a combination of all three of the previous choices...) about new books, be it a favorite author you're familiar with, or someone whose work you'll be reading for the first time.  Jill's meme gives us the chance to spotlight what we are anxiously awaiting this week.

I'm Waiting On...

Mackenzie and Amy were best friends. Until Amy was brutally murdered.

Since then, Mac’s life has been turned upside down. She is being haunted by Amy in her dreams, and an extremist group called the Trackers has come to Mac’s hometown of Hemlock to hunt down Amy’s killer: A white werewolf.

Lupine syndrome—also known as the werewolf virus—is on the rise across the country. Many of the infected try to hide their symptoms, but bloodlust is not easy to control.

Wanting desperately to put an end to her nightmares, Mac decides to investigate Amy’s murder herself. She discovers secrets lurking in the shadows of Hemlock, secrets about Amy’s boyfriend, Jason, her good pal Kyle, and especially her late best friend. Mac is thrown into a maelstrom of violence and betrayal that puts her life at risk.

Kathleen Peacock’s thrilling novel is the first in the Hemlock trilogy, a spellbinding urban fantasy series filled with provocative questions about prejudice, trust, lies, and love.

Hemlock by Kathleen Peacock

Further information: Goodreads | Amazon

Expected publication: May 8th, 2012 (HarperCollins Children's Books)

( ++ ) Why this book: First, the cover looks absolutely stunning and gorgeous.  And the plot?  VERY wolfy/urban fantasy, and just has me on the edge of my seat already. 

What's YOUR WOW pick this week?

ARC Review: Cinder by Marissa Meyert

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Pages: 387

Expected publication: January 3rd 2012 (Feiwel & Friends)

Series: Lunar Chronicles (1)

Final Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: Twitter | Website

Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . .

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future. 

My Review

In the first chapters of Cinder, debut author Marissa Meyer's intricately woven retelling of Cinderella, we meet Cinder, a cyborg with courage, heart, and spunk.  Meyer does a fantastic job of weaving in elements of the original story - the step-mother and two step-sisters, though one is less wicked than in Cinderella, and a handsome prince.  There's even a ball, which Cinder longs to attend, all the while fearing she won't fit in.  Cinder's vulnerability and the scorn she faces from those who know she is a cyborg rang true and valid throughout the book, and it was how she handled that ridicule and her fear of never finding a place she belonged that immediately endeared Cinder to me.  I connected with her in the opening pages of her story, and at the end of Cinder, I felt a strong kindship with the spirited heroine.  Cinder herself is loyal to those she loves, strong, and no-nonesense at times; she has a huge heart and dreams of escape, of a better life - something surely we can all identify with. 

The plot of Cinder moves along very nicely; I was never bored, and unlike some novels, where scenes are thrown in to pad the bare areas, or stripped to keep the pace clipping along, every word felt like it ought to be savored, and each scene felt as if it played its part and purpose.  In that aspect, this book was what I was looking for - it was a good length, but Marissa Meyer knew when and exactly where to stop in order to leave me hanging. 

The world building was lacking in some ways - World War 4 was alluded to but nothing more - leaving me wondering what happened to the world as we know it, and how New Bejiing rose to power.  The plague constantly worrying the leaders served as an effective ticking timebomb, never giving the reader time to forget the looming threat.  I also wanted to know more about the Lunars, though I suspect they'll continue to play into the sequel/s.  Levana, the Lunar Queen, was ice-cold and probably because I loathed her, I of course wanted to know more about her. 

At time, the similiarties to Cinderella were charming and easy to spot, but never obvious in an annoying way; rather, they added to the story, whether it was advancing the plot, or making a character sympathetic or non-sympathetic.  Marissa Meyer clearly put a great deal of thought and heart into her characters - most of them were very well-fleshed out, and unique.  There were a few whom I wanted to know more about, that I am sincerely hoping we will see a lot more of in the sequel/s. 

One thing that let me down slightly was that early on, I predicted the book's twist, which was somewhat disappointing, especially considering I usually try NOT to think about how a book is going to turn out - I prefer to be surprised.  To me, the twist was very easy to see coming, but that didn't detract much from my enjoyment of the book. Cinder was still a superb read. 

Marissa Meyer knows how to write a book, plain and simple.  Relationships were explored, her characters have genuine and fascinating voices and personalities, even though Cinder's point of view was the only one we saw.  We have villians, and quirky robots, a fun menagerie of non-stereotypes.  The interaction between Kai and Cinder left me wanting so much more, and while there was not much romance, there was enough of a bond developing between them in a slow-burn, that I was hanging on the edge of my seat during their scenes.  The two of them fascinate me, and I especially look forward to learning more about Prince Kaito. 

Overall, Marissa Meyer's stunningly driven retelling of Cinderella, CINDER, is a fascinating twist on a beloved classic, managing to at once remind the reader of the age-old rags-to-riches story while breathing new life into the children's tale, bringing it into a new demographic.  I finished Cinder over the course of about two nights, and I simply had to keep reading, in order to know what happened next to our heroine, whom I deeply admired.  Cinder and its characters will stay with me, making the wait until the sequel, titled (for now) Scarlett, oh-so-long.   

Disclaimer

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  No money or compensation of any sort exchanged hands.   I review books with no intention of monetary gain; rather, I review books out of my love of reading.

Author Interview: Kelley York

{ ++ } Today I am absolutely thrilled to have YA author Kelley York on the blog, talking about her debut novel, HUSHED, in my stop on her HUSHED tour.  To read more about the tour, including previous and future stops, follow this link.  If after reading this interview, you're curious about HUSHED, please feel free to check out my review of the book!  It was truly a wonderful, heart-wrenching read, that I hope you, too, will read and enjoy. 

Kelley was born and raised in central California, where she still resides with her lovely wife, daughter, and an abundance of pets. (Although she does fantasize about moving across the globe to Ireland.) She has a fascination with bells, adores all things furry – be them squeaky, bark-y or meow-y – is a lover of video games, manga and anime, and likes to pretend she’s a decent photographer. Her life goal is to find a real unicorn. Or maybe a mermaid.

Within young adult, she enjoys writing and reading a variety of genres from contemporary with a unique twist, psychological thrillers, paranormal/urban fantasy and horror. She loves stories where character development takes center stage.

Kelley's website: http://www.kelley-york.com/blog

{ ++ } Archer is an incredibly complex character, and at times, a bundle of contradictions.  It seems like most of the things he believes about himself come not from within, but from what others have labeled him as.  Was writing for him a challenge at all, or did you find his voice easily?

There’s probably something wrong with me that I find characters like Archer very easy to write. It’s the “normal,” stable characters (like Evan) who pose a greater challenge to me. You’re completely right in saying he’s a walking contradiction. Archer’s desperate want to please the people he loves means he’s constantly shifting his views in order to justify the things he does, and viewing himself through other peoples’ eyes. He’s a guy very uncomfortable in his own skin.

{ ++ } Vivian is, in my opinion, a highly disturbed character – who undoubtedly went through something tragic, but that event seemed to break something in her that could never be repaired, even through Archer’s actions.  Did you mean for Vivian to come across as sympathetic?  I could understand her, but I could never feel for her.  She was a fantastic foil to Archer, but I never found her sympathetic, so I’m just curious what your thoughts are on her!

 Originally, Vivian was meant to be a much more sympathetic character and Archer was more a true antagonist, despite being the narrator. But somewhere along the line in the early stages of writing HUSHED, the balance drastically shifted. I’ve seen some people who sympathize with Viv a lot, while others don’t at all, and I think it’s interesting to hear readers’ reactions to her. On a personal level, I do understand her, but I don’t feel sorry for her. As Evan says in the book, plenty of people have bad things happen to them that they can’t control. What they can control is whether or not they choose to be a victim of those events.

{ ++ } I have to know: where did the idea for Hushed come from?  Did the plot come to you all at once, or in stages?  Was there any one character who developed quickly, or fully, or that you couldn’t stop thinking about until you wrote for?

 HUSHED started with Archer. I’m no good at coming up with plots and then characters to fill them. I have to have a solid idea of my characters first, then let them build the story on their own. So I’m terrible with outlines and plotting ahead of time. HUSHED was all about Archer, his development, and his story that needed to be told. 

{ ++ } Evan is everything any guy would be lucky to have (or any girl, too bad he isn’t straight!)  His compassion, the way he draws out Archer, when everyone else has mostly given up on Archer, is all to be admired.  How do you hope your readers perceive Evan: perfect, flawed for believing in Archer long after he possibly shouldn’t, etc.  

 

There are people out there like Evan. Endlessly supportive and drawn to the ‘injured birds,’ so to speak. Unfortunately, those types of people often end up hurt repeatedly because being with someone as damaged as Archer (or Vivian) can be so stressful and damaging in of itself. I certainly don’t want anyone to perceive Evan as perfect, because nobody is. His willingness to stick around might be great for Archer, but it’s undoubtedly a big strain on Evan himself. It’s going to take a lot of work on both their parts for them to have a happy ending.

{ ++ } What was the most interesting part of writing Hushed?  Are there any particular scenes (if you can describe without spoilers) that really stood out in your mind when you were writing them?

I do have favorites! The scene where Archer is watching Evan swim while talking to him on the phone. Also, his second run-in with his mom, and a particular hospital scene. They were emotionally charged scenes I had so much fun writing and they were so vivid in my head before I even got to them.

{  ++ } Did you ever have an “alternate ending” for Hushed, or was the ending we’re reading now always the one you had in mind?  (I loved the ending, by the way, ending on a hopeful note for Evan and Archer.)

There was a different original ending, yes, but not one that ever got written out. It was the ending I had in mind when I first started the story and had plans of the entire thing being different...but Archer took the lead and brought me in a different direction. The ending I had when I submitted to Entangled was, essentially, the same in tone, but it was different.

{ ++ } Can you tell us about your future plans for any further writing?  I stayed up way too late to finished Hushed because my heart was pounding and I simply HAD to know what happened next.  I’m very excited for anything else you publish!  

 

Aw, thank you! That’s always a huge compliment. I do have more plans. I have another book I’m working on, and plenty of ideas. 

 I’m never short on those. The one I have in progress is another male/male couple, though not quite as thriller-ish, I don’t think.

{ ++ } Do you have any “writing routines?”  IE. Listen to music, have to have complete silence, foods you like to snack on, etc.

 I like having music going, otherwise it needs to be silent. I do a lot of my writing at my day job on lunches or breaks, because I can slip on my headphones and tune everything out for awhile.

{ ++ } Evan and Archer’s friendship and connection, for me, was the absolute best and most beautiful part of Hushed, seeing that play out amidst the violence and other aspects of the novel.  I hope it was as much of a joy for you to write as it was for me to read!  Was it different for you, writing a male/male romance, getting inside their heads so to speak?

Not at all. I’ve written male/male couples before, so I honestly didn’t think anything of it. I did worry, when I started shopping the book around, about how well I did at writing a male voice...but I haven’t heard any complaints about that so I guess I didn’t do too badly.

{ ++ } Can you talk about how you arrived at the decision to try to get published?  Was Hushed your first attempt?  Has being a debut author been all you thought it would be?

 

HUSHED was actually my second attempt, and by the time I got an offer from Entangled Publishing, I was worried I’d have to move on and set HUSHED aside. I felt like it was good enough to be out there, but the feedback I was getting from agents was that it was too dark, and they didn’t know how to sell it. Then I saw Heather Howland wanted darker stories with slightly older protagonists (Archer is 18), and I gave it a shot. Being a debut author is awesome, although terrifying considering some of the other debut books I’m going up alongside. I’m fortunate to have a great team to hold my hand the entire way.

{ ++ } Are there any particular influences that you credit for getting you into writing?  Childhood heroes, or authors you’ve discovered as an adult who just grabbed your heart and wouldn’t let go?

I read a lot of fantasy as a kid. Things like HOWL’S MOVING CASTLE, or THE LAST UNICORN. Funny, because I don’t touch fantasy much anymore. I wasn’t honestly reading much at all when I wrote my first book so no author spurred me into wanting to write. I wrote it because I had these characters whose story I really wanted to get down, and it’s come from there.

{ ++ } If you weren’t a published author (I am assuming you’d still write!) is there any other career you could see yourself having?

For a long while, I really wanted to be a psychologist and started majoring in it. (Didn’t finish, though.) It’s still an interest of mine, but what I want to do now is write.

Thank you to Kelley for participating in this interview!  Read on below for further information about HUSHED!

Praise for HUSHED

'Kelley York delivers in this impressive debut. I was at the edge of my
seat waiting to see what would happen next! Bottom line, this was
unputdownable!!!' --- YA Fantasy Guide ---

Hushed - Synopsis:

He's saved her. He's loved her. He's killed for her.

Eighteen-year-old Archer couldn't protect his best friend, Vivian, from
what happened when they were kids, so he's never stopped trying to protect
her from everything else. It doesn't matter that Vivian only uses him when
hopping from one toxic relationship to another - Archer is always there,
waiting to be noticed.

Then along comes Evan, the only person who's ever cared about Archer
without a single string attached. The harder he falls for Evan, the more
Archer sees Vivian for the manipulative hot-mess she really is.

But Viv has her hooks in deep, and when she finds out about the murders
Archer's committed and his relationship with Evan, she threatens to turn
him in if she doesn't get what she wants...And what she wants is Evan's
death, and for Archer to forfeit his last chance at redemption.

Find HUSHED online: Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

ARC Review: On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

Expected publication: 12.27.2011 (Harlequin Teen)

Pages: 384

Final Rating: 3 of 5 stars

Source:  E-ARC from NetGalley

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online:  Website | Twitter

Five years ago Abbey Chandler cheated Death. She survived a horrific car accident, but her lucky break came at the expense of her mother’s life and changed everything. After she crossed paths with Death—by taking the hand of an ethereal boy made of clouds and sky—she would never be normal again.

Now she’s the target of Death’s Ravens and an innocent boy’s life is on the line. When Nate Holden—Abbey’s secret crush—starts to climb Alaska’s Denali, the Angel of Death is with him because of her.

Abbey finds out the hard way that Death never forgets.

My Review

In On a Dark Wing, we meet Abbey, a girl whose life has been irrevocably touched by death – starting with her mother’s demise during a car accident involving Abbey, and continuing into her father’s work as a mortician.  It’s been five years since her mother’s death, and it’s clear that losing her mother has marked Abbey’s life in a major way.  My heart went out to Abbey because of the way Jordan Dane showed us Abbey’s grief; it was palpable, it was real, and it breathed life into Abbey’s character.  However, I remain conflicted about this book, for several reasons. 

I think the main issue I had with On A Dark Wing was that, unfortunately, I never clicked with any of the characters, save for Tanner, perhaps.  Abbey was a likeable enough character, and I could certainly understand her, but I never sympathized with her, never really found myself connecting with her, nor with Nate, whose point of view we saw as often as we saw Abbey’s.  The lack of kinship I felt with the main characters was a disappointment for me, but try as I might, I couldn’t do it, and because of that, although yes, I wanted to know what happened next, and ultimately how the book ended, I had to force myself to finish it. 

The multiple points of view threw me off in a big way; I thought the book would have flowed much better solely from Abbey’s point of view, instead, Jordan Dane gives us chapters from Abbey, Nate, Tanner, and even occasionally, Nate’s parents.  Instead of moving along the story or being effective, for me, this was majorly jarring.  About the time I got used to where we were with one character, the book careened into a different point of view, which I think added to my inability to connect with the characters. 

That’s not to say that I didn’t like anything about On a Dark Wing.  Abbey’s crush on Nate was endearing, because I think at some point, every girl was her – unsure of themselves, but sure that if that one certain guy will just give them a chance, life will improve.  Abbey was searching for that validation in Nate, but I was relieved with the direction Jordan Dane took that arc in the end of the book.   I also really loved Abbey and Tanner’s friendship, and how loyal they were to one another.  At times I felt incredibly bad for him, and wanted to shake Abbey, because it was obvious how much Tanner cared for her, while all she could see was Nate.  However, when Abbey finally opened her eyes to Tanner, it felt rushed and forced. 

I wanted more interaction between Abbey and her dad; interestingly enough, of all the points of view we saw, his was never included, and I was intrigued by him.  I really enjoyed what scenes we did get between Abbey and her father, and though those were the most powerful of the novel.  

Overall, although I so wanted to love On a Dark Wing, I couldn’t.  Jordan Dane has a very down-to-earth writing style, that’s easy to follow and enjoy.  I accepted the premise to this book easily enough but felt it lacked follow-through.  Characters were under-developed at times, and unfortunately, because I couldn’t form a connection with the main characters, I couldn’t enjoy this book nearly as much as I wanted to. 

Disclaimer

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  No money or compensation of any sort exchanged hands.   I review books with no intention of monetary gain; rather, I review books out of my love of reading.

ARC Review: Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout

Obsidian by Jennifer L Armentrout

Pages: 266

Published: 12.06.2011 (Entangled)

Series: Lux (1)

Final rating: 4 of 5 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: Twitter | Blog

Starting over sucks.

When we moved to West Virginia right before my senior year, I’d pretty much resigned myself to thick accents, dodgy internet access, and a whole lot of boring…. until I spotted my hot neighbor, with his looming height and eerie green eyes. Things were looking up.

And then he opened his mouth.

Daemon is infuriating. Arrogant. Stab-worthy. We do not get along. At all. But when a stranger attacks me and Daemon literally freezes time with a wave of his hand, well, something…unexpected happens.

The hot alien living next door marks me.

You heard me. Alien. Turns out Daemon and his sister have a galaxy of enemies wanting to steal their abilities, and Daemon’s touch has me lit up like the Vegas Strip. The only way I’m getting out of this alive is by sticking close to Daemon until my alien mojo fades.

If I don’t kill him first, that is.

My Review

Obsidian, the first book in Jennifer L Armentrout's new Lux series, introduces us to Katy; the lead character was someone I immediately adored.  Katy is intelligent, self-aware, and feisty, when provoked.  She's also a book worm and a book blogger, so for me, reading this book and seeing terms like "Waiting on Wednesday" and "In My Mailbox" dotting the pages was a real thrill.   I was drawn to Katy right off the bat, for her good nature and that level below her surface that, once scratched, reveals a character with a ton of potential and a girl after my own heart.  Jennifer did a fantastic job of creating a lead female who is both identifiable and at times, unpredictable.  

The plot of Obsidian moved along fairly well.  There were a few moments where, for me, the pacing felt off, but for the most part I read this book always wishing I could read it a bit faster, because I had to know what happened next.  I've read a great deal more fantasy than sci-fi, so discovering this book was a treat for me.  I love the whole idea behind the Luxen, as well as how Katy takes the revelation that her neighbors are aliens in stride.   She isn't squeamish; nor is she rushing to get involved in their business - how she ends up involved is equal parts frightening, amusing, promising, and sexy all at once. 

I can't review Obsidian without mentioning Daemon.  Oh, Daemon.  He is THAT character, that I apparently love to fall for - the bad boy with a secret, good heart.  Snarky on the surface, but sink a deeper and you'll discover the boy who will do anything to keep his family safe, and who, when he does care about others, cares so much, but struggles to admit he does.  I fell pretty hard for him, although there were times when I wanted to slap him.  I feel like although Jennifer Armentrout gave us an awesome character in Daemon, and although yes, the sparks were off the charts between Daemon and Katy, that at times it was a bit much.  If there was one thing I'd have craved more of between them, it was more slow-burning scenes, and less snark.  (Though that was highly amusing, don't get me wrong.) However for the most part, when it comes to Daemon and Katy, I am STILL fanning myself. 

I really love Jennifer's writing style, too.  She captures the teen voice very well, but more than that, her characters are all people you can relate to, the type of girl or guys we've all known - some we were friends with, broke up with, or loved to hate.  Bravo to Jennifer for being able to reach out and not only tell a story, but draw me in and make me care about the characters I'm reading about.

My only other two complaints (and they're teeny tiny!) is that I wish the book had been longer, so I could have had more time with these characters, and that I wanted to know more about some of the secondary characters.  There were one or two who I hope in the sequel, ONYX, we get to see more of, since they didn't have very many redeeming qualities.  Overall, I am VERY excited for ONYX, and to give y'all a peek at the cover below!  So if you don't have Obsidian yet...run, don't walk to go snag a copy, because it is steamy, heart-pounding, and unforgettable.  

Memorable Quote

Our kisses slowed, becoming tender, and infinitely more.  It was like we were getting to know each other on an intimate level.  I was breathless and dazed, unprepared for all of this, but my body ached for more than just kissing and touching- for more of him.  And I know he did, too.  His powerful body shook, like mine.  It was easy to get lost in him, lost in this connection between us.  The world - the universe - ceased to exist. 

Disclaimer

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.  No money or compensation of any sort exchanged hands.   I review books with no intention of monetary gain; rather, I review books out of my love of reading.

ONYX COVER

No one is who they seem. And not everyone will survive the lies…

In the meantime... purchase OBSIDIAN at Amazon | Barnes and Noble | The Book Depository

Teaser Tuesday - #17: On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

{ ++ } Miz B over at Should Be Reading hosts this weekly meme, where us book lovers get a chance to spotlight our currently-reading and basically...do a little teasing.  : ) The rules are simple: 

• Grab your current read.
• Open to a random page.  (Full disclosure: I actually go hunting for a good teaser.  heehee.)
• Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page.  (Um.  Sometimes I post more than 2 sentences.  hee.)
• BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title & author, too, so that other participants can add the book to their to-reads if they like your teaser.

By the time I jumped to my feet, he'd already become nothing more than a hazy shadow under the dense canopy of trees.  I thought about chasing after him, but something made me stay - like I didn't belong with him - not now.  In a strange way, I sensed him all around me even though I couldn't see him.  - page 164


Five years ago Abbey Chandler cheated Death. She survived a horrific car accident, but her lucky break came at the expense of her mother’s life and changed everything. After she crossed paths with Death—by taking the hand of an ethereal boy made of clouds and sky—she would never be normal again.

Now she’s the target of Death’s Ravens and an innocent boy’s life is on the line. When Nate Holden—Abbey’s secret crush—starts to climb Alaska’s Denali, the Angel of Death is with him because of her.

Abbey finds out the hard way that Death never forgets.

On a Dark Wing by Jordan Dane

Expected publication: 12.27.2011 (Harlequin Teen)

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

{ ++ } What's YOUR teaser this week?

TGIF - #7: Tell Me What You Really Think

{ ++ } TFIG is a nifty little meme hosted by Ginger of GReads, which basically kick-starts the weekend by throwing out a fun little book-related question, and also giving bloggers a chance to recap what we've posted this week for anyone who may have missed one of our events.

Question of the Week

Writing Reviews 101: What's your process for writing book reviews? 

Any tips or suggestions you would recommend to other bloggers?

{ ++ } Ooh I love this question.  I don't know that I have a hard and fast formula that I have to stick to, but I think I have a casual sort of  pattern I usually fall into when I'm writing my reviews.  Reviews, to me, are kind of a book bloggers way of putting their best foot forward to gain the trust of authors, to know - this person is going to accurately represent my book, my creation.  So I think reviews are so important.  

I write my reviews here on Blogger.  Last week when I went through and pre-scheduled all my posts (it was amazing,  I was SO productive) I wrote my reviews in my Word, which seemed to work really well, so I may start doing that.  I have every Sunday off so my goal is to start writing up all my weekly posts that day.  :D

I spend about a paragraph talking about the main character.  For me, clicking or connecting with my main character is crucial.  If that doesn't happen, I'm not going to love the book.  I might like it, but I won't fall head over heels for it.  So I talk about what I liked/disliked about the main character, if I sympathized with him/her and so forth.  

Then I jump into the relationships in the book, either platonic or romantic.  I try to keep this around a good sized paragraph.  To me, how the characters interact is as essential as a fabulous plot.  You can have a brilliant idea playing out across the pages but if you don't build solid relationships between your characters, I'm not going to be all that interested.  And romance.  A truly great romance will have me swooning; a mediocre one, or the dreaded insta-love will have me hissing in distaste. 

Finally, I like to devote a paragraph or two to how I felt about the book in general.  Was there something that I adored?  Were there areas I felt could have used more development?  Was I disappointed in the book?  Am I salivating over the sequel already?  

The order of these points may change, because like I said, I'm not too uptight about any one part having to come first or second.  But for the most part, I do like to include all of this.  I'll also sometimes talk about the cover, and I always include ways to find the author online for stalking purposes.  

The only advice I would give is: be honest.  If you're wondering if you should include a certain criticism, remember: it's about YOUR integrity.  Just because you received that book for review, does not mean you have to alter your review in any way.  Authors will appreciate honesty far more than they will a review padded by euphemisms.  On the other hand, you don't have to be harsh.  If you didn't like a part of the book, so so, and why, but with tact. 

This Week at Once Upon a Prologue

300 Followers Giveaway (!!) 

Reviews

Voodoo Dues by Stephany Simmons

Hushed by Kelley York

Memes

Top Ten Tuesday: Can't Wait Winter Reads

Features --- NEW!

Introducing Once Upon a Blogger

Introducing Guest Who

{ ++ } Everyone have a wonderful, fabulous weekend, and I will see y'all next week! 

Introducing New Feature: Guest Who

Because connecting doesn't stop at the "follow" button!

{ ++ } Guest Who is a brand-new feature here at Once Upon a Prologue that is slated to begin in January, 2012.  The basic premise is this: I want to get to know my followers, and those that I follow.  I want to know what makes y'all tick, what you love about books, what your pet peeves are, and who you are outside of blogging.  So each month, I would LOVE to feature one of you guys.  Here's the deal:

• You write a guest post for my blog 
• I write one in return for yours
• We can write on the same topic (preferably) or each choose our own topic, or brainstorm for one another's.  
• We have LOTS of fun with this.  

{ ++ } Sound like something you might want to do?  Send an email to courageousgrace (at) gmail (dot) com and let me know!   I think I have a participant for January lined up but the other months are wide open.  I think this could be fantastic good fun, but it's ALL about y'all!

Review: Voodoo Dues by Stephany Simmons

Voodoo Dues by Stephany Simmons

Pages: 71

Published: 07.23.2011

Series: Lian and Figg (1)

Source: Received via author

Final Rating: 3.5 of 5 stars

Further info: Goodreads | Amazon

Find the author online: Website | Twitter

From the beginning of Figg’s employment, there is something not quite right about the bar. There are few customers, a parade of neighborhood psychics and pentacle adorned visitors, all coming to hold court with her enigmatic boss. Figg is not sure what is going on, but she is determined to find out!

When the local voodoo queen shows up, and the next morning her grandson ends up dead outside the bar things get interesting.

Figg pesters Lian into telling her the truth about his former life, and is thrust into a world where the things that go bump in the night are real. There’s a murder to solve, zombies to lay to rest and a villain that neither of them saw coming. 

My Review

Stephany Simmon’s novella, Voodoo Dues dives right into the action, setting the tone for this fast-paced, delightful urban fantasy offering.  We’re introduced to the mysterious Lian and the vivacious, spirited Figg, a bar owner and his bartender until they get mixed up in something neither of them ever bargained for.  I liked Figg at once – she’s saucy, self-aware, unique, and doesn’t pretend to be anything she isn’t.  I wasn’t sure about Lian – I didn’t quite understand him or his motivations at first, although it all became somewhat clearer over the course of the novella, but I definitely wanted more time with him, to truly “get” him. 

Voodoo Dues is a fun read, light-hearted at times, dipping into the serious at others.  As Lian and Figg become embroiled in voodoo culture, including the local voodoo queen, Rene Champtillion, it soon becomes clear they’re in over their head.  Neither of them expected to have to deal with someone raising zombies from the dead, much less the other dangers coming their way. 

The characters were what stood out in this novella for me.  Rene is a character I’d like to read more about, possibly even in her own short story or novella.  I was rather drawn to her, to the aura around her.  I also have a big soft spot for Carl, and his spirit guide.  There were several moments I snickered or laughed aloud thanks to him, and the unexpected comic relief he provided. 

I really loved the tension, sexual and otherwise, between Figg and Lian.  I was left craving more of that, of them.  They had a really cool vibe, and I would love to read even a full-length novel about them, in order to better explore their bond.  Voodoo Dues took them beyond where they had been, the employer-employee connection, kinda hurtled them toward the next level without ever fully stating they were there yet. 

Overall, I really enjoyed Voodoo Dues.  I can’t rate it a 4 or 5 star read, but in this case, 3.5 is NOT bad, in my opinion.  My rating is in no way meant to indicate I did not like this novella.  I simply felt as if it was too short!  The 71 pages flew by – I wanted, and needed more.  I sincerely hope that Stephany Simmons writes more, and I have hope, going on the Goodreads listing, calling VooDoo Dues the first in a series.  I need more of Lian and Figg, their interaction, his history, and their future adventures. 

Recommended for fans of: Patricia Briggs, Richelle Mead.

Memorable Quote

I strutted over to the Liberace inspired couch and took a seat, looking around at all the shiny, gaudy as hell decor. “Nice to meet you Carl.”

“I can’t tell you how happy I am that my cover is blown.” He was no longer speaking with effeminate attitude. The previous forced soprano dropped to a Barry White bass. Carl ripped the gaudy headdress off and threw it on the floor, the wig followed next, the jewelry, and then the dress.  Finally there was a very large, very bald black man standing in the middle of the room clad only in tightie whities.

“Um… awkward,” I said indicating his state of undress.

Disclaimer

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.  No money or compensation of any sort exchanged hands.   I review books with no intention of monetary gain; rather, I review books out of my love of reading.