Hi Everyone!

Welcome to my stop on the 2nd Annual- Authors are Rock Stars Tour! I am so excited to be a part of the tour this year, featuring one of my all time favorite YA Authors, Michelle Gagnon! Eeeek!!! You guys may remember that last year I read Don't Look Now and couldn't stop gushing about it. It turned out to be one of my favorite books of 2012 and I've been obsessed with Michelle's work ever since! I am so addicted to the Persefone series, it's unreal! Michelle has a brilliant way of writing epic stories full of heart racing action, adventure, heart stopping romance, and chilling suspense, which is why she is a ROCK STAR in my book!

Today Michelle has graciously answered a few questions so let's get right to it!

The Princess of Storyland: I was absolutely blown away by Don't Turn Around. Computer hackers in a YA suspense/thriller. Heck yes! It was amaze-balls! How did you come up with such a unique idea for this series?

Michelle Gagnon: Oh, yay!!! Thanks so much, I’m beyond thrilled to hear that you enjoyed it! An editor and I actually brainstormed the initial idea together. At the outset, we knew that Noa would wake up on an operating table with no memory of how she got there, and that Peter would have his house broken into after hacking a website. But from there, it really progressed in fits and starts. I’m not an outliner, so one idea just led to the next. When I sat down to write every day, I rarely knew how Noa was going to get out of her latest predicament unscathed—for me, that’s always the fun part (and also the most terrifying!) 

The Princess of Storyland: You are quite an accomplished author in adult fiction. Were you nervous about crossing over into the YA world?

Michelle Gagnon: I was a little nervous, but one day when I was having lunch with a friend of mine (who also happens to be a book editor), she pointed out that nearly all of my adult novels feature a teenager who has a POV and a major role to play in the story (in fact, THE GATEKEEPER kicks off with the kidnapping of a fifteen year-old girl who ended up becoming one of my all-time favorite characters). She urged me to go for it, and I’m so glad I did; I swear, DON’T TURN AROUND practically wrote itself, I finished the rough draft in less than eight weeks.

The Princess of Storyland: In the series, Noa and Peter are very talented hackers! Are you a bit of a hacker yourself or has that always been a fantasy of yours?

Michelle Gagnon: I wish! I’m actually pretty computer illiterate (I’m still trying to figure out tumblr!) It’s such a fantasy of mine, though: I want to be a hacker AND a pool shark, that would be super cool. The irony is that I suffered a total computer meltdown during the writing of EACH book in the trilogy. I’m calling it the PERSEF0NE curse!

The Princess of Storyland:  Are there any future projects in the works?

Yes! First of all, the next book in the trilogy comes out on August 28th (next week!) DON’T LOOK NOW picks up a couple of months after the end of DTA, and shows how Noa and Peter have taken their fight against Project Persephone to the next level.
And I’m just finishing up the final book in the trilogy (DON’T LET GO); it’ll be released next summer.

Plus, I’m about to pitch another YA book idea, but at the moment we’re keeping that hush-hush (so shhh!)

The Princess of Storyland:  Don't Turn Around is one of my all time favorite books!!! What are some of your favorites?

Michelle Gagnon: Let’s see…definitely THE BOOK THIEF and EVERY DAY. But I’m such a huge YA fan, I just devour series: Divergent, Under the Never Sky, the Knife of Never Letting Go, anything by Cassandra Clare, Dust Lands, Shadow and Bone, Delirium, Maze Runner…I really could go on and on. I’m always interested in series recommendations, so if you have any let me know!

A huge thank you to Michelle for stopping by and answering our questions! 

Michelle has generously offered a paperback copy of Don't Turn Around for one lucky winner! Eeek! I hope you will love this book as much as I did!

One lucky winner will be chosen at random. The winner has 48 hours to respond or another winner will be selected. Prizes can only be shipped to a US address.

Comment below with your email address or twitter handle (this is how I will contact you about the prize) for one entry. Follow Michelle on twitter @Michelle_Gagnon for an additional entry. 

For more information about Michelle Gagnon, as well as her current books and upcoming projects, check out her website HERE

Review: Unbreakable (Legion #1)

Unbreakable (Legion #1) by Kami Garcia

Release Date: October 1, 2013
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Source: Arc Tour
Format: ARC
Pages: 320
Amazon  |  Goodreads

Supernatural meets The Da Vinci Code in this action-packed paranormal thriller, the first book in a new series from New York Times bestselling author Kami Garcia.

I never believed in ghosts. Until one tried to kill me.

When Kennedy Waters finds her mother dead, her world begins to unravel. She doesn’t know that paranormal forces in a much darker world are the ones pulling the strings. Not until identical twins Jared and Lukas Lockhart break into Kennedy’s room and destroy a dangerous spirit sent to kill her. The brothers reveal that her mother was part of an ancient secret society responsible for protecting the world from a vengeful demon — a society whose five members were all murdered on the same night.

Now Kennedy has to take her mother’s place in the Legion if she wants to uncover the truth and stay alive. Along with new Legion members Priest and Alara, the teens race to find the only weapon that might be able to destroy the demon — battling the deadly spirits he controls every step of the way.

Suspense, romance, and the paranormal meet in this chilling urban fantasy, the first book in a new series from Kami Garcia, bestselling coauthor of the Beautiful Creatures novels.

Trust me when I say, I am really not into ghost/paranormal stories, so I was pretty hesitant about this book. I finally decided to give it a shot because it sounded interesting and very different from a lot of the YA books that are out right now. I was wildly surprised by Unbreakable. It was such a thrilling ride!!!

I braced myself for the utterly creepy, prepared for the grotesque. But honestly, I had nothing to be worried about! I think this book is the perfect amount of creepy, and suspenseful without being too over the top and alienating the more squeamish readers.

It felt like a ghastly treasure hunt with huge odds at stake! It was such a well written book and I loved it immensely! The pacing was fast and kept my attention the whole time. It is a fantastic start to a series and I look forward to many more!

Waiting on Wednesday (31)

"Waiting on Wednesday" is a weekly meme, hosted by Jill at Breaking the Spine, that spotlights upcoming releases that we're eagerly anticipating. 

Hello and Happy Wednesday everyone!!! :)

Waiting on Wednesday is one of my favorite meme's where you can showcase upcoming releases that you are most excited about! I can't believe I haven't posted a WoW pick in 10 months. ACK! Bad Crissy! 

I am so excited about my pick this week. I am a HUGE fan of historical fiction and recently finished Tarnish by Katherine Longshore and I was completely and utterly captivated by it! So this week my pick is. . .

Manor of Secrets by Katherine Longshore

Lady Charlotte Edmonds: Beautiful, wealthy and sheltered, Charlotte feels suffocated by the strictures of upper-crust society. She longs to see the world beyond The Manor, to seek out high adventure—and most of all, romance.

Janie Seward: Fiery, hardworking, and clever, Janie knows she can be more than just a kitchen maid. But she isn’t sure she possesses the courage—or the means—to break free and follow her passions.

Both Charlotte and Janie are ready for change. As their paths overlap in the gilded hallways and dark corridors of The Manor, rules are broken and secrets are revealed. Secrets that will alter the course of their lives…forever.

Squeee!!! I can't wait to read Manor of Secrets which will be released January 28, 2014 by Scholastic.  

Thanks for stopping by my blog today and if you have a WoW pick this week make sure to leave me a link so I can stop by and check your pick!

Happy Reading!

XOXO

Review: Tarnish

Review: Tarnish by Katherine Longshore

Release Date: June 18, 2013
Publisher: Viking Juvenile
Source: ARC from publisher
Format: eARC
Pages: 448
Amazon  |  Goodreads

Anne Boleyn is the odd girl out. Newly arrived to the court of King Henry VIII, everything about her seems wrong, from her clothes to her manners to her witty but sharp tongue. So when the dashing poet Thomas Wyatt offers to coach her on how to shine at court—and to convince the whole court they’re lovers—she accepts. Before long, Anne’s popularity has soared, and even the charismatic and irresistible king takes notice. More than popularity, Anne wants a voice—but she also wants love. What began as a game becomes high stakes as Anne finds herself forced to make an impossible choice between her heart’s desire and the chance to make history.

I am a HUGE fan of historical fiction, and I'm always looking for a new book to devour in this genre. I have to be honest, and admit I was super hesitant when I picked up Tarnish by Katherine Longshore. I read the first book in this young adult series, Gilt, ready to fall in love and was very disappointed. Many, many people loved and adored Gilt, unfortunately I was not one of them. For some reason, maybe I was just in the mood for historical fiction, I picked up Tarnish. I am so glad I gave this book a shot because it was rock my socks incredible!!!

I think my dislike for Gilt had absolutely nothing to do with the author or her writing, but simply amounted to the fact that I apparently dislike Kitty aka Catherine Howard. Thankfully for me, Tarnish is all about the young Anne Boleyn as she arrives at the royal court. Everything about her from her clothes, her speech, and her looks stands out like a sore thumb, ( and not in a good way!) when all she wants to do is have these people like her.

I adored how the author wrote this story, and the characters, it was absolutely phenomenal! I could not put this down and read it like a desperate fiend! The writing and plot was clever and witty. Everything I look for in a historical fiction tale. The characters were rich and full of their own individual character and charm. Anne is the girl you love to hate. You admire her strong will and determination, and her penchant for speaking her mind, but hate her for just that! Her inability to bite her tongue, which you fear will get her in trouble in a big way. Then there is the clever poet, Thomas Wyatt, who my heart ached for, and the King himself!

This was a brilliantly written piece of young adult historical fiction, with all the classic elements that will hook you to your very core! I fell in love with Tarnish and am looking forward to more incredible books by Katherine Longshore!

Review: Plague In The Mirror

Plague In The Mirror by Deborah Noyes

Release Date: June 11, 2013
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Source: ARC Tour
Format: ARC
Pages: 272
Amazon  |   Goodreads

In a sensual paranormal romance, a teen girl’s doppelgänger from 1348 Florence lures her into the past in hopes of exacting a deadly trade.



It was meant to be a diversion — a summer in Florence with her best friend, Liam, and his travel-writer mom, doing historical research between breaks for gelato. A chance to forget that back in Vermont, May’s parents, and all semblance of safety, were breaking up. But when May wakes one night sensing someone in her room, only to find her ghostly twin staring back at her, normalcy becomes a distant memory. And when later she follows the menacing Cristofana through a portale to fourteenth-century Florence, May never expects to find safety in the eyes of Marco, a soulful painter who awakens in her a burning desire and makes her feel truly seen. The wily Cristofana wants nothing less of May than to inhabit each other’s lives, but with the Black Death ravaging Old Florence, can May’s longing for Marco’s touch be anything but madness? Lush with atmosphere both passionate and eerie, this evocative tale follows a girl on the brink of womanhood as she dares to transcend the familiar — and discovers her sensual power.

The premise to this book sounded so promising and I was ecstatic to get a chance at reading it. I wanted so desperately to like this book. I tried soooo hard to like it! The premise sounded amazing, and there was so much that could be done with it! The setting is a dream come true, but for some reason it just wasn't quite there for me.

Although I'm a fan of action books, I don't necessarily NEED a lot of action in a book. But I DO need a book to get somewhere and progress. For me that was really slow in this book. I didn't get sucked into the story like I thought I would've been. It was just kind of so so for me.

The story line had a lot of promise, but was very under developed. It lacked..something, although I can't quite put my finger on it. I kept hoping at some point I would get invested in it and I never really did. The parts with Marco, the soulful Italian painter, were incredible!!! But all the other parts without him were just really flat and I found myself giving up. 

I feel like this book has a lot of potential, it just needs more work and isn't quite there yet. For that reason, it was a Didn't Like/Didn't Finish for me. Love the idea behind it, and the setting! It just wasn't quite for me. Definitely will try this author again though! 

Review: Sky On Fire (Monument 14 #2)

Sky On Fire (Monument 14 #2) by Emmy Laybourne

Release Date: May 28, 2013
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Source: Purchased
Format: Hardcover
Pages: 212
Amazon  |  Goodreads

Trapped in a superstore by a series of escalating disasters, including a monster hailstorm and terrifying chemical weapons spill, brothers Dean and Alex learned how to survive and worked together with twelve other kids to build a refuge from the chaos. But then strangers appeared, destroying their fragile peace, and bringing both fresh disaster and a glimmer of hope.

Knowing that the chemical weapons saturating the air outside will turn him into a bloodthirsty rage monster, Dean decides to stay in the safety of the store with Astrid and some of the younger kids. But their sanctuary has already been breached once. . . .
Meanwhile, Alex, determined to find their parents, heads out into the darkness and devastation with Niko and some others in a recently repaired school bus. If they can get to Denver International Airport, they might be evacuated to safety. But the outside world is even worse than they expected. . . .

I fell in love with Monument 14, like HARD, so I was bouncing off the walls when Sky on Fire came out! I'm always nervous when I start a second book in a series. Will I remember everything? Will it be as good as the first? Do I need to go back and re-read the first book? Not a chance! I loved that the author, Emmy Laybourne, started off Sky On Fire with a little recap of the previous books events. It instantly brought me up to speed and all my thoughts and feelings from Monument 14 came back to me in a rush.

Sky On Fire is a continuation of the story that began in Monument 14, but yet it's somehow completely different. For one thing, the story is told from both Dean and Alex's point of view. I love reading the male point of view so this was like double the fun! In Sky on Fire the group is split up into 2 groups, those who stay in the superstore, and those who venture outside for help. I loved that we got a first hand point of view from each group, which made it totally fascinating to me!

Each chapter ends in a bit of cliffhanger, making you race through the next chapter and the other groups adventures, to find out what happens! There's a whole lot of action, suspense, shocking twists and so much more! While Monument 14 is still my favorite in this series, Sky On Fire was a really well written follow up that is hard to resist! I highly recommend this series to YA fans, especially those that can't get enough of the male point of view! Pick this one up, you will not be disappointed!

The 2013  Reading Road Trip is hosted by Britta at I Like These Books and Hafsah at Icey Books

Hi Y'all! Today's stop in the Reading Road Trip brings us to the wonderful state, and my home, Texas! Eeek!!! I love this big beautiful state so much, but of course, I might be a tad bit partial! hehe

Here are a few Cool Facts about the lone star state!

1. The King Ranch in Texas is bigger than the state of Rhode Island
2. Dr Pepper was invented in Waco texas in 1885 and is still produced here! Dublin Dr Pepper, still uses pure imperial cane sugar in its products.
3. Texas includes 267,339 square miles, or 7.4% of the nation's total area.
4.  Brazoria County (where I live!) has more species of birds than any other comparable area in North America.
5.  Jalapeno pepper jelly originated in Lake Jackson (where I was born!) and was first marketed in 1978.

Lingo

all swole up

proud and self-abosorbed.

chester drawers

           that piece of furniture you put your socks in.

come hell or high water

shows determination to proceed, regardless of the problems, obstacles, etc.

crusty

tough and/or bad tempered man, woman or horse.

fess up

admit.

fit to be tied

really upset.

fixins

food; the rest of the meal, excluding the main dish.

fixin' ta

getting ready to do something.

gully-washer

an extraordinary amount of rain.

howdy

How do you do?

nu-uh

no.

over yonder

a directional phrase meaning "over there."

whole nuther thing

soemthing else entirely

Pronunciation

Now, if you're gonna say things Texans say, you've got to be sure to get the pronunciation right. Here's the biggest tip I can give you. In Texas, the "g" in the suffix "ing" is silent. Thus, "fixing to" becomes "fixin' to." You get the idea!

Texas is home to some pretty fabulous YA Authors, here's a list of a few of my favorites:

• Mary Lindsey
• C.C. Hunter
• Sophie Jordan

Giveaway

I will be giving away an ARC of Reboot by Amy Tintera. This is a YA Dystopian that takes place in the Republic of Texas and I LOVE it!!! So I thought I'd share it with ya'll!!! Make sure to enter the rafflecopter and a winner will be chosen on Monday. Good luck and happy reading! :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway