ARC Review: Monsters (+ Giveaway!)

Title: Monsters
Author: Ilsa J. Bick
Category/Genre: YA, Apocalyptic, Horror
Expected Release: September 10th


See it at Goodreads


The Changed are on the move. The Spared are out of time. The End...is now.

When her parents died, Alex thought things couldn't get much worse-until the doctors found the monster in her head.

She headed into the wilderness as a good-bye, to leave everything behind. But then the end of the world happened, and Alex took the first step down a treacherous road of betrayal and terror and death.

Now, with no hope of rescue-on the brink of starvation in a winter that just won't quit-she discovers a new and horrifying truth.

The Change isn't over.
The Changed are still evolving.
And...they've had help.

With this final volume of The Ashes Trilogy, Ilsa J. Bick delivers a riveting, blockbuster finish, returning readers to a brutal, post-apocalyptic world where no one is safe and hope is in short supply.

A world where, from these ashes, the monsters may rise.



Now I have come to the conclusion of the Ashes trilogy. I am saddened by this. I kept my pacing timed so that I could savor the finale. Obviously, you’re gathering from these sentences that this trilogy is a favorite. I don’t think I’ve loved a set of books so deeply in years. And maybe that’s saying something. It stacks against my love of Vampire Academy, Harry Potter, Daughter of Smoke & Bone, Hunger Games, and Wicked Lovely. It’s on my shelf of life-long favorites and there to stay.

I have to admit, though, that this conclusion had bumps in the road and this was where I had no problem with my own pacing goals. These bumps caused me to get a little bored during some moments, to be honest, and some areas I felt like it may have been too much of an info-dump or too much unnecessary detail to just add more pages to the already long (821 pages to be exact) installment. A small issue, but something I thought to mention nonetheless.

Readers who don’t like multiple characters and/or several character view points, might possibly be turned off yet again. To remind you of Shadows: it’d been written the same way, changing up from the way Ashes had been (Ashes having been generally in only or mostly Alex’s POV). However, once again, I adore this style. I love love love the multiple characters and getting to see what is going on with each one after I’ve come to know them. Particularly because Bick gives them life and personality. She makes me loathe some. She makes me love some. One character, that I shouldn’t name because I’m trying to avoid spoilers in this review, is a character that made such a unique impact on me I’m likely to remember that one for the rest of my life.

There’s really so much more I’d like to ramble on and on about but I’m afraid to give away even the tiniest spoiler that those who’ve read even Ashes and Shadows might not appreciate. Shadows had left off with lots of unanswered questions as to character situations, etc. and if I so much as to mention particular scenarios in Monsters, it could give something away unfortunately. Ack. It’s always so hard to refrain from just gushing about books like a starry-eyed fanatic when you really want. The love. THE FEELS IT GIVES ME.

The details are fantastic. It feels like I’m reading and watching a movie right in front of me. After I finished, I was even internally asking “Why can’t these be movies?!” Yes, it gets graphic and gory and like with the last two books I probably cried more for the animals when there was any mention of that (these are zombie-like creatures, so keep it in mind that there is a good deal of death--animal and human--at times) because I always have a soft spot when it comes down to loss of animals in a book or movie. Ack. But the gore in the long run, the “zombies”… it’s not the deep part of the story. There are messages throughout… about humanity and life… and they’re heavy, and make you really think.

At the beginning, it’s an immediate go into the action from the end of Shadows. So if it’s been some time since you’d read the books, you might want a quick little refresher if your memory isn’t quite up to speed with it. That’s another thing I did enjoy… I wasn’t bogged down by a lot of beginning repetitive info that can tend to be tossed in with some series installments. I feel like something like that shouldn’t usually be worried about, and just to go right into the action/story of that installment in most cases. Obviously if the reader is picking up that installment, they’d read the others, am I right? Ha! K, mini rant over. :P

Where I felt the start had been strong and propelled me through well over half of the book (until I hit a few various ‘bumps’ as mentioned above), I found the ending on the weak side--a tad disappointing to be the ending to the trilogy--and left me yelling at the book for MORE. Even though I know I won’t get more. Sad. I still had to take half a star because of the ending though. My biggest reasoning was that the buildup of the big ending didn’t have quite the KA-POW as I’d expected. Lot of tension. Lot of action to get the suspense and excitement built, but when it came to it at the end, it was over so fast. And then some other things felt open-ended, leaving me to thoughts. And I can’t sit here and voice them or ask questions because there would be spoilers! Ah! Otherwise it would’ve been a straight 5-star read. Which would’ve been my first full 5-star set. Ever. (Ashes and Shadows were both rated at 5) No big, of course! It’s still one of my most highest-rated, and I’m usually telling everyone I know to read the books, even when it’s not their thing. =D

Oh goodness. You see? You see what these books do to me?! I can’t stop talking once I start. I love them.

　

This is one pre-apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic thrill of a ride I’ll never forget.

 


　

　

　

Like/Love the Ashes trilogy as much as I do and want to win an ARC of Monsters? Well if you’re in the US (sorry international =( the shipping…ack. Maybe a special giveaway coming for you guys later this year, though!) and want this ARC of Monsters, enter with the raffle copter form below!

13+ older (with parental permission)
U.S. only
Ends 8/18/13




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Interview: Ben H. Winters (Countdown City Blog Tour) + Giveaway

(Technically a post for Tuesday, July 2nd. May be dated as July 1st as I'm posting it just a couple hours shy of midnight.)

Today we have author Ben H. Winters joining us on the blog to share more about himself and his trilogy, The Last Policeman. I was provided the first and second book from Quirk Books to be part of this tour, and I'm excited to take part and have him join us!

Welcome!

The Last Policeman               Countdown City

Pixie: Let’s get one of the usual questions out of the way first. What inspired the idea behind The Last Policeman trilogy?

Ben: I had been interested for a while in doing a mystery novel, and specifically in doing detective fiction. A novel I wrote for kids, called The Secret Life of Ms. Finkleman, was nominated in 2010 for the Edgar Award, and I hadn’t even really thought of that book as a mystery—it’s a fun and silly romp, with a secret at its heart. So I suddenly began thinking, hey, you know what? I think this is what I am, I’m a mystery writer! And I was pleased. The end-of-the-world aspect came into it later. I guess I was curious about how I could take on this basic set up—man seeks murderer—in an unexpected way. I loved the bigness of the apocalypse, the sense of scale it gives to the whole story. Although I hope that part of what’s engaging about the Policeman books is that all of that, all that armageddon business, is very much in the background; where our interest lies is where Hank’s does, which is the business of solving the crimes.

Pixie: What would YOU do in the case of an impending apocalypse?

Ben: Every time someone asks this, I wish I were a flashier kind of personality, and I could claim I would go hang-gliding, or travel around the world and so on. In truth, I think I would do the things I love, as much as possible: read, be with my wife and kids, eat ice-cream sandwiches.

(Pixie: Ice-cream sandwiches sound really nice, btw.)

Pixie: A quirky question: If it was your last night on Earth, what would you like to be your last meal?

Ben: Well, I know the beverage would be a Brooklyn lager, and dessert would be ice-cream sandwiches. (And not to rain on the parade of the question, of course, but as we learn in The Last Policeman and especially in Countdown City, the reality of an impending apocalypse would severely disrupt agricultural production and global supply chains, meaning it would probably be hard for everyone to get ahold of all the luxuries they would want to enjoy at the end.)

Pixie: You wrote some “Monster Mash-ups” like Sense & Sensibility & Sea Monsters and Android Karenina. Do you see any more work like this in the future for you?

Ben: Probably not. Those two books were extremely fun to do, but I have found even more pleasure in writing books from scratch, as it were. 

Pixie: Speaking of future work, I know that we have book three of The Last Policeman coming sometime in the near future, but do you have any other projects in the works that you can talk about?

Ben: Actually, yes—I have written two books of scary poems for kids, the first of which is called Literally Disturbed and comes out this summer, published by Grosset and Dunlap, a Penguin imprint. A great joy to write, and a project that obviously taps into a very different part of my brain than the Policeman series.

(Pixie: Sounds exciting! I bet my youngest step-daughter—a growing bookworm herself would like that, too!)

Pixie: Who are some of your favorite authors? Books that you would recommend?

Ben: Recently I’ve been reading a lot of crime novels, including re-reading the always delightful Ripley series by Patricia Highsmith. In terms of new fiction, you should read The Unknowns, the debut novel by a guy named Gabriel Roth, which is remarkable—clever and sad and very gracefully written. Speaking of which, my fellow Indianapolis-based author Michael Dahlie’s book, The Best of Youth, is a remarkable character portrait and also funny as hell. Oh, and I also just read A Light Between Oceans, which really swallowed me up for a while.

Pixie: Anything else you want to add?

Ben: Only thank you for your interest in me and in my books!

Pixie: Thank you for taking the time to be here today! Be sure to drop by again!

P.S. I hope you know you kept me up all night after reading Bedbugs with creepy crawly feelings. Ha!

 

Be sure to check out Ben H. Winters on Goodreads, too.

 

 

Would you like to win The Last Policeman and Countdown City (the first two books in this exciting trilogy?) Check out the details below!

What’s the point in solving murders if we’re all going to die soon, anyway?

Detective Hank Palace has faced this question ever since asteroid 2011GV1 hovered into view. There’s no chance left. No hope. Just six precious months until impact.

The Last Policeman presents a fascinating portrait of a pre-apocalyptic United States. The economy spirals downward while crops rot in the fields. Churches and synagogues are packed. People all over the world are walking off the job—but not Hank Palace. He’s investigating a death by hanging in a city that sees a dozen suicides every week—except this one feels suspicious, and Palace is the only cop who cares.

The first in a trilogy, The Last Policeman offers a mystery set on the brink of an apocalypse. As Palace’s investigation plays out under the shadow of 2011GV1, we’re confronted by hard questions way beyond “whodunit.” What basis does civilization rest upon? What is life worth? What would any of us do, what would we really do, if our days were numbered?

 

See it at Goodreads

Until the 26th of this month, I have a giveaway up that you want to enter if you're the slightest bit interested in these books. Here's your chance to win the first AND second book-- The Last Policeman and Countdown City, and see what it's all about!

Rules:

U.S. Only (Sorry, my international lovelies!)
As with all of my contests, I'm not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged packages.
Don't try to cheat the system. I check before I draw a winner.
Speaking of winner, if the chosen one doesn't reply back in a timely manner to email (48 hours), I have the right to choose a new one.
18 or over--or 13 and up with parental permission.

Thanks! Enter below with the Rafflecopter form!


 

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The Bookaholic's Two Year Blogoversary Giveaway!

Welcome to the celebration! I've been blogging now for two years, and the only best way I can think of to celebrate this wonderful milestone is to give away some books. ^_^  This is probably one of my favorite giveaways to date, because it's going to include choices from many of my favorites from the time I started blogging. I just thought that this was the best way I could do this...I've shared my loves through reviews, and I want to give you all the chance to experience one of my faves for yourselves. I also have to say that I've read many amazing books in the last two years. There were a lot more I wanted to put on this list, but I had to shorten it. It still ended up a bit long. :p

As an added bonus: I'm including choices for a chance to win a pre-order of an upcoming summer release. The choices are some of my most anticipated as well, and when I place the order, I'm placing mine too. :P

Here's the rundown....

There's going to be TWO winners! The Grandprize gets one book (of their choice) from my list of faves/much-loved books AND a pre-order of an upcoming summer release of their choice from the options below. Second place can choose to either pick one book from my list of much-loved books or a pre-order.

So let's get to the books, shall we? (and this is going to be a list!)

Much-loved books-- Choice of one, or if it's from a series and they prefer to have book one, two, etc. may choose that---



Masque of Red Death
Warm Bodies
Ultraviolet (or Quicksilver)
Touch of Power (or Scent of Magic)
Under the Never Sky or Through the Ever Night *I have not read TTEN yet, but UTNS is one of my faves!*
The Indigo Spell (or any of the previous Bloodlines books)
The Fault in Our Stars
The Archived
Stormdancer
Shadows
Days of Blood & Starlight
Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Vol. 1
Pandemonium
Vortex
Just One Day
Scarlet

Pre-Order Choices**:


    In The After
Gameboard of the Gods
The 5th Wave
Dance of the Red Death
Born of Illusion
Ashes on the Waves


**If pre-order is not available at time of giveaway closing, please be aware that I would still definitely get your choice title ordered at least within the date of release this summer, or you could choose a different title in exchange.**

*All links lead to the book's Goodreads page.*

You don't have to be a follower to enter. Though it's nice! ;)
One email per household (in other words, no cheating the system for more entries).
It's international! Wherever The Book Depository ships. So yes, my international friends, you can enter! <3
Winner(s) must contact me back within 48 hours in order to claim prize. If not, I reserve the right to pick a new winner. Ends March 26th, so plenty of time to enter!


Have fun! And thanks so much for a great two years!

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Blog Tour: Uses For Boys

Title: Uses For Boys
Author: Erica Lorraine Scheidt
Genre/Category: New Adult, Contemporary, YA
Release Date: January 15th

See it at Goodreads


Anna remembers a time before boys, when she was little and everything made sense. When she and her mom were a family, just the two of them against the world. But now her mom is gone most of the time, chasing the next marriage, bringing home the next stepfather. Anna is left on her own—until she discovers that she can make boys her family. From Desmond to Joey, Todd to Sam, Anna learns that if you give boys what they want, you can get what you need. But the price is high—the other kids make fun of her; the girls call her a slut. Anna's new friend, Toy, seems to have found a way around the loneliness, but Toy has her own secrets that even Anna can't know.

Then comes Sam. When Anna actually meets a boy who is more than just useful, whose family eats dinner together, laughs, and tells stories, the truth about love becomes clear. And she finally learns how it feels to have something to lose—and something to offer. Real, shocking, uplifting, and stunningly lyrical, Uses for Boys is a story of breaking down and growing up.


About the Author:

When Erica was a kid all she did was write. She dropped out of high school and attended the Jack Kerouac School of Disembodied Poetics at Naropa University where she was surrounded by writers and artists.

But then, in Erica's early twenties, she got a job. She worked hard at that job for 15 years and didn't write a word.

Then this happened: Erica walked into a bookstore and bought two books by Francesca Lia Block. No particular reason, she just liked their covers. Then Erica read everything Francesca wrote. She read all the YA she could. She still does. Erica think's the world that happens between 13 and 17 is everything.

She quit her job. Studied writing. And then spent three and a half years writing Uses for Boys. Now she's working on a new novel and it's like falling down a hole. Writing her first novel taught her nothing about writing the next one.

Official Site | Twitter

My USES FOR BOYS Playlist

 









Want to see other stops for the tour? Check them out HERE!


Also, I believe I forgot to mention one more detail.... There's a tour-wide giveaway. Be sure to check out the Rafflecopter form below for details. :)




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ARC Review: Just One Day (+Giveaway!)

Title: Just One Day
Author: Gayle Forman
Genre: YA Contemporary
Release Date: January 8th


See it at Goodreads


A breathtaking journey toward self-discovery and true love, from the author of If I Stay

When sheltered American good girl Allyson "LuLu" Healey first meets laid-back Dutch actor Willem De Ruiter at an underground performance of Twelfth Night in England, there’s an undeniable spark. After just one day together, that spark bursts into a flame, or so it seems to Allyson, until the following morning, when she wakes up after a whirlwind day in Paris to discover that Willem has left. Over the next year, Allyson embarks on a journey to come to terms with the narrow confines of her life, and through Shakespeare, travel, and a quest for her almost-true-love, to break free of those confines.

Just One Day is the first in a sweepingly romantic duet of novels. Willem’s story—Just One Year—is coming soon!


I had to take quite a bit of time to gather all of my thoughts together for this one. It was just that good…and that emotional.

Just One Day was one of those reads that the moment you start from the first line, you KNOW it’s going to be special. It’s like all the breath rushes out of you from the first sentence, and then you’re glued to the pages because you can’t stop reading--you won’t stop reading--until you find out what it is about the book that suddenly has you in its grasp. Then you meet the characters, see their world, share their moments.

This book took control of me. Once I started reading, I couldn’t stop. I found myself immersed into Allyson’s adventure in the beginning. The feelings that jumped from the pages were electric, and the emotions through the rest of the book were heart-wrenching.

Reading the synopsis above, you may think it’s going to be about some lovey-dovey, cheesy Shakespearean-themed romance. It’s not. This is more about tragic loss and need. The need to find oneself. Love lost and cherished. Adventure. Memories. It’s deep and thought-provoking. These characters and the messages throughout will grab at your heart. I still can’t properly form my thoughts as to how much I loved this book.

I’m looking forward to the companion, Just One Year, when I can revisit some of the characters-as well as Willem to get his story. Also, quite obviously, I need to definitely read more of Forman’s work.







Want a chance to win my ARC of Just One Day?

US/Can only!

Use the Rafflecopter form below to enter!


 
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Giveaway: The Archived!

 

 

I still can’t believe it’s December. Geeeesh.


Anyways, on that note, I’m holding quite a special little giveaway here. What am I giving, you ask? Well, next month is January. And one of my very favorite books that I had the pleasure of reading early gets released finally. I absolutely can’t wait to pick it up!

So, with that:

I’m giving away my ARC copy of THE ARCHIVED by Victoria Schwab!

On an even more excited note, the contest ends on the 28th of December, so you should still get it in the mail before the finished copies hit shelves.

You guys, I have to admit it. I struggled a bit with the idea of giving this one away because it’s just so goooood. You know how you get these special books, and you want to own every edition that you can? Yeah…well that’s me with The Archived. I just love it so much. But I promise I’m being good and sharing by passing it on. :P

If you haven’t seen my review for The Archived, check it out here.


The rules are simple:

U.S. only (sorry my international followers!)
13+ (with parental permission)
You don’t have to be a follower of The Bookaholic, but it’s appreciated.
The winner must respond back within 48 hours or I will draw a new one.
Don’t try to cheat the system. I do check.
Have fun and good luck! You really don’t want to miss out on this book!



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Interview w/ Marta Acosta + Giveaway

Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of reading Dark Companion by Marta Acosta. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and then found myself adoring Ms. Acosta just as much (well, more of course!). I knew I had to bring her on the blog and finally have. I didn't have to threaten her or anything. :O  Haha.. just teasing. :P

So today, I have a treat. A lovely interview with Marta, and to top it all off--a fantastic giveaway that you'll find at the bottom! Hope you enjoy!

First off, thanks so much for being on the blog with us today!

Thanks for inviting me here, Pixie, especially after I made some snarky pixie comment in a book and you called me on it!

Quick! What are you thinking right now? (those who have read Dark Companion would get this reference)

I am thinking “I am so behind on all my work!” I’m trying to catch up on all the emails I had to let sit in my inbox while finishing a book for a new editor. It’s a big secret, but maybe not for long. Thanks for the nod to Mary Violet.

What inspired you to write Dark Companion?  Could you tell us a bit about how the idea came to be?

I’ve always loved Charlotte Bronte’s Jane Eyre and other gothic stories, and I wanted to write a modern story with gothic conventions: the poor orphan, the isolated and strange setting, sinister secrets, rich people who have dark desires, and the natural world having an important role. Dark Companion isn’t an update of Jane Eyre, which is perfect as it is, but I tried to capture a little of the mood.

Did you write any of your characters based on real people you know?

No, and that’s why I call it fiction! I just make up the characters. They become more developed as I think about them.

What inspired your main names? Mary Violet, Jane, Jack…

A good friend has a sister named Mary Violet. I’ve never met her and I have no idea what she’s like, but I fell in love with the name and saved it for just the right character. Jane is named in honor of Jane Eyre. Initially Jack’s name was Edward, for Edward Rochester, but then another Edward became very famous, so I changed the name. I promised a pal at a party that I’d named a character after him, and he’s Jacob, aka Jack. My pal Jack isn’t like my fictional Jack, except that they both have a sense of humor.

Is there a sequel to be expected?

I’m working on a story featuring Mary Violet for a proposed gothic mystery series. The first book is tentatively titled Mary Violet and the Mystery of the Silent Songbird. Mary Violet is invited to an ancient poetess’s decrepit mansion to help curate her papers. While she’s there, MV experiences ghostly happenings and uncovers clues to an unsolved mystery. She also meets some supercute guys and writes poetry.

Any other upcoming writing projects?

Please see above! Also I have a top secret book coming out in June 2013. I’m not at liberty to discuss it yet, but it’s funny. At least, I think it’s funny. In fact, I think it’s awesome.

Now I want to know about YOU!

 

Where are you from?

I was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, where I still live. We have great moderate weather – leave the doors and windows open every day of the year sort of weather. The downside is earthquakes.

If you couldn’t write, what would you be doing instead?

I would be reading. If I had any practical skills, I’d be an electrician. Then I could fix things around my house. I don’t have practical skills, so I have been a publicist for nonprofits. I loved doing that.

Favorite books/authors?

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

Persuasion by Jane Austen

A Confederacy of Dunces by John Kennedy Toole

Middlemarch by George Elliot

The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

 

What’s your biggest pet peeve?

That I only get one pet peeve. I have a kazillion peeves. I’m very peevish. I walk around the house grumbling, “I am so annoyed.” It’s my mantra.

Angel or Spike?

Spike in Buffy, but Angel in Angel. Well, I like Angel better in his series, but it’s always Spike with me. Always a trashed out car, surly attitude, and cranked up sound system blasting punk.

Dean or Sam?

It used to be Dean, but I love me some Evil Sammy. He was so much more interesting without a soul.

If you could become immortal (turned into a vampire, some kind of supernatural being, etc.), would you?

Good question. I might, but I’m afraid I’d be even more annoyed with people. I’m sure that I’d eventually use my immortality for evil, not for good, so I’d probably decide to spare humanity and decline the offer.

Scenario: You get the chance to bring one of your characters to life. Which one and why?

Milagro! I love Milagro from my Casa Dracula series and I’d love to be her friend. I created her from aspects of my favorite characters and her good-natured enthusiasm would cheer me out of my peevishness. I miss her quite a bit and think about writing a story or two featuring Mil and her new husband. They’d be like Nick and Nora Charles of the Thin Man series – lots of cocktail parties and murders to solve, but with paranormal creatures.

Quick! What are you thinking now?

I’m feeling that I’m betraying Mary Violet by choosing Milagro, but MV has lots of friends and a big loving family. She doesn’t need me as much.

Thanks so much for joining me on the blog and answering my questions!

Thanks so much for inviting me to be here and to be so patient in getting my answers! I know everyone talks about how bad pixies are, but I think you’re proof that pixies can be good. Well, goodish!

Anything else you would like to add?

Blah blah website blah Twitter and blah blog!

 

 

Now for an additional treat. Marta and her team of awesome peeps are providing a hardcopy of Dark Companion to one lucky person. It’s U.S. only, though. Sorry! But be sure to enter below! It’s a great read. Here’s a link to my review from earlier this year in case you’d missed it.

Giveaway time! Rules are simple:

U.S. only
13+
You don’t have to be a follower (but you can if you want!)
Ends on 10/21/12

Enter in the Rafflecopter form below!




 

 

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Valkyrie Rising Blog Tour: Review + Giveaway

Title: Valkyrie Rising
Author: Ingrid Paulson
Genre: Fantasy, Mythology, YA

See it at Goodreads

Nothing ever happens in Norway. But at least Ellie knows what to expect when she visits her grandmother: a tranquil fishing village and long, slow summer days. And maybe she’ll finally get out from under the shadow of her way-too-perfect big brother, Graham, while she’s there.

What Ellie doesn’t anticipate is Graham’s infuriating best friend, Tuck, tagging along for the trip. Nor did she imagine boys going missing amid rumors of impossible kidnappings. Least of all does she expect something powerful and ancient to awaken in her and that strange whispers would urge Ellie to claim her place among mythological warriors. Instead of peace and quiet, there’s suddenly a lot for a girl from L.A. to handle on a summer sojourn in Norway! And when Graham vanishes, it’s up to Ellie—and the ever-sarcastic, if undeniably alluring Tuck—to uncover the truth about all the disappearances and thwart the nefarious plan behind them.

Deadly legends, hidden identities, and tentative romance swirl together in one girl’s unexpectedly-epic coming of age.

Visit Ingrid Paulson at her site.


I’ve always been big into mythology stories. Just adore them. There’s something special about how you can take these amazing legends and stories that have been passed down through the centuries and twist them around in so many different ways. Valkyrie Rising isn’t any different there, and it’s refreshing and beautiful.

Now, I do admit that I’ve never been real into the Norse mythology area. Normally, I like Celtic and Egyptian mythology. I’ve also enjoyed some of the typical Greek mythology--but to be honest, I see so much of that in literature, that I’ve been waiting to pick up something that’s just seemingly new. I immediately felt that with this book and I was smiling like a kid in a candy shop (or maybe just feeling that high you get when you pick up a book you know will be good) from the first page. Paulson has made a fan out of me. I want more Norse mythology now. And after the amazingly gorgeous descriptions, I want to go to Norway SOON.

Ellie and Graham’s sibling bond strikes me to the core. I love, love, love seeing strong sibling relationships in books. I relate to them. I have a brother myself. I felt for Ellie when she was fighting for Graham. I would go to great lengths like that as well, and I’m glad that her reactions to events and emotions around her were realistic. He was always protecting her, but when it came to her turn to protect him, she didn’t hesitate. Ellie was a fighter, confident, and a good leader. Though had her small flaws as well. There were times she wanted to give up. She was scared. She continued to push herself. I also liked that she was hesitant and thought things through first, rather than just constantly jump ahead recklessly. She wasn't a stereotypical female character for sure.

Oh Tuck. Tuck. Tuck. Tuck. Well…what to say about him? He is exactly the idea of a girl’s swoon-worthy crush. The brother’s best friend. And it just so happens that he travels to Norway with Ellie and Graham, and ends up on the adventure with Ellie. Lovely. Of course, this makes things a bit predictable, but I really enjoyed seeing the relationship slowly build between him and Ellie while they were on the rescue mission for her brother. It’s quite obvious from the very beginning he cares for her, and will protect her, just as much as he cares for his best friend. I liked this development. It wasn’t insta-love because they’d all grown up together. They were starting to see each other in a new light. And in reality, this happens. Paulson did an excellent job developing all of the characters, their traits, and growing relationships. I also really liked Ellie’s grandmother--who was protective and fierce, though gentle and caring.

You guys, I sat down to read this book and I finished within a matter of a few hours because I could not stop reading. I could just talk and talk about this book. I really could. There’s so much I could continue saying.

Like for example: There were these kick-ass beings called Valkyries. Not being too familiar with Norse mythology, I found them extremely fascinating. I think I could compare them to sirens or succubi in a weird sort of way. They attracted young males with their otherworldly beauty and would steal them away. Now I just want more. More, more, more.

There are surprising twists throughout. It’s unique. It’s fantastical.

I think it’s a stand-alone? Which is awesome. I love stand-alones just as much as I do series books. But here's the thing: for once, I really wish there was a sequel in the works for this one. The ending was left a bit open-ended, though well resolved, and could easily turn into a fun and much loved series. I think I just wanted more Tuck and Ellie. Le sigh. Either way, I'll keep my eye out on future work of Ms. Paulson. I'm sure to love anything else.  ^^

It wasn’t long enough!! That’s the only thing where I felt like it hurt me. I wanted it to be longer. I know...repeat..but I just can't get over it. I've waited a while now to share my thoughts on it, and since finishing the book, I can't stop thinking about it. It really struck me. I don't find many in this genre that can stick out like that. I remember texting a friend halfway through reading with these exact words: "Holy hell, you HAVE to read this book the first chance you get!"

I loved the romance and the tension and the suspense.

Valkyrie Rising is a definite must-read.

 






　

Below is a giveaway. It’s tour wide and can be found through every stop-- be sure to enter below for your chance to win!
 


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My Rockstar is Tiffany Truitt (Authors Are Rockstars) *Interview + Giveaway*

“Stories enabled you to forget your life and your limits. They urged you to reach for a world that was never meant to be yours. There was nothing more dangerous than an imagination.” --Chosen Ones



There are rare occasions in our lifetimes when we come across books that touch our hearts so deeply that we know from the start we won’t forget them. We follow the authors’ updates and events, read everything they release/will release, and connect with their characters on a personal level. We laugh and cry with the characters. We laugh and cry and cheer on the authors. These are our gems as readers. These are the authors we look for. These are our rockstars.

I was graced with Chosen Ones earlier this year, first as part of the cover reveal, then a short time later for early review. You can find my glowing 5-star review here. Even through all of the books I’ve read so far this year, it’s still at the top of my list as one of my favorites--not just for the 2012, but for all time.
(Note: the ARC review was never edited with the later changed release date--which had been in June--and still has the original expected April set date on it, I believe.)

Tiffany Truitt is my Rockstar. The rare gem I’m always looking for that touched my heart. Chosen Ones is an unforgettable read. I’m happy to be Ms. Truitt’s cheerleader (and her characters’) always!

I’m so honored to not only be a part of the Authors Are Rockstars event, but to host the fantastic author Tiffany Truitt here at The Bookaholic today as well. Be sure to read the wonderful interview below and enter the giveaway for your chance to win an e-book of Chosen Ones!

Thank you for joining us today! I've been excited since I found out. Bouncing in my chair a little bit over here. ^.^

I am so excited to be part of this event!  Even more stoked that I got a super awesome host J

Could you tell us about Chosen Ones (for any of those who haven’t had the pleasure of reading yet) and what inspired this idea?

I am a huge nerd. I like to listen to movie and television scores while driving. The idea just came to me on a drive one day. I don’t know what inspired it, but I just went with it. To be fair, the story has changed a lot since I first started working on it.

Chosen Ones is a YA novel which mashes together the Dystopian genre with elements of Victorian literature. It explores the idea of cloning and what it means to be human.

Did anyone you know in real life somewhat take play into the creating of your characters? Do you have anything in common with Tess?

I don’t think I consciously based any of my characters on people I know. Subconsciously? No doubt. Most writers don’t live in secluded cabins in the woods, so they are inspired by the people they choose to be around. I’m pretty lucky to spend my time with some pretty crazy and passionate people. They inspire me every day.

I think I have more difference than similarities when it comes to Tess. I think we share a lot of similar political beliefs and interests…and we’re both really stubborn…darn, maybe we are more alike than I thought. While I was editing this novel, I was in sort of a dark place myself, so that might have slipped into the character of Tess. But I like her much more by the end of the book than the start. I like to think I am more like that version of Tess. 

I also like the many messages and thoughts regarding Chosen Ones and Naturals, rebellion, and being true to yourself. Was it your intention to put out a strong message through symbolism and the ideas from the start?  What age range would you personally recommend the book for?

No. I never intended to create a book with an overt message. This is partly because as an avid reader I know the reader will construct any meaning that he or she desires without any regard to the author’s intentions. Did it turn into a book with an overt message? I think so. What that message is I’ll let the reader decide.

Chosen Ones ends on quite the cliffhanger. Jaw-dropping. Are you allowed to give information away on the sequel yet (Title? Expected Date?)? How many books will there be in the series?

The series will be a trilogy. The next book, The Naturals, will be out in Spring 2013. While I can’t tell you much, I can say Tess will get to explore a whole new world. And the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

Do you have any other upcoming projects to look for in the future?

I am in the middle of edits on a YA / Contemp for my agent. I am having a ball working on it. It’s super snarky and fun. I really hope it gets published.

Now for the fun questions!

Where are you from?

I like to say Illinois because that’s where I was born and where my family resides…but I have spent most of my life living in Virginia. Navy Brat.

If you couldn’t write, what would you be doing?

Realistic answer? Teacher (my current job). Dream job? Television writer for a J.J Abrams show.

Favorite food:

I LOVE sides. Mash taters. Green beans. Macaroni. Yummmy. Also, do we consider coffee a food??

Summer or Winter:

I love both. Winter is great because I get to wear fun hats and scarves. Summer is great because I get time off to travel. I like to make the best of all seasons.

Favorite authors:

Jane Austen. Thomas Hardy. Shakespeare.

Do you like hugs from strangers (i.e. fans giving you hugs at book signings)?

Can we settle for a side hug? I am big on personal bubbles. I don’t do enclosed spaces. Last weekend, I got stuck in a stampede at Lollapalooza. I had to be pulled out and brought to the medical tent. Space is good.

Thank you so much for being at the blog today. You ARE a rockstar, one of MY rockstars, and a fabulous author!

About Chosen Ones

The Lost Souls, book 1 available now from Entangled Publishing!

I pushed down a key. The hair on the back of my neck shot up, and my skin tingled.

I imagined this was what it felt like to fall in love.

In that moment, I was ready to fall.

Life is bleak but uncomplicated for Tess, living in a not-too-distant future where the government, faced with humanity’s extinction, created the Chosen Ones, artificial beings who are extraordinarily beautiful, unbelievably strong, and unabashedly deadly.

When Tess begins work at Templeton, a Chosen Ones training facility, she meets James, and the attraction is immediate in its intensity, overwhelming in its danger. But there is more to Templeton than Tess ever knew. Can she stand against her oppressors, even if it means giving up the only happiness in her life?

Order your copy of Chosen Ones at Amazon | B&N

About Tiffany Truitt

Tiffany Truitt is an 8th grade English teacher in Suffolk, Virginia. When she’s not traveling the world, she enjoys reading, writing, and obsessing over coffee. Lost Souls: Chosen Ones is her first novel. Find out more about Tiffany Truitt at her Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads

Want a chance to win an e-book of Chosen Ones? Entangled Publishing will provide one copy to a lucky winner! Enter below in the Rafflecopter form--it's easy! And trust me...if you haven't read this book yet, it's a  definite must. ;)

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**I want to thank Tiffany Truitt again for the visit, Entangled Publishing for the giveaway, and the awesome hosts, authors, and other participating bloggers for the fantastic event. Be sure to visit the other stops by clicking on the tour banner at the top of the post.**