Wishing for a Siren's Secret...

I really enjoyed The Shapeshifters Secret by Heather Ostler and have been looking forward to the next adventure in the series. 
The Sieren's Secret  (The Shapeshifters Secret) will be released from Cedar Fort Publishing on June 11, 2013. 

Julia's life has gone from complicated to nearly impossible! When Julia loses her shapeshifting powers and her appearance changes in alarming ways, she flees to Sirenity, where she learns an incredible secret about her mother. In this thrilling sequel, Julia must take greater risks and make bigger sacrifices as she discovers who she really is and what she can really become.

It's difficult to find excellent YA books that are clean reads. The Shapeshifters Secret was full of magic, first loves and self discovery - all key ingredients to a great book. Read my interview with Terrence and Caleb of The Shapeshifters secret here. And if you haven't read The Shapeshifters Secret I suggest getting it read by June 11, so you can be ready for Julia's next adventure.

Utah Author Events May 14-31 2013

If you are unable to attend an event at The Kings English Bookshop you can call and order an autographed copy. The Kings English also ships if you are out of state and attendance is just impossible. Give them a call at 801-484-9100.

*****

May 14, 7:00 PM @ Kings English Bookshop SLC

Margaret Stohl in conversation with Ally Condie, Shannon Hale, and Stephanie Perkins.  Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of Icons from The King's English.    ***** May 14, 7:00 Pm @ Kings English Bookshop SLC Lisa Trimble Actor will read from and sign her new book Rebel Riders. ***** May 15, 7:00PM @ Kings English Bookshop SLC Laura Anderson will sign The Boleyn King, the first book in her enthralling trilogy set in Tudor England. ***** May 15, 7:00 PM @ Provo City Library 
Margaret Stohl and Stephanie Perkins will be speaking, reading from and signing their books. This is a free event and open to the public. 
 
***** May 16, 7:00 PM @ Kings English Bookshop SLC Josh Farrar will sign for his new middle age book A Song For Bijou.  ***** May 17, 7:00 PM at Provo City Library Gail Carson Levine will be speaking  and after the address she will be available for book signings. Gail Carson Levine is the author of Ella Enchanted. If you cannot make it to the event you can order autographed copies by calling the Kings English Bookshop at 801 484 9100.  This event is free and open to the public. Books will be for sale at the event courtesy of The King's English. 
***** May 18, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM @ Provo City Library Children's Book Festival Activities include, face painting, crafts, fortune teller, treats, games, and live owls. This event is free and seating is limited so arrive early. The first 500 kids will get a free book. For more information go here:  ***** May 21, 7:00 PM @ Kings English Bookshop SLC Natalie Whipple will be presenting her debut YA novel Transparent. This is a luanch party than includes a reading, book signing and refreshments.  Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of Transparent from The King's English.  ***** May 22, 7:00 PM @ Kings English Bookshop SLC Rachel Hawkins will be reading and signing for her new book School Spirits.  Places in the signing line are reserved for those who purchase a copy of School Spirits from The King's English.  *****   

Tremble By Jus Accardo: Book Review, Blog Tour and Sneak Peak!

Dez Cross has problems. She’s almost eighteen and on the verge of losing her mind thanks to the drug Denazen used to enhance her abilities. People close to her have turned their back on the underground and are now fighting for the wrong side. And then there’s Kale... Things couldn’t get any worse.
Until of course, they do. Denazen is about to start a new trial—this one called Domination—and it works. But that means out with the old and in with the new. The order has been given to terminate all remnants of the second trial—including Dez. The good news is that there’s a survivor from the original trial. A woman who’s blood may hold the cure for the second generation of Supremacy kid’s defect. But the underground Sixes aren’t the only ones who know about her….
Cross is willing to throw everything he has to keep Dez from getting the cure—including the one thing that might tear her apart from the inside out.

Goodreads * Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Book Depository

Boy Dez cannot get a break! Her boyfriend has been taken by Denazen and her illness is getting worse. She feels isolated and doesn’t find joy in anything that she used to. Like going to clubs and dancing, until she see’s Kale and discovers her worst nightmare has come true.

This go round Ginger has a list of people from the second trial that need saving and each of the underground team are off to do the rescuing. But Denazen is on top of it too and the race to find the remnants of the second trial has higher stakes, ones that include a personal showdown between Dez and the Denazen agents.  

I really love Dez because she is a fighter and doesn’t back down. I think that makes her incredibly stubborn but it works in her favor because of the circumstances her life has been given. For a character that seems so hopeless she tries with a determination I wish I had.  

The Underground, in a new facility supplied by Dax, has become like a family, a support group that rely on each other. In Tremble we see this family dynamic grow as well as introduction of some new characters that add drama to the book.

Kale. Oh Kale, you are so stinking bad it’s hot! In the game of short straws, life played him the shortest in circumstances and the longest in skills. We want him to win, we want him to take Denazen down and Tremble gives you not just the action packed roller coaster but the emotional one as well.

One of the reasons I enjoy this series so much is because I cannot predict one thing that will happen. I am always surprised by what Jus brings to the series. I believe with the incredible kaleidoscope and depth of characters in the Denazen series it could go on for a long time or even branch off. There are so many people in these books that have great stories to tell and with the introductions of new characters in Tremble, the series only becomes richer.

I suffered a little heartache through Tremble, some laughing and some white knuckle reading – Tremble is another lethal combination from the amazing Jus Accardo.  

What I didn’t like: 

I think what sells these books is the incredible action Jus Accardo writes. It’s one obstacle or trial after another – like an Indiana Jones movie. While I love Indiana Jones movies and the Denazen series, I found myself growing impatient in Tremble. I wanted more of “those” moments of clarity, honesty and connection with the other characters. That is where the true story lies and what makes this series work for me. Those moments clarify and solidify the relationships, loyalty and group dynamic – making the willingness to fight and die for each other believable.

Would I buy this book: Yes, I would. It is a great and totally addicting series.

Who would I recommend this book to? Older teens and adult YA lovers. There is some swearing, lots of fighting and death. Talk of sex.

Rating: I give Tremble four skulls. Jus Accardo writes another nail biting book that latterly made me drop my kindle and say “HOLY CRAP”! I love these characters and find myself cheering for them and arguing with their decisions. Yes, that makes me little nuts to admit I argue with book characters and try make them do what I want, but admit it, you do too. ;)

Tremble is book 3 in the Denazen series, you really should read book one Touch (Amazon * B&N * BD) and book two Toxic (Amazon * B&N * BD) before tackling Tremble – you would be lost without knowing the back story.

For the Denazen series reader:

I find myself wondering why Dez doesn’t use her ability to cure everyone. She is ill but has the ability to change into someone else – why doesn’t she just change the illness? Or would that just be too easy? Love to hear your thoughts!

Author Bio: 

Jus Accardo spent her childhood reading and learning to cook. Determined to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps as a chef, she applied and was accepted to the Culinary Institute of America. At the last minute, she realized her path lay with fiction, not food, and passed on the spot to pursue writing.

Jus is the bestselling author of YA paranormal romance and urban fantasy fiction.

A native New Yorker, she lives in the middle of nowhere with her husband, three dogs, and sometimes guard bear, Oswald. Her first book, Touch was released in November 2011 from Entangled Publishing. She is currently working on the next book in the Denazen series.

Website * Facebook* Twitter * Goodreads

COMING SOON FROM JUS ACCARDO!

The first book in a brand new series!

DARKER DAYS by Jus Accardo.

Jessie Darker goes to high school during the day, but at night she helps with the family investigation business. Cheating husbands and stolen inheritances? They’re your girls—but their specialty is a bit darker. Zombie in your garage? Pesky Poltergeist living in your pool? They’ll have the problem solved in a magical minute. For a nominal fee, of course...

When gorgeous new client, Lukas Scott, saunters into the office requesting their help to find a stolen box, it sounds like a simple case—until the truth comes out. The box is full of Sin.

Seven deadly ones, in fact.

They’ve got five days to recapture the Sins before they're recalled by the box, taking seven hijacked human bodies with them. Easy peasy—except for one thing...

There’s a spell that will allow the Sins to remain free, causing chaos forever. When the key ingredient threatens the life of someone she knows, Jessie must make the ultimate choice between love and family—or lose everything.

Stacey Kennedy Interview & 100$ Gift Card Giveaway: Werewolves Be Damned Blog Tour

Join me in welcoming Stacey Kennedy, author of Entangled Publishing Werewolves Be Damned, book one in the Magic and Mayhem series.

About Stacey:

Stacey Kennedy is an urban fantasy lover at heart, but she also enjoys losing herself in dark and sensual worlds. She lives in southwestern Ontario with her husband, who gave her a happily-ever-after. Together, they have two small children who can always make her smile, and who will never be allowed to read Mommy’s books. If she’s not plugging away at a new story, you’ll find her camping, curling up with the latest flick, or obsessing over Sons of Anarchy and Game of Thrones.

Website * Facebook * Facebook fan page * Twitter * Goodreads

Nexi Jones—part witch, part guardian, and wannabe kick-ass warrior—can’t throw a punch or conjure the simplest magic. But that doesn’t stop her from hunting the werewolves who slaughtered her human family. She’ll have her revenge, but only if Kyden, the elite guardian, would get the hell out of her way.Kyden can’t decide if Nexi wants to get herself killed or if she just has no clue what she’s doing. But her father made it clear: keep Nexi safe…or else. Of course, the more Nexi runs toward revenge, the more she needs Kyden’s aid, and as she grows into her power and confidence, so does his desire to protect her. The only problem? She’d rather he dropped dead.But when a vampire paints a bull's-eye on Nexi’s back, she’s hard-pressed to deny Kyden and the help he’s offering. Even if it means getting her revenge will be a little bit harder. At least it will still be as sweet.

Buy Werewolves Be Damned

Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Kobo * iTunes

Goodreads

Werewolves Be Damned is Magic and Mayhem book one, how many books will there be? Will all the books be told from the same characters perspectives?

There will be four books in the Magic & Mayhem series, and yes, they’ll all be in Kyden and Nexi’s perspectives. But there will also be a spin off series that features the beta werewolf, Briggs. And I have a few more series that I could definitely write in this world! The ideas are endless!

I loved how you meshed so many different magical elements into this book. Was it difficult to combine the different creatures (Vampires, Guardians, Werewolves and Witches) histories and interactions together?

Thank you so much—I’m glad you enjoyed it! Honestly, it wasn’t hard at all. I think that’s because the idea of meshing all the creatures together was what kicked off the idea for the series. I’m a huge supernatural lover, so I wanted to write a world where they all came together and co-existed. That was fun part in the world-building!

You are an urban fantasy lover at heart. What is your favorite urban fantasy book and creature?

Favorite book: Anything by Keri Arthur. I am a total fangirl when it comes to Ms. Arthur. It’s her books that made me fall in love with the genre, and it’s where my desire came to write in it!

Favorite creature: While I love witches, since their magic is just fun to write, I gotta admit I adore werewolves. It’s the whole mate bond, shifting into a werewolf thing that just does it for me!

Do you have any writing rituals?

Yes, a big one! First, I always need coffee. Then, I have a special ritual when it comes to writing a story. It goes a little something like this…

I have a notebook that I write my first drafts on. For whatever reason, the smaller screen helps me get more words in. I think it’s because I can’t see everything so I just focus on new words, not the grammar. When I do my second draft, which is all the piecing together and usually involves a lot of cutting and pasting, I use my laptop—and usually edit while I’m on my comfy couch. Then on my third and final read-through, I’ll use my computer in my office.

Quirky system, I know, but it works!

In Werewolves Be Damned some scenes take place in Utah. Being a native Utah, I am always curious as to why authors choose specific locations for their books. Why did you choose Utah for this one?

Truth to be told, there are no reasons I pick certain cities to set my stories in. It’s a total “feeling” thing. I know that’s even quirkier than my writing ritual, but that’s how I pick settings and names for characters. I just search the internet and wait until something stands out to me. Then when it does, that’s what I go with! It’s really that simple.

What is your favorite quote?

"Be who you are and say what you feel, because, those who mind don't matter and thosewho matter don't mind." ~ Dr. Seuss

Your favorite childhood book?

The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munsch. I still love it even now. Luckily, so do my kids!

If you could meet any author who would you choose?

Like I said above, my favorite urban fantasy books are by Keri Arthur, so I guess it’s no surprise I’d love to meet her. Hopefully, one day at a book conference, I will get the chance. Then I can endlessly thank her for inspiring me to sit down one day and writing my story!

***** Thank you Stacey for the fun interview and awesome contest for a $100 Amazon/B & N gift card!
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