Guest Post: Top 2011 Reads

Guest Post by Wendy from A Cupcake and a Latte

2011 has, undoubtedly, been a wonderful year for readers! As for myself, I've come across several novels that I've fallen in love with, in fact some were titles that I hadn't expected to enjoy but had. With that, Brenna kindly asked me if I'd be interested in sharing my top 20 picks from novels I've read in 2011.

My Top 2011 Reads

20 Titles I Highly Recommend

1. Saving June by Hannah Harrington - Ironically, I hadn't read Saving June until a couple of weeks prior to the end of the year. I'd heard a glowing abundance of positive remarks in regards to Hannah Harrington's latest and couldn't wait to see what all the hype was about. What I found was not what I expected and Saving June turned out to be my favorite contemporary novel of the year!

2. Anna Dressed in Blood by Kendare Blake - This novel shook me off my seat with it's thrilling and down right creepy moments - it was wonderful! If you're a reader who loves a creepy ghost story, Anna Dressed in Blood is an absolute must read! Kendare Blake fed me nightmares with a particular scene which involves the attic door (read it, you'll see why it gave me nightmares when you do!)

3. Descended by Blood by Angeline Kace - The moment Angeline Kace approached me with a pitch on her debut novel, Descended by Blood, I knew it was something I was going to enjoy. The verdict? It was just that...and more! Descended by Blood delivered a unique spin on vampires with a downright sexy and kickass storyline. I'm Team Mirko by the way, are you?

4. Bloodspell by Amalie Howard - Vampires and Witches, what more could you ask for? Amalie Howard's debut novel and first installment in her Bloodspell series had me falling in love immediately! The dialogue was unique and I couldn't help falling in love with Victoria and Christian. I'm highly anticipating it's sequel!

5. Across the Universe by Beth Revis - In all honesty, before diving into Beth Revis' Across the Universe...I hated sci-fi novels! No, hate isn't really a strong enough word for what I felt. More like despised? Anyways, after reluctantly diving into an advance readers copy of the title borrowed from a co-worker, I found myself loving it (a big surprise for me since I'd never had positive experiences with sci-fi novels in the past). With that said, Across the Universe was very different in comparison to other novels in it's genre, and Beth's twists and turns, not to mention the incredible world building, had me hooked!

6. Desires of the Dead by Kimberly Derting - I don't think there's anything that I can say that will ever fully express how much I adore Kimberly Derting's Body Finder series. After loving The Body Finder to bits, I couldn't wait for the release of Desires of the Dead (it's sequel). The twists and turns had me gripping it's pages with anticipation. In fact, there's a new character that shows up in the novel that I couldn't help falling for (or swooning over like a love-sick school girl).

7. Timeless by Alexandra Monir - A time-traveling romance, filled with enough drama, romance, and suspense to have you shaking with anticipation for it's sequel...yep, I think that's Timeless in a nut shell. After reaching the end of Timeless, I'm really looking forward to seeing how Alexandra Monir pushes the story further. If you haven't given this one a try yet (I'm aware that most review bloggers unfortunately haven't) be sure to do so. The storyline is phenomenal!

8. The Demon Trapper's Daughter by Jana Oliver - I fell for Jana Oliver's world of Demon Trappers and I fell for it hard. In fact, I'd been recommending the series to friends and family since and from their feedback...they've all loved it! (It should also be noted that I have a obsession over the UK covers for the series)

9. Flying Blind by Deborah Cooke - Everyone who knows me (or frequents my blog) knows that I absolutely adore Deborah Cooke's pyr! I'd been a big fan of her adult Dragonfire series since their original release and was uber excited for Deborah Cooke's upcoming YA series about the next generation of Pyr, the Dragon Diaries. Flying Blind was exactly what I expected - exciting! (Note: Winging It, Flying Blind's sequel, was also released this year!)

10. Unearthly by Cynthia Hand - I'm usually quite wary about diving into novels that have anything to do with Angels. However, what Cynthia Hand delivered was quite unique and thrilling! I instantly connected with Clara, something that doesn't happen to me and MCs very often. So tell me Unearthly readers, are you Team Tucker or Team Christian? (Me? I'm Team Tucker all the way!) Note: Unearthly by Cynthia Hand is being developed into a CW series!

11. Delirium by Lauren Oliver - Hands down, Delirium is one of my absolute favorite dystopian novels to date! I couldn't wait to dive into it when it was officially released. I actually nabbed it the moment the shipment arrived (at that time I was still working at Chapters, a local book store.) Needless to say, I stayed up all night, even though I had an early shift the following day, and read it from cover to cover.

12. Angelfire by Courtney Allison Moulton - As I mentioned in my short shpeel about Unearthly above, I've always been quite wary about diving into Angel novels. However, after enjoying Unearthly by Cynthia Hand, I decided to give Angelfire a shot. In my review I described Angelfire to be a cross between The Mortal Instruments series by Cassandra Clare and the Fallen series by Lauren Kate. The ending result? I loved Angelfire, and it's worked it's way to my heart each and every time I've re-read it!

13. Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare - I love Jem! Though, I'll never love Jem as much as I do Magnus (there's no competition there. nope..none at all) With Clockwork Prince's release, the anticipated sequel to Clockwork Angel, the world of the Infernal Devices as I knew it was flipped upside. Cassandra Clare brought a hectic terrain of twists and turns that I hadn't expected. If you've yet to dive into the Infernal Devices series, I certainly recommend that you do so. However, be aware that Magnus Bane is mine!

14. Red Glove by Holly Black - Holly Black is made of awesome! No, really, she's seriously made of awesome! If you've yet to read White Cat, the first installment in her Curse Workers series, well I'd hate to say it but you're missing out on quite a bit. A story that's paranormally delicious and a mafia twist - what more could you want from the world of Curse Workers? Note: Movie rights to the Curse Workers series have been optioned.

15. The Gathering by Kelley Armstrong - I was exceptionally reluctant when it came to reading The Gathering. I hadn't enjoyed Kelley Armstrong's Darkest Powers trilogy very much. However, the storyline the Kelley's The Gathering pulled me instantly. I'm really intrigued by it and can't wait to see what it's sequel, The Calling, will bring.

16. Deadly Cool by Gemma Halliday - In my early review of Deadly Cool, I described it as "a wonderfully entertaining teen murder mystery with a perfect dose of humour". It is just that...and more! If you're a fan of murder mysteries mixed in with a small twinge of romance, Deadly Cool is the read for you. And...how could you deny your curiosity about a murderer who used a pair of Ipod earbuds as a murder weapon?

17. Damned by Nancy Holder & Debbie Viguie - One thing that drew me into the Crusade series by this author duo was it's exciting take on vampires. No, they don't sparkle in the sunlight OR desire to be human. These vampires pretty much scare the hell out of you and want to tear you apart limb from limb, and they aren't afraid to show you just that. However, it wasn't just the vampires that intrigued me, it was it's deep, multi-character storyline which focuses on Jen, Antonio, and countless others. It features their stories on why they joined the fight against the "cursed ones" and at the same time depicts them overcoming their own inner demons (which sometimes involves something that happened in their past).

18. Once Every Never by Lesley Livingston - Once Every Never was one of the first novels I'd read by the formidable Lesley Livingston. Was I impressed? YES! Once Every Never was a race against time, a time traveling wondering, and a romance all binded up into one beautiful novel. It's rather unfortunate that not many readers have read it (mostly because of it's lack of availability in local stores outside of Canada) however I do implore that readers with a strong passion for any of the above take the time out to find this novel and read it!

19. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs - This one is a must read! I've got quite a few friends who actually haven't read this one yet, and believe me...I'm in the process of forcing them to pick it up. Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children is a supernatural read that can be enjoyed by both teens and adults alike. It features an array of peculiar and strange photographs that compliment the story in very distinct way. It should also be noted that the novel is planned to be adapted into a film, and that a sequel to the novel is in the works!

20. The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern - I highly doubt that many people haven't heard of this one. (If you haven't, well, I'm not quite sure what to say to that..) The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern certainly hit the book blogosphere by storm with it's high praises and blurbs about it's comparison to Harry Potter (something I highly disagree with, by the way). The Night Circus was absolutely magical, and if you have yet to read it...I suggest you do so soon! Note: The Night Circus is planned to be adapted into a film.


What are your favorite 2011 reads?
Feel free to share your own list in the comment section below!

Guest Post: The Holidays

Guest Post by Sheenah Freitas
The moment that the Christmas season starts is the moment when I start to panic. Not only do I have to worry about what to get someone for a Christmas present, but there’s a good chance I’m also going to have to worry about birthday presents. For some reason everyone in the family decided they wanted to be born in December, so the Christmas season doubles as the birthday season. Everything kicks off a few days before Christmas with my mom’s birthday and from there it’s a crazy two week long celebration that all ends on January 1.

With all the presents that get opened and all the food on top of birthday cake, it’s a wonder that anyone can get anything done. Somehow, though, as if by a miracle, we do. Hugs are being given to anyone that walks through the doorway, the house usually smells like fresh baked cookies, and the mantle is full of Christmas cards. By the time all the food is digested, the games have been played, and every last piece of discarded wrapping paper has been trashed, we’re ready to ring in the New Year.

By the time it’s New Year’s Day, most of the family can be found sleeping in until noon, not quite ready to greet the new year. After all, it’s the first day that we’re able to actually rest and not worry about so-and-so’s birthday tomorrow or whose house are we having our next family supper at and what’s the menu and what were we in charge of again? The first day is a cleansing one where no one really wants to do anything and we usually don’t if we can help it.
Have a Happy New Year everyone!

Guest Post: Pyxis by K.C. Neal

Guest Post by K.C. Neal, author of Pyxis

Corinne first realizes things are not what they seem when she discovers that she and her friend Mason are having the same nightmares of a dark, consuming force. They don’t know it yet, but their destinies are closely tied together. In this scene, they begin to understand that they share something they can’t quite explain.

“I had some messed-up dreams the last few days I was in Africa,” Mason said. “They were really horrifying, not like usual nightmares. They were … I don’t know, more real, somehow.”
His eyebrows were pinched together in a frown. He actually looked scared. A knot of dread began to curl up in my middle. I’d managed to forget what he’d said in his e-mail about his dream of the cove.
As he searched my face, I saw realization dawn in his eyes.
“You’ve been having them, too.” There was no question in his voice.
I nodded. Echoes of the terror I’d felt in the dreams shot through my mind like shards of ice, and I wrapped my arms tightly around my ribs as I looked at him. Even through my anxiety about the dreams, I couldn’t help noticing how good his hair looked longer. He should have worn it that way all along. “How’d you know?”
“I don’t know how I knew. But I knew.” His stared at me with wide eyes.
“The … the black fog?” I asked, dreading his answer.
“Yeah.”
“Last night, did you dream of—”
“Your grandmother’s house,” he finished.
“I just can’t … How could this be?” I started shivering, little quakes rippling through my body every few seconds. “How are we having the same dreams? Are we crazy?”
He chuckled, the tension leaving his face for a moment. “Maybe. You, definitely.”
I didn’t feel up to laughing at his jokes at the moment. I shivered harder. My teeth were actually chattering a little. “They’re just s-s-so awful. I’ve never been so terrified in my life. Do you think we should tell someone?”
He reached for the throw blanket draped over the back of the sofa and handed it to me.
“I guess we could.” His forehead wrinkled with doubt. “I’m not even sure what I’d say, though. Or what anyone could do about it. Our parents would probably just send us to a shrink or something. Somehow, I don’t think that would help.”
“Yeah, you’re probably right.” I was positive he was right, but it was scary to admit that no one else could help us. I unfolded my legs and stretched them alongside Mason’s, and then I spread the throw over both of us. After a moment, I shopped shivering.
I yawned. “God, I’m exhausted. But, lately, I’m scared to fall asleep.”
“I know the feeling.” He adjusted the pillow behind him.
The warmth of his leg alongside mine comforted me. For reasons I couldn’t articulate, I felt safer than I had in a long time. After a few minutes, I couldn’t keep my eyes open. As I started to lose consciousness, I heard Mason mumble something.
“I’ll keep you safe. I’m the…” his last word was garbled, but I thought it sounded like he said shield. Odd choice of words, I thought as I fell into a blessedly peaceful sleep.

Corinne learns that there is a whole other world, called the hypercosmic realm, that our minds enter when we sleep. She’s destined to protect both worlds, but her grandmother, who was supposed to teach her how, is dead. To make matters worse, a crazy woman--who Corinne discovers is actually a distant relative--insists Corinne’s destiny is rightfully hers and wants Corinne permanently out of the picture. As this imposter attempts to take Corinne’s place and nightmares begin leaking into the waking world, she and Mason race to understand her grandmother’s past and her own future.

Pyxis is available in ebook, paperback, and audio book exclusively on Amazon. If you’d like a Nook-compatible ebook, or you’d like a paperback but you’re unable to purchase it through Amazon, please contact me!

Thanks so much for having me on your blog!

K.C. has also very kindly offered a signed paperback of Pyxis open to U.S residents only, but I am also making one e-book copy open to everyone! Just leave a comment with your e-mail address and which country you live in so I can contact you if you win :)

Guest Post: Book to Screen Adaptions

Don't forget that you can still enter to win the BIG giveaway where two people are going to win a BIG box of books. The first prize box is including at least SEVEN books, and the second prize box has at least FIVE books! Includes 2012 ARC, new releases, popular YA books, etc. Two more people will also win big swag packs :) Go here to enter!

There is also a giveaway for an e-book of M.R. Merrick's Exiled, which you can read about in his interview with me here. This is such an exciting book and you can't miss it! Open internationally too :)

Another giveaway is open now as well for a SIGNED copy of Jodi Lamm's Titan Magic which is incredibly creative and a really unique fantasy read. You can enter to win on her guest post here. Open internationally!

And today, if you stop by my post with my interview with Jennifer L. Armentrout, you can win one of her books as well!

Guest Post by Michele from Just a Lil Lost

Thank you Brenna for asking me to guest post for Christmas at Esther's Ever After!

If you saw Brenna's Q&A with me, you'll know that I'm quite a TV junkie. It seems that many TV shows and movies now are based on existing books, so I thought I’d take a look back into the recent past (last couple of years) at some of my favourite book-to-screen adaptations. Obviously I won't be able to list every one of them (as I realized just how many there were when I got started making this guest post) but I'll try to cover the ones that stood out most to me.

The ultimate favourite, of course, is Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. A phenomenal ending to an equally fantastical series.



One of my other favourite books and movies this year was The Help by Kathryn Stockett.



I wanted to read a few of the books in this Pretty Little Liars series before watching the show and got fully caught up on season 1 so quickly! A fun guilty pleasure show that's a little less contrived than Gossip Girl (as guilty of a pleasure that show is too...:P )



Although both True Blood and Dexter aren't new shows anymore, the calibre of the series in this past year's episodes were fantastic that it deserves mention here.



I would have included Twilight: Breaking Dawn in this list as one of the most highly-anticipated by many for this year, but I really didn't like the book, but I did think the movie was hilarious. ;)

As my own personal rule of thumb, I will always read the book before watching the movie/TV show. A few notable mentions that I didn't include above because I hadn't seen the screen version yet:

• One Day (where I loved the book but have heard mixed reviews on the movie)
• Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (also loved the book but just haven't gotten around to seeing the movie yet)
• Vampire Diaries (which I haven't read the books yet and only seen the first 4 episodes of the series! - I know, I know...)

Some of my most highly-anticipated adaptations coming up are:

• The Hunger Games
• The Hobbit

What are your favourite book-to-screen adaptations from the last year or two? Which ones are you most anticipating?

Author Interview: Jennifer L. Armentrout

With Daimon, Half-Blood and Obsidian out this year (and Pure, Deity, Cursed, Unchained, and Onyx coming out in 2012!) you seem to be QUITE busy with writing. How do you keep yourself motivated to write so much?

Next year is going to bring the crazy sauce. I have my days where I don't feel like writing a single word, but usually motivation is easy, because i LOVE writing. It's something that I need to do. A lot of people ask how I can write so much, and there are days that I write for 12-15 hours. That's how.

I read Half-Blood and Obsidian back to back, and I was really impressed by how different they were in terms of characters and plot. Do you find it difficult to write so many different stories and struggle to keep them standing out among each other?

The worlds and characters are so different, that I don't really have a hard time keeping them apart, but I don't write or edit two different series at the same time. My biggest is problem is that Alex from Half-Blood has a tendency to bust up in my other novels, mainly because she has the "loudest" personality out of everyone, so I have to be careful in edits to catch when the character is being too Alex.

Do you find Katy and Alex to be opposites or do you see ways in which they're very similar to each other as well?

Both of them are stubborn and strong, I think, but polar opposites from that point on. Katy has impulse control while Alex pretty much does what she wants, whenever she wants. Katy is also more normal and has normal reactions to things. Alex is sort of a hit first and then investigate later.

If you had to choose: Marry, Date, or Dump- with Seth, Aiden, and Daemon. I know it's a tough question, but what about some of your favourite and least favourite things about your guys?

Haha. I don't know how to answer that question. All of them have their flaws and things that make them perfect. Daemon would be the hardest to get along with, because honestly, he's the one who's really like a normal, real guy. He doesn't always say the right things like Aiden or is in your face snarky like Seth. Aiden is the hardest to write I think, besides Daemon (because Daemon has to be written a very certain way and EVERYTHING he says and does means something), but Aiden may come off as one way when he's really a storm brewing under the surface. He's the one I think will surprise the most in the end. And Seth is just hilarious. He always makes me laugh.





 

Some of the most common reactions I've seen to your books (and some of my favourite parts!) deal with the enchanting and delicious romance- would you ever write a book that doesn't have such a heavy influence on the romantic aspect?

I will never write a book that's not heavy on the romance. The romance aspect is my favorite part and that's what I read and enjoy. I think its key though that the actual plot isn't lost in the romance, which can be hard when all you want to write is the kissy face scenes.  

Thank you for having me.

Thank you for stopping by at Esther's Ever After today, Jennifer!

Because I love her books so much, I'm also giving away a copy of either Half-Blood (Covenant #1) or Obsidian (Lux #1) both of which are amazing (or even a pre-order of Pure). It's open internationally, since it's coming from The Book Depository. Winner's choice of the the options.

Just leave a comment and make sure to include your e-mail address so I can contact you if you win :)

Top Reads of 2011

Somehow, I'm going to make an attempt to narrow down what my favourite books have been this year; which will be difficult since there were so many wonderful and enjoyable books this year, and I can only base them off the ones I have read this year. I am limiting this list to books which were released in 2011, though.

 

10.   Half-Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout

9.   Shut Out by Kody Keplinger

8.   Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stepanie Perkins

7.   Burn Bright by Marianne de Pierres*

6.   Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi

5.   Obsidian by Jennifer L. Armentrout

4.   Touch by Jus Accardo

3.   Dearly, Departed by Lia Habel

2.   The Iron Knight (Iron Fey #4) by Julie Kagawa

1.   Delirium (Delirium #1) by Lauren Oliver

This list was so difficult to make because there were SO many out there! But Delirium definitely takes the cake for the strong impact it left me with. There were so many wonderful books that came out this year, but these are some of the top ones that really stuck with me and left a lasting impression :)

The Iron Knight was an outstanding conclusion to a great series- but it literally blew the previous books out of the water. It took me on such a ride, and I just inhaled that book! But I was incredibly satisfied with how it ended, thankfully!

Dearly, Departed is easily one of my most creative, interesting books I've ever read. It truly does stand out, and the characters really stuck with me.

Touch blew me out of the water. I was NOT expecting to love it as much as I did, but I ended up falling HARD for it. Obsidian was the same way- both making a very strong year for Entangled Publishing.

How many of these have you read or are you planning to read? Did you love them as much as I did? Are there any others you think I missed? I'd love to hear your thoughts! <3

*Note: Burn Bright hasn't been published in the U.S. yet, but was published this year in Australia (and I read the Australian version).

Author Interview: M.R. Merrick

Today I have the opportunity to interview the awesome M.R. Merrick, autor of a fantastic book Exiled (The Protector #1). If you haven't heard of Exiled, make sure you check it out and you can read my review of it as well. And at the end of this interview, you can enter to win one e-book copy of Exiled!

Exiled features two seriously tough characters, both of whom I adore. So tell us, in your opinion, who would win in a fight: Rayna or Chase?

That’s a really tough way to start this interview…I really don’t know. They each have such different strengths and weaknesses. Realistically, they’d both probably inflict life threatening wounds and die together, but I if I had to bet money on it, I’d go with Rayna. She’s scrappy, a natural survivor, and has more control over herself and her abilities. There’s a fire that exists within her that’s different from Chase, and right now, I think it puts her on top.

A lot of reviews (including mine) have included a mention of how Exiled is great for fans of Cassandra Clare's Shadowhunter books. What do you think about this comparison and have you read any of her books yourself?

I’ve read the first three books. I haven’t read the fourth yet though. I’ve gone out of my way to avoid spoilers, but the drift I get is that the greatness continues. As far as being compared to it, I have mixed feelings. On the plus side, it’s an incredible honor. I mean, that series is beloved by so many, how can you not be excited about that! It overwhelms me that anyone would talk about my series in the same sentence with TMI, but I definitely love hearing it. On the down side, EXILED is the first book in a new series, from a new author. I’m just starting out, and being compared to The Mortal Instruments seems like setting the bar right at the top. Not that I mind. I love a challenge, but I hope that comparison doesn’t leave readers going into my story with expectations so high; there isn’t room for me to steal them away to my world. Although readers who enjoyed TMI are likely to enjoy EXILED, I still want them to be prepared for something entirely different. All this might be a completely irrational thought, but it exists nonetheless.

Before Exiled came out, did you already have an idea of where the series would end up? If so, has your idea of the ending to the series changed at all since you've been writing?

I definitely knew where it was going – or so I thought. Right before I sent EXILED off to the editor, I had a blast of inspiration for book two, SHIFT. It was the perfect direction for the story to go, but as I was writing it, I had an epiphany of sorts, and I realized the story might be on a more epic scale than even I realized. I haven’t committed to the new idea completely yet. The Protector series was originally planned as a trilogy, I’ve had the end in mind since I finished the first draft of Exiled, but this new idea makes everything…bigger. I really need to brainstorm and explore this new idea first, before I know if I will take it to that level, or if it will remain a trilogy.

Why did you decide to write Exiled? Was there anything that inspired you in particular? Anything you hope readers will take away from reading it?

I didn’t really mean to write EXILED. I always loved writing, but I’d never tried my hand a fiction. I kind of stumbled across the idea for the story and it just slowly grew into what it is. My daughter inspired the entire process. I’ve always been all over the place career wise. I get bored easily and need a constant challenge. One thing I never wavered from was that I would always be home at night to tuck my daughter in. We’d read stories before bed, but every now and then she’d ask me to make one up, and tell her a story, and so I would. I created new worlds, new, fun creatures, and new adventures every night. It sparked a creative need inside me that I had to explore. Although my books aren’t children books, the reason Exiled exists is because of her. I didn’t write Exiled with any special meaning behind it. If there is any underlying message in it, I didn’t put it there, it happened on its own. All I want readers to do is pick it up, and disappear into my imagination, if only for a few hours. See what I saw. Feel what I felt. Explore the world, characters, and creatures, and become a part of Chase and Rayna’s journey. If nothing else, I want to provide a temporary escape from reality.

Being a self-published author, could you share with us some of the hardest and some of the best things about taking this route to get your book published?

The hardest part is getting your name out there. Marketing is a frustrating business when you don’t really know what you’re doing. Sometimes one thing will work wonders for one author, and have no results when tried by others. It’s a constant game of change. The other part is the criticism. You can’t appeal to everyone. You know this going in. Being a self-published author comes with an instant uphill battle. You don’t have a publishing house behind you, and a lot of readers are turned off by this. You have to work harder to put out a product that’s equal to something a publisher would distribute, and do it all on your own dollar. When you pick up my book, without looking at the copyright, I don’t want you to be able to tell difference between self and traditionally published. That’s not to say my book is without errors, but I really worked towards putting out the most professional product I could. On the other side of the coin, you do all the leg work. That isn’t always fun, but you have full creative control. You decide what stays and what goes. You decide on the face you give your book. You hire the artists, you hire the editors, you determine release date, promotions, etc. That part of it is great. The other part is the community. There is a massive independent author community out there, and it isn’t a cut throat one. They’re supportive, they’re encouraging, and they pick you up when you’re down. They help spread the word about your book, and some are willing to read it, even when in its roughest form, to help you make it better. I think the worst thing an author can do, is face the publishing world alone. At times, it’s a really harsh business to be in. People can attack and tear apart something you’ve spent an entire year of your life creating, and you shouldn’t have to go through that by yourself. You don’t have to tackle this industry alone, so don’t. Join all the authors and incredible book bloggers out there, and work together to make your dreams come true. It isn’t going to happen overnight, so you might as well be in good company while you wait.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions, Matt!

And to go along with his interview, I'm giving away an e-book copy of Exiled to one of you! It's a wonderful, fabulous book and I can't wait for one of you to read it. The book will be purchased from Smashwords, so you can see which files are available on there- even if you don't have an e-reader, this one can be purchased to read on the computer.

FILL OUT THE FORM HERE TO ENTER.

Good luck!

Guest Post: 2012 Anticipated Books

Guest Post by Danya from A Tapestry of Words

As 2011 winds down, it's time to start thinking, not just about the past year of reading...but what next year holds for us! And from what I've seen, it is looking equally — if not more — fabulous for YA in 2012.

Here's a list of a few books I'm eagerly awaiting, organized by genre:

Dystopian/post-apocalyptic:

The Way We Fall by Megan Crewe — love the premise of a disease being the main antagonist and everyone being put into quarantine. Sounds amazing!

The Selection by Kiera Cass — a competition for marriage to royalty in a dystopian society? I am intrigued...

Article 5 by Kristen Simmons — I like that this one takes place in the not-too-distant future, and the protagonist can remember what life was like before. Also, I'm a sucker for love spanning across enemy lines...

Fantasy/paranormal:


Tempest by Julie Cross — this book both works for my "New Adult" reading challenge AND sounds just plain awesome!

Queen of Glass by Sarah J. Maass — I've been looking forward to this one for quite a while now! Originally it was supposed to be released in 2011, but it's been bumped to 2012. Can't wait for this story of Cinderella...as an assassin!

Grave Mercy by R. L. LaFevers —I've been hearing pretty much nothing but good things about this book, and everything being said makes me think this will be very much my kind of read. Plus, love the striking cover!

A Breath of Eyre by Eve Marie Mont — going inside the world of Jane Eyre? Um, YES PLEASE.

Contemporary:

Tokyo Heist by Diana Renn — an art heist in Japan! What's not to love?

http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12143472-the-traitor-and-the-tunnel">The Traitor in the Tunnel by Y.S. Lee — these books are so much fun! Mary and James have such a wonderful dynamic. Plus, the author is Canadian, which is always a bonus :) Really looking forward to the 3rd in this series!

Thanks very much, Brenna, for letting me share with your readers a few of the 2012 releases I'm itching to get my hands on!

Readers, what books are you really looking forward to in 2012? Are any of these on your list?

Hightly Anticipated Books of 2012 ~ Branching Out

For the months of October through December, I've been sharing with you some my most highly anticipated YA novels for 2012; but because there are so many, I'm breaking them down into categories.

Today, we're looking at a top ten list for some exciting books coming out in 2012 from authors we're already familiar with who have new books coming out, that are not part of an already established series, although companion novels are included in this list (and yes, these ones are in order from least anticipated to the #1 pick):

10.          Between the Lines by Jodi Picoult & Samantha van Leer TBR: June 26, 2012

9.            A Midsummer's Nightmare by Kody Keplinger TBR: June 2012

8.            The Fine Art of Truth or Dare by Melissa Jensen TBR: February 16, 2012

7.            Getting Over Garrett Delaney by Abby McDonald TBR: January 24, 2012

6.            Revived by Cat Patrick TBR: May 8, 2012

5.            A Temptation of Angels by Michelle Zink TBR: March 20, 2012

4.            Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight by Jennifer E. Smith TBR: January 2, 2012

3.            The Diviners (Diviners #1) by Libba Bray TBR: November 1, 2012

2.             Isla and the Happily Ever After by Stephanie Perkins TBR: 2012
 1.            Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa TBR: April 24, 2012

Comment and tell me your thoughts on my list! Have you read the books in these series already? Do you think you will? Did I miss any books? What sequels are you most looking forward to in 2012?

Guest Post: Book Characters during the Holidays

Guest Post by Zahida from Musings of a YA Reader

Considering the year is soon going to end (which means it’s time to start making lists about your favourites of 2011) and with Christmas coming up, I thought I’d help Brenna celebrate with a guest post asking some characters from books I’ve read and enjoyed this year a little about their holiday experience. Here today are Carmen from Jessica Martinez’s Virtuosity [my review], Gabi from Lisa T. Bergren’s River of Time series [my review] and Jordan from Miranda Kenneally’s Catching Jordan [my review].

Zahida: Hi, guys! Thanks so much for taking some time off to drop by and answer some questions for me. Let’s get started! Gabi, what’s Christmas like in medieval Italy?

Gabi: This will be our first Christmas in medieval Italy, so I'm about to find out. Marcello tells me there is much feasting, but primarily after Christmas Day, celebrating the 12 Days of Christmas, or Christmastide, as they call it. The biggie will be Twelfth Night, I hear. We starve all day (fasting is a religious thing), and then at 12:01, it's party-time, baby. Marcello wants it to be the biggest feast the castello has ever had, so we're busy planning.

Zahida: Oh, that sounds interesting. I wish I could come see it! Okay, the next question is for you, Jordan. What kind of Christmas or holiday traditions does the Woods family engage in?

Jordan: My dad is usually playing football or watching football on Christmas day, but if he doesn't have a game, Mom makes a turkey and we gorge ourselves on mashed potatoes and pie and mulled cider. Then our church usually does a dinner for the underprivileged and my family will go help serve food.

Zahida: That seems like a really comfortable way to spend Christmas Day. Speaking of relaxing; Carmen, I know how busy your life is so I wondered whether you get a chance to chill over the holidays as well. What do you do during Christmas?

Carmen: On Christmas Eve we go to midnight Mass just so that when we call my grandmother in Italy the next morning we can say we went. Then on Christmas Day we open gifts, and listen to music, and at some point during the day Diana and I end up performing our favorite parts of the Messiah for Clark. I’m not sure whether he actually listens, but he does make us the most amazing Christmas dinner, which is good enough.

Zahida: Fun, and you and Diana get to spend some time with Clark. Alright, the next few questions are for everybody so we’ll start with Jordan, move onto Gabi and finish off with Carmen. What is your favourite thing about Christmas or the holidays in general?

Jordan: I love the smells of apple cider and pine trees, and gaudy ornaments.

Gabi: I'm actually into quiet things – time with my family, good food, games – just us. And candles – I love lots of candles. It's so magical! It'll be hard to be without a tree this year. They don't celebrate that tradition, and Dad is paranoid about introducing anything that isn't historically accurate. We've already messed with the time-space continuum enough, he says. I might have to go for a walk in the woods and cut a branch of pine, just to smell that amazing smell again, you know?


Carmen: Having the day off from practicing!

Zahida: Getting a chance to relax is my favourite part of the holidays too, Carmen. Okay, let’s begin this next question with you. What was the best Christmas present you ever received?

Carmen: One year Clark gave me tickets to a comedy club – totally un-music-related and I loved it.


Jordan: When I was 12, my family gave me a football autographed by Joe Montana.


Gabi: My gramma's locket, with a picture of her grandparents inside. I'm still sad I don't have it here with me. Mom says I just have to remember them in my mind, but it's not the same thing as having something tangible, you know? I used to wear it every day. But I was running late, getting out the door to the airport when we came to Italy the last time, and forgot to put it on. It's still sitting on top of my dresser. Can someone grab it and post it to medieval Toscana, please?

Zahida: Gabi, I’d totally mail you your locket if I lived in Colorado. Since I can’t, tell me what you’re hoping to find under your Christmas tree this year. We’ll start with you, Gabi.

Gabi: I already have it. My family, here with me. And now Marcello...Something I thought it was impossible, improbable ... I get to have everyone I love best, with me every day. I still haven't gotten over the gift of that. Buon natale!


Jordan: Keys to a Harley – I've always wanted a motorcycle but my parents always say no way.


Carmen: New running shoes and an iTunes gift card.

Zahida: Well, there you have it! Now that you know a little more about how some characters spend their holidays, how do you celebrate yours?

A big thanks to Lisa, Jessica and Miranda for participating, and to Brenna for letting me guest post.

DON'T FORGET- you can enter to win one of FOUR big prizes for my Christmas event here.

Guest Post: Book Blogger Exchange Q&A

As part of the Book Blogger Exchange hosted by Rants~N~Scribbles, I signed up to do a Q&A with my partner who is the lovely Michele from Just a Lil Lost! We put together 10 questions and are now featuring those answers on our blogs. I hope you get to know a little bit more about these bloggers! And thanks to Gwen for organizing all of this <3

I also received a package with a gorgeous finished copy of Legend by Marie Lu (a book I LOVED and desperately needed the finished copy!) and a super pretty Smashbox lipgloss from Michele! It was a PERFECT surprise and loved it so much <3

If you'd like to see my answers to the questions, make sure you stop by Michele's blog for the post!

FEATURING MICHELE FROM...

1. If you could be any character from any book, who would you want to be and why?
I would have to say Hermione Granger from the Harry Potter series. She's smart, brave and brilliant with magic - even tho I'm a Slytherin gal at heart ;)

2. What book are you most looking forward to reading over the holidays?
There are so many books on my TBR list that I want to read right away.. and I don't often pick out what I want to read next. Usually once I'm done a book, I look at all the ones I have and see which I'm in the mood for. Since I'll be in NYC for part of the holidays, it'll have to be something on my eReader!

3. Do you do anything or participate in anything that is really special to you over the holidays? Some sort of tradition or something like that.
Christmas Eve is at my boyfriend's parents' place, and then Christmas Day is with my family. But this year, my mom & a few relatives are away on vacation so it's just my sister and her fiance coming over!

4. What was the last book that made you cry?
Books (and TV and movies) don't often make me cry. I guess the one that came closest was The Help by Kathryn Stockett.

5. Which 2012 release is a must read for you?
Definitely Pandemonium by Lauren Oliver

6. What was your favourite book that you read in 2011?
The Help and Shatter Me

7. If you weren't a book blogger, what other topic would you blog about?
I'd probably be blogging about TV shows. I'm a TV junkie and can be a bit nerdy in dissecting shows.. usually just with friends, but I'm sure if I had the time and patience to (and wasn't a book blogger), I'd be analyzing & reviewing TV shows :P

8. What's the #1 book on your wishlist this Christmas?
Well, it was Wither - but thank you to Brenna here who gifted me this one.. I'd have to say Daughter of Smoke & Bone now.

9. What is your favourite holiday treat? (food-wise)
I love apple cider w/brandy! Yummy holiday drink that the BF's family always makes!

10. What is the story behind your blog name?
"Just a Lil Lost" was what I named my silly web comic that I drew.. Just some cute simple cartoons (http://just-a-lil-lost.livejournal.com/) that poke fun (lovingly) at my favourite show, Lost - with "lil" versions of the characters. I have a bunch more that I drew in my sketchbook but never put up.. haven't touched it in ages but I liked the name of it because aren't we all just a lil' lost sometimes?

Thank you so much for being a wonderful partner for this exchange, Michele!

2011 Virtual Advent Tour

Christmas is my FAVOURITE time of year, and I truly believe that it is such a special time of year. Which is why I jumped at the chance to take part in this year's Virtual Advent Tour organized by Marge and Kalaina!

I love everything about Christmas:

The music, which I start listening to in the summer time because it makes me so happy.
The food, mmm how can you say no to this? There are so many special treats, no matter what your traditions are! My family actually doesn't have turkey, we have ham and birthday cake :)
The decorations- tell me you don't love the decorations. I don't see how anyone could. Especially little villages all snowy and lit up for the season!
The shopping, I for one just love gift giving. I adore picking out gifts to make people smile and sho wthem how much I care. I even like the crowds in malls, and wandering down the street filled with cute boutiques.
The time off, because everyone needs a vacation once in a while! And we get to spend it with people we love and care about and just enjoy that time together.

There is so much to be grateful for, and we are so, so very fortunate for all of these things which we can enjoy.

I figure my obsession love must stem from the fact that I'm a Christmas baby- I'm one of those lucky ones born on Christmas day! ;)

And the first thing people normally tell me when they hear that is how awful it must be, or whether I miss out on presents. To answer that quickly: no, I don't. I'm fortunate because my family created very special traditions to include me, and I thought it might be neat to share these with you- you know, so you can have an idea of what it's like to be born on the best day of the year.

We divide the day in two, and celebrate Christmas in the morning and my birthday in the afternoon. There are VERY strict rules about this haha. Absolutely no birthday presents until after our big dinner (at lunch time) and we have birthday cake for dessert. THEN it's present time. But more importantly, I get to spend my birthday with those I love the most. My family is just so important to me, because even though we aren't your typical nuclear kind, we've come together out of love. NOTHING beats that, in my mind!

Different wrapping paper is even used- birthday paper for birthday gifts, Christmas paper for Christmas gifts. And two separate cards- one for Christmas, one for birthday. See? I'm not missing out on anything.

But more than anything, this time of year has always felt like a very special time filled with hope. I suppose a lot of this must stem from the fact that I'm Christian (and was raised Christian as well), so some of it MUST come from the Nativity story but it feels like a time for optimism and new beginnings and celebrating any good thing you can.

And I know it isn't always easy for people. It can be such a difficult time some years too. But I hope you find that silver lining in whatever it is, and know that you aren't alone. My grandma (who adopted me) will be in the hospital this Christmas because she'll be getting her second hip replacement. Disappointing, but what could be better for a Christmas gift than a new hip?! :)

So whatever it is you celebrate, I wish you the best! Filled with the love of family and friends, and optimism for all the new and exciting things to come <3

Have a very merry Christmas!

And check out the other advent posts for today!

Susan @ Bloggin' About Books

Karen @ Sassymonkey Reads

Brenna @ Esther's Ever After

Sasha Soren @ Random Magic Tour - The Coven

Kathy @ A Glass of Wine

 

Guest Post: Jodi Lamm

Guest Post and Giveaway by Jodi Lamm, author of Titan Magic

A Book is a Treasure with Delicious Cream Filling
There's something about finding unexpected treasure, especially when we're children and pretty sure these things never happen twice, that turns us into mini-pirates… or terriers. It could be either, really. We're just so sure our treasure is the only one of its extra-special kind and must be guarded with our lives. That's when things usually get buried. But I had a much more elaborate plan for safeguarding my most precious treasures, one of which happened to be a book.

It was a book I'd discovered by accident in some buy-a-book event at my elementary school library. I think it was a dollar. I bought it, along with one or two others, and when I finally opened it to read, I didn't close it again for two days.

I loved the book so much that when I was finished reading it, I gave it the highest honor my eight-year-old self could bestow. I locked it in a box. Then I locked the key to that box inside another box and shut both of them into a hope chest. I stashed the whole thing at the back of my closet. The last key I hid behind a painting in my room, and I composed, divided, and scattered a poem containing consecutive clues to the hidden locations of each following stanza, the last of which would lead to the vital key. It all made perfect sense at the time. The perfect plan. Only serious treasure hunters would pose a threat to the world's most important book.

The book that turned young me into a mini-pirate was called Behind the Attic Wall and was written by Sylvia Cassidy. I had no idea who the author was at the time, because the book wasn't about its author. I could have given you a basic rundown of the story: an unloveable girl lives with her aunts in an empty boarding school and discovers self-worth through her secret relationship with a family of talking dolls. But really, the book wasn't about its story either. The book was about Maggie, who played solitaire with a sticky deck of cards. It was about Timothy John, who always read the same old newspaper, and Miss Christabel, who threw the best imaginary tea parties. It was about Juniper the dog. And it was about Uncle Morris. Oh, was it ever about Uncle Morris. Of all the characters in that story, he was the one I wished I could bring to life and keep as my very own.

In short, Behind the Attic Wall was really about its characters. They were its delicious cream filling, and they affected my writing enormously, though I may not have known it at the time. To this day, characters are everything to me.

I should probably confess that the all-important book is still locked in a box inside my old hope chest and shoved to the back of my closet. I did pick the lock and take it out to read again several years ago, but when I finished, I had to put it back. If I didn't, I feared my childhood self would look at me wide-eyed, like I'd discovered a chest full of gold coins and just left it out on a public beach in California. No, that book was my treasure once, and it deserves to keep the honorable place bestowed upon it by mini-pirate me. After all, If I had my way, I would still bring Uncle Morris to life and keep him forever. I mean, honestly, wouldn't you?

"I love the name Maggie," he went on, and she glanced up at him suspiciously -- nobody loved the name Maggie but his face was serious. "It makes your teeth feel good to say it. Maggie, Maggie, Maggie. It feels like eating peanuts. Try it," and he paused, waiting for her to recite her name aloud.

She turned away, but she did try anyway, to herself, and she felt a surprising tingle around her upper molars. Maybe like eating peanuts, maybe not; she couldn't really remember what peanuts tasted like.
"I am your uncle Morris," he said. "There is nothing remarkable about the name Morris at all, although I am told there is a chair by that name and also a dance. I can't imagine why anyone looking around for a name to give his chair would finally settle on Morris, can you?"

—From Behind the Attic Wall by Sylvia Cassidy

Jodi is providing a SIGNED paperback to one winner!

Open internationally!

Fill out the form here to enter.