Renegades by Marrisa Meyer

I am thrilled to be part of the Canadian blog tour for Marissa Meyer's newest novel, Renegades. I am even more excited to be posting on the release day! You can pick up your copy in stores today!

Be sure to stop by the other stops for Q and A and other fun things with Marissa as well as some great reviews from my fellow bloggers.

I get to share a question Marissa answered about finding inspiration while writing Renegades. Her answer should not come as a surprise for those who know what Renegades is about.

Q: While writing Renegades, where did you turn for inspiration? For distraction?

Marissa Meyer: Lucky for me, there is a new superhero movie coming out in theaters every couple of months these days (at least, so it seems!), so I made excellent use of Hollywood’s generosity while writing this book. I usually set myself a series of goals—such as turning in the next draft or finishing a round of revisions—with the reward of a superhero movie at the end of it. From X-Men to Spider-Man, I’ve had plenty to motivate me the past couple of years.

Renegades by Marrisa Meyer
Release Date -  November 7, 2017

Publisher Website - Raincoast
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages -  576 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for an honest review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Secret Identities. Extraordinary Powers. She wants vengeance. He wants justice.

The Renegades are a syndicate of prodigies—humans with extraordinary abilities—who emerged from the ruins of a crumbled society and established peace and order where chaos reigned. As champions of justice, they remain a symbol of hope and courage to everyone...except the villains they once overthrew.

Nova has a reason to hate the Renegades, and she is on a mission for vengeance. As she gets closer to her target, she meets Adrian, a Renegade boy who believes in justice—and in Nova. But Nova's allegiance is to a villain who has the power to end them both.

I was thrilled when I heard that Marissa Meyer would be writing a superhero / super villain novel as her next release. I anticipated a fun, thrilling read that captured what I love about about this genre. Renegades has everything I could want from a superhero story - action scenes, romance, over the top villains, and larger than life heroes.

Renegade vs Anarchist. Good vs Evil. Hero vs Villain. You may think that you know which side you are on but this story makes each side feel justified in their beliefs, even if it doesn't justify their actions. The reader is easily able to understand each point of view that is presented. The conflict, like many in this genre, is morally grey. There is no clear good or bad on either side. They each have legitimate reasons for what they are doing, even if the methods are not always advisable ones. The strongest stand out is the complexity of the characters. The heroes are flawed, and the villains perhaps have some truth behind their message, and horrible deeds. It makes for a rich story where your allegiances are not so much to a 'side' or 'team' but to characters and their journeys.

Many of the heroes and villains found within this story are reminiscent of characters we have already grown to love in other incarnations. This novel offers up Marissa Meyer's take on the superhero genre, tropes and all. What makes this story shine are the characters that we get to know the most. As the story unfolds you cannot help but come to care about Adrian and Nova. These two characters are written so well that they connect to the reader easily. The side characters are not as developed but there are more than a few standouts that offer up plenty of potential. I hope they are fleshed out more in subsequent books even if this is Adrian and Nova's story.

The world of Gatlon feels both familiar and new. It's every crumbling city in a superhero story and it's entirely its own. It is, in my opinion, a clever mix that works as the perfect backdrop to this story. Having to create a mythology for not just the characters, but the world around them is especially important in this genre. Where would Batman be without Gothmas? What is Spider-man without New York City? These settings are characters themselves in this genre. I feel there is a lot of potential in Gatlon and the backstory being woven. I cannot wait to dive further into it's mythology now that the ground work has been done.

As this is a Marissa Meyer book, I am sure it will not be a surprise to learn that there is romance. The romance in this particular book is filled with all the things that make for great drama. An Anarchist and a Renegade falling for each other is pretty much the basis for an epic romance, add in hidden identities and secrets and I was hooked. It's a very slow burn romance, and one that may never have the chance to fully get started, which is a large part of it's allure.

The ending, in typical fashion, offers up a jaw dropping moment that brings with it plenty of questions to be explored in the upcoming sequel. It sets the stage for an explosive follow up that should be entirely plot focused now that the world and the characters are set up. It's a dizzying ending that both excited and terrified for me for what is to come.

Marissa Meyer, once again, has crafted an entirely addicting read that I could not put down. It was everything I hoped it would be, and more. I predict that even those who are not fans of the superhero genre will find plenty to love within these pages, while those who do will delight in the winks and nods found throughout the story. It is the perfect book to tide you over between superhero movies, and I personally am already counting down the days until the sequel and cannot wait to experience the next twists in this thrilling story.

Blog Tour - Umberland by Wendy Spinale

I am thrilled to be part of the tour for Umberland. The amazing sequel to the equally amazing Everland by Wendy Spinale. Everland is a fantastic Peter Pan retelling, and if you haven't checked it out I highly recommend that you do!

Title: EVERLAND

Author: Wendy Spinale

Pub. Date: May 10, 2016

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Format: Hardcover, eBook, audiobook

Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, TBD, iBooks, Goodreads

Forget the story of Peter Pan you know. Because in Everland, the only way to grow up is to survive.

London has been destroyed in a blitz of bombs and disease. The only ones who have survived are children, among them Gwen Darling and her siblings, Joanna and Mikey. They spend their nights scavenging and their days avoiding the ruthless Marauders -- the German Army led by Captain Hanz Otto Oswald Kretschmer.

Unsure if the virus has spread past England's borders but desperate to leave, Captain Hook hunts for a cure, which he thinks can be found in one of the survivors. He and his Marauders stalk the streets snatching children for experimentation. None ever return. Until the day they grab Joanna. As Gwen sets out to save her, she meets a mysterious boy named Pete. Pete offers the assistance of his gang of Lost Boys and the fierce sharpshooter Bella, who have all been living in a city hidden underground. But in a place where help has a steep price and every promise is bound by blood, it will cost Gwen. And are she, Pete, the Lost Boys, and Bella enough to outsmart Captain Hook? 

Be sure to stop by the other tour stops on this amazing tour for more reviews, interviews, excerpts, and more. Be sure to enter the contest at the end of this post for a chance to win a copy of your own!

Here is the full tour schedule:

Week One:

5/1/2017- Tales of the Ravenous Reader- Interview

5/2/2017- A Glass Of Wine Blog- Review

5/3/2017- Margie's Must Reads- Excerpt

5/4/2017- Swoony Boys Podcast- Review

5/5/2017- Brittany's Book Rambles- Guest Post

Week Two:

5/8/2017- BookHounds YA- Review

5/9/2017- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

5/10/2017- History from a Woman's Perspective- Review

5/11/2017- YA Books Central- Interview

5/12/2017- Emily Reads Everything- Review

Title: UMBERLAND

Author: Wendy Spinale

Pub. Date: May 2, 2017

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Pages: 288

Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Rating: 4/5 stars

Find it: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, TBD, iBooks, Goodreads

** SPOILERS FOR OTHER BOOKS IN THIS SERIES **

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

What began with a reimagining of Peter Pan and Wendy now twists into a stunning version of Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking-Glass!

Gwen, Pete, and the others have escaped from Everland. But the safe haven they hoped to find at Alnwick Castle doesn't exist. With the Queen of England on her deathbed, Duchess Alyssa has stepped in to lead, but things have gotten worse as the cure Doc created for the Horologia virus has mutated, accelerating the disease. The only possible solution he can think of is to go back to the virus's origin: an extinct poisonous apple.

Legend has it a tree bearing the apple might be found at the center of a deadly labyrinth hidden deep within Germany. A place that no one in their right mind enters. Leaving Pete in charge of the survivors, Alyssa sets out with only her sword, her wits, and the help of Maddox Hadder, a wild boy who oversees the castle gardens. To get to the center of the maze, she'll be forced to battle monsters more terrifying than her darkest nightmares.

But can anyone truly survive the madness of the maze? And what if there's no apple to be found there? 

A misbehaving Prince, a reality television show, and some royal drama. What more could you want? These all combine to create an enjoyable and romantic read that perfectly continues Emma Chase's Royally series.

I always appreciate imaginative takes on retellings. I was charmed by Wendy Spinale's Everland and could not wait to read the sequel. Umberland asks you to follow it down the rabbit hole, and rewards you with a fresh feeling take on an often retold classic. 

Alice in Wonderland is probably the classic tale I know least about. This novel, to my knowledge, seems to also incorporate details from Through The Looking Glass along with details from the original, which was a fun twist. The little nods to Alice's adventures in the whimsical Wonderland are smart, and do not feel forced. They happen organically to push the story forward. The blending of steam punk into the tale was something that stood out about Everland, and that is the case again here. I did not anticipate steam punk working in this retelling, but it does. It makes sense plot wise, and feels plausible within the world that has been created. 

The world is perhaps my favourite part of this series. It is so richly developed that you feel transported into this harrowing, rapidly worsening, illness ridden world. It is not a place you would want to live, but it is so actualized that you feel swept way into it. It's the type of world that remains with you long after you've finished the story and one that you'll remember vividly. There are stakes that feel legitimate which only adds another texture to this already engrossing world. 

The fact that this is a sequel to a Peter Pan inspired story is awe inspiring. They blend together incredibly well with this story expanding upon the world that was created in Everland believably. You immediately believe that these two stories could exist in the same world and that the events of Everland naturally lead to the events in this story.  

After following Gwen and Pete's story in Everland, I was concerned when I heard that they would move to a more background role for the sequel. This is Alyssa and Maddox's story, but the characters you love from Everland are ever present. You'll come to care for Alyssa and all of the new characters, just as much as you do those from Everland. They story retains the series' heart and tone and that helps you ease into this sequel that sometimes reads as a companion novel. 

While this is a sequel to Everland it also reads as a complete story on its own. You could, I feel, read this without having read Everland if you really wanted to, and follow the story without too much trouble (even if you would be missing some of the context). This, for me, is what makes a good series. If the story can stand on its own outside of the series while still building upon the overall story being told. 

Those looking for a unique take on familiar tales will not be disappointed by checking out the Everland series. Umberland offers a purely delightful take on Alice's journey down the rabbit hole. This will please those who adore retelling, and is different enough to appeal to those who may be tired of them.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I must admit, I have lived an extraordinary life and will forever be grateful for the opportunities I have had.

I was the middle of three kids, my older brother being deaf for as far back as I can remember. At the time, I didn't realize how much that would later impact my life. I was a sign language interpreter for a short time (although I'm extremely rusty now), taught my kids to sign as infants, and now am using that experience in my current manuscript.

During college I was living in southern California working for Disneyland as a Cast Member in the Entertainment Department. I met my husband there who was also a performer. After four incredible years working with the Mouse, we moved to his hometown in the Bay Area.

I eventually got my Bachelor's in Kinesiology and worked in the fitness industry for ten years before a knee injury ended my career. Not sure what to do with my time, I applied to job posting to be an online journalist. I loved writing, but had no experience. I didn't hear back so I wrote up a review about a local restaurant and sent it to them to prove I could do the job. Twenty-four hours later, I was a journalist with AOL Media/Pleasanton Patch.

I spent three great years with them before cut backs forced me without a job again. That's when I started writing my first novel, which went nowhere. Dozens of rejection letters later. I started a second book. A year later I was offered representation by Thao Le from Sandra Dijkstra Literary Agency and within another six months I was offered a book deal. EVERLAND (Scholastic) is scheduled to debut Summer of 2016!

Today I live in the Bay Area with my husband and three sons who are my biggest fans. While they're off at work and school, I bounce ideas off my four-legged, furry family members, Odie and Sammy.

Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads | Instagram

Hopefully you now want to win a copy of your very own. 3 winners will win a finished copy of Umberland. The contest is US ONLY and can be entered by using the Rafflecopter below. Good luck! 

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Blog Tour - Caraval by Stephanie Garber

I am honoured to be part of the kick off for the Canadian blog tour for Caraval. It is a dizzying, magical, enchanting read that I am so excited for everyone to experience. 

Be sure to stop by and check out the other stops on the tour for more Caraval fun and surprises. 

Caraval by Stephanie Garber
Release Date -  January 31, 2017

Publisher Website - Raincoast
Publisher Social Media - Twitter
Pages - 416 pages
My Rating - 5/5
**received for review from publisher**

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Whatever you've heard about Caraval, it doesn't compare to the reality. It's more than just a game or a performance. It's the closest you'll ever find to magic in this world . . .

Welcome, welcome to Caraval―Stephanie Garber’s sweeping tale of two sisters who escape their ruthless father when they enter the dangerous intrigue of a legendary game.

Scarlett has never left the tiny island where she and her beloved sister, Tella, live with their powerful, and cruel, father. Now Scarlett’s father has arranged a marriage for her, and Scarlett thinks her dreams of seeing Caraval, the far-away, once-a-year performance where the audience participates in the show, are over.

But this year, Scarlett’s long-dreamt of invitation finally arrives. With the help of a mysterious sailor, Tella whisks Scarlett away to the show. Only, as soon as they arrive, Tella is kidnapped by Caraval’s mastermind organizer, Legend. It turns out that this season’s Caraval revolves around Tella, and whoever finds her first is the winner.

Scarlett has been told that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance. But she nevertheless becomes enmeshed in a game of love, heartbreak, and magic with the other players in the game. And whether Caraval is real or not, she must find Tella before the five nights of the game are over, a dangerous domino effect of consequences is set off, and her sister disappears forever. 

There is a magic that happens when you've been swept away by a book. It has the ability to transport us into the story and creates a long lasting impression. Stephanie Garber has crafted a novel that does exactly this, and more. Caraval is a decadently enchanting novel that holds writing just as spellbinding as its setting and celebrates the bonds of sisterhood. It's magic and wonder wrapped in a little romance and entirely addictive.

The world building is so vivid, and lush that it comes alive as you're reading. It's a sort of wonderland filled with magic, excitement, and breathtaking discoveries. There are magic dresses, interesting forms of payment, and more than a few secrets waiting within these pages. It's the kind of world that you want to lose yourself in completely because it is so well crafted. You want to stay a little longer in it so you find yourself savouring the descriptions, and lingering over the magic of what Stephanie has created. It's the type of world that begs to be brought to life on the movie screen.

The novel's heart and soul is the bond between Scarlett and Tella. They are fiercely loyal to each other, and this bond is the central focus of the story. It is a not a perfect relationship, and I appreciated the nuances that are woven in. They can deeply annoy and disappoint each other, but the bond between is always there. This bond is what motivates Scarlett and drives many of the choices she makes. It drives the story and I hope it remains the focus in further sequels.

This is a story of secrets, mind games, and illusion. You'll feel as if you've been thrown down the rabbit hole and into Caraval yourself. You'll quickly learn to trust nothing, but do allow the magic of the novel to enchant you. Part of the novel's charm is falling into it along with Scarlett and discovering the world that awaits. It makes for a dizzying, twist filled read that leaves you questioning what was real even while providing answers. It's masterfully put together, and almost feels like an illusion itself at times as there is a sense of controlled abandon to it all. It seems like there are no rules, even as everything is meticulously plotted. 

There is a darkness to this world. It's woven into the very fabric of Caraval. Participants are warned that previous players have gone insane and not to get too swept away into the game. This set up, combined with the unease of not knowing what is real, who to trust, and sensory overload create a more sinister tone that contrasts the alluring side of the game. It creates a delicious tension that only adds to the speed of the pages turning as you won't be able to read fast enough.

Scarlett is a delight. She's not someone who possess strength in the typical way we may talk about when we consider strength. Her love for her sister is a strength. Her determination is a strength. Her willingness to take chances is a strength. Her agency is one of the things I love most about her character. She makes her own choices, and follows what she believes to be the right path. She isn't dependent on others (even if she receives help from time to time) and often follows her gut instincts instead of what people are telling her. This combined with her fierce bond to her sister made her an easy character to root for. You understand her, and therefore her choices.

The romance is as seductive as the rest of the novel. It boasts adorable nicnames, earned trust, and some incredibly romantic moments that will leave you swooning. While the romance may not be what drives the novel, it does play a large role. The backdrop of Caraval only highlights the magic of falling in love and Scarlett's journey to find Tella would not be complete without it.

The jaw dropping set up for the sequel is enough to make you want to win a wish of your own so that you could get your hands on it immediately. It peels just another layer from the mysterious world and the characters that inhabit it while giving readers plenty to theorize about. 

A magical adventure that transports you into the world of Caraval along with Scarlett. Stephanie Garber announces herself as a new voice in young adult literature with this stunning, and decadently written debut. This is a novel that will undoubtedly sweep you too far away, but you'll enjoy every moment of it.

Now that you've seen what I thought of Caraval, perhaps you want a little taste for yourself? Click the below image to be transported to Caraval and get a teaser of what awaits. You can also click the above image to check out more photos from Stephanie's Caraval Pinterest board! 

Blog Tour - Glitter by Aprilynne Pike

I am thrilled to be part of the blog tour for Aprilynne Pike's Glitter. I have a fun Q & A with Aprilynne Pike to share today but first, in case you missed them, here are the rest of the stops on the tour. There are reviews, interviews, and even some excerpts of the book. Be sure to check them out!

Week One:

10/17/2016- Tales of the Ravenous Reader- Interview

10/18/2016- Lisa Loves Literature- Review

10/19/2016- Pandora's Books- Excerpt

10/20/2016-  BookHounds YA- Review

10/21/2016- Two Chicks on Books- Interview

Week Two:

10/24/2016- Brooke- Reports- Review

10/25/2016- Brittany's Book Rambles- Guest Post

10/26/2016- Seeing Double In Neverland- Review

10/27/2016- A Glass Of Wine Blog- Interview

10/28/2016- Mundie Moms- Review

Just in case you did not have this title on your radar ... here is a little about the book

Title: GLITTER
Author: Aprilynne Pike
Pub. Date: October 25, 2016
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers
Pages: 384
Formats: Hardcover, eBook
Find it: Amazon, Barnes And Noble, iBooks, Goodreads

From #1 New York Times bestselling author Aprilynne Pike comes a truly original new novel—Breaking Bad meets Marie Antoinette in a near-future world where the residents of Versailles live like it’s the eighteenth century and an almost-queen turns to drug dealing to save her own life.

Outside the palace of Versailles, it’s modern day. Inside, the people dress, eat, and act like it’s the eighteenth century—with the added bonus of technology to make court life lavish, privileged, and frivolous. The palace has every indulgence, but for one pretty young thing, it’s about to become a very beautiful prison.

When Danica witnesses an act of murder by the young king, her mother makes a cruel power play . . . blackmailing the king into making Dani his queen. When she turns eighteen, Dani will marry the most ruthless and dangerous man of the court. She has six months to escape her terrifying destiny. Six months to raise enough money to disappear into the real world beyond the palace gates.

Her ticket out? Glitter. A drug so powerful that a tiny pinch mixed into a pot of rouge or lip gloss can make the wearer hopelessly addicted. Addicted to a drug Dani can sell for more money than she ever dreamed.
But in Versailles, secrets are impossible to keep. And the most dangerous secret—falling for a drug dealer outside the palace walls—is one risk she has to take.

I am so excited to share this Q and A that I did with Aprilynne. It's fun and teases the novel perfectly (in my opinion). She offers up with a Glitter inspired drink might look like, as well as some insight into writing the novel.

Twitter pitch Glitter (140 characters or less)

Oooh! This is fun! Hmmmm….

In a futuristic society that mimics the past, a 17yo turns to dealing a designer drug to save herself. Breaking Bad meets Marie Antoinette.

If Glitter were to have a signature drink what would be included?

Absinthe. Really, really expensive absinthe, (also known as La Fée Verte, the Green Faerie) in a crystal goblet with a custom platinum absinthe spoon. One of history’s most magical drinks in the most expensive possible container. 

What was your favourite discovery you made while researching this novel?

I loved finding out about the Hameau de la Reine, which is in the complex of the Palace of Versailles. Marie Antoinette thought the plight of the peasants was rather quaint and simple and wanted to have a place where her life could be as easy and worry-free. *koff* So she built a fake farm! It had a water wheel and a cottage, and she had chickens and lambs. Oh! And she would dress up in her idea ofpeasant clothes and have, essentially, stay-cations there with her children. Ah, royalty.

If you could travel to anywhere, in any time period, when and where would you want travel

This feels like a total cop-out, but it would have been true if you had asked me before Glitter too! I would really love to visit 17-18 th Century France! It was an amazing time for the wealthy—extravagance, high fashion, incredible food—though admittedly a really awful time for the many, many poor. Thus the French Revolution. But I would just love to visit the Palace of Versailles in the … oh, mid-1700s.

Is there a song you listened to while writing Glitter or a song you used for inspiration?

I typically find a new musical to listen to over and over again with each new book I write, but for Glitter I ended up keeping the same one as for my last book, Earthrise, and that is Matilda, the Musical. I think I’ve kept this one longer than some of my others because Tim Minchin is such a talented but also intricate lyricist. I am constantly finding new nuance and meaning and internal rhyme when I listen to the words. Also, the song Quiet might be the most impactful song of my adult life. I seriously feel like he wrote it just for me. I have been known to put just that one song on repeat—especially during revisions—and listen to it for hours.

A huge thank you to Aprilynne for taking the time to answer these questions for me.

As part of the blog tour there is a giveaway where you could win one of three copies of Glitter! Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. The giveaway is US ONLY.

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Aprilynne Pike is a critically acclaimed, #1 New York Times best-selling author of young adult fiction. At the age of twenty she received her BA in Creative Writing from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. When not writing, Aprilynne can usually be found running; she also enjoys singing, acting, reading, and working with pregnant moms as a childbirth educator and doula. Aprilynne lives in Arizona with her husband and their four children.

Website| Wattpad | Facebook | Twitter |Goodreads

Blog Tour - The Female Of The Species by Mindy McGinnis

I am thrilled to be part of the blog tour for this important and brilliantly written novel from Mindy McGinnis. I am also honoured to be ending the tour with a Top Ten list from Mindy.

First up, be sure to check out the previous stops on the tour. There are reviews, interviews, and more to check out.

Week 1:
9/12: Swoony Boys Podcast - Review
9/13: A Reader Under the Sea - Q&A
9/14: Pretty Deadly Reviews - Review
9/15: Brittany's Book Rambles - Guest Post
9/16: Lekeisha the Booknerd - Review

Week 2:
9/19: The Irish Banana Review - Q&A
9/20: Fiction Fare - Review
9/21: Fiery Reads - Playlist
9/22: Ex Libris - Review
9/23: A Glass of Wine - Top 10

Here is a little about the book in case you haven't already heard of it.

Alex Craft knows how to kill someone. And she doesn’t feel bad about it. When her older sister, Anna, was murdered three years ago and the killer walked free, Alex uncaged the language she knows best. The language of violence.

While her crime goes unpunished, Alex knows she can’t be trusted among other people, even in her small hometown. She relegates herself to the shadows, a girl who goes unseen in plain sight, unremarkable in the high school hallways.

But Jack Fisher sees her. He’s the guy all other guys want to be: the star athlete gunning for valedictorian with the prom queen on his arm. Guilt over the role he played the night Anna’s body was discovered hasn’t let him forget Alex over the years, and now her green eyes amid a constellation of freckles have his attention. He doesn’t want to only see Alex Craft; he wants to know her.

So does Peekay, the preacher’s kid, a girl whose identity is entangled with her dad’s job, though that does not stop her from knowing the taste of beer or missing the touch of her ex-boyfriend. When Peekay and Alex start working together at the animal shelter, a friendship forms and Alex’s protective nature extends to more than just the dogs and cats they care for.

Circumstances bring Alex, Jack, and Peekay together as their senior year unfolds. While partying one night, Alex’s darker nature breaks out, setting the teens on a collision course that will change their lives forever. 

Be sure to order your copy from your favourite retailer one of the below links

 Amazon | B and N  

Here is a little about the author herself and you can follow her at the following links

Website | Twitter | Facebook  

Mindy McGinnis is a YA author who has worked in a high school library for thirteen years. Her debut, NOT A DROP TO DRINK, a post-apocalyptic survival story set in a world with very little freshwater, has been optioned for film my Stephanie Meyer's Fickle Fish Films. The companion novel, IN A HANDFUL OF DUST was released in 2014. Look for her Gothic historical thriller, A MADNESS SO DISCREET in October of 2015 from Katherine Tegen Books. Mindy is represented by Adriann Ranta of Wolf Literary.



For my part of the tour, I asked Mindy to provide a Top Ten List. The chosen topic was her top ten books written by women. The list is, unsurprisingly, pretty awesome.

Top Ten Books Written By Women

1 ­ The House of Mirth by Edith Wharton

2 ­ The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood

3 ­ Them by Joyce Carol Oates

4 ­ The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver

5 ­ The Thorn Birds by Colleen McCullough

6 ­ A Place of Execution by Val McDermid

7 ­ The Thirteenthh Tale by Dianne Setterfeld

8 ­ In Country by Bobbie Ann Mason

9 ­ Stiff by Mary Roach

10 ­ Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Hopefully you want a copy of The Female Of The Species of your very own now that you've learned a little bit about the book. Be sure to enter the below giveaway for you chance to win one of three copies as part of this blog tour. This is a US ONLY giveaway.

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**Blog Tour** As I Descended by Robin Talley

I am so excited to take part in the blog tour for Robin Talley's AS I DESCENDED. I get to share my review with you today but first, I wanted to make sure you're aware of all the other stops on the tour and tell you not to miss the giveaway after the review! You're going to want a copy of this for yourself! 

Here is the full tour schedule in case you missed it. Be sure to stop by the other stops for more AS I DESCENDED awesomeness. 

Tour Schedule:

Week 1:

8/29: Fiction Fare - Review

8/30: Bookish Antics - Guest Post

8/31: Sorcery In the Bookshelves - Review

9/1: Such A Novel Idea - Q&A

9/2: Don't Fold the Page - Review

Week 2:

9/5: Lost In Lit - Bookish Inspirations

9/6: A Glass of Wine - Review

9/7: Nicole's Novel Reads - Guest Post

9/8: Rants and Raves of a Bibliophile - Review

9/9: The Irish Banana Review - Top 10

Today also happens to be AS I DESCENDED's book birthday so Happy Book Birthday to Robin Talley and AS I DESCENDED.

Hopefully my review makes you want to run to the bookstore.

As I Descended by Robin Talley
Release Date - September 6, 2016

Publisher Website - Harper Collins
Publisher Social Media - Twitter/Facebook/SavvyReader/Frenzy
Pages - 384 pages
My Rating - 4.5/5
**received from publisher for an honest review**

 Amazon | B&N | Indiebound | iBooks | The Book Depository

Here is the Goodreads synopsis

Maria Lyon and Lily Boiten are their school’s ultimate power couple—even if no one knows it but them.

Only one thing stands between them and their perfect future: campus superstar Delilah Dufrey.

Golden child Delilah is a legend at the exclusive Acheron Academy, and the presumptive winner of the distinguished Cawdor Kingsley Prize. She runs the school, and if she chose, she could blow up Maria and Lily’s whole world with a pointed look, or a carefully placed word.

But what Delilah doesn’t know is that Lily and Maria are willing to do anything—absolutely anything—to make their dreams come true. And the first step is unseating Delilah for the Kingsley Prize. The full scholarship, awarded to Maria, will lock in her attendance at Stanford―and four more years in a shared dorm room with Lily.

Maria and Lily will stop at nothing to ensure their victory—including harnessing the dark power long rumored to be present on the former plantation that houses their school.

But when feuds turn to fatalities, and madness begins to blur the distinction between what’s real and what is imagined, the girls must decide where they draw the line.

From acclaimed author Robin Talley comes a Shakespeare-inspired story of revenge and redemption, where fair is foul, and foul is fair.

I am one of those people who love Shakespeare retellings. I especially enjoy when an author twists them in unexpected ways. As I Descended not only succeeds as a reimagining of Macbeth but it works as a creepy, boarding school set novel that will leave you unsettled.

Atmospheric is definitely one of the words I would used to describe this book. Robin Talley nails the setting, and tone masterfully. She combines them to create a tense, unsettling feeling that resonates not just with the characters but the reader. Robin Talley's talent is in creating mood and setting and as a result she's created these perfect backdrop for her plot to unravel against.

Along with this being a retelling of a Shakespeare play that is not Romeo and Juliet, a widely diverse cast of characters makes this story feel fresh and new. The diversity extends to pretty much every character in some shape or form (not including the ghosts that haunt these pages) and it is such a natural part of the story. It shows how easily certain roles can be changes while the heart of the story, and its themes remain intact.

The mark of any good retelling is putting your own stamp on the item being used for inspiration. You are not just repeating the original. There has to be something that makes your twist on it unique. Robin Talley loosely takes the themes and pivotal moments of the play and weaves them into a compelling tale of guilt, regret and wasted potential. However, a bit of the darkness of that play is lost, along with a bit of its urgency, because the author stops just short of going full Macbeth with her versions of Lady Macbeth and Macbeth. Their hands may have blood on them, but not in the same way as the original and that dilutes the themes, even if just a little. It is still a worthy retelling, and one that has its brilliant moments, it is just one that is imperfect.

Lady Mabeth's infamous 'out, damned spot' scene, I feel, was brilliantly adapted into this retelling. It is a pivotal, unforgettable moment worthy of the original. This Lady Macbeth is just as compelling, just as haunted, just as trouble, and just as ambitious and persuasive as her counterpart. She is a force of nature, and was incredibly written and crafted. She, like the original, steals the show (so to speak) and her descent into madness is breathtaking.

Macbeth's story is always tinged with regret. There is so much wasted potential. Things would have been greatly different if he and Lady Macbeth had been happy with the accomplishments, titles, and status they had. This theme also runs through this version of Macbeth. There is a sense of regret of all the potential lost, and the notion of being thankful for what you do have. Consequences for our actions and being (metaphorically or literally) haunted by the things we've done is something that is the heartbeat of Macbeth's story and it is something that translates to a modern setting easily enough under Robin Talley's talented skills. I believed the guilt Maria and Lily felt for their actions as strongly as I believed their love for one another.

Bold choices, and interesting outcomes for plenty of the characters ensure that even Macbeth faithfuls will be surprised by what takes place at Acheron Academy. Plenty of the fates are given a modernized twist that do not lose much of their impact. Robin Talley is obviously a fan of the play, and I think it shows in the care and attention she put into this adaptation.

A creepy, spine-tingling take on Macbeth with a modern twist. If you're looking for something other than yet another Romeo and Juliet retelling this is the book for you.  It is a perfect book to read in October with its ghosts and haunting atmosphere.

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I live in Washington, D.C., with my wife, our baby daughter, an antisocial cat and a goofy hound dog.

Whenever the baby's sleeping, I'm probably busy writing young adult fiction about queer characters, reading books, and having in-depth conversations with friends and family about things like whether Jasmine's character motivation was sufficiently established in Aladdin.

My website is at http://www.robintalley.com, and I'm on Twitter and Tumblr.

 LINKS: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Tumblr

Blog Tour - All The Feels by Danika Stone

I am thrilled to be part of the blog tour for a book that I am sure all book nerd are going to love. Danika Stone's ALL THE FEELS is a must read for anyone who has ever been part of a fandom and I am so excited to be able to share a fantastic guest post from her today along with an AMAZING giveway.

Here is Danika's guest post on the different kinds of relationships within All The Feels.

Not (Just) Friends

I have an admission: I hate romantic tropes in YA. Wait, wait! Before you yell at me, I want to explain. It’s not that those tried and true plots are bad. They aren’t. But—if you’ve read enough of them—they can feel contrived.

When I wrote All the Feels, I wanted a story that went beyond the brooding YA hero trope into a realistic story of friends and falling in love. I wanted Liv and Xander to be my end game, but I also wanted the story of their friendship to stand on its own.

All the Feels follows the ups and downs of friendship rather than just finding ‘the one’. In writing it, I explored the various facets of interactions, for both same-sex and opposite-sex characters. Here are some of my favorite non-romantic relationships in the book.

1. Liv and her mother: Mother-Daughter Friendship. One of the nicest parts of writing All the Feels was finding the right voice for Liv’s mother. She has a genuine love for her daughter, and Liv for her. Even though they don’t always see eye to eye, they still support one another throughout the ups and downs of life.

2. Liv and Hank: Crush/Friendship. The one-sided attraction of a crush is something that every reader will be able to identify with. In All the Feels, Liv’s attraction to Hank, and his complete obliviousness to her burgeoning feelings, is cringe-worthy, but definitely true to life.

3. Liv and Arden: Acquaintance Friendship. One of the pricklier relationships in the book is Liv’s interaction with Xander’s girlfriend, Arden. There’s a hint of jealousy in Liv, even though Arden’s efforts to help her are genuine. That sort of female competitiveness is something many young women will recognize. Arden supports Liv despite the difficulties they have.

4. Liv and Xander: Best Friends. Liv and Xander’s friendship shifts throughout the book, but one part element the same, their complete devotion to one another. Xander never balks at helping Liv and she provides him with the same support. The tone of their relationship is malleable, but their core love for one another—as friends—never wavers. And that’s even before the romance begins!

 

In the end, writing a realistic experience of friendship is more important to me than giving readers an unrealistic perception of the perfect person waiting to sweep you off your feet. Because who in the end is more perfect than a friend who totally gets you?

A huge thank you to Danika for taking the time to stop by the blog and for writing a fun post that offers a glimpse into the writing of the book and the characters within it. I can attest that ALL THE FEELS does a wonderful job at portraying these different types of relationships within it's pages. It is a feel good book and one that I truly believe everyone will finish with a smile on their face.

Danika and Raincoast Books have kindly offered up a prize pack for each stop of this tour. It's filled with AMAZING goodies that fit the book perfectly. 

I need a 'Just Ship It' button so much! How cute are those paper dolls?! The prize also contains your very own copy of All The Feels so you can experience this delightful read for yourself.

To win you simply need to fill out the Rafflecopter form below. The contest is open to CANADIAN residents only.

Be sure to add All The Feels to your Goodreads account, and follow Danika on Twitter.

You can purchase All The Feels at the following retails

Amazon // Chapters // Kobo

Stop by the blog on Thursday when I share my review of All The Feels! In the meantime be sure to enter the giveaway below and good luck!

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